Update your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Firmware to v40.0.005

Just recently, Nokia has released a new firmware version for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. It is version 40.0.005 or simply v40. However, this update may not be available to all product models so may have to check if your particular Nokia 5800 model is one of those models with the available firmware update. If not, you may have to wait for a while for the same update to be available for your phone and in your country.

The new firmware version now supports kinetic scrolling similar to that in other touch phones like the iPhone. The home screen is also changed to make it look like that found on Nokia 5530. Other changes include new contact and music widgets, new version of Ovi Maps 3.0, automatic activation of the QWERTY keyboard when in landscape mode, Ovi Contacts, updated Real Player, and a lot more. The bottom line is that this new firmware will surely enhance user experience with Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.

In case you do not know yet how to download the new firmware and update your existing firmware, here are two ways of doing so:

1. Download using your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

This works well if your phone is connected to the Internet through WiFi or through other connections, like a data plan from your service provider. To download and update, open the dialler of your phone and key in *#0000#. A new screen should appear showing the present firmware version and other information. Select "Option" and then "Check for Updates". This would detect updates available for your phone. If v40 is available, just follow the on-screen instructions until your firmware is completely updated.

2. Download using the computer

If you do not have it yet, download and install the Nokia Software Updater. After doing so, connect the phone to the computer using the USB connector or cable and open Nokia Software Updater. Just follow the on-screen instructions until the update is completed.

You can download the Nokia Software Updater from the Nokia website.

Have fun using your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic with the new firmware!

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Firware Update (v40)

Here are just few of the changes in the new firmware for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic:

• Kinetic scrolling
• Home style widget with Nokia 5530
• if you rotate the phone horizontally, it automatically activates the QWERTY keyboard
• Refresh Icons “Sharing Online”, “Configuring Accessories”, “Configure Phone”
• Improved application “Updating Applications”, which also renames Upgrade SW
• The application “Data transfer” was also implemented in “Settings”
• Real Player Updated
• Touch more responsive
• Slide to Unlock during call
• Improved stability
• New contact & music widget
• Kinetic Scrolling is not available in main menu, application menu, browser.
• Home Screen similar to that of Nokia 5530
• Removed the alphanumeric keypad in landscape version, now when we turned the phone alphanumeric portrait changes to full qwerty
• New screen alarm, but only when the screen is locked
• New screen incoming call, also only when the screen is locked
• Ovi Contacts installed
• In the settings menu there is a new icon for ‘Phone Switch’

Check out this video:

Nokia N97 and N97 mini

Recently, Nokia released its N97. But even more recently, it released another version of N97 calling it N97 Mini. My first thought was "What was Nokia thinking?".

Some tweaks were made on the features of N97 and - voila! - we have N97 Mini! But this is actually not pure nonsense. This is not Nokia saying that they are running out of ideas and so they decided to just change some specs of an older (but actually new) model. On the contrary, by doing this, Nokia has done a smart move by giving the buyers an option - buyers can now decide whether to buy the N97 which is more business-like in appeal, or the more stylish N97 Mini, without much difference in the software from that in N97.

However, being different phones, they have differences. The obvious one is the size. The Mini is a tad smaller and slimmer, nay, sexier than its bigger brother. The size of the screen of N97 Mini (3.2 in.) is also smaller than that of N97 (3.5 in.). There are also apparent differences on how the keys on the keypad are arranged. Moreover, the battery of N97 has a slightly higher capacity than the battery that comes with N97 Mini.

One big difference though between the two is the memory built into the units. While N97 Mini only has 8 Gigabytes (which is, to current standards, perfectly fine), N97 has 32 Gigs - 4 times than that found in the Mini. Both memories are expandable. But with the 32 Gigs, I don't think you would need any memory card to add to the memory of your phone. This is perfect for those who intend to save a lot of files and use a lot of apps on their phone.

Watch this video I found on YouTube which shows in detail the differences between N97 and N97 Mini:

Nokia Booklet 3G

Nokia - the same company that brought us a wide array of high-end mobile phones - has recently released its newest merchandise, the Nokia Booklet 3G. Nokia Booklet 3G, however, is not a mobile phone. It is a mini-laptop or, in our current tech lingo, a netbook.

Nokia fans might have received this with much rejoicing. But, is the Nokia Booklet 3G going to leave an indelible mark in the field of netbooks, which is now filled with competitive brands?

Here is a rundown of its features as mentioned in NokiaUSA.com:

-------------------------------------------------

Operating System: Windows 7 Starter

Body: Aircraft-grade aluminum slim body with super chassis construction

Dimensions: 10.39 x 7.28 (with hinge) x .78 inches (or 2 cm.)

Weight: 44.09 ounces (or 1.25 kg)

CPU and chipset: Intel® Atom™ Z530, 1.6 GHz; Intel® Poulsbo US15W

RAM: 1 GB DDR2

Hard drive: 120 GB

Display: 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 720 pixel display; Glass window

Keyboard: Frame Keyboard (it has a chiclet-style keyboard)

Battery: 56.8 watt hours; up to 12 hours

Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR; Built-in 3G modem (data calls only): WCDMA 850/1900/2100

I/O ports and slots

- HDMI 1.2 out for HD video

- 3 x USB 2.0

- 3.5 mm headphone out (OMTP: with OMTP headsets also functions as audio in)

- DC-in

- SD card reader

- SIM/USIM slot

Audio and video

- 1.3 megapixel FF camera

- HDMI port for HD video out

- Built-in stereo speakers, and microphone

- Analog audio output/headphone out (with OMTP headsets also functions as audio-in)

Others:

- Accelerometer (motion sensor)

- Integrated GPS and A-GPS

- Ovi Maps application

Colors: Available in Black, Ice, Azure

-------------------------------------------------

Undeniably, this is a feature-filled netbook. The looks of it alone can send its competitors running away and back to their drawing boards. It is very sleek, good-looking, thin, and light. Aside from those, it has its own SIM Card Slot. This is then a cross between a PC and a mobile phone. It has the power of a PC but the mobility and connectivity of a mobile phone.

One thing that I found very attractive about it other than its general appearance is its amazing battery life. Nokia claims that the netbook can run for 12 hours on its battery alone thereby dispensing with the need to carry the charger all the time. Well, 12 hours translates roughly to about 10 hours in real-world situation or use. Nonetheless, 10 hours of use - unplugged - is still amazing.

The price? As of press time, Nokia USA attached a price tag of $599 to the Nokia Booklet 3G. In my opinion, that is quite a hefty price for a netbook.

The price is a big turn-off for me. At the moment, you can get very good netbooks at a price even lower than $400. I admit that the Nokia Booklet 3G looks really cool but I would still go for ASUS Eee PC 1005HA, which remains my personal favorite because of its [also] long battery life (10.5 hours) and functionality. It is also way more affordable at the price of $349.99 or even less. I don't think that the extra $250 you would have to pay for the Nokia Booklet 3G is all worth it.