Motorola working on Android phone

Businessweek is reporting that Motorola has been working on its own version of phone based on Google Android platform. According to the article:

"Motorola has been showing spec sheets and images of the phone to carriers around the world in the past two months and is likely to introduce the handset in the U.S. sometime in the second quarter of 2009, according to people familiar with Motorola's plans."
...
"Motorola declined to elaborate on its plans, but said in a statement: "We're excited about the innovation possibilities on Android and look forward to delivering great products in partnership with Google" and the community of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance that are working on the Android operating system. "

The full list of Open Handset Alliance members is available here.

AT&T offers FREE Wi-Fi Access for iPhone

According to this page on AT&T's website, AT&T is now offering free Wi-Fi access to iPhone users at thousands of hotspots nationwide. Here are the details from their webpage:

"Access the Internet anytime

AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and FREE Wi-Fi is even hotter. Which is why FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available for Apple iPhone at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks*. Users can relax and access music, email and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their nearest location. For information visit www.att.com/attwifi.

Find a Starbucks location near you.

*Wi-Fi available at U.S. company-operated Starbucks locations equipped with a hotspot.

Thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide
Airports
Hotels
Universities
Convention Centers
Sports Centers
Starbucks locations
Restaurants
Bookstores
Supermarkets

Whether you browse from your laptop, phone, or device AT&T is committed to enhancing your experience by providing powerful broadband speeds. This allows for fast and easy downloads of your favorite music, streaming videos, games, and more.

Get started with AT&T Wi-Fi"

"iPhone users, get started with Wi-Fi

- Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone
- Select "attwifi" from the list of available networks
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap 'continue'
- You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.
- The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.
- Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot"

Google Earth for iPhone

Google recently announced a version of Google Earth for iPhone. I tested it for some time and it is nearly as good as the PC version and well integrated with GPS. Here are some other features:

• You can tilt your iPhone to adjust your view to see mountainous terrain
• View the Panoramio layer and browse the millions of geo-located photos from around the world
• View geo-located Wikipedia articles
• Use the 'Location' feature to fly to your current location
• Search for cities, places and business around the globe with Google Local Search

It's available in 18 languages and 22 countries!

VIDEO:

Google android not good enough for Sprint yet?

According to this, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse recently told the National Press Club in Washington that he didn’t think Android in its current form is "good enough to put the Sprint brand on it." But Hesse promised to sell a phone powered by Android “at some time in the future.”

But if you read the coverage here and here, it is pretty evident that Sprint wanted the Google android phone as soon as possible but Google resources were tied up working on the T-mobile version. Sprint is heading towards this holiday season with HTC Touch diamond and Pro to compete with AT&T iPhone, T-Mobile G1 and possibly Verizon's touchscreen Blackberry! Tough spot if you ask me but their prices are still the best!

HDN - the alternative to iPhone app store

HDN, the Hands-On Mobile Developer Network attempts to bring the iPhone like app store for the rest of the phones. The problem with carrier managed stores is that they are not open and flexible at all and sometimes a pain to use.

According to HDN's website:

"HDN, the Hands-On Mobile Developer Network, is an open network that brings mobile development and monetization opportunities to the mass market. HDN enables anyone to rapidly develop and publish applications spanning from simple RSS feeds to complex, rich media applications that work across carriers and across handsets.
HDN simplifies the challenges encountered in the mobile development ecosystem today. Issues like porting and device coverage, application testing and certification are all handled by the HDN platform. Thus, developers can focus on creating the content based on a standard web development model and have it deployed on hundreds of handsets across all major carriers."

Details of upcoming Sprint Instinct MR4 release

According to this post in Sprint's baw forum, here are the details of the upcoming Sprint Instinct MR4 release:

"Public Release Notes for Instinct Firmware Update MR4

Version: BJ20
Delivery: OTA
Projected Release Date: 11/12 (BOTH client & network initiated) Projected Release Dates are best estimates and are subject to change with no notice.

Notes: Instinct firmware BJ20 includes the resolution of 165 tickets open since the previous public firmware release, BH29, including:

5442 - links fail on smoking gun website
5872 - VVM Client is not able to make Data connection
5886 - Ebay login fails in standard mode browser
6015 - Voice notification speaks wrong contact name
6016 - Device UI locks when FUMO push is being received
6025 - Initial Mobile Sync can cause device to slow down until initial sync completes
6036 - bestbuy.com soft-resets device
6039 - deleting ringers can soft-reset device

The release also provides the foundation for the first public release of the updated Sprint Mobile Email Work Calendar. The new work calendar, available OTA 11/21, syncs with one or more Exchange (OWA) based calendars, and allows for meeting creation, editing and alerting on the go.

Also included in MR4:
* Java refit to better enable 4-way/OK and text input to LCDUI widget-based applications. Yes, this is the Java Keyboard you've been waiting for.
* support for native document viewing for many popular office document types including .doc, .pdf, .ppt, .xls and others

Individual application upgrades for the MR4 period are expected to go live the week of 11/21 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Exact go-live dates depend on application vendor. "

This would be the best update for Instinct because it will allow third party Java mobile apps to work on Instinct with the LCDUI keyboard!

Pandora announces layoff of 20 employees...

Pandora radio founder Tim announced the layoff of 20 employees in a blog post made on their website. The challenging economic conditions and royalty fees probably resulted in this tough decision:

"This is a very sad day for Pandora, and for me personally. Today we reduced our staff from 140 to 120 employees. Like virtually every company, Pandora is not immune to the challenges presented by the current economic turmoil. We are trying to react quickly and responsibly to the new environment.

We cherish our employees. We have painstakingly built a team that I am tremendously proud of - there's not a person in our company who hasn't contributed substantially to what we do, and who we are. The twenty folks we let go today were no exception..."

iPhone subsidy squeezing margins at Verizon and Sprint

According to a Reuters report, the heavily subsidized iPhone is squeezing profit margins at Verizon and Sprint because they are forced to lower the prices of high end phones to compete with AT&T. The economic conditions are also making the consumers cut down on additional services and add-ons. According to the article:

"The derivative effect is lower profitability in wireless for all the carriers," said UBS analyst John Hodulik, adding that the iPhone is selling faster than he expected, which is actually bad for AT&T's profitability in the short term.
...
AT&T, which reports results on Wednesday, is seen as the worst hit, with JPMorgan analyst Michael McCormack forecasting what he called a "shocking" drop in its mobile profit margin to 36.1 percent in the third quarter from 41.2 percent in the second quarter.
...
McCormack forecast the margin at Verizon Wireless, owned by Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L), to fall to 43.8 percent from 45 percent.
...
McCormack forecast Sprint's margins falling to 24.7 percent from 25.7 percent in the second quarter. "

Yet another social networking application - Brightkite

(Image source: mashable.com)

As GPS enabled phones are becoming more popular, a number of social networking apps are showing up that take advantage of the mobile GPS. These include the well known ones like Loopt but new players are making mobile social networking accessible to even more users. One of them is Brightkite that works with even the basic phones but they seem to have an iPhone version that could take mobile social networking to new heights if successful. Check out the video here.

Google Android phones have remote app kill switch too

Just as Apple had put a remote app kill switch on iPhone, Google Android also has the remote app kill switch to remove any malicious software if needed. According to the terms of service of Android market:

"Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion".


Also check out the video of media in Android's browser:

Sprint HTC Touch Pro (keyboard version) slightly delayed

According to this, the launch of Sprint HTC Touch Pro smartphone is slightly delayed to early November. Here is a statement from the reporter's Sprint contact:

"Sprint expects to slightly delay launch of the Touch Pro by HTC to ensure we have adequate inventory in all channels before making the device commercially available. Customers can expect the device to become available in select national retailers by the end of the month and then in all Sprint sales channels including online at www.sprint.com and Sprint Stores by early November."

Sprint WiMax in Baltimore - Videos

Check out this CNET video of Sprint XOHM WiMax launch in Baltimore.



Also check out the Computerworld article and the video about the launch.

No cellphone signal at your vacation cabin- you might want to try this

There is a lot of political controversy over this issue but it also highlights the fact that cellphone companies have temporary towers that they can use to provide service if you don't have service in your area.

Sprint is the first US carrier to provide a similar alternative to you if you have weak or no cellphone signal but have wireline broadband service at this location. You can signup for Sprint AIRAVE™ for a small fee and get your cellphone working again!

How fast is Sprint WiMax?

Sprint recently launched the 4G WiMax network called Xohm. It was launched in Baltimore and will be launched in various cities within next 12 months. If this is successful, it should give Sprint a decent lead over the other carriers. So how fast is it compared to the 3G speed?

According to computerworld:

"The Xohm network delivered a peak download speed of 4.4Mbit/sec., while AT&T could muster only 1.7Mbit/sec. -- that's nearly three times the throughput at exactly the same locations. During a drive around the city, the hand-offs from tower to tower were seamless and glitch-free. WiMax can deliver data to a car moving at highway speeds, perfect for back-seat surfing or doing work on a commuter train.

On average, Xohm pushed through more than 3Mbit/sec., compared with 1.3 Mbit/sec. for the AT&T network. More to the point, the latency of the WiMax network was about one-third that of the AT&T network..."

If you live in the coverage area, you might get good pricing as part of the launch deals but coverage is limited at the moment.

Motorola Krave ZN4 Touch Screen phone to be available from Verizon

(Image source: user azranz at HowardForums)

A touch screen phone from Motorola called Motorola Krave ZN4 (left one in the image above) is set to launch soon on the Verizon network. It has a flipcover that acts as an interactive display and provides control for many of the common functions.

Here are some other details:

• Virtual QWERTY keyboard
• HTML browser
• VCAST services (Music, Video, Mobile TV)
• GPS support through VZ Navigator
• Media player
• Bluetooth with stereo audio support
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Visual Voicemail access
• 2.0 megapixel camera with video recording and zoom
• Voice control
• Speakerphone

iPhone developer's cookbook to be available soon

After Apple opened up the restrictive developer non-disclosure agreement (NDA), the first iPhone developer book is ready to hit the market.

There are over 4,000 apps/games already available for iPhone (many compatible with iPod Touch) and the number is expected to continue to grow!

A square phone from Sprint - LG Lotus coming soon..

(click on images to view larger)

Check out the details of Sprint LG Lotus phone (expected to be available sometime this month) here: http://www.lglotus.com/. It has a full qwerty keyboard, Bluetooth, GPS and a 2MP camera.

Also check out the unboxing video by PhoneDog here:

Pandora Radio now available for Sprint Instinct - $2.99 per month

Pandora Radio is now available for Sprint Instinct in Sprint's Digital Lounge. It allows creation of radio stations based on user preferences.

It costs $2.99 per month (advertising free) on Sprint phones in addition to the data plan. It is much cheaper than $8.99 on AT&T phones. But it is free on iPhone and iPod Touch. The $2.99 plan also includes subscription to listen on your PC.

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers on Pandora's blog.

Businessweek's review of BlackBerry Storm touch screen phone

Did you know that BlackBerry storm touch screen has a real keyboard like feel?

Check out the Businessweek's review of BlackBerry storm here.

BlackBerry Storm - Vodafone commercial

And here is VerizonWireless one:

RIM provides details on Touch Screen BlackBerry - Blackberry Storm

Here are details of the upcoming BlackBerry touch screen phone named BlackBerry® Storm™ with a 528-MHz processor:

Specifications

Features Available	Wireless email Organizer Browser Phone Camera (3.2 MP) Video Recording BlackBerry® Maps Media Player Built-in GPS Corporate data access SMS MMS
Size and Weight	4.43"/112.5mm (Length) 2.45"/62.2mm (Width) 0.55"/13.95mm (Depth) 5.5 oz/155g (Weight)
Data Input/Navigation	Touch Screen Navigation, with ClickThrough for user selection On screen keyboard: portrait SureType® and Multi-tap, QWERTY landscape
Voice Input/Output	3.5mm stereo headset capable Integrated earpiece/ microphone Built-in speakerphone Mono/stereo headset, hands-free, phone book access profile and serial port profile supported (Bluetooth® technology)
Media Player	Video format support: MPEG4 H.263, MPEG4 Part 2 Simple Profile, H.264, WMV Audio format support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMA ProPlus
Display	High resolution 480 x 360 pixel color display Transmissive TFT LCD Font size (user selectable) Light sensing screen
Notification	Polyphonic/MIDI ringtones MP3 ringtones Vibrate mode LED indicator
Approximate Battery Life	15 days (Standby time) 5.5 hours (Talk time)
Memory	Expandable memory – support for microSD™ card 1GB onboard memory 128 MB Flash (flash memory)
Modem	RIM® wireless modem Tethered modem capability
Email Integrations	Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for Microsoft® Exchange Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for IBM® Lotus® Domino® Works with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for Novell® GroupWise® Integrates with an existing enterprise email account Integrates with existing personal email account Integrates with optional new device account
Device Security	Password protection and screen lock Sleep mode Support for AES or Triple DES encryption when integrated with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Optional support for S/MIME
Wireless Network	UMTS/HSPA: 2100 MHz North America: 850 MHz GSM®/GPRS networks North America: 1900MHz GSM/GPRS networks Europe/Asia Pacific: 1800MHz GSM/GPRS networks Europe/Asia Pacific: 900MHz GSM/GPRS networks Dual-Band: 800/1900 MHz CDMA/Ev-DO networks

Sprint Instinct TV update - how is it working for you?

The recent update of Sprint Instinct TV software to version 3.0.49 hasn't been received well by a number of users according to the posts in Sprint's baw forum. Check out some of the user messages here.

I am not sure if this is an issue with the software update or with the TV service provider (mobiTV?).

iPhone 3G is #1 selling smartphone, #2 overall in US

According to the NPD Group, a leading wireless industry market research company:

"Apple iPhone 3G now the second best-selling mobile phone handset among U.S. consumers, after Motorola’s RAZR V3 .

...30 percent of U.S. consumers who purchased Apple’s new iPhone 3G from June through August 2008 switched from other mobile carriers to join AT&T, the exclusive mobile carrier for the iPhone in the U.S.
By way of comparison just 23 percent of consumers, on average, switched carriers between June and August 2008. Nearly half (47 percent) of new AT&T iPhone customers that switched carriers switched from Verizon Wireless, another 24 percent switched from T-Mobile, and 19 percent switched from Sprint.
...
During June through August 2008, the top four best-selling smartphones based on unit-sales to consumers were as follows:

1. Apple iPhone 3G
2. RIM Blackberry Curve
3. RIM Blackberry Pearl
4. Palm Centro"

The enormous success of iPhone shows how Apple has been a great benefit to AT&T even though Sprint's 3G network is much better than AT&T's 3G network at the moment. And almost half of new AT&T iPhone customers switched from Verizon. Who decided to turn down Apple at Verizon when Apple approached them first? It cost them a lot of lost revenue! To this date, iPhone 3G is unmatched in its hardware (multi-touch), software and over 4000 apps (almost a thousand apps/games for free) that really enhance the usability of this device. I have used Windows mobile phone, Samsung Instinct and an iPhone 3G and there is just no comparison. iPhone is in a league of its own and there is an app for almost anything imaginable. There is no other device/app store combination like it in the market.

It is surprising to see that a version of Motorola RAZR phone is still #1 in overall sales!

iPhone, Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond have potential for military use?

ArmyTimes has an interesting article about using GPS-equipped consumer grade phones such as iPhone, Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond for military use.

According to the article:

"The Army has much bigger plans than that, and no product has caught the attention of its information technology specialists like the iPhone, the multipurpose Apple product introduced in 2007 that has become a worldwide bestseller.

The device, measuring less than ½-inch thick, and about 2 ½ inches high by 4 ½ inches long, can be used for multiple applications, including phone communications, e-mail, Web browsing, as an iPod, as a navigational aid with Global Positioning System access, as a camera and photo storage device, and as a high-tech calendar and calculator.

“The iPhone has tremendous potential as a mobile device for the Army because it really is a computer platform that happens to have a phone in it,” Wallington said.
...
Wallington said the same iPhone capability that serves as a control device for digital games can be used to steer and drive the robot.
...
Competing devices with similar, but not exact, capabilities are starting to enter the market, like the Samsung Instinct and HTC Touch Diamond available through Sprint.

Because these devices are multi-purpose computers, officials see vast potential for military applications."

The full article is here.

CNET followup on Samsung Instinct user experience

A few weeks ago, CNET asked Samsung Instinct users to post about their experience with the Instinct phone. They now have a followup based on the feedback provided by a large number of Samsung Instinct users. Keep in mind that some of this was prior to the latest software updates provided by Sprint (Apparently, the users in Canada haven't received those updates from their Canadian carriers). The CNET article says:

"To sum it up, the overarching theme of these comments is best expressed by user MGP67. "Overall this phone is okay. I'm not completely enamored, but it will do." Of course, there were more extreme opinions on both sides--rl1211 thinks the Instinct is "awesome" while phoneitis calls it a "failure"--but most users who responded like it enough to keep it. "

Read the full article here.

Nokia announces a Touch screen phone - Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

(Image source: infosyncworld.com)

Nokia announced a new touch-screen phone - Nokia 5800 XpressMusic (commonly known as Nokia Tube). This phone has a screen resolution of 640 x 360, touch user interface , video recording at up to 640 x 480 pixels and up to 30 fps , accelerometer and is even capable of playing Flash videos. Here are the detailed specifications:

Technical Specifications

Physical features, power and memory
Size
Form: Classic with full touch user interface
Dimensions: 4.37 x 2.04 x 0.61 in
Weight: 3.84 oz
Touch user interface optimized for one-hand use with tactile feedback

Display and 3D
Main display
- Size: 3.2"
- Resolution: 640 x 360 pixels (nHD)
- Up to 16 million colors
- aspect ratio 16:9
- automatic orientation sensor (Accelerometer) for display rotation
3D image engine

Keys and input method
Stylus, plectrum and finger touch support for text input and user interface control (alphanumeric keypad, full and mini qwerty keyboard, handwriting recognition
Dedicated Media Bar touch key for access to music, gallery, share on-line, Video Center and web browser
Voice commands
Physical keys for application launch key (menu key), send & end, power, camera, lock, volume up & down

Colors and covers
Available in-box colors:
- Black
Available colors may vary by country.

Connectors
Micro-USB connector, USB 2.0 High Speed
3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
MicroSD card slot, small DC jack, Micro USB cable interface to PC (CA-101), TV out interface (CA-75U)

Power
BL-5J 1320 mAh Li-Ion battery
Talk time (maximum):
- GSM up to 8.8 hr
- WCDMA up to 5 hr
Standby time (maximum):
- GSM up to 16.75 days
- WCDMA up to 16.7 days
Browsing time with packet data (maximum): up to 3.4 hr
Video playback time (maximum): up to 5.2 hr, Video playback time (maximum, nHD/Mpeg4)up to 3.4 hr, VGA video playback using TV-Out with Stereo BT Headset up to 3.8 hr
Video recording time (maximum): up to 3.6 hr
Video call time (maximum):up to 3 hr
Music playback time (maximum): up to 1.5 days
Gaming time (maximum): up to 5.6 hr
Battery times are estimates only and depend on network configuration, signal strength, features used, battery age and condition, charging practices, temperatures to which battery is exposed, whether use is in digital mode (or analog mode, if any), and many other factors. The amount of time a phone is used for calls will affect its standby time. Likewise, the amount of time that the phone is turned on and in standby mode will affect its talk time.

Memory
MicroSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 16 GB
81 MB internal memory
8GB microSD memory card in-box
Communication and navigation
Communication and navigation
Operating frequency
WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Automatic switching between GSM bands
Flight mode

Data network
CSD
HSCSD
GPRS/EDGE class B, multislot class 32, maximum speed 296/177 kbps (DL/UL)
WCDMA 2100/900 MHz with simultaneous voice and packet data, maximum speed PS 384/384 kbps (UL/DL), CS maximum speed 64 kbps
HSDPA cat 6, maximum speed 3.6 Mbps (DL)
WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g (3G version only)
TCP/IP support
Requires data service. Data services may not be available in all networks. Data transmission speeds may be as high as 3.6 Mbps, but may vary based upon network capabilities and other conditions. The establishment and continuation of a data connection depends on network availability, provider support and signal strength.

Local connectivity and synchronization
Bluetooth version 2.0*
- Bluetooth profiles: A2DP & AVRCP

MTP (Mobile Transfer Protocol) support
TV out with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, in-box)
Support for PC synchronization with Nokia PC suite


*Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Call features
Integrated hands-free speakerphone
Number screening for messaging and calls
Automatic answer with headset or car kit
Any key answer
Call waiting, call hold, call divert
Call timer
Logging of dialed, received and missed calls
Automatic redial
Speed dialing
Voice dialing: speaker independent dialing and voice commands (SIND)
Fixed dialing number support
Vibrating alert (internal), also with tactile feedback
Side volume keys
Mute/unmute
Contacts bar for 4 contacts with images and communication history (SMS, IM, email, web feeds)
Talking ring tones
Conference calling with up to 6 participants
(when supported by service provider)

Messaging
SMS
Multiple SMS deletion
MMS version 1.3, message size up to 600 kb
Automatic resizing of images for MMS
Nokia Xpress audio messagingM
(requires a service plan including data services)
Common inbox for SMS and MMS messages
Number screening for messaging
Distribution lists for messaging
Instant messaging client
Cell broadcast
Only devices that offer compatible multimedia message or e-mail features can receive and display multimedia messages. Content appearance may vary. Some images and ring tones can not be forwarded.

E-mail
Supported protocols: IMAP, POP, SMTP
Support for e-mail attachments
OMA e-mail notification support
Mail for Exchange 2008 in DL client, in 2009 embedded
Requires a service plan including data services

Web browsing
Supported markup languages: HTML, XHTML, WML
Supported protocols: HTTP, WAP, JavaScript
TCP/IP support
OSS browser
Nokia Mobile Search
Requires a service plan including data services

GPS and navigation
Integrated GPS for pedestrian and car navigation
Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch application
The availability and accuracy of GPS location services are dependent on wireless networks, satellite systems. It may not function in all areas or at all times. You should never rely solely on GPS products for essential communications like emergencies. May require a service plan including data services.

Image and sound
Photography
3.2 megapixel camera (2048 x 1536 pixels)
Image formats: JPEG
Carl Zeiss optics
3x digital zoom
Autofocus
Dual LED flash
Flash modes: On, off, automatic, red-eye reduction
White balance modes: automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent
Centre weighted auto exposure; exposure compensation: +2 ~ -2EV at 0.5 step
Normal, Sepia, Black&White, Vivid, Negative
Dedicated camera key
Landscape (horizontal) orientation
Photo editor on device
Direct printing to compatible picture printers

Video
Main camera
Video recording at up to 640 x 480 pixels and up to 30 fps (TV high quality), up to 640 x 352 pixels and up to 30 fps (widescreen quality), up to 320 x 240 pixels and up to 30 fps/15 fps (email high/normal quality), up to 176 x 144 and up to 15 fps (sharing quality)
- Up to 4x digital video zoom
Video recording file formats: .mp4, .3gp
Audio recording formats: WAV (normal), AMR (MMS), AAC/MP4 (high quality)
Video white balance modes: automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent
Scene modes: automatic, night
Color tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, vivid, negative
Clip length (maximum): up to 1 hr 30 min (high or normal quality). Dependable on available memory.
RealPlayer
Video playback file formats: MPEG4-SP playback 30fps VGA, MPEG4-AVC playback 30fps QVGA, WMV9 playback 30fps QVGA, MPEG4-SP playback 30 fps nHD
Video streaming: 3GPP and CIF
Landscape mode video playback
Video editor on device
Video Center service supported: download and stream video content, WMV support, video feeds

Music and audio playback
Nokia Nseries digital music player
- Playlists
- 8-band graphic equalizer
- selection by artist, composers, album and genre
album graphics display and audio visualizations
bass booster, stereo widening, loudness
Music playback file formats: .mp3, SpMidi, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA
Dedicated volume keys & immediate access to Music Player from Media Bar, dedicated music keys in the headset control unit AD-54
Stereo FM radio (requires wired headset to be attached)
3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
Music Player
Nokia Music Manager
Ring tones: 3D stereo ring tones, 64-tone polyphonic, mp3 & video ring tones (3 videos and 9 mp3 songs built-in)
Integrated stereo speakers with surround sound (crystal clear hi-fi sound quality with dedicated audio chip)

Voice and audio recording
Voice commands
Speaker-independent name dialing (SIND)
Voice recorder
AMR, NB-AMR, FR, EFR
Digital stereo microphone

Personalization: profiles, themes, ring tones
Customizable profiles
Ring tones: 3D stereo ring tones, 64-tone polyphonic, mp3 & video ring tones
Themes
Software
Software
Software platform and user interface
S60 5th edition
Symbian OS version 9.4
Active standby
Media Bar
Contacts bar

Personal information management (PIM): contacts, clock, calendar etc.
Support for assigning images to contacts
Support for contact groups
Clock: analog and digital, world clock
Alarm clock
Reminders
Calculator
Calendar with week and month view
Converter
Notes
To-do list

Applications
Java TM MIDP 2.0*
Flash Lite 3.0**
Games: 3D Bounce and Global Race, DVD: Ulead VTB
Nokia Maps
Map loader
PC Download
PC Photos
OVI Suite with Nokia Music
Download!
Share on OVI
Adding more applications:
- Over-the-air (OTA) downloads


*Java is a registered trademark of SUN Microsystems, Inc.

**Flash Lite is a registered trademark of Adobe, Inc.

Gaming
Games: 3D Bounce and Global Race

Sales package contents
5800 XpressMusic with pen stylus
Battery (BL-5J)
High Efficiency Charger (AC-8U)
Music Headset (HS-45, AD-54)
Video-out Cable (CA-75U)
Connectivity Cable (CA-101)
8 GB microSDHC card (MU-43)
Carrying Case (CP-305)
Stand (DT-29)
Stylus plectrum in wrist strap (CP-306)
Extra pen stylus
User guide and Quick guide
Mini DVD

More details on latest/future software releases for Sprint Instinct

Here are more details on the recently released Sprint Instinct software update and the upcoming release according to Sprint Developer forum post:

nathan_sprint_adp
Subject:Important News on Releases/Upcoming Software
Date:2008-09-30 at 10:53 AM CDT

This posting shares two key things -

1: what was actually included in the latest software release
2: Planned scope of the next software release (which is currently scoped to included LCDUI support !!!!!) -

Please note, this software release is scheduled to enter in certification on Oct 13 and we currently don't have an exit/launch date for the MR as it depends upon how well the testing/certification goes.

Thanks for being patient as we work on making these upgrades happen

================================================== ============
ADP Public Release Notes for Latest Instinct Software Release

Version: BH29
Delivery: OTA
Client-Initiated: Select Main -> Settings -> General -> Update Software
Network-Initiated Campaign begins 9/29

Notes: Instinct firmware BH29 includes the resolution of 249 tickets open since the previous public firmware release, BF30, including:

4342 - "some words including 'microbrew' in SMS soft-reset device"
5972 - "some popular websites soft-reset the device"
xxxx - "screen mis-calibration soft-resets device"
5960 - "slow video player startup operation"
5967 - "cannot delete OWA mailbox while in 'account verify' state"
5564 - "parental control not letting allowed number to be dialed from text message"
5986 - "after firmware update device power cycles radio during WAP push"
6034 - "calendar alert not working"
5889 - "cannot maintain MSC mount"
6002 - "new/duplicate contact created when saving street address from SMS or email"
6001 - "can't enter text into search bar on yahoo"
6000 - "unsupported navigator object properties crash browser scripts"

The release also marks the first public release of the updated Instinct Web Browser, version 1.1. The new browser is based on an entirely new codebase and brings an 10x improvement to rendering speed, most noticeable in the areas of pan/zoom/resize functionality.

New browser features include:
* Voice Command Button -> hide/show controls; browser controls can be hidden to provide more screen to webpage display
* Improvements to favorites UI allows for sticky mode lock
* 34 other web browser tickets resolved

Individual application upgrades for the MR3 period are expected to go live the week of 9/29 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Exact go-live dates depend on application vendor.
Additionally, firmware structures have been added to facilitate the upcoming MR4 firmware release.

We anticipate an official Public Release Notes announcement of MR4 when that firmware enters certification test on 10/13 (all dates are estimates and are subject to change with no notice). Unofficially, firmware MR4 will include:

* Java refit to better enable 4-way/OK and text input to LCDUI widget-based applications
* Work Calendar support through an enhanced Sprint Mobile Email Work revision
* support for native document viewing for many popular office document types including .doc, .pdf, .ppt and others
* resolution to roughly 50 additional open tickets

The developer also confirmed when a user asked:

"Does this mean that applications like opera mini or other java based applications will allow text entry? "

Answer:
"That is correct - the idea would be to allow use of the native keyboard to support text entry. Thanks
Sprint ADP"