Author Archive: James Richardson

Five year veteran of the site. BlackBerry specialist, but experienced in most operating systems. Enjoys flower arranging and cross stitch.

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By May 4, 2010 Read More →

Ovi Maps in your Own Voice

ovi logo

Nokia today announces the launch of Own Voice for Ovi Maps, a free app from Ovi store, which allows people to personalise the voice that gives them turn-by-turn instructions when using Ovi Maps drive navigation.

The Own Voice app lets you create a new voice pack, taking you through each step of the process. Find a quiet space to record, then let the app take you through each of the 53 required commands including the penultimate "You have reached your destination". When you’re done recording, you simply add your name, save and the voice pack is uploaded to the Own Voice website meaning that others can also choose your voice to direct them en route.

With 10 million downloads of Ovi Maps already on devices, there’s sure to be no shortage of voices to choose from. The app lets you browse new voice packs by popularity and by recommendation. Own Voice also lets people share voice packs by Facebook and Twitter and if you find one you really like (or hate) then you can rate it.

Rupert Englander, Head of Services, Nokia UK, commented: “Nokia continues to redefine the mobile navigation market by bringing free walk and drive navigation to millions of people around the world. Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our sat nav and being able to record or choose a voice that you love is a great way to make Ovi Maps fun to use.

Own Voice is available as a free download from the Ovi Store http://store.ovi.com/content/34132
Own Voice for Ovi Maps is available only in English and is compatible with all Nokia devices which support the new version of Ovi Maps (3.03) including Nokia 5800, Nokia X6, Nokia E72, Nokia N97, Nokia N97 mini and all upcoming GPS-enabled smartphones.

Walk and drive navigation is free on Nokia smartphones as part of a new version of Ovi Maps, available for download at www.nokia.com/maps. Nokia’s mapping and navigation software has been specifically designed for mobile use and is based on unique hybrid technology. The new version of Ovi Maps includes all essential car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries in 46 languages, and traffic information for over 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for over 180 countries.

More information on “Own Voice for Ovi Maps” can be found from www.ovi.com/ownvoice

Posted by: James

Posted in: Press Releases
By May 4, 2010 Read More →

T-Mobile USA announces the myTouch 3G Slide

3G Slide 2

Here’s another device made for T-Mobile by HTC, the myTouch 3G Slide. I can’t confirm at this moment in time if this new 2.1 Android device will grace our shores over here in the UK but in the mean time we can just look on and envy.  

Designed by HTC exclusively for T-Mobile, the myTouch 3G Slide features a 3.4-inch HVGA touch- screen display with virtual keyboard as well as a roomy, slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Less than 15mm thick, the elegant design slides easily into your pocket proving that Android brains don’t have to come in a sci-fi box. The myTouch 3G Slide also features a 5-megapixel camera, a music player with a pre-installed 8GB microSD memory card, and enhanced video capabilities to make it easy for users to record and share pictures and videos, whether via e-mail, MMS or one-click upload to sites such as YouTubeTM and PicasaTM.

Specs are pretty sweet. Read the full T-Mobile press release after the break.

Posted in: Press Releases
By May 3, 2010 Read More →

Trafficmaster Smartnav Review

trafficmaster

All smartphone platforms these days have voice guided satellite navigation but the reason I stumbled across Trafficmasters Smartnav is that on the BlackBerry there is not a decent navigation app here in the UK.

Smartnav is different to most other sat nav apps. Not only do you not see an onscreen map whilst driving you can also call a Trafficmaster assistant if you need help. How about that for service! In addition Smartnav will check for problems on your route and re route you if necessary to prevent you from getting stuck in a traffic jam.

Trafficmaster’s Smartnav is the most efficient sat nav and live traffic information service available and is supported by a unique team of Personal Assistants, operating 24/7. It’s already known to save frustrated motorists at least four hours per month from sitting in traffic and always makes sure you are on the right road and the quickest route to get to your destination.

Read on to find out more.

Posted in: Reviews
By May 1, 2010 Read More →

Are RIM working on a BlackBerry Pad?

bb pad

The guys over at bbleaks.com are convinced that RIM are currently working on a BlackBerry pad.

Apparently they have inside information and if past history is anything to go on then they may well be right. The word on the street is that RIM have ordered 8.9" display screens from Hon Hai.

Please note that the image here is a mock up of what the BlackBerry tablet may look like. It’s not a photo.

With the Apple iPad recently released I think all the big manufactures will be following suit over the next year or two.

Are you a BlackBerry user? Would you use a BlackBerry tablet? Please let us know your thoughts in the forum.

Personally, I think RIM will have to do a blooming good job to make a tablet better than the iPad. Will I get a BlackBerry pad? Of course I will. I’m an addict!

Posted by: James

Posted in: News
By May 1, 2010 Read More →

Sony Ericsson Elm Unboxing video

elm

The Sony Ericsson Elm is from their ‘Greenheart’ range which means it is eco friendly being made from recycled plastics etc.

Not being a top end device I really don’t know much about the Elm but I don’t imagine there is that much to know. I get the impression that the Elm is one of those phones which people would really want for phone calls and texts and none of the smartphone features we have grown so accustomed too in recent times. We must not forget that a phone is primarily a phone and millions of users still only use a device for that alone.

Although I say the Sony Ericsson Elm is not a top end device it has got a few secret weapons in its Arsenal. Built in Sat Nav for starters. Maybe it is time those ‘phone users’ started getting a bit more out of there mobile devices?

In this, my first unboxing on tracyandmatt.co.uk, I give you a brief look around the device and also a sneaky peak into what the software offers.

Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
By May 1, 2010 Read More →

Twitter for Android

Twitter Android

Twitter for Android is now available for download in the Android Market.

Unfortunately it will only work on devices that have Android 2.1 so if you are still using an earlier version then I’m afraid you will have to carry on using your current Twitter app.

I’m not an Android user and I don’t currently have a 2.1 device laying around but I know a man that has. Phil Nickinson over at Android Central has published a video of him using the new application.

Head on over to Android Central and check it out.  We would love to hear your comments in the forum. And nice video Phil!

Posted by: James

Posted in: News
By April 30, 2010 Read More →

UK to only get one of the new BlackBerry Pearl 3Gs

BB 9100 9105

Yes you did read the header correctly. I have been told today that the UK will only be getting the Blackberry Pearl 3G 9105.

That’s the one with the T9 keyboard. Why this decision has been made kind of baffles me but that’s the way it is. If RIM were only to supply one of them here in the UK then I do think they have made the right choice in terms of which of the ‘Pearls’ it is. I quite often speak with people who say they are so used to typing with there feature phone they couldn’t handle using a full QWERTY keyboard. So, in my opinion, the BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 will enable those users to make the transition over to a BlackBerry without making the change complicated.

As the 9105 is packed with the same high end features as on other bigger BlackBerry devices, users are going to get a decent specced compact messaging device. It wouldn’t surprise me if all the major UK carriers picked this one up.

 

More after the break.

Posted in: News
By April 29, 2010 Read More →

Apples iPad 3G goes on sale in USA Friday 30th

ipad

If you are in the United States or know someone that is then Friday 30th April (yes, that’s tomorrow if you are reading this today!) is a big day in the Apple world. The Apple iPad 3G will go on sale. You will have to wait until 5PM to get one and clearly some shops will have queues so turning up early may be a good idea.

The iPad 3G comes with a micro sim built in and AT&T will be the carrier of choice. Prepaid data plans will be available for $14.99 (250MB cap) and $29.99 (unlimited).

The Apple iPad 3G will be priced as follows:

  • $629 for 16GB
  • $729 for 32GB
  • $829 for 64GB

Here in the UK we are still waiting for the launch of the iPad and our prices are not yet confirmed. Both Matt and I have been lucky enough to get the Wi-Fi only iPad imported and we are both loving the experience. You can view Matt’s iPad unboxing video here.

If you are off to get a 3G version tomorrow I wish you the best of luck.

Posted by: James

Posted in: News
By April 29, 2010 Read More →

BEST BUY GRAND OPENING OFFERS

BestBuy

Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, is set to open its doors to the public on Friday, 30th April at 7am. The highly anticipated first store will open to expectant crowds at the West Thurrock Retail Park, Essex and will be marked with four days of activities over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, with plenty of amazing deals, competitions and entertainment.

The doors will open at 7am on Friday to allow technology enthusiasts from the local area and London to take advantage of the great deals on offer before heading to work. The rest of the bank holiday weekend will be themed to showcase the breadth and depth of Best Buy’s offer with a focus on music, movies and games.

Best Buy is offering a wide range of amazing deals during the weekend, saving early customers hundreds of pounds on the latest and greatest technology. Samsung’s current 32" LED HD TV is available for only £399.99, equating to a saving of £300, whilst the Toshiba 32" HD-ready LCD TV is available for only £179.99!  Best Buy is also offering the latest Blu-Ray content, with the Avatar Blu-ray and DVD combi pack at just £9.99.  Meanwhile, football fans will have an extra reason to celebrate this, as foremost amongst the offers to look out for is Best Buy’s pledge to give customers their money back on any TV over £499 bought before 5th June if England wins the final.

Lots more info after the break…

Posted in: News
By April 29, 2010 Read More →

Nokia N8 Promo Video

n8 2

Earlier in the week we announced the launch of Nokias first Symbian 3 handset, the N8.

The Nokia N8 looks to be packed full to bursting point with top end features and to give you a little taster of what is to come Nokia have given us a promotional video, and what a nice video it is too.

If you didn’t see our post the other day here are just a few of the N8s great features:

  • 3.5 inches Capacitive Touchscreen display
  • supports multi-touch gestures
  • Symbian^3 Operating System*
  • 12-megapixel Camera
  • Video – 720p at 30 frames per second
  • HDMI output
  • Divx Support
  • web TV feature

Check out the video below and please let us have your thoughts on the forum.

Posted in: News
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