Phones

Mobile industry is shafting customers on contract cancellations

Over half of UK Punters aren’t told that they can cancel their mobile phone contacts if their local coverage is rubbish. The Communications Consumer Panel in the UK published a report saying that. The results of its research state that most customers simply aren’t given the low-down on cancellation policies from mobile contractors if coverage is dodgy.

Using a mystery shopper, the research found that 56 per cent of people who bought at a retail store weren’t given the correct information about their rights of cancellation. The report also revealed that different operators and retailers have completely different policies on cancellations. Some operators point blank refuse to cancel contracts even if there wasn’t any coverage. That’s not limited coverage, it’s no coverage at all.

If punters were allowed to annul their contact, the length of time varied on when they were allowed to cancel. The Communications Consumer Panel recommended giving punters a minimum 14-day cancellation policy for poor coverage and consistent policies for all. It seems only fair.

[Original Article]

iOS 4.1 Available to Developers

After only 3 weeks after launch, iOS4 is getting its the first major update. Many people thought it would be 4.0.1 to fix the antenna problems with the iPhone 4, but Apple have jumped all the way to 4.1.

It seems like there is some change to Game Center but no iPad support in 4.1. However, there seems to be nothing too major like fixing the antenna problem on the iPhone 4, which could mean that it is a hardware problem.

Stay tuned to find out more as we know.

Droid 2 Is Definitely Coming!

Great news for all of our US readers as Verizon, the biggest US carrier,  has just had their summer catalog leaked by Boy Genius Report. But the most important thing seen in the leaked catalog is the sequel to the Motorola Droid (one of Verizon’s most popular devices), which is called the Droid 2. A device which Verizon has not offically announced.

So if this leak is true, we know the confirmed specs of the Motorola Droid 2, which are:

• 1GHz Snapdragon Processor
• 8GB memory card preinstalled
• 5 megapixel camera
• 3G Mobile Hotspot functionality
• Probably Android 2.1 with MotoBlur
• Silver Body

BlackBerry Storm 3 Specs Leaked

Apparently the form factor is to be the same as the Storm 2, good news for those with accessories for that device.  The big changes are inside, a 1GHz processor (at last), 8GB of internal memory, 512 MB of flash memory (testing at 1GB), a 5 megapixel camera, and a 4G LTE radio (first for Verizon).

Speculation is that this device will have its own operating system, not the long awaited OS 6.0. It will have the ability to run widgets and personalize the unit. The SurePress touchscreen may get a rework, somehow different than the two versions we have seen so far, A market date between August 2010 and early 2011 was also suggested. The device is undergoing testing now by a limited team to prevent leaks.

[Source]

LG puts out 1.6 Android device!!!!!! GOSH!

The first ad for LG’s brand new Android powered handset, the Optimus GT540. Astonishingly this Android device runs 1.6 and was formerly known as the Swift. Quite why LG are pushing out another 1.6 device when  everyone is screaming for 2.1 on their phone right now is anyone’s guess.  However, here’s what LG have to hype it up with and there advert is after the break:

After the successful release of the GW620 InTouch Max, LG have announced the release of their next Android phone for release in the UK. The LG GT540 Optimus phone is lined up for a May release and looks to pick up where the InTouch Max left off, with upgrades including Android 1.6 and Bluetooth 2.1 included. The LG Optimus is the ideal phone for those new to Android and smartphones in general.

“LG Optimus is the ideal choice for early smartphone users who expect all the features of smartphones without the complexity,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “This is a device that was designed for regular people who want to jump into the smartphone experience but have been hesitant to do so because of the learning curve. By making LG Optimus more approachable, we hope more people will give smartphones a try.”

Upcoming GiffGaff interview

This Tuesday we will be having a chat with the CEO of GiffGaff, Mr. Mike Fairman. A chat that will feature in the next podcast. Once again we shall be on our best behaviour and Andy will even be wearing a tie.

If you have any questions you would like our rousing panel to batter Mike with then please fire them at me and we shall do our very best to direct them to Mike.

Email: [email protected]

Vodafone annoying Nexus One owners

Vodafone’s modifying the firmware upgrade before they gear up to launch it for their Nexus-toting customers. Afraid that Vodafone might be omitting key Android 2.2 features such as internet tethering and hotspot capabilities, those customers have taken it to the official FroYo Nexus One thread on the carrier’s forums.
After a large thread of confusion and miscommunication, it’s said that the modifications are to ensure MMS and Voicemail features are working properly before Vodafone would have to eventually deal with a large influx of customer complaints. Who wouldn’t want their carrier looking out for the best interest of their device, right? Wrong!
A lot of the uproar stems from the supposed fact that Vodafone promised Nexus One purchasers (in voice and in writing) that they would not be touching any firmware updates for the device (and apparently they don’t care if that right would come at the expense of a buggy launch). As they understand it, all updates should be coming directly from Google.

[Source]

Motorola Charm appears

Some will say its the ugliest phone about but I honestly quite like it. Filling a niche gap that is currently empty, this front facing Qwerty keyboard Android phone is going to be a social networking must have. The Charm is one of the smallest Android phones measuring only 67.2 x 98.4 x 11.4 mm and weighing in at 110 grams. It features a 2.8 inch screen which is one of the first QVGA displays (320 x 240 resolution) on an Android phone in the U.S.
Units that were sent out for testing suggest it features a 600 MHz TI OMAP3410 processor (unconfirmed) with 512MB ROM and 512MB RAM.

New iPhone4 only £12,995 + contract

As if it wasn’t expensive, the trend continues for the Bedazzled iPhone with an stylish array of diamond crystals. This version of the 32GB white iPhone 4 comes with a “hand finished wallet made from real Ostrich foot” just to turn most women off. For a meagre £12,995 you can have one, but be quick as there are only 50 units will be available for retail. iPhone 4 from Gresso is obviously going to turn some heads and help you stand out. Muggers and burglars, take note.

[Source]