Author Archive: John McKenzie

Press Release: MOTOZINE ZN5 – Motorola & Kodak

Looks like Motorola are well and truly back on the mobile phone scene with the release of this their latest mobile phone. The Motozine ZN5 unfortunately is only available in the US for the moment but never the less it is a nice looking handset with a nice 5MP camera.

Motorola Motozine ZN5

Shoot, Share and Show Off: MOTOZINE™ ZN5 Debuts in North America at T-Mobile USA
Mobile imaging experience redefined with Motorola and Kodak technology
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Nov. 3, 2008 –Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a leader in wireless communications will bring the mobile imaging powerhouse, MOTOZINE™ ZN5, to North America today, available exclusively for T-Mobile USA customers. Created in collaboration with Kodak (NYSE: EK), the world’s foremost imaging innovator, MOTOZINE ZN5 combines a high-quality phone and camera experience to help users click together and share the memories they capture.
MOTOZINE ZN5 delivers a picture-perfect camera and mobile experience. ZN5 is the first mobile phone to combine Motorola’s ModeShift technology and KODAK Imaging Technology. Together, they redefine the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. The dedicated, simple share key allows one-touch sharing with friends and family while on the go through access to: picture messaging, T-Mobile

MyAlbum, Kodak Gallery and compatible Bluetooth enabled printers.
“The arrival of the MOTOZINE ZN5 at T-Mobile provides a new opportunity for customers to instantly capture and share each special moment in their lives,” said Dennis Burke, vice president, Sales, Motorola Mobile Devices. “The MOTOZINE ZN5 simplifies mobile imaging while empowering users with the tools they traditionally rely on in a digital camera.”
“The MOTOZINE ZN5 is a terrific phone for T-Mobile customers who value instant connections with loved ones,” said Travis Warren, Director of Device Marketing at T-Mobile. “Who wants to lug around several tech devices during the holidays when
one – the ZN5 – will suffice, making it easier than ever to snap and share photos with family and friends.”

Built to Shoot
ZN5 puts image capture first with a high-resolution screen and one of the fastest click-to-click times available. To launch the camera, simply slide open the lens cover to transform the phone into an ultra-fast, natural-feeling 5 megapixel imaging device. Unlike most “camera phones” on the market, the ZN5 has the feel of a digital camera with the shutter button, flash and viewer in the standard placement consumers expect. Plus, with auto focus for sharp, vivid pictures, a Xenon flash, an included 1 GB memory card (with 4GB of optional external memory support) to store favorite images, optimized settings for low-light environments and red-eye reduction, there is no longer a need to carry two devices. ZN5 is both a phone and a digital camera.
Built-in KODAK Imaging Technology ensures that every picture taken with ZN5 looks its best. When KODAK Imaging Technology is combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, images become brighter and more vivid on the spot. Multiple capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image, makes taking photos fun.

Built to Share
With one click, photos can be viewed right from the home screen; no menus, no searching. This multimedia device provides a fun, quick and easy way to share favorite photos with friends and family. Using high speed Wi-Fi or GSM networks, full resolution pictures can be wirelessly uploaded in one simple click to the KODAK Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com)¹. Consumers also have additional options for sharing, whether sending over MMS¹, transferring to a computer via USB, showing slideshows on a TV (TV output/AV cable included in box), or using Bluetooth wireless technology². T-Mobile customers who purchase a ZN5 will receive 50 free prints from Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com).

Built to Talk
In phone mode, ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalk™ technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world³ and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web¹ via a full HTML browser. To complete the communications experience, ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail¹.

Availability
MOTOZINE ZN5 is available today at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. For more information on the MOTOZINE ZN5, please visit www.store.motorola.com or www.t-mobile.com.

I have to openly admit that I’m not the world’s greatest fan of Motorola on the Mobile Phone front but reading through what this device can really do does kind of sway me a little.

Motorola Motozine ZN5 Back View

At this stage we still don’t know if it will ever be available in the UK but at just $99 on a two-year contract I’m sure it well sell well out in the states before Christmas.

Posted by: John

Press Release: T-Mobile G1 Hits the UK

Folks I feel like I have been neglecting you all when it comes to news and reviews on the G1 front. Let me start off by saying that the UK wait is finally over and there are some very lucky people out there just now playing happily with their brand spanking new T-Mobile G1 handset. I have pestered the life out of HTC and T-Mobile and hopefully we should have one of these next week to play with (fingers crossed). I know that what is seen below is a lot to take in but I think it’s a worthwhile post and would like to hear your comments and thoughts on the G1.

G1 in Black

London, 30 October: The T-Mobile G1 – the phone built for the Internet and the first to run on the innovative Android open source mobile software platform – went on sale in the UK today prompting a queue of gadget enthusiasts outside T-Mobile’s Central London store stores eager to get their hands on this year’s most anticipated mobile phone.
Queues began at 5:00 am at T-Mobile’s Oxford Street store which opened early to allow shoppers to get their hands on the T-Mobile G1.

Exclusive to T-Mobile, the G1 offers a completely new mobile internet experience with full touch screen plus QWERTY keyboard for easy online communication and high speed internet with popular Google services already on board. The T-Mobile G1 also offers access to innovative application downloads from the new Android Market, 50 of which are available now to download for free. These initial applications enable you to do everything from compare prices to mix a cocktail and even measure the earth’s movements.
Andy Burgess, a software programmer from Farringdon, London, was the first to emerge from T-Mobile’s Oxford Street store with a T-Mobile G1. He said: "Being the first person in the UK to own this mobile phone is amazing – I’m going to be popular at work! I’ve been waiting for this phone for months and I knew I had to be the first to own it."

Jim Hyde, CEO, T-Mobile UK said:  "With the richest web experience ever seen on a mobile and thanks to the Android Market, the unprecedented ability to make your mobile work just the way you want, the T-Mobile G1 is set to revolutionise the way we use our phones. And judging by early reports coming in from our stores today, people are enthusiastically embracing this revolution and signing up for the T-Mobile G1."

The T-Mobile G1 is available for free on T-Mobile Combi and Flext price plans from £40 a month, including unlimited fast mobile internet browsing powered by T-Mobile’s award-winning network.

The G1’s full QWERTY keyboard makes it simple to write exactly what you want to say and navigating is even easier using the touch screen and trackball.  There’s also one touch access to all your favourite Google applications including web search, Google Maps, Google Talk and Google Mail. So whether it’s email, instant messaging, social network updates or even calling and texting, the T-Mobile G1 is perfect for whatever form of communication you prefer.

With Google Maps, T-Mobile G1 users can instantly view maps, satellite imagery, find local businesses and get driving directions. And Google Maps synchs with the built-in compass – an industry first – to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.

The 50 applications available to download for free at Android Market include Wikitude, which displays local information from Wikipedia live on-screen when scanning your local surroundings using the phone’s camera. There are also a number of applications designed to help consumers make their money go further including ShopSavvy, which uses the G1’s camera to ‘scan’ product barcodes and then searches the web using the browser to find the best available prices. Other applications help users indulge their interests. SplashPlay teaches users how to play the guitar by streaming video over the web, whilst Cooking Capsules and Cocktail! comb the web to provide recipes and instructions based on the contents of your kitchen or drinks cabinet.

So much has happened since the release stateside of the G1 starting with the fact that an exploit had been found and then there was the ability to unlock the handset by IMEI. number making it open for use on any network.

G1 in White

The phone itself is available on the following T-Mobile G1 Price Plans:

Combi: get the T-Mobile G1 free with 800 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited* mobile internet browsing for a total of just £40 a month

Flext: get the T-Mobile G1 free on Flext with web’n’walk plus for just £40 per month including unlimited* mobile internet browsing and up to 1,250 minutes or up to 2,500 texts or any mix of the two

Vital statistics: The T-Mobile G1

• Available in two colours – black and white
• GPS and compass
• Rich HTML email client which seamlessly synchs email with POP3 or IMAP services
• 3.5G (HSDPA/HSUPA) and Wi-Fi connectivity
• 3 Mega pixel camera
• MP3 music player
• Pre-installed 2 GB Micro SD memory card (device supports up to an 8 GB card)
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Up to 130 hours standby and up to 5 hours talk time
• Dimensions: 117.7 x 55.7 x 26.5 mm
• Weight: 158g

Applications available free on Android Market from 30 October

Shopping

• Barcode Scanner v2.1 – Scans and recognises the barcode of any product
• ShopSavvy – Compares prices online and on the high street
• CompareEverywhere – Scans barcodes and gives directions to local stores using Google maps

Lifestyle

• Mandelbrot Map – Map viewer
• Krystle II – Pet your phone
• Pocket Seismograph – Monitors the phone’s accelerometer
• Translate – Translation tool
• Pro Football Live! – Football news / information
• BreadCrumbz – Navigate via user-generated pictures
• e-ventr – Event organizer and friendship scout
• iMap Weather(tm) – Weather application
• Ecorio – Track and reduce your carbon footprint, "green community"
• Cocktail! – Database of cocktails
• Cooking Capsules Taster – Cooking application
• Wikitude – AR Travel – Mobile travel guide
• AccuWeather.com – Global weather

Multimedia

• Shazam – Identify music, store and buy music
• PicSay  – Personalize pictures with text
• Panoramio – Finds pictures of interesting places in your area
• TuneWiki – Next generation social media player
• BlueBrush – Draw with friends, share the same canvas
• Video Player v.01 – Plays video files off of the G1’s SD card
• Photostream – Photo browser for Flickr
• Ringdroid – Create ringtones
• SplashPlay – Music application

Productivity

• QuickList – To do lists
• WikiMobile Encyclopedia – Wikipedia for mobile devices
• Maverick – IM compatible to Google Talk

Tools

• Radar – Draw a bearing between the user’s current location and latitude/longitude
• Task Switcher – Search-Space is the new "Alt-Tab"
• Spare Parts – Android developing tool
• Text-To-Speech Translator – Text-to-speech services
• Any Cut v0.5 – Home shortcuts to "anything" on your web or your phone
• Locale – Manages phone settings based on conditions (e.g. location)
• Contacts De-Duper – De-duplicate your contacts to streamline your contacts folder
• Shutter Spead – Detailed camera settings to make the most of the in-built camera and web access
• DiskUsage – Utility to examine SD card content to manage what you store on your phone
• Rings Extended – Replaces standard ringtones

Games & Puzzles

• PAC-MAN by Namco
• Metamath Solitaire
• MisMisMatch
• Anagrams v0.2
• Slide Puzzle
• Divide and Conquer!
• CB Black jack
• Bubble Bash
• Bonsai Blast
• Balls 2 The Wall
• Tetris
• Android Says

Posted by: John