Symbian Toys

An iPhone enthusiast discovered a kill switch that enables Apple to wipe a malicious or unauthorized iPhone application even after it has been paid for and installed on a user's iPhone. It did not take long for the information to spread and questions over the secrecy and purpose of the feature are being asked. While some argue that the blacklisting feature isn't in best interest of iPhone users, others believe it is effective weapon that can quickly kill potential malware and viruses hidden in legitimate applications. And yes, you guessed it right, Apple has not said anything yet.

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The FCC has just given its nod of approval to the upcoming Nokia N85, which means we ought to be able to see it hit retail stores sometime in the near future. The N85 is strangely enough, the successor to the N96 despite bearing different numbered prefixes. Just to recap what the N85 offers, it comes with :-

* 5 megapixel camera
* Symbian S60 3rd Edition
* Wi-Fi connectivity
* Integrated GPS navigation
* Photo-geotagging
* Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
* Tri-band WCDMA 850/1900/2100

I wonder how much this will cost - hopefully not too much more compared to the N96.

Speculations about Microsoft’s iPhone beater are about as old as the iPhone itself. Rumors that both Microsoft and Nokia are worried about Apple’s advances aren’t dying down and if we believe the latest wave of speculations then both companies could be working together to prevent Apple from repeating even a fraction of the success the company had with the iPod. Microsoft's effort to integrate Zune Marketplace content with Windows Mobile and Nokia handsets is seen as part of this effort.

Microsoft remained conspicuously mum on the possibility of a Zune phone, neither confirming nor denying Zune phone speculations. Whenever media presses Microsoft executives on the matter, the same answer is given: Microsoft is more than happy with its position in the mobile phone space. In addition a Zune phone may make no sense at all, given Microsoft’s less than impressive Zune music player and the general consensus that Microsoft might remove the device from the market soon. There could be room for a new Zune device, but the brand name needs to be cleaned up.

A Zune phone remains only a rumor at this point but there are signs that Microsoft will at least leverage the Zune brand and Zune Marketplace content to slow down the iPhone.

According to a report published by UK tech site Electric Pig, the software giant is now teaming up with Nokia to launch an "all out assault" on Apple, while there is still time. The report cites an unverified "well placed source within Microsoft" that revealed details behind Microsoft-Nokia partnership to the Zunescene web site. The Zune team is reportedly working with Nokia to integrate the Zune Marketplace with Nokia smartphones. This should not come as s surprise as most industry watchers have been repeatedly calling Microsoft to expand the Zune Marketplace content (music, movies, TV series, etc.) to Windows Mobile platform, PCs, Xbox, etc. It is unknown at this time if the Nokia Music Store and the Zune Marketplace will merge or will coexist.

The non-exclusive deal appears to be limited to content delivery only at this point. However, a Zune phone would be a conclusive move. Yes, we are speculating but you must admit that such a device may make sense. Microsoft already knows how not to create a MP3 player, how not to create a Zune cellphone (see Motorola Rokr) and how a successful Zune cellphone could look like (iPhone). The software giant first partnered with Nokia two years ago to bring its online services to Nokia handsets (such as Windows Live search, Windows Live Messenger and Hotmail.) It was a limited collaboration and it never reached the operating system realm.

Microsoft and Nokia have the same rival to battle. Other handset vendors have failed to crank out iPhone killers or have delayed potential competitors. However, the combined resources of Microsoft and Nokia present an interesting opportunity to challenge Apple in a highly profitable market segment.

At the moment, Microsoft seems to be content with expanding the Zune brand and the Zune Marketplace content into the Windows Mobile space and Nokia mobile phones. Most analysts do not believe that Microsoft will make a Zune mobile phone at this time. "The business model of Windows Mobile is totally different than Zune," Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg wrote in his blog. "Zune worked to some extent since the technology Microsoft was licensing wasn't getting them anywhere. As it was, hardware partners were taken aback by Microsoft's actions but were still comfortable licensing."

According to the analyst, Microsoft now has 20 million Windows Mobile licenses out there and is "gaining traction." It also has "a great stream of partners" that make more and more Windows Mobile-powered phones for business and personal use, so Microsoft's entrance into the handset hardware business would potentially affect this scenario in a negative way. "Windows Mobile is a core platform and OS. No one has ever been successful licensing technology platforms to others and then competing with a device of their own. Apple failed (twice), Palm and Nokia all tried it and it just can't be done," Gartenberg wrote.
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We can't really vituperate the i900 Omnia's standard looks, but we must say, this thing looks striking in white. Yeah, it's only the back panel (read: battery cover) getting the makeover, but word on the street has it that this thing will actually be offered in white (with the obligatory wavy pattern) in at least some regions of the world. So, what say you? Is this the model that now has your eye? Or does the original still do it for you?

VoIP lovers, rejoice in unison. The latest version of your sure-to-be-favorite application has just added in support for Windows Mobile 6.1. No need to adjust your set -- the newly released Skype v2.2.0.45 does indeed play nice with the latest flavor of WinMo, so there's really no reason why you're still here reading this rather than starting a download. But we love you for it, so feel free to stick around if you wish.

News of an official release date for the UK and a new firmware is revealed for the upcoming N96!

Pocket-lint has the news that Nokia have announced a release date for the UK. The device will land in stores on 1st October!!!

The device will be available through a range of operators and retailers - 3, Carphone Warehouse, Orange, Phones 4 U, T-Mobile and Vodafone. This is great news that it won’t be limited to one carrier ‘exclusively’ on its release.

Adding a feature BlackBerry users have already enjoyed for a little while now, the S60 and Windows Mobile clients for Google Maps have now been imbued with transit directions, making it easier than ever to find the closest ratty upholstered seat with puke stains on it. Actually, that's just a side effect of its real lease in life, which is finding the best way to get from point A to point B via various forms of public transit. Version 2.2, as it's playfully known, also adds business ratings, user-generated search content, and generally makes things snappier, so it seems like a pretty obvious upgrade, particularly if you enjoy sitting next to a dude with a boombox who hasn't showered in three days.
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