Recent News Headlines - Miscellaneous
Do we really need passwords and PIN codes any more?
In a thought-provoking piece, Tzer2 wonders if it would be possible to replace hard-remember text passwords with a signature, a pictogram or even just a custom gesture. Moreover, you can apparently try the last technique yourself right now if you have a S60 5th Edition phone.
Symbian Two specifications draft is online
Symbian has made available the first draft of the overall top level specification which will make up Symbian^2 ('Symbian Two'). There are several points of interest to pick out, notably the processor support, FAT (file system) performance improvements, the 'Graphics' support, the integrated SQLite and the fact that screen size is still fixed at 5800/N97 level. Nothing earth shattering then, but still nice to see Symbian being so open about everything.
Clearer Google Mobile Images
Google's Mobile site (possibly the most used in the phone world?) just got itself a bump with a new 'Images' module. Search for an image now and you get a smartphone-optimised grid of thumbnails. Click on one of these and you're shown the image on its own, together with size information on the original, letting you make an informed decision on whether to load it up wirelessly. And you don't have to load the original page that contained it, either, unless you want to. A couple of screenshots below.
An iPhone 3GS user trials the Nokia N86 8MP
For a few weeks in August, I lent James Burland, an experienced Nseries user, photographic wizard and also a huge Apple iPhone 3GS fan, my Nokia N86 8MP, asking him to really push its unique selling point - the camera. Here's his report. Despite a few concerns and a general scepticism about the keypad form factor in 2009, James proclaims the N86 8MP to be "the best all round photo and video capture smartphone currently available".
Mugen Power 2000mAh battery for Nokia E75
If it's a geeky accessory review you're after, then I'm your man. In today's slot, I present a look at the ultimate Nokia E75 battery life extender, in the form of the Mugen Power after market 2000mAh cell - does it actually double the useful life of the phone, are there any gotchas and just how badly will your street cool factor be affected if you use this?
Ewan, The Fringe and The Nokia N97 - part 3
It's part 3 of Ewan Spence's 'real world' test of the Nokia N97 at the Edinburgh Fringe and it's embedded below. In this part, he looks at some interface oddities, and at Email and Web use. A couple of minor items of errata: the GMail Java application can go fullscreen in portrait mode too, but it's not obvious - you have to dive into Settings | App Mgr | Installed apps and highlight Gmail, then use Options | Suite Settings, turning the on-screen keyboard 'Off'. Also, the E75 uses microUSB as well as the N97. OK, scroll down to watch!
Ovi Store search a bit rubbish? Try the Unofficial Ovi Store Search Engine instead...
Over on Ovi Gaming we've been lamenting the rather poor service provided by Ovi Store's search function. However, instead of just complaining about it we've set up an alternative unofficial Ovi Store search using Google's Custom Search Engine. You can try Unofficial Ovi Store Search over on Ovi Gaming. This is still very experimental, so let us know what you think in the comments thread.
Mobipocket reader on the Nokia N97
Ewan is, as you might have noticed, a big eBook fan and when he switched to the Nokia 5800 he found himself deprived. The only practical eBook reader, Mobipocket, was written for phones with hardware buttons, specifically a * key, providing the essential full-screen toggle function. Thankfully, he's spotted that the N97, having a basic qwerty keyboard, does provide a way to enter the * character and, again thankfully, Mobipocket Reader responds appropriately, as is demonstrated here, along with notes on getting and installing the software. Ewan's a happy bunny and you may be too if you own an N97 and wondered whether to get re-acquainted with your eBook collection...
Prepared for Power - However it Comes!
It was that time of the year again. When I got ready to head out into the wilds. Armed with nothing more than my trusty smartphone (in years past, a Nokia 9500, an E61i and an E90, this year it was the E75's turn), the aim was to keep in touch with the world even when camped miles from anywhere with my family. But what about power? How did I keep my smartphone supplied with juice? Not mention the barrage of 'Daddy, my xxxx's battery is flat' complaints, all of which needed to be handled quickly if a peaceful atmosphere was to be maintained!
Presenting the Cityman 450 anti-theft device for the Nokia N97
Nokia's sent us one of their Cityman 450 anti-theft units designed for the Nokia N97, and we have to say it's quite impressive. Absolutely no one will want to steal your phone once you've put this little beauty into action. Find out more below...
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