Oh! Gizmo

By Evan Ackerman

At the end of last month, Nokia filed a patent for a “piezoelectric kinetic energy harvester” for mobile phones. If they get it to work, it will enable mobile phones to charge themselves. Brillliant! Why didn’t I think of that?

I’ll tell you why I didn’t think of that. It’s because a “piezoelectric kinetic energy harvester” works by generating electricity from crystals which are compressed by movement. So, the catch is (of course there’s a catch), you have to be moving for the phone to charge. As in, not sedentary in front of the computer. This means that people like me will have dead cell phones 99% of the time, with the remaining 1% of uptime due to bedroom to bathroom transitions plus trips to the fridge. Maybe I’ll just strap it to my cat and bust out the laser pointer for a few hours, that should do the trick.

Cat or no cat, it’s always good to see big companies trying to innovate when it comes to green energy and infinite phone calls. Or at least, it’s good to see them take the first tentative steps in the form of a patent.

[ Nokia Patent ] VIA [ New Scientist ]

By Evan Ackerman

Generally, a Nokia mobile application isn’t something we’d cover around here. So I think first, I should give you a full disclosure: I got a demo of Nokia’s new Ovi Maps app at a breakfast event yesterday morning that may have included bacon. I am reasonably confident that said bacon didn’t influence my opinion more than a modest amount, but I just thought I’d let you know.

Anyway, let me cut directly to the chase and say that the biggest deal with Ovi Maps, as opposed to something like Google Maps, is that Ovi Maps (which is totally free, btw) does not require a data connection for turn-by-turn voice directions. When you buy a Nokia phone that has GPS and Ovi Maps, it’ll come preloaded with a map of whatever country you’re in. From that point, you don’t need a data plan (or even a SIM card, for that matter) for the phone to provide you with driving directions, walking directions, and points of interest… It’s a great solution if you want a phone, and a GPS, but can’t otherwise justify the staggering expense of a monthly data plan.

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By Shane McGlaun

I am not a big fan of Bluetooth headsets. I think they have their place, like when you are trying to drive in a manual transmission car. However, if you use one while say walking in the mall you should be kicked in the balls (or punched in the ovaries if more appropriate).

If you are into music on your phone, most go for ear buds because they are compact and don’t look as strange on your head as say your massive headphones from 1984. Nokia has announced a new Bluetooth headset called the BH-905 that is quite large. The massive size looks like something you would see with a home stereo rather than a mobile phone or MP3 player.

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By Shane McGlaun

Today Nokia officially announced its N810 Internet Tablet. The pocket-sized device connects to the internet via WiFi hotspots or your Bluetooth enabled phone. Using the N810, you can make VOIP calls, check web based mail services like Gmail and watch YouTube videos.

The N810 has a built-in VGA camera for video chat sessions. An integrated GPS receiver allows you to find local attractions with pre-loaded maps. You can also get voice-guided turn-by-turn driving directions with upgraded Wayfinder service.

An optional 10GB memory card allows you to store up to 7500 songs and the N810 can play the music for 45 hours. Maemo Linux is the operating system used and the web browser is Mozilla based with Ajax and Adobe Flash compatibility. The Nokia N810 is expected to ship in November at an MSRP of $479.

VIA [ Nokia ]

By Shane McGlaun

Users of the Nokia 5310 Xpress music phone looking for a slick docking station to play their music from will want to check out the JBL On Call 5310. The dock is designed specifically for the Nokia 5310 Xpress phone, though it will work with any 3.5mm mini jack equipped device.

An integrated stand allows you to place the dock anywhere, but it can be hung on a wall as well. The On Call 5310 is powered by four AA batteries that promise power for up to six hours of music listening.

When the Nokia 5310 is docked, the phone is charged up as well. The device uses dual 3-watt Odyssey transducers, an integrated amp and a computer-controlled equalizer for improved sound. To save battery life the device goes into energy conservation mode automatically. The On Call 5310 will be available in November 2007 at an undisclosed price.

[ Press Release (Subscription Required) ] VIA [ JBL ]

by Shane McGlaun

Linux Devices is reporting that Sprint will sell the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet in the U.S.A. next year. The version we get here in the U.S. will be a Mobile WiMAX-enabled device to go along with Sprint’s quest to offer WiMAX 4G services to over 100 million users in 2008.

The target markets Sprint is rolling 4G out to first will be Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Sprint claims that by the end of 2008 several other 4G areas will be activated with Motorola handling Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Minneapolis.

Samsung will help roll 4G out to Baltimore, Boston, Philly, Providence, and Washington DC. Nokia will then be responsible for rolling 4G services out to Austin, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and Seattle.

VIA [ Linux Devices ]