UIQ technology have announced a new version, 3.1 of their UIQ software platform. The new version adds supports for scalable vector graphics (SVG), improves the softkey configuration options and provides functions that facilitate multi-tasking thereby improving the ability to switch between applications.
Nokia has today announced that they will make their mapping and navigation solution (smart2go) available for free download. Initially available for S60 and Windows Mobile 5 it will later become available for other platforms. It is the same solution that is found in the Nokia N95. Mapping and route planning will be available free, but turn by turn voice navigation will be a premium service. Location is via any Bluetooth GPS. The download will be available from this Saturday.
Nokia has now integrated their long available Internet-based Search utility with the local (i.e. on your device) Search previously only (officially) available with the Nokia E50. Less confusion and more functionality all round. Mobile Search is available for every S60 3rd Edition smartphone. The full press release follows. Update: See comments below before visiting site...
So much better than traipsing across the world, enduring hours of travel and sitting in a stuffy theatre - Nokia are doing another worldwide webcast 9am tomorrow (Thursday). The subject's not officially announced but clever money is on an expansion of their mapping and navigation software systems (e.g. that in the N95) into the wider S60 world.
Warring Nations is an established turn-based strategy game for other handheld platforms - but it's now available for UIQ 3 smartphones and RPG maestro Ewan tries it out. Summary? A great and detailed RPG but not a very good fit for a multi-tasking smartphone.
Just as we're about to get our hands on the first 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 devices, Nokia go and announce S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2... In addition to ease-of-development benefits, this comes with "Usability enhancements supporting ease of use in (for example) messaging, multitasking and downloading. Feature Pack 2 also enables instant media playback during downloading and animated notification of inbound calls." More details and actual screenshots are available here on S60.com. The full Nokia press release follows....
It seems that after a gentle kick from yours truly Nokia N93 firmware updates via Nokia Software Update are finally back online after 3 months downtime. Moreover, the next-gen (masses more RAM, WLAN wizard, Search, Download!) v20.0.58 firmware is finally available, though watch out for a nasty camcorder bug. (Via Symbian Freak)
In another superb and comprehensive piece, our very own Krisse analyses the successes and (mainly) the failures of the original Nokia N-Gage, then looks at the way the new next-gen gaming platform will directly address each problem. It's all looking rosy - apart from the name! Krisse explains...
This weeks Matsuri (Carnival) of the Mobilists is hosted by Jan Kuczynski of Wireless World Japan. Plenty of interesting generic mobile writing to explore...
Rounding up our big review of the Sony Ericsson W950i music smartphone, Ewan delivers the big verdict and wonders whether to adopt the device full-time.
With the Nokia N92 and DVB-H mobile TV still not really established in most of the world, I was interested to see Marek Pawlowski's blogged review of his data-based 'Mobile TV' experience on a S60 smartphone. The jury's still out on the best way to provide TV on a smartphone, but suffice it to say that Marek was seriously underwhelmed by his trial.
Almost unnoticed in a post about another topic, the official N-Gage Blog recently revealed for the first time a specific month for Nokia's Next Gen Gaming Platform's launch: September 2007.
Just as we're about to get our hands on the first 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 devices, Nokia go and announce S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2... In addition to ease-of-development benefits, this comes with "Usability enhancements supporting ease of use in (for example) messaging, multitasking and downloading. Feature Pack 2 also enables instant media playback during downloading and animated notification of inbound calls." More details and actual screenshots are available here on S60.com. The full Nokia press release follows....
