Symbian Celebrates 10 Years!

Symbian OS is now 10 years old. They put up a site to commemorate it and if you want to have history class of Symbian

For those still scratching their heads, S60 is the UI, Symbian is the OS! Naft said!

Now that we got that clear... you can check the site-> Symbian @ 10

New Nokia Secret Code: *#9990#

This new code works only with Nokia handsets with Bluetooth (BT) because it is related to Bluetooth.

If you press *#9990# on the standby screen you will get "Bluetooth test mode" and then basically what you can do is press "Ok" on the left selection key.

I am not so sure what exactly it does, aside perhaps silently checking your phone's BT module.

I just wonder, what happens if you have a defective BT???

Black N82 - Ebony Beauty

1st Impressions: Impressive What Else!
Originally the N82 came with Silver or White, or Titanium color (whatever!). For some reason many considered it fugly as hell, well that includes me as well. If you do not know what fugly means, try to imagine if “The Predator” and “The Alien” have a daughter, then you know what it is! But to be fair, there are others who will die for the White N82 and will pledge their undying devotion to its ethereal beauty. But of course that is understandable, there are many who do look like The Predator, ya know... Ok, I am just kidding guys! Don’t shoot me with your lasers!

The Black N82 to me looks like the N73 Music Edition, except that the N82 has a better black finish, however the D-pad on the N82 is so much better that the N73 stick-button-pad concoction that I really hated and to this day I still hate it! Like the way I abhor the Ericsson T-39m problems with the end-key pressing and causing IC pins being broken, which after all these years I am still pissed with that, anyway enough of that otherwise this will turn into a full blown rant on the T39m fiasco or the N73 d-pad brouhaha.




Bling, bling- Ebony Beauty
In this situation, color indeed does make a difference! This Black N82 is a pure delight! From a fugly white puke of a thing that you want to defenestrate, came an ebony beauty that is a pure delight. To be honest the N82 White was not that bad, it’s just the front that I really dislike. The Black N82 is different though, the back, the front, side, top and bottom are all beautiful to look at. Compared to the N95 8GB, it is again so much better. For some reason, I kinda see the N95 8GB color as more like of a flat black, whereas the Black N82 is vibrant black- again, much better. It could just be my eyes though...

I love the candy bar platform on mobiles. Most of the cell phones that I have used are candy bars, so I do have a complete bias over it. However, you have to understand that it is really annoying to have a wobbly slider. One of my pet peeves is when N95 slides open while inside my jeans pocket. Ugh! I hated that! Of course, none of that is present here. My demo unit didn’t have any creaking spot either and it really feels good in the hand. The weight is balanced and not slippery as well. Just love holding it!

Sexy Specs
I wanted this to be a definitive N82 User Review, so if you are ready, I am going full throttle now and will run down the specs for the benefit of those uninformed.

Specifications:
Operating Frequency WCDMA 2100 / GSM 850/ 900 / 1800 / 1900
Band Functionality: WCDMA/ GSM
Enabling Technologies: XHTML, HTML, MMS, Java MIDP
Software platform: S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 based on Symbian OS v9.2
Dimensions: 112 x 50.2 x 17.3 mm
Weight: 114 g

Primary Screen display
Resolution: 240 x 320
Color Depth: 24 bit

Keypad
2 Labeled Soft Keys
5-way Scrolling

Camera
5 megapixel autofocus camera and Xenon Flash
Camera Video Frame Rate:30
Red-Eye Reduction, Flash, Self Timer
Carl Zeiss Optics

Secondary Camera
Resolution: 320 x 240
2x digital zoom

Memory
Memory Card: microSD and microSDHC up to 8GB
SDRAM Memory: 128 MB
Unlimited Heap size, Unlimited Jar size

Browsing
HTML over TCP/IP
S60 OSS Browser
WAP 2.0
XHTML over TCP/IP

Messaging
MMS+SMIL
SMS
MMS

Java Technology
MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1
JSR 135 Mobile Media API
JSR 172 Web Services API
JSR 177 Security and Trust Services API
(there is no need to list em all)

Audio Format
AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, MP4, M4A, WMA, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, Mobile XMF, SP-MIDI, MIDI Tones (poly 64), RealAudio 7,8,10, True tones, WAV

Video Format
3GPP formats (H.263), H.264/AVC
MPEG-4, RealVideo 7,8,9/10

Digital Rights Management
OMA DRM v1.0, OMA DRM v2.0
OMA DRM Forward Lock
Delivery Method: MMS, OMA Download, HTTP Download

Network Data Support
HSDPA, WCDMA
EGPRS, GPRS
HSCSD, CSD
Dual Transfer Mode (MSC 11)

PC Connectivity
Bluetooth
UPnP, USB
WLAN

Extra Features
GPS
OpenGL ES 1.1 Plugin
PoC (Push-to-talk over Cellular)
Stereo FM Radio
Stereo Handsfree Speakers
Still Image Editor
SyncML
Themes
TV Out
Visual Radio

Photovoltaic Photography
The 5 mega-pixel CMOS picture element is coupled with the CZ Optics is basically the same as with the N95 range, not much to elaborate on this. The Xenon Bulb is a different story though. This is Nokia’s 1st Xenon on their phone and on the N82 it is simply amazing as far as night shots are concerned, or any other shots requiring assisted light for that matter. I will not dwell much on this as this is one area that many blogs and reviews have already focused much, like I always say: naft said!

The Works: Sink and Ref included!
• Menu speed is superb- like N95

• RF is as good as it gets- the voice quality for calling is superb on both ends
• The overall built is solid- no creaking part
• Camera cover is nifty
• Battery life is decent- removing the cover does not require rocket science
• MP3 Player Barks!
• GPS works- especially with the A-GPS
• Memory a plenty – load em up!

• Great New Themes- also a plenty

• Switch works better than Transfer- these apps allows complete transfer of phone data from one Nokia Phone to another Nokia Phone, in case you don't know...
• Wi-Fi is zing! (I love the S60 Internet Radio on Wi-Fi!)
• Bluetooth- bites as it should! (works well with BH-900 & BH-201, a bit slower to connect though, compared to the N95)
• User Data Preservation - a big relief! C’mon Nokia! Every S60 should have this!

Clunky Keypad, Dimly Display and Hyperactive Accelerometer
Everything looks all so rosy with this one heck of a black brobdingnagian in feature gadget, however I got a few hiccups and both are- Kaboom! Three weeks of continuous use and I can’t get to like the keypad. I text a lot, and write short notes on my phones (yea I do, it is a trick I have learned from using E61, and continue to do so), there is no way I could live with this clunky keypad. I need bigger keys. So, if you are accustomed in using large keys, you might want to think twice about this baby. For me, it can be a deal breaker, but that’s just me. Do take note, that N82 is basically the same keypad form-factor as the N91, and very close as well to the new N78, so be warned about these phones.

If you also love bright screens on your phone, might want to think twice again. Granted, the N82 screen size of 2.4 inches is not the same as the N95 8GB’s 2.8” screen. Yes, it is smaller, however I think there is no reason that it should be dimmer. It is simply relatively dimmer among N-series. This gets my dissaprove-alche face!

The accelerometer has a mind of its own! Well, it is a great thing having it, but I find that it's a bit hyperactive. I wish the sensitiviy can be adjusted so that I can tone it down. It is a minor annoyance though, and it doesnt happen a lot. So, its ok, it is better having it, than not having at all, besides some of the games that you can run with it is cool!

These are basically my only gripes with this otherwise perfect bar phone. The keypad is a deal breaker for me, it has always been that way with such keypads, so it’s just me, don’t let that stop you if you find that this Black N8 is indeed an ebony beauty.

Bottom Line
Bottom line, if you love candy bar phones, hates the sliders and flips, and wants “everything on it”, check out Black N82! So far none can equal it as far as features are concerned and bang for the buck!

Nokia Announces The E71 and The E66

Slim, stylish Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 multimedia computers offer easy access to range of email solutions, including Microsoft Exchange

London, UK - Nokia introduced today the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 - the latest email-optimized devices from the Nokia Eseries product range. The sleek Nokia E71 with full QWERTY keyboard and the stylish, slide-to-open Nokia E66 easily mobilize a broad range of personal or professional messaging needs, including Microsoft Exchange, the world's most widely adopted corporate email solution. Both devices are expected to begin shipping in key markets in July. The Nokia E71 and the Nokia E66 are expected to retail at EUR 350, before applicable taxes and subsidies.

"The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 were designed for people who lead a mobile lifestyle and want quick and easy access to their personal and work email. With both of these devices, we have responded to consumer feedback by making calendar and contacts available at the touch of a button," said Søren Petersen, Senior Vice President, Devices, Nokia. "Equally important, people want well-crafted devices that are as beautiful to use as they are to behold. Stainless steel was chosen as the core material for these devices, giving them additional strength and a touch of class. Furthermore, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 offer all the latest multimedia features that people desire."

Easy, one-touch access to email
The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 come fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded with the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. With these Nokia Eseries devices, people can get reliable real-time access to their email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files directly to their devices.

The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. Additionally, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support the Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email solution as well as third party email solutions like System Seven and Visto Mobile. Both devices come with the new switch mode that allows people easily to switch between personal and work home screens.

source->

iPhone 3G- Twice as Fast, Half the Price, & Still a Third of What It Is Supposed To Be

Yea, after an eternity of seeing a haggard looking Stevie J., the iPhone 3G or the 2nd Generation iPhone is out!

And I was so ready to jump ship and join the band, but alas! It's another lame iPhone... now, dont get me wrong, I love the UI of iPhone, I just hate the feature set.

Yea, you can say I am a tech savvy individual and I have been pampered with what Nokia has been offering, but I simply believe that Stevie has no excuse why the 2nd iPhone is still a retarded smart phone. Does Stevie, wants to make Smart Phones Dumber, just so he can get all those noobs in the smart phone and pda world? Disappointment to the max, indeed...

Of course this iPhone will still sell, to those who are not that looking for state-of-the-art all-powerful device, it will still do you good to get an iPhone, actually in 2.5G or in 3G, for that matter. But for power users and geeks, it just doesn't cut it! Where's the beef, Stevie?

The Apple Fan Boys, will still be all over it for sure, coz they cant help it, they are not Apple Fanatics for nothing, and I don't say that as to belittle them, I can understand the feeling. If you are a fan and can afford it, be proud and loud and stick with it! However, be reasonable as well, and learn to get along with others. And no matter what, I still do like Macs!

+Positives
+ 3G of course
+ SDK and a whole lotta lovin with developers
+ AGPS
+ Bigger Battery Capacity
+ Lower Cost, but the data plan is higher, ugh!
+ New Updated Firmware 2.0, but this will be available even for the iPhone 2.5G

-Negators
- No MMS
- No A2DP and perhaps a whole lot of other BT Profiles
- Same Camera and still no built-in Video Recording
- No Video Call (3G is for Data only, ugh!)
- No Copy and Paste
- No Multi-tasking
- No contract, No iPhone (well, at least in the US)
- Aluminum Back is gone, replaced by a glossy plastic in black or white
- The Dock is sold separately

I just might buy the old iPhone 2.5G, it is still available here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where I am at the moment, however since I will be using 3G it could be a bad idea, but then this 3G iPhone is like a bad karma, geez...

iphone 2- the 2nd coming????

In about 3 hours or so, we will find out if the iPhone 2 will finally be the gadget to have this year, err I mean this month, hehehe, or will it be falling short again as short as the hair in Stevie J's head. Oops, sorry it ain't short, its gone already!!!

Anyways, I am hoping that the New iPhone 2 will have what everybody is wishing:

- 3G

- Better Camera

- True Video Recording

- MMS, A2DP, GPS and a whole lot of other acronyms

Stevie has to walk the walk, and not just talk the talk, because honestly I want to start using Apple again. I used to work for an Apple VAR, but then it came to the point that now Windows feeds me, but Apple remains an apple of my eye of course...

Which Bluetooth Headset Should I buy?

I have been using BT headset since Ericsson's early BT Headsets (can't even remember the exact model numbers now). And through the years, I have bought many headsets and I have actually formulated a set of questions that I ask myself and used it as a formula in buying a BT Headsets. I am sharing them below, and I hope you find it useful.

There are practically hundreds of Bluetooth (BT) Headsets in the market and often, people will ask, which one is the best or which one should I buy? Well, since there are too many things to consider in choosing one, for example your budget, the functions of the BT headset you want, the color, the size of the headset, and the size of your ears for that matter, and so forth. The best recommendation is actually to consider yourself first, and like me do consider the following things below and ask yourself:

1) Are your ears sensitive with the fit and weight of the headset?

My ears cant take a heavy headset. They hurt after just a couple of minutes wearing heavy headset, hence I always choose the lightest headset I can get. And I also make sure that the hooks are comfortable. This can be very important if you are serious in using your BT Headset.


2) Where are you going to use it? Driving, or more on the office?

I use my headset for driving and for office as well, however, driving is important for me, hence I will tend to get a headset with DSP (Digital Signal Processing) since this technology will filter out unwanted noise. Although, these headsets are more expensive.


3) Do you travel a lot?

For me this important as well, I tend to buy a headset with the same manufacturer of my phone because if I travel, I will bring only 1 charger that works for both phone and headset. Or consider the other way around, I gain an extra charger because, because the charger that came with my BT Headset also works for my phone.


4) Is the BT Headset one of the old ones that are now on sale?

I advise you never buy a BT Headset that is 2.5 years and older, even if the price is ridiculously low. The reason is that the Li-Ion battery has a shelf life of 3 years, and believe me sometimes it is lower than 3 years. Those old BT headsets being sold, will loose their capability to hold charge soon, and BT Headsets batteries are not replaceable, which brings us to the next point;


5) Is the BT Headset pricey?

If so, try not to buy it unless you are that rich! Like it or not, BT headsets are disposable items. A year or 2 is the most that you can get from it if you really use them everyday. After that, since the battery is not replaceable, most are, then it becomes another gadget in the drawer coffin of dead electronic stuffs...

Bluetooth Headsets are wonderful to use and it is no longer just for geeks anymore. It has become mainstream! And, with more and more countries banning the use of cellphones while driving, and in-car bluetooth solutions are becoming more expensive and at times buggy in connecting with your phone, BT Headsets offers a very good alternative and can be very useful a lot of times. Not to mention, that it can be fun to use and is becoming fashionable as well, and speaking of fashion, never buy a BT Headset that looks like a hearing aid! For goodness sake, buy one that looks great and looks good on you and blends well together with your phone. You are the one wearing it anyway, and its bad enough that you look geeky to some, hence be fashionable with it or at least make a fashion statement with it!

S60 Calculator Makeover

The S60 Calculator is about 8 years old. Apparently, there has been practically no major upgrade to it for quite sometime now, except fixing some bugs. Practically, it is still the same as the one from S60 1st editions. However, a new upgrade is coming and lo and behold the new one is actually ported from the new S40 calculator.

If you have Nokia that is sporting a new S40, you will notice that the calculator is so much better than any of the S60 devices and of course the older S40 devices as well. This same S40 Calculator has been ported to S60 and is being tested internally and will soon be released to the public as beta.

All I can say is, well, its about time!!!

Interesting Nokia Concept Phones

You have probably seen this phones before in a movie clip as it was presented by Nokia. These photos as now available from Nokia.

These phones are supposed to be constructed from recycled materials.

N96 Take 2!

I will not subscribe to the phrase "Once bitten, twice shy"!

So here I go again- N96 by July!!!

There are strong indications that the N96 will finally be out by July, well N78 will be out this month of June, so I think it is very reasonable that the N96 will be out by July.

Start saving guys!!!

Broadcast Video On the Web with Your Phone, Live!

Although many of these sites are still on beta, well even alpha for that matter, these sites are showing promising things to come.

These sites offer live video broadcast or live video streaming from your phone to the net...

BAMBUSER

FLIXWAGON

KYTE

QIK

Will these be the next big thing? This is one definite use for unlimited 3G data plan, and if you happen to have one, you just might want to try this, just try to be decent though... ;D

Are you asking what good is this? Well, look at it this way, its like YouTube, but this time it is LIVE, and the world is your audience, and you can broadcast wherever you are and at any time, as long as your mobile has the right connection and of course if it has power.

Nokia Internet Radio for S60 - ROCK ON!!!

Yup! Stumbled on this sis app for the S60... it is still in Beta, but it sure ROCKS!

Just click here to get-> Nokia Internet Radio Beta...

of course you will need an Access Point to get this working, right now I have tested it the Linksys Gateway in the office and it ROCKS DUDES!!!

the only thing is that, if you got a call or an alarm goes off in your mobile, the radio stops and it will start buffering again, when it goes back, and it took a while, like 2 sec, but that will probably depend on your internet connction speed...


this is cool!!!