Nokia Developer Newsletter

January 15, 2008

View the previous issues: December 11
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In this issue

1. CES: N95 8GB for Americas, Internet Initiatives
2. Near Field Communication (NFC) Offers Developers New Markets
3. New Plug-Ins Aid S60 3rd Edition Development
4. Developing PC-Based Applications? Here's Help
5. Developer Spotlight: An Open Source GPS for the Blind
6. Tech Tip: How to Set Up Maemo™ for Internet Tablet Development
7. Nokia N82 Multimedia Computer Joins Device Loaner Program
8. "Problem of the Month" Competition Launches for S60 Developers
9. Two Contests Offer Big Prizes for Innovative Developers

CES: N95 8GB for Americas, Internet Initiatives

At the recent 2008 International CES show in Las Vegas, Nokia made several important announcements and demonstrations.

The Nokia N95 8GB multimedia computer has been optimized for networks in the Americas using 850/1900 MHz high-speed data packet access (HSDPA). The need for the device — which is based on the S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1, developer platform — was supported by a recent Nokia-commissioned global survey, which predicts that in 2012, as much as 25% of all entertainment will be created and consumed within peer communities.

Available in the Americas for the first time, the Nokia N95 8GB device features a 2.8-inch QVGA screen that supports as many as 16-million colors, 8 gigabytes of built-in memory, assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) for improved location access, and enhanced battery life. A limited edition of 5,000 bright-red versions of the Nokia N95 8GB device will be sold in the Americas during the first quarter; both the limited-edition red device and the regular black and bronze units will retail for $599.

Also at CES, Nokia showcased its leadership in Internet services. A large part of the company's booth was dedicated to demonstrating how the consumer experience is driving Nokia's transition to an Internet company. These demos included Nokia Maps, Widgets, N-Gage™ mobile game deck, and Nokia Internet Radio. Third-party applications were also shown, including SlingPlayer, which lets users watch their home TVs from wireless devices; Rhapsody, which transforms the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet into a virtual jukebox; and Skype, the popular voice over IP (VoIP) service, which is now available for the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet.

Learn more about Nokia N95 8GB multimedia computer in the Americas.

View the Nokia N95 8GB multimedia computer technical specs.

Learn more about Nokia's converged devices, Internet services, and "green" initiatives.

Near Field Communication (NFC) Offers Developers New Markets

A new white paper from Forum Nokia can help developers get started with Near Field Communication development. NFC technology, based on short-range wireless connectivity, offers exciting opportunities for developers and consumers alike. NFC is activated when two compatible devices or tags touch or are brought near each other. For developers, the Nokia 6131 NFC device offers new opportunities, including payment and ticketing applications, access to existing services saved as service shortcuts in NFC tags, and peer-to-peer applications that enable communications between two devices.

The Nokia 6131 NFC device features tag reading and writing as a native NFC functionality. The device also offers support for all NFC Forum defined tags, contactless communication API (JSR-257) with extensions for developing Java™ applications for the phone, integrated secure element with card emulation support for Mifare 4K and ISO/Global Platform smart card, and compatibility with existing contactless reader (payment and ticketing) infrastructures. The Nokia 6131 NFC's device operating distance is 5 centimeters or less — depending on tag size, tag technology, contactless reader technology, and other factors — and its data-transfer rate is 106 Kbit/sec.

Learn more about the Nokia 6131 NFC device.

New Plug-Ins Aid S60 3rd Edition Development

Nokia recently released two plug-ins for developers of S60 3rd Edition applications and content.

A beta version of an extension plug-in for the S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, SDK for Symbian OS, for C++, is now available from Forum Nokia. The beta plug-in is part of a new program launched by Forum Nokia in response to the frequent requests of mobile developers for the release of additional internal APIs. Under a process known as S60 API Partnering, developers may apply for access to any APIs needed to implement a given functionality.

Nokia Eseries SDK Plug-In for S60 3rd Edition allows C++ application developers to maximize the advanced features in Nokia's Eseries enterprise devices. Developers can create and test applications in the emulator and on a device, using their preferred integrated development environments (IDEs). Each SDK plug-in includes the APIs required to use the features that have been added to Nokia Eseries devices, such as printing or external presentation. Use of these APIs is supported through comprehensive documentation and example applications. The Nokia Eseries SDK plug-in, together with the appropriate S60 3rd Edition SDK, provides all the tools a developer needs to build and test enterprise applications for Nokia Eseries devices.

Download the beta SDK API Plug-in.

Download the Eseries SDK Plug-Ins.

Developing PC-Based Applications? Here's Help

Developers creating PC-based connected applications for Series 40 and S60 devices have a new API. The recently introduced Nokia PC Connectivity API 3.2 has been designed to free developers from the complexities of dealing directly with the connectivity and transmission protocols used by the Nokia PC Suite and the architecture of connected devices in their applications. The recently introduced Nokia PC Connectivity API 3.2 enables application developers to add PC-connectivity capabilities to applications for any Series 40 device; devices based on S60 2nd Edition and S60 3rd Edition; and Series 80 devices (the Nokia 9300 Communicator and Nokia 9500 Communicator) supported by the Nokia PC Suite. Features include connection management, device notification and selection, and directory and file management. After signing a distribution license agreement with Nokia, developers can use the new API, along with the Nokia PC Suite Connectivity Solution and the Nokia Connectivity Cable Driver, to create complete, distributable packages.

Learn more and download the new API for Series 40 and S60 devices.

View the API data sheet.

Developer Spotlight: An Open Source GPS for the Blind

Two blind developers from Canada, Monty Lilburn and Shawn Kirkpatrick, set out to develop an inexpensive way to combine smartphones, screen-reading software, and a GPS. Their system, Loadstone GPS, offers a free, open source application that can help blind users transform a Symbian OS smartphone into a speech-based navigational aid. To run Loadstone GPS, the user needs only an S60 smartphone, free Loadstone GPS software, Bluetooth GPS receiver, and screen reader. Loadstone has gone through nearly 70 builds since its July 2006 release, and it has been downloaded approximately 1,500 times by users in some 40 countries.

Learn more about Loadstone GPS (PDF).

Tech Tip: How to Set Up Maemo™ for Internet Tablet Development

Developers who want to create applications and content for Nokia Internet tablets need to first set up maemo, an open source development platform. Maemo, based on the GNU/Linux OS and Gnome desktop, brings developers an easy-to-use development environment.

The current version, Maemo 4.0, supports both the Nokia N810 and Nokia N800 Internet Tablets. A related program, called Scratchbox, is a specially developed sandbox environment that provides tools for Linux development independently of the host system. The Maemo SDK 4.0 and Scratchbox must both be installed before development can begin. A new online eLearning presentation, available from Forum Nokia, helps developers get started with this powerful, easy-to-use development platform.

View the eLearning presentation on setting up maemo.

Nokia N82 Multimedia Computer Joins Device Loaner Program

Forum Nokia's Device Loaner Program lets all Forum Nokia members order and receive loaner devices through the Forum Nokia eStore. Among the cool devices now available for loan is the Nokia N82 multimedia computer, an S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1, device that features an integrated A-GPS, pre-installed Nokia Maps, 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss Optics lens, digital music player, FM radio, e-mail, full HTML Web browsing, and personal information management (PIM) applications.

Learn more about the Nokia N82 multimedia computer.

"Problem of the Month" Competition Launches for S60 Developers

Smart S60 developers, take note: Forum Nokia has launched a monthly competition for you. Called "Problem of the Month," the competition will present a new programming challenge each month. Developers will present their solutions, and judges from Forum Nokia's Technical Services & Consultancy (TSC) will award prizes to their favorite solutions. Technologies covered will include Symbian C++, Java, Flash, Widgets, and Python. The first competition begins on January 17.

Learn more and join the competition.

Two Contests Offer Big Prizes for Innovative Developers

The Mobile Rules! Business Plan and Application Competition seeks applications that bring the mobile business to a new level. Prizes include fast-track contract negotiation and publishing opportunities with one of the sponsors (or $10,000 if no contract is established within one year); premium placement in the Nokia Software Market; participation in a "Trial for Free" in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region; promotion in Forum Nokia developer communities; a one-year membership in Forum Nokia Launchpad; a choice of five Nokia products; and software from Palo Alto Software. But hurry, the deadline for submitting mobile applications is January 25, 2008.

The Technology Innovation Competition, co-sponsored by Nokia and industry players, is open to startups and mid-sized companies. Driven by the Nokia Research Center and Nokia's Sourcing & Procurement organization, the competition seeks technology innovations in four design and hardware areas: Mobile Multimedia Experience, Future Device Architecture, User Interface, and Future Touch and Feel. Finalists will be invited to demonstrate their work at Nokia headquarters in Finland and discuss their products with Nokia decision makers.

Learn more and enter Mobile Rules!

Learn more and enter the Technology Innovation Competition.

New Documents:

Symbian OS Basics - Workbook
This updated Symbian C++ developer training courseware discusses memory and resource management, descriptors, application structure overview, resource and localization files, UI controls, client/server framework, and active object framework. The workbook also describes seven programming exercises (source code of the exercises is published separately in Symbian OS Basics - Lab Exercises package). Document; Architecture/Design, Base/System, S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, S60 --- Symbian OS, Symbian C++, Training; English (en)

Symbian OS Basics - Lab Exercises
These Symbian C++ examples provide exercises and solutions to the following topics: setting up a development environment and building a simple hello world application, Symbian OS basics, memory and resource management, descriptors, application structure overview, resource and localization files, client/server framework, and active object framework. The exercises complement Symbian OS Basics - Workbook training course material. Application, Example; Architecture/Design, Base/System, S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, S60 --- Symbian OS, Symbian C++, Training; English (en)

Nokia 6131 NFC Technical Product Description
This document is a technical product description of Nokia 6131 NFC, which provides information on the device’s architecture, NFC-related features, specifications, application development, and secure element management issues. Document; Connectivity --- Near Field Communication (NFC), Series 40; English (en)

C++ Developer's Library Extension for S60 3rd Edition, FP2 (online)
The C++ Extension Library for S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 describes the S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 implementations of the Symbian C++ technology. It features information on common use cases for the Application Interworking Framework (AIW), middle softkey (MSK), and destination networks, with links to appropriate class documentation. The extension library also includes a C++ API Reference Guide for S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 APIs, an Open C API reference, and the Open C developer guides. The online version of the library includes the Sync URL functionality, which allows you to create links and bookmark individual pages. Document; Architecture/Design, Connectivity --- WLAN, Networking, Open C, S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2, S60 --- Symbian OS, Symbian C++, UI; Zip Archive (.zip) --- Online Document Package (.zip); English (en)

New Tools, SDKs, and Examples:

Getting Started With Ajax - Overview and Examples
This resource gives a quick introduction to the basic technology - and provides practical tips and example code for the Web developer. It is aimed at Web designers and others with a basic grounding in Web technology - but have not yet made any move into Ajax on mobile platforms. Document; S60 ... S60 3rd Edition, S60, Web Technology --- AJAX / Browsing / Web Application; English (en)

Open C: IRC Example
Examine this code example to learn how to use an open source IRC library and Open C to create a functional IRC client application. The example contains a simple open source C library CIRC for communicating with IRC servers that is ported to Symbian OS using Open C and called from a GUI that is implemented using Symbian C++. The use case of the example is to communicate with other IRC users on the chosen IRC server. This example also supports sending "raw" IRC commands and is therefore a fully functional client application. A document about porting experiences and example architecture is also included in the package. Important libraries/structs/functions: libc, sockaddr_in, socket, gethostbyname, connect, nonblocking. Application, Example; Networking, Open C, S60, S60, Symbian C++; English (en)

New Devices:

Nokia 6263
The Nokia 6263 is a quad-band GSM phone supporting GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and dual-band WCDMA 1700/2100. The Nokia 6263 features a fold-style design, a 2.2" 16 million color QVGA primary display, large exterior mounted music keys for easy access to saved music tracks, 4GB MicroSD support and a 1.3 Mega pixel Camera.

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