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Once when I was standing in the queue at a bank the silence was broken by the Crazy Frog ringtone. An elderly woman with a walking stick answered her phone, and everyone smiled at each other.

Unless I am ever witness to a robbery, I guess it will remain the only anecdote I’ll ever have about queuing in a bank.

Anyway, whenever I change the ringtone on my phone, I always think of that old woman and wonder what’s currently rocking her mobile. The Prodigy, perhaps?

We are spoilt for choice now. Random electronic bleeps no longer cut the ice and animal noises feel a bit too childish.

Besides, choosing a pre-installed ringtone is always a risk because I live in fear of being on the train with someone who has exactly the same ringtone as me.

What if a phone rang and we both reached for our phones?

Ringtone Maker 

Thankfully, help is at hand to spare me from such an embarrassing scenario.

Nokia’s Ringtone Maker app is now available to download for Lumia smartphones running on Windows Phone 8, so this will be of particular interest if you’ve got a Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 820, Lumia 810 or Lumia 822.

The app is free and lets you create ringtones out of your favourite MP3 songs on your Lumia smartphone – be sure that you pick files without any digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. 

Ringtone Maker has easy editing controls so that you can pick the start, the end and even the length, up to 30 seconds, of your ringtones.

Making your ringtone

The first thing you’ll need to do is pick the song that you want to convert into a ringtone.

After you select ‘pick a song’ you’ll notice that the app has already sorted through your music collection and is now displaying which song files are ripe for the ringtone treatment. Remember that they have to be MP3s and DRM-free.

Pick the song you want, and you’ll be taken to the edit screen.

Here you can use the slider to select the start and finish points of your ringtone. You can also adjust the length. Hit the ‘play’ button to preview your creation.

If you’re happy with it, press ‘save’. Give your ringtone a name, and mark the box to confirm that you want it to be your ringtone.

Select the ‘tick’ to confirm and the file will then be saved with the other ringtones on your Lumia.

You’ll notice that whenever you go to your Lumia’s settings to change your ringtone again, there will be a section at the top called ‘custom.’

That’s it! After you’ve finished will you be able to resist calling your Lumia from another phone just to hear the ringtone for real? 

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

If you own a Nokia Lumia, you’ve got access to SkyDrive – Microsoft’s cloud storage service – offering 7GB of free storage for new users, or a larger capacity for a fee. Now, SkyDrive comes to Xbox 360, enabling you to view your videos and photos right through your TV.

SkyDrive on Xbox extends your imaging experience and allows you to see the photos or videos that you’ve taken in full-glory, on a large, HD screen. It also means that you can show your content to a larger audience in one go, without having to pass your phone around the room.

Imagine watching a short movie you’ve filmed on your Nokia Lumia 920 through your 50″ HD-TV with ease.

If you’ve enabled the automatic uploading of photos from your Nokia Lumia to SkyDrive, that photo will be uploaded to your SkyDrive camera roll, almost immediately. Additionally, if you’ve already got SkyDrive running on your Xbox, you’ll see the new content come streaming in as you take a photo.

With support for Kinect voice controls and gestures, you can browse through your media content by just talking to your Xbox or by controlling the screen with your hands without actually touching a controller. However, you can use your controller, of course. Use the onscreen controls to browse through all your different folders and flick through the photos or videos, or by using the RB and LB buttons.

SkyDrive is already integrated in your Nokia Lumia, but a separate app is available if you’d prefer to use that. But to download SkyDrive on to your Xbox, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your TV and your Xbox.
2. Go to Apps, and then select Browse Apps.
3. In the Social category, select SkyDrive.

With SkyDrive directly accessible from your Nokia Lumia, Windows 8 PC, Windows 8 tablet, Xbox 360, or any device with an Internet browser, your files are always within reach.

Are you a SkyDrive user with an Xbox? Have you installed SkyDrive yet? Let us know what you think of it, in the comments section below.

Właśnie przeczytałem wywiad z jednym Panem Prezesem na jednym portalu branżowym. Gdybym miał inaczej na imię to pewnie podrwiłbym pewnie z tego i owego w tym tekście, ale są święta i czarny PR zostawiam innym asom. Generalnie naszych konkurentów martwi bardzo to unlimited, szczególnie w wydaniu postpaidowym. Tymczasem Formuła 4.0 nie tylko, że cieszy klientów, [...]

Właśnie przeczytałem wywiad z jednym Panem Prezesem na jednym portalu branżowym. Gdybym miał inaczej na imię to pewnie podrwiłbym pewnie z tego i owego w tym tekście, ale są święta i czarny PR zostawiam innym asom. Generalnie naszych konkurentów martwi bardzo to unlimited, szczególnie w wydaniu postpaidowym. Tymczasem Formuła 4.0 nie tylko, że cieszy klientów, [...]

Pamiętacie naszą infolinię sprzedażową pod numerem telefonu 730 300 400? Można tam szybko załatwić, np: kupić tablet za 0 złotych z Play Online kupić nowy numer w Play w atrakcyjnym planie taryfowym ze smartfonem za 0 złotych kupić nowy numer w Play z klasycznym, wygodnym telefonem przenieść numer do Play Skorzystać z oferty Red Bull [...]

Pamiętacie naszą infolinię sprzedażową pod numerem telefonu 730 300 400? Można tam szybko załatwić, np: kupić tablet za 0 złotych z Play Online kupić nowy numer w Play w atrakcyjnym planie taryfowym ze smartfonem za 0 złotych kupić nowy numer w Play z klasycznym, wygodnym telefonem przenieść numer do Play Skorzystać z oferty Red Bull [...]

The launch of the Nokia Asha 205 the other week was something of a landmark because it was the first ever Nokia device to feature a dedicated Facebook button.

This button provides one-click access to all the great features in the Facebook for Every Phone app, such as popular messaging tools, sharing photos and seeing status updates for all your friends.

At the unveiling of the Nokia Asha 205, Nokia’s Timo Toikkanen, executive vice president, for Mobile Phones, said:

“Globally, young consumers have increasingly started using Facebook for socialising, keeping in touch and striking new friendships. The launch of the Nokia Asha 205 responds to this growing demand and gives them a unique option for accessing Facebook while on-the-go.” 

Facebook in Africa

In Africa, most people connect to Facebook using their mobile phones, so the launch of an affordable device such as the Nokia Asha 205 is especially important.

Nicola D’Elia is Africa group manager for Facebook and he spoke to Conversations about the popularity of the social network on the continent, how people everywhere want the same thing and also some of the challenges that lie ahead.

How important is mobile for Facebook in Africa? 

We can say that in sub-Saharan Africa, Facebook is primarily mobile. We’ve got a country like Nigeria where we have very active users and people who use Facebook every day.

If we look at the ratio between people who are accessing Facebook via their mobile compared to the total number of people who access Facebook every day in Nigeria, then it’s like 90 per cent. 

So in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this trend is very common in many markets, we are seeing a very big push on mobile in driving the user engagement for Facebook across all of Africa.

Are there any Facebook features that are particularly popular in Africa?

At the end of the day, people all over the world want the same thing. Some of the most engaging activities for us include sharing pictures and messaging but the whole nature of our platform is to help people be connected with their friends. 

Perhaps in Europe and North America the majority of users are smartphone and desktop users but in Africa we are looking at a different experience because the majority of the users are accessing Facebook on what is likely to be a feature phone.

There must be great potential for growth in Africa?

We know that the next billion users are likely to come from Africa and other emerging markets.

It is likely that they will go online for the first time on a mobile and it’ll either be a feature phone or an affordable  smartphone.

That’s why I think it’s really important for us to continue working with our partners in order to deliver the best experience on every device.

I really think that Facebook is a mobile company and mobile is a core part of our strategy.

If you consider the experience of taking a picture on your mobile, you check in your location and tag your friends; the whole experience is much better on mobile compared to desktop. 

In Africa, and all over the world, there are three core elements to our strategy.

We want more people on mobiles using Facebook and want those users to be more engaged and active. The third element is monetisation. We just started our monetisation programme on mobiles and we are already seeing some good results.

How about the new Nokia Asha 205 and how have Nokia’s mobile phones helped Facebook? 

The Nokia Asha 205 is designed for young people who want fast and easy access to Facebook and to be able to connect and share with their friends. So we are really excited because this is a product that can really meet a specific need in the market – young people who want a great experience on a great device.

I think the whole Asha series responds to a real need in the market.

Personally, I’m a fan of the Nokia 110 because I think it is a really affordable device but still provides a great experience for users.

If you had a crystal ball, what’s going to happen in the next 5 or 10 years for Facebook in Africa?

Our mission is always the same – we want to make the world more open and connected. We want to connect every person in Africa, and on the planet and to work with partners like Nokia to make this happen.

I know that there are a lot of barriers, like access to the Internet and infrastructure but I think the next big thing for Africa is to make sure that this happens on mobile.

It’s undeniable that more people are using the Internet through mobile phones and the networks are improving but I think the speed of this transition to data really depends on how Facebook will work with partners like Nokia. 

By working together to deliver the best experience on mobiles is definitely the way forward to connect every person. 

With your Nokia Lumia 920 or Lumia 820, playing games on your smartphone has never felt, looked or sounded better.

Many of those terrific titles you will most likely be playing will come from EA, one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment software companies. 

They’re the brains behind world-conquering favourites such as Monopoly, The Sims 3 and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. 

With Windows Phone 8 still sparkly new from its unveiling and the end of 2012 drawing close, it felt like an opportune time to speak with Glenn Roland, VP of New Platforms and OEMs, at EA.

Conversations spoke with him about developing games on the Windows Phone platform, their relationship with Nokia and some of the exciting titles that you can all look forward to.

How important is the Windows Phone platform for EA? 

This is incredibly important to us. Our vision for our users is anytime, anywhere. When you look at what Microsoft and Nokia are doing together in the Windows Phone 8 space it is really compelling because of its cross-platform functionality.

Our ability to give users that experience and help them grow that experience whether they are consuming that IP on a Windows Phone, or even on their Xbox, is a part of that. 

What about your relationship with Nokia?

We believe that Nokia gives us access to those markets that aren’t necessarily a big focal point for others. I hate to use the term emerging markets – I think they have already emerged – but it really gives us an opportunity to reach into those markets where we haven’t created raving fans yet, really focus on them and build that customer brand loyalty to EA, to Nokia and Microsoft. 

What have been some of the recent gaming highlights for you?

I’m a big car-racing fan so our racing games are by far my biggest excitement points. Need for Speed, products like that, where you can give the user high adrenaline rushes on an amazing screen like the Lumia 920, would be my number one for Windows Phone. 

Beyond that though you’re talking about such a wide array of games… You’ve got Mirror’s Edge, The Sims, Connect 4, Game of Life… There are so many different genres of products that we really meet the needs of everybody’s gaming inclinations. 

What’s coming up on Windows Phone that people have got to look forward to?

In progress right now we’ve got one of our Real Racing products, which is a further extension of the hardcore racing experience. We’ve got Zuma’s Revenge, which is a great social title from our PopCap label and Flight Control Rocket, which is another popular social experience with a big consumer base.

What difference has the release of Windows Phone 8 made for you?

Candidly, the shift to Windows Phone 8 was the best thing that could have happened to us. It is a native code base and it has given us the ability to get to the platform much faster and with significantly more ease.

It also gives us the ability to get to Windows 8 on desktops significantly faster. You’re about 80-85% on the way there to delivering a Windows 8 game from a Windows Phone 8 game.

Finally, how big is mobile gaming for EA?

Mobile gaming is the fastest growing sector of the games industry. So it is absolutely critical in EA’s digital transformation. You can’t carry your console in your pocket but you can certainly carry your Lumia device.

As Christmas approaches, there has (unsurprisingly) been even more great moments captured by using the Nokia Lumia 920. 

Aptly shown by the frosty photograph above, the Lumia 920′s 8.7 megapixel camera picks out a spider web covered in snow in brilliant clarity. Drupad deserves a pad on the back for this excellent nature shot.  The detail of the web’s snow-tinted silk exterior reflects the camera’s stunning focus. It has to be said though, poor spider.  

Photography magazine ephotozine took the Lumia 920 for a spin and was full of praise for the device’s ‘nice’ dedicated buttons for shutter, lock, volume and ‘quick and responsive’ operating system. As expected, they examined the rigour of the Lumia 920′s picture-taking quality, noting the ‘very quick’ focus and shutter response.

Shu Takaishi‘s video featuring two snowboarders swooping down a piste from a snowy hill top is absolutely superb – for two reasons. One, snowboarding is very cool. Two, the video is shot with solely a Lumia 920 and shows the phone’s ability to pick up even the smallest of details. The texture and depth of the snow, the vibrancy and boldness of blue sky and the vivad shots of the snow-covered mountainous background. A sight to behold. 

Watch this video on YouTube.

…awesome boarding. To hear how the Lumia 920 fares with extreme audio, check this out from Pontus Österlindh. It is striking how the music maintains its sharpness as the volume levels increase. By the way, the song was Knife party by Internet Friends for those of you wondering.

Watch this video on YouTube.

Finally, we wrap up with an enjoyable review by Bit Rebels of the ‘simply stunning’ Lumia 920. ‘Oozing build quality’ and an  ’impressive’ Optical Image Stabilization with floating lens technology, the review proclaims the device to be ‘the next generation of smartphone’ providing an holistic user experience. 

That’s it people – round up’s complete! What do you think of these images, reviews and videos? Have you got even better content you’d like to share? Anything to ask any of the guys featured here? Pop over to their sites and ask, or let us know here (or on Twitter) and we’ll pass them along. 

You only have to look at the Nokia Lumia and Asha ranges of devices to see evidence of Nokia fine tradition in stunning industrial design. It’s no surprise then that over the years Nokia’s cool kit has scooped a ton of design awards. One of the most prestigious is that given by the International Forum Design, based in Hanover, Germany.

For sixty years this organization has assembled a jury of renowned designers from across the globe. These experts look at thousands of products, every year, to decide which deserve to be recognized for outstanding achievements in design. Nokia has often gained success, but this year it has won a staggering seven awards.

Here’s a quick look at the products the judges gave a very big thumbs up.

The Nokia Lumia 800

It may have been launched nearly a year ago, but the judges still thought it represented a great example of smartphone design. With its sleek form and curved 3.7″ AMOLED screen we have to agree.

The Nokia Lumia 920

The world’s most innovative phone really needs no introduction. This is one award of many that the Lumia 920 has picked up this year, the consensus clearly being the Lumia 920 is a top contender for the smartphone of 2013.

The Nokia Wireless Charging Plate

Thanks to the tech wizards at Nokia Gear, Wireless charging has been launched with a bang this year and one of the most stylish examples of that is the DT 900. The perfect companion to your Lumia 920, it clearly impressed the judges too.

The Nokia Wireless Charging Stand

Not to be outdone by its more laid back sibling, the DT 910 also picked up an iF award. Thanks to innovative tech, the DT-910 gives you both hassle free power, and uses NFC to open a selected app. Obviously a combo that appealed to the judges as much as it does us. 

The Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-118

Bluetooth headsets may have been around for a while, but they’ve changed beyond recognition since the early days. The Nokia BH-118 combines crystal clear sound with a subtle, yet colourful style. If you’re looking for handsfree chat this could be your lucky day. 

The JBL PlayUp for Nokia

Stylish, practical go-anywhere design and crystal clear sound combined with NFC and Bluetooth for an amazing wireless music experience. Yes, we’re talking about the JBL PlayUp. We’re not surprised it rocked the judges world. 

The JBL PowerUP for Nokia

Last, but by no means least, yet another awesome Nokia accessory. Combining charging and tunes, the JBL PowerUP doesn’t just look great and sound great, it’s a great way to energize your phone, too. All in all, the perfect musical package.

These magnificent seven products certainly dazzled the judges at iF, but is that enough to declare this year the greatest for Nokia design ever? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.