Nokia and Microsoft Working Together?

Going through my Google Reader just a moment ago, I was taken by surprise when I read on Engadget Mobile that Nokia and Microsoft might be working on integrating the Zune Marketplace into some of the Finnish phone maker’s handsets. My first question was “is this going to co-exist with Nokia’s own  Music Store?” While still not launched in the US, it is expected to be at some point.

Then I thought that the Zune Marketplace is more than just a place to download music. Other types of content can be had from the Zune Marketplace, i.e., tv shows, video podcasts, etc. In my opinion, it would certainly be interesting and would give consumers more choices, which is always a good thing.

Let’s keep in mind that this is still just a rumor and nothing has been confirmed. Still, it’d be interesting to see what others think about this.

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Nokia Wants You To MOSH

Nokia’s MOSH or Mobilize and Share is a social network in its Beta stages right now. The service allows mobile phone users to collect and share content (pictures, ringtones, videos, docs, games, and applications). You can sign up at http://mosh.nokia.com. When prompted for a password, enter ALLACCESS.

From their website:

What exactly is MOSH?

MOSH is a content sharing site where community members upload, distribute and manage content to be viewed and enjoyed on mobile devices. With MOSH, anything from applications like mobile games, to videos, blogs, songs or photos are now accessible and distributable on your mobile device.

There is also an S60 app that you can install on your S60 device. I have already installed the application on my E61i. You can download it from http://mosh.nokia.mobi/start right from the S60 browser.

Nokia and Microsoft PlayReady DRM

Reports are indicating that Nokia has signed a deal with Microsoft to license the company’s PlayReady DRM technology. It appears PlayReady will be a part of upcoming devices (S60 and S40) beginning in 2008. Now, all of this seems to be undeniably linked to Nokia’s plans to get into the online music business. A big announcement of sorts is expected on August 29.

Via: Engadget Mobile

Nokia Acquires Twango

Nokia has acquired Twango for a reportedly $90M. Twango is a social networking site focused on media sharing (videos, photos, etc.). It will be interesting to see what changes are made to the service to better align it with Nokia’s N-series multimedia computers. I still have not signed up for the service.

“The Twango acquisition is a concrete step towards our consumer Internet services vision of providing seamless access to information, entertainment, and social networks – at any time, anywhere, from any connected device, in any way that you choose. We have the most complete suite of connected multimedia experiences including music, navigation, games, and – with the Twango acquisition – photos, videos, and a variety of document types,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Multimedia, Nokia. “When you combine a Nokia N-series multimedia computer that is always on, always connected, and always with you together with a rich media sharing destination like Twango, people will have exciting new ways to create and enjoy rich media experiences in real time.”

You can read the entire press release here.

My Thoughts On The E61i

Today it has been a full 4 days since I received my Nokia E61i and I wanted to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on this wonderful device. I should point out that the E61i is replacing my N80IE. My initial reaction upon unboxing was that it seemed a little wider than I thought but upon handling the device for a few minutes, it didn’t seem or feel as wide any longer.

Here are some of my observations in key areas:

Screen -> Wonderful screen although not as good as the N80 in terms of pixels and brightness. Yet it is great to count with that much real estate on the screen, especially since I tend to read ebooks on my devices.

Keyboard -> Initially felt like it needed an “extra push” or extra effort to type, however after 4 days I seem to be getting used to it and getting faster at typing on it. It’s nice to have a full QWERTY keyboard again 🙂

RAM -> This is better than the N80 (also due to the fact that it has more RAM to begin with) and the E61i has not exhibited the memory leakage that I used to experience with the N80 at times.

Camera -> Not as good as the N80’s but not bad for a 2 megapixel camera phone. In good light, images come out decent but nothing to write home about. To be honest, I’m not too worried about the camera.

Battery -> WOW…what a difference. I can go 2 days with a single charge. I still keep a car charger for emergency situations but this is a great relief for me.

Miscellaneous -> One of the things that I love on this device is having direct access keys to Contacts, Email and the Own key, which can be configured to access an application of your choosing. Also worth mentioning, the device feels very solid in the hands and there is no creaking, which speaks to how well it is built. It’s also nice to be able to not only view office attachments but to edit them.

Although this is a 3G capable phone, it does not support US 3G so I have to settle for AT&T’s EDGE network.

In conclusion, I do not regret for one second the decision to buy this device. I reloaded all my essential apps and am enjoying every minute of my ownership. Reactions from co-workers and friends have been positive so far. I’d recommend the E61i to anyone anytime!

Video Review of Download! App For E-Series

Steve Litchfield, from AllAboutSymbian, has a video review of the Download! Application for Nokia E-Series devices. He’s specifically using a Nokia E61i for the demonstration. Amongst the apps highlighted are WorldMate, ROK TV and a Reuters Flash Lite application.

Via: AllAboutSymbian

I Did It – E61i On The Way

Ok, so I finally decided to do it and am replacing my Nokia N80 with a Nokia E61i. I just ordered it last night and should be arriving by Tuesday (I hope). The main reason for me to do that is the fact that I really miss a QWERTY keyboard because I tend to message a lot and T9 gets frustrating for me, especially given the fact that I sometimes write messages in a language other than English (Spanish to be specific). I know some people out there may identify with this.

I’m sure there are things I will miss from the N80 but I don’t think it will be much of a change. I may miss the better camera, but still the camera in the N80 is not that great to begin with. I will still be able to use Wi-Fi and VOIP capabilities and will gain a full QWERTY keyboard 🙂

Ah, one thing I may miss is Nokia’s Lifeblog application. I understand this is not available or supported in E Series devices. All in all, I’m very excited and hope that I will be able to live day to day with the E61i. I will report back on my experience with the device once I have had it put through its paces.

Nokia Adds Skype to N800 Tablet

On Wednesday, Nokia released a software update for its N800 tablet to add Skype. The software can be downloaded directly from Nokia’s site. Although it took Nokia six months to deliver this update, I’m sure N800 users will rejoice.

Via: Yahoo! Tech

MyPhoneRocks.com: N95 Video at the iPhone Line

Interesting and cool video at MyPhoneRocks.com, filmed completely on the Nokia N95, from the iPhone launch line at the San Francisco Apple Flagship store.

Nokia’s DVB-H Standard Has Backing of EU

The EU is backing Nokia’s own DVB-H standard for mobile TV. The EU is seeking to have a single standard as opposed to other nations with several standards.

Wireless Week reports that the EU intends to add DVB-H to its published list of standards in mid-July.

“I know that competition among different standards can, for some time, be a good way to let the market identify the best solution,” EC telecommunications regulator Viviane Reding told an industry conference. “But we have been waiting too long. The opportunities are slipping away. It is time to break the deadlock.”

The article also mentions that DVB-H has a strong support in the US. I can’t wait for MobileTV service to really take off in the US but that won’t happen until we have 3G networks widely available throughout the country.