25 April 2012

My Nokia Blog

My Nokia Blog

Verizon to add Nokia phone to line up, US carriers cheering for Nokia?

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 06:41 PM PDT

 

Well, according to Bloomberg, the carriers are cheering on Nokia and their Windows Phones. Why? Because the main two options, iPhone and Android, apparently have too strong a grip. The fear is that supposedly, carriers will be unable to distinguish themselves and squeeze their profit margins.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-24/apple-s-dominance-has-carriers-cheering-for-nokia-windows-phone.html

We have previously reported that Verizon were backing WP. They have been rumoured to deliver one of the first WP8 Lumias.

http://mynokiablog.com/2012/04/20/verizon-to-back-windows-phone-perhaps-the-rumoured-lumia-pureview-hd/

Cheers Janne for the tip!

Nokia 808 PureView wins TIPA Best Innovation Award – Revolution in mobile imaging!

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 12:34 PM PDT

Congratulations Nokia 808 PureView. It is recognized in the 2012 TIPA awards for best imaging innovation. TIPA, which describes itself as ‘the most coveted photo and imaging awards worldwide’   praises the 808 with the following:

Camera phones have often been criticized for inferior photo quality. But those days are over now that Nokia PureView technology has arrived. As implemented in the pioneering Nokia 808 PureView, a comparatively huge sensor – both in terms of physical size (1/1.2 inch) and resolution (41 MP) – serves as the key to real world photographic performance. Nokia PureView technology also uses smart pixel oversampling techniques for lossless digital zooming and noise free photos and videos. Nokia PureView technology is only the beginning of a revolution in mobile imaging, as Nokia promises to bring it to more products in the future.

This is a breakthrough for imaging in mobile, so much so that it probably isn’t fair to the mobile device category (which has been awarded to the Galaxy Nexus…really? I just thought there were better imaging devices available). The days of inferior photoquality in mobiles are over (well they have been with N82, and N8 already, but it’s good to reiterate perhaps).

http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=3167&sAward=Best%20Imaging+Innovation

http://conversations.nokia.com/2012/04/24/nokia-pureview-technology-receives-best-imaging-innovation-award-from-tipa/

Can you name all the previous Nokia’s that have won TIPA awards? (It won’t be too hard, it’s all the significant camera phone ones :) )

Source: TIPA

Via: NokConv via Unwired/NokiaPowerUser

Cheers Madratz, KF, Adriati, John and Adnan for the tip.

AT&T CEO, Ralph de la Vega shows off White Nokia Lumia 900 when CNBC asks about iPhone 5

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 12:23 PM PDT

 

AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega was on CNBC talking about their Q1 results. No wonder I wasn’t able to find it earlier today, they hadn’t been published yet. Anyway, as expected, it’s lower than the holiday sales but still better than previous years. 5.5M smartphones of which, a huge amount, 4.3M were iPhones.That only leaves 1.2M for all the Androids and BlackBerry handsets (and what ever else is available). There are expectations that the Lumia 900 may get as much as 1M at AT&T, though that would mean (based on a repeat Q1 2012) Nokia being expected to suddenly take on 83% of AT&T’s non iPhone sales. That might be a little too optimistic but a pleasant surprise should it happen.

In this video he has on two occasions mentioned the Nokia Lumia 900, repeating that it has exceeded AT&T’s expectations and at the end actually pulls out the stormtrooper white Nokia Lumia 900 when asked about the iPhone 5. He says he always carries the latest device, and this is a terrific one, and only $99.


 

Source WPCentral

Cheers Janne for the tip.

#OperationUnicorn – N9 Housing Swap: Cyan to White ( + tutorial info)

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 07:03 AM PDT

You may have read a few weeks ago, I mentioned I purchased a White housing for my N9. I had a few readers ask for me to publish a few photos of the process as well as a video of what to do.

I did follow this video here. Although it is in Russian, it is easy to understand what is going on.

I also used the N9 Service Manual as a bit of a guide when I got stuck with the video.

What do I need?

  • Firstly, the housing case. I bought mine on eBay. Look for ones with Sim Tray and USB Door (tools is a bonus). This was mine
  • Torx T4 screwdriver
  • Phillips size 00 screwdriver
  • Tweezers
  • Patience & someone to pray to

I won’t be posting a video, as I had an issue of my own, where I had a screw with a worn head, and, well, let’s just say I wasn’t very nice and my N9 took a well deserved holiday until I could get hold of a new battery. Which was about 3 hours as a Lumia 800 showed up on my door. Had a play around with it, and went straight to cannibalisation.

Questions I’ve been asked;

  • “Do you need to change hardware apart from the casing?” – No, as long as you don’t break anything or lose any screws. You simply unscrew the components and screw them on to the new body
  • “Does this void warranty?” – As far as I know, yes. If you are not comfortable doing such a thing and taking a risk, don’t do it. The only person responsible for your actions is yourself. So don’t hold me (or MyNokiaBlog) liable.
  • “Do I need any special equipment?” – Apart from a T4 screwdriver, no. The manual does say to use a dentist tool and a special Nokia tool, but you can use the tweezers and flat head screwdriver for that.
  • “Do you have a list of prayers to say before starting?” – Yes, all of them!
  • “How difficult was the process?” – Not that hard. Was a bit scared that I would stuff up (which I did but wasn’t my fault), but in the end it worked. Just don’t rush and follow the instructions. If you have a worn screw head, stop straight away, and search for ways to fix it. < Learn from my mistake. Oh, and stay calm.

Pictures of the diss-assembly can be found on my flickr account

Michael

 

Nokia Confirmation- Skype Already Working on Lumia 610

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 05:46 AM PDT

I know this situation has been blow WAY out of proportion, when we first posted that Skype wasn’t initially running on 256MB devices and of course as we mentioned and Jay clarified it was listed as a Known problem that’s being worked on. Well apparently it was never a real problem in the first place (except for the ZTE 256MB phone) as Skype is ALREADY working on Lumia 610s

 "Skype is available for the Lumia 610 in Marketplace and actually works just fine in the latest round of testing that has been done." There were "some challenges early on

So I guess that should kill all conspiracy theories (I’v heard some wacky ones- like MSFT purposely not making it work to make the 610 flop and nokia crash = MSFT takeover) as well as put your minds to ease.

VIA

Lumiappaday #161: 3D Mahjong Solitaire demoed on the Nokia Lumia 800

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 03:48 AM PDT

 

This is 3D Mahjong Solitaire, either free with ads or £0.79 without. The controls are very simple, single finger to rotate and change view, pinch and zoom – well to zoom in and out. There are various layouts available of the Mahjong tiles, with Free Play and Mahjong Champion as options.

#161) 3D Mahjong Solitaire

Price:  Free or £0.79

Link:  http://www.windowsphone.com/en-GB/apps/ff597542-144c-e011-854c-00237de2db9e

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IaUVHQtXrs 

Developer Blurb:

 

The game that pcmag.com and PocketGamer.co.uk both selected as one of the 10 best indie games on Windows Phone is now free to play!

 

V1.16 updates:

* Adds 30 new levels for a total of 70!

* Now tracks global badges earned by day, week, and year. Update to see where you stand!

 

The classic game of Mahjong Solitaire arrives on your Windows Phone in style with smooth 3D graphics, global high scores, badges, 40 unique layouts, and multiple tilesets and backgrounds to choose from.

 

Also known as Shanghai and Taipei, Mahjong solitaire layouts consist of 144 tiles – clear the layout by matching tiles. The quicker you are, the higher your score, but don't be too quick or you might miss a match!

 

Global high score tables track players' best scores and let you compare your scores against other players from all around the world. Are you good enough to place in the top of the list? Try it and find out!

 

New Mahjong Champion mode lets you compete against the world to earn Badges.

 

Try Mahjong and see why it's been a computer gaming classic for decades!

 

Features:

- 70 unique tables

- Smooth 3D graphics

- Global high scores

- Global Badge rewards

- Multiple tilesets and backgrounds, including the ability to pick your own from your picture library

- Every table is guaranteed winnable (*if* you pick the right tiles! :-) )

- Hint and help system to guide you in your Mahjong journey

- Touch interface with rotation and zooming to see each table from every angle

 

This is the full version (all features of the paid game) with a single ad on the screen.

Rating:

Design: 8

Usability: 8

Performance: 9

Price: 10

Press Release: Nokia officially starts the development of its manufacturing facility in Vietnam

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 03:23 AM PDT

 

Another Press Release heads up. This time, about the official start of the development of the new Nokia Factory in Vietnam.

http://mynokiablog.com/2012/04/18/nokia-to-hire-10000-new-workers-for-new-vietnam-factory/

As previously seen, it is about the next billion. The factory will be on a 17 hectare plot, and will begin functioning early 2013.

 

Reaffirming long-term commitment to the country and the company’s strategy to connect the next billion to information and the Internet

Bac Ninh, Vietnam – In an official ceremony today, Nokia kicked-off the development of its manufacturing facility in Vietnam, to serve the growing demand for mobile phones all over the world. The event featured Secretary of the Central Party Committee, Vice President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Madam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan; Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Quan; Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam, Kimmo Lähdevirta; and high ranking officials from Central authorities and Bac Ninh province amongst more than 200 others.

Located in Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Bac Ninh province, the Nokia Vietnam manufacturing facility is being developed on an area of 17 hectares. Nokia expects to start the operations of this factory in early 2013.

Today’s event is one step further in reaffirming Nokia’s long term commitment to the Vietnam market, under Nokia’s strategy to connect the next billion people to information and the Internet.

Nokia’s position in high growth economies is strong, and mobile phones play a strategic role. The new manufacturing site is being established to meet the growth in demand for these phones, as well as to help Nokia to deliver a contemporary mobile experience to the next billion consumers all over the world.

“We highly appreciate Nokia’s efforts in making this commitment a reality, which contributes to the growth of foreign investment in Vietnam in general and in Bac Ninh in particular. We also hope this will bring up not only economic value, but also other social benefits for the country like job creation and community knowledge enhancement on information technology alike,” said Mr. Nguyen Nhân Chien, President of People’s Committee of Bac Ninh province.

Mary McDowell, Executive Vice President, Mobile Phones, Nokia, said: “Thanks to the valued support from the Vietnamese government, our manufacturing program in Vietnam has been progressing well. The new Nokia manufacturing plant will produce and provide new devices for compelling and affordable, localized mobile experiences, particularly in the growth markets.

“Nokia is also committed to extending our positive reputation as an employer and as a corporate citizen. We expect to attract competent and energetic employees from the local skilled labor force. And in turn, employees at our new factory can expect a state-of-the-art facility and a positive, modern working environment with high professional and ethical standards,” continued McDowell.

Nokia is making progress in its strategy to connect the next billion. The company has launched an aspirational portfolio of devices that include fresh, contemporary design and form factors that are optimized for great experiences, such as social, entertainment, and messaging, and services that extend the value proposition to consumers.

Nokia first opened its doors in Vietnam in 1996 and, like many successful multinationals, saw Vietnam as a growing market with opportunity and potential. In light of the respect Nokia has wherever it operates, the company has worked hard to quickly become part of the Vietnamese community.

Nokia currently operates two representative offices in Vietnam: one in Ho Chi Minh City and the other in Hanoi. These offices carry out marketing and promotion activities for Nokia’s handset business. In 2011, Nokia established a branch office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, increasing its footprint within the IndoChina region.

In November, 2011, Nokia established a new company, Nokia (Vietnam) LLC, to build and operate the new Vietnam manufacturing facility.

http://press.nokia.com/2012/04/23/nokia-officially-starts-the-development-of-its-manufacturing-facility-in-vietnam/

Cheers Prasenjit Singh Bist for the tip!

Press Release: Nokia comments on Fitch’s credit rating announcement

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 03:20 AM PDT

 

Just a Press Release Heads Up. This is in comment to Nokia’s Credit Rating which is now rated as Junk by Fitch because they are not convinced Nokia can turn things around in 18 months.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/24/us-nokia-fitch-idUSBRE83N0E220120424

Espoo, Finland – Timo Ihamuotila, Nokia’s Executive Vice President and CFO, comments on today’s unsolicited rating from Fitch:

“We are quickly taking action to position Nokia for future growth and success. Nokia will continue to increase its focus on lowering the company’s cost structure, improving cash flow and maintaining a strong financial position.”

Nokia’s financial position remains strong. As of March 31 2012, Nokia had gross cash balances of EUR 9.8 billion, and a net cash position of EUR 4.9 billion. Nokia reported its first quarter 2012 results on April 19, 2012.

http://press.nokia.com/2012/04/24/nokia-comments-on-fitchs-credit-rating-announcement/

Cheers Prasenjit Singh Bist for the tip

Skype IS coming to Nokia Lumia 610 (sub 512mb WP)

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 03:14 AM PDT

I don’t know why this was even made into such an issue in the first place, when if you just look at the Skype post, it lists various things as ‘known issue’ i.e. issues they are aware of and would eventually need to be fixed, such as long messages not appearing properly and currently needing 512mb RAM in version 1.0 of their app.

I guess the way not to confirm things, instead of reading what’s already there, is to state it’s not happening in the hopes a bigger authority will explain again. It seems to be a recurring drama in Windows Phone were there will be a story to say something is not happening and later another to say it is (which could loop back on itself again).

Engadget reports that the Lumia 610 WILL get Skype. They had problems with the early version of Skype, but is primed for use for entry level Lumias.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/skype-for-windows-phone-working-on-nokia-lumia-610/

Other known issues to be fixed:

 

Category Description and Workaround
Calling There is no visible indication if your call is placed on hold from a remote party.
Calling Some events such as an incoming phone call, alarm or low-battery notification may end your Skype call. Should this happen, please re-open the Skype for Windows Phone app and call the person back.
Calling Bluetooth headsets are not supported for Skype calling on WIndows Phone
Connectivity Skype does not work when device is connected to computer using USB cable.
Conference Calling A conference call will appear as a 1:1 call. The chat and profile views are between the Windows Phone recipient and the conference call host. To view the group chat content, navigate to the recent messages pivot and select the group conversation. To return to the call, navigate to the Skype home screen (by pressing the notification badge in the top right corner), then click on the call-in-progress indicator at the top of the screen.
Device support Your Windows Phone requires a minimum of 512MB of memory to install and use Skype.
Feature support Sending a Skype SMS and retrieving Skype voice messages are not supported on Windows Phone.
General Limitation Communications will be received only when the Skype app is in foreground.
IM Instant Messages sent to an offline Skype client will appear as successfully sent, not as “pending.”
Phonebook Only one valid phone number for each native contact will be displayed when you choose to call someone from the phonebook.
Phonebook Only valid phone numbers in native phonebook contacts will be displayed from within Skype. Valid phone numbers require a country code (e.g., +44 for the United Kingdom) to be stored as part of the phonebook’s phone number.
Video Calling Video calls to Skype for Windows Phone requier Skype 5.0 or later for Mac or Windows.
IM Very long messages may be not displayed properly in the Skype for Windows Phone.

Cheers Janne for the tip.

White Nokia Lumia 900 at AT&T online, out of Stock (Cyan too)

Posted: 24 Apr 2012 02:58 AM PDT

 

This is more of a heads up that the white Nokia Lumia 900 is at AT&T which is at the online stores.

Although Nokia have said there is such a high demand for the Nokia Lumia 900 that they are making it as fast as they can, I’m thinking this may be more of low a stock issue than higher demand. Especially for the white one as I’d expect that to be made in limited quantities.

http://www.att.com/#fbid=IK2WQRlpMZT

Cheers meh for the tip!
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