Archive for October, 2008

In the middle of 2007, Nokia has released the N95 smartphone, which became the most "packed" mobile phone of that time. It has combined high efficiency and powerful multimedia features, for what the manufacturer has named N95 a multimedia computer. After a year, Nokia has presented the successor of the first multimedia computer – the N96 smartphone.

It was expected, that Nokia N96 will lift the smartphones edge of functionality on a new level. But the manufacturer has decided in another way. If N95 was a multipurpose combine or the smartphone-monster, then with N96 is another story, it has a precisely expressed specialization – it is made for video work.

The smartphone’s orientation on a video content is emphasized by several things. First, Nokia N96 has installed a big 2,8 inches screen, displaying 16 million colors. Its maximal resolution – 240х320 pixels. The picture is very bright and juicy. On the sun, even if the screen fades, but the image remains clear.

Besides, the mobile phone is equipped with mobile TV reception module. Also, N96 can search for videoclips in the Network and automatically sort them according to the user’s inquiry.

An addition which emphasizes the smartphone video orientation is the leaning back frame of the digital camera on its back panel. It serves as a support for the phone body, having it transformed in a mini TV.

By the way, the smartphone is delivered with the "Transformers" movie on board (at least, the test sample). It will allow to test Nokia N96 as a mobile TV right after purchase.

For those who do not love small screens, with Nokia N96 there is a cable for connection to the TV included in the content package. Basically, N96 can be used as a pocket videoplayer, especially due to its high memory volume of 16Gb plus the microSD card.

On the Nokia N96 screen it is possible to watch not only downloaded from the web video, but also your own made video rollers. For this purpose, the smartphone is equipped with a 5Mp digital camera and Carl Zeiss optics. It allows to record video in VGA resolution with a 30 fps speed.

Precisely the same digital camera has been used in Nokia N95. But there, it looked more seriously. All the aspect is made by the protective lens cover used for N95. N96 lacks the lens cover.

Instead of the lens cover, N96 has two light-emitting diodes which serve as a flash at bad illumination. Probably, for a top smartphone, a xenon flash would have looked more logically, but the Nokia engineers know better.

One more asset of the mobile phone is the GPS-navigation. Here all is standard: it is possible plan a route, to search for the shortest way, to measure the made distance, speed of movement and the time spent for taking a route.

For navigation, Nokia N96 uses the on-line application – Nokia Maps. It means, that all the maps are loaded from the Internet, therefore it is necessary to be prepared for the traffic charges. Especially it is actual for those who prefer to use satellite pictures, instead of schematical images of the district.

At a quick survey of the Samsung i900 communicator, involuntarily arise a desire to compare it with iPhone. But, is it really correct to compare these two devices? Is it really Omnia a direct competitor of Apple iPhone? More likely another case takes place here: iPhone’s main guiding line is the idea of convenient touch management which also was “barrowed” by other “enterprising manufacturers”.

Among "enterprising manufacturers" there was also Samsung. Within last year it has had time to create some "iPhone killers" – F490, F700. In comparison with "the ideological inspirer" the announced models had some changes (for example, the QWERTY-keyboard in F700). For quite some time, they began to differ in price too, which is almost twice less than iPhone price.

At the same time, the Apple phone is a smartphone (Mac OS X) and, with the advent of a high-grade OS, the "usual" devices from Samsung cannot keep up with it. Therefore, the South-Korean company has not stopped on the reached level and has presented the i900 model.

The index "i" speaks about the presence in the device of an operational system. Samsung has enough experience with the smartphones, both, on Symbian and on Windows Mobile. The novelty has the last scheme, Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.

Easy Touch Screen Navigation
With the BlackBerry Storm smartphone, select and type using touch technology—the screen is the keyboard. Typing is easy—highlight the letter on the touch screen and press the screen to make it appear in your message or document. And navigation is a breeze. Like a mouse, your fingertip moves the cursor across the screen.
Get More Out of Your Day
The HSPA network and the BlackBerry Storm smartphone’s 528-MHz processor combine to support your need to multitask and prioritize without falling behind or out of touch. Designed to provide you with access to your voice and data services at the same time, it helps you get more out of every day.

Take phone calls while sending and responding to email or browsing the Internet
Maintain GPS-based directions or maps on your display even while taking a call
Snap the perfect picture and send it out even when you’re already on the phone
Discuss and revise Microsoft® Word, Microsoft Excel® and Microsoft® PowerPoint® files—edit while using the speakerphone

Flexible Communications
You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:

Wireless email for your personal/web-based and business accounts
Advanced phone features such as voice activated dialing, conference calling, speakerphone and voicemail attachment playback
Instant messaging and text messaging (SMS and MMS)
Access to social networking sites like Facebook® and MySpace®

Camera and Video Recording
At 3.2 megapixels, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures using the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. You can also rely on the auto focus and auto flash to help you capture the moment.
And when an event can’t be captured in a single instant, use sound and action to tell part of the story with the video camera.5
At 3.2 megapixels, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures using the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. You can also rely on the auto focus and auto flash to help you capture the moment.
And when an event can’t be captured in a single instant, use sound and action to tell part of the stor
Multimedia
Whether you want to watch a video clip or tune out the rest of the world by listening to your favorite songs, your BlackBerry Storm smartphone delivers visual and sound quality that keeps up with your needs.

1 GB of built-in memory—add up to 16 GB more using microSD cards
Sync your desktop iTunes® music files using BlackBerry® Media Sync
Use Roxio® Media Manager to help create your own personal juke box

GPS and BlackBerry Maps
The BlackBerry Storm smartphone features built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities. Designed to work with BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based software, use it to help determine where you are and how to get to where you need to be.
Enjoy large, clear maps on the HVGA touch screen.
Mobile Streaming
Stay in the know even when you’re on the go with access to the mobile versions of news, television and other media sites. Interested in a funny clip from YouTube or the incredible play from last night’s game? The built-in mobile streaming capabilities on the BlackBerry Storm smartphone are designed so that you can watch online clips like these or even listen to streamed music broadcasts.