Get more of Nokia 6700 Classic’s GPS with TrekBuddy

While Ovi map provide good navigation aid, still there’s one feature that I found missing which is the ability to export GPS data log to file. This feature is very useful for outdoor activities such as running, hiking or cycling, you can review your track by importing the log file in to software with map capabilities such as TrailRunner or Google Maps.


Fortunately there are many free application (J2ME) for Nokia 6700 Classic that provided this feature, and in my opinion the best application that provide this feature is TrekBuddy. 


Things that I like from TrekBuddy are:

• It’s free as in gratis, won’t cost you any money.
• Support for exporting GPS data log to GPX or NMEA file format.
• Support for time-zone on generated log file, the log file will play nice with time-zone aware map software.
• Signed midlet, its mean there will be less of annoying security message.

The installation are straight forward: 

• Download the jad and jar file, and copy both files to the same folder in your phone memory card.
• Open the gallery application on your phone, browse to the folder where the files are copied, highlight TrekBuddy and choose “option” then select “Application access” to go to application access menu. Set every available option with either “Ask first time only” or “Always allowed” otherwise they will be asked every time you run TrekBuddy.
• Now TrekBuddy are ready to run, for usage manual and setup please refer to TrekBuddy’s wiki.

Happy Tracking :D

Firmware Version 13.10 for Nokia 6700 Classic

There’s a jump leap in version number with this firmware since the last update, 13.10 compared to 10.60 so I’m expecting a major changes but it turn out that the changes are not much at all, it’s more like an evolution than a revolution. 

First thing to notice is that with this firmware release, there’s a less option for home screen integration, windows live messenger are gone, so does the search, as a matter of fact windows live messenger are completely gone so you’ll need to install it from ovi store if you needed. It seems to me that nokia is trying to get rid of third party services in home screen. These are welcomed changes as long as there a way to add additional services when needed.

Second is that ovi contacts are completely gone, nokia seems to favor the built-in IM than ovi contacts to consolidate its text messaging services, now all text messaging services such as IM, email and SMS could be found under one menu which is Messaging. That’s another welcomed change if only nokia had improve its built-in IM, the current version of IM client always disconnected prior 10 minutes of idle time.

Third is that there’s an update in camera software, with this firmware, text menu on camera automatically rotate as you rotate the phone from portrait mode to landscape mode or vice-versa. Unfortunately there is a glitch that camera button still active even though the phone in locked mode. 

And lastly, ovi maps are updated, also now included free voice guided navigation (in the previous firmware this is a paid feature).

Well, with this firmware it’s clear to me that nokia try consolidate the services the phone provided, get rid of the unnecessary services, it’s a good move, but I’m expect a couple more firmware that will updated or polished whatever services that left behind.