Life of A Phone Lover: December 2007

N-Gage Gaming Launch Delay !

Written by ImagesLab.net on Sunday, December 30, 2007

Nokia Delays N-Gage Gaming Service Launch

By Tarmo Virki

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Nokia has again pushed back the launch of its gaming service N-gage due to delays in software testing, a spokesman said on Thursday, in the latest blow to the Internet services ambitions of the world's top cell phone maker.

The gaming service, together with a music shop and mapping services, is one of the cornerstones of Nokia's drive into mobile Internet services under its new "Ovi" brand.

Nokia has also pushed into next year expansion of its digital music store offering. Also Warner Music Group Corp has been withholding content from Nokia's only store in Britain.

At the same time it has signed up Vodafone, Telefonica and Telecom Italia for Ovi.

Nokia unveiled the gaming service in August, saying at the time it would be available globally in November. But in November it was delayed into December.

Nokia's spokesman Kari Tuutti said the service would be opened in early 2008.

"We found one more issue which had to be solved before we could open the service," Tuutti said.

Nokia is the first handset maker to move strongly into the content space with services like music or filing sharing site Mosh, where millions have downloaded audio or video files, programs or documents.

(Editing by David Cowell)

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyN...754311520071227

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Happy New Year 2008 !!

Written by ImagesLab.net on Saturday, December 29, 2007

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy New Year in advance although it's 3 days early. Some of you might be wondering why am I wishing happy new year so early. The reason is I will be away until New Year, so I will not be able to blog these few days.... :)

Once again, Happy New Year to everybody !

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White Balance

Written by ImagesLab.net on Thursday, December 27, 2007

There is an option in camera phone whereby you can set the white balance. There are a few choices under it which user can set to automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent and fluorescent.

Here are some photos that I took for comparison;

Automatic

Sunny

Cloudy

Incandescent

Fluorescent

Can you see the difference for all the 5 settings? Which is the most suitable setting for this indoor shot? I'll go for either the "sunny" or "cloudy" setting.

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Functions in Camera Phone (AutoFocus)

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Are you aware that there are lots of functions available in your camera? Do you know how to use every single setting?

First of all, the main function of a camera that most users are concerned about is the "auto focus" function. Recalling back the time when I first bought my phone, the very first question raised was whether the camera has the auto focus function. So what is auto focus and how does it work?

The auto focus technology basically helps user to improve the quality of photos taken. For camera phone, you will need to press the shutter release button half way down (about 3 seconds) for the camera lens to focus on the object until the sharpest and clearest image of the object is shown on screen. You will normally hear a beep sound to notify when to press the shutter release button all the way down to capture the object. For my N73, when the object is sharp enough, there will be a green box appearing on the screen and a beep to alert me when to snap the pictures. However, I do not have any photos without auto focus, so I can't do any comparison here.

Photos taken using N73 ME with auto focus.

At the end of the day, the main purpose of auto focus is to prevent blurred or distorted images. So remember to activate auto focus in your camera phone all the time (auto focus is normally set to ON in default setting). Have Fun !!

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Camera Phone

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Yo ! How's your celebration on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Any of you guys come about something bizarre and extraordinary this time of the year? For me, I went out for dinner with my special someone on Christmas eve and still got to head back for work early this morning which is on a Christmas Day...

Ok ok ... enough about my personal life, now back to my topic.

N95 & SE K810i's camera

Nowadays when people choose a new mobile phone for themselves they will definitely consider the design of the phone, and of course the functionality of the phone for instance 3G, camera, and mp3s.

Recent hot topic that I found out is that when most people discussed about a phone, it generally starts with the camera. So, what are the factors that they look into? Firstly, it'll be how many mega pixels the camera is. I can still recall back then the first camera phone that I've ever owned was a 1.3MP, the quality of the photo is viewable but not very detailed. At present, the quality of photos shot using a 1.3MP camera phone is deemed as substandard or I'd rather called it "low-grade". Phone users are now using at least a 2MP, a better 3.2MP or even the better which is the latest 5.0MP with the quality more or less comparable or similar to that of a digital camera.

Functions such as auto focus, macro mode, portrait mode, white balance, ISO and xenon flash are the typical functions that you can find in a compact digital camera. With technologies advancing at this rate, all the functions cited above can be found in your mobile phone. Isn't it cool?

I'll blog more about camera's function tomorrow. It's slumber time for now. Nitez...

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Merry Christmas !!

Written by ImagesLab.net on Monday, December 24, 2007

I, PhoneLover would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone visiting this site a joyous and a merry Merry Christmas !

For those partying tonight, remember don't drink and drive. It's really dangerous. Also a small tip to all guys and girls... keep your sane too. Don't take unnecessary risks. You might want to consider playing safe. I'm sure ya know what I meant. (wink)

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New RM50 Note

Written by ImagesLab.net on Sunday, December 23, 2007

Bank Negara Malaysia recently announced the new RM50 note with enhanced security features supposedly a measure to cut down on counterfeit notes in the market (as usual when they come out with new notes) and new design. The new design on the note represents Malaysia's 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The new RM50 notes will be available starting 30th January 2008 onwards. For those collectors, there will be a special packaging available for sale at RM60 per set starting from 26th December 2007 onwards (while stock lasts and limited to a few states only).

If you guys are observant enough, you should notice that the current RM50 note shows technology, and some achievements of our country whereas the new note shows oil palm trees and songket design, hmm... seriously, it's like taking a step backwards (I really didn't like it moreover its colors are a slight bit similar to that of the RM1 note except for the gold edges) Though it's just my individual opinion and I definitely do not mean to pass my sole judgment on the design of the new note. Well here's an answer if you were to ask me why? (take a good look at this design below)

Don't you think that these designs are way cooler, nicer and undeniably more "in"?

The best design I've ever seen so far was the Commonwealth Games special limited edition RM50 note which includes our country's mega structures like KLCC, KL Tower and of course the Bukit Jalil Stadium. Let's just look forward to an even better design the next time the notes face yet another revision. Malaysia Boleh right?

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N-Gage game for N73

Written by ImagesLab.net on Saturday, December 22, 2007

It's been a while ago since I last anticipate Nokia to come out with their new N-Gage platform which allows user to play games smoothly with great 3D graphics. Rumors have it that it'll be launch somewhere towards the end of December, however until now I still have yet to hear any news.

Lately Nokia launched their first mobile phone with full N-Gage games; model N81.

Nokia N81

From what I've read, my phone N73 is able to support N-Gage games. The only thing that I'll need to do is to upgrade the firmware. My concern now is when will the firmware be available? My guess would be a short wait till early next year. But what about all the other N series? I suppose Nokia would break the news in next to no time.

Nevertheless when the firmware is available, I still think that the game play in N73 will not perform as excellently as N81 because N81 have a secret weapon which is a built-in graphic accelerator. Though I honestly think that these devices will not take over DS Lite and PSP. Well... at least not so soon. :)

The main N-Gage distributors are Gameloft and EA Mobile. Users can get free trial games from them and if they find the games appealing, just simply pay to unlock the game.

I positively believe that phone gamers out there are definitely looking forward for the debut of the N-Gage platform. I will keep you guys updated once the firmware is out in the market.

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Ugliest Phone I've Ever Seen

Written by ImagesLab.net on Friday, December 21, 2007

When a new mobile phone was introduced, people around us will mostly talk about phone features, designs etc... I will now show you the ugliest phone I've ever seen.

Nokia 7600, so far I've yet to see anyone holding this phone.

Samsung SGH P300, is this a calculator?

Sagem VS1, this one seems to have nice body (36,24,36). Hourglass huh?

Samsung P900, looks like UFO.. ET??

Nokia 3250, this one makes me speechless..

Alcatel 735i.. Shampoo bottle?

Motorola V80, first look at this phone... is it a speaker or does it looks more like a jukebox?

And last but not least our 1980s' "Dai Ko Dai". A design which was copied by some designers that eventually become the infamous plastic water tumbler used by small kids. Hahahaha.....

Done with the ugliest phone topic and so what's up next? I'll leave that for you to guess, bye for now.

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My First X'mas Gift

Written by ImagesLab.net on Thursday, December 20, 2007

As promised, my first x'mas gift. Starting with the greeting card..

There you go.... it is a set of 4 pieces bathroom set. Cute? It's from a colleague who knows that I've just shifted into a new place. I think I better let my gf decide which bathroom to put. Haha...

Ok, I guess you may notice this must be the shortest post ever, if you're an avid reader of this blog. I'm gonna hit the bed now.. very tired and sleepy. Will come back with more post bout mobile phones. Good Night !! ZZZzzzzz.....

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Fifa 2007

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, December 19, 2007

I've been blogging about my phone contents such as themes, ring tones as well as applications and I've just realized that I have not blog about games. So I've decided to introduce a game called FIFA 2007 to all of you. Sounds somewhat like the PC game huh?

This is how the start-up page look like, to choose play with or without sound.

Basically this is the main setting which includes choosing your favorite teams, keypad setting for defend and attack. Pretty hard for newbies to control the game the first few rounds, however after playing for a few times I'm sure you'll get use to it.

Game start ! The graphic of this game is superb, no lagging... no grouses at all. Can match the FIFA; PC game :)

This game works perfectly well with Nokia's N73, N95 and N82.... I have not tried on other phones. I love this game so so much, but I seldom play. Why? Coz I loves my phone more, I'm so worried it will damage my keypad due to the control of the game.

I'll just keep this game in my phone... just to show that I'm keeping up with the trend... Muahahahahah.... !!

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Christmas Gift Exchange !

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Come come, lets guess what Christmas gift I will get this year.. I want a PSP, laptop and a DSLR camera. Haha.... ya.. I know.. I'm dreaming.... Anyway, will only get to collect my gift tomorrow, so come back tomorrow to check out what is my first X'mas gift for this year....

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BlackBerry

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

I believe some of you might have heard about BlackBerry. But do you know what exactly BlackBerry is all about?

To make it simple, BlackBerry application allows user to send and receive email immediately, manage their daily schedules, contacts, as well as to browse the Internet. BlackBerry is the best solution for entrepreneurs and businessmen who has very tight schedules, always on the go and hardly in their office.

However, not all phones can support BlackBerry, or should I called it as smart phone? Let's have a look at a few BlackBerry smart phones...

My two cents, I seriously don't think phones that supported BlackBerry would look nice. Most of it looks bulky, squarish and have loads of buttons on the keypad, maybe because of the capability of sending and receiving emails that require you a mini "keyboard". All in all, BlackBerry smart phone looks ugly! (to me of course.. you may have a different view though)

But if you're planning to use Blackberry, you might have to forget the outlook of this device which is basically it's only or rather to name a few of its disadvantage(s). Businessmen, entrepreneurs and those who are involve in the marketing field would definitely give BlackBerry a thumbs up. With functions such as auto receive emails, personal information management, view attachments, instant messaging and Internet browsing, it might just save you and your business some money than to hire a PA (personal assistant).

Nevertheless, I bet some of us might think that communication devices without music player and at least a built in 3.2mp camera would be a stone age device. Come on, do you think businessmen have the time to listen to mp3s? Or do they have time to take photos? I don't think so.... or should i rephrase it as, do they need it?

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iPhone wanna be Meizu M8

Written by ImagesLab.net on Sunday, December 16, 2007

Take a good look at these 2 pictures, can you identify which one is iPhone from Apple and which one is China made Meizu M8?

Answer: iPhone (right), Meizu M8 (left). Have you got the answer right?

Can anyone enlighten me why is it that China likes to copy or "reproduce" the design from other phones? Lack of ideas or designers perhaps? Or maybe lack research and development?

Well, well, well.... let's not compare the phone now. Actually I don't mind imitator or "copycat" phones, however the specifications must be good or equally as good and not to disregard the quality as well.

So there you go... the specs for Meizu M8:

Dimensions: 105mm x 58mm x 11.8mm (H x W x T)
Processor: ARM11 667MHz+
Display: 3.32", 16600K, 720x480 pixel resolution, Touchscreen TFT LCD
PC Interface: USB 2.0 Ultra Fast Data Transfer
Flash Memory: 4, 8 or 16GB of built-in basic Memory (totally pawn !!)
Operating System: Windows CE for Meizu M8 (Based on Windows CE6.0)
Video Playback: AVI, MPEG-2, RM(VB), MPEG-4/H.263/H.264 at 30FPS
Camera: 0.3+ MPx camera on front, 3.0 MPx camera on back. Supports auto-focus, no flash.
Battery: 1500 mAh Li-ionSupport For:
GSM + SCDMA Networks (not sure whether it supports 3G or not)

with....
Bluetooth 2.0
Wi-Fi (This is what I want !!)
TV-out
Line-out
Video Conferencing
USB Host / OTG
GPS (Add-on)

The main screen and Menu

Dialer (Touchscreen ! WOoooo)

The music player and the playlist

At the moment, the release date for Meizu M8 remains unknown. Though from what I've read, they're in the final stages of phone production and packaging. Rumors have it that it'll be out in the market sometime in the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2008.

This phone will have 3 versions, which are 4G, 8G and 16G. OMG!! 16G !! Here's the Pricing:

4GB - 265 USD
8GB - 320 USD
16GB - 400 USD

It's kinda hard to provide a comment for this phone at this point of time as the phone has yet to be released and only previews are available. However, by looking at the specs 400 USD (rough estimation approximately RM1400) would be a good buy.

Till then, back to my catnap.... :P

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Samsung G800 Review

Written by ImagesLab.net on Saturday, December 15, 2007

Sony Ericsson and Nokia came out with their 5mp camera phone; SE's K850i and Nokia's N95 just a few months back.
Recently in October 2007, Samsung announced their latest 5mb camera phone with Xenon Flash model G800. Slider phone is a common design used in most Samsung models. So users can expect the same for G800 as well.

Specifications:

Network: HSDPA / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions (mm) : 103 x 51 x 16.8 (134 g)
Display: TFT 262 millions colors ( 2.4 inch 240x320 pixels)
GPRS: Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots)
EDGE: Yes
3G: HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps
WLAN: No
Bluetooth: Yes v2.0
Infrared port:
No USB:Yes, v2.0
Memory: 160MB (internal memory) External: microSD up to 4GB
Camera: 5 MP with autofocus, video, xenon flash, 3x optical zoom (max resolution: 2592х1944 pixels,)

Others:
- MP3/AAC/AAC+/e-AAC+/WMA player- Stereo FM radio
- Face Detection
- T9- Bluetooth printing
- Document viewer (Word, Excel, Power Point, PDF)
- Built-in hands free
- Voice memo- TV out
- Ringtones: Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3
- Games: Yes
- Messaging: SMS, MMS
- Email Browser: WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS reader
- Java (J2ME)

Design

First look at this phone, what really attracts me is the stylish design that comes complete with a metal-like finish that makes this phone looks rather solid. It kinda reminds me of the Shine series from LG that can easily attain scratches. So will this phone be the same too?

Samsung G800 comes with 3 choices of colors; which are metallic, bronze and black. The picture that I've posted is the metallic one. With the camera cover, lens is protected from any scratches and dust. The stereo speaker is attached at the top part of the camera, and YES, it only has one speaker. Unlike my phone (N73 ME) with dual stereo speakers :P

With a large screen of 2.4 inch TFT which can display up to 262 million colors, this phone can really show off real sharp and clear images. On the screen itself, it has a mirror-plated panel or should I call it a glossy panel which reduces the legibility when using the phone under sunlight.

Camera

Samsung G800 has got the perfect digital camera. Equipped not only with 5mp plus Xenon Flash, the camera also comes along with features like face detection and wide dynamic range which allows user to take a wider landscape photos. The features of the camera can compete with most common digital camera in the market. When we talk about the photo quality, most of the reviews concluded that G800 is better than K850. Why? G800 has a better resolution, noise handling during indoor/night shoot as well as color accuracy. I'm absolutely sure that 5mp camera phone designs will not stop here, as we'll see more competitive mobile phone designs next year... Perhaps 6.2mp ? Or 7mp ?

Some drawbacks of this phone is the slow memory card reading where user will face slight lags or delays while opening images or mp3s applications. Without Wifi, G800 would be another pain in the ass as most of the new models are equipped with at least a 2.4" screen supporting Wifi. Other general functions of the phone is very similar to other phones in the market as at this moment.

The price for this phone is yet to be confirmed. I think it should ranged around RM2500. If the price is more than this, I would rather suggest potential buyers to get a N95 8G (the All-in-one phone) that's more worth the penny spent.

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Samsung SGH G800

Written by ImagesLab.net on Friday, December 14, 2007

Finally there's this phone from Samsung that makes me go WoW!! Let me introduce the brand new Samsung model SGH G800...

A full review of this phone will be up tomorrow. I promise !

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FREE Laptop from Maxis?

Written by ImagesLab.net on Thursday, December 13, 2007

Just received a call from a friend of mine. Asking me if I've heard about the broadband promo from Maxis as he told me it has something to do with wireless broadband and HP Notebook. I told him I've got no idea whatsoever.

So as soon as I reached home, I straight away log on to maxis website to check out the promo.

Firstly, you will need to sign up for a 24 months contract at RM178 per month.
So what will you get? You will be getting a HP 520 laptop and USB modem. Sounds like a good deal? Now I'm sure you will ask, what is the specification of the laptop. Here you go..

-Intel® Centrino® Duo Processor Technology
-Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2400*(1.83GHz)- Intel® GM945 Express Chipset
-Intel® Pro/Wireless 3945 a/b/g Network Connection
-Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic 321
-1024MB DDR2 SDRAM, 120GB SATA Hard Disk
-DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive
-14.1” TFT WXGA Widescreen LCD Panel with BrightView Technology
(spec grabbed from maxis)

For wireless broadband from Maxis, you will get the USB modem which can support Internet speed up to 3.5 Mbps as well as wireless Internet access for 24 months.

I've done a rough calculation whether this is a worthy package to subscribe to :
The price for 3.5 Mbps (Power Package) is rm98,
RM178 - rm98 = rm80.
rm80 x 24 = rm1920 (price for the Notebook)

I would say if you are looking for wireless broadband and you do not have any PC and internet access, this is definitely a great deal. Please also check the coverage area before subscribing. Bear in mind, you're gonna be attached to a 2 year(s) contract with Maxis.
Think twice. Better be safe than sorry. :)