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Nokia Surge review
Some might say that the phone you're peering at above is the most un-Nokia-like Nokia device produced in quite some time (if not ever), but remember, this one was custom made for US consumers and AT&T's audience -- something that's not true for too many Espoo-sourced handsets. Once known as the Mako, Nokia's Surge (or 6790 in international speak) is certainly unorthodox in design, though the actual specs list is fairly familiar. We get the feeling that Nokia was aiming to hit a very specific niche with this device, somewhere in-between the text-happy handsets adored by tweens and the smartphone desired by Mr. Suit. Care to see if we think Nokia accomplished said goal? Then head on past the break, vaquero.
Nokia's Surge official on AT&T, ships July 19 for $79.99
We've known about Nokia's so-called Surge for months now, but at long last, AT&T has done its duty by making things official and giving us a price and release date to consider. The Symbian S60-based smartphone is aimed squarely at social media freaks, boasting a full QWERTY keyboard, a browser with Flash support (imagine that, right?), a pre-installed JuiceCaster app for easily updating your Facebook / Twitter status and a price tag that's sure to turn heads. For just $79.99 after rebate, you'll also get a 2 megapixel camera, AT&T Navigator, AT&T Video Share and the pleasure of handing over at least $30 per month for a required data plan (if you want the $50 rebate, anyway). If you're sold already, you can get yours on July 19th.%Gallery-67837%
Atom-based Nokia netbook reportedly on track for Q3 release
So much for Nokia and Intel keeping quiet on actual product announcements, huh? Just yesterday, the two mega-corps joined hands in what they called a technical collaboration, and while they wouldn't go into detail about what products would sprout from the partnership, it seems that Commercial Times has done the honors. Reportedly, Nokia has already ordered up a few machines from Compal and Quanta, two OEMs that are largely responsible for most every netbook on the market today. Not surprisingly, we're told that the Nokiabook will rely on one of Intel's Atom processors, and considering that the new wave of Atom chips aren't slated to land until 2010, you can pretty much put money on a N270 or N280 configuration. In related news, we're told that Compal will engineer a Qualcomm Snapdragon-based Nokia smartbook, though there's no word on what kind of OS (Symbian, perhaps?) will be included.
Nokia's N86 8MP now shipping worldwide
Just under two months. That's how long it took Nokia's N86 8MP to go from FCC to store shelves here in America, as the cats in Espoo have just announced to the world that the aforementioned cellphone is now shipping globally. In case you've forgotten, this 8 megapixel slider touts variable aperture, a mechanical shutter and automatic motion blur reduction, not to mention 8GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot. There's no official mention of price, and as of right now, the phone's not even listed on Nokia's American e-store; still, based on early estimates, we'd say you best break out the bank just in case.
Nokia's N86 8MP cruises through the FCC's database
When Nokia unveiled its N86 back in February, we Yanks were given no hope whatsoever that a US release was in the cards. We're doing our best to stifle our excitement, but it sure looks like a stateside launch is a lot closer now that said handset has made its way through the dark and murky halls of the FCC. Seen here in a lovely, washed-out shade of black, the 8 megapixel, OLED-equipped dual-slider seems no different than the one we toyed with in Barcelona, save for the whole US-friendly aspect, of course. C'mon Nokia, come clean with the price and ship date, won'tcha?[Thanks, eleminop]
Nokia's flagship N97 gets its own website, pre-order link ($699)
If flash animations and S60 5th edition are your idea of a good time then you'll want to head on over to Nokia's new interactive N97 landing page. From there you can get as close as you'll ever get to Nokia's flagship slider with 3.5-inch, 640 x 360 pixel resistive touch-screen display prior to its expected June launch. So go ahead, take 'er for a spin and then hit the newly live pre-order button after you're convinced that this is the smartphone for you. Sure, there's lots of potential June competition out there but take heart: the Android-powered Samsung i7500 lacks a QWERTY, there's no guarantee that a next-gen iPhone will launch in June, and the Palm Pre might be a big fat dud. There, feel better about your choice?Update: Tipster Chris just let us know that the N97 shows a $699 phone-only price on the "find products" tab over at Nokia USA. That's $6 cheaper than the N96, strangely enough. See screen-grab after the break.Update 2: Pre-order is go for the US.[Via mivadika, thanks Nikos K.]
Cincinnati Bell lands Nokia's XpressMusic 5800: $149.99
Good one, Cincinnati Bell -- you totally got us. Oh, wait. This isn't a joke? For the second time in as many months, the aforesaid carrier has somehow managed to land a white-hot Nokia handset before any other operator in America. This go 'round, the company is becoming the first in the US to offer a subsidized version of Nokia's polarizing XpressMusic 5800, bringing it to customers in the Ohio region for $149.99. Those looking to do without any strings can procure one for $349.99 (which is still $50 less than what Nokia's asking), but it's the bragging rights here that make it all worthwhile. So, how long before a real carrier follows suit?Update: And here's the press release.[Thanks, Adam]
How would you change Nokia's 5800 XpressMusic?
Nokia's first ever full touchscreen S60 phone has had quite the bumpy ride into reality. After launching here in North America, it was on the receiving end of heavy pounding from early adopters who couldn't adequately take advantage of 3G services. Now that those issues are ironed out (and you've had five minutes to cool your jets), we're wondering how you'd tweak / change / overhaul the 5800 XpressMusic. Needless to say, our own personal list would likely span a few pages (collated, double-spaced, 1-inch margins), but this post isn't for us. In fact, it has been specially crafted just for you, so feel free to let off some steam in comments below. Just keep it constructive, okay?
5800 XpressMusic firmware updates brings loads of improvements
Two firmware updates in a month? If you're the 5800 XpressMusic, the answer's yes. Nokia has just pushed out the second update for said smartphone, and this one's packing some serious heat. For starters, the new software promises faster data downloads from the internet, an improved email experience and a better search experience with in-device search. If that's not enough, Nokia's also opening up new camcorder features (second camera support for still image capture in addition to video calls, burst mode that allows people to take multiple pictures one after another without needing to repress the picture taking button) and adding a mobile dictionary with support for 38 languages. Finally, the 'Application Update' gives owners the ability to check (or set to check automatically) for available updates for applications and update them directly in the device. Needless to say, we'd highly recommend you hit this up on the double, and let us know how it goes, yeah?
Keepin' it real fake, part CXCIV: Nokia N83 is not a Nokia N83
While the shortly flaunted N83 never did amount to anything back in the day, we can safely say the device you see above is definitely not what the suits in Espoo had in mind. The touchscreen-based smartphone looks about as thick as an N95, though we can't recall ever seeing a flavor of Symbian look anything like this. If you care to know, the phone sports a 400 x 240 resolution panel, 0.3 megapixel camera (ha!), dual SIM card slots, Bluetooth, FM radio module, about two to three hours of talk time and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. But hey, it's only a buck 'o five off-contract, or exactly the price of freedom according to certain puppets.[Thanks, facelessloser]
China Unicom apparently nabs another: Nokia's N97
We're a bit curious as to why China Unicom has suddenly grown fond of some of the world's hottest handsets, but we couldn't help but notice that Nokia's N97 has appeared on the carrier's website (a first for this handset) alongside the iPhone 3G and HTC G1. 'Course, Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 and Nokia's E71 are right there as well, so it's tough to say if this means these phones are coming soon or if they just look really nice on its website. Don't get your hopes up too high, but feel free to pester your local branch as often as you'd like until you get a square answer.[Via TamsS60]
Nokia E63 NAM now available across the US for $279
Can't hop a flight to Chicago or New York? No worries, as Nokia just announced that its QWERTY-packin' E63 can be found in independent retailers across the US along with e-tailers and the aforementioned flagship stores. Just think -- all that Symbian S60 fun, a full keyboard, 3G connectivity, WiFi, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and a free 12-month subscription to Nokia's Files on Ovi service, all for $279 with no contracts or related strings attached. Catch one now in red or blue at your favorite Nokia outlet.
Nokia E75 clearly in the wild in Vietnam
We can't say for sure why Nokia's still-not-official E75 is camped out in Vietnam, but it is. It definitely is. Unlike the Mr. Blurrycam shots we've grown (sadly) accustomed to dealing with, the smattering of shots hosted up in the read link are clear as day. We're also told it was seen sporting a 2.4-inch display, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Symbian S60, WiFi, A-GPS, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and a slide-out keyboard to boot. Hit up the read link for more in the wild snaps, and go ahead and consider this one a lock for an official Mobile World Congress unveiling. At your own risk, of course.[Via GSMArena]
Samsung Mobile Applications gets ready for Symbian S60 launch
While Symbian is generally best associated with Nokia, history proves that Samsung has had a pretty fruitful relationship with the operating system as well. In fact, it's looking to beat Nokia at its own game by launching an S60 App Store first. Samsung Mobile Applications, which already has a website up, is expected to initially focus on providing apps to Symbian S60 users in the UK, and just in case you were curious, "there is no initial outlay or ongoing costs associated with marketing or hosting your product on the storefront and freeware is distributed at no cost to the developer." Reportedly, the storefront will be officially unveiled at Mobile World Congress with 1,100 applications ready at launch (for UK residents), and while details are vague, we're told the program will also support Windows Mobile and possibly other systems later in 2009.[Via Symbian-Guru]
Nokia stumbles back into South Korea with hamstrung 6210
Now that South Korea's handset market is open for more vendors to enter, it's no shock to hear that Nokia will be taking its shot. Oddly, the 6210 Navigator -- which is a pretty decent handset in and of itself -- will be scurrying into the nation without its most important feature. Due to a curious Korean regulation that would force Nokia to "embed a server with stored map information," the Finnish giant is instead choosing to launch the handset without a navigation service. Why? Because it'd rather use a map server in Singapore, that's why. Only time will tell if such a handicapped phone will catch eyes, but what we're really wondering is if this situation will happen time and time again with future Nokia handsets. Compromise, anyone?[Via UnwiredView]
Commodore 64 emulator brings retro joy to Symbian S60
Have a Symbian S60-based handset in your pocket, do you? If you've a fever that can only be cured by more Commodore 64, you're in luck. The FrodoS60 application brings C64 emulation right to your N95, N96 or any other S60 mobile, and the updated version (1.5) even includes accelerometer support. Head past the break for a quick look at how much joy this little app could bring to your life, and hit the read link if you're interested in getting in on it. Which you are, so stop denying it.[Via digitoday, thanks Antti]
Nokia Chat bows out as Contacts on Ovi steps in
Nah, there was no inauguration ceremony for the departure of Nokia Chat and the swearing in of Contacts on Ovi, but there was a blog post penned by a Beta Labs staff member. For those totally into Nokia Chat, you may have noticed a dearth of updates over the past few months. Needless to say, that time was being spent honing the future release of Contacts for Ovi, a natural replacement and one that's fully compatible with S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 / Series 40 handsets. Backwards compatibility with existing Nokia Chat clients was included, and you're being summoned by Nokia to give this app a shot and report back with your opinions. So, you down or what?
Nokia's S60 Touch Interface demonstrated
Nokia is showing off their new S60 Touch Interface at the Symbian Smartphone Show today. Unlike their last attempt, this effort was demonstrated on a more Nokia-like concept device. The touch-interface supports haptic feedback and accepts both finger and stylus inputs depending upon the display technology used. Feast your eyes on the video after the break until all the details become available. Update: The press release is out and with it, more information about the new S60 software: existing S60 3rd Edition apps will run on touch-enabled devices unmodified (but can be further enhanced, natch); generic proximity and light sensors supported; a UI Accelerator Toolkit enables "impressive" graphical effects; and Flash Video will be supported in the S60 web browser. Available to S60 device manufacturers "during 2008." A bit more specificity please, Nokia? Read -- S60 Touch Interface launched Read -- Nokia PR
Yahoo! gets cuddly with all of HTC's Windows Mobile handsets
As Yahoo! and Google battle it out old-style to find out who is king of the mobile web these days, Yahoo! had already stepped it up a notch from offering its Yahoo! Go service on Nokia phones via Symbian's S60 to offering the same experience on that Windows Mobile handset -- but now, it'll be on quite a few WM handsets. With that notion, Yahoo! signed on HTC (maker of a healthy dose of WM handsets) to embed Yahoo! into almost every HTC Windows Mobile device -- including recent models (we guess via a firmware update) and all new and upcoming HTC models as well. So, in addition to Yahoo! Go on Symbian-powered handsets and Windows Mobile handsets made by HTC, the California company is embedding Yahoo! services into standard handset models from Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and LG as well. Google -- you got a comeback for that?
Nokia's N95 gets FCC approval
The lovingly gracious FCC has yet again spoiled the secret party on another handset, as we spied the Nokia N95 with all its technical and RF detail at the FCC website. This means, umm, the N95 will probably be here in the U.S. by maybe June (or not). With the average delays we see from FCC approval to hitting carrier shelves being months (many months sometimes), the N95 should wash ashore by early summer -- and maybe late Spring. With the N95 being such a high-end handset, though, maybe Nokia is planning to sell it directly from its new retail storefront(s) instead of going straight to a carrier. Both T-Mobile and Cingular (err, at&t) are not that known for carrying manufacturer flagships (and the N95 may be that in some form), so will Nokia shun the carriers this time around with this UMTS / HSDPA unit? Most likely, yes.
