Tuesday, January 26, 2021
2021 Revisiting , Revising , Reinvisioning
After many years of chewing the ears off of and occassionally guiding friends and family about mobile tech I will be revisiting and updating MobileLust after 11 years.
Why now?
Well,extra time and the realization that my gowing public posts across the web-oh-sphere are soundbites of a broader perspective that could use a bigger canvas. So in that spirit, revisitng my Mobilelust, I hope, rather aim, to bring about a more subtle (not subtle at all), informative (perhaps) and robust means of expresssing a view and joy for most things mobile. Stay tuned! Changes incoming.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sony Xperia Ion on the lose
Decided to respond to a slough of comments on Engadget.
Sony ION (seemingly robust multimedia phone)
The Ion was officially announced not too long ago, but yea I agree with many of the comments below, in that time, mixed with impassivity , persuasive marketing and/or possible need (for replacement) , people have probably opted for whatever "hotness " is out which most recently includes the HTC ONE X, Lumia 900 , the HTC Titan 2 and a few (very very few months ago) the Samsung Galaxy S2, The Skyrocket, the Galaxy Note. Personally , I was waiting on the Sony Ion to come out especially now that Sony is now completely overseeing the development of its phones.
For those of you who are still looking to pick up a new phone via At& T I would recommend seriously considering this phone. Don't get caught up in the hype with how many processor cores and what not (last yours specs blah blah blah) ,if people only cared about this years specs ,then how does one explain the thriving used phone prices of the Galaxy S2, and other dual core phones? Nonetheless, this is Sony's 1st US phone in the new Xperia line and it's very well equipped if specs is of concern .
The new Xperia line carry the reality displays with Brivia engine , that have been well received. The ION has a screen with 720p resolution, which is this years technology no? , it has a huge battery , At&T's LTE, It has that micro Sd card ( unlike the 2nd wave of Windows Phones , The most recent HTC One series phones and ofcourse the Iphone) , this means you don't have to worry about using cloud services to access your content, which is in reality a security threat if you look into how it's offered and who actually uses it. Also ,if you're constantly in an area with no service (say underground) you can still access your media since it's on your SD card.
Imaging : a 12 MP camera, that can be started without unlocking the screen, which Sony has probably tweaked even more since the release of the Xperia S. That 12MP camera will be the highest resolution camera offered (and has been) in an android phone to date. Though MP is not the only thing that counts, it certain helps in the details department and if Sony has fixed it's faults then we might get something as capable as Sony Ericsson Satio (great build) and the N8 (minus the Xenon ) [ can't speak for the HTC Titan 2 as I have no experience with it. The other fun fact is the front facing camera is 1.3 MP and is capable of recording in 720P. Not sure why that's super important, but at the very lease pretty impressive from a technological stand point.
Software: Sony is making headway in alligning it's platform across it's mobile , gaming and computer devices. PlayStation gaming and Media Go are a reflection of that.
ICS vs. gingerbread, people are always so backwards when it comes to this, when in reality prior to ICS coming out gingerbread was the thing everyone wanted . Most people know the manufacturers often put their own spin on Android to offer something unique and also help differentiate their products and also carrier driven phones are subject to longer android software update delays b/c the company has to approve the software 1st.
Processor: Who cares? If the processor performs well (good speeds, good battery usage), especially if it allows the OS to work smoothly and with little to no lag. Alos take into consideration who the individual phone is setup ,
NFC is also present (this years technology no?) and Sony has made some use of that as well.
HDMI- out, connecting the phone to your TV directly, or using the DOC, Sony (Nokia and LG) are the few companies that have included this connectivity options. Not sure on the quality of MHL -HDMI adapter but from one experience I wasn't impressed with video and audio output (unlocked SG 2, very impressed on Nokia N8 output though.
DLNA- enough said
Carrier influence: the reality is that manufacturers have varying power with when a phone comes to a market and through what channels. If Sony Ion and HTC One X had come out around the same date, they would have cut into each others profits. More specifically the ION would have been the more profitable of the two (unless you purely like HTC) ,especially if given a similar price point.
Anyway I feel like I've begun ranting at this point, when simply my initial point was that alot of arguments that people, cell phone or mobile enthusiast ,the average jane, are driven by marketing with no real substance. Go for what you prefer but at least have a good sense of what matters(by informing yourself) , and what is something you would like to have.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Engadget's Reader Meeting NYC: Impressions on Nokia pt. 1
So a few weeks ago (Oct. 21st to be exact) I attended the Engadget's reader meeting in NYC held at the very cool Espace. It had been a while since I went to a technology related event (o where have you gone digitallife). Nonetheless, my main reason for going besides a change of pace was to possibly get my mits on some of the current gadget offerings from the likes of Samsung, Sony Entertainment and Nokia.
As expected, I spent the majority of my time by the Nokia display table/ booth, after all one of the reasons I went to the event (besides liking engadget pieces) was the hope that the Nokia N8 would be available, which is pretty exciting considering the device had been released early october. On the first attempt, I was able to squeeze a mobile carefully by someone who was standing by the table in what seemed to be a trance, which she soon snapped out of once she noticed I had taken the large orange device that was resting to the left of her. In fact she turned around as I held this large aluminum bodied device in hand. It definitely had a nice heft to it (oo that quality weight).After I was done rattling the phone, I proceeded to unlock the hibernating screen. Instantly I noticed the very deep blacks that were being presented and how they contrasted warmly with vivid shades of orange/brown, yellow - in short the image and more importantly the screen looked fantastic. I was also became entranced with the device until I looked on the back. It was a small window where a dual LED wielding camera was placed. It read 8 MP camera. And I said what? this isn't the N8, and then it dawned on me...wait a second this screen is huge, this phone is heavy hmmm. Could it be?...let me look at the sides..I started pushing at the screen sideways when surprise!! a 4 row qwerty popped out. My excitement shot through the roof because I had been holding the Nokia E7, a business centered hybrid phone that Nokia has been hailing as the next best communicator.
Now let's step back a moment, I didn't realize what I was holding till I looked at the back. But honestly the screen should have given it away, so should have the center placed menu button. To my defense the Nokia N8 and the Nokia E7 share a similar design aesthetic. Either way , the clear black technology that Nokia is now using is really something else. The 4" Amoled screen was bright (but not overwhelmingly so) and displayed warm vibrant colors ( I guess the orange background picture also got the best of me). I can say this new technology really makes a difference considering when I finally picked up the "real" Nokia N8 I saw how much better the E7's display looked. So in sum the screen was great, the only thing I felt kind of uneasy( though very minimally) about was the fact that the screen was slightly wobbly inside the aluminum body ( the Nokia N8 did not have this issue).
The non auto-focus of it all- So it was definitely weird to half-press on a camera button and not have anything happen. In short the idea of a fixed focus camera took me a second to grasp. Literally, I couldn't take a decent shot (initially due to a camera lens plastic and smudge) but somehow the Nokia representative could. So my tentative conclusion is that the camera can take good pictures, but I would want more hands on time with the phone's ideally to test out the camera in various indoor and outdoor environments.
Dual Led in video recording. Unlike the N8,the Nokia E7 has a 2 led flash that it can use during video recording. Though great for illuminating whatever item you are filming 3 feet in-front of you, leds are highly disruptive. For the most part, most people don't enjoy having a light blaring down on them while they're trying to enjoy themselves. Then again it all depends on the event and the person. Eitherway, after some thought and hands on time with the N8 , I wasn't as annoyed that it did not include an Led video light.
Symbian -After having read and watched video reviews of the improvements made in this new rendition of Symbian, I wanted to see them for myself. The first thing I noticed with the E7 (And later with the N8) was how snappy it was. I moved smoothly through the homescreens and in and out of menu items with easy. As other reviewers have noted the keyboard layout was a little trippy thanks to an alterations in the key layout and screen retail during message writing. Specifically, more of the screen retail is used for displaying the text you are writing whereas before it was a smaller region. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before people start getting use to it. I know I can get use to the auto rotation in messaging.
On a final note: I was also impressed with the dialer.There was a letter rich dial pad, no more mentally figuring out what letters go with what numbers when calling 1800- htp -izza.
My first impression on the E7 - I left the Engadget's reader event more impressed with the E7 than with the N8 which I'll explain later in more detail. As a preview, I'll say part of it had to do with the good blending of the familiar and the new the device seem to achieve. The Nokia E7's large, elegant and responsive screen (much like the competition)matched with a N97-esq form factor (which I also enjoyed), a good keyboard, a high spec camera (Xperia X2 is the only other I can recall) and a host of features that are also present in some of other new offerings (aluminum body, penta-band, wireless N, bluetooth 3.0, same CPU, GPU) from Nokia -seem to be the right blend. Though my current job doesn't require such necessities, I can see the convenience of using this business centered device to take care of quick communications via text, email and notably create, edit and view documents with easy on this reasonably sized screen. Overall the E7 makes sense. I wonder how different will the Nokia N9 be from this.
In pt. 2 I will discuss my initial impressions of the Nokia N8 and how I was able to control my gadget lust.
Note: I currently own a bordeaux Sony Ericsson Satio U1a (Sony Ericsson's 12MP camera phone running Symbian S60 5th Ed. w. Sony Ericsson's own magic sprinkled throughout) so naturally I wanted to see how the new Nokia N8 stacks up against it and in what ways could I justify purchasing an N8.
Thanks for reading, stay tuned for the next one
As expected, I spent the majority of my time by the Nokia display table/ booth, after all one of the reasons I went to the event (besides liking engadget pieces) was the hope that the Nokia N8 would be available, which is pretty exciting considering the device had been released early october. On the first attempt, I was able to squeeze a mobile carefully by someone who was standing by the table in what seemed to be a trance, which she soon snapped out of once she noticed I had taken the large orange device that was resting to the left of her. In fact she turned around as I held this large aluminum bodied device in hand. It definitely had a nice heft to it (oo that quality weight).After I was done rattling the phone, I proceeded to unlock the hibernating screen. Instantly I noticed the very deep blacks that were being presented and how they contrasted warmly with vivid shades of orange/brown, yellow - in short the image and more importantly the screen looked fantastic. I was also became entranced with the device until I looked on the back. It was a small window where a dual LED wielding camera was placed. It read 8 MP camera. And I said what? this isn't the N8, and then it dawned on me...wait a second this screen is huge, this phone is heavy hmmm. Could it be?...let me look at the sides..I started pushing at the screen sideways when surprise!! a 4 row qwerty popped out. My excitement shot through the roof because I had been holding the Nokia E7, a business centered hybrid phone that Nokia has been hailing as the next best communicator.
Now let's step back a moment, I didn't realize what I was holding till I looked at the back. But honestly the screen should have given it away, so should have the center placed menu button. To my defense the Nokia N8 and the Nokia E7 share a similar design aesthetic. Either way , the clear black technology that Nokia is now using is really something else. The 4" Amoled screen was bright (but not overwhelmingly so) and displayed warm vibrant colors ( I guess the orange background picture also got the best of me). I can say this new technology really makes a difference considering when I finally picked up the "real" Nokia N8 I saw how much better the E7's display looked. So in sum the screen was great, the only thing I felt kind of uneasy( though very minimally) about was the fact that the screen was slightly wobbly inside the aluminum body ( the Nokia N8 did not have this issue).
The non auto-focus of it all- So it was definitely weird to half-press on a camera button and not have anything happen. In short the idea of a fixed focus camera took me a second to grasp. Literally, I couldn't take a decent shot (initially due to a camera lens plastic and smudge) but somehow the Nokia representative could. So my tentative conclusion is that the camera can take good pictures, but I would want more hands on time with the phone's ideally to test out the camera in various indoor and outdoor environments.
Dual Led in video recording. Unlike the N8,the Nokia E7 has a 2 led flash that it can use during video recording. Though great for illuminating whatever item you are filming 3 feet in-front of you, leds are highly disruptive. For the most part, most people don't enjoy having a light blaring down on them while they're trying to enjoy themselves. Then again it all depends on the event and the person. Eitherway, after some thought and hands on time with the N8 , I wasn't as annoyed that it did not include an Led video light.
Symbian -After having read and watched video reviews of the improvements made in this new rendition of Symbian, I wanted to see them for myself. The first thing I noticed with the E7 (And later with the N8) was how snappy it was. I moved smoothly through the homescreens and in and out of menu items with easy. As other reviewers have noted the keyboard layout was a little trippy thanks to an alterations in the key layout and screen retail during message writing. Specifically, more of the screen retail is used for displaying the text you are writing whereas before it was a smaller region. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before people start getting use to it. I know I can get use to the auto rotation in messaging.
On a final note: I was also impressed with the dialer.There was a letter rich dial pad, no more mentally figuring out what letters go with what numbers when calling 1800- htp -izza.
My first impression on the E7 - I left the Engadget's reader event more impressed with the E7 than with the N8 which I'll explain later in more detail. As a preview, I'll say part of it had to do with the good blending of the familiar and the new the device seem to achieve. The Nokia E7's large, elegant and responsive screen (much like the competition)matched with a N97-esq form factor (which I also enjoyed), a good keyboard, a high spec camera (Xperia X2 is the only other I can recall) and a host of features that are also present in some of other new offerings (aluminum body, penta-band, wireless N, bluetooth 3.0, same CPU, GPU) from Nokia -seem to be the right blend. Though my current job doesn't require such necessities, I can see the convenience of using this business centered device to take care of quick communications via text, email and notably create, edit and view documents with easy on this reasonably sized screen. Overall the E7 makes sense. I wonder how different will the Nokia N9 be from this.
In pt. 2 I will discuss my initial impressions of the Nokia N8 and how I was able to control my gadget lust.
Note: I currently own a bordeaux Sony Ericsson Satio U1a (Sony Ericsson's 12MP camera phone running Symbian S60 5th Ed. w. Sony Ericsson's own magic sprinkled throughout) so naturally I wanted to see how the new Nokia N8 stacks up against it and in what ways could I justify purchasing an N8.
Thanks for reading, stay tuned for the next one
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Nokia N8 to date
The arrival of the Nokia N8 could not come any sooner. Notably reviews, blog post and the visibly evolutionary nature of the newest Symbian iteration (that they point out) make the N8's prospect as a game changer less and less viable. However, the fact that the N8 will be the last Symbian O.S. touting N-series phones makes it a historical marker of sorts. The N8 (and possibly the N9) also has the capacity to redeem Nokia for their N97 flip floppyiness. Furthermore, the N8 will be the first 12mp camera phone that can record video in 720p. Lastly, the N8 will be one of the 1st (if not the 1st) mobile to carry all 3G bands making it ideal for mobility between carrier's as well as international travel and resale. Oddly enough the former is not emphasized in Nokia's marketing strategy. I think this is has so far been a missed opportunity considering this phone will be an out of contract offering in the United States. Furthermore, with U.S. customers gaining access to robust mobile devices (hardware and OS wise) at severely subsidized prices, Nokia has to build a rationality or rather better vocalize an existing message if it intends to sell well among new buyers in the US. Here are some suggestions: (revised 7/12/10)
Pricing:
Offer competitive pricing ..if $450 or less is feasible for Nokia then I think it opens up the flood gates for people who are willing (or are forced to ) to shelf out a similar amount for new on-contract phones. For consumers who are use to purchasing phones out of contract this pricing would be the final ice cube in the decision making glass of lemonade.
Pricing and trade-in: Most people who are considering this phone probably own a decent phone which they will need to get rid of to make way for the N8. Perhaps Nokia can offer a decent trade-in discount that goes towards the N8's pricing?
Pricing justified by Service:
I think the service follow up is also a big place where manufactures have turned away from in terms of opportunity. Some companies are very much set in offering a short amount of hardware and software support which is further emphasized by the ephemeral life-cycle of mobiles today. Perhaps Nokia can be the one to take the first step by offering a 2 -2.5 year factory warranty service for it's Nokia N8. Not only an extend warranty but also a warranty that is international, whereby the N8 can be serviced in the country of it's user.Yes yes this may sound idealistic but if this would particularly make sense because the N8 has all 3g bands and would ideally be used by customers all around the world.
Think about it.. the Nokia N8 could be the "ideal" phone of a student studying abroad, of a tourist or better yet the one in one device one takes on vacation.
Warranty and relationships:
Companies long to inspire (or that's what they espouse) a longstanding relationship with customers and their brand (yes duhh), yet maintaining that relationship often falls through the cracks (i.e. Samsung i8910, T939 what happened?). For customers, knowing that the support is there from a manufacturer, whether it be software or hardware let's the customer know that the investment by the company goes beyond it's marketing. Furthermore, this extended warranty or premium warranty (no extra charge please) can justify a higher retail price.
Symbian and the N-series lineage:
Yes Nokia is the largest mobile manufacturer in the world (though not all of us know this). What customers want to know is what innovations does the N8 bring to the table. I think the best point to start from is to briefly show what innovations the N-series has provided throughout the years and how it's led to now (i.e. development).To some extent this is being fulfilled by Nokia via it's Nokia conversation forums. But ideally, what new customers especially need to know is how the Nokia N8 fit's among current offerings and future prospects.
Nokia Updates:
Nokia is known for shooting out devices with sketchy software but which manufacturer doesn't do this? the thing that may set Nokia apart is it's turn over, they are able to pump out OTA updates and if they truly believe in their product then they should invest the necessary resources to have a speedy, bright and quality driven force to support the N8. What I speak of as force can range from something as simple as a N8 customer service number akin to Sony Ericsson's Xperia service line to the presence of a focused group of N8 in-house developers and engineers that not only work the bugs out but also enhance the device per modern wants and needs.
Nokia labs innovations: self explanatory
Nokia's third party relations:
What can we offer the customer that's unique only to the N8? or rather what services can we get a hold of that are enhanced on the N8. For instance getting Skype as a standalone and easy to use application for the Nokia N8 would be one step. Being able to use the video call function over Wi-fi and 3G now that's impressive ( to bad Fring can't support said application anymore) . How about alittle swype action? how about alittle Dropbox (Symbian Guru and the like I feel your pain). How about being able to use the phone as mini-turn table via an application.
Asking the hard question:
what are the benefits for current companies who invest in Symbian?
Ovi suite and store:
Free maps yes we like...many many Quality apps for N8..we would like. Again third party relations ..critical after all there's the app store and Android market to primarily contend with.
The proof is in the putting:
Show people why the N8 is worth it, websites and bloggers alike have highlighted how this phone stacks up against it's competitors in terms of hardware and in most cases the N8 towers. Perhaps some of the marketing used for the Nokia N86 8mp can be applied(i.e. bungee jumping video recording). Though extreme , the strength of the N86 was highlighted through these videos. It wouldn't hurt to see Nokia offer a few of these phones to a variety of users and have them share their experience with the phone.
Alternatively, Nokia can take this everyday approach and highlight in a different way..showing off the camera, the multimedia, the office suite, the front facing camera, quality build, etc via skits.
Here's an idea:
This skit involves someone taking pictures at a wedding with a stand alone digital camera and someone else takes the same pictures with the Nokia N8, they compare the shots and the N8's snaps turn out to be of equal or better quality. The N8 owner then proceeds to instantly upload the pictures to picasa or something then the phone rings and the owner picks up... the digital camera owner is left in awe.
alternate:
Instead of the Digital camera , person B is using an Iphone 4 or something else worth comparing, Both people compare pictures, both people pick up their phones, the Iphone 4 drops bars, the N8 user walks away shaking his or her head...
A Nokia tour:
Akin to the blackberry tour, Nokia can go around different cities promoting the device..have people use the phone in real life ways( a la proof is in the putting).Have people interact with each other in different ways that are enhanced by the phones features. One project that I did enjoy from Nokia involved a music video that was filmed almost entirely by fans only using their mobiles. Nokia should also consider using the flagship stores such as the one located in NYC as a venue for a launch party, a place where the phone can be sampled, etc. Bottom line, the phone has to get out there into people's hands.
T-Mobile:
The relationship with T-Mobile USA is there..why not push for the Nokia N8 on T-mobile? with that said, the phone has to remain largely untouched, with the possible addition of T-mobile media and services.
It's soon going to be July and all consumers have of the N8 is largely official videos highlighting the N8's features in a rather tame way. As Steve Litchfield noted, these are rather uninspiring, and while they highlight some of technical prowess of the device it doesn't do much to draw the viewer in...say a la Apple or Motorola Droid..etc. The next 1.5 months will tell what Nokia's big step will be (assuming the N8 is still scheduled for August), let's hope it's something good.
Any thoughts? feel free to comment below
Pricing:
Offer competitive pricing ..if $450 or less is feasible for Nokia then I think it opens up the flood gates for people who are willing (or are forced to ) to shelf out a similar amount for new on-contract phones. For consumers who are use to purchasing phones out of contract this pricing would be the final ice cube in the decision making glass of lemonade.
Pricing and trade-in: Most people who are considering this phone probably own a decent phone which they will need to get rid of to make way for the N8. Perhaps Nokia can offer a decent trade-in discount that goes towards the N8's pricing?
Pricing justified by Service:
I think the service follow up is also a big place where manufactures have turned away from in terms of opportunity. Some companies are very much set in offering a short amount of hardware and software support which is further emphasized by the ephemeral life-cycle of mobiles today. Perhaps Nokia can be the one to take the first step by offering a 2 -2.5 year factory warranty service for it's Nokia N8. Not only an extend warranty but also a warranty that is international, whereby the N8 can be serviced in the country of it's user.Yes yes this may sound idealistic but if this would particularly make sense because the N8 has all 3g bands and would ideally be used by customers all around the world.
Think about it.. the Nokia N8 could be the "ideal" phone of a student studying abroad, of a tourist or better yet the one in one device one takes on vacation.
Warranty and relationships:
Companies long to inspire (or that's what they espouse) a longstanding relationship with customers and their brand (yes duhh), yet maintaining that relationship often falls through the cracks (i.e. Samsung i8910, T939 what happened?). For customers, knowing that the support is there from a manufacturer, whether it be software or hardware let's the customer know that the investment by the company goes beyond it's marketing. Furthermore, this extended warranty or premium warranty (no extra charge please) can justify a higher retail price.
Symbian and the N-series lineage:
Yes Nokia is the largest mobile manufacturer in the world (though not all of us know this). What customers want to know is what innovations does the N8 bring to the table. I think the best point to start from is to briefly show what innovations the N-series has provided throughout the years and how it's led to now (i.e. development).To some extent this is being fulfilled by Nokia via it's Nokia conversation forums. But ideally, what new customers especially need to know is how the Nokia N8 fit's among current offerings and future prospects.
Nokia Updates:
Nokia is known for shooting out devices with sketchy software but which manufacturer doesn't do this? the thing that may set Nokia apart is it's turn over, they are able to pump out OTA updates and if they truly believe in their product then they should invest the necessary resources to have a speedy, bright and quality driven force to support the N8. What I speak of as force can range from something as simple as a N8 customer service number akin to Sony Ericsson's Xperia service line to the presence of a focused group of N8 in-house developers and engineers that not only work the bugs out but also enhance the device per modern wants and needs.
Nokia labs innovations: self explanatory
Nokia's third party relations:
What can we offer the customer that's unique only to the N8? or rather what services can we get a hold of that are enhanced on the N8. For instance getting Skype as a standalone and easy to use application for the Nokia N8 would be one step. Being able to use the video call function over Wi-fi and 3G now that's impressive ( to bad Fring can't support said application anymore) . How about alittle swype action? how about alittle Dropbox (Symbian Guru and the like I feel your pain). How about being able to use the phone as mini-turn table via an application.
Asking the hard question:
what are the benefits for current companies who invest in Symbian?
Ovi suite and store:
Free maps yes we like...many many Quality apps for N8..we would like. Again third party relations ..critical after all there's the app store and Android market to primarily contend with.
The proof is in the putting:
Show people why the N8 is worth it, websites and bloggers alike have highlighted how this phone stacks up against it's competitors in terms of hardware and in most cases the N8 towers. Perhaps some of the marketing used for the Nokia N86 8mp can be applied(i.e. bungee jumping video recording). Though extreme , the strength of the N86 was highlighted through these videos. It wouldn't hurt to see Nokia offer a few of these phones to a variety of users and have them share their experience with the phone.
Alternatively, Nokia can take this everyday approach and highlight in a different way..showing off the camera, the multimedia, the office suite, the front facing camera, quality build, etc via skits.
Here's an idea:
This skit involves someone taking pictures at a wedding with a stand alone digital camera and someone else takes the same pictures with the Nokia N8, they compare the shots and the N8's snaps turn out to be of equal or better quality. The N8 owner then proceeds to instantly upload the pictures to picasa or something then the phone rings and the owner picks up... the digital camera owner is left in awe.
alternate:
Instead of the Digital camera , person B is using an Iphone 4 or something else worth comparing, Both people compare pictures, both people pick up their phones, the Iphone 4 drops bars, the N8 user walks away shaking his or her head...
A Nokia tour:
Akin to the blackberry tour, Nokia can go around different cities promoting the device..have people use the phone in real life ways( a la proof is in the putting).Have people interact with each other in different ways that are enhanced by the phones features. One project that I did enjoy from Nokia involved a music video that was filmed almost entirely by fans only using their mobiles. Nokia should also consider using the flagship stores such as the one located in NYC as a venue for a launch party, a place where the phone can be sampled, etc. Bottom line, the phone has to get out there into people's hands.
T-Mobile:
The relationship with T-Mobile USA is there..why not push for the Nokia N8 on T-mobile? with that said, the phone has to remain largely untouched, with the possible addition of T-mobile media and services.
It's soon going to be July and all consumers have of the N8 is largely official videos highlighting the N8's features in a rather tame way. As Steve Litchfield noted, these are rather uninspiring, and while they highlight some of technical prowess of the device it doesn't do much to draw the viewer in...say a la Apple or Motorola Droid..etc. The next 1.5 months will tell what Nokia's big step will be (assuming the N8 is still scheduled for August), let's hope it's something good.
Any thoughts? feel free to comment below
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sony Ericsson Satio revisit needed!!! Review Revists needed!!!
So I spent some time today researching the Sony Ericsson Satio (idou in its former life),you know Sony Ericsson's 1st 12mp smartphone totting Symbian s60 5th ed. you know.the 1st 12mp announced...2nd 12mp on the market which is now available, in black, for purchase in the US via www.sonystyle.com. Who would have thought that the "buggiest of them all" would be sold here..in probably one of the pickiest mobile markets in the world (no offense :)). Nonetheless, firmware updates have remedied some of the Satio's original flaws and have added new features (WVGA, FB integration). The $650 price tag however is a feature that will surely deter many of us...and only play the harp-like heart strings of the most devoted SE fanboys and girls. If I had the mula (USD currency) i might consider trying the Satio U1a as well..especially if AT&T was my carrier. Nonetheless, out of this muddy diatribe..I've found my original point-I haven't found any new videos or reviews of the Satio with this new firmware nor the USA version of the Satio. I think this in particular would be helpful for both potential buyers, current users and Sony Ericsson.
Potential Buyers:
Have a better sense of what the Satio is now in its product life. How it has improved and in what ways it remains flawed. A dis-benefit of latching on to some reviews is that more then often they are not done with prototype or pre-production models which contain shotty firmware or certain design features that are latter ommitted. But then again that's the nature of the beast. What would be nice is if certain reviews were revisted and updates were added to features that have been changed in some important way.
Current Users:
Not to far from the last statement made, having a sense of what the company has done to support the Satio will undoubtedly encourage some confidence in the buyer. If only the i8910 HD had the support it should have had from Samsung mobile it would be in a different place. certainly SE has the resources and if they expect people to shell out the kind of money you can use to by a well equipped HDTV then they better support the Satio. The Xperia has it's on number for gosh sakes..so software ,applications and any other support they can give should be a piece of cake..right?
Sony Ericsson:
Again not to far away from my earlier points and in simiple-errr fashion
Satio is available + Sony provides software support/firmware updates applications = People like Sony Ericsson!!!!
bonus:
SE lowers price point or makes deal with US Carrier = diversify customer segment + re-attract previous C905a/c905i buyers.
I'm curious to see what will happen in the coming months. Maybe I'll give the Sony Ericsson Satio (preferably in bordeaux red) a try.
P.S. Youtube page in the works!!!
Potential Buyers:
Have a better sense of what the Satio is now in its product life. How it has improved and in what ways it remains flawed. A dis-benefit of latching on to some reviews is that more then often they are not done with prototype or pre-production models which contain shotty firmware or certain design features that are latter ommitted. But then again that's the nature of the beast. What would be nice is if certain reviews were revisted and updates were added to features that have been changed in some important way.
Current Users:
Not to far from the last statement made, having a sense of what the company has done to support the Satio will undoubtedly encourage some confidence in the buyer. If only the i8910 HD had the support it should have had from Samsung mobile it would be in a different place. certainly SE has the resources and if they expect people to shell out the kind of money you can use to by a well equipped HDTV then they better support the Satio. The Xperia has it's on number for gosh sakes..so software ,applications and any other support they can give should be a piece of cake..right?
Sony Ericsson:
Again not to far away from my earlier points and in simiple-errr fashion
Satio is available + Sony provides software support/firmware updates applications = People like Sony Ericsson!!!!
bonus:
SE lowers price point or makes deal with US Carrier = diversify customer segment + re-attract previous C905a/c905i buyers.
I'm curious to see what will happen in the coming months. Maybe I'll give the Sony Ericsson Satio (preferably in bordeaux red) a try.
P.S. Youtube page in the works!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The mobile weight of it all : Quality weight ..what does it mean?
I've been a Nokia N86 owner for the past 3 months now and my verdict is... it's pretty good. As a previous owner of a Nokia N85 I can sincerely say that branding this phone as N85 8mp would have not done it justice. In doing so, one big, but seemingly superficial characteristic that sets the handset apart would have been overlooked...the the mobile's weight.
A difference is felt from the moment hand meets handset...I like to call it quality weight. Here "quality weight" is defined as weight that is indicative of the quality materials used in the construction of your handset. Don't get me wrong there are some relatively light handsets that will surely surprise in terms of performance..but drop it a couple of times and you'll see how badly it performs.
While the N85 had it's highlights and carried some weight..it still felt..lacking...it lacked the near 400 beans I spilled for it. The explosive sound it would make when it vibrated could only be a sign of it's somewhat danty and hollow construction. Certainly The N86's all glass front, the chrome band that incases the front part of the phone and that lovely 8mp sensor surely point to it's quality weight..certainly it's quality build.
I've owned a Samsung innov8 (i8510), i8910 HD, Xperia X1 and a Nokia N97 for a very short period..and I'd go as far to say that their quality weight shares a positive correlation with the user experience. Perhaps I'm pointing out my own preferences but when's the last time you picked up your mobile and said wow this is really a "smart phone" this is something "special" ,"cutting edge" something that has "presence".
The Samsung innov8 case in point is has presence and is practically indestructible (besides the infamous paint pealing).
Now don't get me wrong..advances in manufacturing have made it easiar to make high quality gadgets out there that don't bare the cheap plastic guts of their ancestors... E71, E72 and most recently the HTC Legend are evidence. But then there's the other wave of high end phones that are manufactured out of "high quality" plastics..your $500 + that's susceptible to cracks, chips,etc. I guess my point is..if the "smart phone" and overlapping "high end" phone market is so vast now-a-days then all manufactures that are producing them should strive to build top-end mobiles out of the best materials available/possible (same difference). Besides mass production I don't understand why building a mobile with a 3.something" +screen and covering it in plastic is a right way to go. What's the real expense? What's so bad about making a weighty phone? What's wrong with adding a tempered glass front to it all.Don't get me wrong I understand sometimes it's the nature of the beast and it can't be helped. When the manufacturer delivers you the plastic unibody ..you soon realize they have created a mobile that's fragile..cheap feeling,cheap looking and inevitably for some ..unsatisfying.
In conclusion... add some more metal, some carbon fiber (think LG secret but more CF) chrome,hardened tempered glass, Kevlar, etc. Companies should invest in their handsets to make consumers feel that spending the chunk of money on their mobiles was part of the end-user experience. Undoubtedly. invest at this level might actually set consumers at easy now that they have the pleasure of owning a mobile that has some "quality weight" to it.
A difference is felt from the moment hand meets handset...I like to call it quality weight. Here "quality weight" is defined as weight that is indicative of the quality materials used in the construction of your handset. Don't get me wrong there are some relatively light handsets that will surely surprise in terms of performance..but drop it a couple of times and you'll see how badly it performs.
While the N85 had it's highlights and carried some weight..it still felt..lacking...it lacked the near 400 beans I spilled for it. The explosive sound it would make when it vibrated could only be a sign of it's somewhat danty and hollow construction. Certainly The N86's all glass front, the chrome band that incases the front part of the phone and that lovely 8mp sensor surely point to it's quality weight..certainly it's quality build.
I've owned a Samsung innov8 (i8510), i8910 HD, Xperia X1 and a Nokia N97 for a very short period..and I'd go as far to say that their quality weight shares a positive correlation with the user experience. Perhaps I'm pointing out my own preferences but when's the last time you picked up your mobile and said wow this is really a "smart phone" this is something "special" ,"cutting edge" something that has "presence".
The Samsung innov8 case in point is has presence and is practically indestructible (besides the infamous paint pealing).
Now don't get me wrong..advances in manufacturing have made it easiar to make high quality gadgets out there that don't bare the cheap plastic guts of their ancestors... E71, E72 and most recently the HTC Legend are evidence. But then there's the other wave of high end phones that are manufactured out of "high quality" plastics..your $500 + that's susceptible to cracks, chips,etc. I guess my point is..if the "smart phone" and overlapping "high end" phone market is so vast now-a-days then all manufactures that are producing them should strive to build top-end mobiles out of the best materials available/possible (same difference). Besides mass production I don't understand why building a mobile with a 3.something" +screen and covering it in plastic is a right way to go. What's the real expense? What's so bad about making a weighty phone? What's wrong with adding a tempered glass front to it all.Don't get me wrong I understand sometimes it's the nature of the beast and it can't be helped. When the manufacturer delivers you the plastic unibody ..you soon realize they have created a mobile that's fragile..cheap feeling,cheap looking and inevitably for some ..unsatisfying.
In conclusion... add some more metal, some carbon fiber (think LG secret but more CF) chrome,hardened tempered glass, Kevlar, etc. Companies should invest in their handsets to make consumers feel that spending the chunk of money on their mobiles was part of the end-user experience. Undoubtedly. invest at this level might actually set consumers at easy now that they have the pleasure of owning a mobile that has some "quality weight" to it.
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