Nokia Amber update for WP8 Lumias coming in August

The Nokia Lumia 925 launched with a new and improved software and Nokia promised to make it available to its older WP8 phones in the summer with the so-called Amber update. Now we've got a more concrete time frame thanks to the Nokia Spain's Twitter account.




The Amber update for Nokia Lumia range with WP8 arrive in August giving the same user experience as #Lumia925

Translated with Google Translate




The Amber update will bring the new Smart Camera lens for Lumia, which does post processing tricks like Action shot, Motion focus and object removal. Check out demos of those effects here.




There’s more - Amber will enable the FM radio receiver that has been lying dormant in Windows Phone 8 powered Lumia phones (except the 620) and the "double tap to wake" lockscreen with a clock (presumably only for AMOLED packing phones). Check out our preview of the Lumia 925 for more details on these features.




By the way, Twitter accounts aren't 100% reliable when it comes to such information, so we're still waiting for official confirmation.




Source (in Spanish) | Via (in Italian)

WP8 Amber update to bring Smart Camera, FM radio to old Lumias

Nokia just announced the Lumia 925, which packs the Smart Camera app – the culmination of the company's acquisition of Scalado. The app will be released to current WP8 Lumias later on with a firmware update Nokia calls the Lumia Amber update.


The app snaps a burst of 5MP photos (the camera uses an 8.7MP sensor) and does cool tricks with it. One is Action shot, which is similar to the Sequence shot in the HTC One and Drama shot in the Galaxy S4. Here's how it works on video:



You can also remove moving objects, which got its own video demo. The Smart Camera app can also pick the best expression for every shot.


Another cool trick is Motion focus, which makes it look like you're tracking a fast moving object. There's no video for that one, but here's a photo taken with that mode:




Motion focus sample taken with the Nokia Lumia 925 (click for full size)


The Amber update packs a surprise too – it enables the FM radio that's hidden inside every Lumia phone to date, except for the Lumia 620.


There might be other features (including new Smart Camera modes and operator specific features), but Nokia is yet to announce the complete changelog. The update should be out some time in the summer.


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Software updates for Lumia 920, 820, and 620 on the way

Three of the fairly recent Nokia devices running Windows Phone, which include the flagship Lumia 920, as well as the Lumia 820 and Lumia 620, are set to receive software updates within the coming weeks.



The Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 firmware will be updated to version 1232.5957.1308.00xx, which will have the usual stability and performance fixes, as well as improved automatic brightness adjustment, and a fix for the occasional screen blanking during a call which some users were experiencing.

The Nokia Lumia 620 will be getting a bit more with its 1030.6407.1308.00xx update, including improved touchscreen functions, better voice quality over Bluetooth headsets, and enhanced camera performance when flash is used.

The update should roll out in phases within the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for notifications on your device.

Source | Via

Windows Phone 7.8 update is now back seeding

Owners of older Windows Phones will be happy to know that Microsoft is finally seeding the latest Windows phone 7.8 update for their devices.

The Windows Phone 7.8 update was previously halted due to bugs with the newly introduced Live Tiles on the homescreen. Users were reporting poor battery life due to a constantly active internet connection by the active tiles on the homescreen.



It seems that now these issues have been patched up. If you have previously updated your phone to WP 7.8, then consider this a bug-fixing release for your phone.

The current Windows Phone 7.5 users however will finally be able to enjoy some new visual features, carried over from Windows Phone 8. The official WP 7.8 release log mentions the Live Titles, some new UI colors, and an updated lockscreen.

Source | Via

Nokia 808 PureView and 701 get a firmware update

If you thought the Symbian platform was already dead, you though wrong. Nokia has just pushed a "Telephony update" for the Symbian OS on Nokia 701 and 808 PureView.

The update is small in size and you can get it over-the-air.



According to the log, the update is called Telephony update and brings "quality improvements". There are no new features to come with it, but the fact that Nokia pushed it probably means you better get it. It will most probably fix those network-switching glitches that some people were experiencing.Source

Microsoft temporarily suspends Windows Phone 7.8 updates

Microsoft has stopped Windows Phone 7.8 updates for the aged Windows Phone smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 800, Lumia 900 and Lumia 610. The company is working to fix a software glitch in the release, but it's unclear how long the suspension will last.



The folks at CNET claim to have received a confirmation for the halt of the update from Nokia as well. According to a representative of the Finnish compnay, the glitch seems to be a minor issue in the Windows Phone 7.8 software and the roll out will resume shortly.

The latest Windows Phone 7.8 update comes with a refreshed home-screen and resizable live tiles. Unfortunately, this seems to be the last major update for the Windows Phone 7.x smartphones as Microsoft has already confirmed that these smartphones will not be getting to taste Windows Phone 8.x.

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Windows Phone 7.8 is now seeding to Nokia Lumia handsets

The long awaited, highly anticipated Windows Phone 7.8 update has made its way to the first generation Nokia Lumia smartphones. Users of the aforementioned devices should be receiving notification for the new OS version's availability in the coming weeks. The update will be installed via Microsoft Zune desktop software.


Windows Phone 7.8 brings a host of upgrades to the table. They include a brand new homescreen with more customization options, camera extras, and a host of performance enhancements for the first members of the Nokia Lumia lineup.

Nokia has released a promo video with the update. Check it out below.

The Windows Phone 7.8 upgrade will be seeding through February. Its exact availability around the world will be carrier dependent.

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Windows Phone 7.8 official rollout to start on January 31

We already lost count of all the rumors, confirmations and denials of the Windows Phone 7.8 update. The update itself got so overhyped that we are sure some users will be left disappointed, when it arrives.

Anyway, according to Windows phone Colombia official Facebook page, the Windows Phone 7.8 rollout will begin on January 31.



The date coincides with Microsoft's promised Q1 launch, as well as the fact that there are already updated Lumia smartphones with it, ones that are sold updated and even Samsung fans recently learned that the Omnia updates are complete.

We already got our hands on the Lumia 510 officially running on Windows Phone 7.8 and we've extracted the new features we found so far for you.
Resizable Live Tiles
Bluetooth File transfer
Bing Picture for Lockscreen wallpaper
New theme colors
You can set Google as default search provider in Internet Explorer
New boot screen
Updated system and Nokia exclusive apps
Ringtone maker (also available in the Marketplace)
Counters app (also available in the Marketplace)

The full review is already in the works, while you should expect your phone to get the update itself in 10 days.

Thanks, Bhargav Pinni, for the tip!

Source | Via

Windows Phone 8 'Portico' update rolls out to Lumia 920 and 820

The AT&T version of the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 received the Windows Phone 'Portico' update back in December, along with the HTC 8X. The same update has now started rolling out to the international version of the Nokia handsets.



The Portico update brings with it some much needed improvements to the performance of these devices. Nokia has improved the camera performance with this update, reducing the blur in some of the daylight images. Along with that this update also brings with it the ability to keep the device connected to the Wi-Fi even when the screen switches off, ability to reject calls with an SMS and Select All and drafts functionality for SMS.

The update is now slowly rolling out internationally and is expected to be completed by mid-March.

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Nokia: Windows Phone 7.8 not coming out until 2013

A few days ago Lumia 800 owners got some exciting news. There were several reports of devices receiving the long awaited Windows Phone 7.8 update.

As it turns out though, this was merely a test run, rather than the real deal. While a limited group of users did indeed get the update, the Windows Phone 7.8 rollout for the general public will happen in early 2013 as planned.

Those who received the update actually own a pre-production units of Lumia 800, so they were eligible for the test version of WP 7.8. All this was confirmed by a Nokia official.

So, the update is not out, folks. Stop mashing that check for updates button, because you won't have any luck with it. Not for now, at least.

There are surely ways to force the test update into your Lumia 800, but we'd advise against it. You can brick your device, void your warranty or be permanently banned from getting new software updates via the official channels.

Source | Via

Lumia 920 to get PR1.1 update this month, improved camera

Nokia Lumia 920 will be getting a major PR1.1 update by the end of this month. Its most prominent feature will be the updated camera software, which should enhance the smartphone's performance in well-lit environments.

Previously we observed problems with the resolved detail in the still photos, smudged areas and oversaturated colors. The photos taken with Lumia 920 running a beta version of the update are now much crispier, with more resolved detail and improved contrast. According to Engadget who got hold of the photos the white balance still needs some tuning, but the overall image quality is miles ahead after the update.

Here are some crops from photos taken with two different Lumia 920 units - the left one running on retail 1.0 and the right one on the upcoming 1.1 update.


Lumia 920: PR1.0 vs PR1.1 samples

The update will also bring system stability and browser performance improvements, as well as Microsoft in-house features such as rejecting calls via SMS.

The update is expected to launch before the end of the year, so the Lumia 920 users might be getting a pretty nice Christmas present.

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Windows Phone 7.8 is now rolling out to Nokia Lumia 800

Nokia Lumia 800 users have a good reason to smile today. The Finnish company's first Windows Phone flagship has begun receiving the much anticipated update to Windows Phone 7.8 Tango.



The upgrade includes four separate updates and can be accessed via the Zune desktop software. It brings a number of improvements, including new boot screens and resizable live tiles.

In case you are a Nokia Lumia 800 owner, go ahead and hook up your smartphone to the Zune desktop to see if the update is available in your region. Feel free to share your experience by dropping us a line in the comments section.

Source (in Dutch) | Via

Unofficial WP7.8 for first-gen Lumias available on Navifrim

The Windows Phone 7.8 update for first generation WP phones was neglected by Microsoft for a while, but the company committed to an early 2013 release and now builds for the WP7 Lumias have started to appear on Navifirm.

The firmwares are version ****.****.8858.***** and are available for the entire first-gen lineup - that is the Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900. They can be downloaded and installed using the Navifirm tool.



We should note that these are not official firmware updates, so if you choose to install them you will be doing so at your own risk. With the end of 2012 in sight, you might be better off just waiting for the official update to hit.

If you're not clear on what changes the Windows Phone 7.8 update will bring (Microsoft was mum on this for a long time), you can check out this Lumia 900 that runs on the updated firmware.

Thanks to Sajan for sending this in!

Source

Windows Phone 7.8 features leak, release date still a mystery

As the Windows Phone 7.8 release is edging closer, leaks are starting to intensify. Beta builds, Windows Phone 7.8-running Nokia Lumia 510 and promotional materials for the latter – there are plenty sources to feed us with spicy rumors.

The Lumia 510 brochure is the most interesting piece, though it’s in Finnish. It does say the Lumia 510 will have a new Start screen with more available color themes, though. It also confirms the Windows Phone 7.8 won’t be the last firmware update you’ll get, probably to reassure the people who intend to buy the phone that it’s getting long-term support.


Windows Phone 7.8 leaks from various places

The guys over at Winp.ch managed to get their hands on a Windows Phone 7.8-running Lumia 510 and confirmed a few details as well. In addition to the resizable Live Tiles, re-designed system apps (Office, Xbox Games, Store, etc.), 10 new theme colors, we’ll also get a new boot screen matching Windows Phone 8 style and Live Lock Screen Wallpaper, which was previously introduced within Windows Phone 8. There is no info if that one will work with third-party apps though.

In case you are interested the build number of Windows Phone 7.8 is 7.10.8858.136. As the rumor has it, the update is already released to the manufacturers and it shouldn't be long before it starts seeding to the end users.

Source 1 | Source 2

It will be a while before Windows Phone 7.8 update is released

1. (When will the Windows Phone 7.8 Update be released)

Windows Phone 8 might be officially out, but the Windows Phone 7.8 update is nowhere to be found. Microsoft even ignored the matter during the press conference yesterday.

Latest online rumor has it, the Windows Phone 7.8 will be released a few weeks after the first WP8 devices hit the shelves. Then we would have to wait for the first wave of cheap WP7.8 devices that will run the release out of the box and later all old-gen Windows Phone handsets will get the update as an OTA or via Zune.

We guess all of the previous Windows Phone owners would have to wait at least a month to get the goodies brought by the 7.8 update. Let's hope the update will be worth the wait.

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Nokia Belle FP2 update is now fixed, reseeded to users

Finally, the issues have been ironed out and Nokia has restarted the rollout of the Nokia Belle Feature Pack 2 firmware update.



The update is headed for Nokia OS devices including the Nokia 808 PureView, 701, 700 and 603. The PureView will also get some extra imaging and gallery features.

As for other changes - the user interface will get a new swipe to unlock, the camera UI will get a refresh, while the navigation bar, widgets and transition effects all get minor tweaks. The keyboard will now offer word completion and predictive text input. The web browser is also updated and comes with an improved JavaScript engine for better performance.

The update is available through Nokia Suite and owners of the eligible devices should be getting the update notification any moment now.Via

Nokia Belle FP2 update pulled, users report issues

Yesterday, Nokia started the rollout of the Belle FP2 update for the last crop of Nokia OS (formerly Symbian) phones including the 603, 700, 701 and 808 PureView (with the PureView getting extra imaging and gallery features). Shortly after, though, the update was pulled from Nokia's servers.

The reason is that while for some the update process went fine and everything worked smoothly after it, others experienced various issues ranging from unable to install the update to problems with different parts of the updated software.

You can check out this thread in the Nokia Discussions forum to see what kind of problems people are experiencing and also thecomment thread under our news article.

Nokia is investigating the issues and will put the update back up once they've been resolved. You can keep an eye on the Discussions thread for updates or wait on the Software Update app to notify you of a new update.

Thanks to sss for the tip!

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Nokia 808 PureView gets Belle FP2, imaging updates in tow

Starting today, Nokia is rolling out the Belle FP2 update its last generation of Nokia OS phones. The Nokia 808 PureView is getting a good deal of exclusive imaging and gallery features, while the 701, 700 and 603 are getting the same update sans those extras.


Nokia 808 PureView got updated to Belle FP2

Here's the change log for Nokia 808 PureView's camera and gallery features:
More information about your images, such as image resolution, ISO value, white balance setting, and file size, and the location. When you are connected online, one click will show you on Nokia Maps where the photo was taken.
New reset button in Creative mode to change all the settings back to default with a single touch
Gallery Grid view when you have the phone in landscape
Select and delete multiple photos in Gallery Grid
Access to more functions when you open your images from the Gallery widget on your home screen – swipe through other images, zoom, share, edit, and send images faster.

A video editing app called Video Pro is also included in the FP2 update.

The rest of the new features, which will be shared by the808 and the other three, include an updated browser (version 8.3) with better HTML5 support, a "new and significantly faster keyboard" and Nokia Car Mode.

The update is rolling worldwide, but as usual there might be delays specific to a given country and the different carriers. To check if the update for your country/operator is ready, you can use the phone'sSoftware Update app or you can hook up your phone to your computer and use Nokia Suite.

Source | Via

Belle Refresh update hits Nokia N8, E7, C7, C6-01, X7 and Oro

Nokia has just started the global rollout of the Symbian Belle Refresh. Owners of the Nokia N8, E7, C7, C6-01, X7 and Oro should check their devices for the firmware update.



Symbian Belle Refresh brings some exciting features to the listed smartphone. One of them is the new browser armed with improved support for HTML5 web apps. There are also a new set of homescreen widgets as well as the addition of Microsoft Office Mobile app and Nokia Maps Suite 2.0. Nokia N8 owners will also score a few extra imaging-related apps.

As with most updates, this one too will be rolled out in phases with the carrier-free devices getting to try it first. The carrier versions will have to wait a few additional weeks until the update gets approved by the operator.

Source | Via

Stephen Elop suggests an October release for Windows Phone 8

Speaking to the New York Times, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop let it slip that the upcoming successor to Windows Phone 7, namely WP8, will be coming in October of this year.



This would make perfect sense because of the imminent October 26 release of Windows 8, so it's within the realm of possibility that there could be a simultaneous launch of both operating systems.

Elop did not go on to confirm that the launch would coincide with the release of new WP8 devices, despite the fact that he was was discussing Nokia's Q2 earnings when he said that WP8 would further lift sales of Lumia devices.

Source | Via