Nokia N8

We had questions flying at us from all angles about the N8 when it first launched – and we really appreciated all the interest.

The only downside was that – due to the sheer volume of questions – we couldn’t answer all the questions on the day.

We did, however, say that we’d look to answer them at a later date.

Well, that day has now come. So without further ado, here’s the first in a series of posts with answers to your questions!

The Prodigal Fool: Can you tell us how the virtual keyboard works in Symbian 3? Does it look like the one we’re used to from Symbian 1?

Nokia: The virtual keyboard layout has changed for some parts and we have predictive/corrective text input there as well. The capacitive keyboard is also a step forward in usability. We’ve received encouraging results in user tests.

Thenokiablog: Can we change photo and video capture size? For example change video to smaller 640×480 resolution but faster 30 fps?

Nokia: Yes, the user can change the image & video quality. There are three of those:
720p 25fps
VGA 30fps,
QCIF 15fps for Multimedia message use.

For example 640×480 @ 30fps is available.

JayMontano: Why was the decision made to have the screws visible?

Nokia: These are always a combination of decisions based on design and mechanics.

Dan @WorldOfNokia: I have a question about the camera. Was there a specific reason the lens cover was left out on the N8 when it was on a lot of previous camera phones. This would help prevent scratching.

Nokia: There are many contributing factors here:
1. The availability of new highly scratch resistant materials to protect the lens.
2. The ease of cleaning the camera cover Vs. deep set designs.
3. The increase in size of the raised camera area.
But most importantly:
4. The evolution in applications which make use of the camera e.g. Facebook applications as well as augmented reality applications. Removing the cover means these emerging applications, as well as existing applications, are more seamless in their usage flow.

Charll: What is the real size of sensor? Is it 1/3 inch class or different?

Nokia: It’s 1/1.83″

Envutec: For how many years do you think the battery can last?

Nokia: It is hard to say exactly. How long battery lasts depends on many variables, for example, how often you charge the battery and if you’re using it in a hot environment.

You can prolong the battery life by using the device until the battery is empty and then recharging that to full.

Other ways for you to save energy and battery life are:

- Using the conveniently located ‘lock’ key as often as possible; this shuts down the device display immediately saving energy.
- Activating the power saving profile; this optimizes the functionality and energy consumption for prolonged battery life.
- Adjust the backlighting brightness to change the update interval for e-mail and the browser
- Switch off applications when they’re not needed,
- Switch off W-LAN and Bluetooth when not being used.

Vinitneo: Why didn’t you put 32 GB mass memory like N97 and N900?

Nokia: These are always product specific decisions. The Nokia N8 has 16GB of in-built mass memory, expandable up to 48GB with a Micro SD card. Device user memory (C:\) available is approximately 145MB.

The Nokia N8 has 256MB RAM, improved with dynamic data management. All this results in improved user experience compared to earlier devices.

Atul: How does the N8 support Green Environment commitment?

Nokia: We think that every device should be made with environment in mind, because it makes a real difference to the environment and gives a greater variety of environmentally friendly phones for people to choose from. Our approach and strategy is that we continuously improve the environmental sustainability of all our products.

More answers to your questions coming soon!