The X7 isn’t unknown to us here at The Nokia Guide. We speculated that the device might be launching soon and now we have images showing us what to expect. A clue as to how close it is to launching is the fact that it’s showing up on the OVI Store database, including some apps to go along.

The device is reported to have a 4” screen, 450MB of onboard memory, 245MB of RAM, 8 megapixel camera and speakers on each corner. The device is also reportedly “very loud,” something we’ve come to expect from Xseries (like the X6) and formerly XpressMusic (Like the 5800) devices. The X7 seems to be taking this to another level with not 2, but 4 speakers on each corner! This should give some good competition to devices like the HTC 7 Surround. Nokia has been working with Dolby Laboratories lately, so it wouldn’t surprise us that they’re using some interesting virtual surround sound technology from Dolby.

The specs shouldn’t vary much from the existing C7 and E7 as the products manager reminded us that: “They’re all exactly the same. Same hardware, same chipset, same everything, same clock speed, processor, absolutely everything. In terms of performance, there’s no compromise, they’re all running the same engines.” One area where the X7 might take a different path is in the storage department.We haven’t received any confirmation about this, but we’re hearing that it might be the first 64GB-equipped Nokia device.

Nokia X7-00 with Symbian^3
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A bit of bad news for N900 owners, as I’ve gotten confirmation from a Nokia employee that Flash 10.1 is not planned for the N900 and will NOT be released for the device. One of the first devices to support the full Flash experience, in this case Flash 9.4, the N900 seems to have been forgotten and is quickly falling being as Flash 10.1 is already available. Making things even worse is the fact that some Flash 10.1 won’t run on 9.4 devices, eventhough technically it could.

There’s a huge thread about this at Maemo.org, signaling how important this is to the N900 community. There’s no doubt that MeeGo devices will be getting Flash 10.1 and beyond, but why forget about the N900? This little news is a bit of shock to us, especially when you consider the fact that N900 was the very first device demoed running Flash 10.1!!! We’ve talked about this in an earlier post.

We really hope Nokia gets its act together and still decide to change this decision.

What is your take on this sad news?

Thanks to NokNok.tv, we now have what could to be the full specs of the first MeeGo device, which we are not ready to call the N9 just yet. We still have to get some confirmation on the exact name. With specs like these and an operating system like MeeGo, it would be extremely difficult for us to recommend the N8 over this device.  Although somebody who takes a lot of pictures should consider the N8. This could be simply be wishful thinking, but the specs seem about right.

Operating System: MeeGo^1
Screen Resolution: 1280×720
Screen Color Depth: 24 bit
Screen Size: 4.0 inch
Display Technology: AMOLED (RGB)
Thickness: 14.2 mm
Weight: 150 g
Input Method: Touch Screen and Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard
Data Bearers: WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n, HSPA+, WCDMA, EGPRS, EDGE
CPU Type: ARM Cortex-A8
CPU Clock Rate: 1 GHz
Graphics Processor: SGX540
Flash Technology: Adobe Flash 10.1
Camera Resolution: 4000×3000
CMOS Sensor: 1/1.7 inch
Camera Focal length: 28 mm
Video Recording Resolution: 1280*720
Video Recording Frame Rate: 30 fps
Mass Storage Memory: 64 GB
NAND Memory: 1 GB
SDRAM Memory: 512 MB
Maximum Memory Card Size: 32 GB
Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0, HDMI mini C Connector, Micro-USB(OTG), etc
Battery: 1320 mAh

These images you see here mark the start of your typical mobile device cycle. You know, the one where your flagship smartphone gets leaked to the net several months before its release? In this case, it just happens to be Nokia’s crown jewel: the first MeeGo device, set to be unveiled before this year ends.

There has been much speculation on the OS of the device you see above, is it running Symbian^4 or MeeGo? We’ve received confirmation that it is in fact running MeeGo. Further supporting this is the 4-block on-screen menu button seen on the prototype, which is similar to the standard vanilla version of MeeGo. The screen will be 4.3” and will be available in two colors, possibly with a small time frame between the release of the second color. Lastly, what we could notconfirm was the name. But from what I understood it could end up being the N950 or N9, with one of these names reserved for the much smaller QWERTY version of the N8.

I’m pretty sure we’ll be hearing more of this device before it’s release, perhaps in a video or two?

If your planning on giving somebody a Nokia phone or smartphone this Holiday Season, Nokia Europe has you covered with a handy Gift Ideas section. It helps you in choosing the right device based on the price category and and the type of user. According to the site, the N900 is the perfect gift for me, which is also exactly what I’m getting for Christmas!

What Nokia device or accessory are you getting that special someone?

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Currently the E71 is considred one of the best mobile phone deals around and is seen by many as one of the best Nokia devices of all time. The lack of 3.5mm headphone jack and a better camera are just about the only things needed to make it “just right.” Allaboutsymbian has uncovered information about the upcoming E72 that seems to address the camera. But we’re willing to bet that the now standard headphone jack will be included. The E72 is rumored to have S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 with the latest version of Nokia’s messaging and email software. Think an updated E71 with the software of the E75. From the looks of this, it won’t be long before Nokia makes it official.

Update: Nokia has released the E72 and  5530 XpressMusic. The press release can be found here and here.

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The CPU specs of Nokia’s flagship N97 have been revealed and we now know  that the device will have a single ARM 11 processor running at 434 MHz, 65MHz more than 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia’s other S60 5th edition device. There has been a lot of talk about this subject with many pointing out that this CPU certainly isn’t enough for a flagship device.

If we take a look at the CPU of other high-end devices it certainly looks like it (Thanks to The Boy Genius report) :

But is this truly the case?

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, considered by many as a Nokia N97 without the hardware QWERTY keyboard,  has 1.8 Megapixels less than the N97, no Widget-based Home screen and built-in 32GB. A few differences here and there, but pretty close. The 5800 XpressMusic with it’s single ARM 11 CPU running at 369 MHz, just 65MHz less than the N97 doesn’t have a CPU clock speed in the 500-600MHz, but after using the device for months now, I would definitely categorize the overall operating speed as snappy, that with the latest V21 firmware only seems to work faster. The E71, a totally different device, but a good example nonetheless, is also equipped with a single single ARM 11 CPU running at 369 MHz.  The E71 again is also praised for its speedy and stable operation. The argument that N97’s performance might be held back by a “slow” CPU doesn’t seem to hold true if we take a look at E71 or even the 5800 XpressMusic, a device quite similar to the N97.

Another argument against the supposedly slow CPU are the countless walk-through/review videos of prototype models that seem to show a pretty fast N97, even with all those fancy transition effects. The final product, should be more stable and of course faster once all the bugs are ironed out. Many who have been lucky enough to use the prototype N97, also seem to indicate its smooth and fast operation.

Last but not least, I can point out that it shouldn’t matter what at what frequency a CPU operates, but rather that device runs smoothly and fast. This isn’t something that can be judged by sheer numbers, but by actually holding the device in your hands and suing it in the real world. Using a lower clocked CPU, is also one way of conserving power. It’s all about finding the right balance between fast enough operation and battery power.

I for one think we should wait untill we have the final device in hands. But judging by similar devices like the 5800 XpressMusic it looks like the N97 will do just fine. What do you think?

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First spotted by Ricky over at the Symbian-Guru, we now have a clearer picture about a few new features included with the N86 8MP.  The N86 8MP sports a kickstand similar to the N96, but Nokia has gone ahead and turned it into an active Kickstand, allowing the user to personalize what application launch when Kickstand is opened. I enjoy watching video podcast downloaded with the Podcasting application, opening the Kickstand should now automatically open the Gallery for example.

If that wasn’t enough, the Nokia N86 8MP now included a new screensaver clock with a very interesting “dots” theme. As Sehaj from the the S60 blog points out, it looks a lot like the faceplate time display on the Nokia 7205 Intrigue.

And last nut certainly not least, the N86 8MP will have the  Notification light, similar to the one found on popular devices like the E71 and 5800 XpressMusic.

Images courtesy: The S60 blog/ Symbian-Guru

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Ms. Jen over at Black Phoebe, who is one is of the very few people I know that truly pushes the imaging and blogging capabilities of the Nseries has had a chance to try a prototype of the soon-to-be-released N97. Even though we are talking about a prototype here, which means that it’s not quite ready yet for release, it does give you an idea of the current state of the N97 and most importantly what to expect in the final version. A lot can change before the release and most of the time it does change quite a lot in favour of the device , but I do not expect miracles to happen neither. Judging by the images being produced so far, it seems that N97 should be able to match the N95 in imaging quality when its released by the end of June. This should still put the N86 8MP and N82 ahead of Nokia’s flagship, which isn’t a surprise as the latter two device are aimed as imaging devices.When comparing the N95 images against the N97 prototype, how will the final version of the N97 rank among Nokia’s other 5 or 8 Megapixel devices?

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Perhaps what can what can be best described as Nokia’s Mobile Codes taken to the next level, Nokia release its new Point & Find service. It pretty much does what the name implies: pointing the mobile phone’s camera at real-life objects and the system comes up with the relevant information. In it’s current state it pretty much looks like an ad-based system: “pointing their camera phone at a poster for a new movie, people can watch the trailer, read reviews, and find the closest cinema where it is playing,” said Philipp Schloter, General Manager, Nokia Point & Find.” With the right support this service can have huge potential. Currently,a beta version of Nokia Point & Find, focusing on movies, is now available in the UK and US. We can imagine many uses for such a useful service, but again third party backing is crucial. What do you think? What direction do you think this should go?

Nokia introduces Nokia Point & Find, a new way to connect with information and services on the go
New platform enables businesses to engage with consumers in real time with relevant content
San Francisco, CA, USA – Nokia introduces an innovative service concept that enables people on the move to access relevant information and services on the internet, simply by pointing their mobile phone camera at real-life objects.  A beta version of Nokia Point & Find, focusing on movies, is now available in the UK and US. Capabilities will later expand into other services and countries.
“With Nokia Point & Find, businesses are able to target engaging experiences and calls-to-action to consumers. We believe that this first Nokia Point & Find-based service for movies will add something special to the cinema experience. Simply by pointing their camera phone at a poster for a new movie, people can watch the trailer, read reviews, and find the closest cinema where it is playing,” said Philipp Schloter, General Manager, Nokia Point & Find.
Nokia Point & Find is an open service platform on which other companies can build innovative customized experiences to drive better engagement with potential customers. Nokia is inviting businesses, content providers and agencies to discuss how the Nokia Point & Find service could help them with specific applications, campaigns or promotional activities.  Unique experiences can be created through the self-service Nokia Point & Find Management Portal, or by working with the Nokia Point & Find professional service team.
Businesses have already recognized the potential for Nokia Point & Find in their campaigns.
Casey Harwood, Senior Vice President, Digital Media at Turner Europe said: “Nokia Point & Find is an innovative new service which will enable users to point their camera phone at various Cartoon Network related objects and receive relevant show or product information direct to their handset.  In an on-demand world, this technology represents an exciting development for both content providers and consumers.”
“BODY WORLDS appeals to adventurous and curious people of all ages. We see Nokia Point & Find as an intriguing new way for people to find out about BODY WORLDS & The Mirror of Time at the O2. By integrating this technology with our outdoor advertising in London we have created not just another special promotion, but also a chance to experiment with something quite innovative,” said Nicky Hewgill, Marketing Manager, BODY WORLDS London.
“The Nokia Point & Find service marries the digital world with the physical world in a way that actually has meaning for brands and consumers. Not only does it allow consumers to engage with brands in an innovative way but provides brands ‘point and purchase’ opportunities with an on-the-go audience,” said Julian Pate, Client Partner, AKQA.
Nokia Point & Find uses advanced real time image processing and recognition technologies to link the user to digital content and services.  It also recognizes bar codes, integrates GPS positioning technology, and supports category-specific text-entry search.  When the phone is pointed at an object, Nokia Point & Find uses a variety of the phone’s capabilities including the camera, internet connectivity, and GPS positioning to evaluate the object. Then, by rapidly searching through a database of virtually tagged items, the system identifies the object and returns a set of links to associated content and services.
Companies interested in using Nokia Point & Find for their own campaigns can visit http://pointandfind.nokia.com to request further information. Nokia Point & Find’s beta release is available for download into select mobile devices in the UK and US at http://pointandfind.nokia.com as well.