The Core 77 design blog has a good piece on how Nokia has been competing successfully in emerging markets. The Nokia 1100 – launched in 2003 – has now racked up 200m sales. (The iPod is running at 100m).
Not having made much of a splash in the 3G pond thus far, expectations were high as Nokia today previewed its first 3G smartphone - the 6630. The pear-shaped handset, clearly inspired by the design of Nokia's 3600 smartphone series, offers a smorgasboard of advanced features including support for just about every WAN connectivity under the sun, hi-res imaging and Bluetooth.
A close sibling to the Nokia 3600 series, Nokia has corrected the largest flaw with this particular series in the 6630: its unwieldy size. Despite being a 3G handset with support for EDGE, the 6630 appears even smaller than the Nokia 6600, and is an ergonomical pleasure to (be)hold. Roughened plastic grips on its sides add to this testiment, as does the excellent keypad with tactile feedback and usability fully on par with the equally excellent Nokia 6600.
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Nokia today announced the Nokia 6630, a GSM / 3G handset. The 6630 is the first 3G handset from Nokia, the largest maker of cell phones world wide. Here are a few more details:
Look for the Nokia 6630 in Q4 of this year
The Motorola AURA was inspired by high performance racing engines. The handset comes with a circular display that offers up to 16 million colors in 300 dpi resolution, protected by a Grade 1, 62-carat sapphire crystal lens to keep it scratch-resistant. There is also the Stereo Bluetooth connectivity that allows user to make phone calls wirelesly using Bluetoth headset. The Motorola AURA will be released in the end of this year. No word on pricing so far
The first RAZR-esque slider for global release from Moto, the MOTORIZR Z3, hasn't even seen wide distribution yet, but that didn't stop them from announcing the hotter Z6 at CES this week. The upgraded device adds a so-2006 glossy black finish and features Motorola's new Linux- and Java-based platform, but perhaps more importantly to users, it integrates seamlessly with Windows Media Player 11 and rocks support for Windows Media DRM. Other features of the music-heavy handset carry over from the Z3, including a 2 megapixel cam, Bluetooth with A2DP
Motorola RAZR the Big Boss of all thin mobiles in the market is finally out with its new Motorola RAZR 2. Features included this time are 2GB of memory, stereo Bluetooth and HSPDA connectivity into an even thinner body. Motorola RAZR 2 is said to be available in July 2007.
Motorola gonna be is out with yet another neat and clean model, The Motorola ROKR U9. But already its information and specs are out in the internet. The phone seems to be very reflective type, the outer body is kinda shiny and the inner looks quite cool. And The Motorola ROKR U9 features are: Like it? well you gotta wait! Availability and pricing is not yet known.
Nokia has introduced three new handsets (which will be available in October) into the mid-range market and they are the Nokia 6120 Classic, Nokia 6500 classic and Nokia 6500 slide.
The Nokia 6500 Classic is a 9.5mm thin phone that features dual band 3G technology and quad band GSM for worldwide roaming. It also comes with 1GB of internal memory as wekk as a 2 megapixel camera with dual LED flash. It also uses a unified mini-USB connector for charging, handsfree and syncing. The 6500 Slide on the other hand coems with a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss Optics, as well as autofocus, dual LED flash and 8x optical zoom. Finally the 6120 Classic is a HSDPA enabled phone which comes with a 2 megapixel camera, 4x digital zoom flash and panorama mode. The phones will be available from all Nokia dealers by October and estimated prices will range between RM1000-RM1800.
Introducing Nokia's sweet new N-Series media convergence phones, we have, from the left, the N71, N80, and the N92. And Nokia isn't kidding around with these 3G Series 60 phones, no sir, they're busting out the WiFi for the N80 and N92, a 3 megapixel camera in the N80, decent music support in the N71, DVB-H for the N92, and QVGA or greater resolution displays in all three phones. Both the N71 and N80 should be available Q1 2006, with the N92 following in the middle of the year. They're priced at 400, 500, and 600 Euro (US$490, $610, and $730) respectively, and we've got all the juicy specs, along with more pictures, after the jump.
Starting with the music centric N71, we�re looking at a clamshell with a 2 megapixel camera, along with a second cam for video calls. As far as music playback goes, the phone has a 5-band equalizer, an FM tuner, and support for MP3, AAC, eAAC+, and WMA formats. Sadly there is an unimpressive 10MB of included memory, but it is expandable via miniSD. They also include Bluetooth and USB2.0 for hookups, and there is a 240 x 320 display, along with some external screen action.
The N80 goes for the pixels with a 352 x 416 screen and a 3 megapixel camera. We saw some pics last month and it looks like they were spot on: it is a slider, Nokia�s first smartphone in such a form factor. There is an extra camera for video calls, but sadly all these pictures and videos won�t have much of a home with the 40MB of included memory. Luckily you can upgrade with a miniSD card, or spend your time juggling files with the included USB 2.0, Bluetooth, or WiFi, but some more internal storage would�ve been nice. This guy is also quad band GSM and supports EDGE, so it looks like we just might be seeing it Stateside.
Finally, we have the Nokia N92, which has support for DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting � Handhelds), along with any streams you might catch with the snazz 3G connection. It�s a dual folder, similar to the Samsung D307, giving you a nice landscape orientation for video viewing on the 2.8-inch, 16 million color, 320 x 240 display. There are once again two cameras available for your snapping pleasure, with 2 megapixels in the high-res one. There is also 802.11g WiFi and the usual Bluetooth and USB 2.0, along with 90MB of storage, expandable through miniSD.
Nokia introduced the Nokia N91 mobile phone that has room for up to 3,000 of your favorite stereo tracks on the integrated 4 Gb hard disk. It's a premium music device in an ultra-portable package that snaps 2 megapixel photos and has smartphone features. Your smartphone already goes everywhere you do and now your music will, too. Seamless switching between the integrated functions make this combo the perfect pairing. Encased in stainless steel, the Nokia N91 has dedicated music keys on its face, which slide down to reveal the phone keypad. It is 3G compatible and runs using the Series 60 Symbian-based interface.
Samsung SGH-F480 Tocco, featuring large 2.8" customisable touch screen, drag-n-drop functionality (TouchWiz), 5.0 megapixel camera captures stunning pictures with its auto-focus and high-end camera features, front facing camera for video conversations, Bang & Olufsen superior music sound, full browser internet experience (7.2mbps), quicker downloads, streaming video, easier viewing with horizontal or vertical capability, Google Search and Gmail, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 2.0 high speed connectivity. The SGH-F40 is more pocket friendly sized, beng smaller than the iPhone
Nokia has officially released this Sirocco Gold cell phone which features white gold accents and 18-carat gold plating. ...and don't gab on the phone while you drive with this puppy..you might cause more than just your own accident.....
If the Nokia 5320 got too much features for your own good, here’s a better option. The 5320’s half brother which was also announced two days ago - the Nokia 5220 XpressMusic phone. Like its high-end brother, the Nokia 5220 would also give you instant access to music even while on the move, with a useful larnyard that makes the Nokia 5220 easy to carry anywhere you go. The 5220 being an XpressMusic phone also boasts of up to 24 hours playback time, has its own dedicated XpressMusic keys and a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting the 5220 to your multimedia speakers. The 5220 is also compatible with the recently launched Nokia Music Store that offers quick music downloading. You’ll have instant access to Nokia’s 2 million music tracks and you stream or sync them into the 5220. As for its other features and technical specs; the Nokia 5220 has an excellent audio quality, memory card slot that supports up to 2GB of storage, a 2.0″ QVGA display screen, support for SMS, MMS, IM, Flash and Express Audio messaging and email tools. The Nokia 5220 works on GSM/EDGE 900/1800/1900 and GSM/EDGE 850/1800/1900 networks. Weighing only 78 grams with battery, the Nokia 5220 is definitely as portable as it can be. For connectivity, the Nokia 5220’s got Bluetooth, USB and 3.5 mm AV connector. And finally, the Nokia 5220 also serves as a music player with support for MP3, M4A, eAAC and WMA music formats. The Nokia 5220 will be released in the third quarter of 2008 for $250.
Your Nokia cell phone can be programmed to pick up radar speed traps, when programmed your cell phone picks up the radar and alerts you on the message alert tone. 1. Enter your menu 2. Select settings 3. Select security settings 4. Select closed user group 5. Select on 6. Enter 00000 7. Press ok 8. Clear back to normal, within a few seconds your phone will display a radar sign with five zero’s next to it. It is now activated. Unfortunately only Nokia phones have this function. Cell info display needs to be de-activated. Settings -> Phone Settings -> Cell Info display Each time you turn off your phone, or even each time you loose contact with your carrier, you´ll have to activate it again… It is done by steps 1 through 5, but the number (00000) will be already on the field as default. If you put the number 500 in the closed user group, and you go out of a store with detection ports thy will go off. Firmware version: *#0000# *#51×0# or *#9999# View Serial No., Date Made, Programming Date, Repaired: *#92772689# Thanks to Ben-Dov for this code IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) Code: *#06# Enhanced Full Rate (EFR): *3370# to activate EFR. Makes calls sound better, but decreases battery life by about 5%. #3370# to deactivate EFR Half Rate Mode (HFR): *4720# to activate HFR. Decreases call quality but increases battery life by about 30%. #4270# to deactivate HFR. Default Security Code: 12345 Warranty Code: *#92702689# [*#war0anty#] asks warranty code. You can then type a number of codes (Thanks to Mike Pfaff for these codes): 6232 – Display date of manufacture 7332 – Display date of last repair 7832 – Display purchasing date 9268 – Display serial number 37832 – Set purchasing date to MMYY 87267 – Confirm Transfer, Related to firmware upgrades #746025625# says SIM CLOCK STOP ALLOWED or similar, depending on your SIM card. Newer SIMs have a feature called ‘clock stopping’ that allows the phone to save energy — it is a kind of sleep mode for SIM cards. Not all versions of software support this. You cannot turn the SIM clock on and off, the phone will do it automatically if the SIM supports clock stopping. 
This cute looking phone comes with a bright 240x320 262,144-colour TFT (QVGA) display, 64MB of flash memory, and a spacious 4GB hard The SGH i300x measures 113 x 48 x 20 mm and weighs 121 grams. The standard 1000 mAh Li-ion battery is good enough for a talk time of 4 hours and a standby time of up to 130 hours. Upgrade to a 1700 mAh one and you push these values up to 7 hours and 200 hours respectively. Connectivity options include ActiveSync, Bluetooth, WAP 2.0, USB, SyncML, and IrDA - but NO Wi-Fi and NO UMTS. The phone runs on Windows 
Would you like your cell 
The world’s leading internet evangelist, Bill Keller – founder of Liveprayer.com and host of the popular Liveprayer with Bill Keller TV and radio program airing only on secular stations – is now using innovative, pioneering technology to save souls via cell phone. Keller has contracted Red Planet Media, Inc. of Orlando, Florida – a mobile video content distribution company – to provide Liveprayer with the front line technology to reach hundreds of millions of cell phone users around the world with his message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ. (See also Red Planet press release: http://www.redplanetmedia.com/News_09_Jan20.html.) Keller helped to pioneer live streaming video and interactivity nearly ten years ago when he launched Liveprayer.com in August of 1999. “When we launched Liveprayer, the only people doing live streaming video on the internet were the pornographers,” Keller reflects. “We countered by tapping into vanguard technology to bring people around the globe the truth of the Bible, and the hope of Christ via live streaming video.” Keller’s new outreach via cell phone uses Red Planet’s mobile video eXchange (MVX) platform and services, an affordable, turnkey mobile video solution. “Even though most people charge monthly subscription fees and Liveprayer could generate millions of dollars doing the same thing, I’ve made our new video daily devotional available free of charge,” Keller states. “The only cost to the user is whatever their cell phone company charges them to access the internet and for text messages.” While some ministries are using cell phones to generate income by testing daily prayers and meditations, Keller is adamant about making this leading edge technology available to the end user for free. “I don’t do this for money, but to save souls,” Keller explains. “Yes, there are many costs involved, but my ministry will gladly pay them to make our video daily devotional available to people who are hurting, and looking for hope and answers in their lives.” In addition to the video daily devotional, those who access Keller’s new cell phone site can also send a prayer request via their cell phone, and receive a personalized response back to their phone via text messaging. “Mobile phones represent an amazing opportunity to touch lives in a far reaching, everyday way, ” says Keller. “This is especially true with younger people who often connect more with technology than they ever would with a bricks and mortar church. Mobile phones are virtually an untapped resource for ministering to people in a very personal way to deliver fresh, relevant messages whenever and wherever people need them the most.”
I’ve been thinking about my recent experiment: “Reading” Stephen King’s Cell via audiobook, my first audio novel and first King book in decades. Cell is King’s apocalyptic story about a strange “pulse” that hits one October morning through every cell phone in use at that moment. Cell users become crazed semi-zombie-like killers before slowly calming down and organizing themselves — “flocking” like birds, as the non-cell phone users notice — and the reason for the behavior of the “flocks” is slowly revealed. A band of the still normal survivors heads north from Boston, providing the main narrative drive. The de facto leader of the group is a young father seeking his son. This is the main theme of the book: the father/son dynamic, the fear of loss, etc. But King has been grinding away at this for decades now. I’d not read a Stephen King book in over 20 years so it was something of a shock to read a book that, quite literally, he could have written word for word 25 years ago (if not for the lack of ubiquitous cell phones back then). What’s disheartening is that, years later, King’s got nothing to add to what he’s already done in this vein. And despite the rather obvious fact that he’s never been a great stylist (though a sometimes powerful storyteller), his “style” such as it is has not changed one wit. It gets a little tiresome to have story, character, and motive so often delineated by references to movies, TV shows, ad slogans, etc. I understand that the detritus of pop culture is full of common points of reference, but as the primary tool for novel writing is feels lazy, or bespeaks a limited talent. (I understand he also writes more “literary” efforts these days, like the recent Lisey’s Story, but I’m in no hurry to find out if that’s accurate.) Cell also borrows liberally from earlier King efforts. The Stand comes to mind, with its post-apocalyptic setting, migrating survivors, strange dreams, and broadcast calls to the bad/evil forces who seem to outnumber the good. The parent-child relationship with the parents’ fear of fucking up, perhaps even so far as to cause the death of their child, is most convincingly represented in King’s best novel, The Shining, but it also reverberates endlessly through his other novels, sometimes as background yet often in the foreground, as with Cell. Not that the audiobook was a chore to finish; it moved along quickly enough as read by actor Campbell Scott, who did a pretty good job differentiating the various characters. Yet the audiobook itself is an odd animal. I’m in no hurry to experience that again, either. Surely personal taste will vary but it was for me far, far less involving than directly reading a book. Not only was I being read to, the book was in a real sense being “acted out.” I did not feel as though I was reading Stephen King’s latest book — at least not in the moment. Of course, I understood that I was but on the fly it was a different and less satisfying experience than reading. I was not lost in the story as I normally become. Perhaps Cell was the perfect vehicle for this experiment. King wrote an obvious cautionary tale about the loss of human connectivity — connection without mediation — in a world in which we are said to be, at least in all those TV ads for phone plans and internet connections, more connected than ever. King’s revenge on cell users in the story may seem like poetic justice to one who hates the devices (though King has never been what I’d call poetic). Still, the extra level of mediation experienced in an audiobook was almost perfect for this one novel. It added unnecessary distance to an ordinary book.
Smaller than small cell - just don't lose it!
