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Nokia Symbian^3 First Generation Update for Belle Refresh Rumor

Posted by Boffill Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I was a bit surprise about what I’ve read at MyNokiaBlog about this new update for the first generation of Symbian^3 Devices. This is good news for all N8 users and also the C7 and Nokia N97 phone users for this update could be rolled out earlier this year. The update firmware has a version number of 111.050.0003 but there’s no changelog available yet.

The main source of this rumor is Smartphonepro.ru who was also the same person to leak the earlier updates for Nokia N8. What we can expect for this update are fixes on some bugs to the earlier versions. It really surprised me knowing that Nokia is shutting down the Symbian platform. I can’t wait for the Official Firmware and the Custom Firmware to be available.

Leaked Photos of Samsung Galaxy S4

Posted by Boffill Friday, January 4, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 Leaked Photo

The picture shown below is the leaked photo of the next generation of the Samsung Galaxy S series, the Samsung Galaxy S4. Just like the SamMobile have mentioned on their post, the device looks very similar to Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Samsung Premier which makes this picture authentic. Maybe this device will be available on the next CES event.

Leak photo of Samsung Galaxy S4. Source here.

Samsung Galaxy S4 romoured Specs:
- Exynos 5450 Quad-Core CPU clocked at 2.0GHz
- Mali-T658 GPU
- 2GB of RAM
- 4.99” SuperAMOLED FULL HD resolution (1080×1920) Display
- 13 Megapixel Rear Facing Camera
- 2 Megapixel Front Facing Camera
- Android 4.2.1 (Out of the box)

How to Save Battery of Mobile Phone

Posted by Boffill Thursday, January 3, 2013

Battery life has been the most common issues when it comes to Smartphones whether it runs with Android, iOS, Symbian or Windows. You know it’s irritating when our battery runs out after 5 hours of use and worse is you are away from home to charge your phone. When I was still using my old Nokia N82, I always bring with me an extra battery anywhere I go. Chargers are not too handy to carry so I prefer an extra battery on my pocket. I’ll be giving you guys some tips on how to save the battery of your favorite gadget so you can make use the best out of it.

Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, WIFI – These three features of our Smartphone are the monster of them all. It drains our battery too fast so it’d be better for you to turn them off when not in use.

Use 2G instead of 3G network – If you’re not using mobile internet or video call, better use 2G network instead of 3G. 3G has high consumption than 2G.

Adjust screen brightness – If you’re eyes are bright enough to read your text messages, adjust the screen brightness of your gadget to lower level

Turn off widgets – I know most of us like widgets but there are some nuisance widgets that are installed in our Smartphone that we sometimes ignore. Widgets runs in the background even if you’re phone are in lock mode and sometimes use an Internet connection which will surely drain your battery faster.

Other options that you have to turn off to save battery are vibration, notification tone and key tone

I hope these simple tips can help you optimize your battery consumption. If you have suggestions, please post a comment below so I could include it in my post.

Ubuntu for Mobile Phones and Smartphones

Posted by Boffill

The popular Linux based operating system, Ubuntu, was announced by Canonical to be running on Android devices. Ubuntu is one of the new operating system that will challenge the dominance of Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android system. Just recently, Mozilla, the creator of Firefox web browser has launched their very own Firefox OS. Another Linux based operating system called Joli is now being developed and is moving from laptops to smartphones.

Photo from Ubuntu website.

The Linux based operating system will allow users to run computer desktop application to their smartphone. The code for Ubuntu operating system will initially be released this coming February as a standalone file that can be installed in Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus phone to replace Android. Canonical has no plans of developing their own handsets despite of bringing Ubuntu to smartphones. The good thing about bringing Ubuntu to smartphones is that it is targeting low-end smartphones.

Ubuntu for mobile phones system requirements

Photo from Ubuntu website

The software features voice command called “HUD” (Head-Up Display). This will allow users to just type or say what command they want the phone to carry out instead of clicking the menu. It uses swipes rather than buttons just like the Windows 8 on tablets. It can also run web applications coded in HTML5 that is currently adapted by most developers worldwide. It has been said that Canonical will also develop their own App Store.

Nokia to Close Open Connection to Nokia Firmware Repository

Posted by Boffill Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Here's the latest news from Nokia for this year 2013.

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM NOKIA BULLETIN 12-21-2012:

Nokia will close open connection to Nokia Firmware Repository during January 2013 and implement access control.

Ater this, login to Nokia Online is required to access Nokia Firmware Repository.

During transition phase (December 2012-January 2013) both open and restricted channels are open, but the open channel will be closed at the end of January 2013

After this, application updates and device software downloading are possible only by using the latest service software releases with NOL login supported.

Nokia has announced recently that the Nokia Firmware Repository will be closed. To those CFW modders, you should download your backups now from Navifirm for your future use and references.

Nokia Symbian on Android and iPhone

Posted by Boffill Thursday, December 27, 2012

Many Nokia Symbian phone users are not aware how powerful their mobile phones are. I have been a Nokia Symbian phone user since 2003 when my brother gave me his old Nokia 3650 phone. During that time, I became obsessed on Nokia Symbian phones. The user friendly experience is great and also its functions. I researched online on how to make use of all the possibilities Nokia can gave me and it didn’t failed me. Lots of applications are available online from Video player up to Photo Editor. Social Networking sites are not yet on its limelight back then so most of the applications are only for offline functions. My favorite application before was the SMS Machine where you have an auto-reply on your mobile phone. So if you’re busy doing something, you can let your phone send a reply in every text message you receive to inform the recipient that you are busy or sleeping. Symbian platform have evolved from Symbian S60v1 then theres Symbian S60v2 then the 3^rd Edition up to 5^th Edition. Now, the most recent version for Symbian is the Symbian S^3 FP2 that runs on Nokia 700, 701 and Nokia 808 Pureview.

Everytime there’s a new Nokia Symbian phone coming out of the market; I always make sure that I am able to test it from a Nokia Store downtown. I always try it myself and see the latest improvement made by Nokia. I haven’t owned a lot of Nokia Symbian phones. I was only limited to Nokia 3650 then the Nokia 6630, next is the Nokia N82 and the last and my latest Nokia phone is the Nokia N8. Some of my friends don’t really know how powerful my Nokia N8 is compared to their Android power mobile phones. The body is awesome slim for me. It fits on my palm so beautifully whenever I use it. The 12MP camera is so awesome.

When I buy a new phone, I always check the camera and also if it has a built in a-GPS. That’s the two most important functions I always check on a new Nokia Symbian Phone. I could still remember when I was at Cebu having a vacation and I was roaming the downtown area until I got lost. I was so shy to ask for the way back to my mother’s workplace until I remember that I have installed Garmin Mobile XT on my phone. I checked the route and followed the built-in voice prompt of Garmin Mobile XT until I was able to get myself back at my mother’s workplace. That made me loved my Nokia phone so much because it saved my day back then.

For me, I don’t agree to what others say that Android is the most powerful platform today. I haven’t seen a Garmin Mobile XT installed on an Android phone. If we’ll talk about camera, Nokia has created the most powerful cameraphone in the world, the Nokia 808 Pureview. Yes it’s true that Google Play can give you a lot of applications for your Android phone but the problem is you’ll have to try first all the crappy applications on Google Play before you can get yourself to the real software you wanted. On gaming, I’d still go for Nokia; they have HD graphics and 3d support. Nokia supports Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC connection. I think Nokia was the original when it comes to NFC technology; Samsung just copied it and then put it on Samsung S3.

Android and iPhone has taken over that’s why Nokia’s Symbian has been out of the market. Some people wanted to buy Android and iPhone because of their social status. Yes, there are a lot of powerful mobile phones currently out on the market but some people who were using them are not wise enough to use all the phone’s functionalities. Yes, sometimes I envy some of the new mobile phones on the market like the Samsung S3 or the iPhone 4s but I don’t see any difference when using Nokia’s Symbian phone. Just to inform everyone that I was able to use those mobile phones so I could compare. I personally don’t like the idea of Nokia giving up the Symbian platform. Now they are focused on Windows mobile. Based on my observation, Symbian platform brought Nokia to the top of them all when iPhone and Android was still on their early period. Nokia have made a very big mistake giving up Symbian. They should’ve developed it more so people would continue patronizing them. But no matter what, I’d still stick to Symbian. I have no plans of switching to Android or iPhone not until they beat Symbian based on my own specification.

Alternative for Instagram on Android and iOS

Posted by Boffill Thursday, December 20, 2012

Instagram have recently spooked plenty of its users because of the changes on their terms of services. I don't own an Android or iOS powered devices and I haven't read Instagram's changes on their terms of service. But for the sake of the people who wanted to use a different service with filters and photo editing options, I am going to list some of the available applications online that you guys can install on your devices as an alternative to Instagram. For the information of everybody, Kevin Systrom, the chief executive and co-founder of Instagram announced that users still own the rights of their photos and the photos itself, users will have the same amount of privacy they experienced even before the terms of service has been change and he made sure that the photos uploaded by the users on Instagram will not be seen in any advertisement. The new agreement will take effect on January 16, 2013.

Before you shift to a different service, I suggest you make a backup of your photos first by downloading them or checking on Instaport or Instarchive. Both services link to the user's Instagram account and will be giving them an option to download a compact file of their photos.

A lot of services are available online that provide the same aspect as Instagram. Yahoo's Flickr can let you share your photos to your close network and add filter on it. Google's Snapseed has a broad editing options that includes filter before you can share it to Google+, Twitter and Facebook. Hipstamatic, Pixlr-o-matic and Camera+ are available online and can be used to both iOS and Android devices. The latter 3 are all independent application and has an Instagram aspect. For all Nokia Symbian users, since the platform is dying, these applications won't be available for download but still, we can have an Instagram-like application installed in our mobile phone, it's called Molome. Molome is also available for iOS, Blackberry, Android, Windows and Symbian.

Just to inform you all that if you would delete your Instagram account, there's no way for you to reactivate it meaning all your connections and photos will be gone.

Preventing unauthorized login to your Google account

Posted by Boffill Sunday, November 4, 2012

Just recently, I was exploring some features of Google's privacy settings after my Paypal account has been hacked. I was traumatized of what had happened to my Paypal so I didn't waste any time to change the settings of my primary email. I found out a cool feature somewhere on the settings. When logging in, Google doesn't asks for just the password only but also for the code being sent to you thru your mobile phone. So, after you login using your account name and password, you will then be redirected to a page where it will ask for the code sent to you. If you have not received any code in your inbox, you can choose to be called by Google's automated message and the code will be dictated to you over the phone. This kind of feature from Google is really helpful specially when you have a lot of confidential email on your mailbox. I can't create a tutorial right now because I am creating this post using Blob. So if you want to have a double protection on your Google account now, browse your settings and activate the phone verification now.

Periodic Phone Locator

Posted by Boffill Friday, November 2, 2012

Periodic Phone Locator is an application that can allow us to track our phone from time to time whether it has been stolen or you want to track your children anytime. It is very useful because it will directly send your phone's current location to their server and you can check on it from their website using your login information. Some features of this application is Lost Phone Alarm, Buddy Message, Passcode Protected Uninstall and a whole lot more. I have tried it myself and I suppose my girlfriend was a bit annoyed of my buddy message being sent to her time to time because I kept changing my phone's sim card. Anyway, you can try it yourself and check on their website too for more details about this application. This is compatible to Nokia Symbian Anna and Belle OS and Android mobile phones. Just to set your expectation that this phone doesn't work on mobile phones that has no A-GPS on it. So better check the list of compatible phones from here.

Update January 2, 2013: Lost mobile phones due to snatchers are very common here in the Philippines. I was able to stumble upon this tips from TechnoAddiktus on how to protect your mobile phone from snatchers.

Globe Nano-Sims in Stores this Month of October

Posted by Boffill Monday, October 8, 2012

Globe to offer revolutionary Nano-SIMs in Globe Stores this month

"Once again, Globe pioneers in bringing the latest technologies to Filipino mobile phone users as we offer the revolutionary Nano-SIMs in our Globe Stores with the availability of newer smartphone models using this type of SIM very soon. With the Nano-SIM and its stunning features and specifications, our smartphone experience will definitely be taken to another level."

— Martha Sazon, Head of Globe Postpaid

Learn more about Globe Nano-sims here

Latest Garmin Mobile XT Map 2012

Posted by Boffill Saturday, August 11, 2012

Last year, I have posted a copy of Garmin Mobile XT map in this blog. Just a week ago, I have been informed that there’s a new available map for the Garmin Mobile XT. I downloaded it and installed it in my phone and noticed a very big difference than the previous map. This is the 2012 version of the Philippine Map for your Garmin Mobile XT and a lot more improvement has been added. Try it now and install it in your phone! If you don't have a Garmin Mobile XT on your mobile phone, click here for the installation process. The tutorial is available only for Nokia Symbian Phones!

Download Here! (47.53MB)

Once downloaded, transfer the IMG file on your Garmin folder.

Blob. Blogger's mobile client for Nokia phones.

Posted by Boffill Tuesday, July 10, 2012

This blog post is definitely short because this is just a test post for the new application I installed on my phone called Blob. It is Blogger's mobile client for Nokia mobile phones(I'm using Nokia N8 by the way). I am happy and excited because creating a new post in my blog is just a touch away on my phone. If you want to try this cool new application, go to Nokia Store and search for Blob! I can't paste the link for the exact location of the application because right now, I'm using my phone to post this article and Nokia Store application doesn't show the link for their applications. Anyway, thank you for reading and have a happy orkweek ahead! Woot!

Mobile Power Bank from CD-R King

Posted by Boffill Saturday, July 7, 2012

Hey there! It’s been a long time since I last posted an article in my blog and right now, I’ll talk about this little device at CD-R King. CD-R King has been in the game for how many years. They have been innovating different gadgets and sell it for a cheap price. I was at Gaisano Riverside of Ormoc City when I saw a new CD-R king branch opened inside the mall. I went in and tried to check for some new innovations they have and I saw this little toy on the display. I was curious about it if what does this thing do.

My power bank with 2200mAh

On the packaging, it says Power Bank. I asked the lady and she said it’s a mobile charger on the go. That thing got my attention and asked her if I could try it on my Nokia N8 phone. It seems working fine on my phone and decided to buy it. This power bank is very handy and you can bring it anytime anywhere. Charging time of this device is about 3-4 hours and when you charge your phone through it, that’s about 2-3 hours. Just like the normal charger that I have. I’m sure some of you would say that it won’t last long because this one is from CD-R King but I think it will as long as you’ll take good care of it properly. Just like my old 4 GB MicroSD bought at CD-R King Ali Mall, it’s still working fine until now. So if you want to know more about this Power Bank that I’m talking about, check on their website and search power bank mobile charger!

MOLOME™ Shoot. Share. Badged. Play. Instagram for Symbian Phones

Posted by Boffill Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Right now, I’m getting addicted to this new installed application on my Nokia N8, its called Molome. Molome is an instagram application for your Symbian mobile phone (Also available for Android and Blackberry OS). If you’re an iPhone user, you should be familiar with instagram and for those who don’t know what instagram is, you take a snap, add filter on it and share it on your friends. Its like a Lomography for your Nokia phone. Filters available are Normal, Auto Level, Vignette, Black Border, Viridescent, Crossy, Purlo, Vintage, SmartBlue, GentleArt, Sunset and a whole lot more! You can automatically share your photos to your Facebook and Twitter account. Also, before I forgot, Molome is free from Ovi Store. So better check this application now and be one of us! Check out this video below to know more about Molome!

The Nokia and Windows 7 Mango Interface Campaign for Nokia Lumia

Posted by Boffill Sunday, December 4, 2011

Microsoft and Nokia have been working on the advertising of the Nokia Lumia running Windows Phone 7.5 OS (Mango). Last November 28, 2011, Deadmau5 and Nokia collaborated in celebrating the launching of Nokia Lumia by using the world’s most advanced projection technology (4D) in creating an amazing free light show at Millbank Tower, London.

When I watched the video, it was so amazing and very realistic. Also, Microsoft is offering the Windows 7 experience on iOS and Android users on their phone via a Windows Phone Emulator. It won’t affect the operating system of your mobile phone; all you have to do is to visit this link to check out the demo. The demo lets you swipe through the Windows Phone in Mango interface. It will let you browse through photos, contacts, messages and even call. So if you’re planning of buying a Nokia Lumia but you’re thing twice, try out the demo first and see it for yourself.

New Garmin Mobile XT Map as of November 28, 2011

Posted by Boffill Friday, December 2, 2011

Sorry, I used an old screenshot because my Screencap is not working well.

Truly there are a lot of people using GPS now on their Smartphone. A few weeks ago, I have talked about using Smartphone's GPS and now, I have got a message from a co-forumer at Symbianize that a new detailed Philippine map for Garmin Mobile XT has just arrived. I can't create screenshots because the Screencap software installed in my Nokia N8 is not properly working even after how many reboot. But I guarantee you guys, this is the latest map for your Garmin Mobile XT. I personally tried and tested it and checked some details and yes, there are a lot of improvements compared to the one I downloaded a couple of months ago. So do what you gotta do, downloading is just a click away. Enjoy this new map for your Garmin Mobile XT and don't ever get lost in the middle of nowhere again!

Download Here!!!

Password: Boffill

How To Unhide or Recover Files Hidden by Virus on your USB Drive

Posted by Boffill Sunday, November 13, 2011

I am now creating this blog post after I have recovered all the files hidden by a malware on my microSD. I was at a computer shop and connected my mobile phone to a computer via USB Mass Storage not knowing that the computer I was using is infected by a malware. What this malware do is it creates files similar to your folders and hides all your precious files on your USB drive. I struggled a lot in recovering those files and deleting the malware on my microSD. I have been to different websites and forums searching for the solution of this problem. I used command prompt to recover them but no avail until I stumbled upon this tiny little software that can be able to recover all your hidden files on your USB Drive. They call it USB Show that only weighs 109kb and another great thing about this software is that it’s a freeware! So, don’t wait until you experience my pain just awhile ago, download it now and be protected!

Download Here

SUN Unlimited TEXTALL20

Posted by Boffill Thursday, September 22, 2011

Sun Cellular, the mobile company who introduced unlimited call and text in the Philippines has just launched a new exciting offer to their subscribers, the SUN Unlimited TextAll20, that allows subscribers to send unlimited text to their friends and family that are subscribed to other network like Smart, Globe, Touch Mobile, Talk n' Text and Red Mobile. It will only cost P20 and is valid for 1 day. To register, just type UTEXTALL20 and send to 247 or you can load it easily to a Sun Xpressload retailer. Promo will be valid until December 31, 2011.

Smartphone's GPS, To Use or Not To Use?

Posted by Boffill Sunday, September 18, 2011

Most Smartphones coming out of the market right now comes with a built-in GPS or the Assisted GPS (A-GPS). But only a few are using their GPS enabled phone for directions and recommendations. That's my personal observation on people I know who has a GPS enabled phone. They don't even know what GPS is or doesn't have any idea how to use it. My first device that has a built-in GPS is my Nokia N82. My purpose of buying the N82 back in 2008 was because of its high-end camera during those days and of course, the GPS.

In America, only 55% of Smartphone owners use their GPS to get directions and recommendations. Probably here in the Philippines, lower than 55% are using their Smartphone for GPS purposes. With me, I always travel and I use GPS when I'm not familiar to a certain place. Its very helpful when you have a handy GPS device on your pocket. In just a click of a button, you're good to go and you won't get lost in a middle of nowhere!

Here's a tip to those who want to take advantage of their GPS enabled phone, you install applications that doesn't connect to the Internet to download a map. Instead, download a map on your computer and transfer it to your mobile phone. That's what I did when I installed Garmin Mobile XT on my N82 and my Samsung B7300 Omnialite. I used Navphone before for my Nokia N82 but the problem is you only have limits to Manila, Cebu and Davao maps. The only disadvantage that I experienced when using the built-in GPS of my mobile phone is it consumes a lot of battery energy. So you better bring with you a charger or a back-up battery when travelling.

Comparing Symbian Phone to Windows Mobile

Posted by Boffill Sunday, May 15, 2011

Shifting from Symbian to Windows Mobile for me is a bit hard. Last February, I bought a new phone, the Samsung B7300 Omnialite and was happy about it during the first few days. It was my first time owning a Windows Mobile phone and I’m on the process of familiarizing it. What I like about the phone is that it has similar features with my old N82 (Rest in Peace) but the problem is I don’t have lots of choices when it comes to applications. Compared to Symbian mobile phones, you can easily find an application that suits your needs. Well, important features for me are GPS applications, Wifi applications, Dictionaries, Photo enhancers, SMS managers and Music players. I got Garmin Mobile XT installed in my Samsung B7300 Omnialite and Dictionaries too and that made me feel satisfied about it. The only problem that I have with my Samsung Omnialite is that I can’t find a very nice application for my SMS’s and a Music Player too. I have choices online like the S2P (Slide2Play), an iPhone like music player but the problem is when you use it to play music for a few minutes, the sound of the phone will disappear and it will be busted. I can’t get to play sound anymore on my phone and that sucks. Good thing it restored its vocal chords after a few restarts. Also, the phone’s headset input is a mini-USB compared to my old N82 that has a standard 3.5mm jack. With the 3.5mm jack, you can use high end headsets and also use your phone as a home theater. So now, I’m planning of selling this new phone and will shift back to Nokia Symbian phone probably an N8. That’s gonna take time but I will surely buy that phone a few months from now.