Nokia Chases Blogger To Recover N8 Prototype

boris writes "Nokia has approached Russian authorities to retrieve its N8 prototype from blogger Eldar Murtazin, in a case similar to Apple iPhone 4/Gizmodo fiasco. In its official blog, Nokia said, 'we formally requested the return of all unauthorized Nokia property from Mr. Murtazin and he declined to respond. As a result, we have contacted the Russian authorities to assist us in the return of all unauthorized Nokia property.'"

Comments

Nokia just want its property back

[kangsterizer]

Actually in it's blog I believe Nokia wrote "please return our babies" or something like that. No lawsuit etc. They just want the phones back and avoid bad press.

And yes, the phone is an early N8 prototype (from march). The reviewers named it N9 and started a lot of false rumors on it, despite (at least my) posts indicating it was a N8 and early Symbian ^3 on it.

The N8 that will ship soon is slightly different hardware wise, and vastly improved software wise.

Re:Nokia just want its property back

[CRCulver]

Color me skeptical; what are the chances this is not another overpriced "flagship" POS from Nokia?

That it is running Symbian indicates that it is midrange, even if at the higher end of midrange. The coming MeeGo device will be their next flagship after the N900.

Re:Nokia just want its property back

[Tuntematon]

Color me skeptical; what are the chances this is not another overpriced "flagship" POS from Nokia?

I think Nokia's hype machinery has failed at least partially if you are tellimg me you haven't seen any specs, hands on's or rumors about N8. As moderately satisfied Symbian user I have good feeling about it. But I'm looking forward for the camera maybe more than the next person probably.

http://conversations.nokia.com/2010/07/08/nokia-n8-camera-2260-days-in-the-making-part-12/

Legit concern

[Anonymous Coward]

I actually read the articleyea yea blasphemy here on Slashdot.
The guy isn’t just a blogger apparently he also describes himself as a consultant to the mobile industry. I think Nokia has a legitimate concern that he will “consult” for their competition after he’s already seen their hardware, so they want it back.

Re:Legit concern

[kangsterizer]

I've read the new Nokia post as well now, and the guy not only wrote a lot of crap "haha Nokia you can't get me etc" on the net, but on top of that he's working for Samsung and gives away the Nokia prototypes there. (it's all in the comments here http://thenokiablog.com/2010/07/07/nokia-n8-property-eldar-murtazin/ )

Quite of a bad guy actually :P

Re:This is a non-story (how it actually happend)

[TrancePhreak]

An individual comes into an unauthorized posession of a development prototype.
Individual politely asks Apple if they want it back.
Apple denies existence of property.
Individual sells property to Gizmodo.
Apple involves the authorities.

Re:Did they pay off the Russian authorities?

[shutdown -p now]

Police in Russia are authorized to demand cash directly from drivers for perceived infractions. It's not like in western countries where the officer writes you a ticket and then you must pay it before a certain time.

Actually, "write a ticket" is precisely how it is supposed to be done by law in Russia (I know because I went through the procedure first-hand). Any direct cash extortion you may experience is unlawful, which isn't to say that it's not "authorized" by the officer's higher-ups (they usually get a cut of all bribes obtained that way).

Re:You're too drunkski!

[shutdown -p now]

On an unrelated note, the proper way to say Vodka ("Wodka") sounds awesome when a Russian says it.

"Wodka" is not a proper way to say "vodka" in standard Russian, unless you're talking about some regional dialect, or you're a German. IPA for it is ['vodka].

Indeed, there is no sound directly corresponding to /w/ in Russian at all, and in loanwords it's approximated by either /v/ (as for "Washington") or, more commonly, by /u/ (as for "Watergate")

Re:This is a non-story (how it actually happend)

[UnknowingFool]

No that's not how I remembered it.

• An individual comes into an unauthorized posession of a development prototype.
• Individual through a third party makes a call to the generic Apple support line inquiring about prototypes. Vaguely asks if there are any rewards for missing prototypes.
• Level 1 tech support guy who has no knowledge of prototypes brushes guy off.
• Individual sells prototype to Gizmodo.
• Gizmodo contacts Apple about prototype. Wants Apple to publicly acknowledge it in exchange for prototype back.