Life of A Phone Lover

Granado Espada

Written by ImagesLab.net on Friday, February 29, 2008

Last few days, a friend of mine introduced me to this Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game called "Granado Espada". Since I heart playing MMORPG so much, I've decided to give it a try (for your info, I've quit Ragnarok Online a couple of months ago). Though I may learn about this game a little late (since it was introduced quite sometime back), I find it quite interesting and entertaining.

I went to its website and ordered the DVD online as I'm lazy to download (OMG 4GB to download). Surprisingly, it takes only 2 days for the DVD to be delivered right to my door step. The package comes with an installation CD and also 500 MOLePoints. The best part is, this game is FREE TO PLAY.

Without much hesitation, I immediately went to their website to register while the cd runs to complete the installation and patching of files. It took me about half an hour to complete the whole process.

It's kind of the same for most games where you'll need to login and create a character. They actually have 5 stock models which includes Fighter, Musketeer, Wizard, Scout, and Elementalist. I've chosen fighter, scout and wizard for my family.

Here's the screenshot:



I'm still very new to this game. There are loads of features that I'm still not very familiar with. Just need more time to explore it. If you are interested to join, please do let me know. Maybe we can go leveling together... :P

For more info on this game you can visit Granado Espada.

Nokia n96 specification

Written by ImagesLab.net on Thursday, February 28, 2008

Can you recall I previously mentioned about the launch of Nokia N96 in the Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona?

I've just read about the full specification of the phone. N96 really has a "wow" factor in its features.



Supported networks
UMTS networks (WCDMA 2100/850; HSDPA)
Quad-band operation in GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks (EDGE)
Automatic frequency band and mode switching
DVB-H, class C, 470-750 MHz

Dimensions
Volume: 92 cc
Weight: 125 g
Length: 103 mm
Width: 55 mm
Depth: 20 mm

Memory
16GB of internal flash memory, memory expansion via hot-swappable microSD memory cards
Approximate storage capacity is 16GB disk space:
– Video: 40 hours
– Music: 12,000 songs
128Mb of RAM, 256Mb of system memory (operating system plus dynamic memory for user data)

Operating Hours
Battery: Nokia Battery BL-5F, 950 mAh
Talk time: GSM: up to 220 min; UMTS: Up to 150 min
Stand-by Time: GSM: Up to 220 hours; UMTS up to 200 hours
Video playback: Up to 5 hours (in offline mode)
Music playback: Up to 14 hours (in offline mode)
TV Play: Up to 4 hours (DVB-H)

Display and user interface
QVGA TFT display with a 2.8" screen and 16.7 million colours at a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels
User interface: S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2
Active standby mode, multimedia menu

Video Center
Video Center: Central application for video experiences
Access to the recent play videos and simple continuation of play
My Videos: collection of videos stored in the device
Access to Internet video, compatible with news feeds and video podcasts, updates and downloads directly over the cellular network
Catalog for new Internet video

Video codecs and formats
MPEG-4 Part 2 (H.263/SP), up to VGA at 30 frames / s codec with hardware acceleration, max. QVGA on the screen of the device, max. SDTV on TV Output
MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264/SP), up to VGA at 30 frames / s codec with hardware acceleration, max. QVGA on the screen of the device, max. SDTV on TV Output
Windows Media Video (WMV9), up to CIF / QVGA at 30 frames / s codec with hardware acceleration, max. QVGA on the screen of the device, max. SDTV on TV Output
Real Video (QCIF) with 30 frames / s
Support for Flash movies in Internet Browser
Digital rights management: OMA DRM 1, OMA DRM 2, WM DRM (Windows Media DRM)

Live TV
DVB-H-based mobile TV with integrated antenna
DVB-H, class C, 470-750 MHz
Access to videos on the browser
Downloading, streaming and playback during download
Support for Flash movies

Music
Digital music player - support for MP3, AAC, eAAC +, WMA and album cover
Editing and sharing playlists
Equalizer and visualization of sounds
Online search and purchase music tracks in Nokia Music Store - with support for WM DRM-protected files (Windows Media DRM)

Radio
FM stereo radio (87,5-108 MHz) with support for RDS; possibility for the use of the VHF radios in offline mode
Nokia Internet Radio

Main Camera
Up to 5 megapixels (2,592 x 1,944 pixels)
Optics by Carl Zeiss
Autofocus, automatic exposure control
Aperture: F2.8
Focal Length: 5.2 mm
Focus range: 10 cm to infinity
Two flashlights (LED), video light, lighting-support autofocus and recording progress indicator

Second Camera
VGA (640 x 480 pixels)

Video recording function
Video recording in MPEG-4 format, with up to VGA 30 frames / s
Digital video stabilization
Video clip length: Depends on available space
Video File Format: MP4 (standard), 3GPP (for MMS messages)
Program settings for automatic, a video light, white balance and color mood

Photography
Photo Resolution: Up to 5 megapixels (2,592 x 1,944 pixels)
Format for photographs: JPEG / EXIF
Details on the recording location: Automatic recording of information on location in the image file
Program settings for automatic, flash, serial shots, self-timer, color humor, white balance, contrast, exposure correction, help

Discover
Digital maps and navigation
Integrated GPS module with support for A-GPS (Assisted GPS)
Nokia Maps application
Free downloadable maps for more than 150 countries, millions of locations, location details and satellite images **
To purchase upgrades available multimedia travel guides and navigation services for the car navigation Sprachgestützte
For pedestrians: Special optimized for pedestrian navigation with Directions

E-mail and Messaging
Easy-to-use e-mail client with support for attachments (photos, videos, music files, and text documents)
Support for e-mail protocols SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3, as well as for MMS and SMS messages Common SMS-/MMS-Editor
Compatible with Nokia Wireless Keyboard SU-8W (optional)

Mobile Internet Access
Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map function, visual history display, support for HTML and JavaScript, Flash Lite 3.0, and for Flash videos
Support for news feeds (RSS)

Connection options
WLAN (IEEE802.11 g / b) with support for UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
USB 2.0 micro-USB port (Type B)
3.5-mm jack for connecting a standard headphone and TV output for connecting a TV for playback of photos and videos (PAL / NTSC)
Bluetooth 2.0 with support for stereo audio transmission (Bluetooth profile “Advanced Audio Distribution (A2DP), and EDR (Enhanced Data Rates)
Use of Nokia PC Suite for Nseries devices (PC software), in conjunction with Bluetooth wireless connections or cable connections to the USB port compatible PCs

Standard package
Nokia N96
Nokia battery BL-5F
Nokia data cable CA-101
Nokia video output cable, CA-75U
Nokia Stereo Headset-HS-45, with remote **-54
Nokia cigarette lighter charger cable DC-4
Nokia compact AC-5E

If you ask, what do I think of this phone, I would say it's an enhanced model of N81 and N95. What I am concerned now is whether the 950mAh battery (that can last for approximately 2 days only) are capable of supporting all the applications (too many of it) that this phone has to offer. It looks good in terms of music and video support but its camera is a waste with only a LED flash. However with its 16GB internal memory and expandable memory slot, it is definitely more than enough for you to store all your favorite videos and music.

I strongly trust that Nokia still has room for improvement in the aspect of its camera's Xenon and LED flash. One additional point; This should be a perfect phone if it comes with 3D accelerator.

Credit to: MobilesMania

How to improve phone’s music quality

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Have you ever thought of enhancing your Nokia music player so that it has better sound quality? Do you know how to boost the sound on your phone (such as the speaker or headphones)?

I'm going to share a little trick on how this actually work without the help of any additional software.

First of all, you’ll need to open the Music Player and from there, you can start following the steps listed below;

Music Player->Option->Audio Settings->Equalizer->Option->New Preset->(Rename it)

Here's the picture for the setting.


Just set your equalizer following my screenshot.


I'm currently using this setting as to me it projects a very clear and loud sound but of course you may adjust the equalizer based on your own preference.

Just set your equalizer following my screenshot.
You will notice an insignificant distortion using this, but this helps boosts the sound of your phone.

Hope you guys love this post!

Note: This only works with Symbian 60 3rd edition phones. Please note that it will not work with s60v1 n v2. With s40v3, the equalizer looks a bit different, but it works.

Theme of the Month

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Blue


Night Dream

As usual I will get a new theme for my phone on a monthly basis so that I won't get bored with the same theme every month. For your info, I'm still using the Chinese New Year theme on my phone which I blogged about last few weeks. Haha... So I guess it's almost time to change a new theme. :)

Any comments which is nicer?

Bluetooth Speaker

Written by ImagesLab.net on Monday, February 25, 2008

Generally, most people seem to have this thought that Bluetooth is only useful for headset. Have you ever thought of listening to music using speakers without any wires?

Now you can with a Bluetooth speaker from Sony.



Model: SRS-BTM30 Bluetooth speaker. As long as your mobile phone supports A2DP, you can use this to listen or share music with other people. You can use this device not only with your mobile phone but also with your laptop as well.

This speaker is attached with few push buttons for basic function such as play, pause and changing track backward and forward.

To get the speaker, you may use an AC adapter or 3 AA batteries which can last up to 10 hours of music playback or 15 hours with alkaline batteries.

So, what’s the price like? It costs 14,000 Yen (USD115 / RM380).

Mobile World Phone Of The Year

Written by ImagesLab.net on Sunday, February 24, 2008

Here's the winning list for Mobile World Phone Of the Year.


HTC TyTN II (Phone of the Year)


Nokia E90 (Business Phone of the Year)


Nokia N95 8GB (Lifestyle Phone of the Year)


LG Viewty (Camera Phone of the Year)


Nokia 5610 Xpress (Music Phone of the Year)


LG Prada (Fashion Phone of the Year)


Philips Xenium 9@ 9g (Budget Phone of the Year)

Enjoy your weekend everyone !!!

Carl Zeiss Lens for Camera

Written by ImagesLab.net on Friday, February 22, 2008

I think nearly everyone knows that Sony’s camera is known as the cyber-shot and most of you must be aware that Sony Ericsson’s camera phone models uses the famous Cyber-shot technology.

However, today I’m going to talk about the Carl Zeiss lens used by Nokia in its N series these days. Let’s see which Nokia model is using the Carl Zeiss lens.



Consumers like you and me don’t really care what lens they are using. What we are actually concerned about is the quality of the images and videos. Lens on camera phones are all equally small and tiny, not like the ones used in digital cameras.

Since everyone is more concerned about image and video quality, the Tessar and Vario Tessar (for zoom lenses) lens designs, which have been used successfully for decades, have already been adjusted to meet the needs of camera phone users.

Carl Zeiss is originally from Germany. For your info, they are not only producing phone camera lenses, but also produces SLR lenses, ophthalmic products, binoculars, riflescopes, as well as other medical solution.

Nokia 6500 Slide

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

As per SILVERisle request, I've decide to talk about Nokia 6500 slide in today's post. By the model name itself, I believe MOST of you, if not ALL, knows that this is a slide phone. Duh!

First things first, this is how Nokia 6500 slide actually looks like.



I can only use one word to describe this phone; SOLID. It's exterior looks very solid with its aluminium finishings.


What do you think?



Similar as other N series phone such as the N95 and N73, this phone has got a light sensor located next to the ear piece. The size of the 6500 model is equivalent to that of the N95, weighing at around 125g. Which I think is just nice for its size.



Nokia 6500 slide comes with a standard 3.2MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics. However there is no Xenon flash function, it only has the LED flash. With the auto focus function, quality of the camera is about the same as my N73 ME. The 2.2" screen comes with a resolution of 240x320 and supports 16 million colors. Sharp enough to view pictures and videos.



This device comes with S40v5 as its operating system. For new users, the S40v3 user's interface is quite straight forward and user-friendly.

This device supports A2DP, allowing stereo wireless connection. Other connection includes 3G, 2.5 mm jack and TV-Out, and USB connection. 20MB memory is attached with the phone and expandable up to 4GB memory card. Too bad, this is another phone that does not have Wifi.

Nokia 6500 slide is not too outstanding, for me (your opinion might differ from mine). First is because it doesn't come with Wifi, which is a definite no no for me. Secondly, from users feedback, there is a delay when users answer phone with slide and the S40v5 is a bit laggy. Ok ok ... enough of its drawbacks. In terms of pros, I don't deny that it has a rather solid design, a large screen display for video recording and taking pictures and also a TV out function for presentation purposes.

For those people out there who are currently looking for a slide phone and is not in too much a hurry, I suggest for you to wait. Why so? Because in a few months time, there'll be even more new phones in the market that'll spoil you crazy. But if it's urgent and you need to own it at this instant, then just buy it.

My New gig - Dell Inspiron 1420

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Remember my new toy? It arrived safe and sound yesterday evening at around 5:30pm.

Unwrapped the box…


The first I see after opening the box is the bag...


Then, I saw a box. Inside are the cds and cables.


What's inside this? (ignore the background where you can see the CNY cookies - it is still New Year what!)


Yes, is the Dell inspiron 1420 with plastic cover !


This is how the exterior of the laptop looks like..


Closer look on the Model


Keyboard with the remote


My new gig


Belkin laptop bag


Closer look on the SD card reader


The logo on its cover


Logo below the screen

And this white colored baby costs RM 2,816. Okay, I got to go install the necessary applications now.. so, see ya tomorrow..

My New Toy

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

My new toy just arrived today.



Anyone can guess what is it?

I'll let you know tomorrow:) got to go play with my new toy now...

How to block incoming calls from your phone?

Written by ImagesLab.net on Sunday, February 17, 2008

Have you ever come across receiving anonymous calls from some stranger and all you can see on your phone’s screen is this following word - “private number” or “unknown”? Or have you ever thought of wanting to block unwanted calls from some specific numbers?

Here I’m going to introduce to you this software called “Handy Blacklist”.



This software can save you from receiving any unwanted incoming calls. By using this software, unwanted calls will be block immediately. If you receive an unwanted call and you reject it manually, handy blacklist will prompt you to add the number to “blacklist”, so that in the future if the same number calls again, it will be block automatically. Amazing?

Not only that, even those calls that are displayed only with “private number” or “unknown” on your caller id, can be blocked using this software as well. With handy blacklist, you only allow that person who knows you to call you.

Pro: Peace of life. No more nonsense and annoying marketing calls from the banks, insurance companies

Con: You probably won’t use this software if you share the same mobile number for work and play.

New Phone From Nokia - Part 2

Written by ImagesLab.net on Friday, February 15, 2008

The other two phones from Nokia that I'm going to talk about is the Nokia 6210 Nokia Navigator and Nokia 6220 Classic.


Nokia 6210 Navigator

Nokia 6210 Navigator is the enhanced model from Nokia 6110 Navigator I suppose. It comes with Nokia Map 2.0 with build in compass. With the build in GPS, the full voice and visual guidance makes the GPS function perfect. When you make a wrong turning, the device will automatically calculate the new route for you.

Nokia 6210 Navigator runs on S60 3rd edition and has a 120MB build in memory and expandable microSD card. It comes with 3.2MP camera with LED flash. Other features are the music player, FM radio and A2DP support.

This navigator will be available in the 3Q of 2008, with an estimated market price of about RM1420 excluding taxes.


Nokia 6220 Classic

Nokia 6220 classic features a 5.0MP autofocus camera with Xenon flash, build in GPS, HSPDA support and are preloaded with Nokia Maps 2.0.

With its build in memory of 120MB and expandable up to 8GB microSD card, I think this is more than sufficient for you to store music, photos and videos.

The 6220 classic will be available in the 3Q of 2008, with an estimated price of about RM1550 excluding taxes.

New Phone From Nokia - Part 1

Written by ImagesLab.net on Thursday, February 14, 2008

Referring to my previous post for the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, the new models introduced by Nokia are namely the Nokia N96, Nokia N78, Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 classic.

For today’s post, I will talk about Nokia N96 and Nokia N78 and followed by Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 classic for tomorrow’s entry.


Nokia N96

Nokia N96 is a dual slide mobile phone with quad-band and supports HSPDA. N96 is running on a Symbian platform S60 3rd edition. It comes with 2.8 inches 16 million colors TFT display. I would say this is a great phone as it features build in GPS, WiFi, and 16GB internal memory with MicroSD card. Wow!! Cool features huh?

The size of N96 is approximately the same as N95 8GB. The camera is similar to N95 8GB which is a 5.0MP autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss lens. It does not have xenon flash but it has a LED flash. What a waste for such a great phone.

N96 is coming your way in the 3Q of 2008, with an estimated price of about RM2600 excluding taxes.

The second phone that I’m going to brief about is the Nokia N78 which has a candy bar design.


Nokia N78

Featuring S60 3rd edition, 2.4 inches TFT display with 16 million colors, build in GPS, WiFi, a 3.2MP autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optic lens and A2DP support almost made this phone a perfect device if only it has a xenon flash.

It has a build in 70mb internal memory, of course with a microSD card. How can a multimedia phone exist without a microSD card these days?

This phone will be available earlier than N96, which is somewhere in the 2Q of 2008, estimated price is RM1650 excluding taxes.

Do come back tomorrow for a brief introduction on Nokia 6210 Navigator and Nokia 6220 classic.

New Phone From Sony Ericsson - Part 2

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, February 13, 2008

(Continuing part 2 of Sony Ericsson coming phone models) I’ll start with Sony Ericsson W980, Sony Ericsson C702, Sony Ericsson C902 and Sony Ericsson Z770.


Sony Ericsson W980

Another walkman phone from Sony Ericsson, the W980 is another highlight from them. Sony Ericsson W980 is a flip phone that comes with a 3.2MP camera with dual display. Mobile phone lovers should be aware that the W model from Sony Ericsson is a music phone. When the phone is not flip open, you will be able to see a design that resembles a portable music player with music keys.

Internal storage for this phone is 8GB. I think should be good enough to store music files. Too bad this phone doesn’t come with a memory slot. The player features shake control, TrackID and SensMe. Not forget to mention that it supports A2DP as well.

These phones will only be in the market in Q3 2008 and will be offered in only one color which is Black.

Finally Sony Ericsson announced another 2 phones with cyber-shot technology which is C702 and C902. I was wondering, all cyber-shot phone model are K-series, why they change to C. I got no idea.

Anyway, let’s have a look on these 2 cyber-shot phones.


Sony Ericsson C702

Sony Ericsson C702 is a splash and dust resistant phone. What is this for? Will you bring your phone to take picture underwater? I think this phone is design for those people who spend most of their time engaging in sports activity and outdoor recreation.

C702 has a 3.2MP camera and comes with a sliding cover to protect the lens. But no xenon flash, I was like OMG, cyber-shot with no xenon? Could it be a mistake from the R&D? Anyway, the camera functions come with face detection, auto focus, and red eye reduction.

C702 come with build in GPS, I think this is the first GPS phone from Sony Ericsson? Not forgetting to mention, it supports 3G with HSPDA high speed data transfer, fm radio and A2DP support.

C702 comes in 2 colors which are Black and Cyan Blue and will be available in the market in Q2 2008.


Sony Ericsson C902

The other cyber-shot phone C902 comes with 5.0MP camera with auto focus. Camera functions include auto rotation, face detection, image stabilizer and xenon flash. I think so far this is the best camera phone. The design of the phone looks better than C702 as it has a unique slide out lens to slide out for the camera.

Too bad this phone doesn’t support A2DP profile and no build in GPS. I think C902 is just putting their focus on the camera quality and phone design more than other functionality of the phone.

C902 will be available in the market in Q2 2008 and you can choose from either Black or Red color.


Sony Ericsson is Z770

The last phone that was introduced by Sony Ericsson is the Z770. Z770 is a flip phone which comes with normal functionality which I believe mostly targeting users who look for a reasonable price mobile phone.

It comes with a normal 2.0MP camera with no auto focus. The only thing that is special about the Z770 is that it features HSPDA and A2DP support. Other than this, all functions are rather ordinary.

This model will be available in Q2 2008 and choice of colors will include Exquisite Gold, Graphite Black, and Vogue Red.

New Phone From Sony Ericsson - Part 1

Written by ImagesLab.net on Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Mobile World Congress 2008 is now held in Barcelona from 11th February onwards to 14th February 2008; and in conjunction with it, Sony Ericsson announced that they will be presenting seven brand new models. I would say all of it looks very tempting to me.

The entire collection to be presented are Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson G700, Sony Ericsson G900, Sony Ericsson W980, Sony Ericsson C702, Sony Ericsson C902 and last but not least the Sony Ericsson Z770.


Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is a 3-inch WVGA touch screen display phone. It comes with Wifi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Entertainment wise, it comes with A2DP support with FM radio. It is also equipped with a 3.2MP camera; however, I'm not quite sure whether it comes it has auto focus at this moment.

This new device will be available in the second half of 2008. For those who are planning to indulge themselves with a palm like O2 or HTC, I strongly suggest that you wait for a couple more months for the full specifications on this device before making the decision.


Sony Ericsson G700

Sony Ericsson G700 and G900 are tri-band mobile phones. Both phones come with 3G capabilities and touch screen display. It looks as if Sony Ericsson has little by little changed their mobile phone design from the old time non smart phone interface to a Symbian UIQ which has a more simplified interface.


Sony Ericsson G900

The difference between these two phones is that the G900 comes with a 5MP camera (autofocus) whereas the G700 with a 3.2MP camera (no autofocus). Both cameras however comes ready with image stabilizer. Another huge difference is that G900 comes with Wifi connectivity whereas G700 don’t.

These two candy bar phones will hit the market in the second quarter of 2008. G900 will be available in Dark Red and Dark Brown version while the G700 will come in Silk Bronze shade.

So far, I’ve introduce three new Sony Ericsson’s phone. I'm aware that I still have a few more to finish. Due to the length that this particular entry might take up, I've decided to split into two segments for SE phones and another two segments for Nokia (save the best for last). So please do come back tomorrow to check out the remaining entry. See ya...

Anti Virus for Symbian - F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus

Written by ImagesLab.net on Monday, February 11, 2008

Introducing the anti virus software for symbian phone, F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus. Works something like the anti-virus for PC, the purpose of this software is to protect your mobile phone from any harmful content. The best thing is that it provides real time monitoring on your mobile and informs you if there is any new update for the software.



All files received from Bluetooth or downloaded files using 3G will be automatically scanned before it is saved into your phone or memory card. If viruses are detected, F-Secure will prompt you to delete the file immediately or to quarantine the file.

Source: http://mobile.f-secure.com/

Get it Here!!
F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus

Happy Chinese New Year !!

Written by ImagesLab.net on Wednesday, February 06, 2008

I would like to wish all visitors a Happy Chinese New Year & Gong Hei Fatt Choy!!

As I’ll be going back to my hometown for a few days, I won’t be able to update my blog for the following 3 or 4 days because there is no internet connection back there. I’m really sorry to all my avid fans. I promise to update as soon as I get back, okay?

Once again to everyone, Happy Holidays!!!! Gong Xi Gong Xi!!!