Nokia 225 Announced, To Hit The Shelves This Month With PhP2,180 SRP

Nokia continues to augment its entry level mobilephone segment announcing the Nokia 225, their slimmest affordable internet device yet. To cost only within 39 Euro (PhP2,180 official SRP in the Philippines) before tax and subsidies, the candybar phone brings internet connectivity much closer to the mass market promising affordable and fast online experience with Nokia Xpress Browser that helps keep browsing data costs at bay by optimizing website data before it reach the device, a pre-loaded Facebook and Twitter apps available direct on homescreen for easy social network connectivity, among others.

The Nokia 225 heralds the same critically acclaimed design structure like the rest of the recently release phones from the Finnish giant, the stylish design, bold colors, and unibody structure, a definite standout in the mobilephone crowd. Its available in five colors; red, yellow, green, black and white which may be offered variably per country.

Among its prominent features is the 2.8 inch screen display, 2MP camera, Bluetooth 3.0 with SLAM, microSD card support of up to 32GB, 103 phon Donau speaker, single and dual sim support, Bing Search, 5 preloaded games (Block Breaker 3, Asphalt 6, Assassins Creed 3, The Avengers and Real Football 2012) , FM Radio with RDS, MP3 Player, 1200mAh battery promising a full 36 days standby battery life for single sim and 27 days for dual sim.

Its about to be release in a week or two in the Philippines and among other select markets.

  

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Nokia 515 Announced, A Feature Phone With Premium Design

Nokia wouldn't let any stones unturned as they continue to create market segments within existing brackets, this time around, a stylish premium mobile phone for the mass market consumers. Wrapped in lightweight aluminium, the device combines the best of Nokia - contemporary design, high quality materials and top performance.

This would probably be the last feature phone that is Nokia made before their device and services unit will be ceded to Microsoft. One of the last few remaining remnants from the Nokia that is.

Main Features:

- 2.4" Scratch resistant Gorilla® Glass 2 screen
- A classic highly polished camera bezel
- 5 megapixel camera with LED flash
- Smart camera features offering image capture, editing and sharing like Panorama - for wide-angle shots, including group photos and landscapes, Sequential shots - capture up to five frames in a row with just one click, then choose the best of the series and Self-portrait - for perfectly-centred self-portraits, even without a front-facing camera for people who are in for a "Selfie" pose. The built-in voice prompt guides people to ensure they are in the frame before taking the shot.
- Nokia's exclusive Slam that works by transferring content such as images or contact cards to an adjacent Bluetooth-enabled phone in just a few simple clicks, without the need to pair devices.
- 3.5G HSDPA Internet connectivity
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Nokia Xpress Browser with data cloud compression that saves up to 90% internet data
- Pre-installed popular apps like Facebook, Twitter, Nimbuzz and Mail for Exchange
-  HD voice - people can enjoy crystal clear audio, even in noisy environments.

The Nokia 515 starts to roll out globally in September, starting in Russia, Germany, Switzerland and Poland. It will have a suggested retail price of 149 USD / 115 EUR / 6,600 PHP before taxes and subsidies and will be available in Single and Dual Sim variant in color's Black and White.

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Apps I Wish Symbian Have

Having use several mobile operating systems (OS), I could say that I’m already a bit verse with applications floating around the mobile gadget space, and from the looks of it, Symbian lacks quite a few good and usable ones to its stable. Well, no OS is perfect of course, their were also countless of good apps that can only be found on Symbian but nonetheless a complete system could be achieve and strive for.

I'm really yearning for the following apps to complete my mobile connectivity and productivity needs, hopefully, Nokia or any freelance developers could read this blog post and respond to my requests.

1. Flipboard – A news and magazine client found in Apple iOS and Google Android. I like this app so much that I wrote an entire blog article about it before and wants it primarily installed on my Symbian phone. The main core of the app was simplicity, users get to enjoy a swift and fluid interface in browsing through web based news and magazines, Facebook or Twitter by just flipping up and down the board page.

2. Get Glue – Being a huge fan of movies and television shows at the same time a social network fanatic, this application became a necessity since it combines both worlds. It became a venue for me to express my admiration or displeasure on a particular movie or TV show. Its also a good social place to meet fellow fanatics or haters, earn badges of coolness, or simply brag your prominence.

3. EZ PDF Reader – One of the biggest drawbacks of Symbian at the moment is the absence of an efficient and smooth PDF reader and editor. There were some apps capable of doing so like Adobe or QuickOffice, but they were not as fast and savvy as that of the EZ PDF. Try reading one on a Nokia Belle smartphone using the aforementioned apps and you'll get nightmares being ragingly slow. Also, the EZ PDF Reader allows annotations on the files like highlights or side notes making it very ideal.

4. Super Video – Do you like to multitasks, like maybe watching a movie at the same time doing something else on your mobile phone, well, the Super Video handles that leisurely. Its like a self-regulating app that floats above your screen allowing you to do something else like web browsing or playing games while watching videos. You can even watch multiple videos all at the same time, that's how superb it is.

5. Instagram - Though I couldn't see the reason why I should be using this app since all my pictures were directly published in this blog or on Twitter or Facebook, it cannot be denied that their were sizable number of people who loves the social network site and would prefer a fully dedicated application of it in their mobilephones. In fact their were even be some who prefer to buy phones because of its Instagram compatibility. With this scenario going on, Nokia should strive hard to create one for Symbian, every buyer counts.

With the fierce competition in the smartphone space at the moment, every aspects and details are important, Nokia and Symbian should seriously find ways to make these apps available to the users, their should be no stones unturned. Anymore apps you want to include in the list? Feel free to write them on the comment section below.

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Nokia’s Symbian 60 Remains the Number 1 Operating System in the Philippines

Symbian 60 remains undefeated when in the Philippines’s Operating System usage, that’s according to StatCounter Global Stats, a free online visitor’s stats tool that primarily measures internet usage trends. By following over 15 billion page views per month across their network of over 3 million website and analysing every page view using useragent strings, StatCounter could determine the browser and operating system used and including those that came from a mobile device. In other words, the counter only relies on web browsing rather than an individual device count but pretty much definitive as the usage trend seems reflective to the country’s physical landscape as majority of the people you see in the streets carries a Nokia phone.

A lot of factors play behind the result of course, it could be that the operating system is now being pushed towards entry level and mid-range that the mass market prefers to buy smartphone than pc or laptops to access the internet; or that Symbian is being used to a wide range of devices with district form factors and design fitting to individual needs; among the rest, but either ways, success reflects an efficient marketing strategy.

I also believe it’s difficult to defeat Nokia in a country where its populace grew with it. A lot of the prime users at the moment were born with a Nokia phone on their side, with a guaranteed satisfaction on devices and unwavering services offered, Nokia could stood the test of time.

But then again Nokia should not take its competitors into stride; they must be in front view of in creating new and breakthrough technologies. The strong filiation of Filipinos to the company could change as time passed by. They must protect this by creating devices that best address individualities and services that befits Filipino culture and tradition. Nothing is permanent in this world other than CHANGE!

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Whats Your Last Ideal Symbian Device?

Rumors are circulating in the web recently about Nokia N8's successor being the last high end device base on Symbian, well, I don't think its true since Nokia is still planning to release upgrades of the current software with the likes of Symbian Donna and Carla and will still be shipping about 150 million devices for the next 4 years but if its indeed true, what will be the last ideal high end Symbian device?

Well, for me, I want it to be the best of the best being the last hooray of the legendary mobile operating system that shape the mobilephone industry as we know today. It must be outstanding both hardware and software with a class and finesse of its own, that it can survive the test of time.

Class and finesse of its own. This would mean that the phone must have a unique, never before seen, impressive, cutting edge design, must likely the same public impression when the Nokia N9 came out. Its extraordinary looks must be unparalleled and must be countered with an extraordinary tactile impression, the very feeling of happiness and satisfaction every time you held the phone on your hand.

Form factor. I want it to have a sliding mechanical QWERTY but with a lock mechanism as solid as a monobloc. I've used all the mobile form factor in the world, but nobody can beat mechanical QWERTY yet when it comes to messaging in any given situation.

Screen. 4.3 inches with an extended width will do. It must sport an IPS technology and ClearBlack display like that of the Nokia 701 or even better. It doesn't have to be the brightest as long as it becomes the most beautiful natural screen in the world when lit up. 3D is nothing more like an eye sore in reality with smallish screen so no 3D for this phone. Curve unscratchable glass display is a must and might also be unbreakable so it could last a lifetime.

And speaking of nonscratchable and unbreakable screen, why not try to extend this impressive technology in all sides of the phone and cover everything for good so it will be fully protected. It will definitely becomes slippery being an all glass device, but it can be tweak to make it very satisfying to hold.

Processor must be multicore with more than 1Ghz speed so it can handle applications smoothly and swiftly. With people living in the fast lane nowadays, speed matters a lot.

Camera and video. The current unbeatable king of cameraphone is the 12MP Carl Ziess Camera of the Nokia N8, being the successor of a legendary camera device, it must outpaced the current camera specs and performance in both still image and video.

Battery. Bigger is better but it should not also compromise the phones design and construction. Power is very important element of mobility so the phone must be power efficient at the same time, power productive, like it must have the ability to power up on its own in any given situation. Wireless charging is a huge news for Nokia lately but it should be more than that. The phone must be able to harness all possible powers around it so it won't drained out.

Operating System. As little as it may be, we already have an idea on how the upgrade of the current Symbian OS might look like, but as advance as it may be, the last version must be rooted on the principles and ideas that made the Operating System legendary, its simplicity and user friendliness. It must have the sense of users being able to adopt to the system easily and do everything effortlessly.

So how about you? What is your last ideal high end Symbian device? Share your thoughts.

(Image courtesy of pocketnow.com)

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Belle is Coming! Symbian Revolution Continues

As of the moment, the clock ticks at around 25hours, 33 minutes and 25 seconds till the official unveiling of the next Symbian upgrade, Belle, promising a lot more tweaks and improvements.

Yes, its not a surprise anymore because the person who posted Flash teaser on Facebook forgot to erase the word Belle on the title cracking the element of surprise. But I believe a few more surprise is left for everyone to find out, like the launching device of Belle and the release date. Might also be that the whole cracking incident is planned to conceal something huge behind the curtain, like maybe an upgrade higher to Belle or a tablet among others.

Well everything will be revealed a day from now so lets braise ourselves for the inevitable, change is coming for Symbian!

For the meantime, enjoy this video featuring Symbian Belle on a Nokia N8.

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Symbian Gets A New Life With Accenture, Thoughts

Nokia and Accenture announced plans for a strategic collaboration in which Nokia would outsource its Symbian software activities and transition about 3,000 employees to Accenture. At the same time, Accenture would provide mobility software services to Nokia for future smartphones.

Well this would definitely give a new life to the operating system as it will continuously be developed in a span of time with the help of Accenture. People who will be displace with the move will be given a new reason to prove themselves once again, to bring the glory back to the system and to prove everyone wrong. It might be also be a good reason for them to reflect on the chances they lost by being to stubborn to accept changed, who knows, Nokia might reconsider them back if they could prove something, nothing is permanent in this world except change.

The collaboration, which is subject to final agreement, calls for Accenture to provide Symbian-based software development and support services, with the expected transition of about 3,000 Nokia employees to Accenture. The companies expect completion of the final agreement during summer 2011, and expect the transition of employees by the end of the year 2011. Transitioning employees, located in China, Finland, India, United Kingdom and the United States, will initially work on Symbian software activities for Nokia. Over time, Accenture and Nokia will seek opportunities to retrain and redeploy transitioned employees.

This collaboration also includes plans for Accenture to provide mobility software, business and operational services around the Windows Phone platform to Nokia and other ecosystem participants. Under the proposed agreement, Accenture would become a preferred partner for Nokia’s smartphone development activities, as well as a preferred provider of services.

Accenture and Nokia have been working together since 1994. In October 2009, Accenture acquired Nokia’s professional services unit that provides engineering and support of the Symbian operating system to mobile device manufacturers and service providers, and which then served as a key building block in Accenture’s Mobility services portfolio.

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How Nokia Could Remain Relevant In A Years Time

A lot of people were shocked when Nokia announce its partnership with Microsoft last February 11, a collaboration not only adopting Windows Mobile 7 as an operating system to add up to the present ecosystem but totally ditching out its long time partner Symbian in favor of the other in a year's time.

To be very honest, the scenario still doesn't sinked-in to me, why Nokia can afford to abandon something that made them who they are at the moment and why they cannot run and maintain several operating systems just like other manufacturers do and leave everything as it is.

We have a local famous precept here in my country wrote by our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal "Ang hindi lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan!" to translate, the person who doesn't look back and honor his/her past cannot achieve future success... I hope this doesn't come true for Nokia who would kill Symbian and betray its million of followers.

Given the scenario and the thousands of Nokia Symbian fanatics that feels abandoned, how could Nokia remain relevant when the time comes? Well, I'm not sure because of the current state of reasoning the company have at the moment, they would rather want to leave millions of Symbian users and gain a few in exchange so I couldn't see any relevance of the company in the future. They will loss the millions of hard Symbian fanatics they have at the moment if everything is unchanged.

I know they have already issued statement retracting the sudden death scenario of Symbian saying that developments will continue on a given period of time but would it be better if Nokia continues to develop Symbian and make it an elite proprietor Operating System? It wouldn't be Nokia's main weapon to battle against iOS or Android at the moment but its weapon in the future as they will let it evolve to become a sophisticated operating system of the future by hiring the best engineers and developers. It would be best to spent millions than loss millions of followers, the very people who would be willing to adopt windows mobile 7 for a breath of fresh air if treated significantly.

The Nokia and Microsoft partnership won't last forever being two different companies, there will come a point that both will separate and when that time comes at least Nokia will have something to fall back into. This will make them relevant in the coming years, to dream about the future while dwelling at the present and looking at the past as a guide.

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Open Source Press & Tamoggemon release book on Symbian programming

Symbian is not the simplest of operating systems. Getting started with it is made complex due to the weak documentation – while academically correct, it overburdens beginners with loads of useless background information.

As always, it is up to Tamoggemon to save the day. Tam Hanna, CEO and founder, has seen the insides and outsides of Symbian while creating various well-liked applications for the operating system. This knowledge is now available on flat pieces of dead trees.

The book, which has been published by the German Open Source Press, takes C++ programmers and transforms them into lean and mean Symbian coding machines. Written in Tam Hanna’s usual witty style, the book covers all platforms from lowly S60v3 to the cutting-edge Symbian^3.

In addition, readers get introduced to a variety of supporting topics like distribution, the Ovi Store, Symbian Signed and even game programming. Of course, there’s no academic junk in all of that just like Tamoggemon apps, the book hits the bull’s eye of the topics.

It takes a single look at the author – do you envision a man who looks so crazy having the stomach to bear useless fluff?

Effective immediately, the 200 page book can be purchased at Amazon Germany and bookstores all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland for a price of about 30€.

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Nokia Sticks With Symbian, New Era of Development and Innovation Begins

Following an announcement by the board of the Symbian Foundation that it will be transitioning from its current operational activities to become a licensing operation only, Nokia today reaffirmed its commitment to the Symbian platform. Nokia plans to continue to invest its own resources in developing Symbian, the world's most widely used smartphone platform, and expects to deliver a strong portfolio of Symbian-based smartphones to people around the world.

"The future of Symbian as a platform does not depend on the existence of the foundation," said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President, Smartphones, Nokia. "The changes announced by the foundation have no impact on Nokia's Symbian device roadmaps or shipping commitments. The platform powers hundreds of millions of smartphones - including our own - and we expect to deliver ongoing support and innovation benefitting the Symbian ecosystem in the future."

Nokia's recent decision to focus on Qt as its sole application development framework is expected to bring greater efficiency and speed of evolution to the Symbian platform. This approach is aimed at ensuring compatibility for apps with future Symbian platform versions, and enables more frequent updates and upgrades for Nokia smartphones. To take advantage of this ever-growing opportunity, developers can find the tools and support they need through Forum Nokia, and global distribution to Nokia's broad base of smartphones through Ovi Store.

Nokia is the volume market leader in smartphones and the company's commitment to the Symbian platform is unchanged. Nokia smartphones based on the new Symbian platform include the Nokia N8, Nokia C7 and the new Nokia C6-01 which are available now, as well as the upcoming Nokia E7 which is expected to ship before the end of 2010. Nokia expects to sell more than 50 million Symbian^3-based devices.

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