Tag: Nitish

Nokia N97 Mini Review Part 2-Whatever you can expect for

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Call it affection to Nokia N900, says it mess at personal front now days, may be my a bit illness on health front; I really feel that I was unable to give sufficient time to my latest trial device Nokia N97 Mini. Though I written comments about Un-boxing, wrote about Hardware Specifications and a few posts are there on small Ovi Maps adventures with it. But still this amazing device deserves a review about its functioning. Trying to cover a few this time…

Usually when you talk about Nokia N97 Mini, then common opinion is “its made for youngsters”; thanks to its bright, responsive, big 3.2” touch screen, QWERTY Keypad opening in slightly tilt mode to make it a Mini Netbook, always on connection for status updates from various social networks, fast processor and increased RAM/ Application memory, strong multimedia skills due to amazing 5 Megapixel camera & FM receiver and smooth video experiences (local and web) and huge storage options with 8GB internal memory and support for 16 GB MicroSD card to increase it more.

But sometimes I really think that except the comparatively lesser battery (though that’s also enough decent) why not to call it a Business Device? QWERTY keypad operating in long landscape aiding to fast typing like on some 13” Netbooks, big display to support viewing web pages comfortably without much compromise, almost all connectivity options (3G, wi-fi), all time synced contacts, photos, calendar, even files with Ovi, so that if you are using multiple devices then you get the same experience (I can’t help myself not to think about, if some corporate start using synced contacts, calendar and files through one account ), 5MP Camera capable to take snaps of documents like scan images, support for TV-Out for presentations, number of applications out there for suiting your needs and huge space for keeping your mails and files ready on the go. What else are your expectations from a Business device?

For me, its been kind of full entertainment device by which, I could keep on checking my updates, my blog, snapping here and there, sharing anything over web on the go, watching movies when travelling to somewhere and getting bored. If we want to go green, then we should really promote such device at our best.

Ok!! enough talking. Lets talk about how it looks like, when we operate on it means Screen Shots, lots of them….

At first, when I was looking for how to take screenshots, then it reminded me that how easily I was taking them in N900 by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P … but anyway, I found a free app in Ovi Store itself by name of Best Screensnap and then started taking snapshots after setting HotKey (it made me confused that if Camera key would be set for taking screenshots then how to take snaps, anyway, I changed the hotkey on long press camera key). Added the same app to my beloved Nokia N82 as well.

Here are some screen shots and notes about them:

Home Screen (Portrait Mode)

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Home Screen (Landscape Mode) 

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Addition of Home Screen widgets was the greatest thing that started with N97 classic and obviously continued with Nokia N97 Mini. Users of Nokia 5800 and other Smartphone in lower cost range still crave of the same feature on their screens, but probably this feature is kind of too much for their low RAM or application memory.

If you go through options, then you can see that there are options to hide the contents and go back to plain home screen without any widget on it. There are also option to hide/ show content by swapping your finger left/ right side on screen. Moreover, options are here to keep the content Offline as well (Handy if you want to save the data usages or battery for a while).

Default contained Facebook widget, which I replaced first with Accuweather and later on with favourite contacts. Though I tried to add Gravity later on, but didn’t found quick way to add something already installed in your Phone, it was directing to Ovi Store.

Calling and Dial Pad (Landscape Mode):

Scr000006Dial Pad look similar as of other touch screen phones from Nokia and USSD numbers obviously work out of the box unlike Nokia N900. Provided the sleek looks, one can never be needing the H/W keypad to dial some number, even if one requires then he could directly type numeric keys of the keypad (no necessity of pressing shift key in that case).

Signal Reception of Nokia is legendary as always and surprising I found the sound louder than Nokia N900 and others. Kind of a good thing for Indian Users. 😉

Messaging:

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The Keypad is awesome to type on. I already said that I just loved the similar keypad in Nokia 900, so bound to love it. Although it still lacks of auto-complete feature in Nokia N900 (may be some third party apps out there for the same), but it support long press keys to get symbols etc.

The touch screen keypad lacks of mini qwerty that is quite disappointing as it was there even in Nokia 5800. True that one should use H/W keypad for the same, but there may be scenarios that you can’t operate with two hands. I really recommend Nokia to add the same in next firmware update.

Rest two format are available in the same way as on other phones and good that they have retained handwriting mode, though I didn’t used it that much, but sure a good thing for occasions.

Various Menus inside:

First screen shot is about Menu screen and then I am following the calendar app.

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A nice view and then full fledge options for meetings, notes etc. These are all the same options as we find in other leading Smartphone’s from Nokia.

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In next, as you can see above, is Contacts. As you already heard that Nokia N97 Mini come with kinetic scrolling out of the box, true with Contacts and other menu items. Addition in Nokia N97 Mini is appearance of first letter as you scroll down (D and C in pictures). Definitely Symbian getting polished day by day, device by device. Expectations are higher for Symbian^3.

Another and kind of most important app is Web. Interesting here is Auto Full Screen feature, even if not like full fledged on Nokia N900, still it was better than other phones. Experience was amazingly richer due to embedded Youtube support (same as available in Nokia N82 or others, don’t remember it was same in Nokia 5800 or not)

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As I always recommend, I installed Opera 10 Mobile in it as well and interesting was to note that appearance of my blog was more or less same on both the browsers, though there are more options in Opera for sure. Look at the screenshots as given below.

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A lovely app is Nokia Messaging with HTML mails support, though on trial for few days, but I will love it when Nokia will made it free like its Ovi Maps. This is something that made me checking mails somewhere else than Gmail’s app. Definitely different than any other thing, though I wish it was having more formatting options inside, may be native HTML Coding itself.

This thing not only supports Push Mails, but the white face make it look much elegant than other email apps. For the detailed descriptions, one could head toward a detailed article from Zomgitscj.

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As about Camera, then I already said that it compares to Nokia N82’s Camera, which has been my best so farScr000037 Scr000039in such a way (credit goes to Xeon Flash) that even I didn’t found Nokia N900’s Camera preferable over the same (even if was technically better), but Nokia N97 Mini even with Dual Led flashes changes your opinion. It is really good one about snapping and really removes my disappointment as was with Nokia 5800 about Led Flashes.

You would be surprised to know that I already have snapped more than 5000 snaps from my Nokia N82, so could understand that having such a good camera could increase your photo collection in your camera. Options for tags come much handy for such situations.

I also tried Nokia Photo Browser that is a Beta Lab app and sure impresses in view. Not have tried but came across one awesome article about arranging your snaps on Nokia N97 Mini. Definitely a powerful device as far as Photos are concerned.  

Digging more deeper takes various menus and submenus, which most of you must be already familiar with, so not going into details. Though will mention to look at the last screen shot, it provides the control over Notification lights in a new way, which is a cool thing.

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So, here we come to discuss about the most interesting and important feature of this amazing device, Ovi Maps. Though content is older in this article, but could worth taking a look for exploration of Ovi Maps.

I also have wrote a couple of articles over Ovi Maps and even got a tweet from @ovibynokia that I have became entitled for some cool ovi goodies. Don’t know what would be that …. Surprise.

Waiting for that. Till then check other screenshots.

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Rest remains is the world of applications. Many comes out of the box with shortcuts to install them means a huge applications folder with full of icons, took at least 4 screens to cover them all. There is an amazing message reader as well to read loud your messages for you.

What I installed in addition were Fring, Gmail, Opera Mini, Opera Mobile, Skype, Periodic, Compass, Flashlight, Orkut, Best ScreenSnap and the almighty Gavity (I have fallen in love with it). Just added Nokia Here and Now via Software Updates. Amazing thing again.

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So, this was the app world about Nokia N97. I addition I checked Videos over the same. I still miss the 3.5” screen of Nokia N900 that was extra large without any buttons on the screen. May be some people like me will wish that if Nokia could have retained the same 3.5” Screen as was in original Nokia N97 and would have added the same battery as was in Nokia 5800.

I should say that in symbian league, it was the best from Nokia till now. Unfortunately when someone like Nokia N900 appears on the screen, then its bound to steal the show and we started skipping others. But if you talk about features, then you will be surprised that how much effect Nokia N97 Mini will have on your crave for some Laptop/ Netbook always with you. Most of the things, like social media, mails and web access are following you now with its home screen widgets and you find yourself not missing even if you travel a lot.

I really wonder that where Black Berry Phones are getting their places even after their buggy scroll ball (I got all of them go bad after one year or two in my office, not one but half a dozen consistently)?

Yes!! there are some complaints/ suggestions for Nokia Team about Nokia N97 Mini ….

  1. Why to leave the same messaging innovation as we seen in Series 40 devices like Nokia 5130, where we had option to send messages to people we last messaged, people we called recently and setting favourites for messaging? It was too cool in even those low end devices and I thought good things to be continued in higher end devices. I don’t find any additional requirement or issue in porting the same feature, when you already made it once.
  2. Why still we are left with some trial Quick Office and Adobe Acrobat? I had it in full with Nokia N82 at least for reading and expected it to be available in read version at least with Nokia N97 Mini like device.
  3. I have really no idea what suggested Nokia people to remove the Mini QWERTY keypad from touch screen, but its a real must have. Please give it back in next firmware update or whatever…
  4. I can understand Nokia’s requirement about making a device low on price and high on features that made them compromising the battery and FM Transmitter. But don’t you think that battery is as essential as Network coverage itself? Think about it.

photo of Nitish KumarNitish Kumar

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Google Maps Vs Ovi Maps-Ovi one is still ahead for mobiles

Just got to see a post from Aaron Baker on WomWorld about the same topic, I ranted about some times back. Google Maps Vs. Ovi. Although he is comparing it with Nexus one, which has the voice navigation with it (the prominent lacking factor in Symbian Version of Google Maps), but still he find Google Map more real time tracking. Although I am not convinced that much due to the factor that Nexus one is obviously much highly powered than E72 (with which he was comparing), moreover the differences were only a friction. So, its not conclusive that Google Maps/ Nexus is better about Navigation in cost effective way specially.

Yes!! I am quite a fanboy, when it comes to talking about Google and its services and as I wrote in my posts Google Maps Vs Ovi Maps and Things I don’t like in N900, I sure do over Google Maps imaginary and intuitiveness a lot. Street View, Integration with Buzz and latitude makes it invincible, while Nokia trying to cope up with lots of innovations, integration with Facebook and Ovi, but still I am not sure that there is some continuous tracking like Google Latitude, which could come quite handy like in my case, when I lost my Nokia 5800 (at least there was a possibility), there is anything like street view (although its not available for India till now) or Buzz.

What Nokia has at its best is powerful and rich voice navigation with offline maps, which is the core of the part. Its actually usable than just a play thing. Google provides maps online means if consuming your data channels even if you travel the same road. Yes! Nokia Maps also use bandwidth for A-GPS, but if you compare then its 10 times lesser than Goggle Maps. It means that even if Google starts maps with voice, they still sit behind due to offline nature of Nokia/ Ovi Maps.

So here my opinion is, Google Maps looks good enough, available easily on computers as well and provides many other small/ big thing as well, but still about Navigation Nokia one is better and actual thing. Accurate, cost effective, voice navigation even in Hindi and already built-in your cell. Its like some expert in era and Google one still has to go some way to be a favorable one for mobiles like support for offline maps, voice navigation and in-built compass (if available). For Nokia, I wish they could add something like Latitude, integration with twitter/ buzz and improve their satellite view (I know Google cant be defeated in this side at least).

photo of Nitish KumarNitish Kumar

 

iPod Touch 3G – wanna have an iPhone experience in lesser?

Loved your Nokia and functionality it provides in cost effective ways? Hated the way Apple keep their products pricy and costing bucks from you for updates? Wish to feel that what’s special about well pronounced multi touch and phenomenal iPhone browsing experience? Don’t want to limit yourself with a pricy phone without some very basic functionality? Finding ways for getting an iPhone experience packed with apps in lesser costlier ways? Why don’t you try iPod Touch 3G with some of your already beloved wi-fi Nokia?

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Seen iPod 3G 16GB in hands of colleague and sure got surprised that if its the so hyped iPhone. Though it came out to be iPod, I kept on hearing from long, but never took the same seriously. I think what I had seen till now were either iPod Nano or iPods from other manufacturers, that’s why I didn’t ever thought about this thing otherwise, it sure seems attractive.

Honestly speaking, I never had been with Apple’s any product because of their erratic and absurd marketing strategies. First they release a product with so much hype and then when one get closer then end up with so many compromises than he/ she already might be getting from other devices in same or lower segments. Moreover, there are always ways left to cost bucks from consumers pocket from absurd terms like paid upgrades to unlock the new enhanced capabilities (already existing but not revealed since start) from the same device. Have you seen anything such from anywhere else?? Not even Microsoft does things in this way!!! Crap!!! I am sure that the same is to be continued with iPod 3G, which doesn’t has a much rumored camera, although some mentioned that it was a last minute change and anyone could find even a camera slot inside and a similar rumor that the device has FM Transmitter-Receiver built-in waiting for some paid update to unlock the same.

At one side, Google offering almost everything for free, Nokia offering you all for insane prices even offering products for free trial, Microsoft offering amazing things within their software and in the same world Apple is. Crap!! Crap!! Crap!!

But still apart from lots of annoyance, no one doubt that it’s attractive in looks at least, either it’s be browsing experience or most eye-candy it’s slim and minimalistic looks. We really want to get one even after knowing that we can’t rely on it for our all needs. We feel ourselves little irritated that why don’t Nokia come up with something slimmer and big like this, but can do nothing.

We could get really a good option with iPhone 3G’s wi-fi, although not sure about that if Google Maps inside it could work over Bluetooth connection enjoying nearby capable Nokia Handset with GPS chip. But only Wi-fi itself with attractive price could open ways for people crazy about technologies.

I already mentioned about ZoikuSpot, an application which converts your wi-fi enabled Nokia Handset into a wi-fi spot. Like many other found the way with it, I also think it’s a cool option to pair your existing wi-fi Nokia handset like Nokia N82 (Rs. 18,000/-), Nokia 5800 (Rs. 13, 200/-), Nokia N86 (Rs. 13, 000/-) or any other. While iPod 3G 8GB (older version of OS) costs Rs. 12, 400/- as per their site and available in less than Rs. 10, 000/- in market (better options are available with iPhone 3G 16GB in Rs. 18, 400/-).

If I put it in ways as Rahul did, then it will be like

iPod 3G 8GB + Nokia 5800 8GB = iPhone like features + Amazing Nokia 5800 Features + 16 GB Storage
[ Rs. 12, 400/- + Rs. 13, 200/- = Rs. 25, 600/- ] <> iPhone 8GB (Rs. 24, 000/-) without many features

iPod 3G 8GB + Nokia N97 4GB = iPhone like features + Nokia N79 + 5MP Camera + 12 GB Storage
[ Rs. 12, 400/- + Rs. 13, 000/- = Rs. 25, 400/- ] <> iPhone 8GB (Rs. 24, 000/-) without many features

iPod 3G 8GB + Nokia N82 2GB = iPhone like features + Nokia N82 + Xeon Flash 5MP Camera + 10 GB Storage
[ Rs. 12, 400/- + Rs. 18, 000/- = Rs. 30, 400/- ] <> iPhone 8GB (Rs. 24, 000/-) without many features

Thanks Rahul for the pics

Confused!!!, but iPhone lacks this much about normal features that it remains as more of a play toy only not a smartphone and one can’t really sustain with it as full time phone in India (thanks to Nokia for making us over-demanding). Better to have a full time toy, if you really wanna own one. I find this combination more attractive for people, who already own some wi-fi Nokia.

Think of the profits if offers:

  1. It looks almost like iPhone itself. You can’t have a slimmer and clean device like this. Show off
  2. You can enjoy iPhone/ iPhone apps and that too at much lower price. I really feel pissed off that there are two apps of wordpress for Android and iPhone OS, while nothing like for Symbian.
  3. You can feel the so hyped multi-touch on iPod 3G while browsing on Safari browser via wi-fi of Nokia.
  4. You have two devices now, means now you could enjoying watching movies on a 3.5 “ screen while travelling and wont be scared that if you run out of battery before reaching the destination.

Possibilities are many; question is how you look at them. Let me know what your opinions on it.

photo of Nitish KumarNitish Kumar

 

 

Call for Nokia-An ideal Smartphone for mass

Choosing to buy something always brings confusion due to lots of choices out there. Either it be simple T-Shirts, a Wrist Watch or be it a Flat or Car, we always find ourselves chewing our nails that “which one to choose?” Same with Cell phones, lots of choices there, but what we need and how much we are ready to pay is an equation that never seems to be settling down.

As numbers grew for mobile users all over the world, so the number of features offered by various cell phones. In the race of raising features, it really become hard to select one affordable to pocket if you wish to buy one for longer while as each one seems to be missing something, you would have loved if included.

Nokia, sure a deserving brand for the Number #1 spot due to nokia variety of the products it cater for each segment of the market. What fascinate me about Nokia is, its products compete more among themselves rather than struggling against rival companies. Only with Nokia, I find the motto of “stick with the core”; Best Signal Strength!!! Best Battery Life!!! Best Price packed with features!!! anything else come second. For sure, they must have a very active cell of persons to monitor the consumer needs and responding to them in a way, which suits more to users than the business needs. The same orientation to users and seemingly uncountable number of phones for each segment keep them steady on their spot.

Today, I decided to put my thoughts for a dream Smartphone, which would be affordable, feature packed and hopefully able to capture market in snaps of time. Sure, its inspired by their best cost effective Smartphone Nokia 5800 and so I would be mentioning things with its perspective that what could have made it much better. Hoping that I would be reasonable enough about cost and will not be that mean about asking costly features. Even then I would highly obliged if readers join the conversation to suggest me more.

Specification for Dream Phone: Call for Nokia –

I can’t go for each and every details here, but I am talking about Nokia here, so some features will be like already standard. I am assuming to keep all of them in the phone, which would not be being mean I guess ;-D.

Price: Most of the technical specification sheets put it on bottom,money while I am putting it on the top. This is my main concern and so of most of the users out there (at least in Asian Continent).

My Price band is Rs. 13, 000/- to Rs. 15, 000/- ($280 – $325)
Note: Nokia 5800 is standing on Rs. 13, 200/- or $290. Possible!!!

Battery: Again last thing first, but no one wants to starve with abattery discharged cell phone, when required most.

My choice Li-Ion 1320 mAh (BL-5J), same as Nokia 5800, don’t know why Nokia went with Li-Ion 1200 mAh (BL-4D) in Nokia N97 Mini. Again Possible!!!

Connectivity Options: The technology is all about connectionsconnectivity today and your mobile is the closest techy thing with you all the time. Office has some other means of connections, your home has something and cafe, restaurant might have something else, more of it, you want still to be connected if on some deserted Island. So, as Nokia says “Connecting People”, my choices are

2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G: HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 (not asking HSUPA)
Wi Fi (uPnP, DLNA whatever), Class 32 EDGE/ GPRS, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, microUSB v2.0 (should be able to charge phone) Possible!!! I am just asking about things, which are already available under the same price.

Build, Dimensions and Screen: Definitely in now days, no onescreen wishes (should not) anything lesser than a 3.2” resistive Touch Screen TFT with at least 360 x 640 pixels and at least 16M colors (more is better, but intelligent is to be better on battery and cost), so it does suits to Nokia’s aim for filling market with more touch screen devices by this year. Nokia 5800 had the same and no reason that they cant make another one within same cost.

Another thing is dimension and sure most of the people around the globe are loving the sleekness of Apple’s iPhone, so you know what people like. Nokia has made many sleek non-touch screen phones for sure, but don’t know I am not finding them sleeker in Touch screen department. Is resistive screen technology the reason? I know Capacitive ones are high on price, neither do they stand on my choice, but if they could give sleekness a bit more effort like they attempted in Nokia N97 Mini (I am not asking for a physical keypad here), then it would be huge plus.

Plastic is not what many would like to stand with, but definitely it doesn’t go deal breaker, if you manage to keep the price and features perfect. But even then if build material could be more robust (something like N97 mini or N900 and many of E-Series), then it will make many wishes come true.

And yes I am asking Proximity sensor for auto turn-off, Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate as well. Should not be costly enough, I guess.

Isn’t it Possible!!! for Nokia? Sure it is.

A-GPS/ Navigation: I am not sure about the cost involved in a gps built-in Digital Compass, but I have seen it in Nokia N97 Mini and Nokia N900 and sure its a very intuitive thing. If could keep it then well.. if not then not insisting, but what’s important is same GPS capability Nokia 5800 or Nokia N97 Mini had and obviously the same free navigation. Possible!!!

Processor, RAM and Internal Memory: I am asking for ARM 11 434 MHz processor only, no snapdragon, no separate graphics, but please don’t throw another 80 MB internal memory. Okay!! you can’t give me 8 or 16 GB internal memory, but at least internal memory could be kept on 128 MB or 256 MB at least (anything below would be unacceptable). You can go with a 128 MB RAM, not asking 256 MB as I know that a company needs profit. But anything generous than it would be lovable and obviously, I am not leaving 8GB Card included. Possible!!!

Operating System: Yes, the world is changing for mobiles and techies are looking for some Maemo, iPhone OS or Android. Symbian might seems to be loosing it, but even then it has a largest base and most percentage users are familiar with it. I don’t mind being with a Symbian OS v9.4, Series 60 rel. 5 or more as Google Apps aren’t supported with Maemo yet and most of us can’t live without that.

Camera and FM: OK!!! I am not asking you for a 5MP Carl Zeiss optics, but really I want Xeon flash back as was with Nokia N82 and a better 3.2 MP camera than Nokia 5800 had. Don’t know why, but I don’t find Nokia 5800 one better than Nokia 73. Obviously, no one wants to carry SLRs or digital cameras in pocket all the time now days. Moreover, you don’t wanna miss a decent secondary camera in front for supporting video calling, if you have so many connectivity options.

And come on!!! why cant the video recording size could be improved than Nokia N82. Small video recording size might require some hardware inclusion, but could be given a try within the cost. Not impossible!!!

FM Receivers been a must for India at least and FM Transmitter is becoming something God. I understand that it costs (That’s why might have been removed from Nokia N97), so usual FM Receiver as in Nokia 5800 would do fine. Many people love FM Recordings as well and I don’t see its hard enough to incorporate the same feature (its a software thing, not costing bucks to manufacturer).

Same goes with Call recording. I think its time, when this feature should be incorporated in all the Smart phones by default with all the legal issues won. Would be great for corporate.

All of these things are Possible!!!

Video format support: Here I feel something sure going wrong for sure. There are many open source solutions for support all kind of videos on computers and still there is no Application like VLC Player or mplayer for Symbian?? I just loved the way, I was just able to copy paste my video files in Nokia N900 and they were ready to play, if not with default player installed then with mplayer at least.

May be its hard for providing the support out of the box, but why open source community or developers taking this much time to make such a player for symbian, its out of my understanding. Definitely, it becoming a core weakness of Symbian against other completive. Please do something about it. Its not a rocket science and sure Possible!!!

Browsing: Now days, smart phones have taken more responsibility and with receiving and dialing calls, browsing web has become of much more importance than ever. The same reason, people loved the way iPhone browser worked, the same reason, Nokia N900 spreading like a fire, the same reason Opera been so popular around all Smart Phone users.

I know its not easy to bring full web experience over phone, with more RAM, better processors and big screen sizes, it has became a reality on other mobile platforms like Maemo. Flash Lite support 3.0 is essential and if latest workaround Flash 10 could be fruitful, then it would be great for Smart Phone world.

Hoping that like Opera trying to revolutionize browsing over Desktop, will bring the same technology to Smart phones as well, even then Opera 10 for mobile isn’t bad either. Possible!!!

Messaging: Its an era, Nokia always been innovative. Either it be simple tricks with even less capable Series 40 devices or full fledge integration of message needs with Nokia N900. Its high time to bring the same thing to lower regions as well.

Push Mails, full HTML support for mailing and some kind of fantastic email client with support of HTML signature. All of these things are possible and will take the experience at a larger level.

Integrating always on IMs like Google Talk, Skype in your phone out of the box, will mark an era for sure and technically its not that bigger call as API are available for free. Possible!!!

There are many mobile sets out, who meets most of these thing, but miss one or two points. Unfortunately, I don’t find any of Nokia filling all of these above including price strictly. All of them miss the things by an inch or two, which is sure frustrating but understandable due to difference of opinions all over the world and in various classes of users. These were my requirements, someone else might have others, there is no end of it, but if Nokia 5800 became so strong that iPhone or anything else not getting any stand in India, then sure such a phone could win the battle for mass for sure.

I really wanna comments from all to know what other users might be wishing for. But note that what I mentioned here are not the best of the technologies, but best affordable one in the price band. Don’t be mean about asking for more. ;-D

Waiting for comments

photo of Nitish KumarNitish Kumar

My Next Smartphone?

Sometimes, you find yourself hugely mistimed about things, either it be life, or be profession or about many other things. Same with me at occasions. Here I wished myself talking about my dilemma about my next Smartphone.

starving-child

Technology make so us so much dependent of it that sometimes we feel  like being starved, if kept away from it. In last visit to home, thought to replace the existing much older model of cell-fone at home for mom and decided to give her my Nokia 5310. Did the same and just after that sudden turn of events left me on edge of same “starving”.

One day ago, I was having a bit too many smart phones with me; Nokia 5310, Nokia N82, Nokia 5800 and trial device Nokia N900 and at the next day, I found myself left with Nokia N900 and an old model Nokia 3650 only as lost Nokia 5800 and Nokia N82 went for long-required repairs. Few more days and Nokia N900 was finally to depart. See!!! what now, just Nokia 3650 with me as Nokia N82 is not getting back to me soon from Nokia Care.

Experience with Nokia Care not going well, like many of Nokia users out there though I know there are many, who find their work good enough and apart of my case, I also been in appraising tone for their initiatives about customer services, but ……

Deprived from Internet at home (I was using MTNL now days as Idea SIM lost with Nokia 5800), I am almost out of patience about buying some smart-phone in hurry. Still weighing  my options as wanted to settle for some time about these hurry and expensive purchases.

The addiction with physical qwerty keypad started with Nokia N900, not letting me settle for Nokia 5800 again, even when I literally loved it considering its amazing price tag (Rs. 13, 200/-) and the only other dependable alternative seems to be Nokia N97 only (if I am follow my instincts for Nokia only).

I actually visited a Nokia  Store in Laxmi Nagar to know about, if any other device is there to suit my needs. The store was showcasing other products as well, so they showed me quite a range of products like Sony Xperia V2, HTC HD Mini, Nokia N97 Mini, Samsung Corby and some other windows based phone.

Honestly speaking, I am confused. As much, I read through reviews and features I am targeting for (obvious overshadowed with dreams of Nokia N900), I found myself relying only on Nokia N97 Mini. But when I place it against Nokia 5800, then I really get dizzy about it. Obviously, I am looking for something like Nokia N900, which doesn’t exist in Indian market till now. Even if I afford a compromise due to my most important requirement Google/ Ovi Maps, then I am not finding myself settled below than N97 Mini.

Now, although there are many positive differences starting from Internal Memory to Digital Compass or Home Screen Widgets and I found it attractively slimmer and tougher enough due to stainless steal body, but still I find myself wondering.

There is a huge difference between Nokia N97 and Nokia 5800 of Rs. 10, 000/-.

How much the qwerty keypad worth, if I am constantly reading about issues around inconsistencies?

Why 1200 mAh battery provided to Nokia N97 Mini stands below than Nokia 5800?

Why the sliding mechanism seems prone to broke down, if mishandled, why not smooth like that of Nokia N900?

Was FM transmitter that costly enough to be removed?

I almost would have bought Nokia N97 even then, but the words that Nokia N900 might be coming here in next two months made me paused. But still if it comes, its not gonna be any lesser than 30, 000/- here and I could afford one, but at such a price, I need all I required.

I really wish to have a Nokia N97 Mini in my hands for some time to know, if I could say Go for it. At least till when some excellent MeeGo device appears, which provide better alternative over Nokia N900. Wasn’t wishing so, but asked WomWorld, if they could help me about any of these two; Nokia N97 Mini for Trial or some old Nokia N900. Still don’t know, till when I will be able to hold the temptation to buy one, although I keep on reminding myself that I just lost a Nokia 5800 and money needs to be wisely spent. Nokia N97 Mini seems to be promising, but ….

Update: Here the wait begins

  • Got a word from Nokia Care Center that I will be needed to wait for two three days more.
  • Got a word from Paul, WomWorld, that it could be arranged to send me a Nokia N97 Mini for trial. Really great people they are. I think I could give a shape to my article about these promotion strategies.
  • Got a word from DHL, that the shipment back to WomWorld is with Customs there and they would revert me back about the details as I asked for.

Although I got a few good read as well, but recently came across a video explaining about the things, which was in Nokia N97 and not  in Nokia 5800 (Though its not about Nokia N97 mini, but even then works for the purpose of comparison with mini)

 

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Nokia Care – Irresponsible staff costs goodwill

Today, February 5, 2010 … was the day, when I finally packed up Trial Device Nokia N900 to be sent back to Womworld, London, I was supposed to be talking about my experiences with unexpected offer, was thinking to write about such marketing and customer gaining strategies, started to think Nokia along with Google as one of innovative giants or more importantly was supposed to be enjoying party somewhere as one of my colleague Arjun just became father and we were in great joy for that, but ….. my day was bad.

First the mess-up started with DHL (though it wasn’t their fault either, but still) I already mentioned that last time the DHL guy delivered the shipment without my signature or receipt and this time, they were supposed to follow each and every minute details without even try to help me out in place.

dhl rules

First problem was price as Indian Rules requires some additional formalities, if you declare price of shipment more than Rs. 25, 000/- (which was my case 500 Euro). This was sorted out by Womworld, when they changed the invoice to present the price 300 Euro now.

Second problem arrived at day next, when I was ready with new invoice. Now, they asked for full details of shipments (like what’s inside the box, how many chargers, cables etc), while this was not mentioned there in original shipment. I asked the guy to stay a little before I could change the invoice, but he said other person will pick the same. Good!!! No patience for little formality. Nice service.

Third problem, new DHL guy arrived at 5:18 PM, when I was supposed to leave office early by 5PM to pick my Nokia N82 from Nokia Care (Actual story the post is about), then he said no mention of Sender’s address over invoice. I said what?? ok .. let me make another one and I have to send it now, no second time. He agreed with address written by pen. Thanks a lot!!! then he wished to open the packed shipment to check. Ok!! fair enough, opened the tapes/ packing, then repacked it. Well!!! Finally…

Actual mess up with Nokia Care; the pathetic one!!!

nokia care crying

Must been around May 2009, it was under last few months of warranty (purchase in first week of August 2008, if I remember right), but was returned back from Nokia care saying that they do not cover liquid damage. Fair enough!!! They were unable to tell cost of repair and also said that its not promised that device will come back in same condition after opening it. I was irritated then and took the device back that I don’t wanna repair now. This was not that bad then the red led light in back was always on and flash was not working.

clip_image001

Later things got more worse as loud speakers stopped working and keyboard got loose due to my mishandling (could say). Finally, by this year, I decided that either this get repaired or whatever. Bought Nokia 5800 and sent N82 for repair on February 18, 2010. Meanwhile on February 19, 2010, got Nokia N900 as trial for two weeks. Story got twisted when I lost my Nokia 5800 before just going to home, where I was supposed to give my other handset Nokia 5130 to Mom. No issue, I thought.. Nokia N900 was with me and N82 was supposed to be back easily in two weeks max.

March 5, 2010, after many follow ups, got news that set is repaired and I could pick it.

You know office timings and Nokia care is near my room which is at one hour distance from office. Means today was on a brick, Nokia care was supposed to be closed by 6:30 PM and I was waiting in office for DHL Somehow made to reach in time at Nokia care (don’t forget, was to visit ATM as Nokia care doesn’t accept Cards).

Check the Job Sheet, what were the major complaint?

question

Application Sound? !!!! Not repaired !!!!
Damaged Keyboard? !!!! Not repaired !!!!
Firmware update? !!!! Not done !!!! Not mentioned in job sheet even when I specifically mentioned
Camera’s Xeon Flash? !!!! Not repaired !!!! Not mentioned in job sheet even when I specifically mentioned, after all its special about N82.

Do you know only complaint they resolved was the red led light in back always ON .. nothing else. Hanging, reboot etc. was all absurd, I never asked anything like that. And the cost they assumed me to pay was Rs.3850/-

For what??? I asked.. tell me specific details for what I am being charged?? What took two weeks to you in doing this??

Moreover, who updates tracking status? Formality to show that work done/ call closed?

track They took the device back from me saying that will be repaired this time. Great!!! No smart phone with me now (last N900 gone and 5130 with Mom), I am not connected from home as it was only means now days. NO blogging from home 😦

Next delivery date is February 9, 2010. How many of you think that Nokia care will make it????

 

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Rin Vs Tide-The Ad Hussle-Why Rin doing this?

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The Rin commercial, launched on Friday, February 28, openly compares Rin and Tide Naturals, with a claim of delivering better whiteness at an affordable price.

Have you seen this ad? “Chaunk Gaye” like Tide’s punch line says …you can follow the discussions as well that what buzz this campaign obviously made. What you feel after watching the ad? Rivalry? Dirty wars like once we seen between Coke and Pepsi or Complan and Horlicks? How much of you think that this actually can be true? 

That’s the beauty of the media and system. Sometimes, knowing the reality might be harder than our common guesses. Who has time to go into details and then form an opinion? Most of you found themselves stunned when got to see this ad and thought “what the ….. “, “how could it be possible?”, “how could they?”

Well!! Let us know some facts first …

Hindustan Unilever Limited, which is India’s largest fast moving consumer goods company (its a British company Europian company) airs an ad for its product ‘Rin’ showing direct disgrace to other product in the same range named ‘Tide’ from Proctor & Gamble (an American one), we were able to spot and discuss the same from the very moment it aired, but P & G takes around one week to file a claim against it. Why so? It must have been more easier and obvious.

Let us go into more details and let me tell you about another case, which didn’t got that much of limelight.

Feb 25, 2010 … just few day before the ‘famous’ ad, HUL filed a suit in Madras Court against P & G about their ad, which says “Tiide Naturals promises great cleaning while keeping your hands soft, because it has the goodness and freshness like that of lemon and sandalwood”, while P & G failed to prove the same, when challenged by HUL. Result: March 1, 2010 … Madras High court given P & G 72 hours to modify its advertisement saying this “does not contain lemon and chandan”.

Now, another point one must go through ASCI Official websites and rules mentioned there for advertising. HUL actually played safe, by putting a notification in bottom of the ad saying “Schematic representation of superior whiteness is based on Whiteness Index test of Rin Vs Tide Naturals as tested by Independent lab” and also seems to be ready to face any lab test.

Ok !!! these are the technical grounds and HUL might be safe, but what about the morals and what if other products in market follow the same way? Isn’t this going to bring an end for innovative and creative advertising? Was is necessary to do something like this?

Ok!! What really bring HUL into this?

Before Tide, HUL had the strongest market share, but backed by P & G, Tide started with aggressive advertisement, which really kept HUL under pressure in recent. HUL responded by restructuring its brand portfolio and reduced prices. 

It improved the situation a little for HUL, but only till P & G bounced back by introducing its low-cost-detergent Tide Natural, which claimed  "whiteness with special fragrance". Note that it’s not the same Tide, that one available on higher price in separate even now, but very few noticed the same. For normal consumers, it was like the same tide in reduced prices and more was the claim "whiteness with special fragrance".

This time, HUL wasn’t able to keep its cool and responded with multi-tier attack back on its competitor.

  1. HUL challenged their claim of “whiteness with special fragrance" saying that they are talking about Chandan and Lemon, while the product clearly contain none of these and with directive on March 1, they accomplished what they asked for.
  2. HUL launched an aggressive campaign with the same TV ad during prime time, which not only bring the focus over the war, but a curiosity in audience as well that how Tide will respond, if its absurd.

So, now we could understand that what happened and why…. aggression got answered by aggression. But the comparable advertisement, which is entirely new concept for Indian market certainly going to get much critics than supporters. HUL might be prepared for what they are claiming, but what will follow next ….. have to be seen.

Would like to have your comments that what you think over it.

Right or wrong? Brave or Foolish? Innovation or End of it?

Update March 06, 2010:

The Calcutta High Court on Friday restrained Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) from beaming a controversial detergent ad with immediate effect.

Justice Nadira Patherya passed an order on Friday restraining HUL from telecasting its detergent advertisement that was seemingly mocking Procter & Gamble’s detergent Tide Naturals.

Justice Patherya directed that telecast of the HUL advertisement be stopped on and from March 8. P&G senior advocate SK Kapur had contended that ad was ‘a clear case of disparagement’ and that it mocked the P&G product while showing its own. The judge agreed that no manufacturer is permitted to promote its product by labelling its competitor’s as bad.

HUL contended in the Calcutta High Court that by filing a vacating application, P&G had submitted to the jurisdiction of Chennai High Court and the suit in Calcutta High Court cannot be proceeded with.

In its affidavit, HUL had contended that it had obtained laboratory reports which proved the superior whiteness of Rin.

I am not quite happy over it. Not favouring RIN, but court should have called RIN to prove their version technically in place of just asking to stop the Ad.

 

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