Archive for February, 2009

By February 26, 2009 Read More →

HTC care opens in Malaysia

image We all know about the Apple Stores and the superb technical support and service that you can get there, well it looks like HTC are following a similar route with the opening of their own HTC Care Centres. The first HTC Care Authorized centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital has opened. This centre features more than 1,300 square feet of retail space with helpful professional consultants and technicians dedicated to provide the whole gamut of after-sales services including on-site technical consultation, testing and repairs. They promise a speedy turn-around time for all service repairs. Now the question is, will we see these rolled out in Europe, it is always good to be able to get support direct from a manufacturer face to face. We will wait and see.

via WMExperts and ubergizmo

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Posted in: Phones
By February 26, 2009 Read More →

Google preventing unlocked phones using app store

tmob_g1_1

CrunchGear has a rather irritating story regarding the limitation of the Google App store. It seems that Google have not responded well to the age old method of unlocking a phone and using it on a different network. A rather sickening move if you ask me but you can decide for yourself by reading the attached article.

Posted in: Phones
By February 26, 2009 Read More →

The Acer DX900 now available

image Clove have just let us know that they will have stock available next week for the Acer DX900. The Acer DX900 is one of the world’s first dual-SIM and dual standby Windows Mobile handsets to support HSDPA and EDGE. The DX900 is a simple solution to an increasingly in-demand requirement for consumers who need access to two mobile communications services, but don’t want to carry around two devices at the same time.

Available for order now at a confirmed price of 346.96 pounds (plus carriage and VAT (if applicable)), you can place your order today to receive one of the first units.

http://www.clove.co.uk/viewProduct.aspx?product=49868335-9F45-4952-90C1-92E8C00484A2

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Posted in: Phones
By February 26, 2009 Read More →

HTC Diamond2 and Diamond comparison

image Cnet have answered a few of our concerns over the size of the HTC Diamond2 and have put it side-by-side with the original to see how they size up.The increased screen size of the updated model is mainly due to the added length of the display. Their widths are identical but the WVGA (800 x 480) resolution of the Diamond2 means it’s longer and able to show more information in one screen.The Diamond2 is quite a bit thicker than the original. One thing that didn’t change is that you get only a single mini-USB port for charging, syncing and connecting a wired headset. The original Diamond came with 4GB of built-in storage but no expansion slot. The Diamond2, on the other hand, won’t come with any internal storage but it can accept microSD cards so you can boost the memory up to 16GB. A few more pictures after the break.

Posted in: Phones
By February 26, 2009 Read More →

Samsung announces new Camcorder range

Samsung have just announced their new H-Series camcorder range all of which will offer full HD video recording on internal Solid-state flash drives rather than conventional memory cards or hard drives.

More details can be found in the press release below.

HMX H100 (1)

Samsung’s new H-Series offer users an unprecedented form factor, industry leading design, a renowned Schneider lens with Optical Image Stabilization and high-performance, full-HD video; however, most notable is the use of internal solid state drives (HMX-H104, HMX-H105, HMX-H106) providing onboard memory.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

For the first time in a consumer digital camcorder, a flash-based solid state drive (SSD) is used to provide consumers with highly-reliable and high-performance internal memory. Leveraging its expertise in the design of semiconductor technology, Samsung included its renowned flash-based SSD technology in the new HMX-H106, HMX-H105 and HMX-H104. Offering a 64GB SSD, the HMX-H106 is the world’s highest capacity flash-based digital camcorder. The HMX-H104 and HMX-H105 offer 16GB and 32GB SSDs, respectively, while the HMX-H100 requires the use of a SD/SDHC or MMC+ memory card as it does not feature onboard memory.

Internal Memory

The inherent benefits of utilizing flash-based SSD is to provide consumers with internal memory, including drastically reduced power consumption thanks to no moving parts, faster read/write speeds and better durability. The new H-Series full-HD digital camcorders also utilise H.264 compression, which significantly increases record times. At full-HD resolution and when set to fine mode, users can record up to three hours directly to the 16GB HMX-H104, six hours to the 16GB HMX-H105, and an unparalleled 12 hours to the 64GB HMX-H106.

Schneider Optics

Precision optics are paramount in helping produce inspiring video and Samsung’s H-Series camcorders draw attention to this usage by incorporating world renowned Schneider optics. The camcorders’ Schneider lens features a 10x optical zoom and is paired with Samsung’s new Optical Image Stabilizer, to help reduce the blur found in footage as a result of vibrations and hand shake.

The trusted Schneider lens helps capture remarkably clear and sharp video with accurate colour reproduction, and the H-Series’ direct HDMI connection allows consumers to enjoy their full-HD content on their HDTV without the need for proprietary docking cradles.

The camcorders also offer a large 2.7 inch touch-screen LCD, which serves as the gateway to the camcorders’ comprehensive suite of features. The swivelling LCD also gives users access to key camcorder controls, including record and zoom. When used in conjunction with Samsung’s proprietary swivel grip, the additional placement of controls on the LCD screens allow users to effortlessly control the camcorder when held at low or high angles.

Still Photos

Consumers can also utilise the camcorders to take more than just stunning high-definition video, as each offers a built-in strobe flash and the ability to capture 4.7 mega-pixel (through interpolation) digital still photos.

CMOS Imaging Sensor

At the heart of Samsung’s new H-Series of full-HD digital camcorders is a high-performance CMOS imaging sensor. Measuring 1/4.5 inches, the CMOS sensor boasts 2.2 mega-pixels and yields impressive light sensitivity helping enhance the overall imaging experience for the end-user.

Time Lapse

The camcorders also feature a Time Lapse recording mode that will give consumers the ability to experiment with their creativity. When shooting in the Time Lapse recording mode, the camcorder will record a single image at an interval pre-selected by the user, either 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 seconds, and will save each image as one single movie file.

“This new series of high-definition digital camcorders clearly speaks to Samsung’s commitment to providing today’s consumers with the most advanced and highest-performing digital imaging technology,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

“Our ability to leverage the synergies that exist across our various businesses in the design and manufacture of digital camcorders and cameras, allows us to be better equipped to meet customer demands and bring higher-performing digital imaging solutions to market faster and more efficiently.”

The H-Series Camcorders will be available from leading high street and online retailers from April 2009.

 

Posted by: Matt

Posted in: Cameras
By February 26, 2009 Read More →

£10 PAYG SIM with £30 credit!

I’m not sure whether or not to file this one under deals, bargains or no-brainers?

eXpansys have secured a great deal on 3 Pay-as-you-go SIM cards. Receive £30 starter top-up with a 3 Pay As You Go SIM card for £9.99. Simply put your new SIM straight into a mobile phone and you’re up and running with £30 of credit to spend on calls, texts or whatever you want.

image 3 Pay As You Go SIM card

Once you’ve used the credit you’ll be on the Flat 12 tariff and you can add internet access for £5 per month or 50p per day. Although this is under a fair usage policy there’s no data caps mentioned.

Full details can be found HERE on the eXpansys website but basically, you pay you tenner and get £30 worth of credit!

 

Posted by: Matt

Posted in: Deals & Offers
By February 25, 2009 Read More →

N95 running an arcane version of Windows

n95-windows-3.1 If you love the N95 but hate S60, I have great news for you. Some enterprising developers in Poland have replaced the aging S60 operating system found on the Nokia N95 with an even more older desktop OS, Windows 3.1. Using DOSBox Polish developer Marcin-PRV managed to get the most popular OS in the world (in 1993) to run on the N95. While this particular trick is probably not terribly useful, it sure is neat.

Aside from being a nifty party trick, there is a serious side to this demonstration. This proves just how powerful the phones in our pockets are. Just over 10 years ago, all businesses, and schools were using computers that were less powerful than most of the phones on the market today. Nobody would seriously argue that those machines weren’t important to education, and business, but today, there are many people who are considered serious thinkers suggesting that mobile phones are just distractions in offices and classrooms. The only difference between the computers of yesterday, and the phones of today, is that phones are more powerful, more versatile, and smaller than those old computers ever were.

Source: UberPhones

Posted in: Phones
By February 25, 2009 Read More →

HTC Touch Diamond2 pre-order

Desperate to get your hands on the new HTC Touch Diamond2? Me too!

Although the HTC Touch Diamond2 was only officially announced by HTC last week at MWC there has been a terrific demand for information relating to the handset and its release date. We may not know exactly when the Diamond2 will go on sale but but most are predicting that it will hit the shops by the end of March!

As with previous new HTC handsets we expect that the demand will be high and initial shipments will be limited, so if you want to reserve your’s now so that you get it on launch day then why not pre-order the HTC Touch Diamond2 from Clove Technology?

Clove are offering pre-order now and although the final price has not been set in stone it’s expect to be a respectable £360 (£414 inc VAT). Head over to the Diamond2 product page on the Clove website to find out more and if you are feeling flush then buy me one too!

d2

Overview of the HTC Touch Diamond2

The HTC Touch Diamond – Now improved!

When you first see and start exploring the HTC Touch Diamond2, you’ll be struck by its brilliant looks and amazed by the intuitive controls.

In today’s world, a conversation can take many forms, from voice to text … but there’s always a person on the other end. The HTC Touch Diamond2 arranges your conversations by people, not just by how you speak with them.

When looking at your contacts, you now can see a history of your conversation in whatever form it took place. It doesn’t matter if you get asked about a recent email while you are talking on the phone or if you’re in a café reminiscing about a friend’s recent text – all your interactions are neatly laid out for viewing and follow-up in a tree of communication with that person. 

One indisputable fact about smartphones is a big screen on a small phone is good. That’s why HTC have stretched the Touch Diamond2’s display to its very limits, whilst keeping the same compact size. Enjoy videos, websites, photos and any other images on the ultra sharp wide screen display. The high resolution screen will reveal every minute detail in the most vivid way. 

Improvements on the Touch Diamond2 include an extra 0.4" on the display, now 3.2".  A microSDHC card slot and bigger battery add to the reasons why this device is so good.  There is even a G Sensor, FM radio and zoom function for photos and web pages.

The Touch Diamond2 helps you keep connected with friends, business partners and world events, it also helps complement who you are. The Touch Diamond2 is your perfect companion.

 

Specification of the HTC Touch Diamond2

  • Operating System – Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
  • Processor – Qualcomm MSM7200A, 528 MHz
  • RAM – 288 MB / ROM – 512 MB
  • Display – 3.2-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 480 X 800 WVGA resolution
  • Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
  • Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:
    Europe/Asia: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
    (Band frequency, HSUPA availability, and data speed are operator dependent.)
  • Connectivity – Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
    Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
    HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
  • GPS – Internal GPS antenna
  • Expansion – microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
  • Other- FM Radio, G-Sensor
  • Camera – Main camera: 5.0 megapixel color camera with auto focus
    Second camera: VGA CMOS color camera
  • Battery – Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery 1100 mAh
  • Dimensions – 107.85 X 53.1 X 13.7 mm (4.25 X 2.09 X 0.54 inches)
  • Weight – 117.5 grams (4.15 ounces) with battery
  • Warranty – 2 Years

 

Posted by: Matt

    Posted in: News
    By February 25, 2009 Read More →

    Windows Mobile 7 coming 2010

    image Steve Ballmer talked about the future of Windows Mobile during a conference call yesterday. Among the highlights was a promise to release the next version of Microsoft’s operating system for phones in 2010.

    Microsoft’s CEO is is enthusiastic about the possibilities for this OS, and he expects it to continue to grow, despite the current economic crisis. To help bring this about, the company is hard at work on new version. Windows Mobile 6.5 was unveiled a week ago, and will be released this fall, while Windows Mobile 7 is scheduled for next year.

    Posted in: Phones
    By February 25, 2009 Read More →

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic review

    As if the pressure of being one of the first touch screen devices from Nokia was not enough the 5800 XpressMusic comes with the added pressure of being touted as the first genuine iPhone contender, so will the 5800 rise to the occasion or will it simply crumble with the pressure like many other devices before it.

    The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic package

    The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic package

     

    What’s in the box?

    • Nokia 5800
    • Battery (BL-5J)
    • Mains Charger (AC-8)
    • Music Headset (HS-45)
    • Audio Adapter (AD-54)
    • TV Out Cable (CA-75U)
    • Data Cable (CA-101)
    • Carrying Case (CAP-306)
    • 8GB microSDHC Memory Card (MU-43)
    • Desktop Holder (DT-29)
    • Plectrum Stylus & Wrist Strap (CP-309)
    • Extra stylus
    • User Manual & Quick Start Guide
    • Software CD

    You might also want to have a look at Matt’s Nokia 5800 XpressMusic unboxing video for more an what’s in the box.

     

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic specification:

    • Operating System – S60 5th edition, Symbian OS version 9.4
    • Memory – 81 MB internal memory, 8GB MicroSDHC included
    • Display -3.2" 640 x 360 pixels, aspect ratio 16:9, with automatic orientation sensor (Accelerometer) for display rotation
    • Sound -Integrated stereo speakers with surround sound, and dedicated audio chip for crystal clear hi-fi sound quality.
    • Micro-USB connector, USB 2.0 High Speed
    • 3.5 mm Nokia AV connector
    • TV out interface (CA-75U)
    • Bluetooth version 2.0
    • WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g
    • MicroSD card slot hot swappable, max. 16 GB
    • Operating Frequency – WCDMA 900/2100, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
    • GPS – Integrated GPS for pedestrian and car navigation, Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch application
    • 3.2 megapixel camera (2048 x 1536 pixels), 3x digital zoom
    • Front facing video camera for video calling
    • TV out with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, in-box)
    • BL-5J 1320 mAh Li-Ion battery
    • Dimensions – 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm
    • Weight – 109 g

    General

    The Nokia 5800 certainly looks unlike any other device from Nokia so far, the main difference being the generously sized 3.2” touch screen which when compared to the iPhone is slightly smaller and quite a bit narrower as well.

    The front of the Device as mentioned is dominated by the 3.2" screen with 640 x 360 pixels and an aspect ratio 16:9. Starting from the top, just above the screen is a touch activated quick key launching a drop down multimedia menu, very useful for quick access to video, music & photos. Above this is a forward facing camera for video calls. The front of the device features just three solid keys, two being call control buttons and the central button being used to launch the phones main navigation menu.

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic front view

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic front view

     

    Moving round to the left hand side of the 5800, we can see two slots one being for your SIM card the other being home to a microSD card. Also interestingly located just below the red stripe at either end of the device are two speakers which provide great sound quality.

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic left side

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic left side

     

    The right side of the device has slightly more to offer in the way of buttons starting with a two way volume control also used for features such as zoom when using the phones camera. Below this is a very conveniently placed almost spring loaded lock key used to lock and unlock the device. Finally on the right side of the phone is an independent shutter button for capturing photos when using the phones camera.

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic right side

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic right side

     

    The top of the device is one that is personally very pleasing that is because it features not only the standard Nokia connection but also a 3.5mm headphone socket allowing the use of your own headphones without the need for an adapter, also being located on the top it means the phone sits easily in the pocket without an unsightly bulge on the side. Also located on the top of the 5800 is the standby button as well as the micro USB connection.

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic top view

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic top view

     

    The back of the device is home to a 3.2 megapixel camera with a Carl Zeiss lens and the inclusion of Dual LEDs used for flash when capturing photos. The back of the phone also houses the 5800’s stylus which is simply lid out from the bottom of the phone when needed.

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic back view

    Nokia 5800 XpressMusic back view

     

    Highlights and Lowlights

    + Great Connectivity
    + Ease of Use
    – Only 3.2 megapixel Camera

    Review

    So as I mentioned earlier the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic has been touted as the first genuine iPhone contender, so is this a fair and honest observation well that very depends on what you think of the iPhone. One thing I will say is with the 5800 being considerably lower in price than the iPhone it certainly does look good for the Finish giants.

    First things first lets start with the phones design. The phone feels rather light in comparison to other similar touch screen devices which does mean the phone lacks that certain real high quality finish however, having said that it does by no means affect the phones build quality and the 5800 certainly does not feel like a badly built cheap piece of plastic. As with all touch screen devices emphasis will always be paced on the phones appearance and styling and in the flesh the 5800 certainly lives up to expectation. The screen is a decent size which makes watching video and viewing photos pleasurable experience. The glossy black finish also adds to the phones great styling with the single stripe running round the device with the back being solid with a matt finish.

    5800_angled_right 

    As you may be aware some touch screen devices can be rather temperamental and as a result difficult to use. The Nokia 5800 is I have to say the best touch screen I have used, I experienced very few problems with the phones touch screen the only one being the occasional issue of the qwerty keyboard being to small when set to half screen something which is easily overcome either by switching to full screen keyboard or by the use of the stylus. Another great feature is the Handwriting function allowing you to write emails, texts, notes etc. without having to use the touch screen keyboard at all, as with all handwriting readers there are always a few recognition problems but for the most part it works fairly well.

    Unlike many other touchscreen devices Nokia have made the bold marketing move of aiming the 5800 at a different market altogether with most devices being given a high end price tag and marketed for a high business customer however Nokia have made the decision to steer clear from this and aim their device at music lovers. The most important thing for many music lovers when it comes to a phone offering such promises is memory and the Nokia 5800 weighs in at a maximum 16GB supported via MicroSD and a welcome addition is the inclusion of a 8GB MicroSD card straight out of the box. As for music and multimedia playback on the 5800 the inclusion of the quick launch touch button located just above the touch screen makes accessing your files very easy and allows for instant playback without having to navigate various menus etc. Watching videos on the 5800 is again as easy as listening to music and the 3.2” screen means you won’t be having to hold the device right to your eyes in order to be able to see the screen, the device has a built in accelerometer and Nokia have also included a useful little stand for resting the device to watch videos when the device is horizontal. As you may have seen in Matt’s un-box of the 5800 the phone does include a set of composite cables out of the box which makes hooking the device up to a large screen TV for playback of videos and photos etc. so much easier without having to run out and but additional cables.

    The phone also boasts an 3.2” megapixel camera which although is not terrible when compared to some other devices out on the market it does not come up to scratch, but when compared to the iPhones 2 megapixel camera it suddenly doesn’t seem so bad. Picture quality is good compared to other similar spec phone cameras available and the dual led flash makes capturing in different light allot easier, a number of features and modes are also available which make using the 5800’s camera fun and simple.

    Moving on to the phones connectivity, and I think this is where it really does set itself aside from its competitors. When you look at the features list you would be excused for assuming the device would come with a high end price tag however when you look at the features list and bare in mind the Nokia 5800 costs around £250 that is when you may start to take note. GPS – Integrated GPS for pedestrian and car navigation, Bluetooth v2.0 & WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g are just a few of the things this phone is capable of supporting, Browsing the internet on the device is surprisingly easy and sites load relatively quickly, and the with quick links to sites such as Facebook & Myspace it is easy to keep connected with friends and family on the move.

    The phones battery life is estimated at 8 ½ hours however if used for heavy applications such as web browsing and email this is likely to decrease. In the time I had the 5800 I experienced no problems with the battery life however there will always be room for improvement.

    5800_angled_left


    Conclusion

    Overall the 5800 XpressMusic is a solid offering from Nokia and a great start in the touchscreen phone market for them, its sleek design and lightweight feel make it ideal for travelling with and the great connectivity the phone has to offer is certainly worth the £250 alone. Add to this the phones great multimedia capabilities and this fast becomes a phone to rival not only the iPhone but your stand alone MP3 player as well. Nokia seem to have though of everything with the 5800, what I mean by that is straight out the box you have pretty much everything you need, from a case to composite cables, stand, stylus. Not only does the 5800 come at a cheaper price tag than many other touch screen devices but the price you pay is likely to be the only expense as you will not need to go out and buy several different accessories to get the best out of your device. As for an iPhone killer, well, there will always be people who live and breath iPhone and are unwilling to change no matter what comes along however I have to say given the price and the phones features the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is certainly a force to be reckoned with, write it off at your peril.

     

    Review by: Nick

    [ Post Tags: Nokia, 5800 XpressMusic, Music Phone, tracyandmatt.co.uk, clove technology ]

    Posted in: Reviews
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