How to: Nokia N95 and Apple Mac Users

If you own a Nokia smartphone (ie. the N95, N82, N96, etc.) and an Apple computer of some sort, you may find the lack of a complete sync'ing software for the OS X rather irritating. For Windows users, Nokia's PC Suite software pretty much takes care of all the sync'ing business (contacts, calendar, music, etc...). As matter a fact, when I bootcamped my MacBook Pro, part of the reason is because of non-Apple smartphones lacking OS X supported software.

While you can't go completely without a Windows setup for Nokia Phones (ie. GPS/Map application still requires a Windows machine for map installation), you can do about 90% of what you need on a Mac; and relatively painless, here is how:

Apple iSync, which is part of Leopard or can be downloaded here is an amazing native syncing software. For some Nokia phones, you'll need to download a quick Plugin. Once the plugin is installed. All you have to do is to pair up your Nokia smartphone via Bluetooth and click sync. This method allows me quickly and WIRELESS sync my N95-3 with my Mac Address Book, iCal, etc... Imagine this, wireless sync'ing your mobile device effortlessly!

For sync'ing multimedia material with iTunes, Nokia makes a cool little application called "Nokia Multimedia Transfer" which allows you to sync up with iTunes (audio, video, podcast, playlist) as well as iPhoto. The process does require a USB cable but it practically enables full synchronization with your Nokia smartphone.

I hope Nokia will release a Maps tool for Mac so we can also complete the map pre-installation on the OS X environment.

Unlock an iPhone from OEM 1.4 to PWNAGE 2.2

Recently, I got a hold of a brand new unit of a first gen. iPhone 16GB. This is the last production run from Apple, brand new out of the box with the firmware 1.4 installed. My challenge is to make this iPhone unlocked with the latest OS X (2.2) for its owner.

Step 1: I used ZiPhone 3.0 to unlock it first.
Step 2: Once 1.4 was unlocked, I restored it to 2.2 in iTunes
Step 3: Launched QuickPwn 2.2 and followed onscreen instructions then get into DFU mode.

Done!

2008 Mobile Experience Wishlist

I came up with a wishlist, it would be interesting to look back a year from now to see where we stand.

1. Google Talk Mobile (w/ full VOIP on iPhone, Symbian S60 3rd, WM5/6)
2. Skype Mobile (w/ full VOIP on iPhone, Symbian S60 3rd, WM5/6)
3. Skyfire Browser for all Mobile OS (in Beta currently)
4. Google Talk on OS X (w/ full VOIP stand alone or via iChat)
5. iPhone to support Flash (this one is hopeful!)
6. Picasa Mobile for all devices (WM6, Symbian S60 3rd Edition)
7. Real-Time Stock Ticker/App integrated with Brokerage Account (come on TDAmeritrade or Schwab…)
8. US Carriers to enable Video Conferencing using front/2nd camera (w/o extra cost in addition to data plan)
9. Unlimited Data Plan in the $5 - $10 Range for all carriers banking on the economies of scale
10. More ultraportable laptops(3-4lbs.) costing less than $1K

Knight Rider Gadget: Apple Keyboard?

I've decided to start a new series of post knowing as "Knight Rider Gadgets". I will attempt to showcase all the modern day gadgets used on KITT or throughout the show. Starting with last night's post on Knight Rider Gadget: Nokia N95 Touchscreen.

In this entry, I noticed within KITT's glove compartment, rolls out an APPLE wireless keyboard. Does this mean KITT is powered by Leopard OS X? :)

Leopard OS X and Vista Clean Install

I've been sitting quietly on the sideline watching the Leopard drama unfold for a good three weeks now. I've gotten a copy of Leopard but decided to wait it out a bit before quickly updating my MBP. Just incase there are some horror stories after the upgrade. After reading some reviews online and talking to some co-workers, I've decided against the "upgrade" route and decided to go for a clean install. The process was simple, first I used Bootcamp Beta to wipe out the Vista partition I had and then used disk utilities from Leopard bootup to erase and format the HDD to a clean slate.

One little trick to install, skip the "checking the stability of DVD" as you begin to install the OS. This process takes about 20 minutes and its a waste of time. I took my chances and skipped at 15% into the checking process. Total installation took approx. 35 minutes and the end result was fabulous. I checked for software update right away and re-installed all of the applications. One little glitch that I noticed was while launching Google Earth for the first time, the graphic beneath the mouse cursor was blank. This went away after I re-launched the app.

Re-installing Windows Vista was not as easy. Bootcamp partitioned my hardrive but Windows refused to install on it because it was not done in NTFS. I had to reformat on the fly (taking any chances of wiping out the bootloader reference) and proceed. After the install, I didn't realize that Leopard OS X disc is needed to update the drivers (in my defense, while in Bootcamp beta, the assistant would ask you to prepare a driver disc, while in this case, they just partitioned and asked for installation disc). During this process, the laptop gave me a "blue screen of death" towards the end of Bootcamp driver installation. My second attempt was better.

In the end, I was able to get everything up and running the way I wanted to be and I do appreciate some of the new features of Leopard (Stacking, Spaces, Cover Flow Finder, iChat improvement, etc.). I think it sucks that Leopard doesn't come with the standard iLife 08 package as my Tiger disc did.

Mac OS X Leopard Pre-Order on Amazon.com

I noticed on Amazon.com tonight, they have the Mac OS X Leopard available as Pre-Order. The price is the as expected $129.99. I have been checking on Apple website everyday since Oct 1st to see when the new Leopard 10.5 will become available. Perhaps the release date is coming close as Amazon.com is gearing up for the sale. Here is what the website says:

"This product is expected to ship sometime in October. We will update the site with more specific information as soon as it is available, including system requirement details."

There are some rumors indicating that Mac OS X Leopard may be available by Oct 26th.