Weblog of Fernando Reig Matthies

Communications chipmaker Broadcom today revealed that it had developed the BCM21551, the first major cellphone processor to include both 3G cellular data access as well as other technologies in a single chip. The chip is ready for current and near-future mobile Internet access with connections to HSDPA networks (such as AT&T, Rogers, and some European networks) peaking at 7.2Mbps in ideal downloads, and the fast-upload HSUPA at up to 5.8Mbps; new, however, are the inclusion of a radio receiver for picking up calls as well as an FM radio tuner and an integrated Bluetooth module. These give any future phone using the chip true high-speed Internet connections without requiring a separate processor and the increased size or reduced battery life that often comes with the extra hardware, Broadcom says. Legacy access to GPRS, EDGE, and other legacy connections are also built in.

The Broadcom development may address a key complaint of Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, who in a European press conference said that 3G iPhones were held back primarily because of the poor battery life of current chipsets. Most 3G phones top at three hours of battery life when using the technology for enhanced calls or data versus the eight hours of calls for slower, EDGE-only hardware. However, Apple currently uses Infineon hardware and would likely have to switch suppliers entirely to use the Broadcom development in the iPhone.

Via Electronista

Nokia have announced the Nokia N95, featuring an innovative double slide design with multimedia controls and a keypad on opposite end of the phones. The N95 is Nokia’s first HSDPA (3.5G) device, but also boasts Wi-Fi, WCDMA, quad-band GSM, Bluetooth (including A2DP), IrDA and USB 2.0 connectivity (via mini USB connector). Other hardware features include a 5 megapixel camera, a built in GPS, TV-Out, 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio, a MicroSD memory card slot and 150MB of internal memory. Read on for full details, pictures and the full press release.

As I’m uploading more and more images to Flickr from my N70 phone, I was having a look at the N80 with Wi-Fi support to circumvent traffic over the carriers network (no flat rate yet). What I missed on the N80 was an integrated GPS so it could keep track of the location of the shots being taken and thinner design.

I was seriously seeking for the N80 Limited Internet Edition, but after I saw this N95 coming in Q1 of 2007 I am definitely waiting for it, being a bit taller but also thinner than the N80 and N70.

I really don’t need a 5 megapixel camera, but autofocus, 150MB of internal memory, MicroSD support and bulit in GPS is really nice.

I still have to check out how it performs OS wise, as I more than often gasp with my N70 changing applictions or loading images in the Gallery.

Link to official product page at Nokia.

Via All About Symbian

Opera Software, maker of the web browser of the same name, has announced the Nintendo DS version of its internet-surfing tool will be released in Japan on July 24.

Initially to be available online only, the software will go for 3,800 yen ($38) and will come with an additional memory expansion pack. North American and European release dates have yet to be announced.

The Opera browser for the DS lets users log onto the internet. Using the cartridge, you can connect to a network via a HotSpot or wireless router, and begin browsing on two screens. With an on-screen keypad and stylus, users can navigate the Web from their DS with PDA-like functionality. The two screens are used for multifunction purposes—both can show one web page together, or one can show a zoomed-in view of the page. When typing, the bottom screen shows the text being entered while the top shows the webpage you are on.

Via IGN

Giving gamers two windows to the web

In Opera’s agreement with Nintendo, Nintendo DS users will now be able to surf the full Internet from their systems using the Opera browser. The Opera browser for Nintendo DS will be sold as a DS card. Users simply insert the card into the Wi- Fi enabled Nintendo DS, connect to a network, and begin browsing on two screens.

“The incredibly popular Nintendo DS is already Wi-Fi enabled to support real time gaming, so adding Web browsing capabilities was a natural evolution for this device,” says Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President, Opera Software. “Gaming devices are growing more advanced and a great Web experience is becoming a product differentiator for gaming manufacturers. Opera is excited to work with Nintendo to deliver a unique dual screen, full Internet experience on Nintendo DS.”

With an on-screen keypad and stylus, users can easily navigate the Web from their Nintendo DS with PDA-like functionality. Based on the same core as the Opera desktop browser, Opera delivers superior speed and rendering of Web pages on the Nintendo DS.

Read the full anouncement at Opera’s web.

When you take a photo you are capturing an image of what you can see with your eyes.

Meaning enriches this image by automatically adding contextual information and allowing you to instantly share your picture, all with just one click.

Simply put: Meaning is one click publishing from your Nokia’s Series 60 platform to your Flickr account.

Say hello to my N70: the smallest 3G Series 60 smartphone with 2 megapixel camera. The Nokia N70 multimedia is a beautifully designed, compact and easy-to-use 3G smartphone with versatile mobile photography, personal productivity and entertainment features.

Incorporating a complete smartphone feature set, as well as a 2 megapixel camera, flash and front camera for video calling, the Nokia N70 comes fully equipped with stereo FM radio, a digital music player and new 3D games.

My previous phone a Nokia 6600 which, my actual employer handed me out for work, did a pretty good job, so I’ve sticked to Nokia’s Series 60 smartphone.

Have done some UMTS test and video calling with Kuki succesfuly here in Spain with Movistar as the carrier.

No OS X support yet, but managed to iSync perfectly adding the following entry to Applications: iSync: Contents: PlugIns: ApplePhoneConduit.syncdevice: Contents: PlugIns: honeModelsSync.phoneplugin: Contents: Resources: MetaClasses.plist


<key>com.nokia.N70</key>
<dict>
<key>Identification</key>
<dict>
<key>com.apple.gmi+gmm</key>
<string>Nokia+Nokia N70</string>
</dict>
<key>InheritsFrom</key>
<array>
<string>com.nokia.serie60v2.2</string>
</array>
<key>Services</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>ServiceName</key>
<string>com.apple.model</string>
<key>ServiceProperties</key>
<dict>
<key>ModelName</key>
<string>N70</string>
<key>PhoneIcon</key>
<string>NOK6680.tiff</string>
</dict>
</dict>
</array>
</dict>


I added the script just before the <key>com.nokia.6680</key> one. As you can see I used also it’s TIFF icon as I couldn’t find any suitable for the N70 and it doesn’t look that bad.

Update: As of April 2006 (5 months after this post) iSync 2.2 and 10.4.6 now support the Nokia N70