A new firmware update for the Nokia N82 is now available (from 10.0.046 to 11.0.117). The update appears to be relatively minor with a number of bug fixes and stability improvements. However it is notable for being the first Nseries firmware updates that supports User Data Preservation (UDP).
You may remember my Musician (open source) Python project for S60 - mini-piano, metronome, tuning notes? Well, it's been heavily tweaked (with help) and there's now support for the hi-res screens of the N80 and E70, in addition to all QVGA varieties. Plus it's faster and less likely to crash. Perhaps more importantly, it's also a better example app to learn from when starting out with Python? Here's Musician 3.1
Ah yes. Ogg Vorbis music files and the freeware OggPlay. I've still got a soft spot for them, even if the rest of the world seems to have largely ignored the format. But never mind, because, better late than never, OggPlay for S60 3rd Edition is now fully available. Do make sure you read the notes about skins, and note that installation is a two stage process.
Nokia has started to put up information and links to do with the upcoming Mobile World Congress (3GSM). Quite apart from any devices that may (or may not) be launched, OPK's keynote is trailered by "will share his views on the significance of 'disruptive changes' in the industry". Plenty of scope for Facebook/N-Gage/Ovi chat then?
F-Secure is reporting that a new worm, Beselo, is in the wild. The worm, similar to the Commwarrior worm, targets only S60 2nd Edition handsets such as the Nokia 6600. The worm is notable for its use of social engineering; when spreading it appears as a JPEG or MP3 file which is more likely to be opened by a user. However simple common sense can readily protect you against infection.
UIQ Technology today announced that it has added six new partners to its UIQ Alliance Program. UIQ Technology gives its partners extra support in creating and marketing UIQ related software and services. The new members are ArcSoft Inc., CleNET Technologies, Fring, Google, iSkoot and Mobica.
While I'm sure there will be more surprises on the day, the Nokia See Into S60 blog has announced what will be demo'ed on the Nokia Stand at the upcoming 3GSM World Congress, including S60 Touch and the new sensor technologies. Don't forget, All About Symbian will be there to bring you the news, the scoops and the buzz from Barcelona if you can't personally make it.
Nokia and Facebook are looking to work together (reports MoCoNews ). While it is still early days and the report stresses that "things remain to be worked out," this is perfectly in keeping with Nokia's plan to open up Ovi to as many social network partners as possible. The added discussion around Nokia purchasing a stake in the behemoth that is Facebook also fits in with their acquisition strategy.
In AAS insight #9, Steve and Ewan discuss the Motorola Z10, the MacWorld keynote, the Sony Ericsson W960, and why you may never see the perfect smartphone.
Ah yes, few things stay 'exclusive' for long in the modern Internet - Stefan Constantinescu has unearthed some rather tasty music-oriented S60 3rd Edition themes , designed for the Samsung i450 but which also work on Nokia devices. 'Live on stage' and 'Classic Blue' are my favourites...
