Phones

SPB TV for Windows Mobile Smartphones Gets a Major Update

SPB Software, a leading mobile software developer, has updated the Windows Mobile version of its flagship application SPB TV to version 2.0. Due to advertising revenues support the program is now free-of-charge and subscription-free. Ads featured in SPB TV only last as long as channel buffering takes and therefore preserve the best user experience.
In addition to the existing features that include quick channel previews, a TV guide for more than 150 offered channels in more than 20 languages, picture-in-picture mode, fast channel launching and switching, the new version offers also a video on demand (VOD) option. With this new feature the users can control what they are watching and when. Unlike broadcast TV, VOD provides greater choice and interactivity.
Another significant enhancement is the Advanced Video Codec (H.264) support which improves video quality. As a result even with substantial lower bitrates the resolution is strongly improved. SPB TV 2.0 also allows to watch TV with low speed mobile network connections.

Networks lost appeal against EU plan to slash amount they charge for using mobiles overseas

Mobile operators have lost their battle to to overturn an EU plan to reduce the amount they can charge for using mobiles abroad.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) backed a Parliamentary ruling made in 2007 that operators cap the maximum charge for making an inter-Europe call to 35 cents (29p) and 11 cents to receive a call by 2011.

The UK’s four biggest mobile operators – O2, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile – challenged this ruling but their claims were dismissed.

Orange was highly critial of the decision. A spokesperson said: "We are disappointed with the decision expressed today by the European Court of Justice and feel that this does not reflect the best interests of the European market. We will of course continue to comply with European regulations in force."

O2 upgrades network in London

Nokia Siemens Networks has completed network analysis, optimisation and upgrades to O2’s base stations across London.

Working with O2, Nokia Siemens Networks monitored and analysed the data and signalling behaviour of different smart devices connected to the mobile network. The methodology provided information on the impact of these devices on different network elements.

The information, combined with traffic growth forecasts, was used to establish a capacity improvement project, upgrading only the network elements and modules identified as bottlenecks for current and future performance within O2’s London network.

Orange releasing iPhone 4 on June 24th

Brimming with information and pushing the boat out on updates Orange whispers from the back of today’s excitement that they too will be all over the iPhone.

That is all.

iPhone 4 on O2 Special upgrade deal to be offered to in contract customers

O2 will launch iPhone 4, the thinnest smartphone in the world with the highest resolution display ever built into a phone on 24th June.
To make it as easy as possible for O2 customers still in contract to get their hands on a new iPhone, O2 will offer a limited time special upgrade offer. Further details will be announced in the coming days.
To support the launch of iPhone 4, O2 has created www.o2.co.uk/iphonelatest a dedicated website for the latest news and updates where customers can hear details ahead of the new iPhone going on sale.
O2 has a unique history in supporting the iPhone in the UK over the past three years. Customers benefit from great value tariffs, including access to thousands of public Wi-Fi hotspots, an intelligent network developed with insight from the iPhone in mind, the expertise of O2 Gurus in store and iPhone specialists in customer service, as well as unique features such as Visual Voicemail.
“Apple has once again raised the bar with the iPhone 4,” said Ronan Dunne, UK Chief Executive of O2. “With 3 years’ experience in selling the iPhone we are well placed to support the new device with the best overall experience, including making it easy for new and existing customers to get their hands one.”

HTC Desire shortages and HD2s are faulty

Dealers have complained of a shortage of HTC Desire (pictured) handsets just two months after its launch, criticising the manufacturer for underestimating demand.

One dealer said: “The HTC Desire is a fantastic phone, but we just don’t get the stock.”

Another said: “We need the stock to meet the demand. It’s so frustrating to tell customers they’ll have to come back in a few days, and risk losing them altogether.”

The HTC Desire was backed by the Taiwanese firm’s biggest-ever marketing campaign at launch, twinned with the HTC Legend. It said sales since launch have been double that of any other HTC device in an equivalent timeframe.

Meanwhile, repair centres have complained of problems with the digitiser on the HTC HD2 and claimed parts are hard to obtain.

iPhone 4 arriving June 24th

Steve Jobs took to the stage today and announced the most anticipated phone of the year. No not that one, the iPhone 4!

With all the excitement Apple have delivered a rather impressive product with an equally impressive price tag. Whilst not cheap the value on offer here is second to none. Nothing yet on prices in the UK and I’m sure there will be a little extra added to the top just to annoy us Brits. However, At&t have also offered a little extra value by helping people upgrade with out crucifying them, like in previous years. Read on for a rough outline of the specs:

Desire and Legend updates are not Froyo

HTC has announced two firmware updates for its HTC Legend and HTC Desire Android smartphones. However, these updates aren’t Android 2.2 upgrades but simple Android 2.1 bugfixes for both devices. While HTC hasn’t announced yet which bugs will be fixed, posts at xda-developers indicate that the fixes include new radio images, a new YouTube application with HQ option, as well as it fixes Facebook/unknown contact issue and it comes with a new bootloader. Other users reported that the speaker volume is increased now. The ROM update is now available as a free over the air (OTA) download. While it’s about 4 MB only, HTC recommends a download via WiFi.

Acer beTouch E130 Android 1.6 appears

An new Acer with a front facing Qwerty keyboard was spotted out at Computex. The phone is equipped with a 2.6-inch QVGA touchscreen display and a scroll ball.  The E130 is part of Acer’s lower end BeTouch line, featuing a mere 416MHz ST-Ericsson CPU, 256MB of RAM, and 512MB of ROM. Additionally, it runs a terribly out dated Android 1.6 OS. We guess we can’t expect every smartphone to boast a 1GHz Snapdragon and a beta version of Froyo.

Windows Walkie Talkie Mobile

Coming soon is the True Intercom Mobile Phone, Walkie-talkie Cell Phone Babiken V1. This is a Windows Mobile 6.5 GPS WIFI Smartphone PDA with a capacitive screen.

Babiken V1 mobile phone is the first China mobile phone that integrate real Walkie-talkie function. More amazingly it is a windows mobile 6.5 pda smartphone, so you also have WIFI for internet and can install windows mobile applications. With its bulit-in GPS antenna, you can use it as a navigator as well. For intercom function, please remember you have two phones to actualize it.