Press Releases

Carphone Warehouse teams up with Norton to offer mobile security

Norton by Symantec today announced a partnership agreement with Carphone Warehouse.  Under the terms of the agreement, Carphone Warehouse will offer Norton’s award-winning Norton Mobile Security throughout its footprint of over 800 stores across the UK.

The agreement sees Norton Mobile Security offered along with every new Android handset purchased at Carphone Warehouse. Norton Mobile Security provides Android customers with protection and security for their mobile devices and the personal information that is saved and stored on them. The technology features remote locate, lock and wipe to secure the device, if it is stolen, plus call and text blocker and anti-phishing web protection to protect against the growing number of mobile threats and scams.  The findings from Symantec’s recent Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) show that mobile vulnerabilities increased by 93 per cent in 2011.

Everything Everywhere sim card allows for remote control cooking with the iTotal Control Oven

Yes, you did read the title correctly! This one strikes me as being a little odd but I suppose it is a natural progression in technology.

Everything Everywhere, the business that runs Orange in the UK and the country’s biggest communications company, has today announced that AGA Rangemaster has selected its proprietary M2M Management Platform and SIM cards from Orange for the new AGA iTotal Control oven.

By integrating Orange SIM cards into the new AGA iTotal Control oven, AGA customers can maintain complete remote control over their ovens, wherever they are. Those with no internet connection can text their oven with simple commands such as “baking oven on” or “all ovens off”, and will receive a reply confirming the action has been taken.  It takes less than one hour for AGA ovens to reach temperature, and the new functionality will enable customers to plan ahead when it suits them.

For customers with a smartphone or tablet, applications can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store that provide a visualization of the AGA iTotal Control oven, which can be controlled by touchscreen.  For those people not on the move but not at home either, a dedicated web portal has been designed to allow them to control their AGAs from a PC or laptop.

Everything Everywhere launches Smart Signal Sharing – the final phase of the ‘big switch-on’

Everything Everywhere, the UK’s biggest communications company, has completed the final stage of the ‘big switch-on’ – Orange and T-Mobile’s signal sharing project. Smart Signal Sharing will mean that if a customer’s smartphone, tablet or dongle 3G signal starts to fade, it will automatically and seamlessly prioritise signal from the other network. This means customers will get access to fast, uninterrupted 3G in more places, more of the time.

Olaf Swantee, CEO of Everything Everywhere, said:

“Smart Signal Sharing marks the completion of the Orange and T-Mobile signal integration project, which provides our 27.5million customers with the widest 2G and 3G coverage available in Britain today. The launch is yet another proofpoint to our commitment to provide our customers with the best network in the UK – now and in the future.

Our continued investment into the network, including the launch of 50% faster 3G speeds through HSPA+, allows our customers to access the internet, social networks or download emails faster in more places than ever before.”

No more traffic jams with INRIX for iPhone and iPad

We have covered INRIX in the past over on the BlackBerry but announced today is the welcomed iOS version.

INRIX, a leading international provider of traffic information and driver services, introduces a new app for the iPhone and iPad that helps drivers take control of their commute and avoid traffic. INRIX Traffic helps cut the cost of gridlock with the following time-saving features:  

· Your Fastest Routes to Home & Work:  Drivers can easily decide which route is the best choice to get around today’s traffic. Only INRIX analyses the impact accidents, sporting events, concerts and other unique local events have on traffic to deliver the fastest routes with the least delay. 

· Recommended Departure & Travel Times:  The INRIX Traffic Forecast Slider shows drivers the best options for avoiding frustrating delays now and in the future. 

· Share INRIX Arrival Times:  Easily send your INRIX Arrival Time instantly to any contact with just a few taps.

· Personalised Traffic Alerts:  Drivers can uniquely tune their app to only alert them to accidents and other incidents causing delays along their route.

Samsung Galaxy SIII “fastest selling pre-order of 2012” according to Carphone Warehouse

With one week to go before the handset arrives, Carphone Warehouse today revealed customers have pre-ordered thousands of the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy SIII. More than 800 stores will stock the SIII upon launch, making Carphone Warehouse the largest distributor in the UK and the only retailer to offer deals with all major UK mobile networks.

Graham Stapleton, Chief Commercial Officer at Carphone Warehouse, says, "Pre-order demand for the new Galaxy SIII has surpassed expectations since the handset was first unveiled two weeks ago. The first 24 hours alone saw thousands placing their pre-order at Carphone Warehouse."

Graham adds, "The Galaxy SIII is without a doubt the fastest selling pre-order of 2012 so far. We’re gearing up for an exceptionally busy launch day at the end of the month as the handset lands on shelves at our stores across the UK."
On 29th May, the Samsung Galaxy SIII will be available from 7pm for pre-order customers at selected stores, with general sales starting on the 30^th across all Carphone Warehouse stores. The handset will be free with monthly tariffs from £28 per month.

Available from Carphone Warehouse http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/NEW-SAMSUNG-GALAXY  or 0800 925 925.

Posted by: James

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 – available now on Three

Another Android device hits Three today and once again an affordable option.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is now available online at www.three.co.uk and from 25^th May in all Three stores.

A step up from the Samsung Galaxy Ace, the Ace 2 brings a whole host of improvements to a very popular smartphone. The affordable phone has a large 3.8″ WVGA screen which makes viewing pictures, watching videos and playing the latest apps a pleasure. It also features a 5MP camera with Auto Focus, allowing people to take great pictures on the go.

With a dual-core 800Mhz processor, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is fast, allowing people to quickly switch between streaming the latest video content and updating their status on their favourite social networks.

Sylvia Chind, head of handsets at Three said, “Offering fantastic features at an affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is a great first smartphone. One of my favourite features is the front facing VGA camera, allowing you to make video calls, with apps like Skype and Google Talk”.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 is available from £22 a month with no up front cost on the Essential Internet 500 plan. The Essential Internet and Ultimate Internet plans, offer a fear-free mobile internet experience, with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges.

The handset is also available on Pay As You Go for £229.99. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.

Key features:

· 3.8 inch WVGA screen

· 5MP camera with Auto Focus

· Front facing VGA camera

· Fast 800MHz dual core processor

· Large 4GB internal memory

· HD video recording @ 720p

Posted by: James

Sony Xperia U – available now on Three

Another relatively low cost, compact Android smartphone hits the selves today. The Sony Xperia U may not be the biggest but inside it is packing some pretty nice specs.

The Sony Xperia U is now available online at www.three.co.uk and from tomorrow (22^nd May 2012) in all Three stores.

With an illuminating strip at the base of the phone which changes colour to match the dominant colour in photos and music album covers, this unique phone is great for people who want to stand out from the crowd. The phone also comes with customisable caps that slot on to the bottom of the phone and add an extra level of personalisation.
The Sony Xperia U’s 3.5″ display with Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA Engine technology ensures that photos, apps, web pages and games are always crystal clear. The five megapixel camera with Exmoor R sensor technology allows people to take perfect pictures in low light. The device also features a fast 1.5 second image capture too, so fast fingered photographers don’t have to worry about missing the perfect shot.

Sylvia Chind, head of handsets at Three said, “We’re confident that this stylish and affordable smartphone will appeal to fashionistas who can customise the colour and look of the Sony Xperia UT to their mood or outfit. With the latest technology also built in, and on Three’s fast network, this phone really does have it all.”

The Sony Xperia U is available on Three from £15 a month on the Essential Internet 100 plan and £20 a month on the Essential Internet 500 plan. The Essential Internet and Ultimate Internet plans, offer a fear-free mobile internet experience, with a guarantee of no surprise out of bundle data charges.
The phone is also available on Pay As You Go for £179.99. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.
Key features:

• Unique, customisable design
• 5 megapixel camera with HD video recording
• 1.5 second fast image capture
• Powerful 1GHz dual-core processor
• 3.5″ FWVGA Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine
• Colour-matching illumination strips
• Changeable colour caps
• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) operating system

Posted by: James

Telmap launched free Sat Nav app for UK BlackBerry users

Telmap, pioneers in mobile location-based services, announced today that a new version of its Telmap Navigator mobile application is now available for free to Blackberry users in the UK.

Telmap Navigator can be downloaded on Blackberry’s AppWorld and for the first time enables Blackberry users to turn their devices for free, into a real local search, mapping and navigation system with in-car navigation with 3D moving maps, voice-guided instructions, a dedicated pedestrian navigation mode, and a postcode business and address search that’s specially tailored for UK users.

In addition, Telmap Navigator enables easy exploration of one’s surroundings with free access to nearby restaurants, pubs and plenty of activities provided by TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet. Moreover, Telmap Navigator offers a layer of ultra-local content that’s specific to UK users and will optimize their on-the-go experience with access to information from local brands such as Barclays Cycle, Ordnance Survey, and more. With Telmap Navigator, users can also keep in touch with their community through integrations with Facebook, Twitter, and the extremely popular BlackBerry Messenger, a must-have for BlackBerry users who will be able to communicate their location through BBM and locate their BBM contacts, all from within Telmap Navigator.

“Telmap’s vision is all about providing people with instant, relevant, reliable and fun information while on-the-go, and we are happy to be able to offer just that to UK users of Blackberry devices. We have optimized the app to the Blackberry device for a great user experience and are confident that by using Telmap Navigator, Blackberry users will be able to derive a lot more value from their devices”, said Motti Kushnir, Telmap Chief Marketing Officer.

Telmap Navigator is available for free download on Blackberrry’s AppWorld. It’s available to UK users, on the following Blackberry models (both touch and non-touch devices): BB9900, BB9810, BB9790, BB9380, BB9360, BB9800, BB9320, BB9300. Click here to download. 

Posted by: James

BlackBerry Curve 9320 now available at Vodafone

A little late to the party but Vodafone have now announced pricing and availability of the BlackBerry Curve 9320.

The great value BlackBerry Curve 9320, featuring the latest BlackBerry 7.1 operating system and 3G connectivity, is now available to buy at Vodafone UK.

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 combines super speedy browsing with a dedicated convenience key for quick and easy BBM. With a built-in FM Radio, its own Mobile Hotspot support and pre-loaded apps for Facebook, Twitter and the new Social Feeds 2.0, it’s the perfect phone for social butterflies and, given its fantastic price, anyone on a budget. As the following video shows: http://youtu.be/ptiZZqTPNUc

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 is available now from Vodafone for £135 on Pay as you go price plans, or free on pay monthly price plans from £15.50 per month. For more information on the device, visit: http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/blackberry-curve-9320-black-payg

All our Pay as you go phones enable customers to take advantage of the great value Vodafone Freebees, which include a choice of free minutes, text and web access or international calls – www.vodafone.co.uk/freebees.

Every Pay as you go customer is also automatically opted-in to Freebee Rewardz. Every time a Pay as you go customer tops up as little as £5, they’ll receive a voucher code via text message, which they can use to ‘grab’ an instant reward or bank them as ‘grow’ points, to save up for something bigger.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of rewards including big discounts from brands such as Thorntons and BLOCKBUSTER, music downloads and free minutes, or choose to take a mystery reward, which could be anything from a smoothie maker to an iPhone. Alternatively, customers can collect points towards vouchers and experience days. For more information, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/rewardz.

You can read our full and extensive review of the BlackBerry Curve 9320 here.

Posted by: James

Pre orders open at T-Mobile for the Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III is now available to pre-order from T-Mobile. Customers can place their orders directly by visiting the T-Mobile website.

Both colour variants are available and although, as usual, there are a whole range of tariff options. T-Mobile are recommending the package which is £49.99 for the handset and then £36 a month for 24 months.

This is the Full Monty deal you will will get the following as part of your package:

• Unlimited internet
• Unlimited texts
• 2000 minutes to any network
• Plus unlimited T-Mobile calls

That is a lot for your money but it is also a big commitment as with any 24 month contract.

Posted by: James