BlackBerry Desktop Manager Will Run on Macs

In a move that could impact its sales among both consumer and business Mac users, Research In Motion announced Wednesday that a BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Apple's Mac will be released on Friday. The free software syncs contacts, calendar appointments, and notes on a Mac with BlackBerry smartphones.
The software works with Mac programs such as iCal, Address Book, Microsoft Entourage, and others. It also enables a user to schedule backups automatically, add or delete applications, encrypt backup files, and install software updates for the BlackBerry.
Until now, BlackBerry Desktop Manager has only been compatible with Windows machines.
'A Long Time Coming'
BlackBerry Media Sync can also be managed within the desktop manager. With media sync, users can transfer their iTunes music, including playlists, song information, and album art, from a computer to a BlackBerry.
Avi Greengart, an analyst with industry research firm Current Analysis, said the Mac version of the manager was "a long time coming."
He said it probably doesn't change the appeal of the iPhone to Mac users, but it "makes it easier for BlackBerry owners who are in a business environment" or in a home where Macs are used. Greengart noted that the Mac's market share is still in the single digits, although notebook users in the U.S. are above the global share.
It's the U.S. Mac notebook market, he added, that RIM needs to tap into. Greengart noted that, since most of RIM's sales these days are to consumers, this is actually more of a consumer play than a business one.
Keeping Up
While RIM is looking more toward the consumer market, Apple has been busy making its iPhone more compatible with businesses. Newer Mac software enables the iPhone to work with Microsoft Exchange and standards-based servers, allowing a user to utilize a company's e-mail, calendar and contacts. It has also been working...

Bluetooth chat messenger for java and symbian phones

I just got a kind “interesting” of feature in Mobile Instant Messenger called as Imania Messenger. Not like others Instant Messenger Mobile Client that usually used “others” IM Services such as Yahoo, AIM, Google or else, Imania Messenger is “independent” instant Messenger Service. It has own profiles, own IM service and others.
BlueTooth Instant Messenger
Of course as Instant Messenger, you need to connect to the internet to use Imania Messenger. But there is an interesting features in Imania Messenger that can be useful for free IM Service. Imania Messenger can connect (make communication text) using your mobile bluetooth. That means only with bluetooth we can make an IM’er with our friend. Though the space max for blue tooth only about 10 meter long. You can also use wifi.

The use of Imania Messenger only with bluetooth is completely free, and you will be able to communicate with your friends up to 10 meters of range.

Others Features in Imania Messenger: Send or Receive Archives, Images, or Video for Free (using UMTS/GPRS or others data would apply charge), IMS (Imania Message System), this is what we call as independent IM Services, Chat Long 1000 letters and more.

Download Imania Messenger
For Computer User that you want to transfer the Imania Application (java / symbian) from your mobile phone using your computer (cable data, bluetooth, infrared or else) you can download:
ImaniaJava.jar (rar extractor needed)
Download directly to your mobile phone you can use this link:
Imania Java
Official website: www.imaniamessenger.com
Compatibility Mobile Phone: as long as your mobile phone works with java or symbian, Imania Messenger would great for you.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Specifications & Features - Phones

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Specifications & Features

Imaging
3.2 Megapixel Camera
Digital Zoom
LED Flash
Auto Focus
Dedicated Camera Key
Video Player (MPEG4, 3GP & WMV)
Video Recording
Video Settings
TV Out

Screen
2.9 Inch 16 Million Color
Touch Screen (640 x 360 Pixels)
Messaging
SMS (Text Messaging)
MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
Email
Instant Messaging
Predictive Text

Sound
Music Player
Album Graphics Display
Stereo Speakers
Music Selection (Album, Artist, Composer & Genre)
Playlist
Volume Key
FM Radio RDS
MP3, AAC & Polyphonic Ringtones

Entertainment
Java™ Games
Embedded Games
Downloadable Games

Connectivity
WLAN Wi-Fi
Bluetooth® A2DP
Micro USB
EDGE
HSCSD

Network
Quad Band (GSM 850, GSM 900,
GSM 1800 & GSM 1900)

Internet
WAP Browser
HTML & XHTML
RSS Feeds

Memory & Talk Time
70 Mbytes Memory plus 4
Gbytes MicroSD™ Card &
Supports Up To 16 Gbytes
4.9 Hours Talk Time
336 Hours Standby Time
27 Hours Music Playback Time

Weight & Size
107 g
104 x 49 x 13 mm 

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic: Will The New Interface Win Over Youngsters?

Realizing that the future belongs to touch screens, Nokia is coming up with models which combine touch screens with entertainment. The newly introduced 5530 XpressMusic reflects this approach. Xpress 5530 is a compact music device that uses a touch interface for accessing people and content on the homescreen. However it is still an S60 based phone. As you read below, you will see that Nokia has tried really hard to make this handset appealing to youngsters.  Users like to hop on to the Wireless LAN or WiFi to use the services available at no cost. We at TelecomPk.net think that Nokia needs to find ways to make data access easier for its target users.
The ‘scrolling’ Contacts Bar provides direct access to 20 people and their latest conversations and media updates. The Homescreen also features one touch shortcuts to content and popular social networks, like Facebook and MySpace. The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic follows in the footsteps of the top-rated Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, expanding the touch XpressMusic phone range with a youthful device that has a solid stainless steel frame finish and comes in five vivid colors.

Nokia touch phones started off with the extremely popular device 5800 Xpress Music and now with NOKIA’s 5530 XpressMusic we have brought the touch technology to lower price point. We believe that Touch phones are the future for youth and XpressMusic being the most popular brand is a natural fit. With the new Nokia 5530 consumers can enjoy their media on 2.9 inch widescreen which brings to life sharp picture quality at a touch. Sporting a sleek design, Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is available in vibrant colors.
Afzal Shahabuddin
Head of Marketing, Nokia Pakistan

At the core of the Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is the music and entertainment experience. It is an ideal device for those who wish to quickly and easily access, share and mix a huge selection of media. In true XpressMusic form, the Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is a great music player with 27 hours of playback time, excellent audio quality and a 4 GB memory card for storing music and other media. Videos, either self made or from social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook can be enjoyed on the brilliantly clear 2.9 inch widescreen display. New music can be purchased through the Nokia Music Store, either directly on the phone or through a PC.  The music collection is easily managed and can be synchronized with the PC using the Nokia Music for PC application. Calls and music can be conveniently managed and listened to with the Nokia Stereo Headset WH-205 with tangle-free cable.

The phone features a ‘people carousel’ feature which shows thumbnail images of up to 20 close friends and provides easy access to them and their communications history including emails, phone calls, photos or other social media updates.  The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic also features the pop-up Media Bar so music, photos, videos, Internet and on-line sharing applications such as Ovi Share, Flickr and VOX are just a touch away.

Nokia N86 8MP software version 11.043 released

This software release lets you download content for your device with Nokia Ovi Store, which replaces Download! This release also includes improved landscape orientation functionality in Nokia Maps and improved imaging in video mode. Other improvements include Browser, Share Online, Camera, and Settings Wizard enhancements. You may be able to automatically receive the latest application and firmware update suggestions directly to your Nokia N86 8MP. Go to Applications > Software Update. This software release is available for updating with a PC and the Nokia Software Updater: www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

Nokia N97 software version 12.0.024/12.1.024/12.2.024 released

 This software release includes improvements in updating software using your device. Other improvements include an adjustment to the size of the browser cache, to save space. This release also includes an updated Nokia Ovi Store application. Also, Mail for Exchange has updates available from the device's software updates application, and other widgets have updates available through Ovi Store. To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Note that some versions may require you to install an Over-The-Air enabling patch called "Install Before Phone Software" first. Alternatively, this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater.

Sony Ericsson Has Shifted To Windows Mobile

Despite Nokia World grabbing the lion's share of the wireless industry news this week, Sony Ericsson stole some of the spotlight with its Xperia X2, a new Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone that focuses on 24/7 multimedia communications. A Windows device marks a shift in strategy for Sony Ericsson.
The X2 lets users synchronize their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft Office Mobile documents. It also offers a SlideView feature that gives users a quick overview of missed calls, e-mails and text messages so they don't miss an important contact. The Xperia X2 has QWERTY messaging.
"In the fast-moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important," said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager at Sony Ericsson. "We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office, and the Xperia X2, debuting with Windows Mobile 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move."
Partnering with Microsoft
The communications-centric Xperia X2 hosts Skype, Mytopia, Google, games, CNN, Windows Live, and lots of other application panels to help users stay up to date on their interests. The phone's touch interface has been improved and a new 3D signature panel makes way for categorization of business, fun and communications functions.
"Windows phones allow people to manage their whole world -- from work to home to play -- on a single handset," said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager of product management for Microsoft. "The Xperia X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are."
Although the X2 focuses on communications, there are plenty of entertainment features, including an 8.1-megapixel camera with instant upload to Facebook. The phone also offers the ability to play music, shoot videos, or play games.

New Windows Mobile 6.5 Phones Coming in October

The first phones with the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system will be released Oct. 6. Microsoft said the new devices will feature improved interfaces, better browsing, and access to such services as Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone.
The worldwide rollout will include new hardware as well as existing models. In North America, new Windows Mobile phones will be released by wireless operators AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, and from manufacturers HP, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba.
Marketplace, My Phone
Microsoft said the new Internet Explorer Mobile browser has been redesigned and carries a new engine as well as built-in support for Adobe Flash Lite. The redesign will make it easier to do such things as check in for a flight, pay bills, or find directions, according to the software giant.
Two new mobile services will be launched. Windows Marketplace for Mobile will provide a centralized location for finding and downloading "approved and certified" applications. Although Microsoft has said it has more than 20,000 applications for Windows Mobile devices, many users may not have noticed, because the apps have been scattered across a variety of outlets. This follows the trend of mobile platforms to create their own App Store, following the highly successful model of Apple's iPhone.
And the free My Phone service lets users back up their phone-based content to the Web automatically, so photos, music, contacts or text messages can be managed either from a phone or a PC. If a phone is lost, the idea is that a user's PC can be used to manage reloading the lost files onto a new phone.
Users of Windows Mobile phones can also customize their interface with designer themes, widgets or their own photo.

The Age of “Good Enough”: When cheap beats premium every time

Wired magazine carries a very important story this month. The article talks about evolving business models and a level of development in the technology industry that – excuse the pun – puts a premium on cheap. The piece is titled, “The Good Enough Revolution” and has received wide pickup from other sites and blogs, including the very popular LifeHacker.

The observation that we are now at a point in the evolution of most consumer technology (and increasingly, enterprise tech too) that “good enough” at a low price is what wins most of the time, is crucial for entrepreneurs and companies to truly understand. Unless you have a really killer niche application that solves an otherwise incurable pain point for a very rich set of customers, you have no hope in succeding against cheaper competitors who are “good enough”, even if your products are significantly better.

Some examples Wired cites are the Flip camera, which has a lower resolution that most other digital cameras, but a low price point. The Predator drone, which does the job considerably cheaper than, say an F-35 or F-22. After all, a bomb truck is a bomb truck is a bomb truck. Single use digital cameras, Skype, Hulu and many other examples abound. I would include Netbooks and under $400 laptops as part of this trend too.

You could, frankly, also call this the “China Phenomenon”. In reality, that is the mentality that China has built its massive industrial strength on. They start off by barely doing the job at a super-low price point, and then eventually drive volumes high enough to work in a little better quality. At that point an adequate, high-volume, simple product becomes impossible to beat!

So, the new formula for success seems to be, cheap, fast and simple. A certain level of quality, of course, is essential. That said, you definitely don’t want to overshoot that minimum level of quality required if you are forcing a significant pricing premium on your customers as a consequence. Is this anathema to innovation? Does this phenomenon spell the end of companies like Apple, that may try to be simple, but are certainly not cheap and fast?

What do you think?

Nokia N97 software version 12.0.024/12.1.024/12.2.024 released

This software release includes improvements in updating software using your device. Other improvements include an adjustment to the size of the browser cache, to save space. This release also includes an updated Nokia Ovi Store application. Also, Mail for Exchange has updates available from the device's software updates application, and other widgets have updates available through Ovi Store.

To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Additionally, this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater.

Nokia's First Linux Phone Looks Good

After several unofficial leaks, Nokia on Thursday officially unveiled the N900, the company's first Linux phone. It's a good first step to rejuvenate Nokia's smartphone line, but will the N900 have what it takes to go head-to-head with the iPhone and Android Phones?

The Nokia N900 has some powerful guts. The device packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor and has 1GB of memory for running applications. The N900 also features OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration, opening a window of opportunity for high quality mobile games.

The N900 runs on the new Linux-based Maemo 5 software, which Nokia says "complements" other software platforms from the company. Recent rumors had Nokia dropping Symbian in favor of a Linux based platform, which many speculated to be Google's Android.

But the Maemo software is nothing new to Nokia. The company's previous Internet Tablets (three to be exact) also ran on various Maemo versions. Still, the new big thing in the N900 is phone capability, which the older tablets were lacking. The N900 serves as a quad-band GSM/EDGE, 900/1700/2100MHz UMTS/HSPA phone.

The N900 does handle connectivity well: next to the GSM and HSPA antennas, the new device features WiFi, GPS/A-GPS, an FM transmitter, Bluetooth 2.1, and TV-out capabilities. Not too shabby, considering it also comes with 32GB of on-board storage, expandable up to 48GB via micro SD cards.

Just like the iPhone, the N900 has a 3.5-inch display, but unlike Apple's phone, it doesn't have a capacitive screen, meaning that more pressure is required for the display to acknowledge your commands. On the upside, the N900 has a higher-resolution display (800x480 pixel), placing it among other high-res screen phones such as the HTC Touch Pro 2 or the Samsung Omnia II (see comparison charts).

The Nokia N900 also promises desktop-grade Web browsing, with the bundled Mozilla-based browser, which happily has Adobe Flash 9.4 support. In comparison, there's no word of Flash coming on the iPhone. Flash support is on the way for Google Android and BlackBerry phones, (except the HTC Hero, which already has full support).

Nokia's N900 features a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual-LED flash. By comparison, the iPhone 3GS has a 3-megapixel camera and no flash. The Android-based HTC Hero has a 5-megapixel camera, but no flash. The Palm Pre on the other hand, has 3-megapixel camera with LED flash.

The Nokia N900 has also another advantage -- a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard, scoring along the Palm Pre, the Nokia N97 and the HTC Touch Pro 2 in this category. There are also a couple of Android-based Motorola phones coming out next month, which will feature a full QWERTY keyboard.

But most likely, the software on board of the Nokia N900 will decide the phone's faith. The Maemo 5 operating system looks promising in early previews, but the apparent lack of an application store could handicap the device prematurely. And last, but not least, Nokia said the N900 will cost just over $700 (unsubsidized and unlocked), so if T-Mobile or AT&T decide to carry the N900, hopefully a hefty subsidy will be put in place.

Vopium – VOIP Calls To Pakistan And Other Countries From Mobile

Published by Babar Bhatti on August 26, 2009 09:00 pm under Business, Digital Convergence, Mobile Applications, Mobile Phones, Mobile Web, Telecommunications, VOIP, Wireless

Vopium is a free piece of software, which you download to your mobile phone so that you can use VOIP to make calls from your mobile phone. It uses least cost routing (such as WiFi when available) to helps you save money on international calls and SMS. For details and rates check out Vopium website and see how it compares with other services. It works in 45 countries.

Vopium supports more than 900 phones including iPhone. For calls to Pakistan, Vopium’s Call Pakistan package has competitive calling rates. Currently Vopium offers double minute for Call Pakistan offer – users gets 500 minutes instead of 250. Here is more about the offer.

Until the 23rd of September Vopium doubles your minutes!
Get 2 for the price of 1. Buy a “Call Pakistan”-package (250 minutes) and get another one on top for FREE during the campaign period. Receive 500=2 X 250 min for only USD 18.55 and call any network, both landline and mobile, in Pakistan. A package is valid for 30 days.

Vopium just launched its mobile VoIP solution in 25 new countries in regions including North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Tanveer Sharif, CEO of Vopium says:

The roll out of Vopium in 25 new countries meets the ever increasing demand for high quality and low price international telephony. Due to the present economic climate consumers are keen to cut cost wherever possible. International telephony rates are still outrageously high, but with the geographic expansion, we are delighted to solve that problem by enabling even more consumers to save heavily on international phone calls.

Nokia N97 software version 11.X.021 released

This software release includes significant improvements in the software stability, especially email, imaging, USB detection, widget stability and display transitions. To enable you to get the most out of your Nokia N97, the release also includes an Ovi store client. Further application updates will become available soon. To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Additionally this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater at www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

What’s New in Ubuntu 9.10

WorksWithU reported a couple weeks ago on new features in Ubuntu 9.10, like kernel mode setting and GRUB 2, that are likely to please geeks. But Ubunti 9.10 (codenamed Karmic Koala) will also sport changes aimed at traditional users. Here’s a look at a few of them.

They include…

Ubuntu One

Perhaps the hardest-to-miss addition to Ubuntu 9.10 is the Ubuntu One client, which comes installed by default under the Applications>Internet menu. The application allows registered users to share files between Ubuntu computers by simply dragging and dropping them into a folder in their home directory, or through a web interface.

I was impressed with how seamlessly Ubuntu One worked in Ubuntu 9.10, given the alpha/beta status of both pieces of software. Signing up for the free Ubuntu One plan, which offers 2 gigabytes of online storage, was a snap, and file sharing worked seamlessly even on a flaky wireless connection. I’m still processing my thoughts on other aspects of Ubuntu One and hope to dedicate a post to it soon.

Goodbye Pidgin, hello Empathy

Another significant change in Karmic is the replacement of Pidgin with Empathy, an instant-messaging client built by Gnome developers. The decision to drop Pidgin was influenced, among other factors, by its lack of support for video chat and convoluted software overhead.

When I tested Empathy last winter, it was still missing some important features. I haven’t had a chance to play with Karmic’s build of the application yet in any detail, but it’s presumably been brought up to speed to become a full replacement for the functionality offered by Pidgin.

Of course, although Pidgin was removed from the default desktop software stack, it’s still only an apt-get away for those who don’t take well to Empathy.

Gnome interface changes

Last but not least, some minor tweaking has been applied to the default Gnome desktop. In particular, I was happy to see the System>Shut Down/Log Out menu restored even when the fast-user switching applet is visible. This feature was removed in Jaunty, making the user-switcher menu the only easy way to end a Gnome session, which never quite felt intuitive to me.

An entry for the Gnome Control Center has also finally been added to the System>Preferences menu in Karmic. This application, which is similar to the Control Panel in Windows and allows users to configure various aspects of Gnome, was always available in Ubuntu, but the only way to launch it in previous releases was from the command line. Making it more visible is a good move.

Karmic won’t bring any revolutionary changes to the default desktop software stack, but there have been some useful overhauls of individual components. Provided the backend of the system is also solid (note to Ubuntu developers: I’d love to have an ath5k wireless driver that finally works without a fuss), Ubuntu 9.10 looks to be a promising release.

Nokia N86 - Picture Perfect Phone Arrives Soon in Pakistan

The highly anticipated Nokia N86 will soon be available to Pakistani consumers. Nokia N86 is the most advanced mobile phone camera ever. It comes with a powerful combination of wide-angle Carl Zeiss optics and an 8 megapixel sensor, resulting in performance comparable to a stand alone digital camera. The Nokia N86 8MP is designed to excel in both bright and low light conditions; and it’s optimized for both video and still imaging. Its high-speed connectivity ensures easy and convenient sharing. In essence, it let’s you capture more, capture quality and capture to share.

People demand mobile cameras that take excellent pictures in all light conditions. That’s why the aperture of the Nokia N86 8MP is comparable to that of a high-quality, stand-alone digital camera. Whether it’s capturing majestic hieghts of Himalayas or the panoramic beauty of a sunset at Clifton beach, the Nokia N86 8MP will take brilliantly clear, wide-angle images that are instantly geo-tagged to be uploaded onto sites like Ovi Share or Flickr.

Imran Khalid Mahmood

Country General Manager, Nokia Pakistan

Easy to use, the Nokia N86 8MP is capable of giving picture results that can impress any experienced photographer. This includes a wide-angle Carl Zeiss Tessar lens for capturing more of a beautiful scene in pictures, shorter latencies and variable aperture for super sharp photos in challenging bright and low light conditions. The fast mechanical shutter ensures pictures with less motion blur while the dual LED camera flash is powerful enough for excellent photography and video capture.

“When it comes to taking the best digital photos, it’s the quality of the lens and the sensor that count, not just the quantity of pixels. The Nokia N86 8MP is the first mobile device with variable aperture, adding to the Carl Zeiss Tessar lens for excellent results. It has never been easier to capture special moments in such a great quality,” says Helmut Heier of Carl Zeiss.

Every detail of the metal-framed Nokia N86 8MP is thoughtfully designed with photography in mind, including 8 GB of internal memory for up to 4,000 images. Like any high-end digital camera, the memory can be increased with an exchangeable 16 GB microSD card. The device also offers a bright OLED screen with scratch resistant hardened glass, easy photo management, full sync capability with a PC and TV-out support for slide shows.

Preloaded with the latest version of Nokia Maps and full Ovi integration, the Nokia N86 8MP gives a personal dimension to photos and videos. People can share their location with personal content like geo-tagged photos. The Nokia N86 8MP comes with a built-in compass, along with a trial navigation license for driving. It also includes pedestrian navigation so that you don’t lose your way when capturing life through the camera lens. Navigation service is not currently available in Pakistan.

The Nokia N86 8MP, with its integrated kick stand, is ideal for watching videos and playing games. Each Nokia N86 8MP can play up to 25 hours of music on one charge which can be enjoyed with the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-214. People can build a personal music collection from the millions of tracks and playlists available from the Nokia Music Store, where available.

Anti-Theft Software Could Create Security HoleAnti-Theft Software Could Create Security Hole

A piece of anti-theft software built into many laptops at the factory opens a serious security hole, according to research presented Thursday.

The "Computrace" software, made by Vancouver-based Absolute Software Corp., is part of a subscription service that's used to find lost or stolen computers. Many people don't know it's on their machines, but it's included in computers from the biggest PC makers.

The software is built into computers at the factory because that embeds it so deeply that even the extreme act of uninstalling the operating software won't delete it. The software is included in a part of the computer known as the BIOS, which refers to programs used to boot the computer.

The service Absolute sells can be valuable because sensitive data can be purged remotely from a stolen machine. The computer is still able to reach out to a specially designated Web site for instructions even if a criminal is tampering with the machine.

But research by Alfredo Ortega and Anibal Sacco with Boston-based Core Security Technologies, and presented Thursday at the Black Hat security conference here, shows it can cut two ways.

If a criminal has infected a computer that has the Computrace technology, he can take deep control of a machine.

That's because he's able to modify the computer's settings to maintain a connection with that machine even if the operating software is uninstalled then reinstalled -- an extreme way, but sometimes the only way, to make sure a computer is cleaned of viruses.

"You have something that's pre-installed, and considered non-malicious, that you can manipulate and turn into a malicious program -- that's pretty unique," said Ivan Arce, Core Security's chief technology officer.

Arce said Absolute can fix the problem with an update to the software that is then pushed out to affected computers. He added that users can disable the software's...

EU Slashes Mobile-Phone Roaming Rates

The European Union has dramatically slashed the rates that wireless carriers can charge consumers roaming across the EU's member states.

Previous rate reductions introduced in 2007 cut the cost of voice roaming calls within the EU by 70 percent. Under the new rules that went into effect Wednesday, noted EU Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding, EU roaming charges have been reduced by a further 60 percent.

"The roaming rip-off is now coming to an end, thanks to the determined action of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and all 27 EU member states," Reding said. "From today, all Europeans making calls or sending texts with their mobiles can experience the EU's single market without borders."

The Downside for Carriers

Though the new EU rules are limited to reducing the rates that wireless operators charge each other, Reding expects the changes will make it much cheaper for roaming consumers to place and receive calls, send text messages, and surf the Web on mobile phones.

"I call on the mobile industry to pass these savings on to data roaming customers swiftly," Reding said. "The commission and national regulators will monitor data roaming charges very carefully and assess next year whether the roaming market is finally becoming competitive."

The new rules come at an inopportune time for the region's wireless carriers. The EU's earlier roaming cuts have already had a negative impact on the carriers, which previously had "made margins on inter-country calls, and particularly on data roaming," said Jessica Ekholm, a Gartner principal research analyst. T-Mobile said earlier this year that "lower roaming revenues and newly introduced regulation on roaming and termination charges had a negative impact on revenues."

Nokia E51 software version 400.34.011 released

This software release brings improvements and increased stability in Mail for Exchange, SMS reception improvements and stability and usability improvements for VoIP and WLAN. The release also includes robustness improvements when pressing the Home key. This software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater: www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

Nokia N97 software version 11.X.021 released

This software release includes significant improvements in the software stability, especially email, imaging, USB detection, widget stability and display transitions. To enable you to get the most out of your Nokia N97, the release also includes an Ovi store client. Further application updates will become available soon. To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update. Additionally this software release is available through the Nokia Software Updater at www.nokia.com/softwareupdates.

Facebook BlackBerry app upgrade available - and I love it

All Facebook users who also carry a BlackBerry must rejoice and should try out version 1.6.0.17 that is out now and is available to download. Simply go to the existing Facebook application and select to upgrade. If you don’t have the app on your BlackBerry phone already, you can download it from here. I have been using the Facebook app on my BlackBerry for a while now but it always lacked many features and the wap site m.facebook.com was always better. I’ve also been trying some third party tools like shozu and snaptu for Facebook access but none of them have been as simple, comprehensive and convenient as the wap site. This time, the development team has done the job very well and has given a feature boost to the application and now I don’t use the wap site anymore.

The new features include:

• A new and improved home screen that shows status updates.
• You can comment on these statuses
• A new “View Highlights” screen that shows photos posted by users, status updates, wall posts, photo comments, relationship status changes, phone number changes and a bundle of other updates.
• Capability of commenting from the above mentioned “View Highlights” screen.
• An improved Notification page

Photo gallery — View Highlights

• An improved Friend’s list that allows, not only to poke and message friends, but lets you call them, view their profile.
• The user profile screen that lets you view updates from a friend and yes, my favorite, browse and view the albums and photos
• An amazing album and photo gallery? Watching photos from Facebook friends’ albums is a charm on this app. Did I mention that already?
• Photo gallery allows you to browse and scroll through the photos, zoom into the photos and set photos as the BB home screen.

View Profile —– Upload and Tag Photos

All existing features including poke, message, write on wall, invite friends, tag and upload photos etc are also there and are complemented by the new features and they complement the new features too.

The app also allows you to sync your Facebook and Blackberry contacts. You can connect Facebook profiles with existin entries on your Blackberry contacts, you can request phone numbers of Facebook friends and you can also search for people in your Blakcberry contacts on Facebook and add them up.

Following wizard came up on my web-based Facebook when I logged in just after installing the new Facebook app on my Blackberry.

You can watch the usage video posted below to get an idea of the new feature’s working.

Note, I carry a non-wifi Blackberry, so the application looks a bit slow in the video.

Summary
Overall, the application is a hit. I don’t find many drawbacks in the app.

The good:

• View albums: Its smooth, shows album name, preview photo and number of photos in it. Nice side-wise scrolling transitions.
• View photos: Amazing full screen photo viewing with photo title/info and swapping between photos in an album is a charm. Side wise scrolling thumbnails make it look so good.
• View profiles: A new feature with great options like view photos, poke, message and profile activity of the user.
• Great contact sync: Allows you to sync your Facebook contacts with Blackberry contacts and vise-versa.
• Request phone number: You can request a Facebook user’s phone number and can sync it with the phone so that you can use it for calling. I got to talk to a few very old friends just because of this feature.

The Bad

• The earlier Facebook notification system worked great with the Blackberry holster. (Facebook notification rings, you pull out the phone and notification is right on the screen). Things are not that good with this version. Notification system doesn’t work. Doesn’t work at all. But this is a very small glitch and I’m sure things will be fixed in next version.
• Facebook experience on Blackberry is still behind Facbook experience on an iPhone.