Went to the Nokia N900 blogger preview which took place at Segafredo located at 51 Telok Ayer Street, #01-06, Chinasquare Plaza. First off, the Nokia N900 will be launching in Singapore at the end of March 2010. No local pricing is available yet, but elsewhere the RRP is USD$649 = SGD$911.78.

Nokia N900

Nokia N900 Screen

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Nokia announces N97 Mini, X6 & X3 today at Nokia World. Now we have got Eseries, Nseries, Xseries. They still got an unannounced Cseries which I believe maybe a series for lower end phones.

I have only copied relevant part from the press release and pasted it here to share with you guys.

Nokia N97 Mini

Lifecasting will premiere on the new Nokia N97 mini, companion to the successful Nokia N97. Designed with a social and style-conscious consumer in mind, the Nokia N97 mini is a smaller mobile computer with stylish stainless steel cues, featuring a tilting 3.2″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen that makes each Nokia N97 mini as unique as a fingerprint. The Nokia N97 mini delivers a truly personal internet experience in a compact handset based on the iconic design of the Nokia N97.

Jonas Geust, Vice President of Nokia Nseries, commented: “People want to bring their physical and online worlds together via the internet. The Nokia N97 mini is designed for this new social internet and to help navigate people and places. With lifecasting, the Nokia N97 mini and Ovi usher in the next chapter of personal and location-aware internet.”

Lifecasting with Ovi will be available for both the Nokia N97 and Nokia N97 mini via Nokia Beta Labs. The Nokia N97 mini features new software which will be released in October as a free update for the Nokia N97. The new software brings compelling new experiences to both devices, including new homescreen widgets and additional usability improvements including flick scrolling.

The Nokia N97 mini is powered by a new Ovi Maps experience which makes searching, finding and navigating even easier. In addition to global pedestrian navigation, people can access premium content from Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, turning the Nokia N97 mini into the world’s smallest travel companion.

Users can personalise the homescreen of their device even further with thousands of different applications and services available from the Ovi Store. From games, videos and podcasts to productivity tools and web services, Ovi Store is the easiest way to fill the Nokia N97 mini’s homescreen with applications that reflect individual tastes. The Nokia N97 mini is expected to begin shipping in October 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.

Press Photos: Nokia N97 Mini

Nokia X6

Pioneering new ways for the world to experience music, Nokia today announced the launch of the new Nokia X6. Capable of playing up to 35 hours of music, the Nokia X6 is a powerful entertainment device, combining 32GB of on-board memory with a slick 3.2″ finger touch interface.

The ultimate device for music lovers and social butterflies, the Nokia X6 has a 16:9 widescreen optimised for photos, videos and browsing. With direct access to Ovi Store, the Nokia X6 is a hive of activity that brings 20 friends and virtual communities, like Facebook, to your homescreen.

Jo Harlow, Vice President, Nokia, commented: “The Nokia X6 and Comes With Music is a powerful combination, enabling music fans to download all the music they could ever want – quickly, easily and for free. We’re giving people convenient access to and ownership of a vast music library and an exciting new touchscreen device to play their music on.”

Press Photos: Nokia X6

Nokia X3

The new Nokia X3 also joins Nokia’s music portfolio. The Nokia X3 is designed for music lovers and is the first Series 40 Ovi Store-enabled device. The Nokia X3 is a sleek and compact music device that comes with stereo speakers, built-in FM radio, and a 3.2 megapixel camera.

To make the most of the entertainment experience, Nokia introduced the Nokia Mini Speaker MD-9, a pocket-size speaker for big sound, and the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-505, an ergonomic and lightweight neckband headset for great music and call audio quality also in noisy environments.

The Nokia X6 has an estimated retail price of EUR 450, with the Nokia X3 retailing for an estimated EUR 115. Prices are before taxes and subsidies, and both devices will ship during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Press Photos: Nokia X3

Press Release: Nokia seizes social internet and amplifies music experience

After the leak pressed released shot and a review by Eldar of Mobile Review, the Nokia N900 has been officially announced. The Nokia N900 will be available in selected markets from October 2009.

Press Shots

Maemo 5 injects speed and power into mobile computing
The new Nokia N900: Computer-grade performance in a handset

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today marked the next phase in the evolution of Maemo software with the new Nokia N900. Taking its cues from the world of desktop computing, the open source, Linux-based Maemo software delivers a PC-like experience on a handset-sized device.

The Nokia N900 has evolved from Nokia’s previous generation of Internet Tablets and broadens the choice for technology enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to multitask and browse the internet like they would on their desktop computer.

Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 empowers users to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.

“With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience,” says Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia. “The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways.”

Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia’s other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia’s smartphones.

“Just as Nokia continues to expand and diversify its device portfolio, so it is deploying multiple platforms to allow it to serve different purposes and address different markets. While we have seen continued growth in Symbian as a smartphone platform, Maemo enables Nokia to deliver new mobile computing experiences based on open-source technology that has strong ties with desktop platforms,” says Jonathan Arber, Senior Research Analyst in Consumer Mobile at IDC.

More multitasking with Maemo

The Nokia N900 packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Switching between applications is simple, as all running content is constantly available through the dashboard. The panoramic homescreen can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets and applications.

To make web browsing more enjoyable, the Nokia N900 features a high-resolution WVGA touch screen and fast internet connectivity with 10/2 HSPA and WLAN. Thanks to the browser powered by Mozilla technology, websites look the way they would on any computer. Online videos and interactive applications are vivid with full Adobe Flash™ 9.4 support. Maemo software updates happen automatically over the internet.

Messaging on the N900 is easy and convenient thanks to the full physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Setting up email happens with only a few touches and the Nokia Messaging service mobilizes up to 10 personal email accounts. Text message or IM exchanges with friends are shown in one view and all conversations are organized as separate windows.

The Nokia N900 has 32GB of storage, which is expandable up to 48GB via a microSD card. For photography, the Maemo software and the N900 come with a new tag cloud user interface that will help users get the most out of the 5MP camera and Carl Zeiss optics.

The Nokia N900 will be available in select markets from October 2009. The Nokia N900 will be displayed at Nokia World, Stuttgart, on September 2. More information on Maemo is available at maemo.nokia.com.

I predict the next device to be announced will be the N97 Mini. For some reasons, Mobile Review always have the first hand review of unannounced Nokia devices, I am starting to believe that Nokia seed them with the phones “officially” to generate the news and the hype.

Official Site: http://maemo.nokia.com
Press Release: Maemo 5 injects speed and power into mobile computing

Nokia has jumped onto the netbook bandwagon. I have no idea why it calls it a mini-laptop. For me, I classify all laptops that is powered by Atom processor a netbook. Initial specification looks delicious featuring 10″ glass screen, 3G connectivity, A-GPS and it only weights 1.25kg. To add, it is powered by Microsoft Windows.

Lets hope Singapore gets this!

Powered by the efficient Intel Atom processor, the Nokia Booklet 3G delivers impressive performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling people to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive. Delivering the rich experience of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminum chassis, the new mini-laptop weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimeters thin, and has the features one would expect from the world’s leading mobile device manufacturer. A broad range of connectivity options – including 3G/ HSPA and Wi-Fi – gives consumers high speed access to the Internet, including Nokia’s broad suite of Ovi services, and allows them to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

“A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility,” said Kai Oistamo, Nokia’s Executive Vice President for Devices. “We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all day, always on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal.”

The mini-laptop also comes with an HDMI port for HD video out, a front facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth and an easily accessible SD card reader. Other premium features include the 10-inch glass HD ready display and an integrated A-GPS which, working with the Ovi Maps gadget, can pinpoint your position in seconds and open up access for a truly personal maps experience. The Nokia Booklet 3G also brings a number of other rich Ovi experiences to life, whether its access and playback of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store, or using Ovi Suite to sync seamlessly from your Nokia smartphone, to your mini-laptop, to the cloud.

The Nokia Booklet 3G will widen the Nokia portfolio, satisfying a need in the operator channel, and bringing another important ingredient in the move towards becoming a mobile solutions company.

Further information, including detailed specifications, market availability and pricing, will be announced at Nokia World on 2nd September 2009.

Nokia Conversations: Nokia Booklet 3G mini laptop unveiled

Received the 4th and final challenge of Teach a Technophobe last week! But both my mom and I was pretty busy and both of us only manage to complete the 4th challenge today.

Teach a Technophobe – Challenge #4

The 4th challenge involves using a camera to record a video to spread your views on the E75’s email capability. Since my mom is a little camera shy, she do not really want to face the camera. So I thought why not ask my mom to use the E75 to record a video of something and then email me the video so that I can upload it to YouTube.

We are thinking of what to record and we finally decided to record a video of my dad’s pet birds “chirping”.

With the 4th challenge completed, my mom and I have completed the Teach a Technophobe challenges by WOM World. For the past 4 weeks, it has been fun teaching my mom to use the email capabilities in the E75. I also picked up a few things along the way.

Thank you WOM World!

Teach a Technophobe – Challenges Completed

Looking Back:

• Challenge #4
• Challenge #3
• Challenge #2
• Challenge #1

Went to the Nokia Ovi Store Showcase at Ben & Jerry’s at The Cathay. I always like the fact that Nokia always try new places for their events. Anyway we can order anything on the menu we like in Ben & Jerry’s. Even the SGD$88 item which contains 20 scoop of ice cream! I only managed to eat 1 scoop and drink 1 cup of smoothies as I was pretty bloated.

By Nelson Wee

The Nokia Ovi Store showcase was to give bloggers a brief on the Ovi Store. Ovi Store supports up to 75 devices (even those 3 years ago models) running S60 or S40 OSes. When you launch the Ovi Store, it will detect your device and will only show applications that are compatible with your devices.

More Than Just Applications And Games

Nokia Ovi Store is not just about applications and games but it also includes Audio (podcast), Video (trailers, clips), Flash channels (screen savers) and Personalization (ringtones, wallpapers).

Ovi Store Applications

They also showcase some of the very interesting apps to us, the most interesting one to me was the app eyeSight. If you are in a meeting and forgot to silence your phone which is placed on the table, when the phone rings, just wave your hand above your phone and it will be silent automatically. Cover the earpiece with your hand and once you remove your hand, it will send a pre-configured SMS to the person who called you! Pretty neat application.

Downloading A Paid Application

The main highlight yesterday was the application buffet! They pass us their Stahub SIM cards, place it in your own Nokia phone and login to your Ovi Store account. Next, you can download ANY paid apps you like for free to your Nokia devices!

There is a Singapore Ovi Store which of course the prices of the apps are listed in SGD and they also allow you to pay by operator billing (Starhub only at the moment). By default if there is no localize Ovi Store in your country, the price listed will be listed in Euros and you are only allowed to pay by credit cards.

I did ask what will happen to N-gage, they say N-gage will still focus on games which are multiplayer based. But I think eventually they will move all the games to Ovi Store.

Challenge #3 from my Nokia’s Teach a Technophobe has arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Finally my dad was at home and hence he is able to received it on my behalf and hence I am able to complete this challenge earlier.

This challenge is slightly more complicated and even I myself have to figure it out for sometime before I can teach my mother. It involves sending a location using email on Nokia Ovi Maps as well as attaching a picture of my mom.

As I have used N82 before, I know how the maps software works and that is the tedious part. I heard about Nokia Ovi Maps 3.0 quite sometime back and decided to upgrade the current version which is 2.0 to 3.0 and after that I need to install Singapore Map to Ovi Maps using Nokia Map Loader.

After getting everything ready, I was fiddling with Nokia Ovi Maps 3.0 to figure out how to send my current location. I found it it was pretty easy (press the middle button and choose send). Now the tough part is how to add photos to it. I solve the photo problem by taking a picture first then sending my current location in Maps and when the Create Email screen pops up, I went to Add Attachment and browse for the photo I have taken. Once everything is set, it is pretty easy to pass on the “instructions” to my mom.

1. Take a picture of yourself
2. Open up Maps
3. Under Options, choose My Position
4. Press the middle button, choose Send and then Via Email
5. Create Email screen will appear
6. Under Options, choose Add Attachment
7. Choose Memory Card -> Images -> Camera -> 200907 -> 200907A0 -> Choose the last file
8. And you are done!

Teach a Technophobe – Challenge #3

Email With Image And Location Attachment (Photo & Address Removed)

Teach a Technophobe: Challenge #1, Challenge #2

Challenge #2 from my Nokia’s Teach a Technophobe has arrived in my mailbox on Friday. The challenge is for me to teach my mom how to snap a picture using the E75 3.2MP camera and email the picture to me. This time the challenge is more of a feature discovery for my mom as when I told her taught her this, she was like, “oh I didn’t know you can do that”. This challenge took a little longer than challenge #1 for both of us as I explained to her the various camera settings as well.

Teach a Technophobe – Challenge #2

Email With Image Attachment

Teach a Technophobe: Challenge #1

My first challenge of the Teach a Technophobe has arrived on Friday. I choose my mom (Jas Ngan) for the challenge as she requires email access on the go pretty often as she is a business woman. I am using the very excellent free Symbian application called Best Screen Snap to capture screenshot on the E75 and I tied the shortcut key to the camera shutter button.

4 Challenges In Total

The First Challenge (Setting Up Email)

I guided her throughout the setting up of the email and she managed to set up her email on the E75 within 15 minutes. It is slightly more complicated than setting up a Gmail/Hotmail/Yahoo Mail account on it as we need the incoming and outgoing mail server address.

I told her to press the camera shutter button to capture the screenshot as she goes from step to step so that I can document it down.

Setting Up Email In E75 #1

Setting Up Email In E75 #2

Setting Up Email In E75 #3

Setting Up Email In E75 #4

Setting Up Email In E75 (Done)

Email Received

Now waiting for the second challenge, which should arrive next week =D

Gallery: Nokia Teach a Technophobe

WOM World has sent me two sets of Nokia E75 all the way from UK for a E75 Project. The project name is called “Teach a Technophobe”. I have to coach a user, in this case, it will be my mom on how to use the Nokia E75 for email messaging. There will be a few series of challenges for both my mom and I to complete on a weekly basis.

Photos

1 of the E75 comes in a briefcase!

After opening 3 layers, you get a red E75

The other E75 came in a normal box

Nokia E75

Gallery

Video

Nokia Europe: Nokie E75