Battle of the Maps Revisited
January 24, 2010
“As in the original battle of the maps, we’ll look at five key areas: Mapping views looks at which application has the most detailed maps. Pre-loading looks at how easy it is to get mapping data to your phone before you’ll need it in the field. Discovery & search looks at how well each application helps to you find and explore locations. Sharing & Synchronising looks at how easily you can get landmarks exchanged between your phone and the cloud, and then share them with others. Navigation, as you might expect, assesses how accurately you can pinpoint your location and make your way to your destination.” Read more here:
Garmin Asus Nuvifone M10 Pre Order Starts in Taiwan, Comes with Windows Mobile 6.5.3
January 23, 2010
“Although mobile news has been hinting a Windows Mobile 6.6 showcase by Microsoft on the upcoming Mobile World Congress, Garmin Asus has started to accept customer pre-order in Taiwan for its new Garmin Asus M10. The new Nuvifone is confirmed to be using Windows Mobile 6.5.3, a new version that comes with a thinner task bar on top. Customers should expect to receive the M10 from Feb 6th next month. Garmin Asus Nuvifone M10 has an attractive price of around 450 USD. The price is also bundled with an extra battery, or a car holder to be used for GPS navigation. It also offers a 3.5-inch WVGA resolution touch screen, 5 megapixel camera, built in WiFi, GPS, bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSDHC card slot, 512MB RAM/512 MB ROM and Garmin GPS software with Taiwan map data. Check other specifications below:
- CPU: Qualcomm 7227 600MHz
- HSDPA / WCDMA / 3G 900/2100?2G 900/1800/1900
- Weight: 138 grams
- Size: 116 x 58 x 14.3 mm
- 1500 mAh battery” via slashphone.com
DOCOMO to Launch Xperia X10 in Japan
January 22, 2010
“NTT DoCoMo today unveiled its docomo Smartphone Xperia, manufactured by Sony Ericsson and known as the Xperia X10 in markets outside Japan, which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this April. Built on the open Android operating system and powered by a 1GHz CPU, the docomo Smartphone Xperia with 4.0-inch touchscreen features Mediascape, a Sony Ericsson signature application for intuitive organization of music, photos and videos. If the new infinite button is pressed while playing a song, Mediascape searches for all content related to the artist across a broad range of media, both in-phone and online, such as music, videos and information. Another signature Sony Ericsson application, Timescape, intuitively organizes communication histories with each individual and provides quick mobile access to the users favorite means of communication. When the infinite button is pressed, Timescape presents one convenient view of all interactions with an individual, such as voice, e-mail (configuration required), Twitter, Facebook and mixi, a popular social network service in Japan. The phonebook also synchronizes with postings on Twitter and Facebook. The docomo Smartphone Xperia is compatible with FOMA HIGH-SPEED, DOCOMOs HSUPA/HSDPA data-communication service for extra-fast 2.0 Mbps uplinks and 7.2 Mbps downlinks (theoretical maximums). It also is equipped for Wi-Fi, uploading videos and photos to YouTube and Picasa, and downloading applications from Android Market, allowing users to co-create an experience that is entirely unique to them. Google services such as Google search, Google Maps and Gmail are preloaded. The docomo Smartphone Xperia intelligently recognizes up to five faces from photos stored in the phonebook and automatically tags faces in photos taken with the handsets 8.1-megapixel camera. The user can make phone calls or send emails to an individual by simply touching their tag in a photo.” via slashphone.com
Continuous autofocus camcorder phone Vivaz launched by Sony Ericsson
January 22, 2010
“Sony Ericsson Vivaz, announced today, follows on from the Xperia X10 announced in November 2009, and is the second phone in the new family of communication entertainment phones coming to market in the first half of 2010. Sony Ericsson Vivaz will come to market in Q1 2010.
With Sony Ericsson Vivaz communication truly becomes entertainment with high quality HD video allowing consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features.
- Capture - record spontaneous moments and memories in HD quality and crisp high resolution for a real-life video experience. The dedicated video key allows consumers to shoot video instantly with continuous auto focus for the perfect film every time.
- View – review video content in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen
- Share - upload via Wi-Fi onto YouTube and Picasa in high resolution while still using other features on the handset
The open platform also allows users to personalise their entertainment experience by downloading great applications through PlayNow and the Symbian Developer Community.” Read more inside..
Nokia’s Ovi Maps navigation goes free
January 22, 2010
Skyfire launch v1.5 of their browser, now available for 3rd and 5th editions
January 22, 2010
“Third party web browser Skyfire has released their latest version for Symbian smartphones. Version 1.5 updates the user interface for a smoother experience both in the updated UI and in the rendering engine, as well as making its debut on 5th edition devices.
While the Windows Mobile version was updated to 1.5 and launched in December, the Symbian version has been held over until now, but carries the main benefits that current Skyfire users are aware of, such as support for javascript, Flash 10, ajax scripting and allows you to watch online media directly in the browser.
Skyfire, like Opera, is a free browser, and you can download the latest version from get.skyfire.comin Web on your phone, or the update is available in the browser if you are an existing user.
To go along with this new release, Skyfire are running a competition to win a Nokia N97. Over the next month youre invited to record an onlinevideo about why you love Skyfire and the most funny, clever entrants will receive a new Nokia N97, naturally with Skyfire pre-installed.” via allaboutsymbian.com
Real Multitasking for iPhone Coming with OS 4.0?
January 22, 2010
“While you can expect to see the new Apple Tablet to be announced next week on January 27th, latest rumor has included a possible iPhone OS 4.0 announcement as well. The iPhone OS 4.0 is said to have many graphical and user interface changes, but the most important add-on will be the official multitasking support from Apple. However, the new version will not be offered to the first generation iPhone 2G and can only applied to iPhone 3G and 3GS. Be sure to get on to SlashGear live blogging next week at http://live.slashgear.com/ for a real time coverage.” via slashphone.com
The Fairest Fight: Samsung i8910 HD vs Google Nexus One
January 22, 2010
“When launched in early 2009, the Samsung i8910 HD (a.k.a. Omnia HD in some markets) had eye-watering specifications, certainly ahead of anything else in the Symbian world and, arguably, ahead of anything in the world in general. Bit by bit the wider market is embracing the same technology though, with Google’s new Nexus One offering an almost identical specification and form factor. Which can only mean one thing: – time to get them both in-house, photographed and tested, head to head.” Read more here:
Nokia X6 review: Going up the ladder
January 22, 2010
“In the world of Nokia it’s all about evolution, rather than revolution. So don’t expect the specs on the X6 to blow your mind. The handset is the next logical step for the market leader scrambling to make up for a late start in touchscreens. To be honest, the Symbian touchscreen OS has been struggling to catch up with the standard setters in terms of user experience. And the X6 claims to have the answer: the responsiveness only a capacitive screen can bring. The Nokia X6 is also the first XpressMusic handset to head straight for the high-end. Midrange is the highest the music Finns have gone so we are interested to see how this change of approach works. Nokia have always had a strong appeal to the masses, but pleasing the selected few is undoubtedly harder.” Read more here:
Logic Pro 64-bit the talk of the NAMM music show
January 21, 2010
Last weeks update of Logic Pro to include 64-bit support is getting rave reviews at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show, according to The Loop. Music industry professionals like audio engineer CJ Vanston tout Logic Pro 9.1 as a game changer, noting that the 64-bit gauntlet has been thrown down by Apple with Logic.