News

Android gets official BBC iPlayer support (catch: 2.2 and WiFi only)

Official support for the BBC’s popular iPlayer service has been confirmed for Android phones. As mentioned, there is a pretty major catch here – only the ones running the 2.2 Froyo update can gain access, as Flash 10.1 is required. Nearly every Android phone currently on the market has yet to get confirmation of receiving the new update.

The Nexus One is pretty much the only exception right now, although it hasn’t sold in great numbers in the UK – for now, iPlayer is still going to be unavailable for most Android users. Note that this isn’t actually an app – it’s simply an optimised version of the site which uses a custom 400kbps stream and a UI that’s easier to use with a touchscreen. The BBC have said that a relatively powerful phone would be needed, so your mileage may vary on lower-end Android phones, if and when 2.2 comes to your device. For now this shouldn’t be a problem as the Nexus One is certainly a powerful phone.

To catch your missed shows with iPlayer you’d have to be connected via wifi which although limits its use somewhat, it’s still progress, and it shows Android’s being taken more seriously in the mobile space. If you’re one of the lucky ones to own a Nexus One, simply navigate to the iPlayer website and you’ll be redirected to the optimised version; let us know how it goes!

Posted by: Vince

HTC running out of AMOLED displays, looks to Sony for more

Since the HTC Desire was released back in April, it has become wildly popular (and rightly so). In fact, demand has been so high that HTC are still struggling to keep up supply. One of the reasons is because they source their beautiful AMOLED displays from Samsung, but for some reason Samsung can’t supply enough. This may simply be that they cannot make them fast enough for HTC, or it could be that they’re understandably hogging them for themselves. Either way it’s bad news for HTC, but now HTC are looking to change this.

Details haven’t been finalised yet, but by the end of the year, HTC are looking to add Sony’s new Super TFT LCD technology to the mix. For now, this is going to be an exclusive tech for HTC, and it’s going to be added to future and existing devices such as the Desire. How they’re going to differentiate AMOLED and SLCD models and is also a mystery, but its apparently just as clear and vibrant, even in daylight – imagine that.

Post by: Vince

BlackBerry Curve 9300 in video

The guys at technobuffalo have managed to get their hands on a T-Mobile branded BlackBerry Curve 9300, the lucky devils.

We have seen leaked pictures of this new Curve before but this time it is on video. Most disappointing is the fact that the 9300 is not running BlackBerry 6 which many of us were hoping would happen. We will just need to be more patient.

So as we said last time, there is not a tonne of changes in the 9300 compared to its predecessor. The optical track pad and the chrome finish around the device are the obvious differences as well as being packed with 3G, however there is a slight change with the keyboard.

Check out the below video and see what John from technobufflo has to say.

Beewi presents the BBH100: bluetooth stereo headphones

These new wireless headphones from BeeWi combine music, telephony, comfort and style. With calling and music control buttons built in to these hoop-adjustable, leather-padded headphones, pair them up to your iPhone, MP3 player or mobile and you’ll never miss a call, or a beat.

iPhone 4 unboxing coming soon

All eyes have been on the iPhone 4 in the last 24 hours and we have been trying our best to get our hands on one. The good news is that my one is on its way as we speak and should be with me this afternoon. 

My first job will be to record an unboxing video so if all goes to plan we should have that live later today.

Already there have been some iPhone 4 issues floating around the internet most prominently a signal issue when holding the device. I will endeavor to give my iPhone 4 a good test so we can see if we can hold the phone or if we need to strap it to our ears to avoid the problem!

Keeps your eyes peeled later for the video. We will tweet when it is done. If you do not follow us on Twitter you can fix that by finding us at www.twitter.com/tracyandmatt

Posted by: James

BlackBerry 9800 – More photos

Those lucky chaps at engadget have been sent a shed load of new photos of the BlackBerry 9800. We have of course seen the 9800 slider before but these new photos show it AT&T branded so it is clearly going to be sold on that carrier in the USA.

As you will see (courtesy of engadget) the device is looking pretty good. It wont be an iPhone killer but what it will bring to us BlackBerry fans is a brand new concept. A touch screen BlackBerry with the bonus of the hardware keyboard we all so love. The best of both worlds.

We still have nothing official from RIM about when we can expect to see the BlackBerry 9800 or indeed BlackBerry 6 but as soon as we do we will be sure to let you know.

Check out the rest of the photos after the break. Looks good, doesn’t it?

iPhone 4 day

Today’s D-day for iPhone 4 and I expect that many will either be waiting in today for their delivery to come from Apple or waiting in queues outside the Apple or O2 stores.

If you get your iPhone today then we’d love to hear from you. First impressions?

If you haven’t ordered yours yet, but you plan to get one, what are you waiting for? Personally I can’t be bothered to wait in a long queue for an iPhone and will wait to see what the networks do over the next few weeks for those of us wanting to upgrade. If there are no deal to be had I’ll get one SIM-free.

Posted by: Matt

Skype signs Symbian deal with Sony Ericsson

Skype VoiP service to be made available through three Sony Ericsson smartphones: Satio, Vivaz, Vivaz pro

Skype has said that its VoiP service will now be available on three Sony Ericsson smartphones built on the Symbian operating system.

Users of Sony Ericsson’s Satio, Vivaz and Vivaz pro handsets can now use Skype on the move, either over a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. The software can be downloaded from the Skype website and will be available from Sony Ericsson’s PlayNow arena in the coming weeks.

iPhone 4 pricing – The story so far

Unless you have had your head in the sand you will know that the iPhone 4 is being released on the 24th. With all the UKs main networks, and also some smaller ones, selling the new phone the big question will be which one to buy from.

I have just stumbled upon a price comparison of the networks that have already released their prices and as you will see below it’s a pretty close call on who will offer the best value. We have still yet to see what T-Mobile, 3, Tesco and Virgin Mobile will charge but I cant imagine it being much different to the already announced prices, although I am sure that 3 will try and undercut.

So will the price determine who you go with or will you just stick with your current carrier? We would love to hear your thoughts over on the forum.

As soon as we get further prices we will be sure to let you know.

Vodafone UK Customers: How’s your signal today?

You’ve probably seen the Vodafone network map or may have visited the network hub here to check out the Vodafone coverage in your area or learn more about the network.

Because Vodafone want to ensure you’re getting the best coverage, they have now created a real-time coverage map at http://vodafoneuksignal.com so you can tell them what’s happening with your mobile signal, where you are, now.

There are two ways you can tell them: