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eXpansys Friday Deals: Selected deals between 11am and 5pm, 20th November 2009 |
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*Voucher codes do not apply with these deals. Limited to 2 units per customer, available while stocks last. |
Posted by: Matt
We all know that HTC kick-started the Android generation way back on the 23rd of September 2008 with the release of the HTC Dream (latterly known as the T-Mobile G1) but did you know that deep within the murky depths of the 2.1 Rom for Android lay the codenames for existing and upcoming HTC Handsets? Probably not I guess is the answer.
It looks like HTC are planning a barrage of Android handsets that are already known to us and a number that are completely new for the 2.1 (Flan) Rom.
The known handsets are:
Some of the “Brand New” codenames are:
From what we are lead to believe “Dragon” & “PassionC” are rumoured to be HTC’s 2nd generation handsets set for the Verizon or Sprint network in the holiday period but the part that really sticks out for me is the mention of the non C (CDMA) version of passion which would suggest (based on the past) that there will be a GSM version of this handset.
I’ve always been one for rumours and very few (if any) that I have ever posted here have turned out not to come true so, with names like Supersonic, Incredible & Legend sitting in there and the fact that I’m a self confessed Android Geek I personally cannot wait to see what HTC have lined up.
[source]
Posted by: John (I’ve been in Hiding) McKenzie
Doing a little Youtube watching tonight I found this video of the HTC Tattoo and I think HTC have decided to market the device as being a great deal larger than it actually is. I have one sitting here and unless this is the child’s finger there is no way the HTC Tattoo is this size. Are they embarrassed about how it ended up? the screen is super small and something quite off putting, especially with “stumpy” fingers as a comment once declared on one of my video. See the video and my comparison after the break:
Resco, a supplier of Windows Phone applications and one of the a leading mobile software developers officially announced the release of Resco Photo Manager 7.00, follower of a popular image viewing application with brand new graphic solutions, overall concept and handling options.
Resco Photo Manager is a favorite photo viewing program with features far beyond standards of the classic built-in viewer. Users gain functions of complete image management in a modern looking and easy to handle application. Intuitive way of work, outrageous effects and many slideshow and edit features move other image viewing programs to the second line.
“With Photo Manager 7, Resco made a fantastic and completely new user experience for showing and managing photos on a Windows Phone. The developers focus on easy finger-friendly controls and iPhone-like interface will fit all needs on the go to provide best user experience.” said David Kaiser from Pocketland.de. “If you want to have photos on the Windows Phone you will need to install Resco Photo Manager.”
Some might say a blessing in disguise, other’s will be in tears. However, Blackberry’s Storm 2 seems to be causing a bit of a … fracas over at Vodafone Mobile News reports. Dealers are going to be loosing out on a few bob for every Storm 2 sold so they are simply refusing to sell it. The original Storm was not without it’s complaints when it came to hardware and now the Storm 2 seems to be suffering from a new foe, Commission structure:
Vodafone dealers have been "forced" to turn down sales of the BlackBerry Storm 2, due to poor channel offerings. Dealers claimed they would lose money on the sale of a Storm 2 as the handset cost outweighs Vodafone’s commission package. The handset is exclusive to Vodafone and is the successor to the Storm.
There’s a raft of new Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets hitting the market at the moment. LG want a piece of the action and have launched the LG GM750. The GM750 is quite similar in form and spec. to the Samsung Omnia Lite that we reviewed a few days ago. It’s strange how LG and Samsung often seem to have very similar handsets out at the same time!
The LG GM750 is a Vodafone exclusive here in the UK at the moment so if you want to get your hands on one you’ll either have to be a Vodafone customer or else splash out on getting one unlocked.
Steve is doing a review of the GM750 at the moment and will, in sure, be making comparisons between this and the Omnia Lite that he reviewed the other day. I’ve told him that he cant just send me the Omnia Lite review with Samsung crossed out and LG written in!
Have a look at the brief unboxing video below where you’ll find a quick tour of the UI too.
LG GM750 specification:
Posted by: Matt
O2 have announced a new service called O2 More. O2 More is all about giving their customers discounts, special offers and freebies for things they like in exchange for your personal information. O2 Media’s Managing Director Shaun Gregory tells us all about it in the video below:-
Via O2
The 360 H1 is Vodafone’s foray into the world of application-based mobiles, and the next in the long line of iPhone contenders. So with the iPhone coming to Vodafone very soon is the 360 worth the time and effort and what does it offer users in terms of connectivity and functionality.
What’s in the box?
General
The Vodafone 360 H1 looks every part the exciting new communication device offering some great innovative features sure to keep even the latest tech savvy social butterfly. Now I am fairly sure Vodafone would not appreciate the tag of iPhone clone however if manufacturers continue designing phones in a style, which was perfected by the iPhone, then unfortunately this tag remains. If this is a style perfected by Apple I suppose Vodafone have no need to change it and for the most part it works with the 360 however I am personally not a massive fan of the plastic back, it seems a little cheap.
The front of the H1 houses the large 3.1″ touch screen along with three navigational buttons. Call buttons along with a quick launch contact key and applications page shot cut.
The right of the device is home to the dedicated shutter key and also a rather helpful and colourful search quick launch key.
The left of the H1 features a two-way volume rocker and also the mini USB connector, which is cleverly hidden behind a sliding panel keeping it safe from dust etc. while improving the overall design of the phone.
The back of the 360 has the 5 megapixel camera along with that all, important flash. The back also features the obligatory Vodafone branding.
The top of the device has the dedicated standby button and a much welcome 3.5mm headphone socket.
Review
So 360 is a new service being launched by Vodafone, which aims to bring the world together, well maybe not the world but your contacts at least. Basically it is their way of bringing all your contact together in one place whether this is through social networking sites or your mobile contacts. The idea and purpose of this is to encourage people to communicate in a new exciting way. But does it do this? Well the short answer is ‘yes’ but the slightly longer answer is ‘yes, but it is far from perfect’.
Now although this is not a review of the service, as the Samsung H1 is currently one of the few phones able to use the service it seemed wrong not to mention it. And also the phone has clearly been designed with 360 in mind and not the other way around. Looks wise as I mentioned earlier the H1 is not an unattractive device however I am personally not a massive fan of the silver plastic I feel for a device of this status it should try a little harder to warrant the price tag with its looks.
The H1’s emphasis on connecting people and contact is apparent right from the start after unlocking the phone using the completely original cough slide to unlock feature you will be greeted by a either a mass of coloured heads or if you have particularly photogenic friends a collage of your friends for you to scroll through in a 3D depth rich layout. Navigation on the H1 was something I found surprisingly easy. The introduction of this new style for Vodafone had me worried that it may come with a lengthy learning curve however after just a few clicks you will soon find yourself flicking through your features with great ease.
This ease of use is due largely to the navigational buttons at the bottom of the device a quick click of the contact button will allow you to switch between the colourful and creative collage of contact or a more conventional list view and the same applies for the apps button switching between either a gird or list view of all your favourite applications.
The H1 houses a hefty 5 megapixel with an LED flash, which is certainly a welcome addition. I was pleasantly surprised with the image quality of the H1 and would even go as far as to say it rivals some dedicated digital cameras of a similar resolution out there on the market today. The various different modes including panoramic and smile, and with video capabilities the H1 may well have your current digital camera shaking with fear as it positions itself as a rival to the modern camera striving to do it all.
The H1 also features an easy to use music player and what makes this player so much easier to enjoy is the 3.5mm headphone jack and my joy was even more profound after discovering it is located on the top of the device, which allows the H1 to sit comfortably in the pocket without a protruding cable.
Applications wise the H1 has a fair amount to offer including YouTube and Facebook apps and with many more available through the 360 store it seems like Vodafone are set to bring their own offering to the already fit to burst apps market. However it is difficult to judge at this point but things look promising. Connectivity wise the H1 is fairly standard stuff, Bluetooth, GPRS, 3G etc. however the inclusion of WiFi is certainly a very welcome addition. The large touch screen makes using applications and things like web browsing enjoyable and easily navigated with little trouble.
So one thing that many have said about the iPhone and to be fair other devices focused more on apps than communication is that although they may be a great source of entertainment on the move when it comes to them operating like a phone they disappoint. The H1 however for me anyway really did seem to take a step closer to combining great feature rich applications while still maintaining its primary use as a mobile phone. The speakerphone is crystal clear and using the phone in the traditional way isn’t bad either with minimal muffling and clear sound throughout the call.
Performance with the H1 is something which for such a feature packed device surprised me there is little to no LAG when scrolling through contacts or applications and using the touch screen qwerty keyboard is a breeze so no complaints there. Battery life for the H1 is quoted at up to 10 hours 2G-talk time, which is not bad for a device with so much to offer, and I had little trouble with rapidly depleting battery in the time I spent with it. The phone is a fair size however not too clunky to slip in your pocket and the weight is a comparatively light 134 grams compared to other similar devices.
Conclusion
The H1 or the Samsung Vodafone 360 H1 to give it its full title is a phone full of promise however at this time it is certainly more promise less fulfilment. The 360 platform is one which excites me and if carried out properly could be a real success for Vodafone however at this time it is a little like when you first got Facebook or MySpace its great and has so much to offer however it is a service which relies heavily on your friends and contact being a part of it as well, and given that the H1 is one of the few devices able to use the 360 platform until it is rolled out onto more common devices it will remain a phone of great potential and not a device that delivers the before mentioned potential. A great phone for those wanting to be the leader of the pack who is not concerned with having to wait a while for others to catch up.
Review by: Nick
Post Tags: [Vodafone 360, Samsung H1, LinMo, tracyandmatt.co.uk]
We are talking here about real architecture and not about “software architecture” and “software architects”! This real architecture is a combination of art and engineering and sometimes it is difficult to say which construction is a masterpiece and which is just a boring, garish, building. This app can help!
Our latest podcast, Episode 51, is now available for download. This week we hit upon Sony Ericsson and Nokia’s failings, Andy reviews his Palm Pre, the Motorola Milestone. We also answer a couple of listener questions.
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