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Meet Loki. He’s the inspiration for today, because…well, just look at him. He makes me smile every day.

Looking through my photos over the weekend, it reminded me of just how easy it is to share great moments on my Lumia 900. The fun doesn’t stop with it being easy to share either, it’s no problem to enhance and effect photos with Nokia Creative studio too.

Or sometimes I use apps like Phototastic to make a great framed montage like this:

Very Blue Steel.

Whether I’m driving somewhere or taking a breather in the countryside, I simply love being able to share the moment with zero fuss. Don’t worry, I was the passenger in the photo below.

So, how often do you capture wonderful moments with your Lumia? Got any examples? Let me know in the comments section. If you share your moments on Twitter, use #MyLumiaMoments. We’ll share our favourite moments next week, and fix the photographer of our favourites with a Lumia trial!

For the first time ever, the number of smartphones in use worldwide surpassed the one billion mark, according to findings from Strategy Analytics. Additionally, the number of mobile phone subscriptions reaches six billion, says research from International Telecommunication Union.

Since the first modern smartphone, the Nokia 9000 Communicator in 1996, it has taken 16 years for the amount of smartphones in use to exceed one billion units.

The report from Strategy Analytics suggests that by the third quarter of 2011, 708 million smartphones were in use worldwide. This increased to a new historic milestone of 1.038 billion during the third quarter of 2012. Although this number is considered high, “Most of the world does not yet own a smartphone and there remains huge scope for future growth, particularly in emerging markets such as China, India and Africa”.

One billion smartphones worldwide equates to about one in seven people owning a smartphone.

Although it has taken 16 years to reach this point, Strategy Analytics predicts “the next billion to be achieved in less than three years, by 2015.”

While one billion smartphones in use worldwide is great news, the report from International Telecommunication Union shares an even more exciting statistic.

At the end of 2011, the number of mobile phone subscriptions reached six billion.

This number alone is an impressive feat, but when you consider that the world population is currently estimated to be just under seven billion (according to The World Bank), it won’t be long before that comparatively short divide closes up with the possibility of subscriptions surpassing the population figure.

Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone is connected. The six billion figure is substantially connected to people in the developed world possessing two or more phones, or connected tablets and GPS systems.

However, the most recent leaps forward, between 2010 and 2011, mobile phone subscriptions increased by more than 600 million, with the majority of them in the developing world.

China has the most subscriptions at 1 billion, with India expected to hit the same number in by the end of 2012.

image credit: FutUndBeidi and twicepix

Meet Loki. He’s the inspiration for today, because…well, just look at him. He makes me smile every day.

Looking through my photos over the weekend, it reminded me of just how easy it is to share great moments on my Lumia 900. The fun doesn’t stop with it being easy to share either, it’s no problem to enhance and effect photos with Nokia Creative studio too.

Or sometimes I use apps like Phototastic to make a great framed montage like this:

Very Blue Steel.

Whether I’m driving somewhere or taking a breather in the countryside, I simply love being able to share the moment with zero fuss. Don’t worry, I was the passenger in the photo below.

So, how often do you capture wonderful moments with your Lumia? Got any examples? Let me know in the comments section. If you share your moments on Twitter, use #MyLumiaMoments. We’ll share our favourite moments next week, and fix the photographer of our favourites with a Lumia trial!

For the first time ever, the number of smartphones in use worldwide surpassed the one billion mark, according to findings from Strategy Analytics. Additionally, the number of mobile phone subscriptions reaches six billion, says research from International Telecommunication Union.

Since the first modern smartphone, the Nokia 9000 Communicator in 1996, it has taken 16 years for the amount of smartphones in use to exceed one billion units.

The report from Strategy Analytics suggests that by the third quarter of 2011, 708 million smartphones were in use worldwide. This increased to a new historic milestone of 1.038 billion during the third quarter of 2012. Although this number is considered high, “Most of the world does not yet own a smartphone and there remains huge scope for future growth, particularly in emerging markets such as China, India and Africa”.

One billion smartphones worldwide equates to about one in seven people owning a smartphone.

Although it has taken 16 years to reach this point, Strategy Analytics predicts “the next billion to be achieved in less than three years, by 2015.”

While one billion smartphones in use worldwide is great news, the report from International Telecommunication Union shares an even more exciting statistic.

At the end of 2011, the number of mobile phone subscriptions reached six billion.

This number alone is an impressive feat, but when you consider that the world population is currently estimated to be just under seven billion (according to The World Bank), it won’t be long before that comparatively short divide closes up with the possibility of subscriptions surpassing the population figure.

Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone is connected. The six billion figure is substantially connected to people in the developed world possessing two or more phones, or connected tablets and GPS systems.

However, the most recent leaps forward, between 2010 and 2011, mobile phone subscriptions increased by more than 600 million, with the majority of them in the developing world.

China has the most subscriptions at 1 billion, with India expected to hit the same number in by the end of 2012.

image credit: FutUndBeidi and twicepix

You only have to look at smartphones to see how fashions changes. What’s cool and kickin’ one year is a total no-no the next. Some styles though are enduring, and it turns out that a lot of those that have survived the test of time have been inspired by music. As huge fans of both cool design and massive tunes, we decided to take a closer look.

The skinny on Elvis

Own a pair of skinny jeans? Then thank Elvis and quiffmeister rockers like Bill Haley. The Teddy Boy trend rebelled against 50s’ respectability, with drainpipe trousers that flashed stark white sock. Drainpipes were complemented with multi-pocketed drape coats, perfect for concealing knives. But it was the trousers that shocked – even Teddy Girls wore them tight.

Why the word ‘Teddy’? It was aping not only Elvis but Edwardian fashion, with a twist. Tight jeans, slicked back hair – a fusion of American and olde worlde British but most of all, it looked like trouble.

Rip it up and start again

Punk was about the joys of deconstruction. Sid Vicious on stage with a sneer, covered in blood. Bands spitting, even vomiting, on their fans. Anti-manners and anti-meeting the parents.  What could be more shocking than ripping your clothes? The ultimate insult to an older generation who believed in respectability.

Tear it apart music and slashed fashion. The ripped jean survived much later, albeit it more sanitised for the masses. Bleached too. Designers have experimented with cutting ever since – sometimes to flash more flesh.  But even Liz Hurley’s safety pin dress wouldn’t shock now.

Smells like teen spirit

Colour died when the aptly named grunge came to town – reputedly from the Seattle music scene. No more bows. Dirty messy hair hanging in the eyes – so you looked like a shy vagrant.

Most of all, it was Berlinesque black, sludge grey or filthy plaid shirts – all of it echoing a dirty guitar sound and lots of drums. Nirvana, Soundgarden – it was depressive punk with a heavy metal edge. Not forgetting the boots, holey cardigans and jumpers. It had its roots in poverty and it wanted to shout it loud, with feeling.

Madonna’s mix and mess

Extreme layering is Madonna’s legacy. In her film Desperately Seeking Susan, the Material Girl had it all going on – ironic girly bows tangled in messy hair, huge earrings, a multitude of necklaces, bangles, hats, gloves.

Anti-elegance but also an ‘in your face grandpa’ swipe at the world. Predominantly, it challenged that girls should be neat and coordinated. Bands like Bananarama would copy her but in a sweeter, less aggressive manner – off the shoulder dungarees, perfect makeup and accessories. Not sure if they copied the hairy armpits.

To cap it all 

Such a simple little accessory. Once a sporty thing – thanks to hip hop/rap – the baseball cap became more about edgy urban fashion. Musicians wore it backwards, to the side, or with place names.

A hat on your head with a monogrammed New York transported you instantly from a dusty London Street – to gangster on an American sidewalk – in your head at least. A saggy tracksuit and bling completed the ensemble. Now baseball caps are common from LA to Shanghai.

Think of any other styles in your wardrobe inspired by a musical subculture? If so, let us know in the comments below. 

Many a parent/babysitter/long-suffering Uncle/Aunt will have heard the plaintive cry from their little darlings, but now instead of telling them to count purple cars or try and recite the alphabet sideways, it is easy to both entertain and educate kids with the help of these top-rated apps:

Animal Sound Box

Cost: Free in the Marketplace (or $1.99 for the paid version)
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Moo and miaow your way to a happy child

Starting with the more recognisable sounds like cat and dog, this app can help you keep young ones entertained as they try and guess crocodile and hippopotamus. In his review on WP Central, George Ponder reckons it can be used both to educate younger children with the recorded not synthesised sounds, AND drive spouses and pets crazy.

Draw Free

Cost: Free in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Finger painting on your phone

I was intrigued by how this would be different to other drawing apps, so downloaded it and handed my Lumia 800 to my 7 year old alter ego (we all have a child inside us) to have a play. I have to say I was impressed as both a child and an adult with the ease of which I could draw freehand or use one of the option images to make my own (yes, I didn’t draw the pumpkin myself), and include photos from the camera roll. As Philstar.com says – ‘let their imagination come to life‘. Mine did.

Kinectimals

Cost: £2.29/$2.99 in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: They so cute

I’ve covered the Kinectimals before on these pages but they are well worth another mention for anyone new to the realm of gaming on the Nokia Lumia and the Xbox. As Jay so eloquently put it in his review it’s a ‘crowd pleaser across all ages’.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Funny Bounce

Cost: Free in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Bounce your way to entertainment

One for the older children, perhaps, Funny Bounce is ‘an epic bounce journey’, although as Izzi demonstrates, it’s not as easy as it first looks.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

And I can concur that the game play can be a little frustrating, but I’m sure youngsters will have no problem picking it up.

So which apps keep your youngsters entertained? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments. Also, time we’ll be featuring the best News + Weather apps, so if you have a favourite, let me know!

You only have to look at smartphones to see how fashions changes. What’s cool and kickin’ one year is a total no-no the next. Some styles though are enduring, and it turns out that a lot of those that have survived the test of time have been inspired by music. As huge fans of both cool design and massive tunes, we decided to take a closer look.

The skinny on Elvis

Own a pair of skinny jeans? Then thank Elvis and quiffmeister rockers like Bill Haley. The Teddy Boy trend rebelled against 50s’ respectability, with drainpipe trousers that flashed stark white sock. Drainpipes were complemented with multi-pocketed drape coats, perfect for concealing knives. But it was the trousers that shocked – even Teddy Girls wore them tight.

Why the word ‘Teddy’? It was aping not only Elvis but Edwardian fashion, with a twist. Tight jeans, slicked back hair – a fusion of American and olde worlde British but most of all, it looked like trouble.

Rip it up and start again

Punk was about the joys of deconstruction. Sid Vicious on stage with a sneer, covered in blood. Bands spitting, even vomiting, on their fans. Anti-manners and anti-meeting the parents.  What could be more shocking than ripping your clothes? The ultimate insult to an older generation who believed in respectability.

Tear it apart music and slashed fashion. The ripped jean survived much later, albeit it more sanitised for the masses. Bleached too. Designers have experimented with cutting ever since – sometimes to flash more flesh.  But even Liz Hurley’s safety pin dress wouldn’t shock now.

Smells like teen spirit

Colour died when the aptly named grunge came to town – reputedly from the Seattle music scene. No more bows. Dirty messy hair hanging in the eyes – so you looked like a shy vagrant.

Most of all, it was Berlinesque black, sludge grey or filthy plaid shirts – all of it echoing a dirty guitar sound and lots of drums. Nirvana, Soundgarden – it was depressive punk with a heavy metal edge. Not forgetting the boots, holey cardigans and jumpers. It had its roots in poverty and it wanted to shout it loud, with feeling.

Madonna’s mix and mess

Extreme layering is Madonna’s legacy. In her film Desperately Seeking Susan, the Material Girl had it all going on – ironic girly bows tangled in messy hair, huge earrings, a multitude of necklaces, bangles, hats, gloves.

Anti-elegance but also an ‘in your face grandpa’ swipe at the world. Predominantly, it challenged that girls should be neat and coordinated. Bands like Bananarama would copy her but in a sweeter, less aggressive manner – off the shoulder dungarees, perfect makeup and accessories. Not sure if they copied the hairy armpits.

To cap it all 

Such a simple little accessory. Once a sporty thing – thanks to hip hop/rap – the baseball cap became more about edgy urban fashion. Musicians wore it backwards, to the side, or with place names.

A hat on your head with a monogrammed New York transported you instantly from a dusty London Street – to gangster on an American sidewalk – in your head at least. A saggy tracksuit and bling completed the ensemble. Now baseball caps are common from LA to Shanghai.

Think of any other styles in your wardrobe inspired by a musical subculture? If so, let us know in the comments below. 

Many a parent/babysitter/long-suffering Uncle/Aunt will have heard the plaintive cry from their little darlings, but now instead of telling them to count purple cars or try and recite the alphabet sideways, it is easy to both entertain and educate kids with the help of these top-rated apps:

Animal Sound Box

Cost: Free in the Marketplace (or $1.99 for the paid version)
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Moo and miaow your way to a happy child

Starting with the more recognisable sounds like cat and dog, this app can help you keep young ones entertained as they try and guess crocodile and hippopotamus. In his review on WP Central, George Ponder reckons it can be used both to educate younger children with the recorded not synthesised sounds, AND drive spouses and pets crazy.

Draw Free

Cost: Free in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Finger painting on your phone

I was intrigued by how this would be different to other drawing apps, so downloaded it and handed my Lumia 800 to my 7 year old alter ego (we all have a child inside us) to have a play. I have to say I was impressed as both a child and an adult with the ease of which I could draw freehand or use one of the option images to make my own (yes, I didn’t draw the pumpkin myself), and include photos from the camera roll. As Philstar.com says – ‘let their imagination come to life‘. Mine did.

Kinectimals

Cost: £2.29/$2.99 in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: They so cute

I’ve covered the Kinectimals before on these pages but they are well worth another mention for anyone new to the realm of gaming on the Nokia Lumia and the Xbox. As Jay so eloquently put it in his review it’s a ‘crowd pleaser across all ages’.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Funny Bounce

Cost: Free in the Marketplace
Availability: Everywhere
In a nutshell: Bounce your way to entertainment

One for the older children, perhaps, Funny Bounce is ‘an epic bounce journey’, although as Izzi demonstrates, it’s not as easy as it first looks.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

And I can concur that the game play can be a little frustrating, but I’m sure youngsters will have no problem picking it up.

So which apps keep your youngsters entertained? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments. Also, time we’ll be featuring the best News + Weather apps, so if you have a favourite, let me know!

A while back we released the Small App SDK which lets you support our Small App feature on the new Xperia Tablet S. If you want to enable your existing app to also function as a Small App, you simply have to add some simple code to your app. From a developer’s perspective, adding Small [...]

Hello everyone,

There’ve been a fair few questions here on the blog, our support forum and our social media channels, regarding upgrade plans for Android 4.1 (also known as Jelly Bean). Today we are happy to give you a bit of an update.

Our latest models, Xperia T and Xperia TX are shipping across global markets as you read this post, and Xperia V is on the way shortly – these smartphones will begin to receive the upgrade to Jelly Bean from mid-Q1 2013.

Next up, we can confirm the global versions of Xperia S, Xperia acro S, Xperia ion, Xperia P, Xperia go and Xperia J will be upgraded to Android 4.1* – we will be back with detailed timings for these in due course.

We were glad to provide the Android 4.0.4 upgrade for our 2011 Xperia portfolio across most markets and the majority of models but, after thorough evaluation, we have concluded they will not be upgraded beyond Ice Cream Sandwich.

Beyond Ice Cream Sandwich we would not able to guarantee owners of these smartphones the user experience you expect and we demand. We will however, continue to support all these products with firmware maintenance releases.

As usual, the only official software update news will be found regularly here on the blog and we’ll keep you posted as soon as we have news to share.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below.

Will…

*Availability and rollout timing will vary by market and customer variants.