Monday, April 5th

We started the week off with a pretty interesting leak from Verizon Wireless’ depths. Contained in an InfoDoc activation write-up, the HTC Incredible made a very distinct appearance. This is still one of those devices that’s insanely popular amongst Android fans, along with Verizon Wireless customers who are looking for a powerful new device. The sad thing is, though, Verizon still hasn’t officially announced the device. Hopefully, though, that happens soon.

And we can’t go a week without having some kind of Samsung news, now can we? Of course not. And sure enough, they came through for us. They were out and about, taking slides with them that show off the progression of their Bada Operating System. Familiar faces, like the Samsung Wave, made an appearance at the top tier of the chart, but there were a couple full QWERTY slide-out keyboard devices that definitely piqued our interest. Especially if we can get some Super AMOLED goodness on there, all for about $350.

Ah, the HTC Hero. The light of Android’s eye, so to speak. At least, it was back in July, when it was the flagship device to launch Android 1.5, and bring HTC’s Sense User Interface to the fold. Well, if you’ve got an HTC Hero, or one of its many derivatives, then you know you’re still on Android 1.5, even if the rest of the world is moving on. Luckily for you, though, HTC have apparently given the greenlight for the Android 2.1 roll out, which should begin April 16th. Keep your fingers crossed.

Tuesday, April 6th

There’s no doubt about the fact that Nokia is one of the most beloved wireless carriers around the world. Probably not so much in America, but definitely around the world. And how could it not be, with such stable devices like the E71 and E66? These work horse handsets are some of the most popular ones floating around, and now they’re getting better. Thanks to the wireless carrier’s own Ovi Maps service. The free, offline-enabled service is now officially available for the two handsets, and the best part is it’s completely free.

So, Verizon Wireless wants the iPhone. In fact, Ivan Seidenberg –CEO of Verizon Wireless– says that he and the rest of his wireless juggernaut is ready to carry the Apple banner right now, but he understands that it is Apple’s call. There’s still rumors flying around that Verizon Wireless will indeed get the new (or some kind of new) iPhone for their network in the future, but that’s a rumor that’s been living since 2007, and just won’t seem to die. Well, at least if Steve Jobs and the rest of the Cupertino-based company decide to bring their prodigal phone to Big Red, they already know they’re eagerly waiting for it.

Speaking of Android devices, looks like the Samsung Moment is getting an upgrade. At least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe with these latest unofficial photo shoot. Apparently, the Samsung Moment 2 is going to rock the same slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard as its predecessor, have Android 2.1, and feature Samsung’s infamous TouchWiz (3.0) interface. Other than that, there’s not much known about it. We do know that it’s going to be a Sprint exclusive, just like the original, so that should be some good news to Sprint subscribers out there.

Wednesday, April 7th

The HTC Desire is the Nexus One with some major improvements in the software front: namely, the use of HTC’s Sense User Interface. Other than that, the two devices are pretty much identical, with the exception of the switch from a trackball to an optical trackpad. In any event, the HTC Desire is one of those devices that many people are eagerly anticipating getting unlocked, so they don’t need to be shackled to any kind of service plan for another three years. Unfortunately for them, as of Wednesday, the handset was delayed yet again from hitting unlocked online retailers.

As for the Nexus One, it continues to make the rounds. This time around, it’s heading to France, thanks to Bouygues Telecom. The Android 2.1 superphone showed up on the company’s website, spouting off all the cool details about the handset. There’s no word on when it will be officially released, but our hat is tipped for later this month (like, the end of it), or even the beginning of May. After all, it has to launch on Verizon Wireless here in the States first, along with Vodafone across the pond.

Verizon Wireless has new devices coming soon, and they wanted to make sure that everyone in Verizon Wireless knew about it. The official slide that was passed around internally wasn’t meant for the public’s eye, but was entirely meant to calm the Big Red’s employees, as everyone is expecting new handsets soon. Of course, it could be the HTC Incredible, or a new BlackBerry device. Or, it could be Microsoft’s Project Pink handsets. We’ll find out soon.

Thursday, April 8th

Nokia wants to make sure that their Comes With Music service is heard by all of their Nokia fans out there, but right now, it’s not available in every country. That’s changing in a big way, as Nokia is not only launching the service in China, but now allowing for DRM-free downloads of music. This is a way for Nokia, as well as major music companies in China, to save money on pirated music. It seems like a last-ditch effort to us, but we hope it works nonetheless.

The HTC Incredible showed up again later this week, in two big ways: the first, a Best Buy screenshot that said the device would launch in their stores on April 29th. There’s still no word from Verizon Wireless about the device’s existence, but at this point, we can safely say it’s a done deal. And, if that wasn’t enough proof for you, the handset’s user manual also leaked, just enforcing all the debate. We’re now just waiting for Verizon to pull the plug on this blackout, so we can finally get some official word.

Apple launched iPhone OS 4.0 on Thursday, and they did it with 7 tentpoles holding up their circus. The biggest announcement (at least in the phone department) is the fact that the latest upgrade to Apple’s mobile Operating System includes multitasking. A simple double-click of the Home button now brings up the applications tray, which showcases recently used apps, and you can switch back and forth on a whim. Multitasking made easy, by none other than Apple. Consider us unsurprised.

Friday, April 9th

When it comes to Windows Mobile, there’s only a few handsets out there that actually stand out. One of them is the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2. And, for the lucky owners of the device out there, Microsoft and Sony Ericsson have finally released a much needed update for the handset. This will officially push you into the realm of Windows Mobile 6.5.3, so keep your arms open wide, and accept the future, ladies and gentlemen.

AT&T is changing gears in a big way, starting in the next couple months. They want you to Rethink Possible, because the second largest wireless carrier in America is no longer focusing their energy on being a wireless carrier behemoth. Instead, they want to be a jumping off point for progressive, innovative lifestyle. We have no idea what that means, exactly, but hopefully AT&T will start to clarify their position soon. Furthermore, we just hope this means they aren’t going to forget about their tower upgrades. We still need service, folks.

Research In Motion is trying to find ways to change the game, it seems. According to a lot of insider chatting, it seems the manufacturer of the BlackBerry line of handsets has their eyes set on something completely different for them: a tablet. According to rumors and leaks, it seems that the Canada-based organization has recently purchased some 8.9-inch displays, for what can only be a tablet. These things are meant to sync with their BlackBerry counterparts, and be specifically designed for owners of BlackBerry devices. AT least they’re keeping it in the family.

Nokia E71 110.07.127

• Gimlet 9.2.1.381 (Nokia Email Service version) in user disk; gimlet is visible only in countries where service available, otherwise hidden.
• Improved Email Set-up Wizard to check availability of Nokia email service
• This is visible only in countries where service available, otherwise hidden.
• Mail for Exchange 2.5.5
• Maps 2.0 release from wk 30
• VoIP baseline from wk 31
• Switch4 from wk 32
• Startup settings from wk 31
• Catalogs 3.1.50 from wk 32
• Y drive for WMDRM protection files
• Email set-up improvements
• Maps 2.0 improvements
• Music library refresh function performance improvement
• Browser improvements
• Bluetooth improvements
• Camera improvements
• Email for Exchange – Synching improvements
• DUT does not connect to BT stereo headset (SEM HBH -DS970) and car kit (SM HCB-120)
• Y-drive visible with PC Suite
• EAP-FAST authentication improvements
• Unable to start maps when memory card is full
• Camera – Picture cannot be taken correctly after zooming in max

• Gimlet 9.2.1.381 (Nokia Email Service version) in user disk.
• Gimlet is visible only in countries where service available, otherwise hidden
• Improved Email set-up Wizard to check availability of Nokia email service
• This is visible only in countries where service available, otherwise hidden.
• Mail for Exchange 2.5.5.
• Maps 2.0 release from w 30.
• VoIP baseline from w 32.
• Switch4 from wk 32.
• Startup settings from wk 32.
• Catalogs 3.1.50 from wk 32.
• Y drive: for WMDRM protection files.
• Email for Exchange – Synching improvements
• DUT does not connect to BT stereo headset and car kit
• Drive visible with PC Suite
• EAP-FAST authentication improvements
• Some captured images are seen inverted in gallery
• Image taken in portrait mode is sometimes not saved in correct orientation
• Camera viewfinder turned upside down after taking photo
• Unable to start maps when memory card is full
• Camera – Picture cannot be taken correctly after zooming in maximum

[Source - Symbian Freak]

Read below for the update description:

This software release includes a new versions of Mail For Exchange and Nokia Maps. The release also includes a number of performance improvements including camera viewfinder orientation, Mail for Exchange synchronisation and browsing. Please note that if you have encrypted your device or memory card, decrypt it before the software update to avoid possible data loss.

The Nokia E71 also includes a number of entertainment features and supports many of the latest Ovi services including Nokia Maps and Share on Ovi. With integrated A-GPS and Nokia Maps 2.0, the Nokia E71 can easily pinpoint locations and provide optional turn-by-turn navigation information. The device also captures high-quality images and videos with its 3.2 megapixel camera, which can be quickly uploaded and shared with friends and family around the world using the Share on Ovi service.

Easy-to-configure email, including support for both email including Mail for Exchange and Intellisync as well as the most popular consumer email services like Gmail, Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail, combined with real-time access to calendar information, contacts and to-do lists make the Nokia E71 a perfect productivity tool. The new Nokia E71 is now available for an unsubsidized retail price of approximately USD 500.

The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 come fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded with the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. With these Nokia Eseries devices, people can get reliable real-time access to their email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files directly to their devices.

The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. Additionally, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support the Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email solution as well as third party email solutions like System Seven and Visto Mobile. Both devices come with the new switch mode that allows people easily to switch between personal and work home screens.

With a stainless steel case, etched graphics and available in two colors – grey steel or white steel – the Nokia E71 bears the hallmarks of Nokia quality and craftsmanship. Designed for both one-handed and two-handed use, the Nokia E71 pays special attention to ergonomics, as evidenced by its narrow shape and specially designed keypad.

The Nokia E66 offers a premium look and feel with its stainless steel accents and smooth sliding design. Sharing the same key features as the Nokia E71, including an enhanced calendar, contacts and customizable home screen modes, the Nokia E66 offers unique additions, like an orientation sensor that automatically optimizes itself for full screen viewing or silences the ringer when the device is turned over. Available in grey steel or white steel version, the Nokia E66 leaves a lasting impression as a sophisticated business tool in a distinct design.

In addition to email and personal information management, the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support the latest Ovi services including maps, music and media sharing that power users expect from their device. This includes fast and seamless browsing with HSDPA, wireless LAN and 3G connectivity, Assisted GPS (A-GPS) and Nokia Maps for navigation, a music player with support for up to 8 GB expandable memory and a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera.

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