Walker News » Symbian

Ping and Ipconfig For Symbian S60 and Symbian^3

Walker — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:05:53 +0000

Where is the ping and ipconfig for Symbian S60 and Symbian^3 Platform, if you want to check the mobile broadband or WIFI network connectivity issues, measure packet loss percentage, etc?

The answer is Nokia Connectivity Analyzer – a networking toolkit for both S60 (3rd and 5th edition) and Symbian^3 Platform, which includes:

Graphical ping utility with that supports continuous ping test.

Connection diagnostic test that dump lot of network connection details, such as IP, default gateway, DNS, IP configuration type (static or DHCP), MTU, SSID, IP packet capture, AP signal strength, etc.

Currently, Nokia Connectivity Analyzer is freeware released as beta version on Nokia Beta Labs, and thus you have to bear with some glitches and limitations. If you’ll use it extensively, keep an eye on the C: drive (phone memory), as the log files are kept in C:\ConnDiag folder.

For devices running on S60 3rd or 5th edition, there is a Nokia Smart Installer version that will automatically download dependencies (Qt and Open C libraries). Otherwise, get the standalone version and manually download Qt installer for installation (if the Qt runtime is not on the phone).

For Nokia N8 that missing Qt after hard reset, I have to install the Qt 4.6.4 developer edition that is going to expire on April next year :-( If the next firmware update will not be available before Apr 2011 or will not include correct Qt runtime libraries, I guess I will have to send it to Nokia Care Center or installed the unofficial N8 firm mod or switch to Android smart phone!

Uses QuickOffice S60 Freeware To Read Microsoft Office Document On Nokia Symbian Phone

Walker — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:26:17 +0000

The latest QuickOffice 6.2 freeware for S60v3 and S60v5 is available as a Microsoft Office viewer, allows one to open and read Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint document files on Nokia / Symbian smartphone.

According to the official site, QuickOffice 6.2 supports Office 97, 2000, XP, 2003, and 2007. In the test using Nokia 5800, however, I am able to open and read Office 2010 Word document saved in its native file format (docx) too, except for the one protected with a password to open.

Note, it is certainly fine to use Office 2010 to save password protected Word / Excel document in 97-2003 file format (doc), as it can be open and read on QuickOffice 6.2!

I reckon this is a good alternative to keep read-only sensitive information on Nokia smartphone if I am not using Nokia inbuilt security features (e.g. secure memory card with password).

Best of all, the QuickOffice File Manager is able to open zip file as well as extract (by copy function) one file at a time from the zip file, navigate to system folders (those are hidden in Nokia File Manager), well integrated with Mail for Exchange (allows one to directly open supported Microsoft Office documents in emails), display simple file properties (i.e. date/time and file size), file sorting, etc.

If you’re looking for a Microsoft Office viewer freeware for S60v3 or S60v5, go to get one at this QuickOffice Pro Viewer official download site (if edit function is required, then go to purchase the Premium edition).

Attractive Features Of Symbian^3

Walker — Fri, 28 May 2010 18:02:40 +0000

Serious mobile apps developers should have noticed everything about Symbian^3 and end users (like you and me) might already know (and looking forward) the first Nokia smartphone running on Symbian^3.

Symbian^3 specs sheet (with reference to its official wiki and close-up):

1) Full HDMI support allows one to output movie playback or game from mobile phone to HD TV at high-definition mode up to 1080p display resolution.

2) Supports single-tap as well as multi-touch for fascinating touchscreen gestures such as pinch-to-zoom function of an image viewer.

3) Support more than one personalized home screen (a close analogy will be multiple desktops seen in a graphical Linux console powered by GNOME).

4) New graphic architecture harness powerful graphics hardware acceleration to deliver snappy user interface and advanced layering and effects.

5) One-click connectivity achieved via global settings. A notable example is capability of switching automatically from cellular to Wireless LAN when an open WIFI access point detected.

6) Industry-leading networking architecture ready for 4G networks.

7) More efficient memory management, achieved by using writeable data paging technique, allows more applications to run in parallel for delivering way better multi-tasking experience.

8) Integrated Qt Application Framework – the new primary application framework for mobile apps coded for Symbian platform.

9) Qt Smart Installer automatically fetch and install the correct runtime version required by Qt-based mobile apps.

10) Starts to support symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) or multi-core hardware.

11) Support for hardware acceleration of cryptographic algorithms allows the main processor freed for other tasks when bulk data needs to be encrypted and decrypted in real time.

Another 7 S60 Freeware For Nokia 5800 In India Only

Walker — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:48:32 +0000

I missed the new S60 applications released at Nokia India web site, which are fully compatible with Nokia 5800 touchscreen interface.

However, it’s not worth to announce here immediately as you might not interested to know about their existent anyway, unless you’re living in India, own a Nokia 5800 made for India, or using a SIM card of India telcos.

Why? Well, the answer should be straightforward and easier to understand. I am afraid that sooner or later, all or some of the good S60 freeware hosted at Nokia HK will apply same restrictions as those made by Indian developer, where you can only have these freeware if you’re using a Hong Kong-based Nokia phone or SIM card :-(.

As per my testing, the result of these 7 new S60 applications hosted at Nokia India web sites are as follow:

Drummer – The installer warn me before proceeding, with message that said “This application requires an Indian SIM card to run. Please make sure that the SIM card is installed when you run the application after installation”.

The message is really upset me, so as you if you like drum – this S60 application allows fans to compose tone based on “drum set” played by Nokia touchscreen interface (not the sticks).

Cricket World Cup Challenge – This is no warning during installation. When it started for 1st time, however, a black screen appears with tiny words that said “This application is limited to Indian users only”.

So, no hope for non-Indian users to play this world-cup format of cricket game in Nokia 5800.

Darts – created by the same developer of Cricket World Cup Challenge, i.e. has the same restriction. If you want to, throw your non-Indian Nokia 5800 as if you’re throwing a dart.

JalTarang – According to its description, JalTarang is one of the oldest musical instruments in the World. I can’t play it anyway, as it requires an Indian SIM Card during installation.

Maracas – This application should have made good use of the accelerometer sensors of Nokia 5800, like its description said “Shake it up with the experience of real Maracas on your Nokia 5800″. But, there must be an Indian SIM card to install it.

Brain Evolution – This intellectual game stops me from installing, by saying “This application cannot be started on device other than Nokia 5800/India”.

Jigsaw Puzzle – preloaded with 10 puzzles or you can create a new one from any image on your phone. Similarly, it requires an India-based Nokia 5800 during installation.

Revised Method To Install Cambridge Talking Dictionary In Nokia 5800

Walker — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:08:02 +0000

If you have downloaded the free Cambridge Talking Dictionary from Nokia HK and puzzle about how to install this 80MB+ S60 application (SIS and data files), take a look at its installation guide in Readme.doc document.

I referred to this bundled MS Word document during the first installation too. Although it works for me but it seems not working for some people who then left comments on my earlier post here that based on the original guide.

Now, I would like to introduce you an alternative way, and perhaps an easier way, to install this bulky S60 dictionary on the touch touch baby.

As usual, I tested and proved that this revised guide works in my Nokia 5800 running device software version v21.0.025.

In fact, I came to know about this alternative installation after formatting Nokia 5800 (too nervous after found out that the new v21 firmware changes the touch keypad I used to enter alphabet-based security/lock code).

OK, stop telling you more nonsense and here is my revised installation guide to install Cambridge Talking Dictionary downloaded from Nokia HK:

1) Extract the TalkingDict.zip file in your computer. The extracted zip file contains 4 folders, 1 Word Document, and 1 SIS installation file.

2) Connect Nokia 5800 to computer and open File Manager program of Nokia PC Suite to copy only the “Data” folder and TalkingDictionary_S60_SA_signed.sis from computer to the root of microSD memory card.

If there is already a “Data” folder in the memory card, you may play safe by only copying “TalkingDictionary” folder from “Data” folder in computer to the existing “Data” folder in memory card.

3) Disconnect the phone from computer. Open the Nokia 5800 inbuilt File Manager program to browse the microSD memory card and click/tap the TalkingDictionary_S60_SA_signed.sis to begin installation.

Once the SIS installation completes, the Cambridge Talking Dictionary should be ready to use. If it fails again with other error, then I am curious to know why it doesn’t work on your phone :-(.

Only One Symbian S60 Freeware Works On Non India-based Nokia 5800!

Walker — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:31:14 +0000

Other than Nokia at Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan, Nokia India also offers some third party S60 freeware made for the touchscreen-based Nokia 5800.

Up to now, there are nine Symbian freeware and games made for S60 5th Edition UI, i.e. the touchscreen interface as the one with Nokia 5800.

Although it’s possible to download all of these software, only one freeware works with my Nokia 5800. Thank god, the one that’s working, called SMS Timer, is a pretty useful S60 freeware for me!

With SMS Timer, I could easily schedule birthday greeting SMS for closed friends in contact list at exactly 12am on their special day!

I didn’t try the two mobile games (Touch Card Match and Touch Maneuver) which I’ve tested them earlier with installation files from Nokia Hong Kong. After all, I don’t really like these dummy games, except the Big 2!

In additional, I also skip the Cricket Widget, as I’m not a fan of “ball” :-)

These are the S60 freeware that only work on India Nokia phone:

Smart Guard

Smart Guard encrypt user data kept on both phone memory and memory card. Unless you are the owner, who know the passcode (or the hacker who can crack it in no time) can access to your privacy!

As what I understand from the brief description in download page, this function provided by Smart Guard is suppose different from Nokia inbuilt phone lock mechanism, as you could unlock the screen for your friend to make call or write SMS but a passcode is required to access your messages, contacts, photos, etc, that are protected by Smart Guard.

I heard there is one model of Sony Ericsson smart phone offers similar function of Smart Guard as FOC. Anyway, I didn’t Google this for prove.

For sure, this S60 security freeware is interesting to me, but the message “This application works only in Indian region” upset me!

Marble Maze

Marble Maze is a S60 mobile game that takes advantages of Nokia 5800 orientation sensor! It’s a labyrinth game about leading the ball into a goal by tilting Nokia 5800.

Quoted the description as saying, Marble Maze could be an addictive game as there is 40 different labyrinths and 3 different types of ball (i.e. metal, rubber, and a super ping pong ball).

At least, if I couldn’t play Big 2 Master, it should be possible to easily play this game even sandwiched in a tube during peak office hour! But I couldn’t as it’s not working with my Nokia 5800 (blame me for not living in India!) :-(

I won’t know the Marble Maze is only working on India Nokia phone if not via Google Search, as the program just flash and close when I click the Marble Maze icon! There is no error. But even there is one I couldn’t have noticed that, unless my eyes can take snapshot as a high speed shutter does.

WaveSecure

Another Symbian security freeware made for S60 5th Edition UI, and it’s even attractive than Smart Guard.

As stated in download page, Wave Secure is able to track, remotely lock and erase data of a lost or stolen phone via Buddy Notification or over the Internet (Nokia 5800 inbuilt WIFI for accessing Internet)!

When I open Wave Secure for the first time, this message pops up, telling me “Please insert Indian SIM card to activate Wave Secure” :-(

Easy Reject (Call and SMS Spam Blocker)

Easy Reject is SMS and Call management software for Symbian S60 5th Edition UI. The functions are obviously about blocking unwanted call with busy tone or filtering spam SMS.

By the way, I think I could use Easy Reject, as it’s not a freeware. There is a message saying, “This trial version is limited to handle up to 20 incoming calls / messages. After expiration, you can purchase a Licence.”

Cricket Widget

A widget requires Internet connection to work. Otherwise, there is no meaning to start it in offline mode.

The Cricket widget could be useful to fans of cricket sport as it streams real time ball-by-ball update of matches being played, in addition to match other features like summary and scorecard, breaking news, photograph to reminisce the historical cricket matches.

MyRingtone

As its name implies, My Ringtone is a S60 application that said allows user to cut portion of favourite song as mobile phone ringtone (similar function provided by Windows Movie Maker or mp3Directcut), or to create a ringtone fusion by merging 3 songs into one tune at your wish.

Similar to Marble Maze, it flash and close without an error as I open it, and I guess it share the same reason of Marble Maze :-(

[ With reference to Nokia India download page for Nokia 5800 ]

Paint Pad Not Working On Non HK-based Nokia 5800!

Walker — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:51:08 +0000

I talked about new S60 freeware and games for Nokia 5800 in previous post, mentioned that all of them can be installed, and execute successfully.

However, I didn’t realized that the Paint Pad imposes limited functions on a non Hong Kong-based cell phone :-(.

Well, there is no surprise, understand that the program is only available for download in Nokia HK website.

Sooner or later, there will be more S60 freeware made for Hong Kong market limit the program function when these software are installed on smart phone made for other countries :-(

Although, I’m really upset, knowing that I couldn’t enjoy a useful freeware like Paint Pad with all its functions.

So, why I can’t enjoy the freeware, as it’s not my fault for not living in Hong Kong? After all, I paid premium price for the same genuine Nokia 5800 as Hongkee do :-(

Guess what, I almost want to made a video showing my reaction, as what have been filmed at HK International Airport when the pity aunty missing her flight to Chicago just a little earlier!

(Don’t wait, that’s just a joke – I won’t make one as I’m a public-shy and thus I never speak for my screencasts @ WalkerNewsDotNet!)

Now, back to this Zensis-made freeware for Hongkee, what functions of Paint Pad are exactly missing in my Nokia 5800?

As you can see from the following screenshots taken by ScreenSnap, I couldn’t save my priceless “masterpiece”, not even to send it by all means!

Paint Pad is useful to me as it’s easier and convenient to draft notes or diagrams on this tiny digital canvas for documentation or reference.

It’s more practical to take this “pricy” Nokia touchscreen phone with me to everywhere at anytime than having a bulky tablet.

Now what? I have no choice but to live with its limitedd function and rely on ScreenSnap to save the drawing as screenshot :-(

Tell me if you know an alternative of Paint Pad alike freeware for S60 5th Edition. I appreciated that. Many thanks.