Phone Scoop - Nokia Lumia 900 Updates

Nokia Lumia 900 Receives Windows Phone 7.8

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:01:24 GMT

Nokia indicated today via its U.S. support forums that the Windows Phone 7.8 system update is now ready for the Lumia 900. Windows Phone 7.8 updates the appearance and behavior of the Start screen, but doesn't include the under-the-hood improvements found in Windows Phone 8.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Delivering Windows Phone 7.8 to Older Lumias

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:04:38 GMT

Nokia today announced that it is making Windows Phone 7.8 available to its older Lumia smartphones. The update will be pushed out on a carrier-by-carrier basis over the coming weeks and through February. In addition to the new Start screen with adjustable Live Tiles, Windows Phone 7.8 adds new functionality to the lock screen, such as daily Bing images and child lock screen security. Windows Phone 7.8 also adds support for a number of new languages. The software can be installed via Microsoft's desktop-based apps to devices such as the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. It is a free system update.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Transport Beta Tweaks UI and Adds Features

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:15:07 GMT

Nokia has released a new beta version of Nokia Transport, its mass transit route-finding application. Nokia Transport Beta 2.3 makes it easier to see segments of a route through the use of new icons for bus, train, or subway transports. The beta software includes revised points-of-interest icons that make it easier to see final destinations. The search history tool has been dramatically overhauled so that previous results can be accessed with a swipe. Touching any previous search result will automatically generate new directions from the users' location to that point. The software also includes walking directions for when users might need to walk between two public transportation stations to complete a given route. Nokia transport Beta 2.3 can be downloaded directly from the Nokia Beta Labs web site. It is compatible with the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. Nokia Transport offers mass transit directions in 550 cities world wide.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Bringing More Features to Existing Lumias

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:12:26 GMT

Nokia today said that it is going to offer deliver new features to its existing lineup of Windows Phone devices, including the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. First, Nokia will offer the Cinemagraph and Smart Group Shot camera features that it recently showed off during the launch of the Lumia 920/820. These features improve the picture shooting and sharing experience. All Lumia devices will receive a new Start screen look and feel that will mimic the Windows Phone 8 Start screen. Nokia will also add a ringtone maker app (in select markets). Contacts will be easier to share once the app is updated by Nokia, as it will add the ability to share contacts over Bluetooth in addition to email and text messages. Bluetooth on Lumia devices will also gain the ability to send media files to other Bluetooth devices with the addition of the object push profile. Nokia said these new features will be added in phases over time and it will provide more details once they are ready for dispersal. The Lumia 900 will still be updated to Windows Phone 7.8, which includes a number of additional new features.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Launches Streaming Music Service in the U.S.

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:15:33 GMT

Nokia today announced the availability of Nokia Music to Lumia smartphone devices in the U.S. Owners of the Lumia 900 and Lumia 710 will be able to access and stream music from Nokia, which is offering more than a million tracks, 150 curated playlists, offline caching, and custom-generated playlists. The service is free to use, free of advertising, and doesn't require users to register or sign up. The app also offers a feature called Gig Finder, which will use the location information of the smartphone to offer suggestions on local live music performances. The app can be downloaded directly from the Lumia 900 and Lumia 710, which run Windows Phone.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Lumia 900 Update Adds 'Flip-to-Silence' Feature

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:18:41 GMT

Nokia today said that it is pushing a minor system update to the Lumia 900, which is sold by AT&T. The update fixes several bugs, smoothes out the start-up sequence, and adds the "flip-to-silence" feature. The update also makes improvements the camera's behavior. The update must be installed through the desktop Zune client or Windows Phone Connector for Mac. It is available starting today.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Drive Knows Your Commute By Heart

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 02:51:52 GMT

Nokia recently updated its Nokia Drive application with a new feature called My Commute. With My Commute enabled, Nokia Drive will learn over time the various routes that Lumia device owners take to and from work. The app also learns the general time that you leave for work in the morning, as well as when you leave work in the evening, and can inform the driver of traffic problems in advance so that they may re-route to avoid problems. The update also allows Lumia device owners to pin destinations to the home screen, allowing for one-press access to their route home. Nokia Drive is a free download for the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610, and the My Commute feature is available in the U.S. to start. My Commute will be expanded to other markets over time. Nokia also reiterated that it plans to make Nokia Drive available to all Windows Phone 8 devices later this year, including those made by competitors HTC and Samsung. For now, however, it is exclusive to Lumia devices.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Maps Updated with Groupon Support

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:18:36 GMT

Nokia has updated its Maps app for the Windows Phone platform to version 2.5. Nokia Maps 2.5 adds several new features, most notably integration with and support for Groupon in the United States. This means users will be able to view which deals are nearby and route directions to take advantage of them. Nokia Maps 2.5 also adds a route planner and fixes a handful of bugs. It is a free download for Nokia Lumia Windows Phones in the Marketplace for Mobile.

(Follow link to read.)

Lumia 900 to Dance the Tango with AT&T This Month

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:08 GMT

AT&T today revealed that the Nokia Lumia 900 will be updated to Windows Phone 7.5 Tango in the weeks ahead. Officially, the Tango update will boost the software to version 7.10.8773.98 and is also being referred to as the Windows Phone 7.5 Refresh. The new system software upgrades the messaging app by permitting users to attach multiple files to a single multimedia message. The update also makes it possible to export phone contacts to a SIM card, as well as selectively import contacts from a SIM card to the device. Last, the update adds flip-to-silence. AT&T said the update will be made available soon.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Offers Updated Pulse Beta to Lumia Phones

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:31:14 GMT

Nokia today announced that a new beta version of its Pulse messaging service is available to the Lumia 900, 800, 710, and 610. Pulse is a collaborative event/messaging tool for Windows Phones that allows users to send invitations to others complete with locations, directions, ratings, and other data embedded in the message. The app can then update information about planned events in real-time based on user locations and additional messages. New features of Pulse Beta include the ability to sign in with Facebook accounts, the ability to start new conversations as soon as the app opens, and new visibility of app updates via the app's Live Tile. Nokia has also improved the performance of the application, allowing users to consolidate multiple email addresses for individual contacts and more easily edit app data. The current version of Pulse is 0.8.0.0. Nokia said that the roll out of beta 0.9.0.0 will vary by region, and users can check for the update via the Marketplace or their desktop client.

(Follow link to read.)

AT&T to Sell Pink Lumia 900 Starting July 15

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:27:29 GMT

AT&T today announced that consumers who prefer pink will be able to purchase a pink-colored Nokia Lumia 900 beginning July 15. As with the black, white, and cyan versions, the pink Nokia Lumia 900 will cost $99 with a new contract. The Lumia 900 runs Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, and will not be updated to Windows Phone 8 Apollo later this year. It will, however, receive the Windows Phone 7.8 user interface skin, which includes a new Start screen. That update is expected to arrive this fall.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Lumia Phones Headed to Verizon and Sprint 'Soon'

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:16:24 GMT

Nokia's Richard Kerris, VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, said in an interview with Neowin that the phone maker expects Lumia Windows Phone devices to be available from Verizon Wireless and Sprint in the U.S. soon. Though Kerris didn't reveal any specific details, his comments reiterate earlier statements made by Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who said that Nokia planned to offer differentiated Lumia devices to each of the four major U.S. carriers. "Soon" in this case likely refers to this Fall, which is when Windows Phone 8 is expected to debut. Kerris also reiterated that the imaging technology used in the PureView 808 will make its way to Lumia Windows Phone device, though he declined to say which device or when. Last, Kerris said that the company is spending a significant amount of money on research and development and that "people will be climbing over themselves" to get new Nokia products come the Spring of 2013.

(Follow link to read.)

Software Update for Lumia 800 and 710 Adds Mobile Hotspot

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:27:26 GMT

Nokia recently announced that a system update will be pushed to the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 in the coming weeks. This update does not change the system software to Windows Phone 7.8, but it does add several new and useful features. Once updated, both the 800 and 710 will be able to share internet connections with other devices via Wi-Fi. Mobile hotspot can support up to five other devices. The update also adds the flip-to-silence feature for incoming phone calls, and delivers compatibility with several new applications, including Camera Extras, Counters, Contact share, and more. The update is for all global variants of the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710, and Nokia expects all devices will receive the update by the end of July. The Lumia 900 and Lumia 610 already have these features.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Outlines Commitment to Windows Phone 8 and Lumia

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:32:57 GMT

Nokia joined Microsoft on stage in San Francisco today to reiterate its commitment to the Windows Phone platform and talk about specific features and support Nokia Lumia owners can expect from Nokia moving forward. First, Nokia will provide the Windows Phone 7.8 update to all of its Lumia devices. WP7.8 provides the new WP8 Start screen to older Windows Phone devices, but doesn't bring most of the platform's new features. Nokia also plans to offer new apps exclusive to Lumia Windows Phones, including Camera Extras, which adds action shot, panorama, and a timer to the camera. Other exclusive apps include Contact Share, which lets Lumia owners easily share contact details via SMS; Play-To, which lets Lumia owners share pictures, videos, and music with other DLNA–enabled devices; and a refresh of the Nokia Music 3.0 application, which adds new features as well.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Plans Layoffs, Strategic Change, Exec Change-Up

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:03:40 GMT

Nokia today announced a significant reorganization of its business in hopes of saving costs and becoming more efficient. The company plans to lay off approximately 10,000 workers worldwide through several plant closings and the consolidation of other facilities. The layoffs are expected to be complete by the end of 2013. Nokia also plans to renew its focus on core parts of its business that will help it shore up its Lumia smartphones and feature phones. The company will invest in technologies that will make its phones stand out from competitors' devices, and will invest in more location-based technology to further differentiate its phones. Nokia also said that it plans to offer a wider range of low-cost Windows Phones, similar to the Lumia 610. As part of today's announcement, Nokia said that it plans to focus its marketing and sales activities on key markets, streamline its IT and other support organizations, and reduce investments in non-core assets. The strategic reorganization also brings with it significant changes to the company's leadership ranks. Chris Weber, who has spearheaded Nokia's efforts in North America for the past year, has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing. Other promotions include Tuula Rytila to senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and Susan Sheehan as senior vice president of communications. Mary MacDowell, who has served as executive vice president of mobile phones, is leaving the company. Other departures include Jerri DeVard, executive vice president and chief marketing officer and Niklas Savander, executive vice president of Markets. The departures are effective June 30 and the new leadership roles will go into effect July 1. Nokia believes all these changes will help it become more competitive in the market.

(Follow link to read.)

System Update for Nokia Lumia 900 Stomps On Bugs

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:13:29 GMT

Nokia today announced a maintenance update for the Lumia 900, which is sold by AT&T. The update is meant mainly to fix bugs, including the purple hue which affected the screen of some devices in low light conditions. The update improves sensitivity for the proximity sensor, and makes a handful of other minor adjustments and enhancements. The update can be downloaded through the Zune client or Windows Phone Connector for Mac. Nokia said that a similar update will be made available to international versions of the Lumia 900, as well.

(Follow link to read.)

Nokia Updates Its Maps and Transport Apps

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:17:45 GMT

Nokia today provided updates to both Nokia Maps and Nokia Transport beta for its Lumia smartphones. New features in Nokia Maps include the ability to submit and view photos and reviews of destinations, the ability to save and synchronize favorites across platforms (Lumia phones, PCs, and Nokia Belle), and the ability to pin specific locations to the start screen. New features in the Nokia Transport beta application include detailed views of mass transit lines and the ability to pin multiple destinations to the start screen. Both apps are free to download and are exclusive to Nokia's Lumia Windows Phone devices.

(Follow link to read.)

LTE Goes Live for AT&T Customers in Cleveland

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:47:57 GMT

AT&T has turned on its LTE 4G network in Cleveland, Ohio. AT&T customers in that market will be able to access faster data services with devices such as the HTC One X and Nokia Lumia 900.

(Follow link to read.)

AT&T Wants Device Subsidies to Be As Low As Possible

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:07:14 GMT

AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega told investors at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference today that the company is doing what it can to offer devices with low subsidies. "We have to watch subsidies and make sure that we bring devices to market that customers love and will keep and have low subsidies," he said. In the U.S., wireless network operators often subsidize the cost of handsets for customers who sign new contracts. Customers are then able to afford a decent device, and the carrier recoups the subsidy over the life of the contract. de la Vega cited the Nokia Lumia 900 and HTC One X as good examples of devices with low subsidy points. "These are great devices that I think customers will like," de la Vega said. The full retail price of the Lumia 900, for example, is $449. AT&T sells it for $99, meaning it subsidizes $350 of the device cost. The iPhone 4S, however, costs $649 at full retail (16GB version). AT&T sells it for $199, meaning it subsidizes $450 of the device cost. Keeping device subsidies low will help AT&T reduce its margins and other costs. de la Vega also reiterated that the company is working to offer shared data plans later this year, which he believes will help increase sales of tablets.

(Follow link to read.)

Accessories available at 1800mobiles.com

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:18:57 GMT

1800mobiles.com is now selling accessories for the Nokia Lumia 900. Follow the link to check it out.