Another day, more major firmware updates from Nokia, this time for even older devices, again rolling Maps 3.3 with free navigation into the ROMs - excellent to have. v500.21.009 for the two year old E71 and E66 also brings the very latest editing version of Quickoffice and latest Ovi Store client, plus bumps to Music player and to Lotus Notes Traveler, among the usual minor improvements and fixes.
The (unbranded) Nokia N97 'classic' was given a big update today, to firmware version 22.0.110, available right now Over The Air, as a 5MB download and shortly via Nokia Software Update. The previous firmware version was v21.0.102. Version 22 is a significant update because it includes Ovi Maps 3.3 with the free navigation, saving the user from having to use up around 10MB+ of the precious system disk C: for these two combined. More and an attempt at a changelog below. The N97 mini should also now see v12 firmware, which is equivalent, though I can't test this personally.
With my tongue slightly in cheek and with the news that sheds(!) are now firmly back in fashion, I wanted to mention a growing trend in the tech world - that of fiddling, customising and tweaking. Of devices, of their firmware and of their software. It's all huge fun, of course, but if you want to keep your life on track and blood pressure down then I'd suggest having a second, fallback device, also synced to everything you know and love...
Virgin Mobile (the UK MVNO under Richard Branson’s Virgin Group) has launched an interesting summer promotion on S60 5th Edition handsets, in conjunction with Nokia, and it ties in with one of the largest summer music events - the V Festival. Branded editions of the Nokia X6 and 5230 are now available from the company, along with some rather nice software tweaks.
In these times of recession, it's more vital than ever to watch your pounds (or Euros) - if you need (or lust after) a new(ish) Symbian-powered smartphone then why not think of getting something second-hand, on eBay, at a fraction of the new price? Or if you're trying to raise cash by reducing your smartphone stash that's been gathering dust under the desk, then read on for some comments and example selling prices as at the end of June 2010.
In part one of our Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro review, David Gilson looked at the device's ergonomic hardware design and camera performance. In part two, David examines the user experience of Sony Ericsson's implementation of S60 5th Edition and the Vivaz Pro's software suite, before pronouncing a verdict - the device represents "an unfortunate set of contradictions". Read on for the full review.
Using a mixture of diagrams and literary quotes, Steve Litchfield re-examines the thorny issue of RAM, explains why it has been an issue for years and identifies the models that have been up to scratch and those that haven't. Where do the devices you've owned sit in the grand RAM pantheon? Finally, he asks whether the upcoming crop of devices have sufficient of this precious resource? Comments welcome!
David Gilson and I play tag team reviewer for our coverage of Sony Ericsson's Vivaz range. Having tackled the Vivaz, I hand over to David for the Vivaz Pro - in this, part 1 of a two part review special, he examines the Vivaz Pro's hardware in detail and runs it heavily for an intensive week of duty. Despite an appealing design generally, David was very disappointed by the battery life and felt a bit let down by the output from the 5mp stills and 720p-recording video cameras
Nokia's quoted comments regarding the future of its Nseries devices have been causing much comment in the media in last few days. This editorial puts some perspective into the story - Nseries devices only represent around 12% of Nokia's Symbian portfolio and the evolution of the brand towards Maemo/MeeGo had been signposted since Autumn 2009. Moreover it is vital to understand that MeeGo and Symbian are complimentary parts of Nokia's overall software strategy. Read on for further analysis of the evolution of Nseries and a number of salient facts.
Nokia’s online USA store has started a new promotional offer, with “Drivers Editions” of the major handsets. You can pick up the N97 mini, X6, 5230, 5800 or E72 from the store, and you’ll also receive a free power convertor (for your foreign trips), an in-car cradle, a chance to win a trip to Paris, and free voice guided navigation for 70 countries via Ovi Maps.
Sports Tracking Technologies, the company behind Sports Tracker, has opened an online shop where you can buy a 'Polar WearLink transmitter with Bluetooth' (a heart rate monitor) for €69.99. If you're serious about tracking your exercise regime it is the must have accessory for Sports Tracker. The Sports Tracker application lets you track exercise activities and turns your Nokia smartphone into a GPS sports computer is available for S60 3rd Edition and S60 5th Edition devices (compatible with more than 100 million Nokia phones).
As you'll have been aware, HyperX and his team have been pumping out various Samsung i8910 HD 'alternative' firmware updates for many months now. 'HX6-Speed', released today in 'Public beta' form, effectively gives you the fastest Symbian touchscreen experience available - at least until the Nokia N8 arrives to challenge. There's a feature summary below, plus links and other comments.
Rafe (and Ben Smith) were extremely busy at last week's Nokia N8 hands-on, taking dozens of top quality photos of the first Symbian^3 smartphone in all its OLED aluminium Xenon-equipped glory. In this interactive Nokia N8 gallery, Rafe takes the time to comment on each photo and what it shows. Grab a coffee and settle down to some serious N8 virtual hands-on time.
In All About Symbian Insight 123, the team discuss the news of the Nokia X5-01 and X6 8GB, which were launched at Nokia Connection in Singapore. Ewan gives us an overview of the Nimbuzz application, before Rafe explains that Symbian^3 is now functionally complete. Finally, Rafe and Steve discuss their thoughts on what they learned at the recent Nokia N8 hands-on event. You can listen to AAS Insight 123 here or, if you wish to subscribe, here's the RSS feed.
Starting with a throwaway line from a US podcast, Steve Litchfield works up a head of steam over the ever-slipping battery life standard in our smartphones. How long is long enough when it comes to keeping a modern smartphone going on a single charge? Are we destined to need to carry around mobile chargers in our pocket in 2011 or is there a better way to go? Surely making it through the day is a fundamental that should never be compromised?
