Memory lane.

Do you remember the original N95? Horrible silver-grey crash prone, shoebox that felt cheap and plasticy? Well, the shoebox is back but things have changed. The latest version features 8Gb of flash memory (for ring tones, images - you know the score), significant software enhancements and it’s black! I have more of an affinity for black mobiles, it just looks right. A new feature on this model is the addition of a second slider although I’m not quite sure why Nokia have added this.

Through the kaleidoscope.

The new N95 features a 2.8″ screen at 240 x 320 pixels. This actually works rather well regardless of which application you are using and, believe me, this device is packed full of goodie. By default the N95 features the N-Gage games system as a built-in component. Add the web browser, 5 megapixel camera, video and still editing software and….well, I could could go on for quite some time. Let’s just say that this is a very impressive handset.

Did I mention you can connect it to your TV for image and movie viewing?

Click here to check out the full specifications. I think you’ll like it.

Popularity: 10% [?]

In the fast lane.

It would appear that Nokia is seeking to compete with Intel in the wireless arena. NEC, Sony Ericcson and Alcatel-Lucent have signed up to plans for development of the new wireless system. All four companies have created a licensing framework for LTE (Long Term Evolution) in which royalty payments will be kept low to encourage adoption of the technology. In effect, this is regarded as the successor to 3G. 4G will provide communications at higher speeds and over greater distance than 3G and is currently being rolled out in the US and China (will we be the last, again?).

The world according to Intel.

Do you think Intel is sitting idly, watching events? Of course you didn’t. Intel is hedging its bets on WiMax. The hardware manufacturer expects the technology to have up to 10 million users within a year moving to hundreds of millions within a couple of years. Nothing like being optimistic.

As to which technology will win, only time will tell. But a point for you to note: Nokia has produced a WiMax enabled tablet but then pulled out of a deal. Creative differences or simply power games?

Click here to go to the home page.

Popularity: 2% [?]

MIDs on the march.

Apple is a trend setter. The MacBook Air is proof. So where to next? Well, if the likes of Intel and Lenovo get their way, it’ll be the Mobile Internet Device (MID). Based on the appeal of the Air it would appear that small and slim is the new king of cool. But how small are you prepared to go? Really small? Hardware vendors hope so. Traditionally, the size and power requirements of CPUs have hindered the miniaturisation process but Intel seemed to have cracked those problems. The Atom is smaller than a 1p piece but is capable of speeds of up to 1.87 Ghz. Impressive?

Apple of my eye.

Sound appealing? If not, consider this: a device slightly larger than a PDA or iPhone but with the power of a laptop. As a business user I’m always on the lookout for equipment that provides both mobility and usability and it would be unrealistic to think that I’m the only person who wants these features. But don’t expect Apple to sit back. The 3G and 16 Gb models are due for release. In light of this new competition, expect the iPhones capabilities to become even more advanced. I think the market is going to get really hot. So, what about Lenovo? Read on.

Born to be mobile.

Lenovo have launched a product that shows you exactly what the technology is capable of. The IdeaPad U8 features an Intel Atom CPU, 3G connectivity and a 4.8″ touchscreen. The device also features a separate optical mouse and fits neatly into your pocket. Screenshot here. I expect to see it competing with the likes of the Asus EEE PC in the battle for hearts and minds.

On a final note, don’t expect all of the devices to be using Microsoft products. Intel has already announced that their first offering will run Red Flag Linux. The Linux vendor Ubuntu is also making a venture into the embedded OS market.

Does that sound to you like having Christmas every day? It does to me. Sit back, watch the market and enjoy the goodies on offer.

Popularity: 2% [?]

‘Tube’ is here, nearly.

In the dark and dank backrooms, developers are hard at work. Their goal? The ‘iPhone killer’. This monday, 07 Jan 2008, Nokia announced that it is still working towards its answer to the iPhone.

Slides produced at Evans Data Developer Relations Conference show a device very similar in design to Apples phone offering. The device will feature an interface controlled by touch, much like the iPhone. Other capabilities such as the abilitiy to upload photos and images are planned for the ‘Tube’.

What does that mean for us, the poor old consumer? Well, we’re not sure. Hopefully Nokia won’t award the supply contract to a single mobile phone supplier who will then charge outrageous sums of money for the privilege of owning a ‘Tube’. Then again, who knows?

Popularity: 2% [?]

Beam me up Stevie!

Is Apple ready for a new era? According to Steve Jobs, yes, it is. But can Apple really make the leap from awe inspiring, height of coolness into the dull world of corporate technology? We think so.

Admittedly, this will be a huge leap for the creator of iconic products such as the iPod, iTunes and the Mac. Apple will have to overcome the Microsoft centric bias that currently exists in IT. But, as with any technology deployment, once the ball starts to roll it’s hard to stop it. Besides, how many technology directors do you know that want to be seen with run of the mill hardware and software?

On a more serious note, many IT departments are starting to realise the value of browser based access to applications which may well alleviate issues associated with integration. Take a recent survey of IT decision makers that suggests that nearly a quarter of employees are using social technologies, such as wikis, blogs and social media, in order to collaborate on projects (all this without the help of their IT departments - if too many people get this savvy the techies will be out of a job!).

But don’t heap all of the blame on corporate decision making. Apple have been consumer orientated for a long time. Yes, they have business teams in some of their stores but it would appear that this area has never been a high priority for them (who came blame them when, based on Apples statisics, an iPod was sold every 1.7 seconds during the products life span!).

A new era?

Whilst many companies would appear to wary of deploying Apple products the tipping point may be just around the corner. As of June, the iPhone will be capable of accessing Microsoft Exchange email services. Push e-mail and calendaring services on an ultra-cool mobile device, now who can argue against that?

Popularity: 3% [?]