Symbian^3 devices are now shipping with Belle out of the box

Remember, Symbian Belle? Yes, the same one we saw on the Nokia 701, which we reviewed, last year. Back then, we quite liked the functionality of that operating system and in our opinion, only app support was actually holding it back from being on par with the other operating systems. Now, as reported by Nokiapoweruser, Belle will now be supported default on all the new Symbian^3 devices that are being shipped. Nokia has officially stated on its Twitter account that a lot of devices, including the N8, C7, E7, E6, X7, C6-01 and 500 will now ship with Symbian Belle on board. However, we believe it also depends upon the date of the stock that the local store will have because Nokia has clearly mentioned to check with the local shop to see if the device is running Belle or not. 

Ring a Belle?

All N8 devices shipping to India will come with Belle on board, as tweeted by them. This also means that the other devices like the X7 and the C7 now come with a major software upgrade on board. If you’re not too sure about any device, you could just send a tweet to the official Nokia Twitter account and have your doubts cleared, because as you can see, their Twitter account is quite adept at answering and solving queries.

Mercury mTab Neo launched with SIM for 3G and voice calls

The budget tablet segment is booming, as companies are lining up new and improved models of their existing stock. Not only are they, in some cases, bringing out less expensive devices, but others like Kobian, are also loading on the features and trying their hardest to maintain a competitive price structure. Kobian released their first Mercury Tablet the mTab, back in the last quarter of 2011. It proved to be just about adequate, however, in the budget tablet division, while keeping the price under Rs.10,000. Their latest announcement is of the upgraded version of the same device only now infused with 3G capabilities.

Looks just like its older brother!

While the previous edition was equipped with a 1.2 Dual Core processor under its proverbial hood, the newer model, the mTab Neo, has been “powered down” to 1GHz (Cortex A9), still of the Dual Core variety, though. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen has been retained and still sports a WVGA (480 x 800) resolution. This model features a SIM card slot for 3G (GSM/WCDMA) support on the fly. The SIM card inclusion also enables the mTab Neo to make calls, both voice and video, alike. The tablet will unfortunately be running Android FroYo (2.2) out of the box with no options for an update, so the company says. This could be a major issue for users who might just want the few extras and bug fixes that Gingerbread has to offer.

Other features include -

• EDGE/GPRS support,
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 for data sharing as well as A2DP functionality
• 2MP camera with a 0.3MP front facing camera for video calling and conferencing
• 4GB if interval memory plus microSD card support for 32GB cards
• HDMI video out

Aside from SIM supported 3G, you could also choose to use a 3G USB dongle for data connectivity. The company has packed in a 4000mAh battery that should provide users with quite a bit of usage on a single charge (look for the review on tech 2 with battery tests). A set of speakers is also built into the device to be used either in a speaker phone capacity or for sharing audio, while watching videos or listening to music. The Neo supports Flash 10.1, which will enhance web browsing, but there’s no word on the support for newer versions.

Quite slim

Mercury’s mTab Neo comes with an MRP of Rs.15,999 and is available ex-stock with a one year warranty.

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend

Above is a purported leak of Pentax's upcoming K-01 -- a retro-inspired mirrorless camera which is apparently set for reveal soon. Divulged in a bevy of official-looking shots on Pentax Forums, the diminutive shooter will apparently be available in several colors alongside its incredibly-thin 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Also shown are closeups of a dedicated HDR mode up-top, alongside dedicated red and green buttons, and a curious signature by designer Marc Newson adjacent to its battery cover. Perplexed by the sum of its parts like we are? Well, until Pentax reveals all, get a acquainted with it in the source links below.

The Xappr, because your smartphone doesn't look enough like a gun

You love your smartphone -- and who can blame you, really? There's seemingly no limit to what it can do. But ask yourself this: does it look enough like a gun? The answer is almost certainly a big, fat "no." Thankfully, the Xappr is on its way from Metal Compass, set to help smartphones everywhere live up to their full laser gun potential. The company tells us that the accessory will work with iPhones and Android and Windows handsets (though only iOS and Android games are available, at present). Metal Compass expects to ship the thing in June, but you can pre-order one now, if you dare, for the low, low price of $30 (plus a full $15 in shipping, here in the States). Shoot past the break for a press release.

Facebook and Twitter to be tied into BBM

Research in Motion seems to be working on tying in Facebook and Twitter applications into its ever popular BBM for BlackBerry users. According to the Mobile Indian, BlackBerry users have already been able to connect BBM to other applications, but this direct connect between BBM and the two popular social networks will offer greater convenience. RIM, however, has made no statement on the matter. The way RIM's 'secret' is out without an official statement is N4BB found a version of Twitter that seemed to be BlackBerry connected. A Twitter user, @CrackBerry also found an updated Twitter and Facebook application for their BlackBerry device that seemed to be BBM connected. It is also reported that the connected Facebook and Twitter applications will not be out of the box features.

Facebook and Twitter to be more integrated

With Twitter being connected to BBM, BlackBerry users will be able to share tweets to other BBM users as well as groups. BlackBerry users will additionally be able to do auto BBM personal message updates using tweets. Connecting these applications to BBM makes sense and almost makes you wonder why RIM hasn't done this already. However, analysts do say that RIM has been actively working on inter-connectivity of applications with BlackBerry Messenger. The first app to be added to BBM was BBM Music, which was grouped as an e-commerce app. It also acts as a music social network where friends of users who have BBM music are added.

3DS adds to its European WiFi arsenal, gains over 5,000 free hotspots

Like any new console, the 3DS has had its share of growing pains. But the awkward acne of its first year has mostly been smoothed over, giving way to an attractive price, a library of compelling content and even DLC freebies. So, what's left for the Big N to do? Well, over in Europe, the company's partnered up with free-hotspot.com giving, you guessed it, more gratis WiFi to owners across 21 different Euro zone countries. These 5,000 or so new access points will be made available at a variety of hotels and fast food chains throughout the continent. So, the next time you're lined up for a Royale with cheese, feel free to hop online and start working through that Netflix queue.

ARM CEO expects Windows 8 to beat Android in tablets race

This year is going to be an exciting one for tablet enthusiasts and Microsoft is also equally excited about them. The upcoming Windows 8 is unique for a number of reasons. Firstly, there’s a big shift in the way it works and the user interacts with it. It’s being built for both the traditional desktop user and also for tablets. On the tablets front, there are the Intel hardware powered tablets on the x86 platform and then there’s the majority of tablets in the market today apart from Apple’s iPad - Android powered ones - running on the ARM architecture. CNET has a news story talking about ARM CEO, Warren East speaking at an earnings announcement about Microsoft’s upcoming platform.

Windows 8 might have an edge on Android

He said that many consumers were familiar with the Windows platform, more than they were with Android. There’s a clear advantage that Microsoft has over its competition. He said he would wait to see how Microsoft would take advantage of this. He also spoke about Android tablets not having taken off the way they were expected to, when they were launched. He also suggested giving Android tablets more time and they would pick up pace. He gave the example of Android smartphones which have taken off in a big way. They didn’t do well in the beginning, but are now selling roughly 7,00,000 units a day. Android tablets might just follow the same pattern. 

Windows - a prominent brand

Lastly, he spoke about their competition - Intel. He said that Intel had a lot of work to do in the smartphone and tablet space. Intel has been working on platforms that should help break them through into the smartphone and tablet domain. He said that Intel had no traction, whereas ARM, had roughly 7,00,000 units smartphones being enabled each day. Developers were also on ARM’s side, with so many of them working on ARM optimized apps. So in many ways, Intel has a number of obstacles before it can make it big in this space.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N, Galaxy Nexus evade German ban

Folks at Samsung can now rejoice. Early in the week, we had reported about the South Korean company failing to escape the sales ban effective on their Galaxy Tab 10.1N and Galaxy Tab 8.9 in Germany, post a ruling delivered by a higher regional court in Duesseldorf, making the future prospects appear bleak. Now, Bloomberg confirms that Galaxy Tab 10.1N, as it is referred to in Germany, and Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone have evaded the sales ban in Germany, dealing a blow to Apple. According to reports, Cupertino-based, Apple was to secure a preliminary injunction against Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1N, Galaxy Nexus smartphone in Germany, but a ruling by Presiding Judge, Andreas Mueller, Munich Regional Court has now proved to be a deterrent.

Evades ban in Germany

In his verdict, Presiding Judge, Andreas Mueller stated that, "Samsung has shown that it is more likely than not that the patent will be revoked because of a technology that was already on the market before the intellectual property had been filed for protection." While Samsung should rejoice over this victory, it certainly has other concerns in mind. Yesterday, the European Commission, which is the European Union's antitrust agency announced that is in the process of launching a formal investigation into Samsung's business practices to check if the company was abiding by its 1998-signed, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) norms, which functioned on FRAND way of practising business.

Meanwhile, a separate case against the Galaxy Tab 10.1N has been filed at a lower Dusseldorf court, by Apple; and a hearing is scheduled for next week.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 shows up on Amazon, price in tow

Oh Amazon, why must you tease us so? Not content on leaking the Fujifilm X-Pro1's lenses before the mirrorless ILC was even announced at CES, the retailer just revealed the camera's price. It appears you'll have to plunk down a hefty $1700 to get your dirty little mitts on this high-end rangefinder-ish 16 megapixel APS-C shooter -- and that's just for the body. As a reminder, you'll also be able to purchase the 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0 and 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 lenses for $500 each, and the larger 60mm (91mm equivalent) f/2.4 macro lens for $600. This camera may not be quite a sexy looking as its fixed-lens cousin the X100, but it sure looks more than up to the task of taking beautiful pictures. Guess we'll have to wait until late February to find out for sure.

Google Docs and Chrome to phone gets updated

Google has brought some new updates for two of its hot selling applications – Google Docs and Chrome to phone. Most of us are familiar with the two apps, but for those who aren’t, Google Docs brings your entire online document to your Android smartphone, for easy uploading and viewing of content. The other one, Chrome to phone allows users to send links, maps, phone numbers, and more from their Chrome browser to their phone. 

Updated!

Here’s what’s new in the Google Docs update:

• Make any file available offline for view access while not connected.
• Manage offline content, including seeing what’s out of date.
• Automatic syncing of offline content while on wifi.
• Star and rename files while offline.
• Improved reading experience of Google documents while on a tablet.

A screenshot of the app!

From the aforementioned features, the automatic sync option is surely one update that will interest most users. Also, it’s pretty neat that any file can be available offline for viewing without an active data connection. Along with these updates, the app also comes with a few other interesting features like, take a photo of printed text and convert it to a Google document and share docs with device contacts. Basically, Google has pretty much streamlined the application very well for mobile usage.

As far as Chrome to phone is concerned, here’s what the update brings us:

• Updated look and feel.
• Fixed crash when copying text from Chrome to the device.
• Added landscape support.

Chrome to phone currently doesn’t support all countries, but Google Docs is pretty much a worldwide application. Also, for Chrome to phone, you need to install the Chrome browser extension on your computer, which can be found by searching for 'Chrome to Phone' out here. The updated version for Google docs can be downloaded from here whilst the updated version for Chrome to Phone can be found here.

Besides the usual apps by Google that come pre-installed on your Android phone, what other applications are most crucial to you and your smartphone? Let us know in the comments section below.

Nokia chairman says company might not have a great 2012

Nokia’s biggest move in the recent past i.e. joining forces with Microsoft is one that could make or break the company. Although many have predicted that the combination of these two entities could go wither way, one has to admit there is potential here.

However, the Nokia camp has taken into consideration that recent shift to use Windows Phone 7 as an OS on their device might not be met with too favorable a view, at least initially. In fact, Chairman Jorma Ollila recently stated that the move will impact the company’s earnings throughout most of this year. "For a significant part of the year the transition will be seen in the results," Ollila told Finnish national broadcaster YLE.

Last week, when Nokia reported a 73 percent fall in fourth-quarter earnings, it said it was not able to give forecasts beyond the first quarter. The sales of their big first WP7 device i.e. the Nokia Lumia 800 didn’t really fare as well as hoped, but possibly their upcoming Lumia 900, the next addition to the series, might just fare better as the OS updates that could come bundled with might just make it more appealing. The simple fact is that at the moment, the OS is constraining and that could be the issue for most users who choose other platforms. In time however, the system is going to evolve considerably and could make a significant difference for the Finnish company.

Might not be too good a year

The sales of its new Windows Phones have so far failed to dent the dominance of Apple and Google, but Ollila said the situation would change and, as the Windows Phone is a completely new platform, the take-off will take time.

"Nokia will make it into the three, it’s completely obvious and the first signs are already there," he said. "None of the operating systems have taken off quickly. It will take time, as we have seen, and as was expected."

Nokia said last week it sold more than one million Windows Phones, over the course of two months, with developers showing increasing interest. Apple sold 37 million iPhones in the last quarter.

"When looking at the bigger picture, it shows that three operating systems will dominate in the near future and each of them will have one strong manufacturer, with Nokia having a very good chance to be one of the three," Ollila said. Long-time chief executive and chairman, Ollila is scheduled to be replaced by Risto Siilasmaa at the annual shareholders meeting in May.

The world's largest cellphone maker (by volume) will have to stick to their guns now and push the boundaries of the OS hard if they are to seriously challenge the likes of Apple’s iPhone and Google Inc's Android.

PlayStation Network down for scheduled maintenance today

If you’re a big fan of PlayStation gaming, you need to be aware that Sony has announced PlayStation Network will be down for almost the entire day today. Sony is saying that the PlayStation Network will be off-line for routine scheduled maintenance Thursday, February 2 from about 6 AM until midnight PST. This is certainly an extended outage that will bother some users since it’s right in the middle of the time when most use the PlayStation Network.


The good news is Sony claims that most online play will be unaffected. Sony also notes that users who are already signed into their account on the PlayStation Network before the maintenance starts should be able to stay signed into their accounts. However, a number of services will be unavailable for the entire length of maintenance. The services that will be unavailable during maintenance includes the PlayStation Store via the PS3, PSP, and Media Go.
PlayStation Network users will also be unable to access account management and account registration features. PlayStation HomeMusic Unlimited and Video Unlimited services will also be unavailable during maintenance. It is worth noting that during the maintenance, gamers will be able to collect in game trophies and the trophies will be updated to their account when maintenance ends.

iPad 3 debut in March plus “strange” February event tip sources

Reports of an iPad 3 reveal this month may have been premature, sources now claim, with Apple tipped to unveil its third-gen tablet in March but squeeze in a “strange” event before then. Although a February press event is still apparently on the calendar, Macotakara now says, it won’t see the debut of the new iPad: instead, that will take place the following month, reducing the expected time between the big reveal and sales starting. The rumors leave the purpose of the February event unclear.


Details on the February press gathering are unknown, and only described as “strange”; however, it’s said to be a non-product related event. That could mean services, similar to the iBooks event earlier this month.
The new iPad, meanwhile, will be shown off in early March, supposedly, then released later in the month. It’s unclear whether the refreshed model will be the iPad 3, as suspected until now, or the iPad 2S, a bridging model that will introduce a faster, Apple A6 processor and “Retina Display” screen, but leave more fundamental changes until later in 2012 or even beyond.
Leaks earlier this week, reportedly from a user with early access to the iPad 3, suggest the tablet will come with a global 3G/4G option. Apple is apparently using a combination GSM/CDMA/LTE modem, that will allow the slate to run on HSPA+ networks as well as LTE ones, though specific carrier support is unknown at this stage.

Android Google Docs Update Enables Offline Access To Documents

A new update to Android Google Docs application has rolled out this week bringing with it a new feature that provides the ability to store documents on your devices for offline access when required. Google has added the new offline Docs feature to help you when an internet connection might not always be available, enabling you to always be connected to files.
Once back online again via a WiFi connection Google Docs automatically updates your offline files. If needed you can also manually update files anytime via a data connection by opening the file or tapping ‘Update’ from the Offline section of the app.

Google Android tablets owners will also be pleased to learn that the new update has also improved the Google Docs reading experience. Now, when you open a Google document online you’ll receive a high-resolution version of the document. Swipe left and right to flip between pages, or use the slider at the bottom to page ahead quickly.
To download the newly updated Google Docs version jump over to the Android Market Place, you can also learn more about Google Docs offline capabilities and the new reading layout in Google’s help centre.

Apple iPhone 5 to be revealed at WWDC

Another week, another iPhone rumor, and this week it looks like we’ve got an unveiling date for the next-generation iPhone. According to DigiTimes (which is known more for its misses than hits), Apple will be taking the wraps off the iPhone 5 at this year’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) which will be held in June 2012. The source of this information? A company named Daiwa Securities – Japan’s second largest securities brokerage. No word on how they get their information, but if it’s accurate – it’s only five more months until we get to lay our eyes on the iPhone 5. How likely do you think we’ll be seeing the iPhone 5 at this year’s WWDC

HTC Sensation and Sensation XE ICS Update Coming Soon

A couple of posts this morning have uncovered that the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE could be here very soon indeed. A Eurodroid post points out that a Dutch Press release has announced that an HTC Sensation with Android 4.0 (ICS) on board will be ready to launch by March 1st. This means that the Ice Cream Sandwich update should be ready ‘any day now’ for the Sensations that are already out in the wild.
Another post over at Android Community shows a tweet from HTC saying that ‘ICS will be coming to the Sensation XE early this year’, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see the update rolled out to both devices.

Samsung Galaxy S II Plus And Galaxy Note S Coming At MWC 2012

Samsung recently announced that they wont be launching the new Samsung Galaxy S III at this years MWC 2012, which takes place in Barcelona later this month.
We know the company will be launching some other new smartphones, plus some new tablets, but now it would appear that they may launch updated versions of two existing devices.

According to a recent report from Pocket Now, Samsung may be getting ready to launch a more powerful version of their Galaxy S II smartphone, which will be called the Galaxy S II Plus.
The Galaxy S II Plus is rumored to come with Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, a WVGA display and a dual core 1.5GHz processor, and it looks like they may also launch a more powerful version of the Galaxy Note, which is rumored to be the Galaxy Note Plus.
As soon as we get some more information on these two new rumored devices from Samsung we will let you guys know.

Sony Xperia S Fast Charging Feature Detailed

We recently heard that Sony’s latest Android smartphone, the Sony Xperia S would come with a fast charging feature, although at the time we didn’t have any information on how this would work.
We now have some details on how the fast charge feature on the new Sony Xperia S will work, you will be able to plug your device in for 10 minutes and this will give you one hour of talk time on the Xperia S.

The Sony Xperia S will be able to charge your phone to 80 percent power in just 30 minutes, which sounds pretty impressive, after the 80 percent power is reached, the rate at which the device charges slows down.
When the battery reaches 80 percent, the rapid charging is switched to standard charging, this is done so that the life of the battery is preserved and it charges as the slower rate until it reaches 100 percent.
An 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes does sound impressive, it will be interesting to see how the rapid charging works on the device and also what the battery is like in day to day usage.

Nokia warns major changes will affect most of 2012 results

Nokia is currently in the midst of huge change for its smartphone business and is warning 2012 may be a tough year. Profits and revenue at the company have sagged, and much of the blame is on the lackluster sales of Nokia branded smartphones. Nokia continues to sell hoards of low-end and midrange mobile phones where profits are low, but has been unsuccessful in competing in the profitable high-end smartphone market. Nokia is changing that with the major tie up with Microsoft that will see numerous Windows Phone smartphones come to market this year.


Nokia chairman Jorma Ollila warned yesterday that the impact the major changes in Nokia’s smartphone operations and the partnership with Microsoft for smartphone operating systems would affect the earnings at Nokia throughout most of 2012. Nokia made the announcement last week of a 73% decline in fourth-quarter earnings. Ollila said, “For a significant part of the year the transition will be seen in the results.”
Nokia has failed so far to make significant sales with its Windows Phone smartphones. However, the phone giant is pointing out that any new operating system took while to catch on and take off. Android certainly had a rocky year so before it gained traction became wildly popular. Nokia maintains that the Windows Phone platform will take off, but it will take time. Nokia says that each of the popular operating systems has one strong manufacturer, and it believes that it will be that strong manufacturer for Windows Phone.

Jorma Ollila said, “Nokia will make it into the three, it’s completely obvious and the first signs are already there. None of the operating systems have taken off quickly. It will take time, as we have seen, and as was expected.”
“When looking at the bigger picture, it shows that three operating systems will dominate in the near future and each of them will have one strong manufacturer, with Nokia having a very good chance to be one of the three.”