Archive for June, 2007

O2 Announces Sierra wireless modem

O2 and Sierra Wireless today announced the availability of the Wireless USB Modem (Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U) on the O2 network in the UK. Designed for mobile professionals on the move, the Wireless USB modem from O2 provides an always-on Internet connection through the USB port, enabling greater compatibility with a wide range of computers, and offers optimal performance through in-built battery and easy configuration.

O2 Sierra AirCard

Enabling users to work at home, in the office or on the move, the Wireless USB Modem from O2 is designed to work on GPRS and 3G networks, as well as EDGE and HSDPA networks in many countries around the world. Users can send or receive information at speeds of up to 384Kbps (when in 3G coverage) and up to 53.6Kbps on GPRS while only paying for data sent and received, allowing them to stay connected to the Internet at no additional cost.

Setting up the Wireless USB Modem from O2 is quick and easy. Users simply place an O2 Data SIM into the Wireless USB Modem and load the Sierra Wireless Watcher software supplied to a Desktop PC or laptop. The Wireless USB Modem connects through a flip-out connector to a USB port on the Desktop PC or laptop running Windows 2000, XP, Vista or Mac OS X operating systems. To extend flexibility for users who would like to connect it to a Desktop PC, the Wireless USB Modem comes with a docking station that can be plugged into the back of the computer and sit conveniently on a desk.

“The Wireless USB Modem is a great addition to O2’s range of products and services for mobile professionals on the move,” said Phil Ledward, Head of Data Marketing at O2. “Providing fast access speeds and a quick and easy setup, the Wireless USB Modem from O2 enables users to get the most out of their time wherever they are.”

“We are pleased to work with O2 to deliver the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U USB modem to O2 data customers,” said Jim Lahey, Vice President, EMEA for Sierra Wireless. “The Wireless USB Modem offers a convenient option for those who want more flexibility than a PC card or an ExpressCard provides, without compromising the high-performance, reliable wireless connection they need and expect from O2 and from Sierra Wireless.”

The Wireless USB Modem from O2 is now on sale at £120rrp and is available in O2 retail stores and online at www.o2.co.uk.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, O2, Sierra Wireless, AirCard 875U]

HTC press conference

We’re on our way to the HTC press conference being held today in central London.

Although the details of the event are a ‘closely guarded secret’ HTC is expected to announce a new Windows Mobile device based on the HTC Elf platform. However, this Elf will be rather unusual with a new feature – it’s expected to have a multitouch display and to be HTC’s answer to the Apple iPhone.

Other sources indicate the new multitouch display is even able to provide a tactile feedback when dialing.

We’ll be posting the details of the event as soon as we get back so come and have a look again this afternoon!

If you are going to the event, let us know and maybe we’ll see you there.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, HTC]

iPhone launch date announced

Apple yesterday confirmed that the much-anticipated iPhone will launch on 29 June in the US.

Apple iPhone

The date was given in a series of TV adverts broadcast on Sunday, and was later confirmed by a spokesman for the California-based company.

I did find this line rather amusing:

The adverts on Sunday showed off several of the gadget’s features, including surfing the net, watching videos and scrolling through e-mails using a finger as a pointer.

Have we not had touchscreen features on Windows Mobile devices for years? Surfing the net? Hardly new. No mention of being able to make phone calls on it though! 😛

Posted by: Matt

Quote courtesy of the BBC news.

[Post tag(s): iPhone, Apple, OS X, Amazon, Tracy & Matt]

Orange unlimited browsing – NOT unlimited?!

It seems like almost everyone has been talking about the new Orange unlimited data packages that are supposed to be available soon. Since our post last month with the Orange Press Release regarding their flat rate announcement, many people have been asking when they’ll be able to go on the tariff.

Orange have been hoping that the new ‘unlimited’ tariff will compete with T-Mobile’s Web’n’Walk and encourage some people to come back to Orange.

So what’s the limitation on the unmetered tariff? You’ll notice that it’s subject to a ‘fair use’ policy. Orange consider the fair use limit to be just 30MB!! If this is true then I have to say “Orange, what are you thinking?!”.

I’d hardly call 30MB ‘unlimited’ or ‘unmetered’, so like a lot of other people, I think I’ll be off to T-Mobile now!

Posted by: Matt

SOURCE

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Unlimited Data, Orange]

HTC Cavalier unboxed and reviewed

The folks over at ‘On The Go Solutions’ have put together a brief review and unboxing video of the Dopod C730 aka HTC Cavalier.

The Bottom Line: Because the Dopod C730 has so many high-speed connectivity options coupled with a blazing fast processor, this new release really scores well. If you are looking for a thin, elegant Windows Mobile Smartphone that really has it all — this is the device for you.

HTC Cavalier Specification

Check out the review and video at ‘On The Go Solutions’.

Posted by: Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Tracy & Matt, HTC Cavalier, Dopod S730, HTC Excalibur]

Toshiba G900 on FCC

The Toshiba G900 has just appeared on the FCC site so should be a step closer to launch!

Toshiba G900

The G900, sometimes refered to as the Portégé or Satellite, is badged as the Satellite in the FCC external images but I suspect that it will be sold under the Portégé name in the same way as its little brother, the G500.

One interesting thing to note from the specification below is the mention of USB host mode which, if correct, will allow you to plug in external USB devices such as memory keys and hard drives!

Toshiba G900 Specification:

Read more on the FCC site.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Toshiba G900, Toshiba]

Samsung SGH-i620 appears

The first images of a rather sexy looking Samsung i600 replacement have just hit the web. The new device, the Samsung i620 has features similar to that of the i600 but has a sliding, rather than a fixed, QWERTY keyboard.

Samsung SGH-i620

Despite being a new device the current specs. mention Windows Mobile 5, however, if/when the device launches it may well have WM6 installed.

I’m a big fan of the Samsung i600 so I think the i620 will come as a welcome upgrade!

Samsung i620 Specification:

Posted by: Matt

[Post tags: smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Samsung SGH-i620, Ultra Messaging, Samsung Windows Mobile blog]