Tech Pedia » Cell Phones

Nokia Sues Apple Again over Patent Infringement

Abhinav Kaiser — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:03:05 +0000

Well, it does not look like this fight will end anytime soon. The emperor of mobile phones, Nokia is in a constant battle with the fast rising star, Apple. Yet again, Nokia claims that Apple is using certain features on iPods and iPhones that is patented by Nokia.

The suits will be addressed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The new complaint to the ITC relates to seven patents related to “user interface, as well as camera, antenna and power management technologies”.

It all started with Nokia suing Apple for similar reasons on 10 counts back in October. Apple countered sued Nokia on 13 patent infringement cases for the same allegations stating that the patents for the features in discussion is held by them and Nokia was using them illegally.

The competition between the top cell phone manufacturers seem to hotting up outside the market, and the outcome would be interesting to watch out for. If Nokia wins, Apple will have to shed certain features in iPhones and iPods which will take the sheen off these devices. If Apple wins, Nokia is not affected too much, as their market is mainly based in non-touch cell phones like the E71.

iPhone 8x Telescope with Tripod!

Om — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:03:53 +0000

This is a great piece of news for the telescope and iPhone lovers, as Iphone accessory offers a feature that includes a telescope, which has the capacity to zoom up to 6x.

Iphone 8x Telescope with Tripod

The latest product features advanced 8x optical zoom and it comes along with a tripod.

The main advantages in the Iphone 8x telescopic with tripod include manual focus adjustment, which avoids contortion of images, and it is detachable from the crystal case.

Apart from the 8x optical zooming feature, the device comes with a stand for taking movies and pictures.

This unique iPhone accessory is compatible with both iPhone 3GS and 3G models. It can be yours for just $28.99!

Definitely sounds like a superb deal at this price, doesn’t it?

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab one for your iPhone right away!

Rim Blackberry Bluetooth Watch!

Om — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:04:49 +0000

For the BlackBerry users here’s a great wrist watch that receives alerts whenever new messages have been received on their smartphones, via Bluetooth connectivity. These alerts can be received even if you are at some distance from the phone.

The concept of BlackBerry Bluetooth Wrist Watch was first rumoured in August this year.

But, now it’s official that the Rim Blackberry Bluetooth Watch is for real, and it is expected to come out pretty soon as an amazing accessory for BlackBerry fans.

Some of the salient features of the watch include a nice OLED display that makes it enough for you to be alerted of your new messages.

The name of this fascinating watch will be BlackBerry inPulse.

There are no other details available regarding its release and pricing yet, but one thing is for sure that this amazing bluetooth watch is going to be a revolutionary product from the house of Blackberry.

So, keep an eye on its release and grab one of these for your Blackberry phone.

iPhones aren’t Exploding : Apple Claims

Abhinav Kaiser — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:53:20 +0000

There have been several complaints off late that Apple’s latest breed of 3G iphones were exploding. It started in France and spread to other European Union states like the UK, Netherlands and Sweden. The issue became so important that the union decided to use its Rapex system to issue an alert to its member states about the problem.

Apple got down to the business part of things and ordered an investigation to be carried out into the bursting iPhones. The study suggested that the so called explosion was caused due to external factors rather than from the inside. If the Watchdog’s claims are indeed true, it is obvious that the damage inflicted on the iPhone is rather a human inflicted physical damage and not a manufacturing defect.

Why would some people/organization/company sponsor a large scale sabotage spanning multiple countries? Can it be a handiwork of iPhone’s competitors? Maybe Apple should start shipping iPhone with OtterBox Defender Case.

Speculations apart, Apple statement read – “To date, there are no confirmed battery overheating incidents for iPhone 3GS and the number of reports we are investigating is in the single digits,”

“The iPhones with broken glass that we have analyzed to date show that in all cases the glass cracked due to an external force that was applied to the iPhone.”

The investigation does really get interesting with the complaints coming from various quarters of the society. An IT professional in France claims that his wife’s phone cracked while it sat on a desk. A security guard from the same country says he was struck in the eye with a glass shard when his iPhone screen cracked up. These are just a few claims to name a few.

There is no strong motive to prove that the iPhone explosion is forced by external factors. In fact, the only external factor that’s common to all the cases is the geography of the European continent. Maybe, there’s something in the air that the device is not able to withstand. The mystery continues!!!

Nokia 5800 Xpress Music Tips and Tricks

Abhinav Kaiser — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:47:27 +0000

I am just fascinated about the Nokia 5800 Xpress Music. I learn new things about the phone everyday and I can proudly say, I own this phone.

Here are some tips and tricks for the Nokia 5800 Xpress Music:

I am not done with this post yet! The next magic trick, I am not sure how I can achieve it, but it looks great :) :) :)

You can do many more things with the contacts than what is shown in the next video:

Are you a gamer? I am definitely not… I suck at this game. If you have some good tips for me, I really need help!!!!!!!!

Nokia 5800 Secret Codes

Abhinav Kaiser — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:32:49 +0000

Being a proud owner of a Nokia 5800, I am bound to throw more light on this piece amazing gadgetry. Here are some secret codes that are confirmed to work on the fully touch cell-phone. Let me know if you know more, I would be glad to add them on here.

*#06# displays the IMEI – the serial number – of your phone.
*#0000# displays the firmware and its date.
*#92702689# (*#war_anty) displays the “warranty-menu” of your phone.
*#2820# (*#bta_#) displays the bluetooth-address of your device.
*#62209526# (*#mac_wlan#) displays the MAC-address of your phone it works just for the Wifi phones.

* Holding # for three seconds on the home screen you change the active profile to silent or back.
* By pressing 0 (zero) for three seconds on the home-screen you easily can open the web browser.
* By pressing the Menu/Home key for three seconds you open the task manager, which shows all opened applications.

Nokia reset codes (Be very careful, resets lead to data loss)

*#7780# (*#rst_#) does a soft-reset to your phone.
*#7370# (*#res_#) does a hard-reset to your phone.

A Complete Guide to Nokia Secret Codes

Abhinav Kaiser — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:14:04 +0000

*** Disclaimer : We will not be held responsible if the codes presented on our website would end up screwing up your handset or the data residing on it. Don’t shoot the messenger ***

Here is probably the largest collection of secret codes on Nokia cellphones. We believe that these would work on most of the phones that are in the market today, irrespective of the geography to which it belongs.

If you have more up your sleeve which isn’t listed here, let us know. We would be glad add it onto our list.

On the home screen, key in:

*#06# for checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

*#7780# reset to factory settings.

*#67705646# This will clear the LCD display(operator logo).

*#0000# To view software version.

*#2820# Bluetooth device address.

*#746025625# Sim clock allowed status.

#pw+1234567890+1# Shows if sim have restrictions.

*#92702689# – takes you to a secret menu where you may find some of the information below:
1. Displays Serial Number.
2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture
3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY)
4. Displays the date of the last repair – if found (0000)
5. Shows life timer of phone (time passes since last start)

*#3370# – Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) activation. Increase signal strength, better signal reception. It also help if u want to use GPRS and the service is not responding or too slow. Phone battery will drain faster though.

*#3370* – (EFR) deactivation. Phone will automatically restart. Increase battery life by 30% because phone receives less signal from network.

*#4720# – Half Rate Codec activation.

*#4720* – Half Rate Codec deactivation. The phone will automatically restart.

If you forgot your wallet code for Nokia S60 phone, use this code reset: *#7370925538#

Note, your data in the wallet will be erased. Phone will ask you the lock code. Default lock code is: 12345

Press *#3925538# to delete the contents and code of wallet.

Unlock service provider: Insert sim, turn phone on and press vol up(arrow keys) for 3 seconds, should say pin code. Press C,then press * message should flash, press * again and 04*pin*pin*pin# \
*#7328748263373738# resets security code.

Default security code is 12345

Change closed caller group (settings >security settings>user groups) to 00000 and ure phone will sound the message tone when you are near a radar speed trap. Setting it to 500 will cause your phone 2 set off security alarms at shop exits, gr8 for practical jokes! (works with some of the Nokia phones.) Press and hold “0″ on the main screen to open wap browser.

Code Function

*3370# Activate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) – Your phone uses the best sound quality but talk time is reduced my approximately 5%

#3370# Deactivate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR)

*#4720# Activate Half Rate Codec – Your phone uses a lower quality sound but you should gain approx 30% more Talk Time

*#4720# Deactivate Half Rate Codec

#pw+1234567890+1# Provider Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+2# Network Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+3# Country Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+4# SIM Card Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

12345 This is the default security code

*#21# Allows you to check the number that “All Calls” are diverted to

*#30# Lets you see the private number

*#43# Allows you to check the “Call Waiting” status of your phone.

*#61# Allows you to check the number that “On No Reply” calls are diverted to

*#62# Allows you to check the number that “Divert If Unreachable (no service)” calls are diverted to

*#67# Allows you to check the number that “On Busy Calls” are diverted to

*#0000# Displays your phones software version, 1st Line : Software Version, 2nd Line : Software Release Date, 3rd Line : Compression Type

*#9999# Phones software version if *#0000# does not work

*#06# For checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI Number)

*#67705646# Removes operator logo on 3310 & 3330

*#73# Reset phone timers and game scores

*#746025625# Displays the SIM Clock status, if your phone supports this power saving feature “SIM Clock Stop Allowed”, it means you will get the best standby time possible

*#94870345123456789# Deactivate the PWM-Mem
press and hold # Lets you switch between lines

*#7760# Manufacturers code

*#7780# Restore factory settings

*#8110# Software version for the nokia 8110

*#92702689# Displays – 1.Serial Number, 2.Date Made, 3.Purchase Date, 4.Date of last repair (0000 for no repairs), 5.Transfer User Data. To exit this mode you need to switch your phone off then on again

**21*number# Turn on “All Calls” diverting to the phone number entered

**61*number# Turn on “No Reply” diverting to the phone number entered

**67*number# Turn on “On Busy” diverting to the phone number entered

Other mostly unknown codes

Here’s a list of known codes on Nokia mobile phones. This list does not include codes that make request to the network. To use these codes, just dial them like normal numbers.

Code Description

*#06# Display the IMEI (GSM standard)

*#0000# Display the firmware version and date (with variant info on S40 second edition or newer)

*#9990# Says “Bluetooth Test Mode” on Symbian models; accepts without any messages and Bluetooth behaves abnormally on non-Symbian ones (models with build-in Bluetooth radio, activate first to use)

*#bta0# Display the Bluetooth MAC address (models with build-in Bluetooth radio, activate first to show address)

*#mac0wlan# Display the WLAN MAC address (models with build-in Wi-fi radio)

*#opr0logo# Clear the operator logo (3310 and 3330 only)

*#pca0# Activate the GPRS PCCCH support (early GPRS models)

*#pcd0# Deactivate the GPRS PCCCH support (early GPRS models)

*#res0wallet# Reset the mobile wallet (models with mobile wallet)

*#res0# Soft-format the memory (Symbian models only)

*#rst0# Reset to factory defaults, confirmation required (DCT4 or newer)

*#sim0clock# Display the SIM clock status (DCT3 only)

*#ssn0# Display the manufacturing serial number (mid-range and premium DCT3, basically all DCT4 and BB5 non-Symbian models)

*#war0anty# Display the manufacturing and repair info (no exit on DCT3) or total talk time on

Symbian models

*efr0# Enable EFR encoding (pre-2003 models)

#efr0# Disable EFR encoding (pre-2003 models)

*hra0# Enable HR encoding (pre-2003 models)

#hra0# Disable HR encoding (pre-2003 models)

#pw+1234567890+n# Display the SIM lock status: (pre-2003 models)

n = 1: provider lock
n = 2: network lock
n = 3: country lock
n = 4: SIM lock
n# n = 1..999: recall the number stored in the SIM location n (DCT3, DCT4, BB5 models)

These codes will work on most Nokia Mobile Phones to activate/deactivate advanced hidden functions that you can’t change through the phone menu

One useful function that all Nokia’s I’ve owned have is “Cell Info Display” which can usually be found in the phones “Display settings” (eg: in a Nokia 1600) or “Phone Settings” (eg: in a Nokia 3315)

If your network supports it, when “Cell Info Display” is enabled, it will display the name of the base station your mobile is currently connected to on the screen. eg: when i’m walking around the city it says “Sydney CBD” and when i’m at home it displays the name of my suburb.

Note: To display “p” press “*” three times within one second, To display “w” press “*” four times within one second, To display “+” press twice “*” within less than a second

Code Function

*3370# / #3370# Activate / Deactivate Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) – Your phone uses the best sound quality but talk time is reduced my approx. 5%

*#4720# / *#4720# Activate / Deactivate Half Rate Codec – Your phone uses a lower quality sound but you should gain approx 30% more Talk Time

*#7220# / *#7230# Enable / Disable PCCCPH support (faster GPRS)

#pw+1234567890+1# Provider Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+2# Network Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+3# Country Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

#pw+1234567890+4# SIM Card Lock Status. (use the “*” button to obtain the “p,w” and “+” symbols)

12345 This is the default security code

*#0000# Displays your phones software version, 1st Line : Software Version, 2nd Line : Software Release Date, 3rd Line : Compression Type

*#9999# Phones software version if *#0000# does not work

*#06# For checking the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI Number)

*#67705646# Removes operator logo on 3310 & 3330

*#73# Reset phone timers and game scores

*#746025625# Displays the SIM Clock status, if your phone supports this power saving feature “SIM Clock Stop Allowed”, it means you will get the best standby time possible
press and hold # Lets you switch between lines

*#7760# Manufacturers code

*#7780# Restore factory settings

*#8110# Software version for the nokia 8110

Top iPhone security tips!

Om — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:12:04 +0000

It is always a good idea to disable Wi-Fi whenever it’s not in use. Doing so will not only reduce battey consumption, but also minize the chances of accidentally getting connected to an unsecured spurious network as well. Well, here are some more iPhone security tips that you would not like to miss…

To turn Wi-Fi off, just hit the iPhone Settings icon, tap Wi-Fi and then click the on/off button on the Wi-Fi screen.

Security Tip: Securely Access Corporate, Web Mail

If you’re a corporate iPhone user, the most secure way for you to access your e-mail, at least your business mail, is most likely through a Microsoft Exchange Server (assuming your organization uses Exchange).

Lotus Notes users can also securely receive their corporate mail via iPhone thanks to the recent introduction of Lotus iNotes ultralite. (For more on how to receive Outlook and Notes mail on the iPhone, consult your IT administrator.)

For non-business iPhone users, receiving Web mail, like Gmail, AOL and Yahoo Mail, is a breeze; however, the process is not always secure, especially if you’re not aware of how to ensure that secure sockets layer (SSL) protection is enabled, where available.

SSL encrypts mail that’s sent and received via iPhone. If you’re unable to connect to your Webmail using the iPhone and SSL, consider using another mail account that does support the safeguard otherwise if you choose to access mail without SSL, beware that your messages are not secured.

Post card vs. sealed letter can be a simple analogy in this regard.

To ensure that you’re using SSL when retrieving Web mail, click the main iPhone Settings tab, choose Mail, Contacts and Calendar and then select one of your active mail accounts. While on the mail account screen, click Advanced, scroll down to the Use SSL option and ensure that it’s set to On.

iPhone users can also access Web mail via their mail provider’s portals, but it pays to be security smart when using this process as well. For instance, iPhone users should ensure that the URL for the mail provider’s site begins with HTTPS://WWW instead of just HTTP://WWW, which signifies that the connection is secured using SSL. A tiny lock also appears just to the right of URLs when iPhone users navigate to pages that use SSL for secure connections.

In other words, be wary of logging into any Website to check mail via iPhone that doesn’t have HTTPS in its URL and a lock to the right of the Web address in your Safari browser.

Security Tip: Browse the Web via Safari

Just like surfing the Web via laptop or desktop computers, navigating the Internet via iPhone is rife with security risks. Proactively optimizing your iPhone browser security settings could potentially mean the difference between a fully-functioning device and an infected gadget rendered useless by malware.

The iPhone Safari browser security settings are basic and most are turned on by default. But, it doesn’t hurt to ensure that your iPhone Safari security settings are in order.

First off, you’ll want to ensure that pop-ups are blocked. Clicking on a malicious pop-up could expose your device to malware and lead to an infection. As mentioned above, pop-ups are blocked by default, but you can check and modify your settings by first clicking the main iPhone Settings icon and then scrolling down and tapping Safari. On the Safari settings screen, ensure that the Block Pop-ups button is switched to On.

You may also want to check on your Safari Cookies Settings.

Cookies are pieces of text that are distributed back and forth between Web servers and Internet clients, typically browsers, and they’re used mainly for authenticating users. However, cookies can be a security/privacy risk, as information about users’ devices, operating systems, browsers and, in some cases, browsing habits can be stored within cookies and could, therefore, be accessed by third-parties.

The iPhone Safari Accept Cookies function is set to From Visited by default, meaning the browser will accept cookies from sites that you navigate to.

But, the security conscious iPhone owners may want to disable cookies completely. Cookies can be disabled by in the Safari settings menu by tapping the Accept Cookies tab and then selecting Never option!

iPhone users can also clear their current crop of cookies by clicking the Clear Cookies button at the bottom of the Safari settings menu and then selecting Clear Cookies again on the following screen.

Security Tip: Set Device Usage Restrictions

Though the iPhone has made some significant gains in recent days toward become a suitable business smartphone, its target user is still the consumer. And consumers come in all shapes, sizes…and ages.

IT administrators and parents with little iPhone users have the ability to set iPhone restrictions to, say, block explicit content from being shown on the iPhone’s music or video player. And they can block access to YouTube and stop third-party applications from being installed.

Restrictions options can be located via the main iPhone Settings menu, within the General tab. Once you’ve clicked on Restrictions on that tab, you’ll see a set of potential options beneath the words Enable Restrictions . Tap Enable Restrictions , enter in a four-digit code and then select the specific constraints you wish to impose by hitting the On/Off button next to each option.

Selecting the iPod Explicit option, blocks the user’s ability to sync any iTunes content that’s branded “explicit” by Apple. If you disable Safari, block YouTube and iTunes, or say no to installing apps or using the gadget’s camera, the phone user will not be able to access any of these functions until a passcode is reentered and the restrictions lifted.

Apple all set to release the iPhone 3GS!

Om — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:36:10 +0000

Apple has maintained exclusive supremacy in the market in field of smartphones, iPods as well as apps for these gadgets. Now, after releasing plenty of apps and OS upgrades for the iPhone 3G, Apple is moving towards the next generation of iPhone – the iPhone 3G S.

Some of them believe that S stands for supreme in the iPhone 3 G S, while the rest don’t really care what it really stands for.

The more interesting part of the story is that the updgraded version of the iPhone 3G will make up for most of the missing features such as video recording, MMS, as well as the lack of a good camera.

The iPhone 3G S will feature a powerful 5Mega pixel camera with autofocus and video recording, along with WiFi, 3G, and all other regular options.

The browsing experience will be taken to the next level, while the disappoint will be brought to an end in all forms.

Probably, the Apple fans would have enjoyed the iPhone 3G with these top end features, even if would have cost another $50-100 extra for the same.

Nonetheless, as the good old saying goes – it’s never too late, at least for Apple, who managed to maintain the lead in the market even with a smartphone like iPhone 3G, which had loads of features missing.

The iPhone 3G S will hit the European and American markets next month, while the Asian customers will again have to wait for another couple of months as usual.

Acer joins the smartphone battlefield with the red-hot L1 & F1

Om — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:36:04 +0000

Acer who has a pretty decent existence in the notebooks field has now entered the world of high end cell phones and joined the race of production of the hand held devices. At the Computex show, Acer has introduced its latest range of tempo series phones called as the F1 and L1.

With a pretty large 3.8 inch, 800×480 touch screen, the F1 uses Windows Mobile 3.5 Professional as its operating system.

The other specifications include:
• 7.2 Mbps HSPA networks for 3G,
• GPS
• Wi-Fi support.

What’s more, non-stop entertainment is guaranteed by means of the 3.5mm headphone jack and an FM tuner.

Photographers breathe easy; you can get your hands on a cool 5-mega pixel autofocus camera that has an LED flash.

Furthermore, the access to Windows market place will be available to buy apps.

The L1 handset that was also featured in the CES uses the same OS as that of F1 but it has a relatively smaller 2.8 inch touch screen and a keypad that slides out.