Nokia S60 News and Reviews

Nokia Says "Game Over" To N-Gage Platform, Closing in 2010

Nokia has reportedly inserted their last credit into the N-Gage mobile games service, announcing plans to shut it down in 2010 and focus on promotion of titles through Ovi Store.

The service's demise marks the end of 6 years of Nokia trying to penetrate the lucrative gaming arena since the original N-Gage device in 2003.

Despite producing a more aesthetically pleasing hardware sequel in the form of the N-Gage QD, then resurrecting the brand as a software-only platform for specific handsets at the end of 2008, Nokia's service never managed to garner traction in a competitive mobile market.

The latest N-Gage blog post definitively states the future of the platform, and the form it will take:

"N-Gage games can be purchased until the end of September 2010. While the N-Gage.com site together with the N-Gage Arena and other community features will remain in operation throughout 2010, the Ovi Store will be the new central place for all the mobile games that Nokia and other publishers offer from this point forward."

A bittersweet message follows, spelling out the fate for the online portion of N-Gage games:

"Your games are safe - all your purchased N-Gage games will continue to work on your N-Gage compatible mobile device and they’re yours to keep. However, community features of the games will not be functional after 2010....We will no longer publish new games for the N-Gage platform."

The rest of the post takes the form of a big arrow pointing users in the direction of Ovi Store, a robust and fully featured app resource that is pre-installed in many Series 60 devices, and will be on S40 phones out of the box in future.

A widely proliferated application store works - ask Apple - but the splitting of the demographic with only some phones supporting the N-Gage platform was a notable problem, particularly when hugely popular ones like the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic were not among them.

Not appearing on Nokia touch phones which had no physical keys or d-pad only served to narrow the appeal of N-Gage to N- and E-series phone owners, as UK developments like the iPhone on Orange only serve to bring applications to a wider demographic.

The cannibalisation of games between N-Gage and the Ovi Store was already taking place with titles appearing in both, that's without mentioning the unnecessary confusion it brings to customers.

Ovi Store tailors content for compatible phones, meaning Nokia owners are able to see only the apps that their phone supports, with a range of music, games and productivity applications available from a single location.

The recent influx of N-Gage titles suddenly begins to make much more sense, as Nokia are presumably shifting the elite developers over to the Ovi Store before they become swayed by the lucrative charms of their competition...

N-Gage was arguably the best mobile gaming network, supporting online multiplayer, achievements, leaderboards, persistent stats, as well as downloadable content directly to devices.

The fact that Nokia managed to develop a leading online service whilst Microsoft did not even attempt to bring their Xbox Live service to Windows phones (despite numerous allusions to doing so) makes N-Gage's demise even more disappointing.

N-Gage may live on within the Ovi Store, but we will dearly miss the 'Taco phone' and all that she spawned.

Nokia N97 Update Offers Kinetic Scrolling, VoIP Support

A major update for the Nokia N97 has just been released, tightening up a bevy of features for the Symbian smart phone. Already available for download from the Nokia site, version 20.0.019 promises changes both large and small.

The big one is certain to be kinetic scrolling, bringing much needed fluency and consistency to the Nokia N97's user interface. Yes, the S60-sporting 5530 Xpressmusic saw this upgrade a good few months ago, but it is here now and the change is decidedly for the better.

The Ovi Maps 3.1 update also brings 3-D maps, more accurate positioning, and improved search functionality to an already strong service. Nokia Messaging, Ovi Store, and finally support for VoIP calls have also been added.

Tweaks under the hood include improvements in memory and battery performance, and image and video stability for the slightly underwhelming camera..

Despite cutting it fine with the imminent release of the Nokia N97 Mini and soon-to-be flagship Nokia N900, it is great to see Nokia continuing to support the Symbian platform with verve.

Hopefully this will come as good news to Jon of Tehkseven.net, who just recently voiced his concerns about the Nokia N97's lacklustre performance...

Nokia, fix my Nokia N97. A video letter.

Jon from Tehkseven.net has published a video, directed at Nokia, asking them to address the issues with the Nokia N97.

It's 4 months now since the initial launch of the N97 and there are still many issues that remain unaddressed, mainly with the firmware. 

Firmware 2.0 is due to be released... soon? but whether that actually fixes the many bugs or not is another thing.

One of the great points in the video, is requesting Nokia to pay more attention to firmware, and questioning why they are releasing a multitude of new devices, when their current "flagship" device is still not fit for the purpose in which it was bought, 4 months later.

I love Nokia, but I agree with the sentiments of the video. Nokia really need to pull their finger out and start paying extra attention to the firmware. It's a serious issue when Nokia fans lose faith and move to another brand.

Source: TehkSeven A Message to Nokia

Darla, Darla, oh Darla Mack, when are you coming back?

Dear Darla,

Ms. Jen here.  Where are you? Are you coming back?  Are you ok?

I am not really interested in writing about mobile in this space, your blog, when in fact I am quite worried about you the person.  Worried about your completely dropping off the internet, worried that you aren't responding to any inquiries through various channels, worried about your safety or health or whatever it is that caused you to decamp and depart.

If you need space and time, great, but just one of us know (like Matthew) that you are alive and breathing.  If you need help, even a little thing, there are more than a few of us who will extend a hand happily and willingly.  Please let us know.

smiles, jen ;o)

Nokia N900: Impressions From Around The Web

Pre-release models of the Nokia N900 have been landing on the desks of bloggers and analysts around the country, with first impressions and videos of the Memo-powered mobile computer beginning to filter through.

Slashgear's unboxing of the device shows off Nokia's flagship computer, with the N900's 3.5" screen and QWERTY-slider form factor given a good airing.

Ewan has a great live unboxing of the Nokia N900 of MobileDeveloper.tv, showing off the intuitive nature of the device and his positive 'unfiltered opinion'.

The accompanying post on Mobile Industry Review had Ewan blown away by the N900's prowess, with the following quote encapsulating his feelings pretty nicely:

"...let me make this early prediction: If the N900 captures sufficient attention from the mobile developer community to at least get all of the favourites (and then some) ported on to Maemo… I think this is going to be a device to be reckoned with.

It completely kicks much of the iPhone 3GS experience into touch. It makes the iPhone look like a Fisher Price ‘My First Phone’ with it’s multi-tasking brilliance."

The reason why Nokia has been reiterating that the N900 is an internet tablet rather than a phone becomes apparent, as the multitasking and user interface of the N900 begins to shine.

Further videos showing off the picture quality, and even how the N900 works with Google Wave are included, as Ewan gives a comprehensive roundup of the device.

Unwired View has taken the intensive approach, with the first part of their impressions now up after 15 hours of hardcore testing. Their feeling?

"The bottom line – I’m impressed. Very impressed. Really, really impressed."

From the initial steup sequence to organising the desktop, their run through of the N900 is equally fawning over Maemo's ability to multitask whilst looking gorgeous, as well as being quick and responsive with a resistive touch screen.

Despite being a pre-release model, the Nokia N900 is equally regarded as a mobile computer with phone features rather than a smartphone, taking particular time to comment on the impressive internet functionality.

A full Firefox browser with HTML, Flash and Javascript support, they reckon the Nokia N900 presents desktop-quality browsing on the 3.5", 800 pixel wide resolution display...with the screenshots to back it up.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows, however, with their negatives to follow.

As we wait for the official launch of the N900, it's exciting to see the positive response to Nokia's flagship device in the industry.

To focus on Maemo as the flagship platform in the face of Windows Mobile 6.5 and iPhone OS is a necessary risk, and it is good to see that it might well have paid off.

When looking at the multitasking functionality, support for S60 applications and sheer slickness of the user interface, the Nokia N900 has every chance of bringing the Finnish manufacturer shoulder to shoulder with the best.

The most exciting part? That the N900 may be a bit more of a niche device, and 'step 4 in a 5-step process' of where Nokia is going.

The promise of a mass market handset with Maemo on the way is even more encouraging for the future of Nokia, but the N900 will do just fine in the meantime.

To day I checked the Download! application in my N97. To my merry amazement there was only 1 application left in Download!: The OVI store application. I do have to say that the download application does seem a bit overkill on the N97 with both the ovi-store working quite well and the presence of the OTA Software Update application working excellent.

The default v12 N97 firmware has ovi-store version 1.00.  The download application has v1.05 in offer. Upgrading went like blast. Strange though that the OVI-store update is not shown through the OTA Software Update application. Who would ever check Download! out of anything other than curiosity. So please every one check the Download! application on your N97. Most likely the last time you ever need to check it.

I guess it will be gone with firmware 2.0.

Now that Nokia are rumoured to be placing Symbian to one side as Maemo and the N900 take centre stage, it’s up to the recently released Sony Ericsson Satio to be S60's ambassador in the smart phone game.

Liveried up as a snazzier version of Sony Ericsson’s classic user interface, the 12 megapixel-packing Satio relies on Symbian software to power the slick touch layout on a 3.5-inch near-HD display.

Despite customisation that makes the Satio feel like an entirely original effort full of home screen shortcuts to content like photos, music, messaging and Spotlight-style search, the menu page is pure S60.

The familiar grid is present and correct complete with near identical icons to Symbian stalwarts like the Samsung i8910 HD and Nokia N97, but with Sony Ericsson-exclusive features like PlayNow Arena and TrackID.

After a long wait (and a very public name change from 'Idou'), the Satio is now available in European territories and still manages to be ahead of the curve with features like a xenon and LED flash on that market leading camera, as well as the usual suite of smart phone connectivity options like Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth.

Whether the Satio will be Symbian’s swansong as a flagship platform is unknown, the ensuing performance of this luxurious high-end handset in a very competitive market is bound to be a determining factor.

As long as manufacturers are able to add their own flourishes and make a robust user experience out of Symbian’s flexible assets, we may see the plucky operating system pop up again in the future…but perhaps as a supporting actor rather than in the lead role.

Sony Ericsson Satio deals currently offer a free handset at £30 per month and above, with 400 minutes and unlimited texts on an 18 month contract.

Mobile phone comparison site Omio.com is a bit sad about how Hallowe’en has become more about the sweets and than the scares, as well as the lack of association that the holiday has with mobile phones.

Their competition asks you to take the scariest picture or make the most blood-curdling video, then send in by midnight on All Hallows’ Eve via Twitter!

Whether it be a photo of a possessed mobile or a slasher movie remake shot using your cameraphone, the more inventive your entry the better!

They note that original creations will be looked upon far more favourably, and whilst your images can be a bit gory, they should err on the side of decency regarding nudity…

The best entries will go up in the Rogues’ Gallery, with the eventual winner selected on All Hallows’ Eve at midnight on October 31st!

Follow @omiodotcom on Twitter to submit your pics, and go to the competition page for more details. So be quick, the competition runs until the end of October, and are looking to reward the most macabre of entries!

Good luck!

Whilst Symbian S60 is an admittedly robust and versatile interface for today's latest mobile phones, it has faced pressure in the face of other technologically proficient, intuitive and more visually appealing operating systems from rival manufacturers.

Thankfully, Nokia is pooling their experience in the internet tablet market to create what many see as their first truly convergent device between mobiles and desktop computer functionality - the Nokia N900.

Running on the Linux-based Maemo 5 platform, the N900 UI shares visual elements of S60 as well as those of previous tablets like the N810, but provides an entirely fresh experience.

Eldar from Mobile-Review explores exactly what we can expect from this ground-breaking OS, as well as some of the shortcomings in his exhaustive Maemo 5 review.

With word that there will be a second, QWERTY-less Maemo device from Nokia in 2010, it's good to get an insight into what we can expect, which seems to be close to desktop multitasking and functionality.

What becomes of Symbian? Well, as the world becomes more demanding from their handsets, S60 is the perfect platform for devices to offer a complete smart phone UI as well as touch support, yet remain affordable.

It may give way to Maemo on Nokia's flagship offerings in the future, but S60 will doubtlessly remain a permanent fixture on the vast majority of handsets to be released next year.

Two of the best things in the world, ever? In the same video? Mercy.

Konttori gets Super Mario World (96 levels!) on the SNES running perfectly on the Nokia N900, then it has Wiimote waggle support which beggars belief, then...well, just see for yourself.

Will the legality of an emulator stop this mod from automatically winning the Nokia PUSH N900 hacking competition? If so, that is a crying shame.

Source: Engadget

Nokia is abandoning the N97 Download! applicaton!

To day I checked the Download! application in my N97. To my merry amazement there was only 1 application left in Download!: The OVI store application. I do have to say that the download application does seem a bit overkill on the N97 with both the ovi-store working quite well and the presence of the OTA Software Update application working excellent.

The default v12 N97 firmware has ovi-store version 1.00.  The download application has v1.05 in offer. Upgrading went like blast. Strange though that the OVI-store update is not shown through the OTA Software Update application. Who would ever check Download! out of anything other than curiosity. So please every one check the Download! application on your N97. Most likely the last time you ever need to check it.

I guess it will be gone with firmware 2.0.

Sony Ericsson Satio Flies The Flag For Symbian

Now that Nokia are rumoured to be placing Symbian to one side as Maemo and the N900 take centre stage, it’s up to the recently released Sony Ericsson Satio to be S60's ambassador in the smart phone game.

Liveried up as a snazzier version of Sony Ericsson’s classic user interface, the 12 megapixel-packing Satio relies on Symbian software to power the slick touch layout on a 3.5-inch near-HD display.

Despite customisation that makes the Satio feel like an entirely original effort full of home screen shortcuts to content like photos, music, messaging and Spotlight-style search, the menu page is pure S60.

The familiar grid is present and correct complete with near identical icons to Symbian stalwarts like the Samsung i8910 HD and Nokia N97, but with Sony Ericsson-exclusive features like PlayNow Arena and TrackID.

After a long wait (and a very public name change from 'Idou'), the Satio is now available in European territories and still manages to be ahead of the curve with features like a xenon and LED flash on that market leading camera, as well as the usual suite of smart phone connectivity options like Wi-Fi, A-GPS and Bluetooth.

Whether the Satio will be Symbian’s swansong as a flagship platform is unknown, the ensuing performance of this luxurious high-end handset in a very competitive market is bound to be a determining factor.

As long as manufacturers are able to add their own flourishes and make a robust user experience out of Symbian’s flexible assets, we may see the plucky operating system pop up again in the future…but perhaps as a supporting actor rather than in the lead role.

Sony Ericsson Satio deals currently offer a free handset at £30 per month and above, with 400 minutes and unlimited texts on an 18 month contract.

Send A Scary Halloween Picture, Win A Nokia N97!

Mobile phone comparison site Omio.com is a bit sad about how Hallowe’en has become more about the sweets and than the scares, as well as the lack of association that the holiday has with mobile phones.

Their competition asks you to take the scariest picture or make the most blood-curdling video, then send in by midnight on All Hallows’ Eve via Twitter!

Whether it be a photo of a possessed mobile or a slasher movie remake shot using your cameraphone, the more inventive your entry the better!

They note that original creations will be looked upon far more favourably, and whilst your images can be a bit gory, they should err on the side of decency regarding nudity…

The best entries will go up in the Rogues’ Gallery, with the eventual winner selected on All Hallows’ Eve at midnight on October 31st!

Follow @omiodotcom on Twitter to submit your pics, and go to the competition page for more details. So be quick, the competition runs until the end of October, and are looking to reward the most macabre of entries!

Good luck!

Nokia N900: Maemo 5 OS Reviewed

Whilst Symbian S60 is an admittedly robust and versatile interface for today's latest mobile phones, it has faced pressure in the face of other technologically proficient, intuitive and more visually appealing operating systems from rival manufacturers.

Thankfully, Nokia is pooling their experience in the internet tablet market to create what many see as their first truly convergent device between mobiles and desktop computer functionality - the Nokia N900.

Running on the Linux-based Maemo 5 platform, the N900 UI shares visual elements of S60 as well as those of previous tablets like the N810, but provides an entirely fresh experience.

Eldar from Mobile-Review explores exactly what we can expect from this ground-breaking OS, as well as some of the shortcomings in his exhaustive Maemo 5 review.

With word that there will be a second, QWERTY-less Maemo device from Nokia in 2010, it's good to get an insight into what we can expect, which seems to be close to desktop multitasking and functionality.

What becomes of Symbian? Well, as the world becomes more demanding from their handsets, S60 is the perfect platform for devices to offer a complete smart phone UI as well as touch support, yet remain affordable.

It may give way to Maemo on Nokia's flagship offerings in the future, but S60 will doubtlessly remain a permanent fixture on the vast majority of handsets to be released next year.

Nokia N900 Runs SNES Emulator, Only Gets More Awesome

Two of the best things in the world, ever? In the same video? Mercy.

Konttori gets Super Mario World (96 levels!) on the SNES running perfectly on the Nokia N900, then it has Wiimote waggle support which beggars belief, then...well, just see for yourself.

Will the legality of an emulator stop this mod from automatically winning the Nokia PUSH N900 hacking competition? If so, that is a crying shame.

Source: Engadget