Nokia Lumia 900
Nokia Lumia 900 Receives Windows Phone 7.8
Nokia indicated today via its U.S. support forums that the Windows Phone 7.8 system update is now ready for the Lumia 900. Windows Phone 7.8 updates the appearance and behavior of the Start screen, but doesn't include the under-the-hood improvements found in Windows Phone 8.
Nokia Delivering Windows Phone 7.8 to Older Lumias
Nokia today announced that it is making Windows Phone 7.8 available to its older Lumia smartphones. The update will be pushed out on a carrier-by-carrier basis over the coming weeks and through February. In addition to the new Start screen with adjustable Live Tiles, Windows Phone 7.8 adds new functionality to the lock screen, such as daily Bing images and child lock screen security. Windows Phone 7.8 also adds support for a number of new languages. The software can be installed via Microsoft's desktop-based apps to devices such as the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. It is a free system update.
Nokia Transport Beta Tweaks UI and Adds Features
Nokia has released a new beta version of Nokia Transport, its mass transit route-finding application. Nokia Transport Beta 2.3 makes it easier to see segments of a route through the use of new icons for bus, train, or subway transports. The beta software includes revised points-of-interest icons that make it easier to see final destinations. The search history tool has been dramatically overhauled so that previous results can be accessed with a swipe. Touching any previous search result will automatically generate new directions from the users' location to that point. The software also includes walking directions for when users might need to walk between two public transportation stations to complete a given route. Nokia transport Beta 2.3 can be downloaded directly from the Nokia Beta Labs web site. It is compatible with the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. Nokia Transport offers mass transit directions in 550 cities world wide.
Nokia Bringing More Features to Existing Lumias
Nokia today said that it is going to offer deliver new features to its existing lineup of Windows Phone devices, including the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. First, Nokia will offer the Cinemagraph and Smart Group Shot camera features that it recently showed off during the launch of the Lumia 920/820. These features improve the picture shooting and sharing experience. All Lumia devices will receive a new Start screen look and feel that will mimic the Windows Phone 8 Start screen. Nokia will also add a ringtone maker app (in select markets). Contacts will be easier to share once the app is updated by Nokia, as it will add the ability to share contacts over Bluetooth in addition to email and text messages. Bluetooth on Lumia devices will also gain the ability to send media files to other Bluetooth devices with the addition of the object push profile. Nokia said these new features will be added in phases over time and it will provide more details once they are ready for dispersal. The Lumia 900 will still be updated to Windows Phone 7.8, which includes a number of additional new features.
Nokia Launches Streaming Music Service in the U.S.
Nokia today announced the availability of Nokia Music to Lumia smartphone devices in the U.S. Owners of the Lumia 900 and Lumia 710 will be able to access and stream music from Nokia, which is offering more than a million tracks, 150 curated playlists, offline caching, and custom-generated playlists. The service is free to use, free of advertising, and doesn't require users to register or sign up. The app also offers a feature called Gig Finder, which will use the location information of the smartphone to offer suggestions on local live music performances. The app can be downloaded directly from the Lumia 900 and Lumia 710, which run Windows Phone.
Nokia Lumia 900 Update Adds 'Flip-to-Silence' Feature
Nokia today said that it is pushing a minor system update to the Lumia 900, which is sold by AT&T. The update fixes several bugs, smoothes out the start-up sequence, and adds the "flip-to-silence" feature. The update also makes improvements the camera's behavior. The update must be installed through the desktop Zune client or Windows Phone Connector for Mac. It is available starting today.
Nokia Drive Knows Your Commute By Heart
Nokia recently updated its Nokia Drive application with a new feature called My Commute. With My Commute enabled, Nokia Drive will learn over time the various routes that Lumia device owners take to and from work. The app also learns the general time that you leave for work in the morning, as well as when you leave work in the evening, and can inform the driver of traffic problems in advance so that they may re-route to avoid problems. The update also allows Lumia device owners to pin destinations to the home screen, allowing for one-press access to their route home. Nokia Drive is a free download for the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610, and the My Commute feature is available in the U.S. to start. My Commute will be expanded to other markets over time. Nokia also reiterated that it plans to make Nokia Drive available to all Windows Phone 8 devices later this year, including those made by competitors HTC and Samsung. For now, however, it is exclusive to Lumia devices.
Nokia Maps Updated with Groupon Support
Nokia has updated its Maps app for the Windows Phone platform to version 2.5. Nokia Maps 2.5 adds several new features, most notably integration with and support for Groupon in the United States. This means users will be able to view which deals are nearby and route directions to take advantage of them. Nokia Maps 2.5 also adds a route planner and fixes a handful of bugs. It is a free download for Nokia Lumia Windows Phones in the Marketplace for Mobile.
Lumia 900 to Dance the Tango with AT&T This Month
AT&T today revealed that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be updated to Windows Phone 7.5 Tango in the weeks ahead. Officially, the Tango update will boost the software to version 7.10.8773.98 and is also being referred to as the Windows Phone 7.5 Refresh. The new system software upgrades the messaging app by permitting users to attach multiple files to a single multimedia message. The update also makes it possible to export phone contacts to a SIM card, as well as selectively import contacts from a SIM card to the device. Last, the update adds flip-to-silence. AT&T said the update will be made available soon.
Nokia Offers Updated Pulse Beta to Lumia Phones
Nokia today announced that a new beta version of its Pulse messaging service is available to the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. Pulse is a collaborative event/messaging tool for Windows Phones that allows users to send invitations to others complete with locations, directions, ratings, and other data embedded in the message. The app can then update information about planned events in real-time based on user locations and additional messages. New features of Pulse Beta include the ability to sign in with Facebook accounts, the ability to start new conversations as soon as the app opens, and new visibility of app updates via the app's Live Tile. Nokia has also improved the performance of the application, allowing users to consolidate multiple email addresses for individual contacts and more easily edit app data. The current version of Pulse is 0.8.0.0. Nokia said that the roll out of beta 0.9.0.0 will vary by region, and users can check for the update via the Marketplace or their desktop client.
AT&T to Sell Pink Lumia 900 Starting July 15
AT&T today announced that consumers who prefer pink will be able to purchase a pink-colored Nokia Lumia 900 beginning July 15. As with the black, white, and cyan versions, the pink Nokia Lumia 900 will cost $99 with a new contract. The Lumia 900 runs Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, and will not be updated to Windows Phone 8 Apollo later this year. It will, however, receive the Windows Phone 7.8 user interface skin, which includes a new Start screen. That update is expected to arrive this fall.
Nokia Lumia Phones Headed to Verizon and Sprint 'Soon'
Nokia's Richard Kerris, VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, said in an interview with Neowin that the phone maker expects Lumia Windows Phone devices to be available from Verizon Wireless and Sprint in the U.S. soon. Though Kerris didn't reveal any specific details, his comments reiterate earlier statements made by Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who said that Nokia planned to offer differentiated Lumia devices to each of the four major U.S. carriers. "Soon" in this case likely refers to this Fall, which is when Windows Phone 8 is expected to debut. Kerris also reiterated that the imaging technology used in the PureView 808 will make its way to Lumia Windows Phone device, though he declined to say which device or when. Last, Kerris said that the company is spending a significant amount of money on research and development and that "people will be climbing over themselves" to get new Nokia products come the Spring of 2013.
Software Update for Lumia 800 and 710 Adds Mobile Hotspot
Nokia recently announced that a system update will be pushed to the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 in the coming weeks. This update does not change the system software to Windows Phone 7.8, but it does add several new and useful features. Once updated, both the 800 and 710 will be able to share internet connections with other devices via Wi-Fi. Mobile hotspot can support up to five other devices. The update also adds the flip-to-silence feature for incoming phone calls, and delivers compatibility with several new applications, including Camera Extras, Counters, Contact share, and more. The update is for all global variants of the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710, and Nokia expects all devices will receive the update by the end of July. The Lumia 900 and Lumia 610 already have these features.
Nokia Outlines Commitment to Windows Phone 8 and Lumia
Nokia joined Microsoft on stage in San Francisco today to reiterate its commitment to the Windows Phone platform and talk about specific features and support Nokia Lumia owners can expect from Nokia moving forward. First, Nokia will provide the Windows Phone 7.8 update to all of its Lumia devices. WP7.8 provides the new WP8 Start screen to older Windows Phone devices, but doesn't bring most of the platform's new features. Nokia also plans to offer new apps exclusive to Lumia Windows Phones, including Camera Extras, which adds action shot, panorama, and a timer to the camera. Other exclusive apps include Contact Share, which lets Lumia owners easily share contact details via SMS; Play-To, which lets Lumia owners share pictures, videos, and music with other DLNA–enabled devices; and a refresh of the Nokia Music 3.0 application, which adds new features as well.
Nokia Plans Layoffs, Strategic Change, Exec Change-Up
Nokia today announced a significant reorganization of its business in hopes of saving costs and becoming more efficient. The company plans to lay off approximately 10,000 workers worldwide through several plant closings and the consolidation of other facilities. The layoffs are expected to be complete by the end of 2013. Nokia also plans to renew its focus on core parts of its business that will help it shore up its Lumia smartphones and feature phones. The company will invest in technologies that will make its phones stand out from competitors' devices, and will invest in more location-based technology to further differentiate its phones. Nokia also said that it plans to offer a wider range of low-cost Windows Phones, similar to the Lumia 610. As part of today's announcement, Nokia said that it plans to focus its marketing and sales activities on key markets, streamline its IT and other support organizations, and reduce investments in non-core assets. The strategic reorganization also brings with it significant changes to the company's leadership ranks. Chris Weber, who has spearheaded Nokia's efforts in North America for the past year, has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing. Other promotions include Tuula Rytila to senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and Susan Sheehan as senior vice president of communications. Mary MacDowell, who has served as executive vice president of mobile phones, is leaving the company. Other departures include Jerri DeVard, executive vice president and chief marketing officer and Niklas Savander, executive vice president of Markets. The departures are effective June 30 and the new leadership roles will go into effect July 1. Nokia believes all these changes will help it become more competitive in the market.
System Update for Nokia Lumia 900 Stomps On Bugs
Nokia today announced a maintenance update for the Lumia 900, which is sold by AT&T. The update is meant mainly to fix bugs, including the purple hue which affected the screen of some devices in low light conditions. The update improves sensitivity for the proximity sensor, and makes a handful of other minor adjustments and enhancements. The update can be downloaded through the Zune client or Windows Phone Connector for Mac. Nokia said that a similar update will be made available to international versions of the Lumia 900, as well.
Nokia Updates Its Maps and Transport Apps
Nokia today provided updates to both Nokia Maps and Nokia Transport beta for its Lumia smartphones. New features in Nokia Maps include the ability to submit and view photos and reviews of destinations, the ability to save and synchronize favorites across platforms (Lumia phones, PCs, and Nokia Belle), and the ability to pin specific locations to the start screen. New features in the Nokia Transport beta application include detailed views of mass transit lines and the ability to pin multiple destinations to the start screen. Both apps are free to download and are exclusive to Nokia's Lumia Windows Phone devices.
LTE Goes Live for AT&T Customers in Cleveland
AT&T has turned on its LTE 4G network in Cleveland, Ohio. AT&T customers in that market will be able to access faster data services with devices such as the HTC One X and Nokia Lumia 900.
AT&T Wants Device Subsidies to Be As Low As Possible
AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega told investors at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference today that the company is doing what it can to offer devices with low subsidies. "We have to watch subsidies and make sure that we bring devices to market that customers love and will keep and have low subsidies," he said. In the U.S., wireless network operators often subsidize the cost of handsets for customers who sign new contracts. Customers are then able to afford a decent device, and the carrier recoups the subsidy over the life of the contract. de la Vega cited the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC One X as good examples of devices with low subsidy points. "These are great devices that I think customers will like," de la Vega said. The full retail price of the Lumia 900, for example, is $449. AT&T sells it for $99, meaning it subsidizes $350 of the device cost. The iPhone 4S, however, costs $649 at full retail (16GB version). AT&T sells it for $199, meaning it subsidizes $450 of the device cost. Keeping device subsidies low will help AT&T reduce its margins and other costs. de la Vega also reiterated that the company is working to offer shared data plans later this year, which he believes will help increase sales of tablets.
Nokia PureView 808 to Be Sold Unlocked in the U.S.
Nokia's North American chief Chris Weber said that the PureView 808 41-megapixel camera phone will be sold in the U.S., though not by U.S. wireless network operators. Instead, Nokia will make an unlocked version available that will be compatible with AT&T's 3G network. "We'll figure out a way to make that available in the U.S. in the next couple of months," he said in an interview with PCMag. Weber also said that the company understands how important Verizon Wireless is in the U.S. marketplace and is "working hard to make that a reality." Nokia's Lumia 710 and Lumia 900 are available from T-Mobile USA and AT&T, respectively.
Nokia Pushing Out Reading App for Lumia Line
Nokia today announced the initial availability of its Nokia Reader application. Nokia Reader is an e-reader type application that offers content in a number of different languages. Nokia believes that the ClearBlack display used by its Lumia smartphones helps reduce glare and make reading on the phone's display easier. The application also has adjustable text size, and a night mode for when reading in the dark. The initial launch countries are France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK. Others will follow over the rest of the year. The app is free.
PayPal, Box, Other Apps Headed to Nokia Lumia Phones
Nokia today announced new software partnerships that will bring exclusive content to its line of Lumia Windows Phone devices. Some of the most prominent apps that will only be available to Nokia's smartphones at launch include the Box cloud storage service and PayPal mobile. Others include Time Magazine and Newsweek, Groupon and Tripdots, and Angry Birds and other EA titles. The apps will become available over the next few weeks in the Windows Phone Marketplace in 48 markets around the world.
Nokia Lumia 900 Network Bug Fix Now Available
Nokia has made a small system update available for the Lumia 900 Windows Phone. The update fixes a memory management issue that affected the device's ability to remain connected to AT&T's data network. The update can be installed through Microsoft's Zune client or Windows Phone Connector for Mac. Consumers are still able to replace their Lumia 900 for an updated Lumia 900 in an AT&T store if they’d prefer. Nokia said the $100 credit offer will remain in effect through April 21st.
AT&T's LTE Network Goes Live in St. Louis
AT&T today announced that its LTE 4G network is now available to customers in the St. Louis metropolitan area. AT&T had already announced that St. Louis would receive LTE coverage, but hadn't provided a date when the service would be available. AT&T today also expanded the availability of LTE in New York City to Staten Island. Earlier this week, AT&T launched LTE in two markets in Indiana and one in Texas. The market expansion coincides with the launch of two new LTE-capable handsets, the Nokia Lumia 900 and the HTC Titan II.
Nokia Says Software Fix On the Way for Lumia 900
Nokia today confirmed to AllThingsD that a memory management problem is preventing a limited number of Lumia 900 smartphones from properly accessing ATT's cellular network. According to Nokia's North American chief Chris Weber, the problem is software related and not associated with the 900's hardware or ATT's network. Nokia has prepared a fix that will be distributed to 900s that have been purchased by customers, though it is also manufacturing new devices with the softare fix already loaded. Owners of the 900 may exchange their device if it is experiencing trouble accessing ATT's network. Nokia is also offering a $100 rebate to all 900 owners, even if they aren't having any issues with the phone. The credit is being made available for all Lumias sold through April 21. "We’re already manufacturing devices with the new software," Weber said. "Those are being shipped to AT&T stores. The customer always comes first and I think we’re showing it here."
Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac Gets Feature Bump
Microsoft has made a new version of Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac available to users of Apple computers. The version (2.0.2) brings mostly connectivity improvements in conjunction with the release of the Nokia Lumia 900. It adds sync/import support for Apple Aperture, drag and drop file import, ringtones transfer support, improved video conversion, and support for the Windows Phone Marketplace. The app also makes improvements to backup/restore operations, podcast and photo import, iTunes import, video metadata, and 13 more languages.
Nokia Lumia 900 Hits AT&T Stores April 8 for $99
The Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone will go on sale starting April 8 for $99.99 with a new contract, reports CNet. Customers can pre-order the black and blue models starting March 30, the white version will be available April 22. The Lumia 900, announced at CES in January, has a 4.3-inch ClearBlack display, 1.4GHz processor, 8 megapixel camera, polycarbonate shell, and it runs Windows Phone 7.5.
Nokia Offering DLNA-Based 'Play To' App to Lumia Phones
Nokia recently released a beta application called Play To, which uses DLNA technology to allow Lumia smartphone users to share media from their device to other DLNA-compatible equipment. To start, the application can share photos and video, but not music. Nokia plans to add music-sharing support at a later time. Nokia hopes that beta testers will help it fine-tune the application before it reaches a planned general release through the Windows Phone Market. The software is free to download and use.
Nokia Updates Drive, Maps, and Transport for Lumia Line
Nokia has delivered updates to its Drive, Maps, and Transport applications to the Marketplace for Mobile. All three apps include new features that are available only to Nokia's Lumia smartphones. In Nokia Drive, the application now works fully offline, and can provide locally relevant information such as speed limits. In Nokia Maps, users can more easily create, manage, and share lists of visited locations, as well as see live traffic updates in a wide number of countries. Last, Nokia Transport provides public transportation and walking directions in more than 510 cities across 46 countries, and public transport timetable data in 86 cities. All three applications can be downloaded and used for free on Nokia Lumia smartphones.
Nokia Reveals Hotspot Feature Headed to Lumia Line
Nokia has indicated via a FAQ posted to its web site that its Lumia Windows Phone devices will be updated with support for the mobile hotspot feature. The Lumia 800 and 710, which are already available in some markets, do not include this feature. According to Nokia, the feature will be added in a future system update, though the timing and availability of the update was not provided. The Lumia 900 and Lumia 610 will support mobile hotspot at launch.
Nokia Says 'PureView' Tech Headed to Lumia Smartphones
Nokia has confirmed that the PureView camera technology first revealed in the 808 PureView Symbian smartphone will eventually make its way to the Finnish phone company's Lumia Windows Phones. "PureView imaging technologies [will] be used to deliver high end imaging experiences in future Nokia products," said Nokia representative Chris Hollis to Phone Scoop in an email. "Since Nokia is committed to Windows Phone as its primary smartphone platform, that includes plans to bring PureView imaging experiences to Lumia over time. No details of products or timelines have been confirmed." Hollis' statement echoes comments made recently by Nokia's Jo Harlow, who told Finnish newspaper Aamulehti that it won't be long before the technology appears in Lumia smartphones.
Nokia Teases High-End Phone, But Lumia 610 Tipped, Too
Nokia has released a teaser video on YouTube that hints it will announce a smartphone with a high-end camera in the coming days. The video includes the tagline "Get Ready to Capture a Pure View" and shows a montage of images. At the same time, Reuters today reports that Nokia is prepared to also announce an inexpensive Windows Phone smartphone at its press conference scheduled for February 27. Reuters' sources say that the Lumia 610 will run Windows Phone, but can be sold at low pirce points. Reuters also notes that Nokia will announce a global variant of the Lumia 900, which is being released by AT&T later this year.
Hands-On: Nokia Lumia 900
Nokia's Lumia 900 is a seminal smartphone in many ways. Here are our hands-on impressions.
Nokia Makes the Lumia 900 for AT&T Official
Nokia today announced the Lumia 900 Windows Phone device for AT&T at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Lumia 900's stand-out feature is its support for AT&T's LTE 4G network. Other features of the Lumia 900 include a 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display, 1830 mAh battery, 1.4GHz processor, front-facing camera for video chats, and Carl Zeiss optics for the 8-megapixel main camera, and 512MB of RAM. The Lumia 900s design is based on the N9 and the Lumia 800, and is carved from solid polycarbonate. It will be an exclusive device for AT&T. Pricing and availability were not revealed.
Liveblog: Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T
Nokia has promised us the first Windows Phone with 4G LTE, and it will be exclusive to AT&T. Tune it for details as they unfold!
Nokia to Debut LTE 4G Windows Phone in U.S. with AT&T
Nokia CEO Stephen Elop today said that the company is going to launch its first Long Term Evolution 4G Windows Phone device in the U.S. market with AT&T. The New York Times earlier reported that Nokia would unveil the Lumia 900. Nokia has a separate press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon during CES in Las Vegas. It is expected to show the Lumia 900 at that time.
Nokia to Debut Lumia 900 at CES, Says New York Times
Nokia on Monday will is reveal the Lumia 900, a Windows Phone device for the AT&T network, reports The New York Times. Citing unnamed sources, the Times says the company is going to show off the "sleek, metallic" phone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Nokia and AT&T both have press conferences scheduled for Monday, January 9. The Times' sources didn't provide more details about the handset.
