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Week of February 17, 2002

Active Desk 1.55: 7 Localisation and Full Screen Mode

Cibenix have released Active Desk v1.55a. This enhancement to one of the bestselling Nokia 9200 application provides a full screen view, allowing the user to display even more important information on the screen.

This upgrade also provides localisations in 7 European languages - German, French, Finnish, Dutch, Spanish, Belgian (Flemish), and of course English. All the languages are provided in the single installation package.

More information @ http://www.cibenix.com

Posted by Rafe on 23/02/2002   |   
Celesta myStyle now available for 9210

Celesta have announced the availability of Celesta myStyle for the Nokia 9210. Celesta myStyle extends your Nokia 9210 Communicator with the latest graphical messaging features. It includes a icon editor and support for recieving and sending operator logos, picture messages, CLI icons, profiles and sending of Flash SMS and much more. The program costs 39 Euros.

More information @ http://www.celesta-lifestyle.com/

Description of program from Celesta:

Celesta myStyle
Celesta myStyle extends your Nokia 9210 Communicator with the latest graphical messaging features.

Logo Editor

Logo Editor is the core of Celesta myStyle. Its easy to use commands and functions make creating personalized graphics quick and simple. With Logo Editor you can design your own operator logos, picture messages, caller group icons and screen savers. It contains all the basic image manipulation functions: you can choose from several ready-made drawing modes, change the drawing color, flip images and even insert text. You can also use Logo Editor's built-in image library or choose one of your own color images as a basis for a personalized logo, message, icon or screen saver.



Message types

Celesta myStyle is a versatile graphical messaging tool. It extends your Nokia 9210 Communicator with the latest smart messaging features. With Celesta myStyle you can now use group graphics, picture messages and downloadable profiles also with your Nokia 9210 Communicator.

Operator logos are bitmap images that are shown alongside the operator identification. With Celesta myStyle you can quickly and easily tailor individual logos for your company or for your own use. You do not need any special skills, all you need is Celesta myStyle Logo Editor!



Picture messages really jazz up your text messages! Celesta myStyle is the world's first application that enables you to design and send your own picture messages - also with Nokia 9210 Communicator



You can design screen savers and send them with downloadable profile messages. A profile message consists of a profile name, a screen saver and a ringing tone. The receiving handset (e.g. Nokia 3330) has to support downloadable profiles.



A CLI icon or group graphic is a bitmap image, which can be attached to a particular caller group. When the calling number is identified with this group, the attached CLI icon (group graphic) is shown alongside the name and/or the number of the caller.



A Flash SMS brings important messages immediately on the recipient’s phone screen. It is a text message that is shown immediately after it has been received. Now you can make sure that your message will be read! With Celesta myStyle flash SMS messages can be sent as easily as normal text messages.

General Requirements
  • Nokia 9210 Communicator
  • 290 Kbytes of available memory
  • Version 3.52 or later of the Nokia 9210 Communicator firmware


Key Features
  • Send and receive operator logos
  • Send and receive picture messages
  • Send and receive CLI icons
  • Send and receive profiles
  • Send flash SMS
  • A built-in Logo Editor for creating and editing logos, icons, screen savers and pictures
  • Support for several graphic file formats (for example, GIF, JPG, BMP, OTA, NOL, NGG, NLM)
  • Crop logos, icons and bitmaps from existing color images
  • Smart messaging features integrated to the Messaging application
  • Create and send smart messages directly from the Messaging application
  • Saving of incoming smart messages to Inbox
  • Basic messaging options: forward, reply, move, etc.
  • Saving of unsent smart messages to Drafts
  • Save Operator logos, CLI icons, screen savers, pictures and ringing tones for future use
  • Logo Loader featuring a browser for previewing thumbnails of pictures stored in your Communicator
  • Context sensitive On-line Help
  • Downloadable image libraries/logo packs and skins for the Logo Editor


Posted by Rafe on 22/02/2002   |   
Updates to SideCalc and Remote Control

Kylom have announced an update to their popular SideCalc program for the Nokia 9210. The update means an optional button bar with the 4 operators (=-*/)has resturned and significant figures can be set via preferences. The new version is 6.11.

More information: http://www.kylom.com/

Bitween's Remote control has been updated to version 1.01.

More information http://www.bitween.com

Posted by Rafe on 22/02/2002   |   
PsiNT Bundles and Price Reductions

PsiNT have announced two bundles of their software title. These offers svaings of up to 45%. The first bundle is Extended Communicator Suite containing Task Manager, Extended Messaging, Extended Extras and External Dictaphone for $26.95. Second is Extended Communicator Suite LITE containing any two products for $19.95. In addition Extended Extras and Extended Printers have reduced prices ($13.50 and $9.95 respectively). Excellent value, but time limited!

More information about these bundles are available on the PsiNT website @ http://www.psiloc.com/nokia/eng/esuite/index.html

Brief Description of each product in Extended Communicator Suite:

Task Manager:
Task Manager is a tool which implements several important functions missing from Nokia 9210 Communicator operating system. It integrates with the system and is fully transparent during normal work. Task Manager?s window is invoked with Desk button (pressing Desk button twice hides Task Manager and opens Desk screen). Accessing Task Manager this way is very quick and convenient. Additionally, one can change the activation hotkey to any other button or key combination in Settings.

Extended Messaging:
Extended Messaging implements full support for smart messaging in your Communicator!
Extended Messaging not only implements smart messaging in 9200 series, but also fully integrates with standard Messaging application. This means that you can receive, browse, save and send your logos and graphics using built in SMS editor! No other application is required for this!

Extended Extras:
Extended Extras provides the user with important and useful feature missing in Nokia 9210/9290 Communicator: creating folders within application groups: Extras, Office, Internet and on Desk.
Such folders make it possible to group applications into separate categories (games, utilities, business, security etc), provide quick access to particular programs and allow keeping installed applications in order.

External Dictaphone:
External Dictaphone is a tool which implements a very important and useful function missing in Nokia 9210 (although it was present in 9110): access to Digital Recorder from phone side and the ability of creating voice notes and recording phone conversations without opening Communicator cover and browsing through several menus and screens on PDA side. External Dictaphone?s functionality via phone keypad can be profiles, limited to one selected profile or restricted to all but one profile.

Posted by Rafe on 21/02/2002   |   
Nokia 7650 Feature and Site Updates

I've been busy updating the site to reflect changes to some aspects of Symbian resulting from announcements at Cannes.

Principal among these are the updates to the old Mediaphone and Smartphone sections. I've also made it clearer on the front page that you can get pages with just 9210, 7650 or Symbian categories of news. If your a 9210 user, you may, for example, prfer to see just 9210 news, in which case use /allabouter6-late/communicator/.

As a contrast to all the hype over Microsoft's various phone OS variants I've uploaded a Nokia 7650 feature as an illustration of real world implementation of a Symbian smartphone. I've been meaning to do so for a while, but lets just say this made me do it!

See: /allabouter6-late/smartphone/nokia7650/

Posted by Rafe on 21/02/2002   |   
Opinion: SwitchBlade gives his view of Cannes news

Switch Blade, like quite a few readers if this site, has been suprised by the coverage of Cannes, especially the Microsoft announcement of Pocket PC Phone Edition and Smartphone 2002. Symbian making euqally important announcements (even more so given their backers) have largely been ignored. SwitchBlade sounds off!

See: /allabouter6-late/general/switch.php


Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
New UIQ user interface for Symbian OS: Mediaphone Replacement?

Symbian today announced their new user interface for the Symbian OS. UIQ seems to be a version of the dropped Mediaphone DFRD for version 7 of the OS. UIQ enables handset manufactures to easily develop pen-based mobile phones based on Symbian OS v7.0. It looks like Sony Ericsson may well be on of the first users of the new interface.

Comment and analysis soon!

Full Press Release:
Symbian announces UIQ user interface for Symbian OS

UIQ enables handset manufactures to easily develop pen-based mobile phones based on Symbian OS v7.0

3GSM, Cannes - February 20, 2002 - Symbian today announces a further application of the Symbian OS to be called UIQ. UIQ provides a user interface for small pen-based phones being implemented by a number of handset manufacturers.

"With the UIQ application user interface, Symbian has provided its licensees with a flexible user interface that will enable them to market a variety of diversified phones using a common technology base," said Johan Sandberg, General Manager Symbian AB. "UIQ brings with it a richer multimedia environment and more intuitive interactivity that will change the way people look at their personal communication devices."

UIQ is based upon Symbian OS v.7.0 and was designed for peer-to-peer messaging, including Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). MMS offers the ability to send rich messaging objects such as text, pictures and audio to both mobile users with MMS enabled devices and email users. Other applications and services include unified contacts, an intuitive agenda, high-resolution web page delivery and synchronisation over the air using the open SyncML standard.

"Sony Ericsson's goal is to develop mobile multimedia products that are easy to use, and fun to use", said Anil Raj, Corporate Executive Vice President of Sony Ericsson. "The wide range of applications and features available on this new generation of products make the user interface even more important and the new UIQ will be important for the user experience", said Mr Raj.

Key features of UIQ are:

  • seamless messaging (including: MMS, EMS, SMS, email and fax over GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSCSD, CDMA, cdma2000)

  • integrated contacts (allows users to make a voice call or create an MMS, SMS or fax message with one tap on the recipient's Contacts entry; easily access web or WAP pages associated with contacts; send contacts as vCa
    rds over MMS, SMS, Email, fax, Infrared or Bluetooth)
  • intuitive agenda (enables easy entry and viewing of complex calendaring; also supports vCalendar over MMS, SMS, email, fax, infrared and Bluetooth)

  • powerful Internet capabilities (including support for: HTML 4.01; HTTP 1.1; HTTPS support over SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0; CSS 1 and CSS 2; XML 1.0 and XHTML 1.0; Java script 1.3; 128-bit encryption and Java applets)

  • simple synchronisation via Infrared, Bluetooth and Serial Port with common desktop applications and SyncML servers


At 3GSM, Symbian also announced Symbian OS v7.0 enabling 2.5G and 3G mobile phones. Symbian will be releasing software developer kits based on UIQ to third party developers at its annual Symbian Developer Expo, which is being held in London on the 23-24 April 2002. More information about the Expo together with registration information can be found at www.symbian.com

Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
Semiconductor giants like Symbian

Symbian have announced today in a press release the formation of several more semiconductor comapnies have joined their semiconductor partner program. The companies involved are Agilent, Epson, Parthus, Philips Semiconductor, Samsung and STMicroelectronics who join existing partners ARM, Intel, Motorola SPS, Qualcomm CDMA Technologies and Texas Instruments.

Full Press Release:

Semiconductor industry backs Symbian

Symbian more than doubles support from semiconductor industry. Agilent; Epson; Parthus; Philips Semiconductor; Samsung and STMicroelectronics join semiconductor partner programme - fuelling innovation and broadening the market for Symbian OS phones

London, UK - 20 February 2002 - Symbian today announced that six leading semiconductor companies have joined its Semiconductor Partner Programme, demonstrating silicon industry support for Symbian OS running on the ARM� architecture. This industry standardisation on Symbian OS and ARM core-based chipsets enables Symbian OS licensees to reduce development cycles to bring next generation mobile phones rapidly to market and, through optimisation, improve the performance and power consumption of Symbian OS phones to make them more attractive for end users.

The six new semiconductor partners are Agilent Technologies; Epson; Parthus; Philips Semiconductors; Samsung and STMicroelectronics. These join existing partners ARM; Intel; Motorola SPS; Qualcomm CDMA Technologies and Texas Instruments.
Symbian will work closely with these partners to migrate Symbian OS to their ARM core- based silicon solutions. In turn, the new partners will provide development tools and board support packages to enable the creation of Symbian OS phones, further reducing time-to-market for handset manufacturers looking to deliver next generation mobile phones. In addition, partners will be provided with access to Symbian Technical Consulting.

"This will be the year in which the market for advanced mobile phones begins to gain serious momentum," said Gilles Allain, VP of Account Management and Partnerships at Symbian. "These more powerful phones will require high-performance processors in order to power the advanced applications which they run. ARM core-based semiconductor solutions that are optimised for Symbian OS provide the necessary processing power, and enable handset manufacturers to increase the speed at which they can develop new handsets."

"The Symbian OS, with its use of the ARM architecture memory management unit (MMU), provides a rich and secure platform for future wireless application and services," said Steve Evans, VP Segment Marketing, ARM. "The ARM architecture has been specifically designed to provide the optimum balance between performance, cost and power consumption for products such as 2.5G and 3G mobile phones. With the support of these additional silicon manufacturers, handset manufacturers will have a broad choice in their selection of an ARM core-based system-on-chip (SoC) for next- generation wireless products."

"As an ARM licensee and leading supplier of ICs to the wireless industry, we believe that Symbian OS is highly robust and well suited to the requirements of next generation mobile phones," said Bryan Ingram, business unit manager of Agilent Technologies' Wireless Semiconductor Division.

"Epson is pleased to join the Symbian Semiconductor Partner Programme," said Kevin Gillett, director of Systems Integration, Epson Research and Development, Inc.. "Epson is well known for developing low power mobile semiconductors which complement Symbian OS, and we look forward to porting our current products and developing new products that support this exciting operating system."

"Clearly Symbian is the operating system of choice for the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers," said Sean Mitchell, VP of Applications Processing, Parthus Technologies. "We are delighted to be extending our very successful partnership. Not only can we supply the semiconductor industry with Symbian-powered smartphone IP platforms today, but are actively extending what Symbian smartphones can support into key applications such as Java, security, location and broadband wireless connectivity."

"As increasing numbers of handset manufacturers commit to Symbian OS, they are also demanding optimised, high-quality semiconductors which deliver the necessary performance and processing power," said Mr Hans Rijns, general manager of Mobile Communications Platform, Philips Semiconductors. "Philips Semiconductors is delighted to be joining the Semiconductor Partner Programme and is working closely with Symbian to provide silicon system solutions, built upon the ARM architecture, to mobile phone manufacturers."

"Within the next 5 years Samsung is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the convergence of wireless , mobile computing and multimedia technologies," said Yun tae Lee, VP of SoC R&D Centre at Samsung Electronics. "We believe that Symbian OS, optimised to our SoC silicon platforms, based on the latest ARM architecture, coupled with our advanced process technology, will help deliver the best power, performance and cost competitive solutions into the market, and by joining Symbian's Semiconductor Partner Programme we will ensure that Symbian licensees will have the most competitive solution for next generation mobile devices."

"As the leading operating system for ARM architectures, Symbian OS is a natural choice for STMicroelectronics system-on-chip solutions for next generation mobile terminals," said Aldo Romano, general manager of STMicroelectronics' Telecommunications and Peripheral/Automotive Groups. "This choice confirms our support for the open platform approach to mobile multimedia, an approach that will accelerate the deployment of new services."

Notes for editors
About the Symbian Semiconductor Partner Programme

Symbian works closely with semiconductor vendors that provide silicon solutions to mobile phone manufacturers based around the ARM architecture. This allows semiconductor manufacturers to gain in-depth knowledge of the architectural hardware requirements of Symbian OS technology. With common hardware architectures, the process of producing new products becomes simpler for Symbian OS licensees, resulting in significant reductions in product time-to-market. The Semiconductor Partner Program also enables Symbian OS to be evaluated and benchmarked on partners' development boards incorporating new silicon solutions.

About Symbian

Symbian supplies an operating system to the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers enabling them to create mobile phones which combine voice communications, wireless Internet access and computing functionality. Ericsson, Nokia and Psion are already shipping Symbian OS devices. Other licensees of Symbian OS include Fujitsu, Kenwood, Motorola, Panasonic, Sanyo, Siemens and Sony. For more information on Symbian see www.symbian.com

Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
Digia Navigator enhances location based services on Symbian Phones

Full Press Release:

Digia�Navigator to accelerate location-based services for Symbian OS phones

Cannes, February 19th, 2002 - Digia, a software supplier of Personal Communications Technologies and Solutions for Symbian OS phones, introduces Digia�Navigator � a true mobile, graphical map-based personal navigation client software for maps, positioning, location dependent services, address finding and routing. The first version of the product is tailored for the Nokia 9210 Communicator.

Digia�Navigator for Nokia 9210 is a map-based navigation client software designed for
communicators, smartphones and media phones using Symbian OS. It helps users in daily situations with maps, positioning, relevant location dependent services, such as address finding and routing. Digia�Navigator compiles several and often very different location elements into a meaningful set of mobile information & services. Digia is committed to releasing a version of Digia�Navigator for every significant Symbian OS phone.

Digia�Navigator uses standard technologies (GPS/NMEA, HTTP, XML, TEA) and contains simple interface (APIs) making it straight forward to create connection to various mobile services. It secures content providers copyright by encrypting the content into its own database and thus preventing further distribution. Optimized algorithms, multiple positioning system support and search/sharing functions guarantee good end-user satisfaction. A typical end-to-end solution consists of Digia�Navigator client, http map server and geo-coded location information server. For positioning both satellite and network-based methods can be used, as well as geo-coded address searches from the map database.

"This is a true mobile navigation software. With Digia�Navigator client users can access easily the location based services like routing & positioning information. Compiled, user requested information is delivered directly into their devices, when they need it and over-the-air of course. Digia style user interface and usability provides compelling user experience. The client accompanied with server side support is a great value-add for service providers such as operators and navigation & mapping information providers", says Pekka H�m�l�inen, Product Manager, Digia.

Digia�Navigator for Nokia 9210 is commercially available in April and the first licensee of Digia�Navigator is Genimap Corporation. Genimap is a leading mapping company in Europe, concentrating on developing location-based solutions for the Mobile Information Society. Genimap is a business unit of leading scandinavian media-conglomerate SanomaWSOY Group.

"By combining Digia�Navigator and Genimap.com Mobile Maps service Genimap is able to launch Genimap� Navigator, a unique personal navigation product. It's not just an ordinary stand-alone navigation software, but a personal navigation service concept including GPS support and on-line connectivity to external services. Genimap� Navigator means real mobility for users as European-wide map content and value-added services are reachable whenever and where ever they are on the move", says Mikko Salonen, Director, Genimap.

About Digia

Digia Inc. supplies Personal Communications Technologies and Solutions for Symbian OS phones. The company provides product creation services, software development, training and consulting to enable mobile phone manufacturers, mobile operators and verticals to meet their time-to-market requirements by shortening the product development cycles. Digia works to build a wireless future with its investors, including e.g. Bayview 2000, Cisco Systems, Eqvitec Partners, General Electric, Intel, Investor AB, Sonera, and Sony. For more information: www.digia.com.

Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
Digia announces various Developer tools for Symbian

Digia have announced the release of various developer / manufacturer tools for the Symbian OS. Digia Technology Factory supplies tools, components and prototype technologies for 3rd party developers, system integrators and services providers.

Full Press Release:
Digia announces Technology Factory to offer tools, components and prototype technologies for developer community

Cannes, February 19th, 2002 - Digia, software supplier of Personal Communications Technologies and Solutions for Symbian OS phones, announces Digia Technology Factory to supply tools, components and prototype technologies for 3rd party developers, system integrators and services providers.

In the first wave of tools and prototype technologies, Digia releases Digia�AppTest, Digia�GraphicsAccelerator, Digia�HTTPStack, Digia�MobileMessenger and Digia�XMLParser to boost Symbian OS based application development. Additional technologies will be launched during the coming months.

"Our responsibility as a leading Symbian developer is to design & introduce new tools, components and prototype technologies to enable faster creation cycles, boosted time- to-market and competitive advantages to all 3rd parties in the Symbian OS device market", says Jari Kiuru, Vice President of Product Development, Digia. "Digia Component Factory is suited as well to the 3rd party software developers as it is to the device manufacturers; both benefit from shorter development time & increased performance", Kiuru continues.

Digia�AppTest for Series 60 Platform is first in the series of tailored testing tools for Symbian OS phones. It is a testing tool that allows developers and testing engineers to record, edit and run effective regression test cases, while simultaneously freeing up valuable testing and development resources from manual labour. It provides important functionality for testing critical mobile software functionality such as memory consumption, error management and user interface behaviour. Digia�AppTest has modular architecture and can thus be quite easily modified to be used in interoperability and field testing as well as customized for different UI designs and devices.

Digia�GraphicsAccelerator for Symbian OS is a graphics performance booster. Digia is proud to introduce this component that deliveres up-to 600 % better performance to nearly all graphics intensive applications compared to standard APIs provided by Symbian OS. What makes Digia's solution unique is that system integrity & multitasking is maintained whereas typical graphics boosters write directly to display buffer, preventing the other use of device almost completely.

Digia�HTTPStack (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Stack) is an independent and expandable component designed for Symbian OS devices and applications that transfer data between a wireless information device (WID) and an HTTP server. The Digia HTTP stack offers a generic interface to the core features of HTTP versions 1.0 and 1.1, and can be easily adapted to different customer requirements. The HTTP protocol specification is packed with features and is highly extensible. However, many of the standardized HTTP stack features are not required in internet traffic, and only consume precious memory. Digia's HTTP stack takes this into consideration, and is scalable to offer the functionality that is essential for mobile internet traffic.

Digia�MobileMessenger demonstrates mobile instant messaging capabilities in Series 60 smartphone environment. This purpose built application enables GPRS/GSM data connection to any available Jabber instant messaging server. Standard features include suppport for buddy lists, presence information, and several simultaneous chat sessions. Architecture enables plug-in implementation of any messaging protocol e.g. Wireless Village.

Digia�XMLParser is an event-based eXtensible Markup Language (XML) parser component designed for the Symbian OS. The component enables easy implementation of stabile and resource optimized XML parsing. The Digia SAX parser component simplifies the implementation of applications that use XML. The event-based architecture allows for a small application footprint and predictable run-time memory consumption.



About Digia

Digia Inc. supplies Personal Communications Technologies and Solutions for Symbian OS phones. The company provides product creation services, software development, training and consulting to enable mobile phone manufacturers, mobile operators and verticals to meet their time-to-market requirements by shortening the product development cycles. Digia works to build a wireless future with its investors, including e.g. Bayview 2000, Cisco Systems, Eqvitec Partners, General Electric, Intel, Investor AB, Sonera, and Sony. For more information: www.digia.com.

Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
Palmanac relese 4Play for 9210

Palmanac have release 4Play for the Nokia 9210 and 9290. 4Play is a Connect 4 clone. Relive all the excitement of those long wet afternoons stuck indoors, on the annual caravan holiday. Play against the computer or challenge your kith and kin using the two player mode. Palmanac have promised the release of their popular Dopewars for the 9210 shortly.



More at http://www.palmanac.co.uk/

Posted by Rafe on 20/02/2002   |   
Symbian OS v7.0 for 3G mobile phones

Symbian have announced version 7 of their OS for 3G mobile phones at the 3GSM conference in Cannes. Developers will get their first look at the new OS at the forthcoming developer conference. Symbian OS 7 represents another step forward for Symbian and includes support for open standards (including IPv6, Bluetooth, SyncML and WAP), for messaging (support for SMS, EMS, MMS, email and fax ), for applications (Java, C++ and more), for robustness (design for mobiles), and for telephony (advanced features).

I'll bring you some more analysis and more information (in a more easily digestable form the Symbian's techno speak) shortly, but for now here is the press release and some basic information from their website:

Overview of OS 7 from the Symbian website:
http://www.symbian.com/news/2002/v7-3gmobile-feat.html
and
http://www.symbian.com/technology/symbos-v7x.html



Press Release:
Symbian integrates latest 3G technologies in Symbian OS v7.0 to drive 2.5G and 3G mobile phones and services
Symbian OS v7.0 has been designed to make it easier to bring phones to market with the features that the mobile industry wants
3GSM, Cannes - 19 February, 2002 - Symbian today unveiled the latest version of its advanced, open operating system for mobile phones. Symbian OS v7.0 builds on the previous version, v6.1, by integrating the latest communications, messaging, networking and application development technologies that will enable mobile phone manufacturers to more easily bring to market 2.5G and 3G phones with the features that the mobile industry wants. Licensees have already received Symbian OS v.7.0 to enable mobile phone development, and it will be finalised and shipped during Q1, 2002.

Key new features of Symbian OS v7.0 include:


Mobile Telephony - building on 2.5G GSM / GPRS support in previous versions, Symbian OS v7.0 includes support for multimode and 3G mobile phones, enabling manufacturers to bring out Symbian OS phones worldwide, across all networks, with the ability to reuse their application side software.
Mobile Messaging - building on comprehensive integrated messaging environment, Symbian OS v7.0 includes EMS and MMS, providing key revenue generating services for network operators.
Mobile Networking - building on existing networking capabilities, Symbian OS v7.0 includes both IPv6 and also IPSEC technologies, extending the abilities of mobile phones to communicate securely with each other on a peer to peer basis.
Mobile Application and Services Development - building on Symbian's lead in support for open Java development, Symbian OS v7.0 incorporates MIDP Java, extending mobile phone capabilities to run the millions of Java applications and services designed specifically for mobile phones, and SyncML, allowing convenient over the air synchronisation of data.
"As we enter 2002, we're finally seeing the building blocks in place to help drive the rapid adoption of Symbian OS phones," said Mark Edwards, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Symbian. "The industry is now rapidly aligning on open mobile standards, 2.5G data networks are being rolled out, and developers are writing attractive mobile applications and services. Symbian OS v7.0 is a major release and will accelerate the take up of mobile data by incorporating the technologies our customers want and shortening the time to market for new mobile devices."

Symbian has chosen to incorporate these technologies and other key enhancements as a result of its continuous engagement with the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers. With these additional features it will be easier for mobile phone manufacturers to bring to market a range of mobile phones which support standard next generation services and applications such as multimedia messaging, gaming, entertainment, and imaging capabilities.

"As we have entered the world of multimedia messaging and mobile colour imaging, it is increasingly important with an open platform which enables products to interact and connect freely", said Anil Raj, corporate executive vice president of Sony Ericsson. "Symbian v7.0 OS will be instrumental for Sony Ericsson when launching our competitive mobile multimedia products", said Mr Raj.

Symbian's focus on providing a standard set of service enablers will also benefit network operators. With Symbian OS phones being developed for 2.5G as well as 3G networks worldwide, a wide range of simple, attractive, revenue-generating applications and services can be deployed through all networks.

The enhanced multimedia capabilities, MIDP Java, security features and networking capabilities of Symbian OS v7.0 will also further extend opportunities for third party developers to develop compelling applications and services optimised for next generation mobile phones. Symbian OS v7.0 now has four main programming and content development options: C++, MIDP Java and JavaPhone, WAP, and web.

Other features of Symbian OS v.7.0 for mobile phones includes support for flexible user interfaces, such as Nokia's Series 60; support for several audio/image formats and a number of low level APIs for games developers; full-strength encryption and certificate management, secure communications protocols (including HTTPS, WTLS and SSL), certificate-based application installation; and Over-the-air (OTA) SyncML synchronization support.

David Levin, CEO of Psion PLC., said: "Psion is delighted to welcome the launch of version 7.0 of the Symbian operating system. The Symbian OS provides device manufacturers and application developers like Psion with an industry standard OS for next generation mobile phones and data devices."

The shipment of the finalised release of Symbian OS v7.0 will enable mobile phone manufacturers to develop mobile phones that will be ready to launch later this year. However the timing and announcement of actual devices is up to individual licensees.

About Symbian
Symbian is a software licensing company, owned by wireless industry leaders, that is the trusted supplier of the advanced, open, standard operating system for data-enabled mobile phones. Symbian's mission is to create a mass-market for Symbian OS mobile phones by enabling our licensees to build winning products. Symbian's website can be found at www.symbian.com

Symbian's stand at 3GSM is in Hall 2, E28, Palais des Congres, Cannes, France

The latest Symbian OS technology, phones, services and applications will also be demonstrated at Symbian's forthcoming Developer Expo to be held in London on 23/24 April 2002. More information about this annual event which features keynotes, conferences, workshops and exhibitions can be found at www.symbian.com



Posted by Rafe on 19/02/2002   |   
OMAP to be available on Series 60 - Nokia 7650

Nokia and Texas Instruments have announced at the Cannes 3GSM conference that OMAP (processor-based) and the Series 60 platforms will be combined to create 'a complete open and standards-based reference platform'. This news is not unexpected gievn that OMAP processor technology is expected to be used in almost all smartphones.

Full Press Release:
Nokia and Texas Instruments To Offer Complete Open Reference Platforms for Next-Generation Smart Phones

(February 19, 2002)

By combining the Series 60(TM) platform and OMAP(TM) Processor-based platforms, the companies will offer their first Series 60-based open smart phone reference platforms.

Nokia (NYSE: NOK), and Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE:TXN) (TI) announced they will offer mobile handset manufacturers and application developers a complete open and standards-based reference platform, combining Nokia's Series 60 terminal software platform and developer SDK (Software Development Kit), TI's OMAP processor-based reference platforms and development toolkit, and the Symbian OS. These Series 60-based open reference platforms will be delivered as solutions ready for manufacturing and integration into final products. The first Series 60-based Complete Smart Phone Reference Platform is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2002.

The complete reference platform will enable mobile handset manufacturers to introduce leading-edge 2.5 and 3G smart phones with a high level of integration, performance and power efficiency. The solution is highly cost-efficient and will significantly reduce the time-to-market. The openness and scalability of the reference platform, as well as the source code licensing terms of the Series 60 platform to Nokia licensees will give extra confidence to manufacturers, who want to secure their long-term hardware and software investments.

The open reference platforms by Nokia and TI will support a wide variety of wireless technologies compliant with common industry standards. This will enable network operators, and handset manufacturers to select the optimized solutions for their specific needs. The reference platforms will stimulate innovation and vigorous growth of interoperable mobile applications and services, thereby supporting the key principle of the Open Mobile Architecture Initiative. The open reference platform also will vastly benefit applications developers who will be able to write, test and validate end-to-end applications on a combined, optimized platform.

The Series 60 platform is a terminal-software platform for smart phones that Nokia licenses to other mobile-handset manufacturers as a source-code product. Manufacturers will be able to integrate the Series 60 platform into their own phone designs running on top of the Symbian OS. The Series 60 platform includes mobile browsing, multimedia messaging and content downloading, as well as a host of personal information management and telephony applications. In addition, it includes a complete and modifiable user interface - all designed to run on top of the Symbian OS, an operating system for advanced, data enabled mobile phones.

"The Series 60 Platform supports critical enabling technologies, such as XHTML, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) and Java(TM) to ensure interoperability among mobile devices, different network infrastructures and content. Our long-term cooperation with TI has resulted in this new reference design platform that combines the Series 60 with TI's OMAP processors. This will offer both mobile handset manufacturers and applications developers the industry's best future-proof solution to develop very competitive and advanced products and solutions for a truly global mobile services market," said Pertti Korhonen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Software, Nokia.

The hardware reference platforms are based on TI's OMAP application processors and TI's industry leading 2.5G GPRS modem solutions including DSP-based digital baseband, analog and RF devices, complete software solutions with protocol stacks, as well as a comprehensive hardware and software development environment. TI's OMAP processors provide full compatibility with Nokia's Series 60 software and the Symbian OS, allowing developers to create advanced applications in a proven environment.

"Combining technologies from mobile industry leaders, Nokia and TI, in a single, ready-to-use solution will give a significant boost to the introduction of 2.5 G smart phones, said Gilles Delfassy, Senior Vice President, Wireless Terminal Business Unit General Manager,Texas Instruments. "The high-performance and the low power consumption of the complete system solutions will also enable application developers to fully exploit the possibilities offered by 2.5 and 3G services."

The reference platforms, which will support bandwidth-intensive and multimedia-rich wireless applications, will leverage TI's OMAP processor to enable services such as multimedia messaging, video and Internet audio downloads, e-mail, real-time Web browsing, advanced security, games and location-based services.

About Nokia:
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

About TI:
Texas Instruments Incorporated is the world leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, the semiconductor engines of the Internet age. In addition to semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors and Controls, and Educational and Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the web site at www.ti.com


Posted by Rafe on 19/02/2002   |   
New JTris - Java Tetris for the 9210

Bulda has announced the availability of JTris for the Nokia 9210. Jtris is a Java Tetris clone for the 9210. The player's task is to fill the play area by falling shapes. The game is available via the Nokia Software Market and costs 7 Euros.

More information:
http://www.softwaremarket.nokia.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry10?V1=365969&PN=1&SP=10023&xid=37651&DSP=&CUR=978&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0



Posted by Rafe on 19/02/2002   |   
Extended Messaging Final now available

Extended Messaging from PsiNT is now available. The program allows the sending of various extra SMS messaging types and quite a lot more. In addition a freeware viewer has also been released to allow viewing of picture messages and recieving of file sent by SMS via the full version.

Users may wish to wait and see what mStyle offers before registering PsiNT's offering at $13.50. mStyle is due out in the next week and offers at least some of the features of Extended Messaging and possibly more.

PsiNT's Description:
Ever wanted to receive and send operator logos, group graphics, picture messages, flash SMSes and other smart messages? Your dreams just came true - simply install Extended Messaging and take advantage of all smart messaging capabilities right in your 9210/9290!



Extended Messaging not only implements smart messaging in 9200 series, but also fully integrates with standard Messaging application. This means that you can receive, browse, save and send your logos and graphics using built in SMS editor! No other application is required for this!

All received smart messages are stored in Inbox. You can view them just like 'normal' SMS messages. Received logos/pictures can also be saved (as MBM picture) for later use.




Sending new smart messages can't be easier! Press Ctrl-N (New) and then select eMessaging SMS.



You will be presented with a list of all available message types: Picture SMS, Operator logo, Ringing tone, Flash SMS, SMS with attached file, Blinking SMS, Group logo, Screen saver and Special Picture SMS.
Choose desired type and compose your message. eMessaging supports all common file types: MBM, NOL, NLM, NGG, BMP etc.



Information from PsiNT release:
Features of shareware Extended Messaging:
  • sending/receiving picture messages
  • sending and receiving operator logos (GSM networks database included)
  • sending and receiving CLI icons (group logos)
  • sending and receiving screen savers
  • sending picture messages to other Communicators - they can be displayed using full version of Extended Messaging or freeware Extended Messaging Reader available separately
  • sending and receiving any file via SMS (recipient must have full Extended Messaging or freeware eMessaging Reader)
  • sending ringing tones
  • sending class 0 SMSes (Flash SMS)
  • sending Blinking SMSes
  • full integration with built-in Messaging application
  • full support for Unicode standard
  • forwarding of received messages
  • saving received messages for future use.


The freeware version offers the following features:
  • displaying picture messages sent using full version of Extended Messaging ('Special Picture SMS')
  • displaying/saving files sent via SMS
  • displaying all other types of smart messages (with reduced resolution of pictures).



Posted by Rafe on 19/02/2002   |   
Symbian and partners at 3GSM in Cannes

Symbian and its partners will this week (February 19th - 22nd) be at the 3GSM show in Cannes France. This is one of the leading exhibition / conference for the wireless / mobile communications industry. We can expect the usual announcements that accompany these events, and of course when the time comes I'll let you know what they are.

Nokia will be dsiplaying the 7650 so at the least we'll probably learn a bit more about that.

Symbian Information (from the Symbian website):

Picture this... the year of the smartphone has arrived. The advanced functionality of Symbian OS phones is available now, using next-generation mobile networks. See for yourself by joining Symbian and some of our key partners at 3GSM 2002 to explore revenue-generating opportunities of advanced multimedia and imaging applications and services on advanced, open, Symbian OS phones.

Globally, network operators are enhancing the capacity of their networks to allow them to roll out advanced data services integrating rich and intuitive media services. Symbian OS is the platform that enables the value-added services that will boost ARPU and increase customer loyalty.

Meet Symbian and key partners in Hall2, stand E2

Meet Symbian and key partners with some of the latest software, applications and services for mobile phones. Come and meet us to find out more about some of the key products and services our partners provide today.

Digia, Nokia, Symbian, and Texas Instruments will also be holding special events in Cannes Harbour.

Futher information is available on the Symbian website here: http://www.symbian.com/news/2002/3gsm-feat.html

Posted by Rafe on 17/02/2002   |   
New: Meditrace for the Nokia 9210

Meditrace from Kowledge Intelligence has been released for the Nokia 9210. This program was previously available for ER5. The program is a medical management / mdeical document program aimed at medical related disciplines. A demo is available. Languages supported are English, German, French, and Hungarian.

This is obviously a specialist program.

Description of Meditrace:

meditrace makes possible the standardized and mobile documentation of medical data at the patient's bedside. The entered medical data is not only an important element of the patient's electronic file, but is also - in conjunction with the corresponding ICD- and ICPM-keys - the basis for billing via DRG and later evaluation.

The process-related work-support ensures that data is of high quality, which is a solid foundation for quality management, medical controlling, as well as subsequent automated processing in HIS-systems.

User friendly graphics and touchscreen allows the easy and intuitive entry of data, so that even complex diagnosis can be documented quickly. Entered data can also be transmitted to the central server via GSM, wireless LAN or IR interface.

More information from: http://www.meditrace.de/index_en.html

Posted by Rafe on 17/02/2002   |   
Coming Soon: Active Desk 1.55

Active Desk the productivity enhancement program from Cibenix will be available in the next few days. Cibenix will be releasing localisations of Active Desk in 5 European languages and full screen mode will also be added enabling even more efficient use of your 9210.

Cibenix - the company which brings you Active Desk - has announced version 1.55 of the number 1 bestseller Active Desk. The release includes localisations in German, French, Finnish, Dutch, Spanish, and Belgian (Flemish). Also included will be the much awaited full screen mode, providing the ability to display even more information through Active Desk. To be informed when the release is available please join the mailing list at http://www.cibenix.com.
NOTE: This upgrade is FREE to all registered users.

Posted by Rafe on 17/02/2002   |   
Updates: Poker Beyond and NewDIALIn

Poker Beyond, the Poker game from Byte Beyond for the 9210, has been updated. Version 1.01 includes support for screen saving, reduces battery usage and fixes a few graphical bugs.

About Poker Beyond:
Poker Beyond is a freeware arcade poker game for the Nokia 9210 Communicator. Using full screen 4096 color graphics Poker Beyond displays the new Nokia Communicator in it's full glamour. Released in December 2001 Poker Beyond is the first game to use Byte Beyond's highly optimised N'tertainment Engine.

KEY FEATURES:

Assembler optimized graphics engine capable of playing complex scripted movies and producing 4096 color full screen graphics with real time transparency, lighting and scaling effects.

Intuitive user interface delivering an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Compact size. Using just over 500 kB of your valuable memory card space.



Download @ http://www.bytebeyond.com/

newDIALin from Newnet marketing has also been updated and now allows autmatic connection vua desktop shortcuts.

About newDIALin:

NewDIALin 9210 is a terminal emulator for the Nokia Communicator 9210/9290. The terminal engine, and user interface are based on the successful newTELnet 9210 product. The dialin connection is made via the mobile telephone. The serial line can also be used for internet or direct connections to a host at speeds up to 115Kbps. One of the most important design considerations was ease of use, for this reason the buttons can be configured by the user to allow easy entry of standard texts, or even program functions. Any one of 2 sets of buttons can be selected for these functions. A standard text, or escape sequence is entered in a very simple form, during which any control character can also be easily entered. The user can therefore configure the complete screen for his optimal data entry environment.

NewDIALin 9210 stores the last ten remote telephone numbers connected to, to help the user easily select different hosts without having to enter their numbers for each connection. The communicator screen is smaller than its terminal counterpart. This typically results in the user having to scroll backwards and forwards to see the complete screen. Normal scrollbars can be used for this. Just drag the contents of the screen by pressing the Func key, and the direction block. The scrollbars can even be completely removed from the screen leaving a larger terminal area than before. Another feature which can ease data entry is the "follow" cursor function. When this is selected the program will automatically scroll to follow the cursor. Depending on the program running on the host, this can be an advantage or not. For this reason, this function is normally placed on one of the buttons for easy access.

NewDIALin 9210 supports all standard ANSI, VT2xx, VT100, VT52, TVI950, WSYE 60 and ADM3A escape sequences. A special DAVID codepage for Data-Vital doctor application is implemented in addition to the standard IBM1252 codes. All data can be traced into a logfile to help diagnose any communication problems. NewDIALin 9210 is a shareware program. It is fully functional, but will remind the user at regular intervals that he should register. After 30Days it will expire, and not allow any more connections to be made. The registration can be made simply via one of the registration partners.

Languages: English, German

More @ http://www.newnet-marketing.de/

Posted by Rafe on 17/02/2002   |