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Nokia Lumia 1520 reaches the UK on December 6th, starting at £80 on a £38 per month plan
Brits who've been yearning for the Nokia Lumia 1520 will soon get their chance. The supersized Windows Phone is now due to reach the UK on December 6th, when it will be available through O2 at retail and Vodafone through the web. Third-party retailers like Carphone Warehouse and Phones4u will also stock the 6-inch flagship. While the exact pricing will vary, Vodafone will sell the phone for £80 when it's attached to a £38 per month plan and a 2-year contract; it will be available for free if you subscribe to a beefy £47 plan. The 1520 will undoubtedly be one of the more expensive handsets in the country, then, but it may be worthwhile for those who want one of Nokia's most powerful devices.
Redbox Instant hits Windows Phone, will remain Lumia-exclusive for 60 days
After launching on iOS and Android almost a year ago, the mobile version of Redbox Instant by Verizon has finally arrived in the Windows Phone Store. Aside from a few cosmetic changes and added Live Tile support, the new app works exactly like its cross-platform counterparts, offering movie streaming and maps to nearby Redbox kiosks. An $8 monthly subscription also covers the rental fees for up to four DVDs, although customers can upgrade to Blu-ray discs for an additional dollar. The bad news is that the app's exclusive to Nokia's Lumia range right now -- plebes with other WP8 devices will have to wait until the end of January for general availability.
Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet reaches Verizon on November 21st for $500 contract-free
Verizon isn't going to let AT&T hog all the Lumia 2520 buyers this weekend -- it just announced that it will start selling Nokia's Windows RT tablet on November 21st, one day before the device is available at AT&T. Pricing will remain the same at $500 contract-free or $400 on a two-year term, but Verizon is sweetening its deal by offering a carrier-appropriate red model to online shoppers; retail customers will have to be content with black. There's no word on 2520 variants for other carriers, but it's good to know that Americans will have at least some choice in networks when picking up Nokia's LTE-equipped slate.
Nokia Black update to add Bluetooth LE across entire WP8 Lumia range
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it's making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo's website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we'll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
Nokia releases its Refocus app for all PureView Lumia smartphones
Unveiled at its Lumia launch event in Abu Dhabi in October, Nokia has finally made Refocus, its Lytro-like variable depth of field app, available to all PureView Lumia devices. The tool makes use of Scalado's imaging technology to change the focus of a photo using "clever algorithms," while also adding deeper color using a feature found in other Nokia apps called "color pop." Nokia's new app integrates with SkyDrive to host your photo, creating a unique page on Nokia's dedicated Refocus website that can be shared via email, SMS or Facebook. If you own a Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 925, Lumia 928 or Lumia 1020, you'll need the Amber update installed to enjoy the app. Lumia 1520 owners can grab it when the device goes on sale in the coming days.
Nokia's high-end Lumia 929 Windows Phone for Verizon gets fully detailed in latest leak
It's not the first time we've seen a leak of what's purported to be Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 929 smartphone, but this latest one from Windows Phone Central should clear up most lingering questions that anyone's had about the device (with a couple of notable exceptions). According to the site, the Verizon-bound phone is a "very quick," high-end device with a 5-inch 1080P AMOLED display, a 20-megapixel PureView and 32GB of internal storage -- not surprisingly, it's more or less a slightly bigger and refined version of the Lumia 928, with a metal band around the edge being another distinguishing feature. Unfortunately, the two details that remain unknown are two big ones: a price and a release date, although the latter is said to be sometime between Thanksgiving and the beginning of next year. You can find the full spec list (and more photos) at the source link below.
Nokia Lumia 525 reaches Chinese regulator, hints at play-it-safe Windows Phone upgrade
Was Nokia's recent cavalcade of new Lumias not enough for you? Don't worry, there's yet another model on the way -- Chinese regulator TENAA has approved the Lumia 525, a previously rumored refresh of the entry-level 520. As the name suggests, the Windows Phone likely won't be a radical break from the past. Photos that briefly appeared at the Chinese agency (and were first caught by LiveSide.net) show a device that closely resembles the 520, including the flash-free rear camera. We don't know much about what's inside beyond 3G and WiFi, although an earlier rumor at BlogJack has the 525 doubling the onboard RAM to 1GB and putting a greater focus on music. The clearance doesn't necessarily confirm an imminent launch. However, there have been murmurs at Nokiapoweruser of a launch by early December; those who want yet another frugal Lumia may not have long to wait.
Nokia Lumia 929 caught on video, may reach Verizon by Thanksgiving
Disappointed that the rumored Lumia 929 didn't surface at Nokia's big event this past week? Don't worry -- WPCentral forum member Falorin has posted photos and a video (after the break) revealing more details of Verizon's Windows Phone flagship. As previous leaks implied, the 929 is effectively a compact Lumia 1520; the 1080p screen resolution, 20-megapixel camera and Snapdragon 800 chip remain intact. There's no microSD slot, although there will reportedly be models with 32GB and 64GB of built-in storage. The biggest surprise is Nokia's use of a nano-SIM, which suggests that the company no longer minds using a competitor's SIM format. Those who like what they see might not have to wait long to try the new Lumia for themselves. If Falorin is accurate, Verizon hopes to release the 929 around Thanksgiving.
Nokia bringing RAW photography to the Lumia 1520 and 1020
This latest nugget of news out of Nokia's big event in Abu Dhabi should be of particular interest to mobile photographers. According to @tnkgrl, aka our buddy Myriam Joire, the phone manufacturer will be bringing RAW image support to its flagship Lumia handsets, the 1520 and 1020. This will allow them to take 20MP or 41MP photos (respectively) with zero compression -- allowing far greater control over exposure, color and other settings in your photo editor of choice. The file sizes will no doubt be unwieldy compared to regular JPEGs, especially for 1020 owners who can't expand their storage (the new 1520 fortunately has a microSD slot), but we reckon the extra control ought to be worth it. Update: Now confirmed by Nokia camera developer, Juha Alakarhu.
Nokia's Refocus Lens camera app promises infinite depth of field control
Nokia's just announced a new camera app called Refocus Lens at Nokia World that brings a Lytro-like variable depth of field to Lumia cameras. Likely to be the fruits of that Scalado purchase from a while back, it'll let you change the focus of a snapshot using "clever algorithms" while adding "brilliant splashes of color" to images via a feature called color pop. Nokia also said that images will be 5-megapixels in size and that you'll be able to use the refocusing option while in Facebook. The app will debut on the Finnish company's new flagship Lumia 1520 and trickle down at a later date to older devices like the Lumia 920 and 925. However, Nokia hasn't decided if the app will be available for lower-numbered Lumias like the 520 and 620 -- or any other Windows Phone devices, for that matter. We're still finding out more details from Nokia, so stay tuned! Update: Nokia is now showing a dedicated Refocus site with a sample photo to play with. You can also check out a clickable sample embedded after the break. Update 2: We've now added a video demo of the app, courtesy of Samuli Hänninen, Nokia's VP of of software program management for smart devices. It's surprisingly similar to the DigitalOptics' MEMS camera demo we saw back at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, but Nokia confirmed that there's no link between that and its own post-capture refocus technology.
Nokia's incoming Windows Phone update will teach new Lumia 1520 tricks to old(er) smartphones
Nokia, now under the Microsoft umbrella, will combine an incoming Windows Phone update with its own smartphone upgrades. Lumia Black is its name, and it'll bring the new, unified Nokia Camera, alongside Storyteller and Beamer apps found on the new Lumia 1520 and 1320, to existing high-end Windows Phone 8 (namely the 920 series and the 1020) -- soon. The company didn't specify a roll-out date, however. According to Elop: "This will happen later on, it won't happen immediately. Some of the key updates for Windows Phone are in GDR3, so the notifications... will come through across all devices and be combined together with the Black update."
Nokia Lumia 1520: Windows Phone with 6-inch 1080p display and 20MP camera for $750
Could this be the Windows Phone you've been waiting for? If you've been holding out for a flagship with a 6-inch 1080p display, high-resolution 20-megapixel PureView camera and a top-of-the-line processor (a quad-core Snapdragon 800 with 2GB of RAM), we'd suspect the answer is probably yes. We are, of course, talking about the Nokia Lumia 1520, the long-rumored, big-screened smartphone, which has finally been announced at Nokia World in Abu Dhabi. That giant screen offers enough space for a third row of live tiles, and new Windows Phone will also come with GDR3 -- the very latest build of Microsoft's OS. It'll also be the first Lumia to arrive with Nokia Camera, a new camera app that fuses the best of the Pro and Smart cameras that came before it. That polycarbonate shell (recycled, no less) will come in yellow, red, white and white black options. The yellow option that Mr. Elop was brandishing over at Nokia World matched the glossy look of the Lumia 920. Launching in Asia and Europe later this quarter, it's been priced, unsubsidized, at $750. This time around, the camera's pegged at 20 megapixels, with a BSI f/2.4 Zeiss lens and optical image stabilization along for the ride. Nokia promises the same oversampling and zooming tech as found in the 41-megapixel Lumia 1020, just, well, less of it.
Nokia Lumia 1320 press shot leaks, hints at big-screen, budget Windows Phone (update: new image)
Nokia's range of extra-large Windows Phones may not be limited to flagships like the Lumia 1520. Frequent tipster @evleaks has just posted a press image of what's reported to be the Lumia 1320, better known by its unofficial "Batman" nickname. There aren't many clues to the specs, although it's clear that the phone would take advantage of Windows Phone GDR3's support for large displays. The side trim also supports theories that this is a Lumia 625-style budget handset, not a flagship. Given that Nokia's "innovation reinvented" event is tomorrow, there's a good chance that we'll know the full story behind the 1320 within a matter of hours. Update: Just for good measure, @evleaks has also posted an image of the Lumia 1320's back. You'll find it after the break.
Nokia's answer to the iPod Shuffle might look a lot like an iPod Shuffle
Serial party spoiler @evleaks has already shown us Nokia's forthcoming Lumia 1520 and 2520, but now he claims to have a leaked image of something much, much smaller. The picture shows a basic audio device that, he says, is similar to Apple's entry-level music player, except that it has NFC to allow easy pairing to either a smartphone or to other speakers and headphones. There's also a microUSB charging and/or sync port, as well as some very simple controls, although we can't see if there are any buttons on the far side. As to whether this thing -- which may be called the "Guru" -- is just another Bluetooth receiver and DAC for headsets (like Nokia's existing BH-221), or whether it has local storage and other features of its own, we'll probably find out tomorrow.
Nokia leaks Lumia 1520 details on Chinese online store: 20MP PureView camera, Snapdragon 800 processor
Looking for more evidence that Nokia's about to unleash an oversized Windows Phone? You've got it: the company's official Tmall store (an online marketplace in China) recently published a product page for the fabled Lumia 1520. There's no images to speak of, but the listing agrees with the handset's rumored 6-inch 1080p display and 20-megapixel PureView camera. The page also promises a Snapdragon 800 CPU and a 4,999 Yuan (about $819) price tag. That said, the page seems to just be a placeholder for now, but the phone is expected to be officially announced at Nokia World later this week. Hopefully, it'll be worth the wait.
AT&T says Nokia Lumia 820 and 920 will get Amber update starting tomorrow
AT&T subscribers with Lumia 820 and 920 smartphones have had to wait a long time to get their Nokia Amber update, but it's at last on the way. The carrier tells customers in its Community Forums that the upgrade should reach their handsets starting tomorrow, October 10th. Much like the many preceding rollouts, AT&T's Amber release should add a slew of camera tools, double-tap to unlock and other extras that have been shipping with more recent devices. As long as you can resist the siren's call of shiny new hardware in the days ahead, you'll likely be happy with the new software.
Nokia says current high-end Lumias won't get Bluetooth 4.0 support (update: they may)
We hope you don't want to use a heart rate monitor while running with your Lumia 1020 -- you'll likely be out of luck. Nokia Australia claims that Bluetooth 4.0 support won't be coming to existing high-end Lumias like the 820, 925 and 1020. There are "hardware limitations" that prevent an upgrade, the company explains. We've reached out to Nokia for clarification, but the company may have hinted at those limits when launching the Adidas miCoach app -- it mentioned that only the Lumia 520, 620 and 720 would work with Adidas' heart monitors. The restrictions will no doubt frustrate some owners, although we suspect that Nokia may improve its Bluetooth support with the next wave of Lumia hardware. Update: Nokia Germany spokesman Ben Lampe says that Bluetooth 4.0 support will come to all Windows Phone 8-based Lumias through a post-Amber update. Clearly, there are conflicting responses; we're hoping to get a definitive answer soon.
Nokia tablet gets approved by the FCC with AT&T and Verizon LTE
We have to hand it to Nokia: the company faces an acquisition by Microsoft in the very near future, but it's still got a few tricks up its sleeves. The FCC just approved a mystery device known as the RX-114, and Nokia's team did an incredible job of dressing up the paperwork so as to hide all clues of what it really was -- that is, right up until the last page of a 167-page document full of bland measurements and technical graphs. What you see above is official confirmation that Nokia is indeed working on a tablet, complete with diagrams of the device along with specific references to its slate-like state. (Forgive the fuzzy print; the diagrams are pretty small, so we enlarged them.) What else do we know? The docs confirm that the tablet features LTE with support for bands 2, 4, 5, 13 and 17, along with a full suite of HSPA+ and GSM / EDGE. This means that regardless of which carrier actually picks up this particular device (frequency support doesn't guarantee carrier coverage, and no networks have confirmed that they'll be selling it), it technically will work on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Of course, we've already seen purported leaks that show the Windows RT device with Big Red branding, so it's not a far stretch to believe this is still in the works for one or more US providers. We'll continue to parse the paperwork for other cleverly hidden clues, but this at least confirms what we already suspected -- and if we had to guess, we have a strong suspicion that we'll be seeing this beaut in the flesh at Nokia World in Abu Dhabi on October 22nd.
Adidas bringing miCoach fitness app exclusively to Nokia's Lumia phones
Wish that your beloved sportswear brand would bring its connected fitness app to your preferred smartphone platform? If your mind instantly substituted "Adidas" for the former and "Nokia" for the latter, then boom! You're in luck. Adi Dassler's firm is bringing its miCoach fitness app as an exclusive to Nokia's Windows Phone 8 devices. The app, already available on iOS and Android, lets you control playlists, use Bluetooth SMART (where available) for heart-rate monitoring and will even offer voice coaching from LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez. Now all we need is to scrape together the cash for a pair of adizeros and we're good to go.
Nokia's Internships Lens uses AR to help find your next unpaid college gig
Finding a college internship that isn't soul-draining can be tough, but Nokia wants to help with that. Today, the Finnish company is announcing a joint effort with Internships.com to release Internships Lens, an app that leverages augmented reality and your social circles to point you toward the nearest gig that hopefully pays more than just school credit. It's similar to JobLens in that it displays employment info over the top of wherever your Lumia's camera is looking -- again using LiveSight tech -- and is exclusive to Nokia's line of Windows Phone 8 handsets. What's more, you can research an employer from within the app, which could calm those pre-interview jitters. If you still need a 'ship for the upcoming winter semester, maybe this could help.
