After waiting a long time and I do mean long, Psiloc’s irRemote finally became available for BETA testing. Latest news is now that the BETA version of irRemote is available for those Psiloc customers, who have bought and activated any of Psiloc’s S60 3rd application on the device they are using now (the Smartphone is identified by IMEI number). To activate irRemote, customers need to select Activate for free and follow the instructions. The beta version will be valid until 15th of November.

Psilocs informs that “The main feature of Psiloc irRemote is ability to remotely control audio and video equipment using your Smartphone. The database of compatible codes is continually being evolved by end users who can test and rate all the codes. It supports most brands of electronic devices available on the market. Moreover, irRemote is usable with no additional software or hardware required.

If you cannot find the codes you need, you can upload your own ones and build your own remote control using the online wizard at http://irremote.psiloc.com. Please rank the codes you have added within 48 hours otherwise they will be deleted.

We are still seeking the most proper way of communication between IrRemote and device you want to control so it will be a great help for us if you can choose different methods of communication and rank it. You can change the communication method by choosing: Options->Settings->IR mode.”

If you have you purchased any Psiloc app, you can get your free trial of irRemote here, more info about the app can be found here. I’m sure if they get this done by the end of the year, this should be one of the most popular apps for the holiday season. Is this one of the apps you’re waiting for this holiday season?

Howardforums member HOCKEY has created one of the coolest screensavers for the N95 8GB. There’s also a version specifically made for the N95-1 and N95-3.  It uses large icons and numbers to display the time, missed calls, Bluetooth status and received SMS/MMS messages. For this to work you’ll need a shareware app called tyscrsaver.  Instructions for installation and copying of the TY1.mbm can be found in the note  included with the app. And lastly you’ll need TY1.mbm for each version of the N95, one for the N95 8GB and one if you have the N95-1 or N95-3. For this to work you’ll need sign the .SIS file to your phones IMEI/Serial number via the Symbian Signed Website and then get your Device Certification file. This will allow you install TYScrsaver and then you’ll get the directory on your phone to place the custom TY1.mbm file. The Symbian Signed site can be found here. This is going to take a little extra work, but you’ll agree that the end result is pretty usefull and looks really cool, especially on the N95 8GB. Special thanks to HOCKEY.

Up till now Nokia’s “Voice Aid” feature has been mainly reserved for their business oriented Eseries and other non-Nseries smartphones with the N75 being the only exception. The feature has now found its way in the recently introduced N81 and N81 8GB. It would make sense that the new N95 8GB would also include this, but I can’t quite find any indication that’s included in the flagship device. I didn’t notice it at once as it’s kind of hidden in the Tool>Utilities folders. The Voice Aid application basically reads text on your screen, allowing you to use basic functions without looking at the display. It‘s pretty cool and handy. But I’m thinking if you are unable to look at the screen, there’s probably some good reason that your attention shouldn’t be on your phone at all. But I guess that’s an entirely different topic. I tried it and it’s pretty easy to use, but admittedly the only time I found it usefully is when I shouldn’t be using my mobile phone. If you have a N81 or any Text-to-speech enabled devices, more language and voice packs can be found here. A more useful way of using this feature would be adding it to the entire menu making making Nseries devices perfect for those with visual impairments. Have you tried the feature, do you find it useful?

It was a matter a time really before we saw the first pictures of the N82 and here they are!  The design doesn’t look Nokia-ish to me, but we might get to see the real thing on November the 2^nd .  This is basically a classic N95 in candybar shape with a smaller screen. From the pictures it’s clear it has some design elements of the N81, like the side mounted End and Call key and what looks like a Navi wheel and flat screen cover. I’m still wondering what that elliptical-shaped thingy above the D-pad is and I personally find the buttons horribly small. I’m pretty sure there’s more to come. What do you think of the design? More pictures can be found here.

As I’m getting closer to buying the N95 8GB, I’m still looking into the different options with regards to carrying cases. I have decided that I’m definitely going with a Nokia case, so probably no third part case for me. While I’m pretty sure I’ll need to get a good standard leather case like the CP-235 specifically made for the N95 8GB, I’m certain I’ll buy a second case. Just when I thought that the CP-235 was the only option when it comes to N95 8GB cases, they release several new options.  I must say that some of them are unique looking, a definite breath of fresh air from the usual black leather case. First up is the CP-265, a slim polyurethane carrying pouch. It allow access to the headset port, and has stylish design element: a groove-vent revealing the blue super fiber lining. Next we have CP-267 case molded from a soft, water repellant fabric, with a silk printed black or red design and zipper. And lastly for the ladies like our Mobile Diva Darla we have the CP-268 clutch purse and CP-264 purse. The CP-268 sports a classic look sporting a combination of brown and white matte leather and is finished with chrome plate detailing, engraved with the Nokia logo. The CP-264 comes in a choice of dark pink or grey and includes an optional wrist strap. I think Darla might like the pink CP-264, what do you think Darla? I personally might go for the black CP-267 or the CP-265, but we’ll see. But Nokia should make these cases available BEFORE the phones come out. What do you guys think of these new cases?

As some of you might know, sometimes it’s very difficult to get the latest mobile devices, most of the time they aren’t locally available or the prices are way too high. That’s why a lot people rely on the Internet for their mobile needs. If you’re looking into getting the N95 8GB It now seems that the situation is improving for us International buyers as the N95 8GB is widely available and most importantly they don’t just ship to the US, but internationally as well. Phonesource-USA, Import GSM and CTI Miami seem to have it in stock and ready to be shipped internationally. If you prefer Ebay, power sellers like X1387 also have it in stock. While we’re on the subject I noticed that there two different packages for the N95 8GB, the regular grey box and the other that comes in a completely black package(see picture above) with an icon showing the Nokia Maps. Apparently that version comes with 3 months of voice guided navigation completely free. There’s  another icon of a blue box, but from the small picture I can’t quite tell what it is. If I had to guess this is probably an APAC N95 8 GB, as X1387 usually carries the APAC version of phone models. I’m still left wondering what that other icon below the Nokia Maps is. Maybe some extras goodies that are typical of Nokia APAC packages like a case or pouch maybe or some extra software? If you know other online suppliers or do you have an idea what that icon could be or what other goodies can be found in that mysterious N95 8GB box,  do let me know in the comments section.

Update: One of the readers of The Nokia Guide, Leonard, was able to provide me a bit more information regarding that mysterious box. Apparently the box is real and comes with 3months of voice navigation. The other strange icon is a deal to save on a Linksys WRT54GC router. See the picture for more details.

Update 2: SHOPBLT also has the N95 8GB and ready to be shipped internationally.

The guys from Nokia’s WOM World for kind enough to send me one the very first few samples of the N81. I had a trouble getting it through customs, but I finally got my first impressions up. I will be doing small reviews focusing on several features of this device, leading up to an extensive Mega Review. So far it I like the N81, more than I thought I would with its very impressive output through the 3.5mm jack, enough to rival the N91 in audio quality. But it’s quite clear that imaging is not going to be the strongest side of the N81. Is there something you would like me to focus on in any of my reviews or do you have a question before you decide to buy, let me know in the comments section. The N81 first look can be found here.

To update you guys on the N81, I was supposed to get it on Monday, but I had a few problems with customs as they couldn’t I identify the device! The thing is that customs needs to find a value before they release a product and seeing that it wasn’t available on Monday in any stores they couldn’t find the price either. Strange that they couldn’t find the press release as that included the retail price. Anywho, as promised I plan to get the device today or tomorrow and hope to have a detailed first look ASAP followed by small segments leading to a Mega Review.

I’m also planning on buying the N95 8GB and Darla is informing us that on Thursday the Nokia New York Flagship stores will begin selling the Euro 3G Nokia N95 8GB. The retail price will be $779.

It’s almost Halloween, so why not post something for the occasion. Well, I have just the story for you and it’s a true one. A few days ago I had a few N95 screen protectors from Martin Fields for sale and I was contacted by a gentleman interested in buying of these items. At the same time he informed me that he had a brand new N95. Because it recently fell it had developed a crack in the middle of the screen, so he asked if I knew any place where he could buy a replacement touch screen for his N95. This immediately sounded an alarm in my head as I knew perfectly well that the N95 doesn’t have a touch screen, neither do any of Nokia’s Nseries devices. So I informed him that the Nokia N95 didn’t come with a touch screen and that the device he had definitely was a fake! Upon asking him how much he paid for the thing, I expected to hear something in the range of $200 to $300 dollars. But honestly I was shocked and horrified when he told me that he had bought it on Ebay for almost $600 dollars. Not sure about the current prices, but for that amount he could have had the real thing. Now he’s stuck with a broken replica N95. So to prevent this sort of thing from happening, especially when buying from Ebay make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller. Sometimes it’s not that obvious as they advertise as the real thing with features that closely resemble those of the N95 and in many of these they look pretty similar. Certain features like a touch screen, dual SIM support, 3’’ screen and 2 megapixels camera should indicate that something is horribly wrong and that this is not the real thing. Take a picture of the N95 and put it next to one that you’re interested in on Ebay and I’m sure you’re bound to find some obvious differences. I noticed that many times they get the camera design wrong and that it looks totally different, so if possible see if you can get a look at the back of the device being sold. Some of these fakes include the CECT N95: it’s 3’’ screen and dual SIM card support should indicate that it’s not the real thing. Besides it’s obvious from the name that we’re not dealing with a Nokia. But first time buyers might just look at the pic and assume that this is the N95.

Next we have the Nokla N95 (yes that’s a “t instead of an “i”) of which the box and 2 megapixel should tell you that it’s not the real thing. Other brands might use exactly the same name, box design and phone design and in those cases it might be a bit more difficult to tell. But generally it pays to do your research ahead of time, check the specs, included pics and most importantly buy from reputable sellers. To help you out in your search for the N95 (if you don’t dont have one yet), I have included some photo’s of replica N95′s. By the way, while we’re on the subject: There’s no N97 (yet) so trying to buy one from a site claiming to have is not a good idea. Do you have a horrific fake N95 story to tell or you know more replica N95 models? Share your thoughts on the matter.

Just as expected the Nokia N81 and N81 8GB has begun shipping globally. This means that these two models should be available in large quantities in early November (as the end of October is already near). Well I’m part of a small group receiving the N81 8GB early on thanks to the guys from Nokia’s WOM World. I hope to have it today and be able to do quick impressions. Well it was already by Friday, but DHL was closed is closed during the weekend, so I had to wait till today.

Oh by the way, just in case you’re wondering about the price the N81 will 360 EUR N81 8GB is expected to retail for 430 EUR before subsidies or taxes. Stay tuned….