Tag Archives: LUMIA 1520

Preorder Nokia Lumia Icon, Land on Verizon February 20th

With yesterday’s basically obvious teaser for that Lumia Icon – also known as the Lumia 929 – you'd suspect that the launch date and announcement wouldn’t be too remote from now. Granted, expected dates have come and gone previously, however that Verizon stores are receiving inventory for add-ons and Nokia US is throwing up videos, we’re a lot more confident this time around around.

The most recent apple has got the Lumia Icon due for availability on Thursday, Feb 20th. Verizon typically launches new products with that day, to ensure that lines track of anticipation. Additionally, it matches prospects this device can come out before Mobile World Congress (so don’t expect so that it is introduced there).  

Much more, we’re hearing the Icon goes on pre-order at Microsoft Stores on Wednesday, Feb twelfth, having a $50 deposit, making the official announcement from Verizon by early next most likely.


Inventory (Click to enlarge)

The data and confirmation comes via in-store inventory entries, seen above. We’ve observed such proof previously, simply to have Verizon push the go as far back. Theoretically, that may happen here, but because pointed out earlier, in-store inventory and promotions have previously begun, which makes it not as likely.

The Lumia Icon, formerly referred to as Lumia 929, sports some spectacular specifications. Actually, it’s basically the Lumia 1520 inside a more compact package. Arriving Black or Whitened, the brand new Verizon flagship will sport the next features:

Verizon Nokia Lumia Icon

  • Home windows Phone 8 Update 3, Lumia Black
  • 5” 1080P AMOLED Display
  • 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800 CPU
  • 32 GB internal Storage
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 20 Mega pixel PureView camera with dual Brought expensive
  • Qi-Wireless charging
  • 2510 mAh battery
  • 880 hrs Standby 13.83 hrs Talk-time
  • Dimensions: 5.37 in (H): 2.81 in (W): .41 in

Overall, it’s the spitting picture of the Lumia 928, however with leading edge hardware jammed right into a device that's only slightly taller than its predecessor. The Lumia Icon also sports metallic-frame round the body, greatly enhancing the feeling (and quality) from the device.

The Lumia Icon was formerly referred to as Lumia 929, but we’ve learned that Verizon asked for the marketing re-brand to higher differentiate from AT&ampT along with other service providers. This move is comparable to their ‘Droid movement once they first adopted Android products. There isn’t any evidence though this will end up standard for future Lumias (or what individuals is going to be known as under Microsoft).

Yesterday’s teaser video uses the tagline ‘See and listen to what you have been missing’, the same language utilized on Verizon’s website that accidentally went live a couple of occasions, basically verifying the relatedness.

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Nokia Lumia Black Windows Phone 8 is Here With Flagship Features

JC Torres

"Better late than never" is really a cliché that appears especially right for Nokia. It has been a couple of several weeks within the making however the guaranteed Lumia Black update is finally here to create some high-finish features to a lot of Nokia's Home windows Phone 8 Lumia phones.

Nokia dropped the title Lumia Black last October at Nokia World 2013 because the working reputation for an update to the Home windows Phone 8 line. The update was guaranteed to create a number of features which were located on the Nokia Lumia 1520 flagship, also revealed on that day. The update is finally here and appears to provide, with the exception that some features are only open to certain mobile phones that satisfy the hardware needs.

A great number of the brand new features center around imaging and camera. The brand new Nokia Camera application combines three camera modes into one, video, Wise Camera, and Nokia Professional Camera that allows customers change configurations via translucent concentric circles overlaid on the top from the viewfinder, permitting these to immediately begin to see the results of the brand new configurations. Also visiting individuals Lumia phones which have 1 GB of RAM is Nokia Refocus, an application that allows you concentrate on any anchorman within the viewfinder, clouding the relaxation, to have an artistic effect.

nokia-lumia-black-2

The Lumia Black update several great new applications. Nokia Beamer arrives for phones with 1 GB of RAM or even more, letting customers beam not only images but additionally documents and presentations to the HTML5-enabled screen simply by checking a QR Code. Nokia Storyteller, which first showed around the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 2520 this past year, collates your photos by place and time, creating a fascinating story that you could view over an interactive map. Storyteller is going to be on all products finding the update.

nokia-lumia-black-3

However the update is not no more than fancy additional features. Nokia and Microsoft have labored together to create Lumia Home windows Phone 8 simpler for well. Lumia Black introduces a brand new homescreen tile known as Application Folder, which, as you may have suspected, is really a container for grouping applications and configurations right into a single location in your homescreen. Nokia Glance has additionally been update to version 5. and today supports exhibiting as much as 5 notification symbols on screen while offering evening time colors of red-colored, eco-friendly, or blue to really make it simpler to see the screen even at nighttime. The recording below demonstrates a number of Lumia Black's highlights.

The Nokia Lumia Black update is beginning to unveil and will also be open to a great number of Nokia's Home windows Phone 8 mobile phones. For the time being, however, just the Lumia 1020 and also the Lumia 925 are experiencing the update, with other people to follow along with within the days in the future.

SOURCE: Nokia

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Nokia Lumia PureView Camera: Shoot RAW

Nokia Lumia 1020

One of the more interesting features of the Nokia Black update is the ability to capture photographs in RAW or DNG format.  DSLR and high-end compact cameras have been using the RAW/DNG format for years and this is the first time a smartphone has had this ability.

The DNG format allows Lumia 1020 and 1520 camera users more control over their images.  It is a feature that matches up well with the optical stabilization, low-light performance and larger imaging sensors already in place.

However, DNG may not be for everyone.  If you detest post-processing (photo editing) and prefer a “straight from the camera” photography experience, you may want to stick with JPEG.

DSLR RAW Settings

What is DNG?

DNG is a universal RAW image format and is short for Digital Negative Image File.  In many respects, a RAW image file is comparable to film negatives.  Where JPEG image files are processed in-camera (exposure, white balance, contrast, etc.) and compressed, DNG files are not.  They leave the camera as a raw, un-adjusted image file.  This allows you to adjust the image as you see fit and minimizes any image degradation that such adjustments may cause.

You can fine-tune JPEG images with post-processing but the more you adjust and tweak exposure, color adjustments, sharpness, contrast, etc. your image quality begins to suffer. 

Think of it this way.  If you draw a picture on a piece of paper and have to erase portions of the drawing to improve the appearance the paper will begin to show wear from being erased.  The more you post-edit a JPEG image, the stronger the chance the image will begin to show wear through noise, artifacts or other abnormalities.

One of the downsides to DNG files is that without any adjustments or compression, the file itself is huge.  A compressed 38MP JPEG file runs in the neighborhood of 9MB while an uncompressed 38MP DNG file runs in the neighborhood of 48MB.

Image sizes of the two file formats breaks down as follows.  The 38MP JPEG image is 7136 x 5360 pixels at 72dpi.  The 38MP DNG image is 7152 x 5360 pixels at 240dpi.  I am not exactly sure where the extra pixel width comes from but I have found the higher, native dpi lends for better print quality.

Image Resolution Settings

Accessing your DNG files

To set your Lumia 1020 or 1520 to shoot DNG format, go to your camera settings.  You will have capture mode options that will include JPEG (5MP), JPEG (5MP +38MP) and JPEG (5MP + DNG (38MP).  Keep in mind the high end of the image resolution is dependent on your aspect ratio.  An aspect ratio of 4:3 will give you the 38MP resolution and an aspect ratio of 16:9 will yield you a 34MP resolution on the high end.

The 5MP image is built off the larger JPEG or DNG image file and is easier to share from your Windows Phone.  The larger image file can be used with the “zoom later” feature of Nokia Camera to modify the appearance of the 5MP image.   Shooting in DNG format will act just like shooting with the 5MP+34/38MP option.

If your photography never strays from your Windows Phone screen, you will not see the difference between shooting DNG and JPEG formats (save the storage needed for the larger DNG file).  The advantages of the DNG format come into play if you take the images offsite to a photo-editing app on computer.

DNG Conversion

Asides from being a much larger file, another downside to DNG or RAW image files is that it takes more time to edit your photos.  With JPEG images, you get a finished product straight from the camera that often requires no post-editing.  With DNG files, you are guaranteed time with photo editing software.

File Browser
Windows File Explorer Listing DNG Files

To edit the un-compressed, un-adjusted, raw DNG file you will first need to remove it from your Windows Phone to a computer.  You can do this by connecting your Windows Phone up to your computer and using the file explorer look for the file with the “Raw_highres.dng” extension or the DNG File Type in the Camera Roll sub-folder of the Pictures folder.

Once on your computer, you will need to open it from Photoshop Elements, Lightroom or other photo editor.  When you do so, you will need to run the DNG file through a conversion application.  Most photo editors have this built in and the conversion process pulls up automatically.

RAW Conversion
Adobe Photoshop Elements RAW Conversion

The conversion app lets you apply your editing adjustment to the DNG files appearance.  Adjustments include exposure, color temperature, color tint, shadows, contrast, brightness, black levels, saturation and more.  The number of adjustments varies depending on the photo editing software manufacturer.

Once you get your adjustments just right, the DNG file will be converted to JPEG format and the adjustments will be applied.  From there you can crop, re-size and/or make additional edits to your image before saving.

As the development of our Windows Phone cameras continue, hopefully we will see a Windows Phone photo-editing app that will allow us to convert and edit DNG files straight from the Windows Phone.  The Lumia 1520’s six-inch screen is just screaming for such an editor.

End Results

I have been shooting RAW format from a DSLR for years and find the format gives me more control in editing photos, helps me save marginal images from being tossed, and provides overall better image quality.  The JPEG image format is equally capable of producing quality images but can be more sensitive to post-processing.

Note: Sample images were shot with the Nokia Lumia 1020.  JPEG images were taken straight from the camera and resized for publication.  DNG images were converted, then resized for publication.

Raw vs. JPEG Sample
JPEG (left) and DNG (right) Samples

The adjustment controls with processing DNG files makes it easier to pull details out of the shadows, accurately adjust an image’s white balance (tint and temperature), and overall gives you more creative control over your images.  When lighting conditions aren't that great, I have found that shooting RAW gives you a little more forgiveness than JPEG.

JPEG Sample
Straight from the Camera JPEG Sample Image

In shooting images with both formats, I am very impressed with how well the Lumia 1020 handles in-camera processing.  Image quality was very close with the two image formats but I found getting the image to look as desired was easier in shooting with the DNG format.  Granted this could be based on being more accustomed to processing RAW image files.

DNG Sample
DNG File Sample Image

In defense of the JPEG image, you can fine-tune the image file with Fhotoroom, Nokia's Creative Studio, or other Windows Phone/computer photo editors to improve the "straight from the camera" image.  Just keep in mind, the more you adjust a JPEG image the chance of image degradation increases.

Hopefully we will see a Windows Phone photo editor that will be capable of opening and converting the DNG files and reduce the dependency on a computer to make the most of these files.  The 'zoom later' feature of Nokia Camera will work on DNG files but the image is automatically converted and re-sampled to the 5MP version.  It would be nice to have an internal conversion app to let you adjust the DNG file manually then edit the image accordingly.

Nokia Lumia 1020

DNG or JPEG?

If the majority of your photos will reside on your Windows Phone, the JPEG file format will serve you well.  Even if you venture beyond your Windows Phone, shooting JPEG images can produce fantastic images.

If you like to dabble with photo editing and are looking for more control with your images, then shoot DNG.  It will require a little more time with photo editing software but in the end you may find it time well spent.

For me, the introduction of the RAW/DNG file format to our Windows Phones makes the camera a more serious contender.  It gives you the ability to shoot a photo, share the 5MP JPEG immediately and later edit/fine-tune the DNG for print or digital publication.  This ability has been in place with many professional DSLRs for years and it is nice to see it landing with our Windows Phones.

Raw vs. JPEG Sample
JPEG (Bottom) and DNG (Top) Sample Images

If you have shot RAW before with your DSLR or advanced Point and Shoot camera, you will feel right at home with the Lumia’s DNG format.  If you are curious about photo editing, the DNG will give you the opportunity to dive into more intense post-processing.  If you could care less about RAW image files and like the convenience of the JPEG format, the Lumia 1020 and 1520 has you covered as well.

There really is no right or wrong whichever way you choose.  

If you have given the new DNG format a spin, let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

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Windows Phone 7 Holds Ground, While Lumia 520 Helped By Aggressive Pricing

Lumia 520

AdDuplex has launched data showing the Lumia 520 becoming more popular then ever inside the Home windows Phone ecosystem, low-finish hardware advancing strongly in america along with a persistent Home windows Phone 7.

Home windows Phone is definitely an interesting platform to analyse when you are searching at hardware. Mix-platform advertising network, AdDuplex has released a study for that month of December to give to us a little insight regarding how Home windows Phone is searching in the finish of 2013. The entire year continues to be an eventful one as you would expect, so mind on beyond the break for the particulars.

Lumia 520 applies to gold

Much like in previous reviews we have covered from AdDuplex, the Lumia 520 is constantly on the dominate the Home windows Phone ecosystem, getting yet bigger shares from the cake. Again, this really is further proof it's not lower to simply high-finish, costly hardware to push a mobile platform within the right direction.

AdDuplex Dec 13

Apart from the ongoing development of the Lumia 520, the chart remains almost exactly the same when in comparison to November. Based on AdDuplex, the reduced-finish Nokia Home windows Phone is continuing to grow five percent, basically absorbing amounts using their company Nokia Lumias within the list - did we point out that only Nokia Home windows Phones can be found within the top list still?

AdDuplex Dec 13 WP8

It's interesting to determine the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1020 don't even come in the very best "Home windows Phone 8 products" list, climax still beginning for that flagship phablet. And merely just in case you needed telling whether Nokia has had the marketplace by storm since 2011, browse the chart below.

AdDuplex Dec 13

Greetings, rather dominate Microsoft.

Home windows Phone 7 still hanging inside

Once we noted recently, Home windows Phone 7.x is really a persistent mobile platform, with customers holding onto their previous generation hardware. There's what's promising in present day report as AdDuplex notes how we have firmly passed the threeOr4 mark with Home windows Phone 8 ongoing to narrow the gap. 

AdDuplex Dec 13

Aggressive prices helps Lumia 520 in america

We have seen some real cost cuts over the 2010 festive period, with Black Friday along with other aggressive marketing deals, however these campaigns have handled to assist the Lumia 520 out in the area because the system is now # 2, just behind its brother or sister.

AdDuplex Dec 13

The Lumia 520 was lower in fifth position recently (on 7.2 percent), making its progress in December rather impressive (getting 12.2 percent). Its brother or sister, the Lumia 521 remains in to begin with on 30.2 percent. It's interesting to notice the Nokia Lumia 1020 is featured within this chart on 2.3 %.

Finland, a strange child

AdDuplex Dec 13

Finland is definitely an odd country to pay for. The Lumia 800 is on 17.4 % in to begin with, showing precisely how resilient Home windows Phone 7 is, mainly in the home of Nokia. The Lumia 920 carefully follows in second (on 15 %) using the Lumia 520 in third (12.9 %). In addition may be the entire listing of top Home windows Phones in Finland contains Lumia hardware only.

A brand new South america

AdDuplex Dec 13

The forex market happens to be an essential region for Microsoft and it is OEM partners, approximately 2 several weeks ago the Lumia 710 was still being a powerful contender within the Home windows Phone race, however the Lumia 520 has turned the table and today leads by almost 10 %. It's an optimistic move since we are searching in a Home windows Phone 8 phone changing a mature generation device.

Searching forward

The Lumia 1520 is landing in multiple marketplaces, and we are likely to see more products hit the shelves within the coming several weeks, such as the Lumia 525. We are also wanting to see what's going to emerge from 2014 and just how the Microsoft and Nokia deal goes lower with new hardware being launched.

What exactly are your ideas in the finish of 2013? Tell us within the comments.

You'll have the ability to browse the full report over on AdDuplex tomorrow. It's worth proclaiming that this report was put together using data collected from 2,499 Home windows Phone applications running the Adduplex SDK v2. The raw data was collected on December 27th.

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Lumia 1520 ‘Screen Sensitivity’ Bug Fixed by ‘Extra Supplies + Info’ Update

We’ve noted previously that regardless of the Lumia 1520 being our favorite Lumias up to now, like everything in the realm of technology it had a couple of nits that bothered us.

Certainly one of individuals was the frequently reported ‘screen sensitivity’ complaint, where scrolling using the display would frequently create a tap. Think about scrolling using your emails and rather than scrolling lower, you open a note up unintendedly. Another example could be on 6tag, the double-tap to love feature from the application could be triggered when just swiping through photos.

We’re obtaining a couple of reviews that today’s Extra supplies + Info update has basically fixed this issue. On the Lumia 1520, we must admit it does appear to become better. Others, however, aren't so convinced.

Nokia did react to user complaints in their help forum, observing that the over-the-air software update was because of fix the problem in The month of january:

“Hi, We're focusing on it. Problem is going to be fixed using the new SW release available within the air throughout The month of january 3rd or fourth week. Sorry for that inconvenience...”

Software updates imply such things as Extra supplies + Info rather than more drastic firmware changes, which may require company approval. Could today’s update happen to be the main one? We’re trying to discover, however with CES overall also it being late on the Friday, we’ll need to wait to verify.

Perhaps you have observed a noticable difference in your Lumia 1520? Seem off in comments.

Via: WPCentral Forums Thanks, Asham S., for that tip

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Awaiting Lumia Black? Nokia China update from this week

Lumia Black

Nokia's Lumia Black update (moving out plus the Update 3 from Microsoft) continues to be loaded on hardware in several marketplaces publish-Nokia World, but in the event you live in China, you are most likely still awaiting the update hitting your Home windows Phone. Today, we have got what's promising for you personally. WPDang has learnt through sources that China might find the Lumia Black update from next Wednesday.

Rum:8

Based on stated sources, both the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925 is going to be became a member of by more recent hardware to become one of the primary to become upgraded. In addition may be the website also notes that features incorporated within the Worldwide Lumia Black update is going to be open to customers, including Nokia Storyteller and much more, as well as "Call obstructing" and "Application folder". 

You need to already be familiar with the bottom enhancements Nokia has packed within the update, but here is a quick indication of are just some of the brand new features in Lumia Black:

  • Glance Screen - New colours for evening mode, notices, digital pedometer, custom text and calendar information
  • RAW camera support for the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 1520
  • New camera calculations, particularly for that Lumia 1020 with tone mapping and noise reduction
  • Bluetooth 4. LE

​Be certain to look for updates in a few days and we'll help you stay all up-to-date around the process.

Source: WPDang thanks, answer1626, for that tip!

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