My Nokia Blog

Windows Phone 7.8 Roundup; What to Expect
App Alert: Mirror’s Edge Free for Lumia Devices
Video: Here Maps for iOS Vs. WP/Lumia 900
Nokia Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 Hands-on/Launch Event in Sydney #LumiaLounge
Nokia releases HERE Maps for iOS
Video: Speed and Screen test, Nokia Lumia 920 vs Samsung Galaxy SIII (Lumia wins)
Video: Delicious Cyan Nokia Lumia 920 review (+Lisa/MTR’s 920 review)
SlashGear’s Nokia Lumia 822 Review (Verizon) “as perfect a combination of hardware and software as you’re going to see on the market today “

Windows Phone 7.8 Roundup; What to Expect

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 12:56 PM PST

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the upcoming (hopefully soon- seeing how it’s been released to RTM) WP 7.8 update for the first Generation of Lumias, so this is just a quick post clarifying some things.

Who Will Get it?

Everyone! All Wp 7.0/7.5 device will be update to 7.8; for Nokia this means the Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 and any other low end 7.5 devices that might come in the future.

When Will we Get it?

No body really knows for sure, the latest rumors are that WP7.8 has been finished by MSFT and has been delivered to OEM’s for Final tweakings and changes; the most likely release date according to multiple rumors is Late December-Early January.

What’s Coming?

This part is a little tricky so let’s split it into what’s confirmed and what’s rumored.

Confirmed:

New Start screen, to match WP8.
Ringtone maker app
Contact Share via Bluetooth- Lumia exclusive
Media transfer Via Bluetooth- Lumia exclusive. (details are unconfirmed, possibly receive/Send only)
Cinemagraph and Smartshoot - Lumia exclusives
Rooms Feature
Xbox Music
Calendar Sharing?

*Note the last 3 are Semi-confirmed having been posted by Microsoft Italy on Facebook, but you can’t always depend on what regional Facebok pages say.

Rumored:

Lenses Feature
Increased number of system/theme colors (20 total)
Customizable Lock screen (Choose which apps notify you on lock screen) OR Live lock-screen wallpapers.
IE9 (not IE10 like WP8) with enhanced features
WiFi fix to stay on when screen is locked. (tweeted by Joe Belifore a couple of days ago)

Will This be The Last WP 7.X Update?

Probably not, a recently leaked internal Nokia slide promises continued updates past WP 7.8, with 18 months of additional support.

All in All WP 7.8 is shaping up to be a pretty decent update; and I’m sure there are a couple more features we haven’t heard/seen yet (hopefully some gallery fixes are included). As far as being “left behind” for early adopters it doesn’t seem like that’s going to be an issue, seeing how most of the SOFTWARE features of WP8 should be coming to WP 7.8.

Now let us have it please.

App Alert: Mirror’s Edge Free for Lumia Devices

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 10:21 AM PST

Nokia Exlcusive app developed in partnership with EA games, “Mirror’s Edge” is currently free for Lumia devices. Previously the app was priced at $2.99 so get it while you can.

And check out our Video Review of the game down below:

Direct Link: http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=b07473fc-585f-4a3d-b4b8-5be5237c0a9b

QRCode

Thanks for the tip Ravo

Video: Here Maps for iOS Vs. WP/Lumia 900

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 10:09 AM PST

Here’s a brief look at Here/Nokia maps on iOS vs. the “optimal Mapping experience” on WP:

As a quick recap the main advantages of a WP/Lumia device (WP8) are:

Maps are loaded on the devices themselves, accessible by all apps; leading to smoother loadings and data savings
iOS/Android only have turn by turn navigation for Walk.
City lens

itunes download link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/here-maps/id577430143?mt=8

Nokia Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 Hands-on/Launch Event in Sydney #LumiaLounge

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 05:54 AM PST

Just got back from Nokia Australia’s “Lumia Lounge”. It is what they have been calling the last few Lumia device launches. It was the first time I got to see the stunning WP8 hardware, and they did not disappoint. Also on show were Purity Pro Wireless Headphones, JBL Play Up and Power Up speakers, as well the Fatboy Pillows and Wireless Charging plates.

Lumia 820

First up is the Lumia 820, Nokia’s latest higher mid-range device. This 4.3″ phone sports an 8 megapixel Carl Zeiss rear camera, capable of capturing 1080p video at 30 fps. It has dual LED to help light up some dark environments. Sadly, it doesn’t have the amazing low-light camera as its big brother, but still decent for its target market.

The interchangeable case on the Lumia 820 is quite awesome. I didn’t expect it to feel so premium. It is easy enough to change them, but not in a way that they will come off on their own. The colour choice for the cases is a nice feature in itself, boasting Red, White, Cyan, Purple, White, Black and Yellow. The rugged cases will be coming in (at least) Yellow and Green, with the wireless cases definitely available in Red, Cyan and Yellow.

Just because it isn’t the Lumia 920, didn’t mean the Lumia 820 wasn’t privileged to reap many benefits of Windows Phone 8. Cinemagraph has to be hands down my favourite Lens. You simply shoot a moving scene, and select the component you wish to have movement. Cannot wait to try this out in an everyday situation. (Just tested with people waving, and saw a demo of a beach where the flags and waves moved).

The Lumia 820 has a RRP of AUD$649, and will be coming to Australia on Optus and Vodafone next week. (Excited to be able to get my hands on one when I upgrade my Vodafone contract )

Lumia 920

The Lumia 920 is Nokia’s flagship. As such, you expect a top of the range experience, and it is exactly what you get. It has a great 4.5″ screen, which is super clear, and has no noticeable screen blur when scrolling, thanks to its PureMotion HD+ screen. I didn’t get to test the Super Sensitive feature unfortunately.

The latest evolution of the Fabula design, with its curved back, fits comfortably in hand. It is a more solid device but it is in NO WAY a “heavy” device. Sure compared to some it is heavier. In saying that, most people with lighter devices have a case because it is fragile, which makes it heavier than the Lumia 920 anyway.

The PureView Phase 2 camera is definitely a show stopper. Compared to a DSLR, the Lumia 920 definitely shined. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to email myself the samples I took, hopefully when a review unit comes, I will have some great comparisons. No flash was used at all, but yet, you can see in the image above, the Power Up speaker is practically lit up, and appears dark (well doesn’t really seem visible to be honest) from the DSLR. Such a drastic difference.

I got a chance to use the camera outside, admittedly it was dusk, so not quite sure how it is in full daylight, but the images that came out were stunning. The Lumia 920 definitely held its own compared to the DSLR. Like the Lumia 820, cinemagraph was a talking point at the event. Wireless charging definitely feels natural with the Lumia 920, especially with the bold coloured charging pads, Fatboy Pillows and Power Up speaker. Check out our “Ferrari Red” overload pic below.

The Lumia 920 comes in Yellow, Red, White, Black and Grey (Retail only) in Australia. Telstra and Harvey Norman will have stock from the 27th, with an RRP of AUD$829.

In the retail package of both devices, you get the Wall Charger, USB/Charging cable, Heaphones (matching the colour of the device), the device itself, and product information.

Accessories

Along with the two phones, the Purity Pros, JBL Play Up and Power Up Speakers, and wireless charging pads (along with the Fatboy Pillows) were on display. I really took a liking to the colours of everything, made it so much more fun to look at. Sadly no word on pricing, with availability mentioned as being late 2012/early 2013.

The NFC-enabled JBL Play Up (Play 360 2.0) look a lot better in person than their predecessor, yet they lack the ability to pair with another speaker, to give stereo sound. A feature that I loved with the Play 360. Something cool about these speakers, is located on the underside of the device. Not only does it house the battery, but it also contains a 3.5mm audio cable, that winds around the base, so you can connect your non NFC (or non compatible NFC) device.

Next up is the JBL Power Up, another NFC-enabled speaker, which sports the ability to wirelessly charge your new Lumia. It has some funky lights on the top that tell you where to place your device, as well as touch buttons for Play/Pause, FF, Rewind etc. Again, a funky looking accessory Nokia is offering.

I’ve been a fan of the Purity Over Ear headphones since launch. Sadly I never got my hands on a pair. The latest version touts wireless listening of your music (or wired if you have no battery or prefer a cable). Like the previous accessories, it is NFC-enabled, which disconnects from your device when you close in the ear pieces.

Lastly in the most innovative part of the new Lumias, the wireless charging pads and Fatboy pillows. The pillows simply go over the charging pads, and protect your phone from being scratched by the charger. We tested out the range of the charging pads, and I was pretty impressed. At the distance we managed to test (holding it above the pad about a finger spacing, then also with relatively thick napkins) the Lumia 920 was still indicating it was being charged. I don’t see reason to believe that anyone who uses a case will need to remove it to charge their phone.

All in all it was a really fun night, and a great chance to get some experience with the devices and network with Nokia staff and other bloggers. Really excited for next week.

Take a look at the gallery of images from the event below.

Shout out to @mjjagpal for his amazing photography throughout the event, and to the PR team for inviting me along!

Nokia releases HERE Maps for iOS

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 02:25 AM PST

Quick post. Nokia (or should I say HERE) have release HERE Maps for iOS. The iTunes store description is as follows:

HERE Maps helps you feel like a local anywhere you go. See where you are, search and discover nearby places, and get a feel for the place. Collect places to remember or for later discovery. Explore new destinations and know instantly how to get there on foot, by car or on public transport. HERE Maps is based on the world-class NAVTEQ mapping data used in 90% of in-car navigation systems in the world.

Features:
• Map views – Pick the map you need from map view, live traffic view, public transport line view or satellite view
• Save map areas & wander without data coverage

• In selected countries, access community maps created and updated by users
• Maps, search and place coverage for nearly 200 countries

• Search with history and suggestions
• Share places with just a tap, including the location and how to get there, over SMS, email, or social networks

• Organize places you love into Collections
• Sign in to HERE Maps with your Nokia Account or Facebook login
• Sync with Here.net – Access your Collections anywhere

• Step-by-Step voice-guided walk navigation
• Walk navigation through pedestrian routes, parks, alleyways, and more
• Public transportation and driving directions

Glad to see that HERE maps is already out on iOS. Finally those who have updated to iOS 6 can have a great maps app :p

Source: iTunes Store

Thanks for the tip Francesco!

Video: Speed and Screen test, Nokia Lumia 920 vs Samsung Galaxy SIII (Lumia wins)

Posted: 20 Nov 2012 12:59 AM PST

In this next video, the Nokia Lumia 920 is compared with the SGSIII in terms of speed. I’ve not played with the SGSIII for long but I already noticed that some operations take a lot longer than they should (for a quadcore powered device). Lumia seems to be more responsive?