Archive for July 19th, 2009

Videos of the HTC Hero

The guys over at Phonedog have got hold of a HTC Hero and have posted a couple of videos of the initial switch on and setup followed by a demo of the mail, messaging and Twitter applications. The original launch date has slipped from this month to early August so if you are patiently waiting to get your hands on one take a look at these great quality videos after the break.

Symbian 2 in the works

Symbian has been working away quietly on creating an open source platform to rival Android and prevent the Google upstart stealing all its dominant share of the smartphone OS market. It is almost ready to unleash its offerings on the world, hoping to divert some of the limelight from Android, with the beta release of the first open source iteration, Symbian ^2, due within weeks. And it has put flesh behind its previous, vague, hints of entering the content distribution and app store fields, with an initiative called Horizon.

The current version of Symbian OS has 49.3% share of the smartphone market, according to Gartner, and features on 70 handsets in 26 countries, with Europe its heartland. Predictably, Symbian’s first customer for store-related services was Nokia with Ovi Store, and it is also working with Samsung on Application Store and – significantly, given AT&T’s recent shifts towards wide scale Symbian adoption – that operator’s Media Mall.

For the full story head over to Rethink Wireless

Vodafone UK first to offer Samsung NC10 netbook with built-in mobile broadband

Vodafone UK is the first UK network operator to offer the Samsung NC10 ultra-mobile netbook with built-in mobile broadband connectivity.

Free on both a 24 month contract for £25 a month with 1GB of data and a 24 month contract for £30 a month with 3GB of data, the Samsung NC 10 netbook has a Vodafone SIM and mobile broadband software pre-installed meaning customers won’t need to use a USB modem to connect to the web. Commuters, bloggers and those that rule their life from their handbag, briefcase or laptop bag will be able to connect to Vodafone’s fast and reliable mobile broadband network, whether on the road, or on-the-go, while surfing the Web, chatting with friends, or enjoying their favourite online videos and music.

Weighing in at only 1.33kg, the netbook comes in black and includes a built-in webcam, a bright 10.2-inch glossy LED display and a normal-size, PC-style keyboard. It also boasts a 3 in 1 memory card reader for simple file sharing, 1GB memory and Microsoft Windows XP. Users will also appreciate the increased battery life and network reception that integrated mobile broadband offers when compared to using a separate USB modem with a notebook or laptop.

The Samsung NC10 netbook is available at http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-broadband-devices/samsung-netbook and by calling Vodafone telesales on 08080 408 408.

Also available is this season’s statement accessory, the PPQ for Vodafone Netbook Bag. Sleek, stylish and designed exclusively for Vodafone, the bag is the ultimate fashion item for style conscious urbanites and tech-savvy fashionistas on the go. Inspired by PPQ’s signature Gabriel bag and in deep red croc-print, it’s lightweight and on trend for summer 2009. The ultra-slim case is sized for a netbook and features a padded interior for protection and a pocket for daily essentials. Staying connected on the move has never been so chic.

Customers can purchase The PPQ for Vodafone Netbook Bag for just £40 at vodafone.co.uk/ppq whilst stocks last.

via Press Release