Nokia is Back - Our thoughts on the Keynote Speech

We're sitting in the keynote and introduction speeches at Nokia World with 25 of the busiest bloggers from around the world. Its been an inspiring and interesting look at the coming year for Nokia. The words you will see around the world today in media outlets is "Nokia is Back". The keynote speech unveiled some exciting phones coming up including the Nokia C6 C7 N8 and E7. We were especially interested in the E7 which was announced as the best smartphone Nokia has ever produced. The E7 will bring back much of what makes the E72 one of the most popular business phones. The E7 will be a massive 4 inch touchscreen device with a ClearBlack display allowing a stronger contrast and display on the phone.

The highly anticipated launch of the Nokia N8 was also part of the keynote speech starting with criticism of commentators who judged the N8 on screenshots. "You can't judge a car by how familiar the dashboard looks, you have to get in and drive it!" The HDMI output and an insanely overwhelming 12.1MP camera has also been described as making the N8 the best smartphone for media and music. Nokia is experiencing unprecedented demand for this N8. Much more has been announced but we'll post a press release summary following this post as we make our way around Nokia World. Keep up to date with minute by minute updates on twitter @my_e72 and leave questions you would like to ask the top brass in Nokia.

Bloggers Meet on the Eve of Nokia World

It's been a packed day in London on the eve of the Nokia World expo. About 10 of the bloggers who had already arrived in London had lunch with Lydia and Chris from 1000 Heads and then went for a quick look around central London before an afternoon meet up of bloggers hosted by 1000 Heads at their office which also happens to be where the old trainng ring Muhammad Ali used to train in. Around 60 bloggers, developers, Nokia and 1000 heads staff mingled and traded ideas over drinks and recorded personal videos to the new CEO of Nokia as to what we would like to see change with Nokia.

In the evening, we had drinks at the Lamb Tavern where Ovi presenters demonstrated what is coming up with the Nokia N8 and what to expect with the integrated apps suite for Nokia phones - Ovi. The vibe was, watch this space, meanwhile Nokia is listening to users such as you and me so share your feedback and concerns and they will be heard. Late registrations to Nokia World have also resulted in packed hotels all around Excel One where Nokia World goes live in just under 6 hours!

Some general observations from today

• Biggest shock - Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President of Nokia announces retirement. 
• Most talked about upcoming phone - Nokia N8
• Most mentioned message recorded by bloggers as to what they would like Nokia to change - Shorten the time between announcements and release dates for phones.
• Most common phone seen in peoples hands today (Nokia managers, bloggers) - Nokia E72!
• Highlight of the day - winning a Nokia N8 along with Roman from S60Inside and Mike from MobileFanatics, and meeting the 1000 Heads staff and bloggers.

How to Unlock an E72?

Some networks around the world lock their phones so that users are unable to use a SIM card from a rival network. It is not illegal to unlock your phone, and depending on your network provider, it may involve a fee. For those using a Nokia E72 on Three or Vodafone, you can unlock your phone by calling up customer service. The best reason to give for unlocking when they ask is that  you are going overseas. They will then:

1. Ask for your IMEI number by asking you to type in *#06#2. They give you a code that looks something like #pw+23489729429834+1#3. The phone will say "sim card restriction off"

If you are not with one of these network providers, there are websites which allow you to unlock your phone for a small fee. With some plans that networks lock you into, the fee is usually worth it. Just make sure you do not try unlocking more than three times.

We're heading for London's Nokia World Conference!

Last week, an invitation arrived to attend Nokia World in London! Next weekend, I'll be flying 18 hours from Australia to join the Nokia World Conference in London as one of 25 guest bloggers from around the world. 

Nokia World is the Nokia main event each year where new phones will be showcased and the coming year's marketing strategies and directions are discussed. This year's speakers include the CEO of Nokia Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia's Executive Vice Presidents of Mobile Phones Unit and Mobile Solutions, Vice President of Forum Nokia and Group CEO of Vodafone.

Stay tuned as I file updates live from Nokia World using the Nokia Booklet 3G and my E72. Keep an eye on twitter as updates will appear @my_e72. I intend to join some Roundtable discussions and contribute some ideas for the future development of Nokia phones so if you have an idea, please feel free to bring them up here.

What will the Nokia N8 offer? How will Nokia deal with the ever increasing threat from Android devices and the marketing juggernaut that is Apple? Where will social media take the future development of Nokia phones? Looking forward to a great week in London!

For those travelling, check out our 12 essential tips for travelling with your smartphone. This may be revised in the coming week as I start packing.