New N73, N70 & N93 internet editions

This was mentioned in some press stories yesterday but wasn't really picked up much. It seems Nokia are going to release further variants of the N70, N73 and N93. We've had the music editions, now it seems there are going to be internet editions too. The multimedia key, which on the music editions allows one touch access to the music player (which once opened is an absolute pig to close down) will offer one touch access to the internet on the internet edition phones

Nokia will also pre-load the internet edition phones with Live messenger and Yahoo Search.

Whilst this is all well and good, I don't understand why the differentiation needs to be made between particular services. I'd like to have my N73, with full internet service integration, and the decent music player. Is that too much to ask?

I'm reading: New N73, N70 & N93 internet editions

Gizmo VoIP Service on the N80ie

Details announced today, from the Nokia World Conference. All sounds great. But how big is VoIP really gonna be? I don't know anyone who uses VoIP. I get more than enough calling minutes from my network, the only time I would personally use VoIP is for cheaper international calls.

Detail on the announcement below:

Nokia today announced that users of the Nokia N80 Internet Edition will have easy access to low-cost calls over the Internet with SIPphone's Gizmo Voice over IP (VoIP) services. The Nokia N80 Internet Edition is optimized for SIP-based Internet calls, and now Nokia and SIPphone have worked together to create an easy way to configure and make calls using Gizmo VoIP directly from your multimedia computer.

"Mobilizing the Internet is a key focus for Nokia and I'm excited to see how a multimedia computer like the Nokia N80 Internet Edition can provide people with the convenience of Internet calling," said Ralph Eric Kunz, Vice President, Multimedia, at Nokia. "Our collaboration with SIPphone makes Internet calling easy, plus our open VoIP platform allows for any SIP-based VoIP provider to incorporate their services in our device architecture, giving consumers the best of the Internet world."

Nokia N80 Internet Edition users download the free Gizmo VoIP settings from the Download! folder in their device, automatically beginning the installation process. During installation, users go through a simple two-step process for creating a free account that they'll use to make Internet calls. Other capabilities, such as customizing voicemail greetings, purchasing Gizmo Call Out credit for dialing landlines and mobile devices and managing Gizmo account settings are available by using the Nokia N80 Internet Edition to browse the www.gizmovoip.com web site.

"Collaborating with Nokia has allowed our development teams to create a compelling VoIP experience on the N80 Internet Edition and instantly enable millions of mobile consumers around the world to save money," said Michael Robertson, Chairman and CEO of SIPphone. "Ease of configuration and intuitive everyday use options make this Internet calling service unique in the mobile VoIP space."

Making an Internet call with the Nokia N80 Internet Edition is as easy as making a regular voice call, only the call is carried through wireless LAN, saving money and conserving cellular airtime minutes in the process. The VoIP framework, based on the SIP-protocol, is integrated into the Nokia user interface, so downloading the GIZMO VoIP settings is simple. Furthermore, the open S60 platform on the Nokia N80 Internet Edition is optimized for downloading compatible third party Internet call applications.

I'm reading: Gizmo VoIP Service on the N80ie

Orb streaming working on the N73

I like the PC access services, Orb and Avvenu. Orb is going to be one of the new services available in the X Series from Three and is going to be an additional service available on the N80ie.

Orb has a new version, now Orb 2.0 This version gives a nicer phone interface than before. With Avvenu, you still get the standard web page login. The benefit of Avvenu, for me, is the ability to download files from the PC to your phone. Orb is for streaming. The advantage of Avvenu occurred just last night. I had purchased a tune online, and wanted to put it on my phone, but I forgot to transfer it. No problem, I just logged in via the website, accessed my PC desktop and downloaded the tune to my phone. Simple as.

I've always had problems getting connections with Orb. Not reliable a all. Just once I have managed to stream a video. All other times I've had all manner of problems. So I've mainly used it for viewing pictures and other items on my PC. Finally, I've found the solution to the streaming problem. Simply, I needed to change the configuration in the Orb settings on my PC. Instead of using the default port 554, I changed it to 555 and now Orb streams onto my phone. Screenshots below:

I'm reading: Orb streaming working on the N73

Nokia announce some new phones

No new N Series, but one of them is a S60 handset. We'll start with that first:

Nokia 6290
Nokia 6290 Smartphone - advanced technology made simple
The Nokia 6290 smartphone combines the collective power of S60 3rd Edition and 3G in an easy-to-use, attractively designed package. It supports a number of practical new features, multiple alarms and handy Quick Cover access keys which enable instant access to a wide range of the device's useful features, including an interactive world travel application.


Nokia 6300
Nokia 6300 - Clean styling, compact size
The Nokia 6300 is a mid-range model that represents an evolution of the modern monoblock design. Less than 13.1mm thin, the slim Nokia 6300 has a stainless steel frame that adds both design interest and strength. In addition to its organic curves and appealing design, the Nokia 6300 offers a robust range of easy-to-use features.

Nokia 6086
Nokia 6086 Cameraphone - Compelling feature set, seamless connectivity
The Nokia 6086 allows consumers to stay in touch - in any environment. This quad-band GSM and UMA-enabled cameraphone hides its sophisticated circuitry in a classic design with a large keypad and intuitive user menu.









Nokia 2626
Nokia 2626 - Tune into style
The Nokia 2626 is a colorful mobile phone designed for style-conscious consumers in emerging markets. The Nokia 2626 will be available in a range of bold colors, such as Fiery Red and Spatial Blue, and includes an FM radio for music on the go.

I'm reading: Nokia announce some new phones

Nokia podcasting app updated

blogs.S60.com report that the Nokia podcasting app has been updated. Full details and a link for download here.

I've had problems with the app in the past but after a re-install and some other changes, all seems to be fine now.

I'm reading: Nokia podcasting app updated

COTM 55

The latest edition of the Carnival of the Mobilist can be found here. As ever the carnival has some very interesting articles to go through.

Next week the carnival arrives at Mopocket.

I'm reading: COTM 55

Nokia World

On the 29th and 30th November the Nokia World event (Formerly known as the Nokia Mobility Conference) is being held in Amsterdam.

The agenda is here, details of the Expo here & you can create a personal page here. This allows you to store items of interest from the event. Once registered you'll be sent a link to your phone with a personal login to allow you to access content from your phone.

I'm looking forward to any new kit Nokia may announce at the event. There have already been rumours surrounding new enterprise handsets that may be unveiled (see here) My next handset is already planned to be the N95. Lets see if Nokia have anything up there sleeves that will make me change my mind.

I'm reading: Nokia World