Nokia's Nicola Ralston explains why materials are such an important part of its design approach

 The beautiful look and finish of Nokia’s brand new smartphones, the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Lumia 820, have caught the attention of many people.
Erik Kain, of Forbes.com, wrote of the Lumia 920:
“I love the colourful, rounded look. I love the fact that it looks so distinct and different from the rest of the smartphone pack. I love that I can get one that’s yellow.”
Meanwhile, Joe Belfiore, Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 visionary, told Conversations that Nokia’s new smartphones were ‘gorgeous and awesome’ and declared the Lumia 920 a ‘work of art.’

Design heritage

Nokia’s designers are no strangers to such compliments. The company has a rich heritage and great expertise when it comes to material design, science and technology.
Key to this continuing success is Nokia’s team in all the main Nokia Design Studios in London, Espoo, Calabasas and Beijing.
They are the people responsible for what your Nokia is made out of, how it feels in your hand, as well as what colour it is.
In fact, Nicola Ralston, who is head of Colour and Material Technology Design at Nokia, says that materials are a very important part of Nokia’s design approach to product making.

“I hope that is why the products you see on the market today are much more complete and seamless than ever before because the materials and colours are not applied after the packages have been defined.”

This focus on materials – how they are produced, how to achieve the exact intensity of colour required, how the material performs, how it can be moulded and much more besides – is absolutely central to Nokia, says Nicola.

Polycarbonate

The release of the Nokia N9 in 2011 saw the debut of polycarbonate, a new premium plastic pioneered by Nokia and which is also used in the Lumia smartphones, including the new Nokia Lumia 920 and 820.
Polycarbonate was developed as a result of huge project over several years examining different types of plastic ingredients.
“What we were looking for was a material that could define a new character for Nokia and would allow us to make a great visual impact and project confidence at the same time as build on our heritage of durability and extreme product making,” says Nicola.

“We chose polycarbonate because of the colour approach we wanted to take – the ingredients that make up polycarbonate allow us to get the best intensity of colour.”

As well as being able to achieve vibrant colours with polycarbonate, the material is also durable, as well as flexible in how the designers can play with the finishes – matt or gloss – and still exude a Nokia character.
When I first got my Nokia Lumia 800, I told all my friends about how natural it feels in my hand. Again, this is largely down to the polycarbonate.
“The polycarbonate gives us a human touch – that is the best way to describe it,” says Nicola.

Ceramic and metallic

Another hi-tech material, and one that is making its first ever appearance within the range on the Nokia Lumia 920 is the ceramic zirconium camera detailing and side keys. This material is both scratch and wear resistance, which further drives Nokia focus on durability and strength.
This ceramic replaces the aluminium camera detailing and side keys in the Nokia Lumia 900. Nicola says metal remains an important material to Nokia, but this new ceramic ‘is a little bit different, a little more refined… and just works really well.’
Overall, on the wider issue of metal versus polycarbonate, Nicola concludes that:
“What we want to achieve with the Lumia range is absolute top performance. The colour ability with polycarbonate is giving us all that character but at the same time it enables the highest performance relative to the antenna, NFC enablement, wireless charging and so on.”

Screen

With those ceramic details and the polycarbonate monobody, that just leaves the screen.
Fans of the 2.5D curved glass on the Nokia Lumia 800 were thrilled to find out that it’s back on the Lumia 920. Nicola’s team had to work out how to scale up the curved glass for the larger screen size of the new flagship Lumia.

They also looked at how the glass transitions seamlessly into the body and how black the screen is. Not to mention the integration of the Nokia logo and the Microsoft keys.
In short, there is barely a square millimetre on your Nokia device that has not been considered, shaped and influenced by Nicola’s team. Again, it goes back to Nokia’s focus on materials.

Just a little colour… for now

Completely inherent in the materials are the colours. The colours are not applied or painted on afterwards.
For example, the yellow polycarbonate of a Nokia Lumia 920 is yellow all the way through and this starts right at the beginning of the manufacturing process.
Moreover, the colourful Lumia range has become one of Nokia’s defining and most beloved characteristics.
So, colour is a massive topic and we will be exploring this further in the second part of our interview with Nicola. Keep your eyes peeled on Conversations.

Via: Nokia Conversations

How does the Snapdragon S4 makes the Nokia Lumia 920 Best Performer

More magnificent reasons to get very excited about the world's most innovative smartphone.

Thanks to mind-blowing innovations from chip manufacturers like Qualcomm, we’re taking more pictures, watching higher quality video, and surfing faster than ever on our smartphones. But what does the future hold? With the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 set to hit shelves soon, we’ve taken a look at how the processor that powers them, Qualcomm’s revolutionary Snapdragon S4, will make your smartphone experience even more amazing. 1. Lower Power Consumption
First, let’s talk power consumption. The Snapdragon S4 processor has been transitioned to a 28nm process (from 45nm), which makes it smallest in the industry, yet it still packs in more transistors. This new process also reduces leakage so that the chip consumes very little energy, helping your smartphone battery last all day.

What’s more, it stays cool to the touch. To see how much cooler check out this experiment Qualcomm performed with a Snapdragon S4 and some butter. (Yeah, you heard right!)
2. Better Performance
The S4 also introduces a new CPU and GPU, which work in concert to make the Windows Phone 8 experience lightning fast. Now that Windows Phone 8 supports multi-core processing, the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 can fully take advantage of Snapdragon’s multiple Krait CPU cores.

In other words, even the most sophisticated apps and complex user interfaces will run buttery smooth. Paired with the new Adreno 225 GPU, the new Lumias also promise to bring console quality gaming and even more stunning graphics.
3. Lightning-Fast 4G Connectivity
For most of us, mobile surfing is one of the joys of owning a smartphone. With 4G LTE, you can surf the Web, video conference, or play multiplayer games at up to 10 times the speed of conventional 3G.

Although previous 4G LTE implementions used to come at the expense of battery life, that’s no longer the case with Snapdragon’s integrated LTE multimode modem. By combining the modem and application processor, having Snapdragon in your phone means better battery life no matter what the connection speed is.
4. Higher Definition
One thing that really makes a smartphone special is the quality of its graphics. Within the Snapdragon S4 processor, you’ll find the Adreno 225 GPU. This both improves overall graphics performance and saves power in the process. The proof is in how fast your web browser displays pages, how quickly your navigation app responds, and of course, how amazing your favorite game looks when playing it.

It’s the same graphics component that’ll enable the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 to not only play the latest DirectX 3D games, but also drive HD content and support 720p displays at 60fps. If you’re a gamer, prepare to be wowed!
5. Better Security
Unfortunately, mobile hacking is becoming increasingly common, and the problem looks set to get worse. Fortunately, the Snapdragon S4 incorporates Qualcomm’s Secure MSM™. This is hardware and software-based security measures that provide features such as encrypted boot, secure code signing service, and Trustzone SEE.
6. Cooler Camera
Thanks to PureView technology and Snapdragon’s Image Signal Processor (ISP), the Nokia Lumia 920 has an incredible camera.

Coupled with the S4’s zippy performance, you can take your video and photo experience to new heights. Get ready to enjoy silky smooth 1080p video capture and overall speed and image quality enhancements, including image stabilization.
7. Faster Location Services
Unlike some smartphones, Nokia Lumias use mapping software that you can rely on. The Snapdragon S4 makes it even more accurate by featuring support for both GPS and GLONASS.

Once you have access to both satellite networks, your phone can determine your location quicker and within a 2 meter radius. What’s more, you’ll get fewer service interruptions.
All of these magnificent seven features help make the Nokia Lumia 920 the world’s most innovative smartphone. But which ones have you yee-hawing loudest? As ever, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Via: Nokia Conversations

Nokia Lumia 920&820 Early Review

 
Table Of Contents

1. Video Review
2. Nokia Lumia 920
3. Nokia Lumia 820
4. Software
5. Accessories
6. Total

Nokia had withdrawn from the IFA 2012, preferring to make a presentation of new products at a separate event, where its device guaranteed to get attention. And, indeed, new Lumia 820 and 920 Lumia aroused keen interest from the public and the mobile industry in General. Today, LG, Samsung, HTC, Apple, Motorola has already opened all his cards, it became clear that the greatest innovation achieved by Nokia. Yes, the very one that already "cake".

 

The company did not go towards building the Megapixels, the number of cores and opted for an increased number of icons on one screen. Instead, it has enough interesting technologies which are likely to take root and be copied by competitors in one form or another. We managed to get acquainted with Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 live, and they have given us a positive impression, but all in order.

Nokia Lumia 920 

 


 


 

Undoubtedly, the star dating became Lumia 920. The flagship, which has a bunch of unique features. The phone will be sold in several colors and the black version will receive a case of frosted polycarbonate, while the others will be clothed in the glossy polycarbonate enclosures. The main color will be yellow (he's everywhere in ads) and the prototype looks like it very effectively. Next was white, and he, too, is no worse than the Varga white Lumia 800 and 900 Lumia. I don't like the gloss, but the materials new Lumia me fell like – scratches somehow miraculously disappear, although prints exist, but the eye didn't catch. Die camera and performed with the use of ceramic coatings and less susceptible to scratching than the details of past Lumia from metal and plastic, metal. The hand model is very good, in spite of considerable dimensions (130.3 x 70.8 x 10.7 mm) and weight (185 g). The undoubted merit of hull form – all is rounded and ergonomically.

 


 

His 4.5 "screen PureMotion HD + with a resolution of 1280 x 768 pixels is very bright and quickly draws a picture. On the street with your work, but at maximum brightness in the room conditions display seems even brighter than the screen of the Sony Xperia (P), not to mention the iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy S 3. Super Sensitive Touch technology works exactly as it positions the manufacturer – recognizes data capture objects that are very useful in winter and fall, when users begin to walk with gloves (no more tykanij nose). Glass round, Gorilla Glass 2.

A few guys 8.7-Mp camera PureView. In comparison with the Sony Xperia Acro S, Xperia P, Galaxy S and iPhone 4S 3 new Lumia 920 takes off in the darkness where better is a result of this, as if it was obtained when the light. Optical stabilization too impressed. We have a little toy and sang and danced with the Galaxy S 3 and Lumia 920 (honestly, can put there by any of the existing smart phones) and a video from the Finnish flagship was the lack of familiar for all Smartphone users shaking. Stabilization by SGS3 proved much worse, although it is considered one of the best camera-stub has, in General, adequate but Lumia 920 found him far away. These two tests are defeated Navara above.

 

That performance, the Lumia 900 (review) seemed šustrym by the netrebovatel′nosti WP 7.5 to resources and Lumia with 920 dual core Snapdragon S4, 225 Adreno graphics chip, 1 GB of RAM and WP 8 is simply the "flies" (in a good way). In games phone try failed, but the menu and standard services open and close instantly, the animation is smooth.The Smartphone is very fast and I want to believe that developers implement all its potential in toys.

 

About charging and NFC just below.

Technical specifications of Nokia Lumia 920: 

• Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA/HSPA (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), LTE (800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz)
• The platform (at the time of the announcement): Windows Phone 8
• Display: capacitive, 4.5 "1280 x 768 pixels IPS LCD, HD + 332 PureMotion ppi, Gorilla Glass, 60 Hz, Super Sensitive touch
• Camera: 8.7 MP, f/2.0, Flash, autofocus, PureView, video recording Full HD, Carl Zeiss Optics
• Front camera: 1.2 megapixels, HD video recording
• Processor: dual core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon, S4
• Graphics chip: Adreno 225
• RAM: 1 Gb
• Internal memory: 32 Gb
• Memory card: no
• A-GPS and GLONASS
• 3.1 Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• microUSB 2.0
• FM radio
• 3.5 mm jack
• micro-SIM
• NFC
• Induction charging Qi
• Battery: BP-4GW, 2000 mAh
• Talk time: up to 17 hours on 2 g, up to 10 hours on 3 g
• Standby time: up to 400 h
• Audio recording time: up to 67 h
• Video time: up to 6 h
• Hours of video recording: up to 3 h
• Size: 130.3 x 70.8 x 10.7 mm
• Weight: 185 g
• Form factor: Candybar touchscreen
• Type: Smartphone
• Date of announcement: September 5, 2012 year
• Release date: 4 quarter of 2012,

Nokia Lumia 820 

 


 


 

Against the backdrop of Lumia 920 new Lumia 820 looks not so impressive, but this phone is definitely worth seeing. It is built on the same platform, but is equipped with a standard 8-MP camera, 4.3 "WVGA screen with ClearBlack 2 and Super Sensitive Touch. Chip phone is interchangeable housings that will certainly enjoy the youth and girls.

 


 

The company planned to issue not only the usual cover-chassis, different color, but also protected enclosures and housings with Wireless charging. If Lumia 920 design initially involves induction charge Qi, will acquire the corresponding 820 Lumia cover.

Due to the lower resolution Lumia 820 seems even faster Lumia 920. Screen prototypes for review did not identify hitting objects (fingers), but final designs will definitely respond to the touch of your nails, keys, gloves and other things.

Technical specifications of Nokia Lumia 820: 

• Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), WCDMA/HSPA (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), LTE (800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz)
• The platform (at the time of the announcement): Windows Phone 8
• Display: 4.3 capacitive touchscreen, 800 x 480 "pixels, AMOLED, ClearBlack
• Camera: 8 Mp, Flash, autofocus, f/2.2, video recording Full HD, Carl Zeiss Optics
• Front camera: 0.3 Mp
• Processor: dual core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon, S4
• Graphics chip: Adreno 225
• RAM: 1 Gb
• Internal memory: 8 Gb
• Memory card: microSD
• A-GPS and GLONASS
• 3.1 Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• microUSB 2.0
• FM radio
• 3.5 mm jack
• micro-SIM
• NFC
• Induction charging Qi
• Battery: removable, BP-5T, 1650 mAh
• Talk time: up to 14 hours on 2 g, up to 8 hours on 3 g
• Standby time: up to 330 h
• Audio recording time: up to 55 h
• Video time: up to 5 h
• Size: 123.8 x 68.5 x 9.9 mm
• Weight: 160 g
• Form factor: Candybar touchscreen
• Type: Smartphone
• Date of announcement: September 5, 2012 year
• Release date: 4 quarter of 2012,

Software 

 

On the finalizirovano, so telling a little about. Tiles have multiple sizes, different "lens". Until all. Details will be available later.

Accessories 

 


 


 

Nokia vividly interested in accessories and uses their release, choosing the partners of famous brands. For new Lumia prepared several solutions from Fatboy, JBL, Monster. We've listened to the speaker with JBL, NFC and Qi. It sounds great, looks great, and what it can charge Smartphone, immediately adds it to 10 points to success. New headphones Monster with NFC seemed comfortable and heavy (but the weight of such pleasant), but compact (are successful).Wireless charging at first glance may seem unnecessary devices, but this is actually very useful things. What makes Nokia, looks stylish and practical. As we said a company representative, Wireless charging will charge Lumia 920 for 3:0, as usual from the network – for 2.5 hours. This is a good performance, considering that the phone is battery with a capacity of 2000 mah.

Total 

After the real dating with Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 we established that fresh Finnish flagship is the most innovative Smartphone this year and the company Nokia is too early to write off from the accounts. Iron at 920 1st model superb and let's hope that Microsoft will not fail with the programmatic part of Windows Phone 8 – will not delay release and will do everything possible to promote the platform to developers. For users of OS has long been ready-understandable and fast.

 


 


 


 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Via: mobiltelefon.ru