Mobile Fun Blog

Sat Nav for your HTC Touch Diamond

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

One of the biggest handset launches of the year so far was the HTC Touch Diamond. Its got a decent camera, touchscreen, compact design, full internet, email and built in GPS to help you get around, which is great, if, like me, you’re hopeless at finding your way around – but, it doesn’t come with any mapping software built in.

So far there hasn’t been a Sat Nav solution available for the HTC Touch Diamond as most third party Sat Nav software is installed onto a memory card. As the Touch Diamond doesn’t have a memory card slot, this made it impossible to install – until now!

CoPilot have just launched CoPilot Live 7, a fully featured Sat Nav system designed exclusively to run on the HTC Touch Diamond. Supplied on a DVD, the software is quick and easy to install and completely eliminates the need to use a memory card as installation is done through your PC.

The software features a large, clear touch based user interface, and can navigate using your phonebook contacts, address, or search for an address using a UK post code. CoPilot Live 7 aims to keep distractions to a minimum, so clear spoken instructions will guide you to your destination, while the clear 2D and 3D mapping will show you where to go and automatically zoom in when needed. Safety Camera alerts are also included at no extra cost with free periodic updates. Maps for the UK and Ireland are included as standard, and additional maps can be downloaded using CoPilot Central – a desktop application that allows you to plan and print your routes in advance, upgrade your services to include traffic updates and buy the extra maps.

Visit the Mobile Fun website for more details on CoPilot Live 7 for the HTC Touch Diamond.

UPDATE: CoPilot Live 7 with European Maps is now available. Visit the Mobile Fun website for more details on CoPilot Live 7 with European Maps for the HTC Touch Diamond.

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iPhone Sat-Nav Confirmed?

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

JUNE 2009 UPDATE: TomTom software has been confirmed for the iPhone – Read More.

Since the launch of the iPhone 3G last week, stories are surfacing on the availability of a full Sat Nav application. Rumours were flying around prior to its launch that TomTom had a full version of its mapping software ready to launch, and according to Gizmodo, TeleNav have a version ready for release too. Nothing as yet has been confirmed on release details, but it would seem that there are a few issues that the software vendors will need to resolve first.

Software developers have stated that the iPhone SDK (software development kit), bans the use of real time navigation, presumably to avoid any potential lawsuits from people directed into a ditch by their iPhone. No doubt developers such as TomTom and TeleNav will be working closely with Apple to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Via Gizmodo

(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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How to set up Sat Nav on your Windows based Smartphone

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

To set up your Windows Mobile device to work with most Satellite Navigation applications you will first need to configure your Bluetooth GPS Receiver.

Windows Mobile 5.0

• To start the set up, launch the "Bluetooth Manager" on your device. To do this tap Settings > Connections > Bluetooth on the start menu
• On the Bluetooth options screen you need to turn on bluetooth and make sure that your device is discoverable.
• Click on the devices tab at the bottom of the screen and then select new partnership. Your device will now search for your GPS receiver.
• Once the search has completed, select the GPS device you wish to use, You will then be prompted to enter the passkey. This is usually 0000, but varies from device to device, so keep your instruction manual for your GPS receiver close to hand.
• The next screen will ask you to select the services you wish to use with this device.
• Tick the box next to serial port and then click on finish.
• Now click on the "com ports" tab at the bottom of the screen, you will have two options here, new incoming port and new outgoing port. You need to select new outgoing port.
• On the next screen you will need to select the GPS device that you have just added and press next.
• You now need to choose a com port from the drop down list and press finish. Make a note of the com port number that you have assigned to the GPS receiver as you may need this later on in the set up process.

Your GPS is now set up to talk to your handheld device. You may need to change a few more settings depending on the software you are using. If you are unsure consult your user guide.

Tom Tom Navigator

To use TomTom Navigator you will need to tell the software which GPS receiver to use.

• Launch the application and then go to the preferences screen. Click on the Show GPS Status screen.
• Click on configure and scroll through to select "Other Bluetooth GPS", this brings up a list of all the available connections on your device.
• You need to select the com port you assigned to the GPS receiver earlier on in the set up process. If you can’t see the full name of the port, tap and hold the name to reveal it.
• You will know that your GPS is correctly configured when you see the UTC time in the top right corner and you get a black and yellow spinning icon.

If for any reason the icon isn’t spinning and you can’t pick up a GPS signal, there is an alternative set up option you can try:

• Click again on the configure button, and this time scroll through and select "Other Cable NMEA GPS" (Don’t worry about the name, we’ll tell it to use Bluetooth later on)
• Select the baud rate, if you are unsure set the rate to 4800.
• You should now see the same list of available ports that we saw earlier on. Select the appropriate one for your GPS receiver, remember you can tap and hold the name of the port to see its name in full.
• You should now see the yellow and black icon spinning on the screen.

If this still hasn’t worked then you may need to contact TomTom technical support for more advanced help.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Nokia Maps 2.0

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008

Along with the announcement of 4 new handsets at the Mobile World Congress, Nokia also announced the arrival of Nokia Maps 2.0 – an upgrade to the current version of their mapping software found in some of their N-Series and E-Series devices. Nokia Maps 2.0 promises to be more pedestrian friendly, and be clearer to see while driving. The full version is available to download now, so we thought we’d try it out and see what’s new.

2D Map View	3D Map View	3D Night View	Arrow View

Maps
When Nokia Maps 2.0 loads, the differences are noticeable almost immediately. The search bar is now a permanent feature in standby and a data counter has been introduced to help keep an eye on your data usage, especially handy if you aren’t on a fixed rate data plan. Two icons on screen tell you which keys to press to zoom in and out of the map. The signal strength indicator has been improved to show more than just 3 bars of signal reception. Locking on to signal is much faster too – I normally manage to achieve signal lock on my Nokia N82 in 5-10 seconds and often get a signal indoors.

The map views are pretty much the same as before, with the choice of alternating between 2D/3D and day/night view. On screen navigation display has been improved considerably too – you now have the choice of Manoeuvre view, Birds Eye view and Arrow view. Arrow view is a much simpler way to navigate; it shows an arrow facing in the direction you need to travel. Interesting additions are Satellite and Hybrid views, very much along the same line as Google Maps, although you can’t zoom in as far.

Satellite View
Non-Major Cities	Major Cities

Navigation
To set your destination is extremely simple. If you know the address or postcode of where you want to go you can simply enter this into Nokia Maps. Once it has confirmed the address and shown you on screen, simply select “Drive to” or Walk to”and away you go.

Navigate to Address or Postcode.

The built in search has also been improved in Maps 2.0, if you don’t know the full address or postcode, you can now enter part details in and the application will look it up and give you a list of possibilities. The search includes Transport, Restaurants, Cash Points, Post Offices and many more. You can also search by category, such as Eat & Drink, and you can set filters such as Fast Food, Restaurants, Italian etc, and it will just show the locations close to your current location.

“On Foot” directions	Local Search	Extra Services

Pedestrian Navigation
One of the biggest problems with previous versions of the pedestrian mode was that you never really knew if you were walking in the right direction until you’d walked far enough to notice the difference on the screen. Maps 2.0 has managed to fix this by using the inbuilt accelerometer to create a magnetic compass – This tells the phone which direction you have turned. Walk mode also has information built in on rail transport systems for some of the worlds largest cities to make commuting even easier.

Compatibility
Nokia Maps 2.0 is compatible with S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1, including N81, N81 8GB, N82, N95, N95 8GB, E51 & E90. If you are using a Nokia N95 you will need to using the latest firmware (Version 20.0.015 or newer). You will also need to have either an in-built GPS receiver (N82, N95, E90) or a separate Bluetooth GPS receiver. You will need to buy a license for the Voice Navigation, this can be done directly through your handset using premium rate SMS or by purchasing a Nokia Maps Drive & Walk Voice Navigation License.

Download
You can download the full version of this software from Nokia Maps website.

(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)

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Mobile World Congress: Sony Ericsson Announcements

Monday, February 18th, 2008

Sony Ericsson has announced a range of new handsets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week. Seven handsets were announced in total, each unique in their own way. Sony Ericsson has introduced a more rugged and durable handset, a sleek new Walkman handset and a premium touch screen device running Windows Mobile.

Xperia X1:
The handset getting the most attention on the Sony Ericsson stand is without doubt the Xperia X1. A Windows Mobile device, with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and a 3″ WVGA (800×480) screen in landscape mode. Using the device could not be simpler with its full touch screen interface and a 4 way joystick to help with navigation.

The X1 has an FM radio, 3.5mm audio jack, built in GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 also has a 3.2 megapixel camera and has 400MB of internal storage. You can increase the storage using the micro SD card slot. The X1 supports HSDPA and HSUPA giving data speeds of up to 7.2Mbps (network dependant).

G700 and G900

The G700 and G900 are two new touch screen devices running Symbian UIQ software normally found on higher tier devices such as the P1. Both handsets are aimed at business users that need more handset functionality and give one touch access to calendars, notes and web pages.

They have 160MB internal memory that can be expanded using a Micro M2 Memory Stick. The G700 features a 3.2 megapixel camera, with image and video stabiliser. The G900 supports Wi-Fi and has a 5 mega pixel camera with the ability to select the focus point just by touching the screen.

C702
The C702 is a new phone to the Cyber-Shot family, designed for those with a more active lifestyle. It is dust and splash proof and comes with GPS built in for navigation and guidance.

The 3.2 Mega pixel camera has face detection and red eye reduction as well as the option to “geo tag” your photos using the GPS receiver. Once uploaded to an online photo album such as flickr, you can see exactly where your photographs were taken. The phone will support fast internet over HSDPA and stereo Bluetooth with A2DP profile.

C902
The slim C902 also belongs to the Cyber-Shot family. It has a 5 megapixel camera concealed in a unique sliding design. It also has an advanced flash that can be used when taking photos using Sony Ericsson’s “BestPic” feature. This allows you to take up to 9 photos with flash in quick succession and select the ones you want to save.

The camera controls have been improved and are now operated through the phones touch screen. The C902 has 160 MB of internal memory, a Memory Stick Micro memory card slot and has full Walkman like media playback.

W980
The W980 is another in Sony Ericsson’s range of Walkman Music phones. It has a 3.2 megapixel camera and 8 gigabytes of internal memory. The W980 also has an in-built FM transmitter, so you can now listen to your music on any radio with in 2-3 metres.

When closed the phone looks like a portable MP3 Player, and its touch sensitive buttons give you full control over your music.The W980 provides clear stereo and bass and lets you control your music with shake control, SensMe and TrackID. The music can be listened to through a Bluetooth Stereo headset as it supports the A2DP profile. You can also download music direct to the phone using Sony Ericsson’s “Play Now” service over a HSDPA connection.

Z770
The Z770 is a clamshell design, aimed at professionals and business users that need email and high speed data – without the desire for a smartphone or PDA. The Z770 has a 2.2″ display and a 2 megapixel camera. Internet connection is fast over HSDPA and it has Bluetooth with A2DP support. The internal memory is 32MB, which can be expanded using a Memory Stick Micro memory card.

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Mobile World Congress: Nokia Announcements

Thursday, February 14th, 2008

Nokia have started the Mobile World Congress with the announcement of 4 new handsets. Two more handsets will join their N-Series range: the N96, successor to their flagship N95 and the N78, replacement for the N73. Nokia have also announced the Nokia 6120 as the replacement for the 6110 Navigator and a new 6220 Classic, a high spec non N-Series Multimedia device.

	Nokia N96 The N96 carries over all the features from the current N95 8GB, but has more of a look and feel of the Nokia N81. Additions to the already impressive list of specifications on the N95 8GB are, more memory – up from 8GB to 16GB of internal storage, as well as the capability to take up to 16GB Micro SDHC memory cards – Giving it potentially 32GB of storage. Nokia are also adding a digital TV tuner, so now not only can you watch video files, but live television too, but not in the UK as you need a DVB-H signal. DVB-H isn’t due to start broadcasting in the UK for a few years.
	Nokia N78 The N78 is similar in spec to that of the current Nokia N82. Having 3.2 Megapixel camera with xenon flash, built in GPS with the capability to Geo-tag your photo’s and Wi-Fi. New features introduced to the N78 are a touch sensitive D-pad, meaning you can scroll through photos and menu’s by sliding your thumb along one edge of the square silver D-pad. Nokia have also built in an FM transmitter, normally available as an add on accessory, this enables the N78 to play music from your phone on any FM radio.
	Nokia 6120 Navigator The 6120 is an update to the current 6110 navigator. Offering built in GPS, this is designed to be a personal navigation system, with more focus on pedestrian use. The built in compass and accelerometer work together to keep the map facing in the correct direction. The camera has been increased from 2 mp to 3.2 and it now supports mobile broadband data speeds (HSDPA) for faster searches and map downloads.
	Nokia 6220 Classic The 6220 classic is essentially a non N-Series version of the Nokia N82 having the same 5 Megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and xenon flash. Support for Micro SDHC Memory cards up to 8GB is also included.

All of these handsets will ship with Nokia Maps pre-installed. Nokia Maps 2.0 is an upgrade over the current Maps application, offering improved usability, as well as faster satellite locks and enhanced local searching. For more information on Nokia Maps, check out our Nokia Maps 2.0 review.

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Top Ten Accessories for your Nokia N82

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Got the latest must have phone? Then you’ll need the latest must have accessories to go with it! Here are Mobile Fun’s top ten accessories for your Nokia N82:

	Martin Fields Screen Protector The last thing you’ll want to do to your new phone is scratch the screen. Not only does it look bad, but can spoil your enjoyment while watching back your photo’s and movies. Martin Fields Screen Protectors provide exceptionally clear protection that helps prevent impact damage from keys, coins & pens.
	Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset If you have used Bluetooth Headsets in the past, I’m sure you will have experienced times where people can’t hear a word you’re saying because of what’s going on around you, whether you’re in a Pub or Club, cruising down the motorway or in a noisy environment at work. Jawbone Bluetooth headsets incorporate the latest technology in noise cancellation meaning you’ll be heard no matter what is going on around you.
	Genuine Nokia In-Car Charger DC-4 One of the Nokia N82’s best features is with out a doubt the in-built GPS receiver, with the Genuine Nokia In-Car Charger you can be sure you’ll get from A-Z with no risk of getting lost when the battery runs out.
	Genuine Nokia Easy Mount Holder HH-12U Navigating your way around town is really simple with the Nokia N82’s GPS, but only if you can see the phone! The HH-12U is the best way of mounting the phone in a clear visible way. The suction fitting to your windscreen makes it easy to remove, and can be fitted in minutes.
	Sandisk 8GB Micro SDHC Memory Card Increase the storage capacity up to 8GB and you can leave your I-pod at home. An 8GB memory card will let you store up to 2000 Songs or 3500 Photo’s so you can be confident you can take as many photo’s as you want with little risk of running out of space!
	Parrot MK6100 Car Kit The Nokia N82 is a full Multimedia Handset, so make the most of it with the Parrot MK6100 Bluetooth Car kit. Not only does it give you high quality sound during calls, but this clever bit of kit allows you to stream music through bluetooth to your car stereo. No need to listen to the same CD over and over and no more hassle of cables getting tangled around the gear stick. Just start the car and press play on the MK6100 – you don’t even have to touch your phone!
	Boombasstic Bluetooth Speaker System With all your music on your phone, you can have a party wherever and whenever you want. These speakers from Boombasstic are great for getting the party started. You don’t need any cables or adapters for your phone, just stream your music via bluetooth from your phone to the speakers and turn up the volume!
	Nokia N82 Krussel Premium Leather Case The Nokia N82 is a stylish phone, so it needs a stylish case to go with it. The range of Krusell Leather cases are extremely stylish and practical. They have a range of connectors available too so you can mount it on your belt, in the car or even on your bike, without having to remove it from its case.
	Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-501 The Nokia BH-501 Stereo Headset is a great way of enjoying your music while out jogging, cycling or just sitting relaxing at home, without disturbing those around you. They give you full control of your music without having to touch the phone.
	Venturi Bluetooth Simple Car kit For those that don’t want a fully fitted car kit, or that share cars this has got to be top of your wish list! Combining the latest FM transmitter and Bluetooth Technology, the Venturi Kit allows you to make phone calls and listen to your music through your car stereo by simply plugging into your cars cigarette lighter socket. Caller ID and song information is also sent to your radio display so you can see who’s calling and what you’re listening to!

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