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Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Software Update

Monday, March 30th, 2009

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PowerBlok Charging Adapters

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Whether you are a phone user or a gadget lover, one of the most annoying things about getting a new device is having to replace all of your chargers. For my current phone I’ve got a car charger, a spare mains charger at work and a USB charging cable that I carry around in my laptop bag. But what if I carried my iPod and PSP with me, or if my Bluetooth Headset takes a different charging connector to my phone – thats another charger I’d need to carry around with me! Thankfully PowerBloks make it easier to charge multiple devices with just one charger.

PowerBloks are simple adapters that convert any standard Mini USB cable into a USB charging cable, and can also be used to convert Mini USB Mains and Car chargers to work with your device. This is great news, as it completely removes the need to have a seperate charger for each device you own. I’m pretty sure that you will already have a spare Mini USB cable lying around at home that you can use to charge your phone, MP3 Player or games console – they even work on the new iPhone 3G. If you want to use this cable in the car or at work, just connect your cable to a USB Mains Adapter or USB Car Charger Adapter and you’ve got a fully functional charger that you can update as often as you like for a fraction of the cost!

When you’re in the car you can now use the same charger on your TomTom, your phone, your iPod and your Bluetooth Headset, just change the PowerBlok adapter to switch between devices.

PowerBloks are available now for Classic Nokia, Nokia 2mm, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Sony PSP, iPod and iPhone, with other manufacturers due shortly. We’re looking at putting together some bundle packs on the tips – which ones do you think we should do? What other devices should we offer adapters for? Feel free to add your suggestions below!

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New iPod Touch on its way?

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

According to developers who have been dissecting the latest version (2.1) of the iPhone/iPod Touch software, we’re about to get a brand new iPod Touch. The current iPod Touch has previously been referred to in the source code as “iPod1,1″, but the latest software points to a device “iPod2,1″ – and as of yet no such device exists, so leading developers believe a new iPod is not that far away.

This may not mean a lot to most people, and you would be right for thinking that this might just mean a larger capacity iPod Touch coming, but a change in source code has not meant a change in capacity in previous models!

So what are we likely to see then? An all new iPod Nano Touch? A Shuffle Touch? I don’t think we’ll have that long to wait to find out as Apple normally update their iPod line up around September. So as the kids go back to school and you start thinking about Christmas , watch our for some big announcements.

Via MacRumours

(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)

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New Nokia N78 Software Announced

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

Nokia have just announced a second software update to their latest N-Series handset, the N78. Version 12.046 was released on the 14 July 2008, giving a number of performance improvements:

• Softkey selection
• Bluetooth Stability
• Video Playback
• Email Sending
• Alarm Clock Functions

Unlike the previous update, Version 12.046 will be available to download via the Nokia Software Updater, as well as Over the Air – removing the need to connect to a PC.

To download directly to the N78:

• Click Menu > Tools > Utilities > Device Manager.
• Select Options > Check for updates and follow the on-screen prompts.

The file download for this may be quite large, so we’d suggest connecting to a Wi-Fi network if you don’t have an unlimited data plan. This update may not be available for users of network branded handsets.

To check what software version you are currently using enter *#0000# on your handset.

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How to install your Bluetooth Dongle

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Installing a Bluetooth Dongle to a PC Running Windows XP SP2:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 has generic Bluetooth drivers built into the operating system. While these drivers will provide you with basic Bluetooth functionality, you will only get the most out of your Dongle by installing the drivers that are supplied with it.

Installing generic Windows drivers:

Before beginning installation we would recommend that you visit the Microsoft Windows Update web site, to make sure your PC is up to date with the latest driver and security updates. Bluetooth drivers are built into Windows XP Service Pack 2 so an installation CD is not necessarily required.
To begin installation, insert the Bluetooth Dongle to a free USB port on your computer.

After a few seconds, you should see a yellow notification bubble by the clock. Windows will automatically begin to search for the necessary drivers and after a few minutes, the hardware will be installed and ready for use.

If Windows doesn’t have the necessary drivers, the add new hardware wizard will prompt you to insert the disc.

If this happens;

• Place the disk into the CD drive.
• Click next.
• Follow the on screen prompts to install the drivers.
• Restart the computer.

Your new Bluetooth Dongle is ready for use.

Installing specific drivers using supplied disc:
To install the drivers that are supplied with your new Dongle, follow these steps.

It is very important that you do not plug the Dongle into your computer until prompted to do so.

• Insert the CD into your CD drive.
• Disc should run automatically.
• Follow the on screen prompts.
• Insert the Dongle when prompted.

A series of yellow notification bubbles will appear by the clock as the drivers are installed. When installation is complete you will get a notification to say that the hardware has been successfully installed and is ready for use.

Installing Specific Drivers using downloaded drivers:
If you don’t have the software disc anymore or it has been damaged, you can download the drivers from the internet. The drivers needed vary from device to device. Download Bluetooth Dongle drivers. Once you have downloaded the file. Double click the Icon to begin the setup process. Follow the on screen prompts, and only insert the Dongle when prompted to do so. A series of yellow notification bubbles will appear by the clock as the drivers are installed. When installation is complete you will get a notification to say that the hardware has been successfully installed and is ready for use.

(3 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5)

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How to solve A2DP problems with the Jabra BT320s

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

If you are experiencing issues while trying to listen to your music on your Jabra BT320s, this troubleshooting guide should point you in the right direction.

On some handsets, users may find that although they can make and receive calls perfectly fine, they may not be able to hear music in stereo if at all. In order to resolve this there are 2 possible fixes:

Fix 1: Hard reset of BT320

• Delete the pairing from your phone. If you are not sure how to do this, please consult your phones user manual.
• Turn off the headset.
• Plug the charger into the headset 3 times, keeping it plugged in for 4 seconds each time before unplugging it.
• Pair the headset to your phone.

Fix 2: Software Update
If the Hard reset hasn’t solved your problem you may need to update the software in your headset. The cable required to update the headset is not included with the headset and is not currently available from Mobile Fun. The cable is the same as a Sony DSC-S650 Digital Camera.

• Download and install the Jabra Software Update Tool.
• Follow any on screen prompts.
• When the update is finished, pair the headset to your phone.

It is extremely important that you do not turn off your computer or unplug the headset during the update process as this could cause irreversible damage to your headset. Mobile Fun will not accept any responsibility for any damage caused to your headset during a software upgrade.

(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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How to use your Bluetooth Headset with Skype

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

To use your Bluetooth headset with VOIP programs such as Skype, you will need to pair your headset with your PC, authorise it to access Skype, and then configure Skype to use Bluetooth audio devices. The process is fairly straight forward, but varies slightly depending on the dongle and driver that you are using.

The steps below assume that you have installed the software that came on the CD with your Bluetooth Dongle, not the generic Windows drivers, and that Skype is already installed on your PC running Windows XP SP2.

To determine which Bluetooth drivers you are using, you will need to access Device Manager. To do this, press the "Windows" and "Pause Break" keys on the keypad simultaneously. This will then open System Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, and then you will see a button to launch Device Manager – click it. This will then open a new window listing all devices connected to your computer. Towards the top of this list you will see Bluetooth Devices, click the plus sign to expand the list. The top line should say Bluetooth Enumerator, the second line will tell you which driver you are using and will be either Broadcom/Widcomm, Toshiba, or BlueSoleil. Make a note of your driver manufacturer and close all windows. If you see Microsoft listed, it means you have the generic Windows drivers installed, and probably won’t work with Skype unless you update the drivers. For information on how to do this, read our post on updating your Bluetooth drivers.

Please note that drivers are specific to the dongle you are using, and you can only use the driver manufacturer that is supplied with your dongle. You cannot, for example, use a Toshiba driver with a BlueSoleil supported dongle.

Broadcom / Widcomm – Skype Compatibility Rating 5/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing.
• Right click the Bluetooth icon by the clock and select add a bluetooth device. This will then launch a wizard to guide you through the pairing process.
• The wizard will search for available devices, select the headset you want to use and click on next.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the services you want to use. Mono Bluetooth Headsets will list only Hands-Free Unit, Stereo Bluetooth Headsets will also list Stereo Audio.
• Ensure all boxes are ticked and then click next.
• Click OK on the pop up and then click finish on the confirmation screen. You may then see a further pop up confirmation message. Click ok.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the type of headset. Regardless of your headset, select personal handsfree device with no display.
• You will then be asked to confirm what applications the headset will primarily be used for. Make sure Skype is ticked – click next,
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve allowed it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the BTSTAC~1.exe file name, then on the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked,
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth".
• Check the "Ring PC Speaker" box if you want incoming calls to ring through the PC speakers as well as ring in the Bluetooth Headset then click on save,
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

Toshiba Drivers – Skype Compatibility Rating 4/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing. You can do this through the Toshiba Bluetooth Control panel.
• You’ll see the name of your Bluetooth headset, and three buttons underneath – new connection, detail and delete. Make sure the headset is disconnected and then click delete.
• Launch Skype.
• Go back to your Bluetooth control panel and click on new connection.
• On the wizard that appears, you need to select CUSTOM mode.
• Turn your headset on and put it into pairing mode then press next. Your PC will then search for Bluetooth devices in range, if it doesn’t find your headset on the first scan, click refresh to do another search.
• Select your headset from the list of discovered devices and click next.
• On the next screen you may be prompted to select the type of device you wish to connect. You should see two or three options – Audio Sink, Handsfree, Headset. (Audio Sink may only show up if you are using a stereo headset.)
  You need to select Handsfree on this screen and click next.
• You will now be prompted to enter Pin or Passkey, this can be found in your user guide.
• The next screen you see should ask you if you want to use this in cooperation with a VOIP application. You need to make sure that this box is ticked. If its not, you won’t be able to use it with Skype.
• On the final screen you will be given the option to rename your headset and place a shortcut to the connection on the desktop.
• Click finish.
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve confirmed it you’ll see a brief confirmation message in the main Skype window.
• Click on this message and make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth wave" – Click on save.
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

BlueSoleil – Skype Compatibility Rating 2/5

BlueSoleil drivers aren’t the best for working with Skype. The latest version of the drivers, 5.0.5, doesn’t support VOIP services such as Skype unless you pay for an upgrade. You can download version 3.2.2.8 from the BlueSoleil web site which does support VOIP at no extra cost, but I found it to be more difficult to use than Toshiba and Broadcom. The following guide is based on Software version 3.2.2.8.

• Pair your Bluetooth Headset to your PC as normal and then launch Skype.
• To begin setting up Skype, click on Start -> All Programs -> IVT BlueSoleil -> BlueSoleil VOIP Plug In.
• After a few seconds you should see a pop up notification by the clock asking to allow access to Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve clicked on it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the .exe file name.
• On the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• Connect to headset, (either by pressing call button on headset, or by right clicking on the headset icon in the bluetooth control panel and selecting connect.)
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth SCO" – Click on save.
• In some cases, "Bluetooth SCO" may not work, in which case set these to Bluetooth AV.
• Make a test call. BlueSoleil is a little slow, and you will find that your call initially is played through your PC, but will be transferred to the headset after a few seconds.

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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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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