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Switched On: Microsoft's mobile monster
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. On September 2, Microsoft announced that it would pay $7.2 billion for Nokia's handset business, including its smartphones and Asha phones aimed at consumers in developing economies. Key personnel from that business, including Nokia's former CEO Stephen Elop, would be joining Microsoft, and Nokia would now be a company that focused on location technologies (via its Here services) and wireless infrastructure (via NSN, for which it had purchased Siemens' share). The move marked the exit of one of the most storied and, for many years, most successful mobile phone companies in history. It also marked Microsoft's entry into the handset market proper, taking an approach more aligned with Apple's than Google's. It's not only that it's the first time Microsoft has acquired a licensee, but it's also that it acquired one that had a dominant share of its licensing business in a device category.
Nokia Lumia 929 for Verizon surfaces in press image (updated)
We've already had a peek at the back of Nokia's reported Lumia 1520 spinoff for Verizon. Today, we may be looking at the front: frequent tipster @evleaks has posted what's claimed to be a press image of the Lumia 929. While the 929 render hasn't been directly linked to the earlier photo, the abundance of home screen tiles hints at an equally large phone with the 1520's Windows Phone GDR3 software. It may not be as big as the 1520 itself, though. An RM-927 phone recently reached the FCC with both Verizon LTE and dimensions only slightly larger than the Lumia 625. If it represents the 929, the carrier may be using a roughly 5-inch screen instead of the 1520's rumored 6-inch display. Whatever we're looking at, there's a chance that we'll see more of it on October 22nd. Update: "Popular demand" had persuaded @evleaks to post a press image of the phone's backside (viewable after the break), which looks identical to the leaked shot we saw earlier this month.
Nokia Lumia 1520 launch reportedly delayed in wake of Microsoft deal
If you believe the rumors, Nokia was supposed to launch the supersized Lumia 1520 (aka Bandit) as soon as next week. However, this unannounced Windows Phone may have hit an unofficial snag: Reuters claims that Nokia has delayed the unveiling by "several weeks" in the wake of Microsoft's plans to buy the company's device business. There's no word on an adjusted release date, although the historically accurate @evleaks has heard that the 1520 might appear in late October. Not surprisingly, Nokia isn't commenting on delays for a product that doesn't officially exist -- but don't be shocked if there's a new flagship Lumia later in the fall.
Verizon Lumia 1520 variant leaked in China, teases 20MP PureView camera and Zeiss lens
An oversized smartphone with Zeiss optics and PureView camera technology? We wouldn't expect anything less from Nokia, but it's nice to see the rumors roll in, all the same. Noted Weibo leaker Houdabao has managed to get his hands on a large Lumia device with a PureView 20-megapixel camera, Zeiss optics and Verizon branding. The post describes the devices as a "big big Windows Phone," which sounds an awful lot like the rumored Lumia 1520. The speakers and camera flash are in slightly different locations than the leaked image we saw earlier this month, but we're willing to chalk that up to carrier variations. Nokia hasn't said anything official just yet, but rumors suggest that the device will be officially unveiled later this month.
NYT: Nokia was testing Android on Lumia phones before Microsoft deal
Microsoft officially acquired Nokia's devices group to improve the overall Windows Phone platform. The New York Times, however, hears from sources that the company may have had another incentive: Nokia had been testing Android on Lumia devices. The Finnish firm reportedly started experimenting with Android "well before" the deal, making it easier to switch platforms if the Microsoft partnership didn't last beyond 2014. Nokia's potential OS switch wasn't mentioned in the acquisition discussions this year, according to one tipster. Even so, the sources claim that Microsoft's executives knew of the project's existence -- they would have understood the consequences of losing Nokia's support. Microsoft and Nokia have so far declined to comment on the rumor, but it's clear that any Android-based Lumias are now consigned to the history books.
PSA: the Nokia Lumia 1020 arrives in the UK today (updated)
Let's face it -- we can't be sure Nokia's Lumia 1020 is worth the hype until it's taken a thousand shots of Big Ben and Westminster tube station. Fortunately for us, the PureView-toting handset is landing in the UK from today. We've managed to wrangle confirmation that Vodafone, Three and O2 will be selling the unit, but alas, EE currently has no plans to offer the handset to its million-strong LTE customer base. We suspect more than a few of you, disappointed at Cupertino's latest imaging update, may be throwing your cash at the screen right now. Update: EE, in something of a last-minute tie-up with Nokia, has now pledged it'll be offering the 1020 to both Kevin Bacon and its customers at large.
Daily Roundup: LG G2 review, Lumia 625 review, Sony's new PS Vita, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nokiasoft comes full circle: Microsoft's play for ultimate control will redefine the Windows ecosystem
The "soft" in Microsoft isn't what it used to be. A score ago, the company was certain the software-licensing business was the one it wanted to be in -- Apple decided to hold its cards a lot closer to the chest, and it cost the company dearly for years. Meanwhile, Microsoft made a lot of cash with Windows, and it still does. But the tide is turning. Two of the last three Windows operating systems haven't generated the kind of crazed mindshare that a company needs to remain relevant over the long haul, and at some point, one has to wonder if Microsoft will be able to inject a bit of life into its stodgy, outmoded self by grabbing the reins on the hardware side. In fact, that's exactly what Microsoft wondered, as it casually announced a plan in June of 2012 to affront scores of OEM partners with its Surface initiative. In an instant, Microsoft dove headfirst into the hardware game, and regardless of how it wanted the public to perceive the move, the truth was impossible to hide: this was Microsoft telling Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and the rest that it could no longer trust their design chops to keep its revenue on the up and up. In February of 2011, well before it transformed the Surface from a big-ass table into a slate that almost no one wants to buy (Microsoft's words, not mine), the company managed to procure a huge ally on the mobile front. The Nokia / Microsoft alliance was monumental. This was Nokia's formidable hardware being exclusively used to push Microsoft's fledgling Windows Phone OS. At once, Nokia loyalists found hope, and those praying for a coalition with Android were dismayed. Little did we know: that partnership marked the end of the original Microsoft, the end of the original Nokia and, in my estimation, a complete rerouting of the Windows roadmap. This week's acquisition simply makes it all the more official.
Ballmer promises shorter names for Nokia phones: goodbye Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 1020
What will Microsoft's thunderous multi-billion dollar purchase of Nokia's mobile phone business mean for little ol' you and me? Time will tell, of course, but in the short term Steve Ballmer is promising something concrete: shorter brand names. Speaking on a conference call today, the Microsoft CEO seized on the Nokia's latest flagship phone as an example of the need for simpler, more unified marketing: "We can probably do better for a consumer name than the "Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 1020," and yet, because of where both companies are, and the independent nature of the businesses, we haven't been able to shorten that name." Now, "Surface Phone" certainly has a ring to it (and it'd be better than Windows Phone Pro Home Edition, in any case), so let's just hope Microsoft doesn't try to over-think things.
Alleged Nokia 'Bandit' screen grab adds fuel to large 1080p Lumia 1520 rumors (update: GDR3?)
While technically not the biggest Nokia news of the morning, it's possibly news of the biggest Nokia. The ever resourceful @evleaks has posted what is claimed to be a screenshot from the Nokia "Bandit," also suspected to emerge as the Lumia 1520. There's a lot going on in the image, but one thing's for sure, you'll not be left wanting for space for mini tiles. Though even then, there are options. Update: Upon further inspection, there are a few interesting things to note. The original image is 1,080 x 1,920 -- a resolution not currently supported in Windows Phone. This corroborates claims that GDR3 will be coming along for the ride, along with a revised camera app (or icon, at least). Oh, and of course, more columns and rows for your start menu!
Nokia Lumia 1020 coming to Canada through Rogers and Telus
Canadians won't miss out on the Lumia 1020's photographic prowess for much longer. Following rumors and teases, Nokia has confirmed that its flagship Windows Phone is coming to both Rogers and Telus. There's no official word on ship dates or prices, but the company says the 1020 will be available in both black and yellow. Let's hope that it reaches Canada soon -- rumors persist of even bigger devices that could overshadow the 1020 in the near future.
Nokia's giant Lumia 1520 reportedly poses for the camera
Rumors are circulating that Nokia's first extra-large smartphone, possibly called the Lumia 1520, is near launch. If it's real, you might be looking at it -- Windows Phone Central has obtained a photo that purportedly shows the device for the first time. The snapshot presents a behemoth that makes even the Lumia 1020 look dainty. Unfortunately, there's little to corroborate claims that a quad-core processor, a 20-megapixel camera and Windows Phone 8 GDR3 lurk inside. We've also seen a previous fake that looks like this, although the new phone's bezel both matches that from a July part rumor and carries the prototype stamp common to Nokia test units. When there's talk of Nokia unveiling the 1520 in late September alongside a Windows tablet, we may learn the truth behind the photo within a few weeks.
Daily Roundup: Accessories buyer's guide, OLPC XO Tablet review, Employee-only white Xbox One, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nokia Windows RT tablet may resemble a Lumia, carry an iPad-like price
Nokia's rumored Windows RT tablet is supposedly nearing launch, and The Verge claims to have more details of the slate beyond those tidbits that surfaced at Digi-Wo last month. Nicknamed Sirius, the finished design is believed to resemble a Lumia phone and weigh significantly less than the current iPad. Despite packing a Snapdragon 800, an outdoor-ready 1080p screen and LTE, the tablet would last a healthy 10 hours on battery. It would also include both 6-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras, and Nokia may complement the previously mentioned 32GB of storage with a microSD card slot. Pricing would be competitive with the iPad, according to tipsters. While there's no way to verify the new rumors, the Sirius may launch at a September 26th event; if it's real, we'll find out soon enough.
Nokia Here collection vehicle v2.0 ride-along (video)
What do the Lumia 920, Surface Pro, Velodyne LIDAR, NovAtel GPS and Jetta TDI wagon all have in common? They're all essential parts of the next generation Nokia Here collection vehicle. When Here was announced last fall, we checked out v1.0 of the car which featured an elaborate but clunky set of sensors and cameras. That's also when Nokia announced it was acquiring Earthmine, a Berkeley-based 3D-mapping company. Nine months later, we're seeing the results of this collaboration with v2.0 of the collection vehicle. It's a simpler and more advanced setup which provides much improved image quality. Nokia recently invited us to take ride in a next generation Here car -- check out the gallery below then hit the break for our video and breakdown of the technology.
Daily Roundup: E-Reader buyer's guide, Google blocks Microsoft's YouTube app, Amber update arrives on Lumia devices, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nokia Amber update arriving on Lumia devices: camera improvements, Glance Screen, and plenty more (updated)
Those unofficial Amber ROMs you (briefly) considered toying with 10 days ago? History. Nokia has just announced that the honest-to-goodness, ready-for-consumption Amber code has been approved, and Lumia owners the world over will begin seeing it hit their Windows Phone 8 handset in the coming days / weeks. The software update is a fairly major one, delivering a wide range of new and improved features and apps, like Nokia Glance Screen with the standby clock and an even better imaging experience that mirrors the one found on the 1020. Users will be graced with a new FM radio player and improvements to Xbox music and the Internet Explorer browser, as well as improved image processing and the Nokia Smart Camera app (which debuted on the Lumia 925). The Glance Screen acts a bit like the glanceable extras added to the Moto X, but sadly, it won't be available on the Lumia 520 and Lumia 625, which have a smaller display memory. Longstanding Nokia loyalists will surely appreciate the addition of "Flip to silence" and "double-tap to unlock," and those who rely heavily on Here maps will find future updates easier to install. The rollout starts now first for the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 in selected countries as well as the Lumia 521, Lumia 810, and Lumia 928 in the US, while owners of the Lumia 520, Lumia 620, Lumia 720, Lumia 820 or Lumia 920 will likely have to wait until the end of September. Update: There's one more important tidbit: if you're using a Lumia 920, 925 or 928, you also get the Nokia Pro Camera app.
Nokia intros App Social Beta for Windows Phone with crowdsourced app suggestions
Nokia may see a surge of Windows Phone apps on the horizon, but it's not waiting for that deluge before it offers further app advice to new Lumia owners. Its new App Social Beta improves on App Highlights by crowdsourcing suggestions. Users create and follow app lists whose popularity determines which titles rise to the top; there's also a news feed for those who only want to see recommendations from friends and favorite curators. There's no guarantee that Nokia will help you find that perfect Instagram substitute, but App Social Beta's immediate availability in 14 countries may keep the search time to a minimum.
Switched On: The camera phone
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In that human-behavior lab known as the New York City subway, a vacationing family recently sought to get in a group self-portrait on their last day in the Big Apple. But the rocking train kept thwarting the capture of their jostled bodies. To frame the picture, they tried trading the quality of their smartphone's rear camera for the one above the phone's display so they could better preview the picture, but still had trouble composing the shot. Finally, a local passenger riding with them stepped in and offered to take their photo, which he did to their expressions of gratitude. The incident served as an illustration of the often precarious situations in which we use our smartphone cameras. Had their phone been Nokia's Lumia 1020 and the stranger not intervened, the 41 megapixels of light-capturing prowess might have gone for naught as the family would've had to rely on the phone's middling front-facing camera.
Nokia intros Photo Transfer for Mac to back up shots from special image modes
It's easy for Mac users to back up regular photos from Lumia phones, but not the shots taken using Nokia's special modes -- iPhoto can't handle the raw data from Cinemagraph, for example. Nokia's new Photo Transfer for Mac should provide that missing peace of mind. The utility saves all the files needed to work with photos and videos in Nokia's mobile imaging apps, including Cinemagraph, Pro Camera, Smart Camera and SmartShoot. While there's no on-computer editing, the tool simplifies exporting any media to a Lumia device for additional tweaks. If you're running at least OS X Lion, you can grab Photo Transfer for Mac at the source link.
