Just a few weeks back, Google announced the Android Go program for budget smartphones. It is a watered down version of Oreo that;s light on resources. And if the rumours are trues, it seems HMD is going to kick-start the proceedings with Nokia 1.

TAGS: Nokia

TAGS: Nokia 8

 

The phone introduces a Dual-Sight video livestreaming feature. This means that you can simultaneously broadcast from phone's front and rear cameras in split screen. This is going to be big deal for Facebook and YouTube content creators.

TAGS: Nokia

HMD is still struggling with the distribution logistics of the Nokia 3, 5 and 6. In many countries including India, Nokia phones are still not easily available. This however hasn't stopped the Finnish company to prepare for its flagship handset release.

According to TheVerge, HMD has started sending out media invites for its London event on August 16th. Thanks to the recent leaks, we already know that the Nokia 8 is due an official reveal.

The rumour has it that the phone has a dual-camera setup. It will also feature Carl Zeiss optics. Other speculations suggest at a 5.3-inch screen, Snapdragon 835 chipset, and up to 6 GB of RAM.

TAGS: Nokia 8

Retailers Not Stocking Nokia 5 And 6 Due To GST Scares Finnish company HMD Global, known for reviving Nokia's handset business announced the Nokia 3, 5, and 6 in India. While the Nokia 3 already hit the market, it seems that the other two handsets will take more time than anticipated before you see it in stores.



Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 were scheduled to roll out in the first week of July. However, citing country's tax reforms under GST, retailers are hesitant to stock these new phones. As per India Today Tech, "The company has been told by its retail partners that they want to start from a clean slate in the GST regime, which kicks off from July 1, and hence will start to stock the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 only after the first week in July."

HMD Global has stated that it has already taken into account the tax structure under GST. This means that the GST rollout will not affect the prices of Nokia phones. The Nokia 3 is priced at 9500. The Nokia 5 costs 12,900 while the Nokia 6 will set you back for Rs 15,000. On a related note, online retailers in India have launched pre-GST sales to clear up the stocks.

TAGS: Nokia

 

Thanks to the images aquired by Frandroid.com, we have got a sneak peak at Nokia's first flagship phone under HDM. Although the phone is in a blue plastic cover, you can clearly see the metal body. However, it keeps you guessing the design. The images do confirm the presence of a 3.5 mm audio jack and USB-C port.

The images of some apps reveals some specifications. For starters, you get the Snapdragon 835 chipset. The phone has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. The 5.2-inch has pixel dimensions of 2560×1440. All this definitely sounds worthy of a flagship save for the camera, which settles for 13-megapixel sensor. On the bright side, it features a dual sensor assembly, which can bring a lot of neat features to the tabel

TAGS: Nokia

After the Nokia 6, HMD Global unveiled the relatively compact Nokia 5. Much like its elder sibling, the Nokia 5 features a seamless metal body. Each of this handset is engineered out of a single block of aluminium.



Compared to Nokia 6's 5.5-inch screen, the Nokia 5 comes with a smaller 5.2-inch IPS (In Pane Switching) display. It is powered by the Snapdragon 430 chipset. The phone has 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot. The Nokia 5 packs-in a 3000 mAH battery.



In Europe, the handset is set to cost €189. According to an Indian price aggregating website, the Nokia 5 is likely to be priced at Rs 14,000. That seems like decent pricing considering the build quality this phone has to offer, but going by the specs alone, the phone is going to be a hard sell.

TAGS: Nokia

Thanks to HMD, Nokia has been making headlines at the Mobile World Congress 2017. Along with the iconic Nokia 3310, HMD global, which has licenced Nokia brand name, announced two new smartphones. Both these phones run Android Nougat out-of-the-box. The company worked with the search-giant for tight Google Assistant integration.



First up, the Nokia 5 flaunts a seamless metal body. Each handset is engineered out of a single block of aluminium. Such manufacturing process is mostly reserved for high-end phones. The handset sports a 5.2-inch IPS (Ina Pane Switching) screen. Backed by the Snapdragon 430, the Nokia 5 isn't really a powerful phone though. It has 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, and a microSD card slot. The Nokia 5 packs-in a 3000 mAH battery. Available silver, black, blue, and Copper, the Nokia 5 will be priced at €189. In India, it is likely to cost around Rs 14,000.



The Nokia 3 is a compact smartphone for budget conscious people. It has a 5-inch HD screen with a 2.5D Gorilla Glass protection. The phone is powered by a modest MediaTek MT6737 chipset. Much like the Nokia 5, it comes with 2 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage, and microSD card slot. The phone has an 8-megapixel camera on front and back. It supports 4G LTE and packs-in 2650 mAh battery. Available in silver white, black, blue and copper white, the Nokia 3 will retail for €139. It is likely to be priced under Rs 10,000 in India.

TAGS: Nokia

One of the most iconic mobile phones ever made, the Nokia 3310 is back. HMD global, which is a new home to Nokia phones, unveiled the classic phone at the Mobile World Congress 2017. The 3310 was a testimony to Finland's expertise in industrial design. The phone has been known for its sturdy body, usability, and long battery life.



The new 3310 is positioned as a back-up phone for the smartphone generation. The new Nokia 3310 offers month long stand-by on a single charge. The Finnish company has upgraded its specs to stay relevant with time. For starters you get a 2.4-inch colour screen. It runs the Series 30 software platform. There's even a 2 -megapixel camera for desperate shots.



The design is more curvy and cheerful compared to the original 3310. For some reasons, HMD has opted for gloss finish as opposed to the tough matte feel the classic phone was known for. The Nokia 3310 will retail at an average global retail price of €49, which roughly translates to around Rs 3500.

TAGS: Nokia

Nokia has finalise the deal with HMD Global Oy (HMD) to provide the branding rights and intellectual property licensing. HMD, which is a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group has also closed a deal with Microsoft to gain the rights to exclusively use the Nokia brand for next 10 years. In Nokia's deal with Microsoft, the Finnish company offloaded its devices business to the software giant. The deal included a licence to use Nokia brand identity on feature phones. The rights to use Nokia name on the smartphones remained with the Finnish brand.

Under this agreement with HMD, Nokia will receive royalty payments from the sales of every Nokia branded mobile phone and tablet, covering both brand and intellectual property rights. According to the press release, Nokia branded feature phones continue to be popular in many parts of the world and HMD will continue to manufacture them along with smartphones and tablets.

On various occasions, HMD has confirmed that it will be using Google's Android platform for future Nokia phones. The company has also promised to release the first wave of handsets in first quarter of 2017.



On the latest development, Brad Rodrigues, interim president of Nokia Technologies, stated: "We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown around the world for the return of the Nokia brand to smartphones. The HMD Global team has the ambition, talent and resources to bring a new generation of Nokia branded phones to market, and we wish them every success. I'm sure our millions of Nokia fans will be excited to see their new products!"

TAGS: Nokia

Nokia, once dominated the phone market. However, post iPhone, it couldn't keep up with the competition, and finally gave up on the handset division. Under its new CEO, Rajeev Suri's leadership, the Finnish company decided to focus on its network infrastructure business instead. Despite being out of action in the phone business for over a year, Nokia's brand image remains strong among the consumers world over. Taking a hint from that, the company is making a comeback in the smartphone space next year.



The confirmation comes from company's presentation slide made for the investor-focused event. In its upcoming strategy, the company states that Nokia's brand will return to smartphones in 2017. What fans need to understand though is that these handsets won't be manufactured by the Finnish company. Much like Polaroid, the company will only lend its name to Chinese device manufacturers. In Nokia's case, Finnish company HMD will oversee the device manufacturing process. Nokia will provide its wide range of patents while Foxconn will bring its R&D and manufacturing expertise to the table. For those not in the know, Foxconn also handles manufacturing requirement for other biggies such as Apple, Dell, and HP.



Nokia's comeback handset will most likely run Android. It will be interesting how much of past glory Nokia can regain in the smartphone segment currently dominated by the Korean tech-giant Samsung.

TAGS: Nokia

For those waiting for Nokia’s return to the smartphone making business, need not wait too much longer. Among the recent renditions leaked on Geekbuzz, the mid-range handset, current called D1C, has been leaked with specifications and pictures.

Amongst some of the common features in the handset, would be Qualcomm octa-core processor powering the handset clocked at 1.4GHz with Adreno 505 GPU and 3GB of RAM. It was earlier reported that Nokia will be launching 4 new handsets in the last quarter of 2016, amongst which, are the Nokia D1C smartphone, other than Nokia 5320 and Nokia 1490. Though not sure yet, the devices are perhaps going to launched with the Android 7.0 Nougat OS pre-loaded.

Geekbench being a benchmark page for device, gave the D1C a score of 656 for the single-core performance of the processor, while the multi-core performance score was 3120, which is known to a fairly decent score mid-range handset. However, more information about the device, has still not been revealed, and the coming near future will perhaps hold some crucial information. The interest in Nokia’s smartphones was once again created in May 2016, when they granted HMD Global the exclusive license to produce Nokia branded mobile phones and tablets for them for the next 10 years.

Nokia has also recently launched the N1 tablet, which got fair response from the audience, alongside the Z launcher for the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. However, if one is expecting more from the company, it will only become clear when D1C and the other 2 mentioned handsets are formally launched for the world to see.

What is more confusing for the audience however, is that the date for the launch event, which is estimated to happen in the last quarter of 2016, has not been informed either. Perhaps, after years in the slumber, the company is looking to garner as much hype and scrutiny as possible, so as to garner the most attention possible. 

TAGS: Android, Android 7.0 Nougat, Consumer Technology, Mobiles, Nokia App Folders

With instances of exploding "smart" phones on the rise, I won't be surprised if people are considering to go back to dumb phones. If you too fall in this category, Microsoft has a good option for you. The software giant has unveiled Nokia 216 Dual SIM handset. Despite its dirt-cheap pricing, the handset features a sleek design and incredible attention to detail. The company has even used quality polycarbonate to build this handset.

The Nokia 216 features a 2.8-inch with 320x240 pixels. It has 16 MB RAM (yes, you read that right), which is more than enough to handle Nokia's Series 30+ platform. The handset comes with a microSD card slot. Data speeds are limited to 2G. Other connecticity features include Bluetooth 3.0, Micro-USB port, and FM Radio. The handset packs-in a 1020 mAh battery with standby time of maximum 24 days. It offers talk time of up to 18 hours on a single charge. It is completely useless in the photography department, as it offers two fixed-focus VGA cameras. Under best conditions, you should expect good thumbnail size photographs.



The feature phone comes in black, grey and mint hues. Priced at Rs 2495, the phone will retail starting from next next month.

TAGS: Microsoft, Nokia

TAGS: Nokia

Today is a big day for hardcore Nokia fans, as the first live images of the Nokia C1 have finally leaked out. We say “very own” because there’s not even the ‘M’ of Microsoft to be involved out here, just pure Finnish design with a little bit of Chinese interference.

We have seen a blurry press image of the C1 smartphone before, and the new images only confirm the old rumours. As expected, the images have leaked out from a Chinese website. This is because Nokia was utilizing Foxconn’s manufacturing prowess to build and sell its “Nokia”-licensed designs.

Coming to the C1 smartphone, it looks very similar to the N1 tablet that is currently available for purchase in certain countries. While we do like the design, we also noticed the laser-assisted focus module sitting next to the LED flash.

What one can clearly, deduct from the image that this smartphone is running a slightly modded version of Android. The toggle switches look minimalist but also look similar to Samsung’s TouchWiz software (colours etc). Looking at the display, it has razor-thin bezels, with the actual display literally hugging the smartphone’s chassis/frame.

We have the volume rockers on the right and an expected USB Type C port at the bottom, keeping in line with the Nokia N1 tablet.

What we get from the rumours about the hardware specs, is that Nokia will packing a 5 inch Full HD display, 2 GB of RAM and hopefully Android Marshmallow.

Clearly, Nokia has plans to announce this device, (that still seems to be in the R & D phase) by 2016. This is all thanks to the terms of Nokia’s Mobile Devices division acquisition set by Microsoft.

For now, let’s all hope that Nokia’s first smartphone in years does not turn out to be a a cheaply made Chinese device, keeping Nokia’s design legacy in mind.

Source, Via, Image Courtesy: tech.wp.pl

TAGS: Nokia C1, Nokia, Mobile Phones

Nokia has offloaded its mapping and location services business HERE to the German car consortium comprising of AUDI, BMW, and Daimler.

HERE, was earlier known as NAVTEQ, Ovi, and Nokia maps. Considering that Nokia acquired NAVTEQ for around 5.7 billion euros in 2007, and then burned plenty of cash to improve it, the German auto-makers got themselves a bargain deal for EUR 2.8 billion.

With the sale of devices division (phones) to Microsoft and mapping business to AUDI, BMW, and Daimler, the Finnish brand now only holds two divisions under its fold: Nokia Networks and Nokia Technologies. The Finns are focusing on the former. Its recent $16.6 billion acquisition Alcatel-Lucent is a definite proof of that. Nokia Technologies focuses on products targeted at consumers and professionals. Take for instance, the Nokia N1 tablet and OZO virtual reality camera.

HERE maps have been popular on smartphones due to its offline voice-guided sat-nav service. Initially, a Nokia exclusive software, HERE maps later made it to Android, iOS, and even Tizen.

Existing app users need not worry about this deal, as the consortium promises to serve the HERE maps app users.

TAGS: Maps, Nokia, Here Maps

After the sell-off its handset division to Microsoft, Nokia decided to concentrate its efforts in the network infrastructure business. Apart from that, the Finns also retained the Nokia Advanced Technology department. If you ever wondered why, then we have just got the answer. Nokia has unveiled its virtual reality (VR) camera OZO that lets you create content for VR platforms such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

The videos shot on OZO can also be integrated as 360 degree interactive YouTube videos. OnePlus used similar technology to pull-off its virtual reality launch event. The only other product that comes close to Nokia's OZO, is Jump camera rig developed by GoPro. Unlike GoPro's solution though, Nokia OZO has a spherical shape. It looks like a naval mine from a steampunk movie.

OZO captures 3D video through eight synchronized cameras sensors. This enables viewers to enjoy 360 degree view in the video. To make things immersive, OZO can also record spatial audio using its eight microphones. In simple words, you get directional sound inside the virtual reality.

The device is also capable of processing the video on its own. Till now, such videos needed to be stitched in the post products. If not final rendering, this feature will at least be useful for content creators to check the footage right away.

Developed at Nokia facilities in Tampere, Finland, OZO is targeted at studios, production houses, and media and technology companies. Palo Alto-based VR production company Jaunt Inc. has already embraced OZO.

The Nokia OZO is expected to ship in the last quarter of the year. The product will be manufactured in Finland. Since it is targeted at professional content creators, OZO is likely to be expensive for us lesser mortals.

TAGS: virtual reality, Nokia

After selling-off its handset division to Microsoft, Nokia has hardly unveiled any consumer hardware device save for the China exclusive N1 tablet. Despite that, the company has a knack to be in the spotlight. If the speculations of the once market leader re-entering the phone market in 2016 weren't enough, the latest round of speculations suggests that Nokia would soon introduce its first virtual reality headset.

According to recode.net, Finns will unveil a VR wearable as early as next week. The product is said to be developed by Nokia Advanced Technologies, a division that the Finns retained during the Microsoft deal.

With its handset division gone, Nokia will want to keep the buzz around its brand by announcing a consumer product. And in this day and age, what's hotter than a VR headset? With its history dating back to 1865, Nokia has changed with time. Over the period of time, it produced papers, tyres, chemicals, gas masks (for Finnish military), before emerging as the top phone maker in 90s. So, you can't really write-off this company.

This not the first time we are hearing such rumours. In 2013, similar reports made rounds when the American company Vuzix joined hands with Nokia to take the VR headset development forward. Vuzix licensed Nokia's see-through (Exit Pupil Expanding) EPE optics technology for its head mounted displays and video eyewear.

Nokia may not have experience in the VR field, but this is where a collaboration with Vuzix holds a key. The Vuzix M100 was the first commercially available VR after-all. Yes, Google Glass came first, but it wasn't available to consumers, remember? The task is not simple either. To leave a mark in the VR space, Nokia will have to compete with Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (made in collaboration with Valve), Project Morpheus from Sony, Google Glass, and Microsoft Hololens.

If I have to guess, Nokia's VR product is unlikely to primarily focus on gaming. I believe that it will be more on the lines of Hololens where the virtual reality is fused with the world around you. No doubt that Nokia is more than capable of delivering something impressive. The only problem I see here is whether developers will show confidence in its platform. Or maybe, will Nokia take the HTC route to make use of Valve's platform or turn to its old partner Microsoft?

Tags : wearable, virtual reality, Nokia

Nokia’s well-received Android-based N1 tablet is coming to India. In fact, as the Zauba import listings point out, its already here.

The tablet which was announced last year is indeed a rarity, as it is currently only available for sale in China. The device showed up recently on import tracker, Zauba’s website showing that the device is currently being imported for testing purposes.

In what would be a tear-jerking moment for Nokia fans, the Android tablet with its custom Z-launcher will be headed to the Indian market soon, provided all goes well. Fans will finally be able to purchase a Nokia-branded device, even though it is now licensed by Foxconn China, in all its gleaming aluminium glory.

As for the pricing, expect it to be in the Rs 15,000 (before taxes) range as the tablet currently retails for about 249 USD in China.

The innards include a 64-bit 2.3GHz Intel Atom Z3580 processor, PowerVR G6430 GPU and 2 GB RAM, with 32 GB of internal storage.

Source

TAGS: Tablets, Android, Nokia N1, Nokia

Now that we know more about Nokia’s HERE Maps deal heading south, CEO, Rajeev Suri seems to have finally opened up giving out some details about Nokia’s plan to make an entry into the smartphone business.

While Nokia’s current N1 tablet is seeing good sales, it is not really selling in too many places. Moreover, this is not a Nokia product in the true sense because it is being made and sold in limited numbers by Foxconn in China.

CEO, Rajeev Suri in a conference finally broke his silence and has revealed that Nokia will follow the same strategy as the N1 tablet. The company will begin looking out for suitable partners to help launch the brand back into the smartphone business. One that it once ruled until Apple showed up.

These partners will simply manufacture and market the licensed Nokia-made design and software and sell it in markets of their choice.

Now that Foxconn is looking to set up a facility in India, we could expect the smartphone to begin selling in India along with China (where the N1 is currently selling).

The Nokia CEO, did not give out any other details about the upcoming handset but confirmed that it will stay away from the industry until the second half of 2016. This is because Microsoft’s deal with Nokia does not even allow the Finnish company to begin licensing the product until that time.

It was just recently, that we heard about Nokia’s Moonraker smartwatch that was culled just before launch. Seems like Microsoft has indeed played its cards well even with the acquisition so that Nokia is nowhere to be heard of in the smartphone business until Microsoft establishes itself as a mobile devices company. Still then, we must comment that Microsoft’s time is running out... fast.

Source

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Android, Nokia

It is indeed all about the ‘to and fro’ between Nokia and its bidders for its HERE Maps division. Seems like Nokia is interested in selling off its maps division to potential bidder, that is a group of German carmakers. But for now the 4 billion USD bid seems a bit too less.

The Finnish company is expecting another round of bidding even though, many of its bidders have moved out because of Nokia’s genuine interest with the automotive group.

The 4 billion USB bid seems like a small talk for a massive mapping division. More so because Nokia acquired Navteq Corp back in 2008 for 8.1 billion USD.

While Nokia’s CEO, Rajeev Suri did mention a month earlier that the company is not in a hurry. It seems like the dropping value of HERE Maps will force the company to close the deal at the same price, before it hits the ground.

Source

TAGS: Software, Maps, Nokia HERE Maps, Nokia

The Verge today has managed to pull out something astonishing indeed. The fact is to do with a smartwatch that Nokia was readying with all its enthusiasm before Microsoft took over and cancelled the project altogether. The results? An insignificant, tasteless but expensive Microsoft Band.

Everyone knows that Microsoft was indeed good with software. Hardware (especially mobile devices) was not their forte, which is why the Nokia acquisition took place. Still then, the Nokia-made Microsoft Moonraker smartwatch was one of those devices that managed to slip out even though it was demoed (in private) and saw interest at the Mobile World Congress just last year.

Yes, Nokia was this close to putting out a smartwatch (that really looks like something you would want to buy) when the Microsoft acquisition team shuttered it.

Famed leaker Evan Blass has helped reveal what the smartwatch looked like (or at least what it was supposed to) by leaking out these artworks (above and below) which he came across on Tumblr.

This is not just any Tumblr account, but one that is run by Microsoft design employee Pei-Chi Hsieh. The page has since discovery been pulled down (by Microsoft we are guessing).

The Verge tells us that Microsoft canned the project simply because it was ready to push out its own Band wearable accessory.

While the Nokia-made Moonraker looked good, it was a bit limited in terms of software. It was designed keeping in mind its new owner’s Windows Phone platform at least when it came to the UI. But Microsoft’s Band somehow seems to have had more functionality and was the reason why Microsoft decided to shut the program down at the very end.

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

TAGS: wearable, smartwatch, Smartband, Microsoft, Nokia

Facebook has partnered with Nokia’s HERE Maps division to deliver better mapping solutions for its mobile apps. These apps would include Facebook’s own Messenger platform along with Instagram but for Android only.

TechCrunch pushed out a report pointing out that this is indeed a deal and not a proper acquisition. Samsung had pulled off something similar sometime back and we suddenly began to see HERE developing apps for Samsung devices; the app that was later available for all Android smartphones.

As of now, Facebook is using HERE Maps only for its mobile app and is working on using the same for its Messenger and Instagram apps.

A Facebook spokesperson commented:

It was just a few weeks ago the Nokia made it official that was interested in selling its HERE Maps division. Everyone from the smartphone manufacturers like Apple to big names in the automotive industry seemed pretty keen in a deal that is said to begin bids from 2 billion USD.

Nokia on the other hand is focussed on its mobile networks business and this shows with its recent acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent at 16.6 billion USD (in stocks).

Source

TAGS: Software, Nokia HERE Maps, Nokia, Facebook

For a last few months, we have been hearing a lot of rumours about Nokia returning to the phone market. Some even went on to suggest that the company's first phone after selling its devices division to Microsoft will run Android. Strengthen by the fact that its N1 tablet runs Android with Nokia's Z launcher. However, finally the Finish brand on its official website company.nokia.com stated that "it has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets".

After offloading its devices division to Microsoft, Nokia retains HERE maps and networking business. Focusing on the latter, Nokia has shown interest in letting go of its maps and location services. HERE maps (earlier known as Nokia maps) has been an expensive affair for the Finns. In 2008, Nokia acquired the Chicago-based Navteq for whopping USD 8.1 billion to enter the mapping business. Despite the quality offering, it hasn't managed to get good returns on it.

Its recent acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent for $16.6 billion goes on to show how serious Nokia is when it comes to networking business. If you appreciate Nokia's quality construction and camera expertise, your best bet is Microsoft's Lumia devices.

Before signing off, here's Nokia official statement:

"Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. These reports are false, and include comments incorrectly attributed to a Nokia Networks executive.

Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets."

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Nokia

Bloomberg Business reports that Apple is one of the candidates that Nokia is interested in selling its HERE Maps business to. The company seems perfect for a variety of reasons, but that is not the only company that seems interested to bid.

Literally everyone apart from Google is interested in Nokia’s maps business that seems to be eating into the profits of the company. The sale will indeed take care of that problem; more so, because the starting bid is said to begin from €3 billion (remember Nokia’s mobile business was acquired for around $7.2 billion).

Still then, there is a long list of interested buyers than span from internet portals like Amazon to Alibaba to auto mobile manufacturers from Germany.

Out of all of the above Apple would make for the perfect candidate. This is because it has the monies and it desperately needs to improve its Maps service, which is currently not worth pushing out even as a pre-installed app on its iPhones.

Nokia’s reasons for putting up its HERE Maps division on sale is pretty simple, its assets are losing value. Nokia in fact plans to focus on mobile phone networks instead, which is an area that it has a ton of experience in. Its recent acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent for €15.6 billion seems like a pretty credible answer to this theory.

More so there is also the mobile phone business with Android inside that Nokia wants to jump back into. But this begins post Q3 2016.

Hopefully, its deal goes well, and we do not see a disappointing figure similar to its mobile devices acquisition by Microsoft.

Source

TAGS: Software, Apps, Nokia HERE Maps, Nokia, Apple

Nokia is one company that somehow manages to make news even though it is not really coming up with anything new. Its recent accomplishments in the mobile space include the Z Launcher and the N1 Tablet that made waves during launch but now seemed to have died out.

Still then, today’s news is refreshing indeed. re/code managed to get a few snippets via inside sources and claims that the company is planning a big come back.

While its recent $16.6 billion deal to buy Alcatel-Lucent has nothing to do with this; it along with the recent rumours of Nokia putting its Maps business up for sale certainly got the attention of many.

It indeed goes to show that everyone’s interested when you are sitting with a portfolio of about 10,000 patents (Nokia Technologies).

[Also Read: Meizu MX Supreme Could Be Nokia’s First Android-Powered Smartphone]

And its not just the smartphone market that Nokia is planning to enter when its deal with Microsoft ends in 2016; it’s virtual reality as well.

Nokia’s way of making it to the surface (after its troubled past) gradually by licensing its software and entire products for other manufacturers to build, sell and support is smart; but a risky one.

Hopefully, we get to see a Nokia C1 powered by Android getting announced soon.

Source

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Android, Nokia

While Android smartphone owners got their dose of offline-ready HERE Maps not too long ago, its now turn for iOS users to get their own version of the same. This is because HERE has finally announced its brand-new app for the iPhone.

We say brand-new because this is not the same old app that the company had launched sometime back to test the waters on iOS. The new app is built from scratch for iOS 8 and the iPhone (there is an iPad app in the pipeline as well) and is new and purpose built, unlike the HTML 5 version of the past.

Still then the app is similar to the Android one, beautifully made, and offers all of the features of the former including, offline maps and navigation along with offline search for local establishments.

Seems like Apple Maps just got another competitor. Or may be we should be looking forward to a billion dollar acquisition, between Apple and HERE soon. But that is certainly not happening, as Samsung seems pretty interested and has its hands in HERE’s (Nokia's) pockets already.

Indeed we can see Windows Phone users getting a bit furious as their app has certainly not been updated for a while. HERE must have focused on the iOS app after Android and WP users cannot complain as Microsoft does not pull its strings any more.

Source, Download (iOS)

TAGS: Apps, Navigation, Downloads, iOS, Nokia HERE Maps, Nokia

If rumours are to be believed, Nokia 1100 which was launched in 2003 as an entry-level basic phone is likely to make a come back after 12 years.

Nokia 1100 which was known as the world's most strongest and popular digital phone may be coming back with smartphone features and Android 5.0 Lollipop as its Operating System.

Rumours have it that the all-new Nokia 1100 will be powered by 1.3GHz MediaTek quad-core processor and that the phone will have a 512MB RAM.

We still have no clue regarding the size of the display, but it is believed to sport an 8MP camera supported with Full HD video recording.

However, we can't vouch on any of these news and rumours, but if at all the rumours materialize, a lot of Nokia fans who are missing the legendary handset with be excited.

While we are not sure of the re-release of the legendary 1100 as an Android smartphone, Nokia cannot sell any smartphones because of its contract with Microsoft.

We expect Nokia to officially announce regarding the rumour.

However, even though rumours are found to be true, we cannot expect the phone before 2016.

TAGS: Nokia, Android 5.0 Lollipop

Microsoft has finally released its latest Windows Phone update, the Lumia Denim across many countries including India.

The Lumia Denim has been made specifically for Lumia smartphones and the company is boasting about the availability of the update to its Nokia Lumia 925 smartphones through official channels of various carriers.

For now, the updates are being rolled out through T-Mobile in USA and Microsoft is soon on its way to deploy the update in as many countries as possible with India in March.

Coming to the features of the update, the Denim actually bumps the software version to 3051.50009.1451.0018 and brings along features like the ability to shoot 4K video as well as faster camera start-up and shutter speeds.

Lumia Denim update is roughly around 530MB in size and Nokia Lumia 925 users will be receiving notifications to update to the latest software version, Windows Phone 8.1.

There's an important thing Lumia 925 users should take care of. In order to update your Lumia successfully, please make sure you have at least 1GB of free storage available.

TAGS: Lumia

Nokia has updated its HERE Maps for Android and Windows Phone once again. This time around, the update is to do with the map data and not the app. The update brings a couple of new features and improves on some older ones as well.

The new feature basically works on delivering accurate metro routes that will now actually show smoother and curved routes as per actual routes instead of straight lines. This allows users to better understand (or plan) their journeys keeping the ground above in mind.

In terms of improvements we have improved maps in certain areas, while some places finally get navigation. Users in Cyprus, Mayotte and Zimbabwe now have navigation access, while there have been significant improvements to the map data for Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

Water features on maps have also been worked upon and will show water bodies more accurately in terms of size and shape. The team admits that it is difficult to pull off the same thanks to seasonal changes that lead to their varying shapes and areas.

Users who do not use the offline feature will not need any updates as the changes will reflect when they access the updated maps area. As for offline users, they will get a notification that an updated map is available and then can simply download the new map data.

Do keep in mind that offline users will need to restart the app post the update, to view the new data.

Source

TAGS: Apps, Software, Android, Windows Phone, Nokia HERE Maps, Nokia