Nokia begins shipping N900

The device, which runs the Linux-based Maemo operating system, features a 3.5in touch-screen, slide-out Qwerty keyboard, fast web browsing and access to Nokia’s online app store, Ovi. Nokia said the N900 was designed to bring the desktop computing experience to mobile devices.

It has a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor and 1GB of dedicated application memory, which enables it to handle multiple apps simultaneously. It pulls in contacts from a variety of social networking sites, such as Facebook, and “threads” conversations by person, regardless of whether communication took place via email, text messages, chat service or through Facebook. The device boasts 32GB of storage, and can be expanded to 48GB using a microSD card.

Nokia dominates the mobile phone market, accounting for 40 per cent of all handsets sold worldwide. But it is wary of losing ground to the likes of Apple and Research in Motion, which makes the BlackBerry.

“The Nokia N900 has generated a lot of interest since its public launch in August, which has been reflected in the device pre-orders,” said José-Luis Martinez, a vice president with Nokia. “What’s exciting is the Maemo software, which takes its cues from the desktop computer and offers a full browsing experience like no other handset.”

The N900 will be available free on some networks, depending on contract and tariff, while a SIM-free device will set users back around £500.

Technology experts say the N900’s arrival will be crucial for the future growth of the Finnish mobile phone giant. Nokia is expected to use its Maemo platform to power an increasing number of devices in order to meet the growing needs of consumers to remain connected to the internet and their social networks at all times.

“Maemo will deliver the next generation of ‘computer-like’ experiences,” says Geoff Blaber, an analyst with CCS Insight. “The emphasis on rich visuals and multitasking is key. Multitasking will become increasingly important in a world where the phone is being used to access multiple functions, applications and services. It’s a challenge that Apple faces with the iPhone.”

 

Sources: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/

Apple App Store Reaches 100,000 Apps

Apple has scaled yet another milestone, as its mobile app store now includes a whopping 100,000 approved apps, according to unofficial data revealed by the iPhone app directory App Shopper.

Although Apple hasn’t made any official announcement about reaching such remarkable figures, but App Shopper claimed that the iPhone maker’s app store is now home to around 102,000 standard applications.

The online store reportedly had around 65,000 apps in the month of August, and it took two-and-a-half months to reach the coveted mark of 100,000.

Of all the currently available apps on the company’s signature applications store, as many as 93,000 apps are actually available for download or purchase as of October 28.

The total count of apps on Apple app store has comfortably outnumbered the number of apps available on the rival’s stores, including Windows Mobile Marketplace, Android Marketplace, Nokia’s Ovi Store, and Google’s Android Marketplace put together.

Source: http://www.itproportal.com/

Apple releases iPhone firmware update 3.1.2

Apple has announced the latest firmware for the iPhone which should fix some nagging problems with the device.

The firmware update 3.1.2 launched last week and corrects three major issues reported by users. The bug fixes include:

* Resolves sporadic issue that may cause iPhone to not wake from sleep
* Resolves intermittent issue that may interrupt cellular network services until restart
* Fixes bug that could cause occasional crash during video streaming

The firmware update is compatible with the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and the iPhone 3GS. Read more at the Apple website

Brian’s Opinion

Personally, I think that Apple has been pretty good with the bug fixes for the iPhone and the iPod touch. Typically there is not much time after a major firmware release before minor fixes are also addressed with updates. That’s a good thing since it means that Apple will keep its many iPhone users loyal.

We may even see bigger changes to the iPhone now that AT&T has announced that it will open up VoIP applications to its cellular network. Previously, these types of application only work over a Wi-Fi connection. That means we get to squeeze even more capabilities into the iPhone.

Source: http://www.geek.com/

New-Look Nano Highlights Apple’s iPod Changes

Apple revamped its iPod range recently, highlighted by a new version of the iPod Nano with a curved aluminum design and built-in accelerometer. Besides the Nano, Apple also introduced a single iPod classic model and changes to the iPod Touch.

During a press briefing in San Francisco Sept. 9, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the new iPod Nano, which is touted as the thinnest iPod ever built and features a taller form factor with a larger screen than the previous Nano.

Jobs said that the newly redesigned iPod Nano as more environmentally friendly than past models, because it has arsenic-free glass; no brominated flame retardant, mercury or PVC; and more recyclable materials. There’s more they’re going to do in the future, but these are the cleanest, toxic-free iPods they’ve ever built.

The revamped Nano line comes in different colors, like, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink and silver. The 8GB Nano sells for $149 while the 16GB model sells for $199; both Nanos are now shipping.

Apple also introduced the iPod classic line to just one model , a 120GB music player that costs $249. Previously, the classic line came in two versions, a $249 80GB model and a $349 160GB model.