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Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Adds A Facebook Feed “Human Interface”

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Nokia’s first touchscreen device is certainly one for the people, and they have completely capitalised on this fact by adding an RSS-feed style update for your contacts on the Home screen of the 5800 XpressMusic.

The smartphone’s Contacts menu smacks of a social networking site, allowing a one touch method to access details of any stored names and numbers.

“We have used touch technology where it really adds value such as the Contacts Bar, Media Bar, and clever shortcuts from the home screen to menu items such as calendar, profiles and clock,” crowed Nokia’s Senior VP Jo Harlow, triumphantly. “Users can highlight up to four favorite contacts on their home screen and, through a single touch, track a digital history of recent text messages, e-mails, phone logs, photos and blog updates.”

The Nokia 5800 is a handset poised to tackle Apple’s iPhone 3G in the competitive savvy youngster market. Perhaps this kind of always connected messaging system is what the kids are into these days…

Two tin cans and some string, I was happy.

Nokia 5800 Tube Unveiled At Comes With Music Event, Has A Plectrum!

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Sure enough, the touchscreen Nokia 5800 hyped to high heaven is here, and looks pretty nice. 3.2 megapixel camera with dual LED flash, 8GB of memory, 3 inch haptic screen, plectrum, the phone certainly has it all on paper but we’ll wait and see if it still feels like a traditional Nokia…

At a bargain price of £219 upon it’s eventual launch, it is the right price to challenge certain other touchscreen music phones, but whether it has the kids excited remains to be seen.

Check out the phone in motion from this NokNok video!

Nokia CEO Tips Hat To Heavyweight Challenger, Set To Take On All Comers

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Speaking at a gathering of the big names in Silicon Valley, Nokia’s CEO acknowledged the threat posed by new competitors to their phone industry dominance, but vowed to put up a good fight in the coming months.

Nokia’s head honcho Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo realised that the introduction of businesses once rooted in the computing world have changed the focus of the mobile phone market to high-powered smartphones and online connectivity.

“Suddenly you have the mightiest companies in the world there as your competitors. That is a little mind-boggling,” Kallasuvo said, speaking of Google and Apple entering what was previously Nokia territory…and making waves.

Also Nokia have been impressed by BlackBerry makers Research in Motion making their handsets more appealing to the casual market, but have aligned with Microsoft to get Symbian compatible syncing software, thus remaining competitive in the business sector.

Apple did get a special shout-out, as the post-iPhone market has changed the requirements and desires of phone consumers forever:

“We have a new, credible competitor in this business. You know I need to take my hat off. Of course we need to be able to respond to any competitor and we will.”

Kallasuvo’s opinion of the new phone by online behemoth Google was somewhat muted, but not without a hint of recognition that the G1, and more importantly new operating system Android, as a threat: “They are a newcomer here. I think the jury is still out: What is the new thing they bring here?” Talking of the inception of Symbian architecture alongside Motorola and Ericsson, he said: “I realized that we could have made the same announcement 10 years ago.”

With the oft-rumoured 5800 Tube to be announced in mere hours alongside the iTunes-battling “Comes With Music” service, it is clear to see that Nokia can have become a bit of an industry also-ran as far as innovation is concerned, but they are far from comfortable there.

Moving into 2009, the Finnish company certainly seems to have the drive and determination to reclaim lost ground from their competitors, but you cannot shake the feeling that they would swap the hundreds of millions of handset sales for just some of the ‘cool’ that Apple has brought to the table.

Well, maybe not all those sales…

Source: Reuters

Nokia Comes With Music Launch Event - Location Revealed!

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

There I was, walking down leafy Camden on the way into work, when I saw plenty of workmen buzzing around the famous concert venue Koko…

Putting my sleuth hat on, I took a closer look and discovered a clue as to what could be going on there today…see if you can spot it:

So, there you go! It looks like the Nokia will be going ahead with the “Comes With Music” launch very soon, but will the 5800 Tube touchscreen phone be making an appearance?

More riveting pics follow!

Read the rest of this entry »

Apple Shares Take A Nosedive, Industry Follows Suit

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Not a good time to have little Timmy’s inheritance in Apple shares, as they dropped by almost 18% on Monday following shaky industry reports and Wall Street worries about the US Federal rescue plan.

The stock price is currently at $105.26, a low not seen since May 2007, and fell from $128.24 to make the steepest Apple price drop in 8 years.

As news emerged that the $700 billion rescue plan for the industry failed to pass through the House of Representatives, the stock market went into freefall as the Dow Jones lost a worst ever 800 points, and Wall Street saw the bleakest day of trading post-9/11.

The ramifications are currently being felt across the globe as well as in the tech sector, with others in the mobile industry feeling the effects deeply.

Microsoft shares fell by 8.7%, whilst Nokia and Samsung felt the ripples also. The lattermost at least have a barrage of forthcoming handsets like the Tube and the M8800 Pixon to weather the storm, but with a lack of information regarding a follow-up to the MacBook Pro and a lacklustre iPod nano announcement last week, Apple’s previously recession-proof sheen is beginning to fade.

Our bet? Apple will come up with a positive bit of spin in the coming week, either a ‘leaked’ photo or quick announcement to get back on the right track, and be fine in no time. Right?

Source: San Jose Mercury News

Nokia 5800 Tube Launches October 2nd

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Ready for more touchscreen phones? Just in the nick of time to prevent Samsung from running riot in the mass market touchy domain, Nokia will be releasing the 5800 “Tube” handset in early October, according to Pocket Lint.

The 2nd of October is the day that has been touted, as it coincides with the announcement for Nokia’s Comes With Music digital download service. What better posterchild for it than the XpressMusic enabled Tube?

It has been a long, long time coming, and some hands-on impressions have not been very complimentary, feeling the Tube does not make the most of having a touch interface…but as Nokia have stated, it is only the beginning of a new range of handsets.

More news as we get it!

Samsung M8800 ‘Bresson’ Camera Phone Leaks, 8 Megapixel Touchscreen Masterpiece

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Samsung are definitely going for the jugular in the mobile phone scene if these latest rumours are true…

Seems like Phones4U were a little overzealous in announcing a new 8 megapixel touchscreen handset, which stands to absolutely dominate the touchscreen and cameraphone domains by taking on both the Sony Ericsson C905 and the LG Renoir at the same time!

With the Samsung Tocco capturing fans for an entry level device and the Omnia dealing with high end (well, now mid-range…) desires, this M8800 Bresson would become the new flagship phone, boasting an 8 megapixel camera, 3.2 inch 16 million colour display, and a depth of only 15.5mm, slimmer than the i8510 Innov8!

This popped up without fanfare on the Phones4U site, obviously generating a whole load of chatter, and as such was popped down again soon after. The address now brings up a big ‘404,’ but proves there was once something in it’s place…

The name also rings true for a high-calibre snapper like the M8800, presumably named after Henri Cartier-Bresson who was an amazing french photographer who pioneered documentary-style candid photography.

With the handset rumoured to be out as soon as late October, the Nokia strategy of flooding the streets with lovely touchscreen phones has already been accomplished by Samsung before the 5800 Tube is even out. Samsung won’t have to settle for number two much longer if this success continues…

Source: Trusted Reviews

Nokia Tube To Be Released This Year?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Nokia’s ‘Tube’ phone could actually appear in 2008, as the company’s intentions for the future were mentioned by a senior exec.

Dev Kishore is the marketing director for Nokia in India, and revealed much when speaking of their current situation: “We have been working on the Series 60 platform for touchscreen user interface, and a mobile device is expected to be launched by year end.”

Even though he was very careful in naming no names, the Nokia 5800 has been seen around town for many months now and is widely expected to the Finnish company’s keypad-less assault on the industry. Despite the excitement surrounding the phone, some have been underwhelmed by the very familiar look and feel of the interface. It seems very much like Nokia business as usual, which is a tad disappointing given how the iPhone and TouchFLO have revolutionised navigation.

What do you think? Could the Tube bring something new or is it too little too late for Nokia to muscle in on the touch party? Let us know in the forums!

From Leader To Follower : Nokia Recognises The Game Has Changed

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

Nokia’s Head of Development Aki Jarvilehto chose this morning’s opening keynote of the game maker’s conference Develop to address the future of mobile gaming, as well as their part in it.

Predicting a €4.2 billion market by 2011, he discussed the presence of new games driven by high production values and ‘disruptive technology’ such as accelerometers, touchscreens, and GPS in particular. He also spoke at length of the frustration that developers faced programming for a range of handsets, and the improvements a more standardised format could offer. Remind you of any phone?

Despite this veiled admission at the iPhone’s overnight dominance in the mobile gaming sector, he also was prepared to reveal his intentions for the future of the format including key target demographics, innovative concepts and even forthcoming titles.

The exciting development was that some of these were cross-platform, meaning a shift to developing for other phones than their own, in an effort to break down the strong position Apple currently enjoys. He also proposed intriguing concepts such as the phone being a surrogate console in emerging markets, with TV-Out allowing it to be hooked up to provide a gaming experience good enough for the big screen.

Also, the admittance of a spec standardisation substantiates with the rumours of the Nokia Tube becoming an entire range spanning the market as opposed to a single model. “Nokia is going to support at all prices points”, he said, adding that the same is true of accelerometers, possibly even magnetometers, and cross-platform functions “which will be shipping in most of our devices”.

However, Aki saw GPS as the paradigm shift in mobile games, taking the portable nature of a handset and imbuing the essence of a game’s functionality in this feature: “We’re looking into concepts that generate content from the city maps we have available. We’re finding ways of making gameplay relevant,” he said, saying such data could be used in a racing game, for instance, to drive a player’s emotional involvement in their game. “This will be one of the game changing things moving forward.”

Exciting times.

Source : Develop

Nokia Tube Makes Dark Knight Cameo?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (461)

It seems like the new Nokia touchscreen handset isn’t afraid of the limelight, with a major role in the newest film in the Batman franchise, the Dark Knight.

In one scene, Lucius Fox (played by Morgan Freeman) uses what looks like the Nokia 5800 Tube to perform all manner of cool surveillance-related things, unfortunately the majority of those functions will be confined to the big screen. Don’t want to release any spoilers ahead of release, but suffice to say it looks pretty amazing!

These grainy images from Cellular show the Tube in yet another scene, as we are pretty sure those aren’t Morgan’s dainty fingers…

As for a release date of the real thing, Nokia are definitely planning their assault on the tactile screen market for 2008, so expect some further news regarding this in the coming months. Very exciting gadget news nonetheless, and judging by the rave reviews and No.1 status on IMDB, looks like the movie isn’t too bad either.