News

Samsung Omnia HD & Nokia N97 Software Updates

We recently reviewed both the Omnia HD and the Nokia N97 and found them to be good devices. Now with software updates due shortly both handsets will give an even better user experience.

The Samsung updates include a new QWERTY keyboard, 3D task switcher like on the Omnia2, new widgets and bug fixes for the web browser and media player.

The Nokia will receive kinetic scrolling, the keyboard will show an alternative character when the key is pressed and held,  music player improvements and a few new widgets.

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD

Nokia N97

The Samsung update has already been released in Russia and Hong Kong so im sure it wont be long until we see it here in the UK. Unfortunately Nokia users will have to wait until next month for their’s.

Release confirmation will be posted in our forum.

Posted by: James

Orange & T-Mobile to have a UK merge?

This morning via Twitter, Orange said that they have entered into negotiations into a possible merge with T-Mobile in the UK.

Several news websites have confirmed that the merge is happening but until it comes from Orange or T-Mobile I wont be counting my chickens before they have hatched.

It will certainly be good news in terms of coverage if the merge goes ahead, expanding both 2G & 3G coverage throughout the country.

I wonder what they will call the company and will the new “super shops” have an orange or a purple logo!

If its does happen it will create the UK’s biggest network provider holding 37%!

Any further news will be posted here.

Posted by: James

General Mobile DSTL1 Android device released

General Mobile have today released there first Android device, the DSTL1. The handset certainly has some unique selling points but also some not so good ones.

Top of the list is the fact that the DSTL1 is the first Android phone to feature dual sim, a great concept that not too many manufactures have mastered.

The strange thing about the handset, which may also put people off, is that is only runs on GPRS/Edge. Yes, no 3G!

Surprisingly it is also lacking GPS which in this day and age is pretty standard for smartphones.

General Mobile DSTL1

It will certainly be interesting to see which carriers, if any, pick up the DSTL1 but in the meantime it is available to buy for $499.00 at amazon.com, although at the moment they are showing as only having one available which strikes me as a little odd.

Watch this space for further updates on this product and for more info & specs please visit www.generalmobile.com

Posted by: James

Nokia Booklet 3G – Press Release

Nokia announced today (Mon 24th Aug) its entry into the netbook market with the Nokia Booklet 3G.

Some details from Nokia:

Powered by the efficient Intel Atom processor, the Nokia Booklet 3G delivers impressive performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling people to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive. Delivering the rich experience of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminium chassis, the new mini-laptop weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimetres thin, and has the features one would expect from the world’s leading mobile device manufacturer.  A broad range of connectivity options – including 3G/ HSPA and Wi-Fi – gives consumers high speed access to the Internet, including Nokia’s broad suite of Ovi services, and allows them to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

"A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility," said Kai Oistamo, Nokia’s Executive Vice President for Devices. "We are in the business of connecting people and the Nokia Booklet 3G is a natural evolution for us. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all day, always on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling. In doing so we will make the personal computer more social, more helpful and more personal."

The mini-laptop also comes with an HDMI port for HD video out, a front facing camera for video calling, integrated Bluetooth and an easily accessible SD card reader. Other premium features include the 10-inch glass HD ready display and integrated A-GPS which, working with the Ovi Maps gadget, can pinpoint your position in seconds and open up access for a truly personal maps experience. The Nokia Booklet 3G also brings a number of other rich Ovi experiences to life, whether its access and playback of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store, or using Ovi Suite to sync seamlessly from your Nokia smartphone, to your mini-laptop, to the cloud.

The Nokia Booklet 3G will widen the Nokia portfolio, satisfying a need in the operator channel, and bringing another important ingredient in the move towards becoming a mobile solutions company.

Posted by: Emma

LG Watchphone (LG-GD910) – Exclusive to Orange

Orange have announced that the LG Watchphone (LG-GD910) will go on sale next week. The first devices will be available from 09:00am on Thursday 27th August at the Orange shop, Bond Street Station, Central London.

BUT!! It will only be on sale for a limited time (which has not been specified) and will work on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. The LG Watchphone will be priced at £500 for those lucky enough to afford it and of course get their hands on it!

LG Watchphone (LG-GD910) – Exclusive to Orange

Available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and one device per customer to those who arrive in person at the store – the handmade 3G+ watchphone will guarantee those fortunate enough to purchase one that they’ll turn heads on the high street. The device’s slick scratch resistant touch-screen interface makes writing text messages easy, while an in-built speaker and MP3/AAC player lets you listen to the Essential James Bond theme album when you’re imprisoned in a fake volcano or battling with Jaws.

To make a voice or video call – in true 22nd Century fashion – all you have to do is ask it nicely. The combination of voice activated command, VGA camera and Bluetooth technology mean you’ll never have to raise a finger to make a call again… just turn your wrist and talk away. The handmade timepiece is designed with the image conscious in mind too and features eight different watch faces – one to suit your every mood or crime-fighting outfit.

Francois Mahieu, Director of Devices, Orange UK said: “The LG Touchscreen Watchphone is one of several ‘future phones’ we’re bringing to UK consumers this year. Being handmade, the device really is highly original and exclusively limited – so you’ll be the envy of all your friends if you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on one.”

A limited number of the devices will also be made available from mid-September via the Orange online shop. For those wishing to register their interest, please visit www.orange.co.uk/watchphone.

(from the Orange Newsroom)

 

LG Watchphone (LG-GD910) – Exclusive to Orange

Posted by: Emma

Windows Mobile 7 delayed AGAIN

While most Windows Mobile users may be eagerly awaiting the release of Windows Mobile 6.5, which has been promised as a free upgrade by a number of handset manufacturers, I think that everyone is aware that it’s something of a stop gap to tide us over until Windows Mobile 7.

However, as reported on MoDaCo and Digitimes it looks like Microsoft are going to adopt some kind of two-tier approach to the WinMo OS. Windows Mobile 6.5 wont be dropped when 7 comes to market but will instead be dropped in price so that it may be used on lower-end handsets while Windows Mobile 7 will be top-tier.

The final death blow though has to be in the news that Windows Mobile 7 has had its anticipated launch date pushed back again and is now looking at a Q4 2010 release date! This simply begs the questions WHY? With so many other OS options out there now why would anyone hang on for over a year for the latest and greatest WinMo OS? With Android and iPhone handsets becoming ever more popular and ever more viable alternatives to WinMo surely this is the worst thing that Microsoft could do to their OS?

Microsoft is expected to officially launch Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 1, 2009 and add an upgrade version with a touch interface in February 2010, the sources indicated citing Microsoft roadmap.

Microsoft will not phase out Windows Mobile 6.5 from the market but will lower the OS price, when it launches Windows Mobile 7 scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2010, the sources added.

 

Posted by: Matt

[Source]

HTC Hero Desktop Sync Cradle & Charger

Do any of you remember the time when HTC included a desktop docking cradle with all of their devices? Those where the days huh? 🙂

For those of you with a shiny new HTC Hero here’s an accessory to add to your essential list, a desktop sync and charge cradle for your handset.

– Low Priced High Quality

– Clean up your desktop and Listen to your Music

– Synchronise your HTC Hero with your computer

– Charge your HTC Hero device from the cradle

– Prevent your HTC Hero from getting scratched when just lying on your desk

– Show off your new HTC Hero to all your mates at work

– Easily see the screen on your device while sitting in the cradle

Head over to superEtrader and order yours today for just £17.25!

Posted by: Matt

HTC Hero starts shipping

Well it happened a little earlier than we al expected but today we started hearing reports that the HTC Hero has started shipping with many UK retailers receiving limited supplies today so if you haven’t already pre-ordered the HTC Hero you might want to get your skates on before they sell out. If other recent HTC devices are anything to go by there might be a delay between the first and second shipments!

The current deals on the HTC Hero that we are aware of are as follows:

eXpansys have the HTC Hero in stock for £399.99 with £30 of eXpansys vouchers thrown in – details HERE

SuperETrader have HTC Hero devices in stock for £395.60 with a free 8GB memory card – details HERE

Clove Technology have the HTC Hero in stock also for £395.60 – details HERE

Devicewire.com have the HTC Hero in stock also for £394.99 (or £10 less with our HEROTAM discount code!) and free delivery – details HERE

Posted by: Matt

HTC Touch Diamond2 extended battery

I suppose the title of the post says it all really but as many of you may know I really like my HTC Touch Diamond2, I’ve been using ever since I replaced my original Diamond several months ago.

So here’s an item to place on your essentials list, an extended battery for Diamond2. Now, granted, the battery life of the D2 is definitely better than the original Diamond but there’s always room for improvement and at 2200mAh this extended battery is twice the capacity of the OEM battery.

The extended battery is a little larger than the original so in the pack you’ll get a replacement back cover for the device to accommodate the thicker battery. It’s also a bargain for under £10 including VAT!

Oh and you may recall the problems with extended batteries in the original Diamond where they actually rendered the GPS useless, well the Diamond2 doesn’t suffer the same fate!

So if you want to extend the run time of your HTC Touch Diamond2 then head over to superEtrader and grab one today!

Posted by: Matt

Samsung SCH-W760 Release in Korea

I’m pretty sure that we don’t have any (if many) visitors from Korea however if you happen to live there or are simply interested in mobile phones then have a look at this.

Samsung SCH-W760

OK so we are all agreed that this isn’t the nicest of handsets or even the cheapest given its form factor  but one thing that does stand out is the unique infrared night vision camera.

I’ve seen on a few sites that this is the world’s first on a mobile phone however I beg to differ given that Sharp also released a mobile phone in the east with an infra red filter. OK it never done so well as the government banned it due to the fact that it would penetrate light clothing causing an x-ray affect but never the less it was released.

Anyway enough of my ranting, the phone itself comes with a 3 MP camera, 2.8″ WQVGA AMOLED screen (we likes), 8GB of internal memory and a DMB (TV) tuner. With a price tag of $457 I can’t see many of these selling and even if they do the government may well go banning again.

Good luck with that Samsung.

Posted by: John