I've been using a Nokia N95-1 off and on for the last 7 months and even though it may not be perfect, it is one amazing device that I keep going back to after trying something new. I just read on All About Symbian that the anticipated firmware update is now available for this device. IMHO, the most significant feature is demand paging due to the limited amount of RAM on the N95-1.
In just over a month, you will not be able to use your cellphone in your automobile in Washington State without some kind of hands-free solution. Hands-free laws are in place now or coming soon to many other states and areas of the world so now is a good time to take a look at some of the solutions available to you besides the standard wired hands-free kit included with your cellphone purchase.I had the opportunity to personally evaluate the Etymotic hf2 wired iPhone stereo headphones, Etymotic EtyBlu Bluetooth headset, Aliph Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset, Nokia BH-903 Bluetooth stereo headphones, and Spracht Bluetooth speakephone. They all have their strengths and weaknesses and it really comes down to your own personal preference when selecting a hands-free kit that fits your specific needs. However, I did find a new personal favorite in the bunch that I plan to use myself now that I can no longer just hold my phone to my head and drive.
The Nokia N78 is starting to become available and I had the chance to try the European 3G model. A North American version with support for U.S. 3G networks should be coming soon. The N78 includes WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, S60 Feature Pack 2, FM transmitter, and more in a slim form factor.
It looks like Kevin Tofel may have stumbled upon some good news for Nokia S60 fans after seeing a strange image in his Google ads. It seems that there is a viral campaign for the Nokia N81 that leads us to believe we will see an August 29th launch date for this Nokia N91 successor. I actually still use the Nokia N91 to listen to my Yahoo! Music subscription while working in the yard and getting fit. A couple months ago Engadget posted some photos originally found (and then removed) from the Symbian Guru site that detail the N81 slider smartphone.
Nokia announced a new enterprise focused smartphone today, the Nokia E51, that joins the E90, E61i, and E65 devices. The Nokia E51 looks like an update for the E50 device as it offers users a slim and stylish design for the business professional. The E51 includes integrated Bluetooth 2.0 and WiFi (for VoIP calling), a 2 megapixel camera, HSDPA, 130 MB of user accessible storage along with a microSD card slot, and S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1. It also includes software for the enterprise user, including the Nokia Office Tools 2.0 that includes Nokia Team Suite, In-device Search, Quickoffice, Macromedia PDF reader, Zip manager, File manager, and Active Notes.
Nokia World 2007 is taking place in Amsterdam this week and press releases are rolling out announcing new products, services, and more. A couple of the most notable recent announcements concern the Nokia acquisition of Avvenu, the launching of the Nokia Internet Radio service, unveiling of the Nokia subscription music service, and more.
Nokia's first Ovi branded services product was launched at Mobile World Congress 2008 and is now available for you to use for free. Twango was purchased by Nokia last year and the new Share on Ovi is the much improved version of Twango. You will actually still see some Twango branding on parts of the site as Nokia works to integrate the service. There are several other services that will be branded under the Ovi name, including N-Gage, Nokia Music, and Nokia Maps.
One wireless radio that is included on many Nokia S60 devices that I think rarely gets used is the FM radio. I know I rarely use it since it also requires a wired headset to serve as the FM antenna. As a result, I was very pleased to see the beta release of the Nokia Internet Radio application a week or so ago. I immediately downloaded and installed it on my Nokia N95-1 to give it a try and was very impressed with the slick interface, performance even over my T-Mobile EDGE connection, and ability to play the radio over the loud stereo speakers on the device.
I thoroughly enjoy using my Nokia N95 and with the latest firmware it is a solid device that I highly recommend people consider. One of the features that a Star Wars fan like me was thrilled to discover was the N95 integrated accelerometer along with the Lightsabre application. I have had lots of fun swinging my N95 around in fake Jedi/Sith battles. There has been talk of getting iPhone-like auto screen rotation on the N95 and it looks like Samir has made the free utility available on his site.
I just received some wonderful news from Dave Zatz of Sling Media that I have been patiently waiting for, ok rather inpatiently, for a few months. They are looking for beta testers for an initially private beta period to test out the S60 version of SlingPlayer Mobile. If you have a S60 device, I higher encourage you to visit and submit your application for the beta. Luckily, I am getting a chance to get a sneak peek at the beta and plan to try it out on a Nokia N95 (will have to check out the TV-out functionality for road trips in hotel rooms) and Nokia N93 (could be great in landscape mode) and plan to primarily test it out with WiFi. Now when that U.S.-capable 3G Nokia N95 becomes available you will be able to watch video content on the go without a WiFi access point.