Free Symbian Subway Maps of NYC, London, Paris, Toyko and More...

Subway maps for major cities are a necessity for international travelers. I've always tried to find ways to have a digital version handy on my mobile device. Back in the days when I first moved to NYC, I used to keep a Dell Axim PDA on me. I would download a NYC Bus Map as PDF and check it via mobile acrobat.

The folks at PixelBeatPaper out of the UK is bringing major cities' subway maps to Symbian S60 5th edition handsets (i.e. Nokia 5800, Samsung Omnia HD and upcoming Nokia N97). These .Sis widgets are available for: NYC, Tokyo, London, Paris, Portugal, and Santiago. This is huge considering these are full functional interactive maps for free. Having these available independent of data is a major plus. This means you can take advantage your Symbian handset w/o accruing data charges. I only wish this is available for older Symbian S60 3rd edition handsets (ie. N95, N82, etc...)

[source: allaboutsymbian.com]

T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 - Looking Good?

Once upon a time, smartphones were defined as powerful and flexible for the business oriented users. Respectable smartphones ran on Windows Mobile, Nokia/Symbian OS or BlackBerry OS. Along comes phones such as the original T-Mobile Sidekick, Verizon LG VX9400 where they offered pretty good multimedia support but not quite a smartphone. Personally, I've never considered them because it just wasn't "powerful" enough for my needs and catered towards younger crowd looking for a fun communication alternative.

Along came the iPhone with its endless firmware upgrades which is constantly redefining and challenging what a smartphone should be. The concept of having an easy-to-use and fun device with powerful apps to get you the information you needed fitted perfectly to your screen suddenly elevated what a new generation of "smartphones" must do. Leaving the more traditional enterprise-based smartphone OS running around trying to figure out what to do next.

Engadget released some new information about the upcoming TMobile Sidekick LX for 2009. Whether this phone is a smartphone or not, I am impressed with the new hardware and software capabilities. To start, it offers a large LCD with F-WVGA 854 x 480 display resolution. Now equipped with 3G and GPS along with some well-integrated application support like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. The initial review from Engadget is nothing be raves about how good this phone has become. As far as I am concerned, a modern smartphone is no longer judged by on the paper specs (ie. does it have an app store? can it copy and paste? does it have a 5MP camera?) but it is defined by what can you get out of your device to make your life easier. From what I am seeing (Microsoft Live Search integration, GPS map w/ live traffic data and tight Twitter integration), this looks to be a solid sidekick to young professionals (no pun intended).

Smartphones, grass is greener on the other one?

Few days ago, I switched back from the HTC G1 to the iPhone. As I was doing so, my wife made a comment about my action, that "with so many phones I've gone through, I can't seem to be satisfied with any of them". I chuckled and proceeded with the SIM card transfer and update the iPhone w/ iTunes.

Just today, I am planning a potential road trip for this coming weekend. I was thinking to myself, lets switch to the Nokia N95 and update its GPS map from Nokia so we can reliably pin-point our exact location w/o relying on 3G data. That is when it dawned on me that the reason why I am perpetually changing smartphones is because there is yet to be one "it" phone. While the iPhone is a very strong device, it lacks the flexibility and independent functionality as a Symiban or WM device. Meaning iPhone can be rendered useless outside of what is tolerated (3G data area, iTunes, etc...). Whereas WM and Symbian OS tends to allow you, as a user to customize and run various programs on the fly.

On the other hand, iPhone's total market domainance with applications and mobile websites optimized for Safari makes it the most entertaining and web friendly device. I suppose a user really has to decide what his or her lifestyle is about and choose a smartphone wisely. I am fortunate enough to have a few phones to switch around and will likely to do so until the "perfect" smartphone arrives.

Transit Info Finally Availble to S60 & WinMo GMAPs

After weeks of waiting for Google Map's recently released feature of Transit update only to the BlackBerry applications, Google Mobile team finally released versions for Symbian S60 and Windows Mobile people. Apparently, Google has been working behind the scenes with various local transit agencies to sync up the transportation schedules. More information as well as trip planning tool available here. I'll check this out shortly on my N95-3.

BTW, where is the love for Palm OS?

Nokia N95 Symbian S60 Application Force Quit

Recently, I was browsing a mobile friendly website but all of a sudden Nokia Browser just refused to work further. I would still have no problem using the phone (for example, holding down the menu button will still pull up the switch applications bar) but when I am in the Nokia Browser, nothing will react, hence, I can't even exit the program.

I had to force quit on the Nokia browser. To do so, press and hold the menu button until the application switch bar appears, select the application you want to force quit, then press "c" or delete button. It will ask if you want to exit that program. Choose "yes" and you are done.

fring Releases Updates for Symbian and Windows Mobile

The nice folks at fring, one of the coolest VOIP/IM solution for smartphones, contacted me this morning regarding to a couple of software updates for Symbian S60 3rd edition and Windows Mobile phones. They've basically addressed a number of bugs and made some improvement in this release.

fring for Symbian (ver. 3.35) fixed a few bugs including better call quality, enable speakerphone for symbian 9.2 and allows file transfer amongst Skype and Yahoo buddies. For more information, click here.

fring for Windows Mobile (ver. 3.24) adds auto roam between 3G and WiFi along with manual WiFi settings adjustment and 8 language support (including English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, simplified Chinese, Italian and Russian). It also supports fringME widget for webpage based interaction from your buddies. For more information, click here.

I've tried to update my phone this afternoon but haven't been successful, not sure if their server is being exhausted by all the requests; hopefully I can get this updated shortly to provide some more feedback!

Update: I just finished downloading the latest .SIS file for Symbian 9.2. It detected an older version 3.30 and replaced it with 3.35 successfully. It is much improved over 3.30, with the fring ID auto populated as my number and easily logged me in. Haven't done drastic test over this but am happy with everything so far. Stay tuned!

Skyfire Browser 0.6 Upgrade Available Today

Skyfire, (original review), the most promising Windows Mobile (and soon Symbian S60) browser just released an upgrade to its beta test. Upgrade your existing 0.5 or 0.55 license to 0.6 today (Your old browser will expire by May 7th, 2008). To upgrade, launch Skyfire on your phone and you'll notice an upgrade now link, click on it to receive an SMS link that takes up to the download link. Stay tuned for an updated review.

In the 0.6 version upgrade, they've addressed the following issues/update:

* Multi-line text entry (2,000 character limit)
* Auto-complete text entry
* Paste into URL or search
* Ability to delete bookmarks
* Multiple zoom modes for touch screen phones
* Double tap to Zoom In and Zoom Out
* Support for custom virtual keyboards (SIP)
* Web search shortcut in softkey menu
* Access to the Windows Mobile Taskbar in softkey menu
* Persistent settings for SmartFit, Mute and Zoom size
* Support for 12-key and 1/2 QWERTY devices
* Password masking
* Backlight usage based on system settings
* OK button sends Skyfire to the background

Click on the image from this entry to read the communication I just received 10 minutes ago. Cheers!

Update: Contributing editor Robert just finished upgrading his AT&T Tilt while on his way to Hawaii for vacation (what dedication!). He is very impressed with the multiple level zoom; the granularity of the zoom apparently is very good. We'll wait for Robert to provide an in depth review once he's spent more time with it.

Hands On with Nokia E90 Communicator

Yesterday, we've arrived Jakarta, Indonesia to visit my in-laws. First thing I noticed about this country is the proliferation of mobile devices. I took some pictures along my way home leaving the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport; large billboards with dazzling smartphones are all over the place. (More on this later)

My father in-law is currently using a company-issued Nokia E90 Communicator. (Around here, Nokia Communicators are more in favor over BlackBerry devices). At first glance, the device is as big as the way I thought they would be. Upon playing with it, I knew immediately why this is the Cadillac of all Nokia S60 3rd edition smartphones:

* High quality finish, better built compared to N95, material and construction
* Much faster application launch and operation, not sure why this is... (compare to N95)
* Coupled with full QWERTY keyboard, making it very quick to communicate
* Gorgeous display, the 800x352 horizontal wide screen is ultra-sharp, iPhone like quality
* Awesome 3G connection; the data connection on Matrix Indosat (Telecom) works great on the e90
* Higher Capacity Battery 1500mAh, for hardcore business application
* This model is Asian spec, so it supports Chinese Text... very cool to communicate in multi-languages

I've attached some photos for your reference. In conclusion, the E90 is the big brother to the N95/96 series that is also an excellent smartphone that comes in a fairly big package.

Skyfire Beta Update: Beta Availability Timeframe

Since my last reporting, I have gotten a couple more of emails from the fine folks at Skyfire. First email was to tell me that the phone number I provided during Beta 1 signup did not work for them, hence an email instruction to signup. At this point, I regret to inform you that I do not have a WM5 or 6 phone so I will attempt to sign up anyways just to see what happens. However, I know this beta is purely for Windows Mobile Devices.

Carrying on with the second email (click picture to enlarge) I've received from them is a more thorough update addressing why they've been slow in reaching out to the people who's signed up to Beta 1. In short, there are two batch of people who signed up for beta testing. Anyone who signed up before March 1st is considered beta 1 and will likely to get notifications soon. After March 1st, is considered Beta 2. They estimate Summer 2008 as available time frame to allow Beta 2 people to test. Skyfire is trying to regulate beta users and feedback so they can manage the process. Thoughtful!

There is a Symbian update from the second email:
In addition to adding features and building a robust Windows Mobile Skyfire, we also have development underway for a Symbian version of Skyfire. Stay tuned as we extend our beta to the Nokia N-series and E-series phones in the U.S. this summer. Beta 1 and 2 users who have signed up indicating that they have Nokia phones do not need to do anything. We’ll contact you as soon as it’s ready.

Google Search on S60 Devices

Yet, another attempt to dominate the mobile world. Google rolled out a search box for S60 devices on their native homepage for quicker access. Checkout AllAboutSymbian.com for the full coverage.

Yahoo GO 3.0 Beta Released

Got an email from Yahoo! today. Annoucing the beta version of Yahoo! GO 3.0. It is compatile with iPhone, WM5/6 and Nokia S60 devices. Yahoo! GO is composed of an array of web services designed for your handheld device (Maps, Mail, Messenger, etc.). In addition, there are some 3rd party mobile widgets available for download (MTV News, eBay, etc.) I'll give it a go and report back shortly. (Note the Nokia N95 8GB used in the photo... sweet!)

Nokia N75 for $0.01 at Amazon.com

The Nokia N75 is one of those great little phones that is under its big brother (N95)'s shadows all the time. This phone is US (AT&T) 3G ready featuring 2 megapixel camera and is running the Symbian S60 3rd edition just as the N95. This means that the same web browser with mini map, application-support as its older sibling are available.

The flip design makes this phone practical and slim. With 40MB internal memory (a bit anemic) however support for microSD allowing great multimedia flexibility.

Amazon.com has it for $0.01 with a new contract. Pretty good deal if you've been eyeing a Symbian-based smartphone.

Nokia N75 at Amazon.com - $0.01

N95 vs N95 8GB

Cool video showing boot time between 1st gen N95 (N95-1) vs N95 8GB (N95-2). The N95-1 is using the V20 firmware which makes up for the lack of system memory as the N95 8GB using V11.

Nokia N95-3 for $499 at Amazon.com

Cheapest offer ever! Amazon.com has the unlocked N95-3 for US 3G at $499 shipped free (no tax in some states). Only one catch, they don't have them in stock (see the side option, to buy from Amazon.com only, not a 3rd party vendor). So if you don't mind the wait. Otherwise, Buy.com has the same phone in-stock for a mere $16 more, free shipping as well.

PS - Pickup a 4GB MicroSDHC for around $30 while you are at it. You'll thank me later. (This Kingston SDHC card works despite Nokia claim of supporting only up to 2GB)

Update (1/31) - Amazon.com has the Silver/Bronze N95-3 in stock for $499 shipped.
Update (2/4) - Amazon.com now has the Silver/Black N95-3 in stock for $499 shipped.

Two YouTube Solutions for N95 (S60 OS)

My latest addiction is hitting up a blog known as Symbian Addict. This blog is a great resource to learn all about phones running the Symbian OS (ie. Nokia N95, etc.).

I came across two YouTube solutions from this site:

1. Google/YouTube Application. (Point your browser to: m.youtube.com/app) Detailed video at Symbian Addict
2. emTube (Go Direct) Symbian Addict claims to be the best YouTube S60 solution out right now

I will test both out and report back. Its a pretty exciting times for the Smartphones right now. Firms are making excellent/robust applications left and right.

Update (1/28 11:00PM): Used N95 and pointed to the Google/YouTube link above and a download started instantly. Within 10 seconds, the phone finished downloading a program roughly 500KB+ onto phone's memory. Within a minute, the installation process completed. The software worked flawlessly. The only thing you have to do in advance is to designate a network for your Real Player application first (in my case - MediaNet) as YouTube is using it to stream. I tested out this video using the search function and it was all good. The software is very Web 2.0 like, with a very smooth cover-flow-ish effect when browsing through videos. I like it a lot!