News

No ladies, I’m really sorry but this is not an intentional colour release by Apple, its the colour the phone turns (or glows) due to an overheating problem.

A new meaning to iPhone’s are HOT

Its certainly not the first time iPhones have had their problems with overheating but this is certainly new in the fact that the white version gives a nice warm plink glow.

Posted by: John

As you may or may not have already noticed, the much talked about Toshiba TG01 is heading over to the Orange Network.

Toshiba TG01

Currently on Orange’s UK site with a "coming soon" badge, the TG01’s appearance could mean that the July 9th London press event is when this device will be showcased.

I’m sure Matt will be on the phone to Orange really soon to get our hands on one so watch this space closely.

Posted by: John

If you are already over-excited about the HTC Hero, and who can blame you, then you might want to consider pre-ordering the handset from devicewire.com 

Pre-ordering is the only way you can ensure that you’ll be one of the first to receive the handset as initial supplies are expected to be somewhat limited. The price of the SIM-free handset will be £399.99 which is strangely cheaper than the HTC Magic that we unboxed earlier!

Head on over to Devicewire.com to find out more and to place your order today!

HTC Hero is the first phone to embody HTC Sense™ – an intuitive, seamless experience built upon three fundamental principles – make it mine, stay close, and discover the unexpected.

HTC Hero’s design sets the phone apart not just in how distinct it looks, but how great it feels. Make it your Hero with personalisation that let you create a phone that uniquely fits your life. Feel closer than ever to those that matter with a communication experience based on people – rather than technology. And discover unexpected, yet intuitive, touches that make everything you do on your phone effortless and delightful.

With HTC Hero, personalization reaches a level never before possible. Rather than burying important content under layers of menus, the HTC Hero lets you put it at glance view, with a selection of widgets that can be placed right on the home screen. The widgets themselves can be personalized with a variety of designs and sizes that best match your personality.

Posted by: Matt

[ Post Tags: HTC launch event, HTC, HTC Hero, Android, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]

At HTC’s Hero press event yesterday we were told that Orange and T-Mobile would be carrying the HTC Hero and that they expected them to launch sometime in July. Orange haven’t wasted any time and in the press release below you’ll notice that they say they Hero will be available early in July! 🙂

We hope to get hold of one soon to do a full review.

Orange today announced it will be launching the much anticipated HTC Hero, the first Android device to be ranged by Orange in the UK. Available from early July across all Orange retail channels, the HTC Hero will be available for free on select price plans and will be exclusive to Orange in ‘Graphite’ colour.

Offering a rich, intuitive browsing touch interface and premium design, the 3G+ enabled Hero features Google’s Android operating system, the world’s first ‘open-source’ operating system for mobile devices. Android allows users unrestricted access to thousands of amazing tools and applications which can be downloaded straight to the handset – helping enhance the device’s capabilities.

Created for those wanting an optimised mobile customer experience, with easy access to Google’s most popular services, the Hero also provides users with a choice of seven specially designed unique user interface options. The handset also comes with an integrated five mega-pixel, auto-focus camera featuring camcorder capability, a gravity sensor, AGPS and 512 MB of memory with space for a 16Gb MicroSD card. What’s more, the 3.2 inch HVGA display features anti-fingerprint screen coating for improved smudge resistance and a longer lasting, clearer display.

Orange is offering the HTC Hero for free to customers who take out a £39.15 per month, 24 month contract. The package includes 1200 any network call minutes, unlimited texts, as well as inclusive anytime internet browsing so users can make the most out of their mobile experience.

Francois Mahieu, Director of Devices, Orange UK said, “We’re really pleased to be launching our first Android handset in conjunction with HTC. The first of several Android devices you can expect from us this year, we believe the Hero is a great all round device which will allow consumers to get to grips with all the things they love about the internet, whilst on the move. We expect it to be extremely popular when it hits shelves this summer.”

The HTC Hero is exclusive to Orange in ‘Graphite’ and will be available from Orange shops and www.orange.co.uk/shop in early July.

Posted by: Matt

Well we’re here at the HTC Hero launch event just waiting for the presentation to start. Just been told that we will be allowed to film the presentation after all so we’ll have that up online as soon as we can over the event.

We also have a selection of photos and Hero related content provided to us on a USB key so we’ll be posting that live just as soon as the embargo is lifted.

We know that we’ll have a chance to get hands on with some devices later on today so Paul and I should be able to video a little tour.

We also know that we’ll be looking at the anticipated HTC ‘ROSIE’ UI which is to be called HTC Sense.

Does this new UI look familiar to any of you? 🙂

I’m busy recording the event! 🙂

Nice Facebook integration!

Hero to have multitouch and text-zoom to have reflow.

Fingerprint resistant screen finish as well as Teflon coated body.

HTC have collaborated with Adobe to deliver a better Flash experience.

Hero to be on T-Mobile and Orange from July.

Now time to get our hands on the HTC HERO!

Posted by: Matt

Specifications

Posted by: Matt

[ Post Tags: HTC launch event, HTC, HTC Hero, Android, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]

HTC are holding an event on Wednesday 24th June and we’ll be going along to see what they are going to announce. We have a strong suspicion that it’s going to be an Android-centric event so we’ll be expecting to see the new HTC Hero and perhaps another device or two on show.

As with other events, Paul @ MoDaCo and I will be live-blogging together in an attempt to get all the news down as we get it. Please follow this post on the day and you’ll be able to participate in the live-blog and submit your questions. We’ll be speaking with some of the guys from HTC after the event so if you have any questions that you would like us to pose to them then please drop me a line and I’ll be pleased to attempt to get some answers for you!

We will of course do our best to get as much video coverage of the event and we’ll have that uploaded for you just as soon as we can.

Posted by: Matt

For those of you waiting for the Nokia N97 eXpansys just dropped me an email to let me know that the highly anticipated Nokia N97 is now in stock at www.expansys.com. They also have an exclusive offer on the Nokia N97. If you buy your Nokia N97 from them we will give you £30 of eXpansys vouchers to spend on Nokia N97 accessories.

Now in stock at £499.99
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=176946&partner=tracyandmatt

Imagine.
High quality images, at the touch of a button with the Nokia N97. Use the 5 mega-pixel camera to capture special moments as they happen. A Carl Ziess lens, auto-focus and flash makes sure your images are always captured perfectly. DVD quality video capture even lets you record home movies.

Share.
Share your thoughts with the world and the Nokia N97. Built in support for sharing sites lets you stay in touch with friends instantly, while media support lets you upload and see your shared media, from videos, photographs and sound clips.

Store.
The 32GB of on board memory and microSDHC memory card slot lets you carry a wealth of media in your hand. From entire seasons of shows, to hours of music and thousands of photographs, have them all available at any time.

Posted by: Matt

Ok, so we’re been talking about new Samsung Omnia handsets for, erm, months but today Samsung settles the debate with the following official press release. We’ll try to get our hands on these puppies as soon as we can!

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, will showcase its latest smartphones at CommunicAsia 2009 – the Omnia II (I8000), Omnia^PRO (B7610) as well as the Omnia^LITE (B7300). Featuring cutting-edge technology, these mobile devices will strengthen Samsung’s leadership in the smartphone market.

The new Omnia smartphone line-up follows the success of the very first flagship ‘Omnia’ phone, Samsung’s milestone Open OS model which was launched at CommunicAsia last year.

With the introduction of its new Omnia smartphone series, featuring diverse functions for a wide range of user needs, Samsung truly offers a variety of smartphones for everyone – from those seeking entertainment to business users to light users.

 

All-in-one Redefined: Omnia II (I8000)

The Omnia II is designed for the smartphone user who demands an enhanced and convenient multimedia experience featuring Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.

Featuring the world’s largest 3.7-inch AMOLED display with crystal-clear WVGA resolution, the Omnia II offers unbeatable screen clarity, even in day light.

Complete with larger icons and a simpler structure, Omnia II provides touch-optimised User Interface that has been deeply customised. Also, innovative TouchWiz 2.0 User Interface and 3D effects make enjoying multimedia and multi tasking convenient and fun. Advanced R Touch (Resistive Touch) enables faster, more accurate touch response for a touch experience that’s 100% user friendly.

The much enhanced display and User Interface make it even more pleasurable to enjoy the rich multimedia functions of the Omnia II, including its DVD-like(480p) video recording/playback, smooth internet browsing as well as interactive 3D games. Users can also access and download content speedily while on the move thanks to the Omnia II’s HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps and Wi-Fi capabilities. Generous memory up to 48GB lets users store more of their favorite content for on-the-go access.

 

The Work-Life Balance Winner: Omnia^PRO B7610

With separate mode for Work and Life, the Omnia^PRO B7610 boasts features optimised for both work and play, helping users maintain work-life balance. Matching balanced performance with balanced design, the hybrid Touch/QWERTY form offers users greater versatility and ease of use.

At work, users enjoy push email for multiple accounts as the Omnia^PRO B7610 supports multiple corporate email solutions, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite so they can view and edit their documents in the palm of their hands.

Users also have access to a PC-like Internet browsing experience with Opera 9.5 and fast data transmission thanks to HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity features.

At play, users can capture their favourite moments with the Omnia^PRO B7610’s 5-megapixel camera with smile shot, or enjoy multi-codec supported high quality video with a brilliant AMOLED display. A-GPS with navigation support also ensures that users never get lost while travelling to their next destination.

 

Simple All-rounder: Omnia^LITE (B7300)

The Omnia^LITE is designed for users who demand an easy smartphone interface with full support of multimedia, internet, and business features. TouchWiz 2.0 User Interface and downloadable online widgets make it highly user-friendly, while its 3D multimedia player interface provides and enhanced entertainment experiences.

Omnia^LITE comes packed with a host of powerful business tools and multimedia features. Users have multi-push email access and the Microsoft Office Suite lets users edit and view their office documents on the move. Opera Browser and HSDPA & Wi-Fi connectivity let users access the net with ease and speed. Additional features like multi-codec supported high-quality video experience, 3MP camera, and A-GPS deliver the complete all-in-one mobile experience.

Windows Mobile 6.5 Updateability

The new Omnia smartphone series devices will be able to be fully updated to Windows Mobile® 6.5 upon the new OS update release. Please contact your mobile operator and/or local Samsung office for details.

 

 

Posted by: Matt

Unless you have been living under a rock you’ll probably be aware that Apple are due to launch a new version of the popular iPhone some time this month. It’s possibly one of the worst-kept Apple secrets. So Apple have finally made the announcement official and have introduced the new iPhone 3GS. Not a radical change from the existing iPhone 3G and possibly a little disappointing that it doesn’t go further, however O2 have been quick to confirm that they will be carrying said handset here in the UK.

O2 to launch iPhone 3G S in the UK on 19 June

O2 today confirmed two exciting iPhone developments. Firstly, the launch of two new iPhones, the iPhone 3G S 16GB and iPhone 3G S 32GB. Both will be available in the UK exclusively on the O2 network on 19 June. The second announcement is confirmation that the release of iPhone OS 3.0 software will also be available to download through iTunes on 17 June and is free to all existing iPhone customers, offering over 100 new features.

The new iPhone 3G S will be free on selected O2 consumer and business tariffs and also available to Pay & Go customers.

iPhone 3G S combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone 3G, O2’s fastest selling handset, with improved battery life, a higher resolution 3MP autofocus camera and a new built-in digital compass for instant navigation. From 19 June all iPhone 3G handsets with the latest iPhone OS 3.0 software will feature the hotly demanded Picture Messaging (MMS), as well as an Internet tethering option*** to connect your PC or Mac to the Internet using the iPhone 3G as a modem.

iPhone 3G S will be available in the UK through O2, Carphone Warehouse and Apple sales channels. It can be purchased online from 19 June by visiting o2.co.uk/iPhone.

All customers will continue to receive unlimited browsing on their iPhone over O2’s HSDPA network** and unlimited access to over 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots through both The Cloud and now BT Openzone.

Both the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 3G S will also be available to Pay & Go customers at the following prices:

· iPhone 3G 8GB – £342.50

· iPhone 3G S 16GB – £440.40

· iPhone 3G S 32GB – £538.30

iPhone 3G S 16GB and 32GB models will also be available on a number of O2 business tariffs on a 24 or 36?month contract.

**Subject to O2’s excessive use policy

*** Available with the Internet Tethering Bolt On

See the O2 website for pricing details – www.o2.co.uk/iPhone

Posted by: Matt