Smartphones may soon listen in on you while they sleep

our smartphone may soon be able to hear and respond to you even when it's in sleep mode – that is, if the combined efforts of engineers at speech-recognition leader Nuance Communications and chipset makers succeed in their goal.

Nuance CTO Vlad Sejnoha told Technology Review that his company is collaborating with "a number of" chipmakers that are "thinking very actively" about how to pull off passive, sleepy-smartphone listening without inordinate battery drain.

The unnamed chip companies have certainly picked the right partner. Nuance dominates the speech-recognition software market, not only with apps such as Dragon Naturally Speaking for Windows and Dragon Dictate for Mac, but also by presumably providing the backend for Apple's much-maligned but reportedly (by Apple at least) now-improved Siri and the online-only voice recognition in OS X Mountain Lion.

Smartphones – both iPhones and Android-based handsets – can already respond to spoken queries and speech-to-text chores, of course, but Sejnoha wants to take the next step: having the phone respond without having to first be turned on. "Just turning on the device is part of the problem, right?", he rhetorically asked Technology Review. "So we're going to be smoothing that out, eliminating those problems as well."

Here at The Reg, we foresee a host of problems cropping up between Sejnoha and his vision. There are, of course, the engineering problems of how to create a listening system that uses a miniscule amount of power and how to filter voice out of background noise in usage situations less controlled than Dragon's rather stringent requirements.

More problematic, we believe, will be not only convincing users that it's a good thing to have their smartphones listening in on their every word, but also that those words aren't being used to develop personal profiles that could be of great value to marketeers and advertising targeters.

Your humble Reg reporter, for one, would find it intrusive if his smartphone, after having listened in on an earlier conversation about gołąbki or kluski śląskie recipes, might chime in unbidden with advertiser-supported Polish restaurant suggestions when the missus and he are discussing where to drop in for dinner.

Source : theregister

Nokia unveils Asha 308 and 309 full-touch smartphones

Nokia continues to expand its Asha Touch series of phones with two new additions, the dual-SIM Asha 308 and the Asha 309. The Finnish handset maker claims that these new devices are its most affordable capacitive touchscreen devices till date. They are priced at $99 (excluding taxes) and are expected to ship in the fourth quarter this year.

The new devices claim to offer a fluid 'swipe' user interface and an open environment for third-party application development. Both Nokia Asha 308 and 309 are 2G-enabled devices featuring a 3-inch WQVGA capacitive display with multiple home screens, FM radio, loud speakers, 1110mAh battery and 64MB internal storage with up to 32GB microSD card support.

The Nokia Asha 309 is the single SIM variant with additional Wi-Fi support, while the Asha 308 is a dual-SIM device (Bluetooth only) featuring Nokia's Easy Swap technology that enables users to switch between multiple SIM cards quickly and easily without  having to remove the battery or turn off the phone.

The phones also come with 40 premium EA games, Facebook and Twitter integration, the Nokia Messaging Service and video streaming through the browser from sites like YouTube, a first within the Asha Touch range.

Apart from the new Asha devices, Nokia also released a new version of the Nokia Xpress Browser, which offers up to 90% more efficient mobile browsing and faster access to rich web applications compared to conventional browsers.

Nokia also introduced the Nokia Life+ web app that allows users to access content ranging from education and health to infotainment as well. Nokia Life+ is available in English across 18 countries, with local versions coming to India, China and Indonesia in the fourth quarter of this year. Nokia Life+ can be accessed through the Nokia Xpress Browser or the Nokia Store.

Additionally, the Nokia Nearby web app also debuted that helps people discover new places by searching nearby locations and presenting the options on a map. The service is available via the Nokia Xpress Browser or as a feature within Nokia Maps.

The company also launched the Nokia Xpress Web App Builder, a new web-based tool that makes it even easier to build new applications. Publishers can use this tool to create web apps for Asha Touch devices and even novices can turn their web content into a fun and sophisticated web app for Nokia consumers.

The Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 will support the new services, amongst other Asha Touch phones and promise to deliver a full smartphone experience enriched with new web services and developer tools.

Recently launched Asha Touch phones by Nokia include the Asha 305 and 311 smartphones. The Nokia Asha 305 is a dual-SIM phone with a 3-inch WQVGA resistive touchscreen, Bluetooth, 2MP camera and comes pre-loaded with Nokia Maps. Nokia Asha 305 carries a price tag of Rs. 5,029.

The Nokia Asha 311 has a 3-inch WQVGA capacitive touchscreen, 1GHz processor, 3.2MP camera and also comes pre-installed with Nokia Maps. Nokia Asha 311 also comes with a 15 level pre-bundled version of Angry Birds. This smartphone retails for Rs. 7,139.

Nokia Asha 308 key specifications

• Nokia OS
• 3-inch WVGA capacitive touch display with 400x240 pixel resolution
• Dual-SIM
• 2MP camera
• Bluetooth 3.0connectivity
• 1110mAh
• 64MB internal storage, expandable upto 3GB via microSD
• FM Radio with RDS

Nokia Asha 309 key specifications

• Nokia OS
• 3-inch WVGA capacitive touch display with 400x240 pixel resolution
• 2MP camera
• WiFi and Bluetooth
• 1110mAh
• 64MB internal storage, expandable upto 3GB via microSD
• FM Radio with RDS

Source : gadgets

4 Reasons Why Apple Maps Will Draw Many More to Nokia; Google Maps to Compete

Even though many say Nokia is the underdog, it looks like Apple is taking a huge plunge because of its new and UN-improved maps app.

The new maps app is a part of Apple new iOS 6 operating system, and replaced Google Maps. Apple said it was made completely in-house with data from TomTom. It is supposed to have 3D maps and turn-by-turn navigation with spoken directions, and also real-time traffic information, and ability to "fly" over an area and more.


However, many customers have been complaining, which will give Nokia more room to gain more customers.

Not Right

According to FOXNews, many are saying Apple maps is frustrating, inconsistent and downright inaccurate, with missing public transit stops, roads that wave like curly pasta and key buildings flat-out absent.

Not Google Maps

Many customers want Google back. According to PCMag, many can still access Google Maps on the browser of their iOS device, but the experience is not as rich as the old iOS Maps app.

When asked whether it will develop a Google Maps app for iOS, a Google spokesman said only that "we believe Google Maps are the most comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps in the world. Our goal is to make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser, or operating system."

According to CNET, many lose Google's database.

"Apple Maps sources its location information from Yelp, which so far is less reliable than Google's offering. Losing Google's database also means you lose Street View. Also, you totally lose mass transit directions, which always existed on Google Maps. Though there is a button with a tiny bus icon, it shows only a list of third-party transit apps (so why include the button at all?). If you already own such an app it will appear at the top of the list, and when pressed, kick you out to that app. Otherwise, you'll be directed to the iTunes App Store to download a title. Granted, only people who take transit will care about this feature. But the point is that Apple has removed a useful feature that you formerly got for free. Some of the third-party options are great, and they may even be better than Google Maps, but you now have to jump through an extra hoop. And more importantly, some of those other apps will cost you."

Problems with 3D and Satellite

According to CNET, there are screenshots showing "quirky things like a roller coaster Manhattan Bridge or a pockmarked Toronto airport."

Also, Apple's satellite maps aren't up-to-date as some Google images. CNET gave an example: though some freeway ramps around CNET's offices in San Francisco were removed more than a year ago, Apple still shows them in place. Google does not.

Solution?

Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller told FoxNews.com the company was "working hard" to make the experience better and valued the criticism of customers.

"We launched this new map service knowing that it is a major initiative and we are just getting started with it. We are continuously improving it, and as Maps is a cloud-based solution, the more people use it, the better it will get," she said in a statement. "We're also working with developers to integrate some of the amazing transit apps in the App Store into iOS Maps. We appreciate all of the customer feedback and are working hard to make the customer experience even better."

Some tech people don't believe Apple will make those improvements fast enough.

"They don't hold their own against last generation's Google Maps on iOS 5," wrote Kyle Wagner on Gizmodo, who noted that "things probably won't be getting better any time soon," despite the company's statement.

Apple might not have time to come back.

According to MSN, Mashable.com wrote, "It's just that the problems are so numerous, Maps may never have a chance to prove itself before Google comes back strong. The search giant will soon release its version, probably after just enough time has passed for us all to try Apple's Maps and pronounce it DOA."

These four reasons could really hurt Apple's attempt to dominiate the market with their new iPhone 5.

Nokia maps is a huge competitor to Apple maps, as well as Google maps. Amazon recently announced that it teamed up with Nokia as a mapping partner for their new Kindle Fire HD series.

It will leave the much more widely known Google Maps and instead partner with Finnish telecom giant Nokia Oyj's mapping utility tools for the new mapping app.

"Bing Maps, the Microsoft Mapping service also signed a sharing of unified map design agreement contained in a broader strategic partnership with Nokia. Analysts have also placed a lot of emphasis in Amazon's interest in the NYC based 3D start-up UpNext, raising speculation that 3D geographical renderings could also be in the offing," NewsSimplified said.

Nokia recently took a few jabs at Apple and Google on their blog Sept. 21, according to CNET.

"Unlike our competitors, which are financing their location assets with advertising or licensing mapping content from third parties, we completely own, build and distribute mapping content, platform and apps," the company wrote. "In other words, we truly understand that maps and location-based apps must be accurate, provide the best quality and be accessible basically anywhere. That's been standard practice at Nokia for the past six years, and we also understand that 'pretty' isn't enough."

It looks like Nokia definitely has a huge edge up against Apple maps, and it was recently revealed that many would rather buy Nokia's new flagship phone the Lumia 920 instead of the iPhone 5. The new phone is said to launch at an event Oct. 21, with a release date around the holiday season. The new Apple maps could bring more customers to Nokia.

Source : booksnreview

Windows Phone 8 "Kanavos" concept handset is a thing of Mondrian beauty

Mobile phones meet art in this wonderful concept piece from designer Alexandros Stasinopoulos.

Called "Kanavos", it takes the standard Windows Phone 8 template, and extends the operating systems Tile UI design over into the chassis of the phone itself, for a beautiful marriage between software and hardware. It's almost like a Mondrian piece!

Source : techdigest

A War of Features: Nokia Lumia 920 vs. HTC Windows Phone 8

Looks like the world definitely took a liking to Windows 8, whatever little we’ve been allowed to take a look at so far. Even as we wait for the Surface tablet and Windows 8 PCs to launch in the market, the competition is heating up among Windows-based smartphones. Last week, we brought you a story about the newly launched Nokia Lumia 920’s features and how it compares with some of the other popular smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Apple’s yet to be launched iPhone 5. Now, close on the heels of Nokia’s announcement of the latest model, HTC has unveiled its high-end Windows-based smartphone, the HTC Windows Phone 8X.

It’s not just the timing that coincides with the Lumia 920; the HTC Windows Phone 8X even has features and specifications similar to the latest Nokia smartphone:

The similarities: Both these phones, based on the upcoming Windows 8 for mobiles, are powered by the same 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and 1 GB RAM. Both phones sport similarly designed HD displays with a resolution of 1280X720 pixels, have NFC capabilities and can run on 4G speeds in terms of connectivity. What’s more, they’re even available in identical colored cases – red, yellow, and black. While you get the option of going blue on the HTC phone, the Nokia Lumia 920 is also available in white and gray.

The differences: This is obviously where the actual war begins between these two Windows-based smartphones. In terms of cameras, the HTC phone has an 8MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front facing one, when compared to Nokia’s 8.7MP rear camera and 1MP front facing camera. In terms of storage space, the HTC phone has merely 16MB of internal memory, while Nokia has been pretty generous with 32GB of internal storage capacity. Even the battery of the Nokia Lumia 920 at 2000 mAh is more powerful than the 1800 mAh battery that powers the HTC Windows Phone 8X. Bluetooth connectivity in the Lumia phone is also better as it is equipped with Bluetooth 3.1, as opposed to HTC’s Bluetooth 2.1. The Nokia Lumia 920 even gets a slight edge over HTC in terms of screen size – equipped with a 4.5 inch screen, while the Windows Phone 8X features a 4.3 inch screen.

Now, from what we’ve heard so far, the Nokia Lumia 920 surely looks more promising. But we’re curious to see how HTC’s foray into Windows phones would perform in the market. They still haven’t revealed the pricing of the Windows Phone 8X, so if they price it right, it just might be able to offer stiff competition to the Lumia 920.

Source : techthirsty

Nokia Lumia 920's exciting features revealed

A few days before Apple’s iPhone 5 announcement, Nokia unveiled its new flagship device – the Lumia 920. Nokia is pinning its hopes on this to make a breakthrough in the smartphone race and with Windows Phone 8, PureView camera, new display under the hood, it may just have a fighting chance. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights of the new Lumia 920, launching some time in October, along with Windows Phone 8.

Iconic design

The Lumia 920 continues the successful design of the Lumia 800 and 900 with the iconic unibody polycarbonate shell. This time around, Nokia has gone with a glossy finish which also has a scratch resistant layer over it. The curved design of the chassis gives the Lumia 920 a very distinctive look and feel, unlike any other smartphone.

PureMotion HD+ display

Nokia’s flagship features a new PureMotion HD+ display which in simple English translates to a 4.5-inch HD (1280 x 768) IPS display. Thanks to the high resolution, the display is of ‘Retina-grade’ with a 332ppi. This makes text incredibly sharp and crisp to read. Nokia has also baked technology from Synaptics into the display, which lets you operate the touchscreen while wearing gloves. The display has always been one of the strong points of the Lumia series and the 920 is no exception.

Wireless charging

For the first time, wireless charging will be default in a smartphone. The technology is built into the body of the Lumia 920 and adheres to the Qi wireless charging standard, a consortium that includes companies like Belkin, HTC, Samsung, Panasonic and many more. This means you’ll be able to charge the 920 with any charger based on the Qi standard and we should expect the next wave of flagship devices to have this feature built in as well.

Brand new apps

The Lumia 920 will feature a bunch of new apps like City Lens, augmented reality app that gives you real-time information about places around you as you view them through your camera. Third party vendors like Rovio, makers of Angry Bird, will launch their new app called Angry Birds Roost.

PureView camera

One of the highlights of the 920 is the new PureView camera on board. However, unlike the PureView 808’s 41MP sensor, the Lumia 920 will have an 8.7MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics and their proprietary optical image stabilisation technology which suspends the lens on springs in order to compensate for shakes and movement. The new sensor is optimised for low light photography and is said to be able to capture about five to ten times more light compared to other smartphone cameras, thanks to the floating lens.

Faster processing

All these features are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 SoC. This consists of the speedy 1.5GHZ dual-core CPU and faster Adreno 225 graphics chip. The phone also has a 1GB of RAM to ensure smooth operation of the UI and apps. Since the Lumia 920 doesn’t have expandable memory, you get a generous 32GB on board.

Source : dnaindia

Yahoo to offer free Nokia Lumia 920 handsets to its employees

Just last month, Yahoo CEO Marissa Meyer put on notice that she wanted Yahoo employees to get rid of their BlackBerry handsets that they are using for work. It was even reported that the Yahoo CEO was planning to every Yahoo employee a new iPhone or an Android smartphone. Little did we know that Ms. Mayer will actually push through with her plans and is now actually putting into motion its “Yahoo! Smart Phone, Smart Fun!” program.

According to the memo, the rationale behind the move is for Yahoo employees to use the same devices that Yahoo users make use of so that these said employees can think and work just like Yahoo users do and we quote “We’d like our employees to have devices similar to our users, so we can think and work as the majority of our users do.”

With this program, Yahoo employees get to choose from a list of handsets which include the recently-announced Nokia Lumia 920. The list also includes the iPhone5, Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC EVO 4G LTE and the HTC One X. Not only that, Yahoo will also shoulder the data and phone bills of its employees. According to Ms. Mayer, the estimated $2 million cost that this program will cost is a pittance because productivity could improve with every Yahoo employee using the same platform.

As for including the Nokia Lumia 920 to the list, this is a good choice because the handset is the current flagship device of the Finnish smartphone manufacturer and it brings an impressive specs sheet to the table. Announced a couple of weeks ago and expected to hit the shelves by Q4, the Nokia Lumia 920 is the successor of the Nokia Lumia 900 4G. The handset takes much of its design inspiration from its predecessor and the only glaring difference between the two at first glance is the user interface of their respective operating systems.

In terms of aesthetics however, the Nokia Lumia 920 is bulkier and heftier than its predecessor with its measurements of 130.3 x 70.8 x 10.7 mm and it tips the scales at a rather hefty 185 grams. It does exhibit that premium feel and solid build quality that we have come to associate with the flagship handsets of Nokia in the past.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is a beauty on the outside but an absolute beast on the inside. It packs a QualComm MSM8960 SnapDragon chipset in its internals and this SoC comes with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait processor and 1GB of RAM in tow. The handset has 32GB of onboard storage but ad to say, there is no option to have this expanded for that matter. Its display on the other hand is a PureMotion HD+ IPS TFT panel measuring 4.5 inches diagonally and packs a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels. Its camera department on the other hand features a rear 8MP shooter and a front 1.3MP snapper.

Source : mobilebloom