According to Nokia's website yesterday an update to PC Suite was released; PC Suite 6.85. If you try to download it by following the normal "next" steps on the graphic version of the site it coincidentally will link to version 6.84. In order to get 6.85 you need to switch to the non-graphic version and then navigate to the right PC Suite for your device.
http://nds1.nokia.com/files/support/global/phones/software/Nokia_PC_Suite_rel_6_85_12_0_eng_web.exe
Recently I sold my Nokia N95-1 to my friend. Since my friend is a convert from Windows Mobile (iMate SP3i) he wasn't too speedy on using his FIRST Symbian device. I had to take care of the sale during my quick return trip to Chicago and then fly back to Poland after 5 days. I was VERY busy and I was supposed to give my friend a brief training on Symbian OS. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to do so and my friend had to go back home to Toronto as well. Prior to giving him the phone, I did a hard reset to remove all of my junk from the device. Upon the arrival in Toronto, next day my friend called me and asked how to use the headphones with the remote. I told him to just plug it in and it should work BUT he kept getting the device selection menu (Headset, Headphone, TV Out, Music Stand). So I instructed him to select the Headset profile. It still did not work. What's more interesting is the fact that prior to my trip to Poland in October the headset worked without any problems so I felt really bad because it seemed like I sold my friend a device that just decided to die. I swore I did not sell him a lemmon and just to double check I was giving him the right instructions I checked the headset on my brand new N95-3 which arrived just two days earlier; everything worked. Since I really had no time to look into the problem I told my friend I'd look into it when I get to Poland.
Well... I'm in Poland now (again) and yesterday I got a call from my friend with a SHOCKING detail he dug out on the net. Apparently as Jeff discovered, headset remote that comes bundled with N95's has an internal battery (the standard CR2032). After further check up it's not mentioned ANYWHERE in the manual and according to some posts found on the net (some even pointing to Nokia's discussion forum..albeit MEA (that's Middle East and Asia) it's not officially user replaceable part. Shame on Nokia for hiding this little bit of information. The posts on forum suggest that after 6 months the battery dies and all you need to do is contact the local Nokia Service Center and my guess is that you will be handed a new remote. That's in a perfect world. What happens if the battery will die on the 366th day of the ownership? Will you be sent away and told that the device is out of warranty or will Nokia try to sell you a brand new headset for $30 or whatever it costs these days. Now Nokia... Play nice....
I asked my friend to snap some pictures where the two crucial items are to replace the battery and to be honest it doesn't look like a hard thing to do but as I do not have my headset with me here at the moment, I can't tell. All you need to do is remove the pin holding the clip in place and then remove the screw on the back of the remote. If anyone can try this and post comments and more pictures, it would greatly help everyone that thinks their remote is dead..or worse yet...take their phone to the repair center for an unnecessary "service".
Thanks to Jeff for discovering this little secret (and you have an N95 picture taking training session coming up)
REALLY cool short video of N95-8GB in production at Nokia factory in Finland
read more | digg story
I'll take the guy. When I saw this Motorola RAZR 2 commercial in Poland for the first time my jaw dropped. Not for the phone but the overall commercial production. I'm willing to ditch Nokia if Moto will include this guy with the phone. Apparently this guy is well known. His name is Matt Mullins. He's a Martial Arts champion and originally from Chicago. I hope he comes to visit his mama :-) Why can't Nokia have commercials like that??
"Motorola Razr2 commercial starring Matt Mullins & Nikolett Barabas. Directed by Tarsem. Fight Choreographed by Steven Ho."
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
But I like it...Nah...not really but I also don't like when someone insults my knowledge and treats me like an idiot. I decided to sell my Euro version of N95 (known as N95-1) and replace it with the US version known as N95-3. Now EVERY gook in the world knows these descriptions and it does not need an explanation. But what about an average Joe that decides to buy this "multimedia computer" to use on at&t in the US (or recently on Rogers and Fido in Canada)...well Houston..we have a problem.
Since I'm searching for a deal on N95-3 I stumbled across a few websites. Since I like a certain reseller for their selection (let's call them Pussy Direct) I found two Nokia N95's on their website with two different prices. BOTH OF THEM however were described as "US Versions". Ones price was $539 and the other ones was $650. Since both were listed as US versions I decided to engage myself in a little research chat with sales representative. Mind you I was quite "rough on the edges" and a "smartass" during the conversation when I sensed the guy started treating me like a "stupid customer". Luckily I knew what I was looking for but had I been an average consumer, I would have bought the wrong device. It's a SAD SAD state where you expect some kind of pre sale help and you end up being treated like an idiot by some sales guy who's trying to sell you the device. Look at the bottom of the chat... I learned that N95-3 is an updated version supporting 3G network - that's supposedly what 3 stands for and that N95-1 did not support 3G network. Below is the transcript of my conversation...
(Names, e-mails and company name was changed to protect the privacy)
----------------------------------------------
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
You have been connected to Sales Rep:
Sales Rep: Thank you for contacting xxxxxxxxxx.com How may I assist you?
Me: Hello. I'm looking for US Version of Nokia N95. Your website has them listed but with two different prices. Which one is the correct version N529-1142 or N529-1102
Sales Rep: let me take a look, just a second.
Sales Rep: they are both the
is an updated version
Sales Rep: its the n95-3
Me: what version is N529-1102 then ?
Sales Rep: its the n95
Sales Rep: N529-1102 is the n95 , N529-1142 is the n95-3
Me: I understand it's N95 but what 3G frequencies does it support?
Sales Rep: GSM 1900 , GSM 1800, GSM 850, GSM 900, WCDMA 850, WCDMA 1900
Me: So If I'm going to but the N529-1102 then I'll get WCDMA 850 and WCDMA 1900 frequencies ?
Sales Rep: the 1102 only has: GSM 1900
WCDMA 2100
GSM 1800
GSM 850
GSM 900
Me: Then your website is falsely advertising wrong product - N95 with WCDMA 2100 is European version of the phone.
Sales Rep: this is the US version as it has a warranty for 1 year provided by Nokia, we might be missing some specs in our website possibly, the European version has no manufacturer warranty
Me: So will you guarantee that If I buy N529-1102 it WILL WORK on at&t 3G frequency ?
Sales Rep: yes, this item is covered by the 30 day iron clad guarantee
Sales Rep: Would you like to be transferred to a senior sales agent that can place an order for you?
Me: No...thanks. You’re providing me with an incorrect information. I don't want to buy for try...I want to buy for use and with WCDMA 2100 this phone WILL NOT work on at&t 3G service.
Me: Pussy Direct should change their advertising before someone files a law suit for false advertising. Thanks for your help
Sales Rep: we can verify this information for you
Me: Please do....
Me: I am interested in US Version of N95 which will work on at&t 3G service - not N95-1 which WILL NOT due to WCDMA 2100 frequency
Me: can I get a confirmation via e-mail? I'm ready to make a purchase but I don't want to buy a lemon (Which N95-1 would be)
Sales Rep: the one that works on 3G networks is the N95-3 , the N529-1142
Sales Rep: on the specs on our site it lists them as WCDMA 850
WCDMA 1900
Me: ok - so N529-1102 should not be listed as US Version as this is VERY misleading.
Sales Rep: there are 2 versions for this phone, the original wasn’t 3g capable
Sales Rep: that’s why the update has a -3 to signify the 3G capability
Me: Please... Don't offend my knowledge. Thanks for your help. Perhaps Pussy Direct should re-train their sales support associates. Thanks for your help
Sales Rep: i will forward this chat to the product manager, so he can verify the information on our site and if its incorrect update it
Sales Rep: if you like let me have your email and i will keep you updated, im not trying to offend your knowledge
Me: me@myemailprovider.com
Sales Rep: we wouldn’t be advertising this item with a 30-day iron clad guarantee if its not capable of doing what were advertising it to do
Sales Rep: i will keep you posted once i get a response from the product manager
Me: I totally understand but at this point what Tiger is advertising is incorrect. Anyway I'll appreciate your findings. Thank you for your time.
Sales Rep: i found a link thru google if you like i can share it with you
Me: sure...by all means
The agent is sending you to http://www.mobiletechreview.com/phones/Nokia-N95-3.htm.
Me: I know about N95-3 but Pussy Direct is Advertising N95-1 as a US Phone. It's wrong. Anyway again thanks for your time and Please do e-mail me your findings.
Your session has ended. You may now close this window.
So it's just a little over six minutes left. Flickr's from Stefan, Mark and Jeremiah are already filled with photos from the Nokia house. What will it be?? Of Course... N82. A Beauty is the word to describe it. From the way it looks the device appears like a kick ass business oriented phone but with features that will satisfy every geek..and Harajuku girls and Hello Kitty barring teens. The pressure is going up. So I'm off to the official unveiling (virtual). Will be back with more.
So the launch was a bit confusing. It looks like it worked only in Internet Explorer the way it's supposed to. None the less the chat with Nokia Product Managers was quite interesting. It really does seem that N82 is targeted as the picture taking device even though it has exactly same features as the Music / Multimedia oriented N95..but in a different form factor. From the chat and the comments from Stefan and Mark it appears that the device is built really well. No creaking sounds like on some phones. As much as I love the sliding form factor of N95, this is yet another "moving" part which has the potential to wear out. This is not the case on N82 - no moving parts - just a solid block.
At this point N82 is only available as UMTS 2100 Device so it won't work in the US on ANY 3G network. The fastest you will get is EDGE speeds on T-Mobile or at&t. Unfortunately I did not receive response to my question whether it will be announced for the US market any time soon. As I said earlier...as much as I like this device I think I will hold off for two to three months and see if there will be a US version on the horizon. T-Mobile is being held ransom by LAZY US government and their bureaucracy and the general laziness to vacate the spectrum T-Mobile bought during the Advanced Wireless Spectrum auction (AWS) which prevents them from flipping the on switch to their 3G network. Maybe then Nokia will pay more attention to the US Market if we will have more than one network....
Back to N82... I also asked Nokia Product Managers about the camera lag. Stefan and Mark again jumped in and said it was GREATLY improved over N95. I think this was a MUST-DO thing.. With LED flash the phone can turn on the LED lamp and let it blind people for 4-5 seconds which can allow for camera shutter lag. In Xenon flash case this would not work. Xenon flash flashes light for only a fraction of the second but with MUCH higher intensity therefore the shutter has only so much time to capture that light and make the picture look right. To put it easier.. in LED based flash the LED light waits for the shutter. In Xenon case the shutter waits for the Light source form the Xenon bulb - opposite set up. Thank God because of this implementation now we have a REAL camera for taking Good photos. Go to Mark's photo stream to look at some of the pics taken with N82. I especially like the photo of salad dish Mark took with N82. This shows the REAL quality of N82's camera.
As far as the price of the device - it's now on par with N95 (not the 8GB but the Standard version). It has the same features (plus Xenon) so it's good to see that Nokia did not go crazy and smack a $800 price tag on it. I'm almost tempted to even ditch the 3G features of the device and go for it anyway. Whenever I'm somewhere I'm usually within the reach of WiFi hot spot so I'd be happy for the time being...until UMTS 1700 would be released that is :-) ).
Next on the agenda was GPS. On N82 it's also A-GPS just like on N95 is. Nokia provides the "A" part of the GPS - the Assisted server. According to Stefan Constantinescu it took only 15 seconds to acquire the signal. AMAZING. Finally a gps or is it a-gps :-) that works right out of the box. As everyone (myself included) knows the original release on GPS (prior to enabling assistance server) on N95 caused the functionality to be a COMPLETE flop. Often I'd leave work and by the time I grabbed the gps signal it would take 5-10 minutes. If I was in a city or place where I did not know, I would have to sit for 10 minutes and wait for the signal. Thank Heavens this will no longer be the case (as it was pretty much solved to about 90 seconds on N95 as well). N82...here I come...MAYBE. Hopefuly WOM World will get their hands on N82 soon and I'll be able to test drive it. Until then I will patiently await the arrival of the device at the stores.
UPDATE: Mark, Stefan and Jeremiah got a nice gift..they get to keep N82's...Congratulations guys
12 Hours left to launch. What will it be, how will it look? Oh my..the pressure is rising. But we all know it's the highly anticipated Xenon infused child of N95 and N73. A hybrid of both devices. All of the superb features of N95 crammed into the redesigned body of N73 and to put the cherry on top of the icing...a XENON flash. Now mobile photography will never be the same. Unfortunately only a few chosen ones were invited (Mark Guim from The Nokia Blog and Mr. PseudoFinn himself of Nokiausers.net) To be hones I'm jealous like heck. I wish I got an invite too. Well again courtesy of the WOM World folks I was invited (along with the rest of the world) to the virtual event tomorrow. So I'll be online with ants in my pants awaiting the official release like a every self respecting geek should. Theere are two things I'm interested in: #1 Price, and #2 will Nokia finally recognize the US market and release the device for ALL GSM networks there and not just the nazi at&t. By all I mean T-Mobile and at&t. Since tomorrow's announcement is the general release of the device this will be the Euro version but hopefully maybe a tiny hint of hope will be spilled as well for the unfortunate user as myself who loves N95-Euro, and will be upgrading to N95-US (good on at&t UMTS) only....BOOOOO.
And so the drooling starts again… In the beginning there was Nokia 3650, then 6680, then N80 to be followed by my current N95. Over the period of three years I jumped through so many phones that each time I buy one, it’s almost obsolete. My current N95, which I bought in April of this year is the Euro version as there seemed to be no indication that “semi” American version would be released. I say semi because it contains only at&t frequency and no T-Mobile (which is the carrier of choice for me). Even though it means that I will loose 3G connectivity while traveling to Europe I decided to make the jump because of the higher specs and upon my return to Chicago I will switch to the American version of N95 (aka N95-3).
It’s not enough that I was debating the upgrade form N95-1 (EU) to N95-3 (US) now we have another newcommer on the horizon (with the possibility of release next week during the upcoming Nokia event in Finland. It’s the N82 which saw the daylight back in May of this year through some shots leaked on the internet. N82 looks like a hybrid between N95 and N73. While i drool over it I am also a bit disappointed for a couple of reasons. #1 - the display seems to be smaller than N95 (it seems to be more comparable to the e-Series devices) and #2 is a single WCDMA band support. I can only hope that it will be re-released in the US with T-Mobile’s 1700Mhz frequency. I really dislike at&t and would absolutely hate it if I’d have to ditch T-Mobile because of the lack of kick-ass devices. Nokia at this point only released N75 and N95 with US 3G bands (s60 devices) and NONE on T-Mobile. YES… I know - T-Mob’s 3G is still “sleeping” but Nokia could make an effort and churn out a device that would support both at&t and T-Mobile so people would be ready.
So instead of mumbling and complaining about US networks lets go back to Nokia N82. Xenon flash is a long overdue upgrade. Why didn’t Nokia re-release N95-US and N95-8GB editions with Xenon light bulbs is beyond me. They pulled the lens cover to accommodate “thicker” battery so there’s has to be a millimeter or two under the hood for some changes. I’d really debating if I should skip N95-US at this point and leap over to N82. In either case I would not have much use out of 3G…On N82 it would be good only during my travel to Europe while N95-US would make sense only if I’d travel to Canada (Rogers launched 3G on the same band as at&t) and T-Mobile doesn’t roam in the US on 3G so one way or another I’d be without 3G. Another thing is while it would be REALLY nice to have 3G everywhere I go, I make a great use out of WiFi spots (and with my unlimited internet plan through T-Mobile I also get HotSpot access included at no extra charge all for $19.99 with all ports open and tethering to laptop). It would be nice to see faster uploading of photos to the web but for now I can survive. It would greatly piss me off though if I would decide to go for the Euro N82 just to find out that in two months it will be released with FULL US Support. And unfortunately I’m not a member of Nokia Blogger Relations program therefore I pay for all of my devices out of my own pocket and Nokia doesn’t offer any kind of discount or upgrade program for early adopter geeks such as myself so for now I will just drool for two or three months and see what the wind will blow in towards the standards unfriendly US Land. I’d love to hear comments on what factors are taken under consideration when choosing what HIGH END devices to buy or upgrade from “previous” model.