My Nokia Blog

Press Release: Nokia Location Platform provides worldwide maps for Oracle-based solutions
Rumour: Microsoft making their own Windows Phone?
Jolla News Roundup: Code Sailfish, Jolla Alliance, new phone to be announced next month…
Nokia Lumia 920 pre-order in Sweden.
Price Buster: Nokia Lumia 710 for £99 (+15 top up), Lumia 610 for £99 and Lumia 800 for £149.99
NokConv: Nokia explains the Super Sensitive Screen
Video: We come back (Nokia 808 PureView in Soca Valley)
Kantar World Panel: Windows makes progress in Europe
Firmware Update available for Nokia 808 PureView, v113.010.1507

Press Release: Nokia Location Platform provides worldwide maps for Oracle-based solutions

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 02:02 PM PDT

We’ve heard about this news on a few occasions now but here’s the official Nokia Maps + Oracle press release:

http://press.nokia.com/2012/10/01/nokia-location-platform-provides-worldwide-maps-for-oracle-based-solutions/

Nokia Location Platform provides worldwide maps for Oracle-based solutions

Nokia is the only map data provider with a prebuilt mapping service for use with Oracle applications

Sunnyvale, CA and Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced today that Oracle has developed a simple, built-in link between Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer and the Nokia Location Platform (NLP). This link removes the barrier of a customized map integration and extends the benefits of global maps for business use to Oracle users. NLP provides maps for almost 200 countries. By integrating NLP with Oracle applications, maps and business data can align to one consistent, accurate map on a worldwide basis. Oracle users will now have opportunity to license NLP from Nokia for use in Oracle applications.

“Oracle is the only systems provider that delivers integrated location and mapping capabilities in every layer of our technology stack. Oracle and Nokia have a strong record of meeting business needs through scalable and flexible capabilities,” said Jim Steiner, Vice President, Product Management, Oracle Server Technologies. “Few data providers have the ability to provide both map data for analytics and integrated platform services for the creation of mapping applications in one solution. Nokia is the only provider of both map data and online mapping services that are integrated with Oracle products.”

Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer is a J2EE service for rendering maps and creating mashups using spatial data. Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer provides services and tools that hide the complexity of spatial data queries and cartographic rendering, while providing customizable options for more advanced users such as developers of geographic business analytic applications. The integration of NLP allows users to easily include Nokia’s map data into their Oracle business applications.

“The inclusion of the Nokia Location Platform into Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer is an important proof point of our leadership in providing the best, enterprise-class map in the market,” said Roy Kolstad, Vice President, Enterprise Americas, Location & Commerce, Nokia. “NLP is an advanced location platform with a unique global footprint based on industry-leading technology and more than 30 years expertise in mapping. It will help businesses save time, money and resources while allowing them to gain a geographic perspective on their business, enabling better decisions.”

Rumour: Microsoft making their own Windows Phone?

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 01:47 PM PDT

This has been rumoured plenty of times but it’s picking up steam again. It is believed by some sources that Microsoft might just give Nokia a stab in the back by releasing their own phone. Congrats. What a sure way of making sure Windows Phone dies a slow death.

It was bad enough having Nokia limited by WP7.5, and then struggle and wait for Microsoft peeps to decide to work and finish WP8, now there’s rumours that they’re going to try and go their own and release a Surface phone.

On the one side, it might be good to have a ‘Nexus’ type device, something pure as a reference design, like the surface tablet. But what’s the point for the phone range when Nokia’s already doing their best with what they’ve got in WP?

Apparently, Nokia have been focusing too much on the ‘Lumia’ brand as opposed to ‘Windows Phone’. Why should they? Samsung focuses on Galaxy and not Android. Some ramblings connect the dig at Nokia by naming HTC as the ‘signature’ WP.

Thank goodness Nokia did quite rightly focus on Lumia. Nokia Lumia. If people want a Windows Phone, they should go for Nokia Lumia. Lumia could still potentially be OS agnostic should Nokia’s hand be forced that way. Though they are too far into WP now to back out.

Whilst this is still a rumour, I feel it’s a shame to think that MS couldn’t see that they’ve got some great products ahead from Nokia, and even HTC and Samsung for WP. Much better now in comparison to the competition than they ever have been. What on earth are those manufacturers supposed to think?

Some other random ‘rumours’ I’ve seen say HTC and Nokia are supposedly merging. Or as per usual Nokia is being bought by MS, hence MS making their own phone.

Source: BGR / WPCentral

Cheers all for the tip!

Jolla News Roundup: Code Sailfish, Jolla Alliance, new phone to be announced next month…

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 01:34 PM PDT

Jolla news round up:

New Jolla phone to be annouced next month

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444592404578032153748969228.html

EUR 200 Million alliance, based in Hong Kong. Jolla OS can be licensed by other manufacturers from 2013.

http://www.talouselama.fi/uutiset/finnish+startup+jolla+we+will+build+new+200+million+euro+mobile+alliance+based+in+hong+kong/a2148399

Press Release:

http://jollatides.com/2012/10/02/jolla-official-press-release-october-2nd-2012/

More on the alliance: Jolla forms an alliance based on a MeeGo OS called ‘code Sailfish’

http://nokiagadgets.com/2012/10/02/jolla-forms-alliance-based-on-os-code-named-sailfish/

Jolla wants to be the alternative to iOS and Android

http://gigaom.com/europe/jolla-the-market-wants-an-alternative-to-ios-and-android/

Cheers Viipottaja, Muerte, James and Joni for the tip!

Nokia Lumia 920 pre-order in Sweden.

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT

There were some initial stories that the pre-order price would be around 470GBP for the Nokia Lumia 920.

http://mynokiablog.com/2012/09/27/lumia-820920-confirmed-for-australia-pricing-and-release-date-comes-to-italy/

I hope ThreeUK will get it. They’re really quite good with mobile data and seem to offer better subsidies.

A Swedish retailer (with a picture of the 900 instead :/) says it’s going to be about 560GBP (4990SEK). Pre-order prices are often much more expensive than the initial price. The source above says the prices of about 470GBP come from Nokia Italy, so it might be more likely to be around that price.

http://www.netonnet.se/art/telefon/mobiltelefon/nokia/nokia-lumia920white/177935.3210/

Red is oddly cheaper. 5490 SEK (515GBP).

Thanks thaijoni for the tip!

Price Buster: Nokia Lumia 710 for £99 (+15 top up), Lumia 610 for £99 and Lumia 800 for £149.99

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 07:50 AM PDT

There was news the other day of some price drops for Nokia Lumia that I didn’t get around to reading about. But in a possibly related way, NokNok has rounded up some of the best prices available that you can pick up some Nokia Lumia.

Nokia Lumia 610 for £99

Nokia Lumia 710 for £99 (+£15 top up)

Nokia Lumia 800 for £149.99

Some places are much higher than others so it’s worth shopping around. £150 for a Nokia Lumia 800 is really quite decent.

With the new Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 due soon, it’s understandable that the price would be lowered for these first gen lumias as an added incentive.

Source: NokNok

NokConv: Nokia explains the Super Sensitive Screen

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 07:43 AM PDT

Yesterday, there was some commotion based on supposed issues people had blamed on the Nokia Lumia 920 (and 820) Unfortunately for those that delighted in the bad news, there wasn’t any because it was a total non issue.

http://mynokiablog.com/2012/10/01/molehill-time-nokia-lumia-920-super-sensitive-screen-pocket-activation-whats-that-proximity-sensor-over-there-doing/

http://mynokiablog.com/2012/10/01/nokia-super-sensitive-display-does-not-have-issue-with-unwanted-battery-drainage-920-and-820-avoids-accidental-activation-of-display/

To explain everything completely, NokConv now has an article that addresses how Super Sensitive Screen works.

BTW, I’ve skim read it before (and most recently in yesterday’s statement from Nokia) but I’m surprised the Nokia Lumia 820 also has Super Sensitive Screen too.

Nokia's super sensitive touch displays now allows for a wonderful touchscreen user interface, regardless of the input method. Right now, there is nothing else on the market that offers the same experience.

Adaptive technology

"The technology is adaptive so it reacts to any conductive object that is touching the screen," explains Senior Technology Manager Jussi Ropo who has worked on super sensitive touch technology.

"In other words, whether you are using it with gloves or a nail or stylus, it will automatically adjust the sensitiveness to provide the best possible touch screen experience."

http://conversations.nokia.com/2012/10/02/get-a-feel-for-nokias-super-sensitive-touch-displays/

It should also be stressed that super sensitive touch technology does not make the screen more fragile, affect the water resistance or increase the likelihood of coins or keys in your pocket accidentally making calls on your behalf.

Super sensitive touch will make a big difference, not just for people with long nails or when you are wearing gloves but it enhances the whole touchscreen experience for everyone.

Sometimes, people make a fuss over nothing (though even with yesterday’s statement, it wasn’t enough for ‘some’). Ah, the trouble of being so popular, eh, Nokia?

Video: We come back (Nokia 808 PureView in Soca Valley)

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 07:26 AM PDT

I was scratching my head a bit as I wasn’t sure this was actually filmed on a Nokia 808 PureView. Sometimes, the clips seem so good, it’s unbelievable – even though I know I’ve seen absolutely stunning videos before, it just stuns me sometimes when I realise how far we’ve come in mobile.

There are some excellent panning shots going along here. In some places, their stabiliser is not so stable and you can feel this is being recorded on a pocket device.

by Matjaz Klemencic

Kantar World Panel: Windows makes progress in Europe

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 05:04 AM PDT

Kantar World Panel reports that Windows Phone is indeed making progress in Europe. This is a good sign of momentum for Nokia Lumia. WP taking over iOS/Android is unrealistic, but steady progress is very welcome. This is before the more exciting WP8 devices and W8 tablets are unleashed to the market. What more when those components are in place?

Windows is making steady progress in the big European economies and is now challenging BlackBerry for third spot in the European OS league. With the momentum Windows 8 will bring towards the end of 2012, it seems highly likely that it will achieve this before the end of the year.

http://www.kantarworldpanel.com/Global/News/Windows-makes-progress-in-Europe

"Lower end devices are driving sales of the platform as consumers seek value, resulting in growth rates of 6.6% in Italy, 3.5% in France and 2.3% in Great Britain.* In Italy, Windows now holds a double-digit market share, 10.4%, a first in the European market."

Still early days yet, but decent progress by Nokia Lumia (via WP)

Cheers ryfsap for the tip!

Samsung also continues to power on across Europe, with smartphone share across the big five European markets at 48% in the latest 12 weeks. After joining the European smartphone market late Sony is making up for lost time with its Xperia series, outselling both BlackBerry and Nokia as a result of strong performances in Spain, Germany and France. Apple's iOS has seen its share decline by 4.3% across Europe's major markets in the period leading up to the iPhone 5 release. However, this is set to rebound strongly with the success of the new model reflected in next month's data.

In the US, iOS and Android combined took 93% of all smartphone sales in the latest 12 weeks, putting into perspective the scale of the challenge facing both RIM and Windows in one of the world's most important markets.

Smartphone penetration is now at 57.6% in Great Britain, with smartphones taking 80.4% of all sales in the latest 12 weeks.

Firmware Update available for Nokia 808 PureView, v113.010.1507

Posted: 02 Oct 2012 12:42 AM PDT

I received a screenshot yesterday saying FP2 was available for Nokia 808 PureView, but the screenshot showed only a calendar/social update (Cheers adib!).