Nokia N900 video shows off 3D gaming, YouTube shenanigans, and more
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 9th 2009 11:31AM
posted October 9th 2009 11:31AM
Not satisfied with a video of the Nokia N900's browser, an in-depth look at its Maemo 5 operation system, or even a glimpse of it playing the odd SNES game? Then fear not, 'cause the device is on the scene at the now-happening Maemo Summit, and it's thankfully been caught on video once again for those not lucky enough to be in attendance. Highlights this time around include a look at the device's 3D gaming capabilities (demoed with a Marble Madness-type game called Bounce Evolution), and a demonstration of the device not only playing YouTube videos in a browser, but within a thumbnail in the Maemo interface -- not exactly the most practical thing in the world, but it sure is impressive on a mobile device. Head on past the break to see the whole thing for yourself.
[Thanks, Welly]
[Thanks, Welly]
@Truth
We Euros don't hate American, in fact we rather like them especially when they're called 'Megan Fox' or 'Jennifer Love Hewitt'. It's aresholes like you we don't like.
I hope that's cleared things up.
@Truth
Are you some kind of moron? Or maybe you don't know numbers, can't count and/or read? It's pretty obvious that N900 is much cheaper than iPhone. About that dockability, who cares. Proper systems should use real standards like streaming over bluetooth or input via 3.5mm audio cable. You also fail to realize that this has built in FM transmitter.
@N900
Wow, that was a pretty emotional response. Let's take the nationalism off the table. Let's say Apple is a Finnish company. Nokia's market share is residual and sinking. I'm not saying they can't turn things around, but feature phones are moving into the category that basic phones used to occupy, and smart phones are the future standard. Nokia has a large market share in smart phones because they had the best thing out there prior to Android and iPhone OS. While I think they can turn things around, without a clear, unified, and focused OS strategy, they are going to be eaten alive by Android and iPhone. The PLATFORM is going to be what matters, just as is does in the PC world, and Nokia has not produced very good platforms to date. Apple has the arguably best PC platform out there and have managed to successfully port it to a mobile device, along with so many tools that they have been developing at NeXT and Apple for 20 years. Nokia has a major challenge to overcome. Let's see what they do. Like I said, I don't count them out as a player in the platform wars - just look what they have done with the Ozone browser.
I quoted that comment, but I understand your point. I do believe that Nokia will eventually turn things around (for the US), but right now everyone appeals to the iPhone, so that ain't happening soon.
What bugs me is that you got people like Truth, with short-sided comments like "A $750 phone that can't be docked!!!
How sad,,,,nokia just doesn't get it. ". A phone, doesn't need to be docked to be awesome. Whoever thinks that IMHO is a dumb ass.
However, Apple just dominates the OS platform because of simplicity and appeal, so Nokia needs to get this phone out..like NOW.
And plus, I've explained to him (countless times) that the phone isn't $749, but it goes over his head like a field goal. This is what I get for contesting trolls? At least I'm conversing with someone sensible..
"Apple has the arguably best PC platform out there"
I guess best platform doesn't necessarily rhyme with marketshare because Windows still captures close to 90% of the market.
Don't under-estimate openess and choices. When it comes to apps-driven devices, these aspects are very important. Apple (mobile and PC) is lacking in both aspects. Apple's model of closed platform and lack of choice in terms of devices cannot possibly accomodate a dominating marketshare (the iPod is another story -- it was "dumb" media player so user needs and expectations were much less varied and complexe than with app-driven devices).
I think in the long term, iPhone OS, Android and Maemo will all co-exist with each having a significant global marketshare, with no clear domination. I'm just glad that Maemo exists because it will be my platform of choice -- I don't really care whether it's dominating or not.
Nokia's market share is residual and sinking?
By 'sinking' do you mean 'sold more than three million smartphones than the same quarter last year'? That figure being more than all of the iPhones sold outwith the US which, as we know, Nokia doesn't have a meaningful presence in.
Don't confuse an expanding market with a company shrinking sales volume.
Nokia hate to burst your bubble.
Read on
Survey: 22% of U.S. teens want an iPhone; 15% already own one
do u really feel the future of America will choose a $750 nokia. ?
Nokia figure out a way to drop n sell this to $49, then we can talk.
What the hell? Never wil I get a phone just because a survey said teens like it. I already pre-ordered this bitch for $593 on amazon and I getting T-Mo for it. AT&T is balls where I live so if they could of improved their coverage, I'd be strolling out of there with 2 iPhones. Lol, too late.
This is an UNLOCKED phone WITHOUT contract, that's why it's so much. And where do you see $750. It's $582 at amazon. Even the g1, mytouch is $400 without contract (but not unlocked).
Let me start off by saying my first phone was a nokia in 1995. I've owned 8 nokia recently n85, express.,etc So I solely base my opinions on actual use n ownership. My judgement is not clouded by any loyalty to a specific country brand or race. By the way I hate apple n only own 1 apple device iphone3g $49. I have Zero loyalty to any brand. I only have loyalty to 1 thing , that is innovation revolutionary cutting edge ballsy devices.
Ok, I'm gonna try and dispell this already.
"Wow. So now I'm an ahole and an arrogant American because I chose to pay $49 fir iPhone 3g over a $750 nokia?"
You're not an a-hole, but you're pretty misinformed..for 2 reasons:
1. You continue (hilariously) to believe the phone is $750.
2. Comments like this "Who in the heck gonna buy this $750!!!???
When Americans can get iphone3 g for $49." mean you haven't realized what the point is.
Don't you understand what subsidization is? I thought I explained it to you but you come back in spades with even more nonsense. So I went to the AT&T website. The iPhone 3G refurbished is $49.99, right? Ok. So you are right and this is true. Also, this phone requires a $30 a month data plan as they claim it's required as a 2-yr-contract, or the life of your iPhone so to speak. Not to mention if you want, you can pick (because minutes AND text aren't included in said data plan) rollover and messaging plans. After that is the $36.00 activation fee (though I'm being biased about that because it's standard for most carriers). I picked the Nation 450 w/ rollover minutes, the required Data Plan, and the iPhone messaging 500 text plan. So all in all I pay $51.94 up-front for the phone with 1-2 day shipping, and monthly, I pay $74.99, with the activation fee included on my first bill. Now, take the standard $74.99 plan and multiply by whatever months you'll have it for. In the end, ask me how much cheaper is the phone over the N900. Granted you'll be paying per month which is cheaper than an up-front unlock phone, but you don't understand that most people do not want to go this way. Most people want to buy an unlocked phone and then use PREPAID because hell, they already have Wi-fi available, and they don't want to get shafted by monthly plans, regardless of if the service is better any other carrier.
I don't really care about loyalty and my history with product, even if my username hilariously (and ironically) proves otherwise. I want what's best for my interests, and I can see you do too. I'm just trying to give you mine, and others perspective on this matter.
How am I gonna get wifi in my car or at work or at a restaurant grocery store. Let me guess u dont live in America right?
If your not American that explains everything.
How am I gonna get wifi in my car or at work or at a restaurant grocery store. Let me guess u dont live in America right?
If your not American that explains everything.
OK I'll bite, what do you need a data connection for at a restaurant, grocery store (I can half forgive this one for price matching )or in your car?
Also many pay as yoy go plans can be linked to data plans if you want 2g/3g connections if you really want it.
That's real classy, Truth. Way to make Americans look like elitist jerks.
Not everyone wants or needs 3G every waking hour of their life. For those that don't, most of the developed world provides options. People buy phones, and pick up sims at the local convenience store. They can buy time on whichever carrier is cheapest where they are, for their usage. In the US, carriers have gone out of their way to lock people into high-priced extended contracts. They have been so successful that not only do we pay more for what we get, but alternative options are very limited.
All of that is why the iPhone is seen to be "cheap" by Americans: they have been brainwashed into believing that $60+ a month for cell phone privileges is normal, and don't blink at it. And don't realise they are paying just as much for that iPhone as people anywhere else are or will be--they're just doing it over two years of contract.
truth I live in the US I pay less, still get 3g, am on the same network as you, can turn my phone into a hotspot, dont get told what I can install, and have the forethought not to use my data while I drive
Well, thanks for missing the point, and saying I don't like in America (that one was funny). When I said "they already have Wi-fi availible", what did you think I meant. "Wi-fi wherever you go"? Ok, so I googled the word Availibility.
"Availability - Simply put, availability is the proportion of time a system is in a functioning condition.
Note 1: The conditions determining operability and committability must be specified."
Meaning, wherever you are that Wi-fi is, you can connect and then go nuts. This corresponds with my other sentence "and they don't want to get shafted by monthly plans, regardless of if the service is better any other carrier." meaning that some people want 3G or 2G (doesn't matter) speeds wherever, and others don't. You are the "some", and an agreeing bunch, are the "others" so I guess it makes sense you would utter such a short-sighted comment.
N900....I bet you've been having a nerg-gasm waiting for this article
Wow. I simply stated nokia cell can't be docked which is true.
N now I'm being hated. Amazing.
who needs a dock when your charger is a micro-usb standard, and you have a 3.5? oh not to mention the n900 has a fm transmitter built in. girlfriends car? friends car? someones house who has a stereo? yea I can play through them wirelessly.
You can go ahead and build a dock for itself if you really that hardly want it (3.5 mm and microUSB is not hidden, exposed for your free use) and it won't say "unsupported hardware" when you plug to successors of N900, unlike Crapple products.
Seriously..... the Iphone is a mediocrity. Seeing how much garbage Crapple produces it won't surprise me that they are somehow cheating the game to claim more profits.
In my opinion I believe Apple buys back its own products just to report better sales and make false ,but verifiable statisics.
That way their stock can go up and then sell to get money.
How else would Apple be able to claim that more then 10 people own it.
Stop the fighting!
Go get an HTC HD2 instead.
So nokia fanboys r suggesting for me to buy $650 nokia n sell my $49 iPhone.
N to limit myself to using these features while I'm at home or unsecured wifi spot.
So for $30 month data plan I would miss out on live traffic gps directions weather unlimited full HTML browsing my 7 email accounts b of a banking transactions condition of what little stock I have left no eBay amazon craiglisting no live MLB games go angels dodgers b knees by the way!! I wouldn't be able to email or mms video recent miraculous recover if my wifes yorshire terrier from vet office. Wouldn't b able to look up google searches while were waiting 35 minutes at cheesecake factory last night. Wouldnt be able to reroute to dodgers game last Saturday nite. No browsing emailing whil at concert last month no Internet during 4 hour driveto Vegas next week. No YouTube facebooking myspacing aol hotmail yahoo instant messaging no peer to peer gaming whil a hectic drive 405 fwy is a bich at rushhour. I would disable or cripple most of my 147 apps If I had a nokia I would have to wait till I'm at home or an unsecured wifi spot. Just to save $30 Now everyone please tell me is that worth a lousy $30 . Insane!
Saw it was from "Truth". Rated this down right away. No need to read the comment.
Actually...with this phone you won't have to pay $30 a month for data. Under ATT's silly pricing plan, their "PDA/smartphones" get the $30 plan while all other phones get $15. As per ATTs contract, only ATT "certified phones" get the $30 plan so this phone will get the $15 a month plan. If you have family text messaging, you pay $10.
This does work without tricking ATT. Previously I had the E71x and I bought a N97, so I had the $30 data plan. I showed up in the store with N97 in hand asking for the $10 plan. They punched in the GSM serial number and it came up as a generic phone (all unlocked phones do this) so it qualified for the cheaper plan. Within 2 years, I make up the difference between the n97 and iphone 3gs.
Same thing should work for T-mobile....as their data plans are rated differently like ATT.
I've already stated you can get a data plan (or any plan you want really) with an unlocked phone. It seems pretty clear that you're just trolling though so in future I guess I'll just down rank you like everyone else instead of trying to engage at all.
Ok u win I lose.
$750 dataless gpsless livetrafficess wifionly Nokia is better than $49 iPhone .
They seem to forgot that all the idiots have mouths too, while defending "freedom of speech"
That $49 iPhone is UNDER CONTRACT... Are you that much of an idiot?
What part of UNDER CONTRACT does not compute in your simple mind?
Everyone else is making a reference to a unlocked phone. You are like a dumb, spoiled child, covering your ears screaming lalala when someone tells you you're wrong.
LISTEN: $49 UNDER CONTRACT
You can get exactly the same service from service provider for cheaper wit an unlocked phone. The real price of iphone? About 1000$, not 49$. With a iphone like contract you wouldnt have to pay anything for n900.
no one said you couldnt get a data plan, you can, itll be cheaper too!
oh and the gps on this doesnt require internet the maps are preloaded.
and once again
590 does not equal 750
i wish i could believe you were a troll
p.s. stop using internet and playing games in your car in "rush hour traffic"! I like my life and dont want some moron like you killing me on my morning commute!
"A $750 phone that can't be docked!!!
How sad...nokia just doesn't get it.
It will never figure out how to kill iPhone in America. "
see...when you're not buying from the provider, the phone, like the vast majority of consumer goods, has a mfg suggested price, and a street price. Others have consistently shown you that the street price is not $750. And you should probably note that $49 is a REFURBISHED price.
for all of the arguments I've heard/read about phone success, I've never seen one hinging on docks. If you assertion is that Nokia is trying to "kill iPhone in America", it not having a dock will not be what's holding it back. I assure you, the majority of people with an iPhone, do not have a docking device for it.
As others have tried to tell you, Nokia probably is not trying to "kill iPhone in America". Nokia is the only company I know of who tries to actively market its product in the US as an unlocked/luxury item in addition to having subsidized provider products. Even with their first smartphones, Nokia was aiming at business users who are going to pay more for the device. Recently, they've changed this to those looking at higher priced casual users.
The point about required data is that it limits one's choice. Sure, you can get a $49 refurb iPhone, but what if you live somewhere with extensive free WiFi coverage? Or what if you just don't need data?
($30 x 24) + (39.99 x 24) + 49 -> $1728.76 ( $1839.76 OR $1479.76 w/o data (
In my country, if the store has an agreement with your credit card company (nearly all of big stores have, because it's becoming normal way of payment here day by day) they can offer an "equal" (the sum of payments won't exceed the normal cost) payment plan with installments at check-out if you're gonna pay with your credit card.
So I can buy any unlocked phone with installments (starting from 2, to even 24 months, but 12 is the most common one) and even if the N900 would cost $750, I could pay $62,5/mo (on a payment plan with 12 installments, which is very common) for a year to own it. If N900 would cost $550 and I'd go for 24 installments (as iPhone plans), I'd pay $22,9/mo vica versa. Great, ain't it?
Now go and curse your own payment system, which you have to buy voice/data plans with devices (to be able to pay for them, if you can't do it in advance) and get crippled phones in the end. Slavery, ain't it?
@all - Please stop feeding the Tru... Troll...
@Nokia - Please release this baby...
Fresh from Maemo Summit - Quake 3 on N900 in multiplayer mode: http://www.flickr.com/photos/quimgil/3995942376/
Videos in a day or two.
Look at the Linux licence file at the top of the Linux tree... it's not a real GPL... it explicitely stops at system calls, namely you can have closed source proprietary distributed *user space* programs. Closed source in Linux *is* illegal... *but* it's tolerated... for the moment because it gives Linux a lot of momentum... but hundreds of kernel devs are ready to take legal action against binary blob makers... they signed a petition, they know each other... it is just a matter of time (i.e. 3D Mesa/Gallium is ready?)
There is nothing illegal in having closed-source software on top of GPL platform - what is illegal is to use GPL code in your closed source binaries. There is nothing of such on Nokia's Maemo...
Wrong... it's a common mistake. If it was allowed to use proprietary code in a GPL whole, the Library GPL(LGPL) would not have been created. For the moment it's tolerated by kernel devs.
Anyway, back to n900: do we have the 3D driver code?
Hehe I really like the Convo. here. I am at work and have read all the comments.
I personally like cell phones in general and I do live in America. Should I say I really hope this beast lands on T-Mo since there are rumors they are upgrading their 3g to 21mbps just the way they did it in Phili. It be awesomness redeifined.
Now @Truth this does have GPS and it has Maemo Linux which will have a lot of free goodies too it unlike the if@ckinPhone.
I mean I also have an iPhone, but admit it iPhone is the new Razr everyone has one. Whats the fun in having a common phone that everyone has?
Aw man, I was going to go to the conference, bu it clashed with a half-marathon I was running, now I hear all 300 attendees got given a pre-production N900 on loan for 6 months to play with as they want... Damn it!