My thoughts about this weeks Nokia event

Whether it’s for the right reasons or not, Nokia are a big name in the mobile industry. They’ve been a market leader, they’ve nearly gone bust, they’ve jumped onto the Windows Phone boat, they’ve gone and got themselves bought out by Microsoft and this week we saw the latest iteration of their devices. Was that little pile of devices enough to keep them relevant? Was this the last bunch of new devices well ever see bearing the “Nokia Lumia” branding? I honestly don’t know. What this is, is just going to be my thoughts on the Lumia devices announced on Tuesday.

Lumia 1520

The Nokia Lumia 1520 looks and sounds like an astounding device, spec wise it is pretty much in line with the top end Android device, complete with the ubiquitous Snapdragon 800 quad core processor, 2GB of RAM, 32 GB internal storage, a flippin Micro SD slot, a 20 MP camera, Qi wireless charging and a huge great 6? 1080p display.

It is the highest spec Windows Phone ever, complete with the usual Lumia design it’s really going to be a contender when it’s released. The work Nokia has put into creating apps to give Windows Phone an edge, admittedly this is mainly focused in the photography and mapping areas, but it really makes Windows Phone pretty damn useful. The only two slight problems I can envisage with the Lumia 1520 are the price and the fact beneath all of the fancy Nokia apps it still runs Windows Phone. Microsoft really need to fix/add features rather quickly or this huge great phone is going to be another camera orientated device. Things like the threading in the email app, handling of attachments in the email app, sharing between apps in the OS and little things like more accent colours. Don’t get me wrong here, I love Windows Phone, I just can’t use it as my main device as things are a little backward.

Lumia 1320

The next in the lineup was the Lumia 1320, offering a trimmed down spec in an equally as large casing, it’s like the Samsung Galaxy Mega compared to the Note 3. It’s made specifically for those people who really don’t have £600 to spend on a new phone. But that comes at a compromise, you get a 6? 720p screen, a dual-core processor, 8 GB internal storage, 1 GB of RAM, Micro SD slot, 5 MP camera and LTE.

The thing about the Lumia 1320 will be the price, hopefully cheap enough for various networks to pick up and cheap enough SIM free for enthusiasts to get one just because. It will join a sea of other budget Lumia devices that people get on cheap contracts, but the naming convention has got a little confusing now, with devices with lower model numbers having a higher spec. Maybe Microsoft will fix that when they’re allowed to finish off buying them.
The Lumia 1320 should be a nice device though, albeit a little low spec. It will allow people interested in the new six tile wide interface to give it a try.

Lumia 2520

The Nokia Lumia 2520 at the outset seems like a weird product, mainly down to the stigma attached to Windows RT. Spec wise the Lumia 2520 is up there with the other high end tablets, a quad core Snapdragon 800, a decent camera, LTE, HDMI output, a 1080p screen, 32 GB internal storage, 2 GB of RAM, Micro SD slot and that keyboard cover. It’s all going to be about the price compared to the new Microsoft Surface RT.

Up until now Windows RT hasn’t exactly been a success and as to why Nokia would choose it for their new tablet I’m not sure. I guess they didn’t really have a choice, using normal Windows 8.1 would have probably cost more in licensing and it wouldn’t surprise me if Microsoft didn’t “encourage” Nokia to use Windows RT instead. Windows RT is improving, I’ve been using my Surface RT a hell of a lot more since the 8.1 update. Nokia have also took to making software for Windows as well with Storyteller, that video editing thing and a special version of Nokia Music. I think I’d probably get one of these if I didn’t have a Surface RT, but stranger things have happened, I may still.

Overall feeling
Overall I liked Nokia’s new devices, the Lumia 1520 really shone above all of the rest of their range. Personally I’d prefer the 1520 over the 1020, mainly because of the Micro SD slot, but also the size is a plus point.

I was pleased to see Nokia talking about all the new apps coming to the platform, things like Vine, Flipboard and Instagram are often cited as reasons not to use Windows Phone, I guess people will complain about Snapchat instead now. Hearing about RAW support in the 1020 and 1520 was impressive as well, no doubt no other mobile phone will be able to offer this for years. I do feel Nokia are pigeon holing themselves though, either amazing camera or budget, that’s the direction for the next six months it seems.

I would have liked to have seen a Galaxy S4 competitor though, a high spec device around about 5? with a high spec similar to the Lumia 1520 and the new six tile interface. That would be something that a lot of normal people would want.

So good job Nokia, you should have announced a few more Lumias, I guess you’ll have another event in six months time, if Microsoft allow it.

Thoughts on the iPad event – Opinion

Apple announced a plethora of new software and hardware at its event on Tuesday. While we don’t really cover laptops and desktops, there still plenty of mobile goodies to discuss.

iPad Air

As a massive iPad fan, I was particularly looking forward to seeing what the iPad 5 would look like. While I love my iPad 2, it’s starting to show its age and the once fantastic screen now frankly looks mediocre. iOS 7 has exacerbated the problem, being designed for a fully retina world with its light fonts and minimalist aesthetic.

I’m not really a fan of the Mini. As a reading device its size is a boon, but I actually do a lot of typing on my iPad and find that the full size screen lets me touch type with near perfect accuracy. It’s not as good a physical keyboard, but it’s good enough that I haven’t needed to use a laptop for the past two years when writing emails or notes.

Still, I take my iPad virtually everywhere and this was making the Mini much more tempting. While I haven’t tried out the Air yet, it looks like I may very well be sticking to a full size iPad. It’s dramatically thinner, lighter and smaller. It’s incredible that Apple have managed to slim down the bezels, reduce the weight and thickness and yet massively increase power and maintain the amazing battery life. It’s a complete win in every way.

Android tablets like the Nexus 10 may have even higher res screens and cost less, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for. When it comes to full size tablets, there’s only one game in town. And it just leapt even further ahead.

Retina iPad Mini

Size aside, I was never a fan of the original Mini because of its iPad 2 based hardware. My iPad 2 may have served me like a champ, but it’s definitely getting on. I have no problem with Apple’s higher pricing, but when I pay a premium I want to get the best and I want something that will last a while.

With the Retina iPad Mini I feel like I’m definitely getting both. I thought we’d be getting an A6X, but Apple went all out and gave it an A7 to make it spec for spec identical to the Air. And for a full $100 less. The only problem now is choosing how much that extra 1.8” is worth to you, either in price or portability.

I still feel like smaller tablets are more for content consumption though. While the Mini will give you all the same great iPad apps, I’m not sure if I’d enjoy using it as much for things like typing and photo editing that I do regularly on my iPad 2. For others it may very well be the perfect tablet, and for $100 less I may be one of them.

 iPad 2

The fact that the iPad 2 is still on sale must presumably means that it’s still doing decent business for Apple. I can’t remember having another gadget for as long as my iPad 2. It’s done me proud over the last two and a half years. In the same time, I’ve been through four different phones.

 But I’d feel sorry for anyone that buys one today for $399. The fact that Apple can still sell it for $399 makes feel both annoyed and amazed. I feel like the Air is incredible value at $499. But you’d have to really value that $100 saving to go for the cheaper model. Even then, you could have a far superior Retina iPad Mini for the same price. Please just don’t do it.

 iPad Mini

I feel similarly about the original iPad Mini. I was never a big fan in the first place, but a year later and for a whole $30 less I still couldn’t recommend it to anyone. I’d rather have the a Nexus 7 with its far superior screen and $80 saving. It might not have all the apps, but phone apps work pretty great on it. And at that size it’s more about reading and video, for which the widescreen actually has an advantage.

 Overall

Two frankly awesome and great value high end models. Two ageing and overpriced low end models. Do yourself a favour and spend the extra cash for the flagships.

New iPad event rumored for 22nd October

After Apple announced the new iPhone last month, many people were left wondering when the next iPad and iPad mini would arrive.

It now looks like an event is being scheduled for 22nd October to show off these new products, which just so happens to be the same day Nokia are holding an event in Abu Dhabi to show off some new phones and a possible tablet.

 

Possible upgrades for the mini are a new 8 megapixel back camera for better photos, more 4G bands to allow other networks to use their 4G technology, and a retina display to bring it in line with the larger model.

The iPad mini has some tough competition now from the most recent Nexus 7 tablet, so it will be interesting to see what Apple can pull out of the bag.

Apple have yet to confirm an event yet, this normally happens about a week before the actual date but many sites have had the date of the 22nd October all but confirmed.

Nokia confirm 22nd October event

Nokia have just sent out a tweet which would confirm an event to be held somewhere on the 22nd October this year.

The tweet just says simply…

At Nokia, we never stop innovating. More to share on October 22 #Nokia #innovationreinvented pic.twitter.com/nlptrXE6jp

After many leaks recently we assume this is for the new ‘phablet’ phone called the Lumia 1520.

This new Lumia is expected to pack a large 6 inch display with a resolution of 1080p, a first for Windows Phone, plus pack at least 16GB of internal storage, a 20 megapixel ‘PureView’ camera and run the latest update to the OS adding more features we are yet to have confirmed.

Apple event confirmed for 10th Sept

Well folks it’s official…… Apple have just sent out invites to a press event at their Cupertino HQ where at least one iPhone is expected to be announced but with many rumors we will actually see two.

The different colour dots on the invitation would sort of hint towards what we have seen rumoured for the iPhone 5C model.

And then of course there is the biggie…. the iPhone 5S which is expected to look almost the same but feature a new 12 megapixel camera, offer a 128GB model, be 4G ready for all UK networks and may even come in a new ‘Champagne’ Gold colour

No more information yet apart from in just 7 days time we will all see a new device, the official launch date of iOS7 and maybe a few suprises

My name is Dan, I am 30yrs old and from Torquay,Devon and have been into phone tech for over 10 years either running sites or taking part in helping others. I was also the official Sony Ericsson blogger for MWC one year.

I am currently using a Nexus 4, Lumia 920 and Xperia T. My main area of expertise on the site is network news and future technologies such as DC-HSDPA and LTE

You can contact me on twitter @mobilemandan or via [email protected]

BREAKING -- It's official: Invitations go out for Apple’s September 10th iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C event

12:05 PM

The wait is almost over — for real this time. After a false alarm early Tuesday morning, Apple on Tuesday sent invitations to the media for a press conference in Cupertino on September 10th. At the event, Apple is expected to end months upon months of leaks, rumors and speculation by finally unveiling the flagship iPhone 5S and the brand new iPhone 5C.

Apple’s new iPhone 5S is expected to look a lot like the current iPhone 5, but it is said to feature a faster processor, an upgraded camera with a dual-LED flash and a major internal overhaul that will likely make room for a fingerprint scanner. It will also seemingly be available in two new colors: champagne gold and a new lighter gray color.

Also expected to debut next Tuesday is the mid-range iPhone 5C, which won’t feature cutting-edge specs but it should sport a price tag somewhere near $400 and a plastic case that comes at least five different colors. Apple is expected to offer the 5C for free on contract in many markets, and it will also help the company make inroads in developing markets where its flagship iPhones have been a bit to pricey to compete with bargain-bin Android phones and Nokia’s Asha lineup.

Apple will be announcing iOS 7 launch timing as well during its press conference in Cupertino next week, and we might also see one or two surprises. Be sure to tune in to BGR next Tuesday, where we’ll be covering all the latest iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iOS 7 news as it breaks.

Here is an image of Apple’s event invitation, which was published by The Loop.

View the original article here