In part three of our series of reviews Steve looks at the camera performance and functionality of the Nokia N95. The review focuses on still image capture (we'll look at video capture later) and makes a direct comparison with a dedicated digital camera.
Just a note that I've done a big update to my 3-Lib 'S60 History' page, detailing the specs and features of every S60 smartphone since the 7650. Comments welcome!
In advance of my upcoming N95 camera review, and following on from our N95 part 1 (Navigation) and N95 part 2 (Music) reviews, here's a taster gallery, with assorted wildlife and domestic pets(!), courtesy of Rafe. Each image can be clicked through to show the full 5 megapixel image.
I noticed this over the weekend but was away - Forum Nokia has added CPU details for most S60 smartphones to their device pages. Interesting stuff for the geeks among us. Jukka has some starting comments too....
At the recent CTIA event the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced that the core specifcation for Bluetooth 2.1 will soon be made available to vendors. Devices using the new specification are already being demoed and commercial availability will follow shortly. Bluetooth 2.1 allows for easier pairing of devices (including a provision to use NFC), uses less power and is more secure.
In the second part in our series of Nokia N95 reviews Rafe takes a comprehensive look at the music and audio functionality of the N95. Covering music software (phone and PC), Bluetooth, UPnP and more, we ask whether the Nokia N95 measures up to the competition provided by stand alone digital audio players.
Nokia today announced the Nokia 5700 XpressMusic handset. The 5700 is a 3G (WCDMA 2100) quad-band GSM phone that has the same twist design as the earlier 3250 (but is smaller and lighter). The 5700 has a 2.0 megapixel camera, microSD card slot (supports cards up to 2GB for storing around 1,000 tracks), stereo speakers, and a 2.5mm audio jack. Its runs S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 (Symbian 9.2).
In the first in a series of reviews, in which we will be looking at different aspects of the N95, Steve assesses the GPS navigation features. This also forms a review of Nokia's Smart2Go navigation and route finding software which is available for all S60 3rd Edition smartphones.
Smartphones Show 28 is an eleven minute Nokia N95 review special, complete with iPhone-esque intro. I look at how well (or badly) it does at replacing each of 11 standalone devices. As ever, it's in cross-platform MP4 format, if your desktop can't run Quicktime or similar then here's a slightly lower quality version on YouTube.
An increasing number of basic but widely-used applications, including email clients, word processors and calendars are becoming available as web-based applications. In the future, Krisse asks will a smartphone need any on-board apps except the browser?
Steve and Rafe have been taking advantage of a little early British spring semi-sunshine to capture some photos and videos with the N95. Macro mode is impressive and landscape shots are looking fine too. There's also an example of a multi-scene video shot, edited and uploaded all from the N95 (no PC required). And read on to win a special prize in our caption competition!
Fresh up over on the official Nseries Vox blog is what seems to be a TV ad for the thin clamshell N76. Minimalist, but I like it - no gimmicks. Comments?
Of course, Nokia didn't just send N95s to AllAboutSymbian - you'll also be interested in the opinions of Darla (unboxing her PINK version!) and James (great photos - I am not worthy...) What are AAS up to with our units? Rafe's working on a detailed assessment of its music capabilities and I've been clocking up miles with its GPS and taking lots of test video. Watch this space.
Although AAS doesn't really go in for outright rumours but, news of concept devices and patents is always interesting. In this case, AAS collaborator Darla has researched a story, with links, about a possible Nokia N99 (sic). And you thought the N95 was highly-specified. The N99 is clearly fake but the patent is not and shows possible future directions for the Nseries of Eseries families.
Nokia today announced the Nokia 5700 XpressMusic handset. The 5700 is a 3G (WCDMA 2100) quad-band GSM phone that has the same twist design as the earlier 3250 (but is smaller and lighter). The 5700 has a 2.0 megapixel camera, microSD card slot (supports cards up to 2GB for storing around 1,000 tracks), stereo speakers, and a 2.5mm audio jack. Its runs S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 (Symbian 9.2).
Smartphones Show 28 is an eleven minute Nokia N95 review special, complete with iPhone-esque intro. I look at how well (or badly) it does at replacing each of 11 standalone devices. As ever, it's in cross-platform MP4 format, if your desktop can't run Quicktime or similar then here's a slightly lower quality version on YouTube.
Steve and Rafe have been taking advantage of a little early British spring semi-sunshine to capture some photos and videos with the N95. Macro mode is impressive and landscape shots are looking fine too. There's also an example of a multi-scene video shot, edited and uploaded all from the N95 (no PC required). And read on to win a special prize in our caption competition!
