Press Releases

Huawei Ascend G 300 hitting Vodafone on Friday

Looking for a low cost Android smartphone? You can pick up the new Huawei Ascend at the end of the week from Vodafone.

The Huawei Ascend G 300 offers an exciting and great value-for-money addition, with its large 4″ display to enhance the browsing, app and mobile entertainment experience.
Available exclusively at Vodafone for £100 PAYG when bought with a minimum £10 top-up (or free on £15.50, 24 month plans – including 100 minutes, 500 texts, and 250MB of mobile data), the Huawei Ascend G 300 presents a new standard of pay-as-you-go smartphone.
In addition to its 4″ screen – great for video playback – it also has a fast 1Ghz processor, longer battery life and fast Wi-Fi.
Running on Gingerbread (with an Ice Cream Sandwich update available later this summer), the Huawei Ascend G 300 also packs a 5 MP camera, 2.5GB of internal memory (expandable up to 32GB with a removable memory card), and weighs just 130g. The chrome and white finish makes it a great looking phone too!

For further details please visit the Vodafone website: www.vodafone.co.uk

Your favorite BlackBerry apps are about to get BBM integration

Over on the BlackBerry Blog they are proud to announce that many of the most popular BlackBerry applications are getting BBM integration.

Updates for BBM, Facebook, Twitter, BBM Music, BlackBerry Travel and BlackBerry App World are due to roll out in the next ten days adding the new feature.

For those who are not aware, BBM connected applications integrate BBM functionality right into the app, so you can do things like invite BBM friends to experience your favorite apps, chat with BBM contacts from inside the BBM connected app, and share and discover new BlackBerry apps and content with friends – without ever leaving the app!

Great news for us on Team BlackBerry.  Head on over to the BlackBerry Blog for further details on new features.

Posted by: James

Labrinth and iLuminate Light Up the Stage at the Xperia Night of Imagination

Yesterday evening saw a breathtaking Night of Imagination spectacular at the launch of Xperia and superstar Labrinth‘s debut album.

Labrinth performed exclusive remixes from Electronic Earth, and was joined on stage by surprise guests iLuminate – electrifying entertainers who have created the world’s first and only wearable, wireless lighting technology, using LED and EL-wire, which creates an exhilarating performing arts experience.

iLuminate burst onto stage in an explosion of colour for their first ever UK performance, decked out in their bespoke LED costumes they wowed the audience with a specially choreographed routine created just for Xperia and Labrinth.

Hotels.com app launches for WP7

Looking for a hotel? Why not use your Windows Phone? Hotels.com, the world’s leading hotel booking website, has today announced the launch of its mobile app for Windows Phone 7.

Launched last year, the Hotels.com mobile app has since received several million downloads. The app is also currently available for iPhone and Android devices, as well as a custom built version for the iPad which was added to the portfolio in September 2011.

The Timeshare Software is available for owner to be able to access their details and update information, payments and booking from one single portal.

The Hotels.com mobile app allows users to search and book almost 149,000 hotels around the world, either by entering the city they wish to stay or by finding hotels in their immediate location. The mobile app provides users with access to more than 20,000 exclusive last minute deals, hotel information and more than 6.5 million customer reviews (left by customers who have actually stayed in that hotel) on the go.

Christelle Chan for Hotels.com commented: “Since we first launched the Hotels.com mobile app last year, we’ve seen an increasing demand from people looking for hotels on the go, as 70% of all searches are made on the day they intend to stay.”

“If the latest stats are anything to go by, Windows Phone popularity is set to increase over the next few years and we have expanded our mobile portfolio to meet this demand. We’ve already seen great success through the App Store and Android Market, and are excited to make the app available to Windows Phone users too.”

Through the Hotels.com mobile app, users can also access the Hotels.com Welcome Rewards programme – a simple and unique loyalty programme which offers customers one free night for every ten nights stayed in over 65,000 partnering hotels worldwide (terms and conditions apply).

Already available as a free download for iPhone, iPad and Android, Hotels.com’s mobile app is now available for Windows Phone devices running Windows Phone 7.5 or higher, Symbian and MeeGo devices.

Posted by: James

Motorola RAZR MAXX incoming with 17.6 hours talk time!

All day, every day – that’s how much you use your smartphone. With its impossibly thin and lightweight design, Motorola RAZR MAXX boasts features with the wow factor and a battery that can handle even the most demanding lifestyle. Customers across Europe and the Middle East will be able to start talking, texting, typing, watching and more for even longer from May 2012.

RAZR MAXX delivers up to 17.6 hours of talk time so you won’t spend your day plugged into the wall. However its 1GB RAM combined with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and Android operating system will ensure you are always entertained, delivering a lightning-fast user interface and the power to multi-task like never before. You can rock your playlists while checking email, breeze through photos – all day, every day, all at the same time.

Still seriously thin at just 8.99mm, RAZR MAXX is the exact opposite of frail. It’s made strong with KEVLAR^® fibre, while Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass defends the hyper-vibrant 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display from scratches. And every part of the Motorola RAZR MAXX is protected by a splashguard coating, which even extends to the electrical boards inside, ensuring a go anywhere, do everything attitude.

Research In Motion’s Q4 earnings call

Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM), a world leader in the mobile communications market, today reported fourth quarter results for the three months and fiscal year ended March 3, 2012 (all figures in U.S. dollars and U.S. GAAP, except where otherwise indicated).

Highlights:

• $2.1 billion in cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments at the end of the quarter, which increased by approximately $610 million in the quarter
• Cash flow from operations of approximately $1.1 billion, up from approximately $900 million in Q3
• Revenue of $4.2 billion, down 19% from the third quarter
• GAAP net loss in Q4 of $125 million or $0.24 per share diluted; adjusted net income of $418 million or $0.80 per share diluted
• BlackBerry smartphone shipments of 11.1 million in Q4, down 21% from Q3
• RIM to discontinue providing specific quantitative guidance
• RIM provides update on organizational changes

BlackBerry sparkles with the new limited crystal edition Bold 9900

If you are a BlackBerry user and have a spare £2,499 in your pocket check this beauty out:

Get some sparkle this spring with the new limited edition BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone in white, complete with a striking case made from dazzling SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and available exclusively from Harrods.

The bespoke new creations, featuring dozens of precious crystal elements, come complete with a limited edition BlackBerry walnut box as well as a VIP support package, providing those who purchase the device with personalised celebrity treatment for twelve months. Just twenty cases with each accompanying gift box individually numbered have been produced.  They are exculsively embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, the premium brand for finest, loose cut crystals manufactured by Swarovski. The stunning devices are expected to cause a stir across the nation with BlackBerry fans already desperate to get their hands on the sought-after smartphone.

The popular white BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone which has already proved a hit with celebrities such as Pixie Lott and Fearne Cotton offers an impressively slim and stylish design and comes with the BlackBerry 7 operating system with enhanced communications, multimedia, productivity and social connectivity features. 

BlackBerry 7 boasts several exciting features including the next-generation BlackBerry browser which enables a flawless web browsing experience, the latest version of BBM, which now extends the real-time BBM experience to a range of other apps as well as a stunning high resolution display.

The BlackBerry Crystal collection made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is available exclusively from Harrods at a retail price of £2,499.

Posted by: James

Sony Xperia and Labrinth launch: A Night of Imagination

Sony today announces the launch of Xperia, along with superstar Labrinth’s debut album Electronic Earth, at A Night of Imagination spectacle on 4th April.
The event will include an exclusive set from Labrinth, with unheard remixes and an awe-inspiring secret collaboration – a never-before-seen performance in the UK. The exclusive event will be held at the iconic London venue, One Mayfair.  The audience can expect to be astounded as the show unfolds, and they witness first-hand what happens when the imaginative world of Xperia  collides with one of Sony Music’s most talented and  creative new artists.

Labrinth commented: “I’m excited about performing new tracks and exclusive material at the Xperia event. We have planned some special moments throughout the night and we’re sure the audience will enjoy what is in store for them.”
Catherine Cherry, Marketing Director for the UK and Ireland at Sony Mobile Communications said: “Labrinth is one of the most inspired UK artists currently on the scene, and this unique collaboration is designed to show what Xperia and our Made of Imagination campaign is all about. We want to ignite people’s imagination and curiosity through entertainment experiences, whether that is in reality or through our products.”

Tickets to the exclusive A Night of Imagination and prizes signed by Labrinth can be won by visiting www.facebook.com/SonyMobileUK and www.twitter.com/SonyXperiaGB.

Launch Event Details:
.    Address:  One Mayfair, North Audley Street, London, W1K 6ZA                                                              
.    Date:  Wednesday 4th April 2012                                                                                                                         
.    Time:  Arrivals from 18:30pm – 23:00pm
.    Website:  www.facebook.com/SonyMobileUK

Posted by: James

A Samsung store within a store at Phones 4U

Samsung Mobile and Phones 4u have today announced the opening of a new Samsung branded store within a Phones 4u store, in the heart of Central London. The store, which is located at 112-114 Oxford Street, will officially open to the public tomorrow, Friday 30^th March, and will feature the widest range of live Samsung handsets available for demonstration anywhere in the UK.

The mezzanine area and a large portion of the ground floor at the Oxford Street store will be dedicated to Samsung. Customers and fans of the brand will have the chance to try out and buy products from across the range of high end Samsung smartphones and tablets. Three play tables will be placed on the floor containing Samsung hero products such as the Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Tab series.

Within the Samsung dedicated area, demonstrations of product convergence will take place, as this becomes ever more important to customers who want their mobile phone to act as the remote control to their lives. The demonstrations will be run by a Phones 4u retail team extensively trained on, and passionate about, all Samsung products. 

Customers will have a chance to see future technology first-hand via a 32″ TV which will showcase Samsung’s AllShare technology, which allows the sharing of content wirelessly between devices including phones, tablets, TVs, and cameras. Three large bays on the walls will display Samsung’s entire range of contract handsets and prepay handsets – all of which will be live – and an extended range of accessories.  As well as showcasing the latest and most technologically advanced products, the store will be used as a venue for launches and celebrity personal appearances in the future.

HTC One X and HTC One S available for pre-order on Three

Good news if you are hoping to pick up one of HTC’s new Android smartphones. The HTC One X and HTC One S are now available on pre-order from Three stores or by calling 0800 358 4339.

The HTC One X is packed full of innovative features including a 4.7″ Pureview display (HD 720p) that creates razor sharp visuals through its tough Gorilla Glass LCD screen. It’s speedy too with a 1.5 GHz Quad Core Processor so quickly switching between apps and exploring the mobile internet has never been easier.

Users will enjoy authentic sound with Beats Audio and gamers can choose from an impressive selection of console quality games with OnLive. Capturing those ‘must share’ moments is simple with the phone’s amazing 8MP camera and HD video, plus there’s 25GB of free Dropbox online storage for easy access to files, music and photos on the go.

Customers can also pre-order the beautifully crafted HTC One S. At less than 8mm thick, its HTC’s slimmest smartphone ever, but as well as being stylish and elegant, it’s scratch resistant and packed with the latest technology. With HTC ImageSense taking amazing pictures is easy in any light and users can even snap photos while shooting HD video. Beats Audio provides an authentic sound experience through all music apps and there’s plenty of space for storing files, music and photos on the go with 25GB of free Dropbox online storage.