I have a Nokia N79, a very basic Symbian S60 phone. One of the frustrating things that the Share Online app (an app that allows me to upload media to web services) only listed 2 services: Vox and Ikbis. Flickr (the biggest online photo service) was not available for a number of countries including Saudi Arabia.
The only method was to use a config file on Flickr’s site to manually install flickr support on Nokia Share Online. It worked until the latest Nokia update was released.
I updated my Nokia N79 to v20 firmware and with it the Share Online tool was updated to version 4. When I ran the Share Online app the flickr and Vox profiles I have added are gone! I tried to add them but the only service available was Ikbis and I can no longer add Vox! Flickr cfg file was unsuccessful. Many users on the nokia forums have the same issue (here, here and here ) they are from India and other countries that Nokia don’t care about.
Sure I could use pixelpipe or Shozu but this service is available in the phone already! If I insert a German SIM card then the phone will be able to add flickr so why is it limited? I have found a list of countries that “support flickr” on this page (check comment number 43).
Nokia needs to actually CARE about providing services to all it’s customers and Saudi Arabia is one of their biggest markets! My friend Maxer posted here “We need it open to Middle Eastern users” and you know what, Nokia? I just want to upload to Flickr using Share Online.
Is there a licensing deal between Nokia and Flickr about which countries to add? This is what Nokia told me:
However, kindly note that some services are not available in some countries such as Saudi Arabia and others. The access to those services was restricted, such restriction was deemed necessary due to the laws and social norms of these countries regarding web content. Access is blocked based on the IP ranges of these countries. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.
I can access Flickr in Saudi Arabia just fine! So I contacted Flickr support, they couldn’t do anything except:
I have escalated your email to a senior representative in an effort to obtain the best answer. Please allow some time for a follow-up reply to your question.
This is discouraging me from becoming a Flickr Pro subscriber. It is unfortunate that Nokia is doing this to it’s customers. By the way if you are an iPhone user then I recommend a free app called “Flickit” for uploading to Flickr.
Related posts:
As we say “Trying to close the door on any potential future problem”
God. They”re being more Saudis than we are!
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Khaled A. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 2:44 am
we should give nokia a honorary Saudi nationality
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I have no idea what your talking about ? I use the built software lifeblog on my nokia to post pictures and videos on livejournal.com. isn’t flicker programmable the same way ?
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Khaled A. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Nokia share online tool is built in nokia phones. And now only shows me one service, Ikbis.
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Flikr pro? are you mad? I have a pro account. If I could give it you for free or pay you to have it, I would. Man, its a yahoo service… ‘nough said. stick to facebook!
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I am using Nokia e71 , but I do work around apploading video and pictures I use to appload pictures and videos at flickr and youtube via e-mail , flickr or youtube will provide secret e-mail wher you can send it directly to them as a new entry.
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First off, this is one of the best blog I’ve ever seen. Thanks Khaled for this effort
back to Nokia and Flickr. I wish it was available here in Saudi Arabia. I will try to find a way to break it out and will share it for sure.
Thanks again for this interisting blog
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Khaled A. Reply:
November 24th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Thanks for your kind words.
It’s too late, Nokia’s idiotic policy has caused me to fully convert to the Apple iPhone.
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same issue with N79 here in India…frustrating
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