News

3 launches new Skype mobile phone

Mobile phone provider 3 has launched a new handset that will allow users to make free calls over the internet via telephony service Skype.

Users will also be able to use Skype’s instant messaging service, 3 said.

But while people using Skype on their computers are able to make cheap global calls to any phone number, this will not be possible via the new 3 handset.

Skype has about 246 million registered users worldwide and is one of the firms reshaping the global phone industry.

To date, mobile phone companies have been unwilling to let users freely access Skype via their handsets for fear that it would hurt their business.

While it is possible to access Skype from a number of handsets, this has involved downloading third-party software, something that has put off the majority of users.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC news, Windows Mobile news, skype, 3,Tracy & Matt]

AT&T Reveal the BlackJack II

AT&T and Samsung Telecommunications America today announced the availability later this year of the BlackJack II, a sleek, smart and simple device powered by AT&T’s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect network that has the familiar look and feel of your desktop with Windows Mobile 6. The BlackJack II had its first public showing today during a keynote address by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007 in San Francisco.

Samsung BlackJack II

BlackJack II from AT&T brings the personal computer experience to a slim, compact device ideal for today’s mobile consumer. The powerful and performance-driven BlackJack II, which is available in slick black and red wine color options, features a full QWERTY keyboard, large 2.4″ QVGA color display screen and front jog wheel to elevate productivity and improve the mobile experience.

Following in the footsteps of the highly popular BlackJack, the BlackJack II boasts an enhanced feature set, which includes:

AT&T Video Share, the first service in the U.S. that enables users to share live video over the wireless phones while on a voice call. BlackJack II is the first AT&T business-oriented smart device to feature Video Share.

Built-in GPS, Support for location-based applications such as TeleNav GPS Navigator™.
Global phone capabilities. Tri-band 3G UMTS/HSDPA and Quad-band EDGE/GPRS technology takes advantage of AT&T’s industry-leading international wireless footprint for access to e-mail, the Web and other data applications in more than 135 countries — including Japan, South Korea and China — and customers can make or receive phone calls in more than 190 countries.

An RSS Reader Client to compile syndicated Web content in a single location for easy viewing.

Significant improvement in the standard battery capacity to get you through the day.

In addition to a robust feature set, BlackJack II provides users with access to multiple e-mail accounts, both personal and business, through Microsoft Direct Push technology with Outlook® Mobile and AT&T Xpress Mail™, which includes most major POP3/IMAP providers. The BlackJack II also offers over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendar and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or AT&T Xpress Mail.

“The BlackJack II takes one of AT&T’s most popular smart devices and adds to it a whole new level of functionality and capabilities,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Marketing and Operations for AT&T’s wireless unit. “This will provide business people and consumers alike with an even more powerful and complete communications and entertainment tool backed by the largest domestic and international wireless data footprint of any U.S. carrier.”

“Samsung is proud to work with AT&T and Microsoft to bring the next-generation BlackJack to the U.S. market,” said Dale Sohn, president, Samsung. “We built upon the success of last year’s award-winning version of the BlackJack, our No. 1-selling smart device. This highly popular device allowed Samsung to develop BlackJack II with several design enhancements, making it the quintessential device for both work and play.”

A Pocket-Sized Personal Computer
With Windows Mobile 6, the BlackJack II brings a powerful personal computer experience to the small screen and improves how people do business on the go on a single device. The BlackJack II helps people keep track of schedules and contacts through Outlook Mobile, browse the Internet by using Internet Explorer Mobile, as well as manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents using Office Mobile. Windows Mobile 6 also supports HTML e-mail so that people can view and compose e-mail messages in their native format with live links to Web sites, support for images, tables and bullets.

BlackJack II will be among the first Windows Mobile 6 devices from AT&T to support Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, which Ballmer introduced during his keynote address today. Available for BlackJack II in 2008, System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 offers companies an end-to-end solution for managing and securing Windows Mobile devices. Employees will also have access to company information and a line of business applications from a single, secure place behind the firewall by using a cutting-edge Mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN).

“Samsung and AT&T are delivering a worthy successor to the wildly popular first generation BlackJack,” said Pieter Knook, senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft Corp. “Windows Mobile 6 on the shiny, sleek BlackJack II is a great option to those wanting to run errands or take a walk in the park, all while staying in touch with important business and personal matters.”

Posted by: Matt

[Post tags: smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Samsung Blackjack, Samsung SGH-i617, Windows Mobile blog]

Orange TyTN II ROM flashing warning

The Orange version of the HTC TyTN II was released just over a week ago and one of the biggest complaints we are seeing from our readers is that the Orange version does not include any of the Touch-Flo features from the vanilla HTC version and also (once again) Orange have removed Windows Live Messenger.

Several readers got in touch to tell us about this and pointed out that they decided that they would try and flash the official HTC ROM on to their Orange TyTN II. Seems like a feasible solution for anyone willing to risk bricking their brand new device.

So here is a word of warning for anyone thinking about going down this route. Not only is there the obvious consequence of invalidating the warranty on the device BUT the process doesn’t work properly on the Orange TyTN II. If you take a look at some of the forums over at XDA Developers you’ll see a raft of Orange customers have already tried this process only to discover that once you have flashed the ROM the device becomes SIM locked and not ever the original Orange SIM card will work in it!

Probably best to avoid this route for now until someone works out a better method methinks and you should also be aware that this kind of ROM-fiddling is illegal in many countries!

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Orange, HTC TyTN II, Windows Mobile Blog]

Nokia N800 Internet Tablet – £149.99

Quick heads-up for any bargain hunters out there. The Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, which we’ve reviewed in the past, is now available for just £149.99 including delivery!

Available now at Play.com

You can also read our review here

Posted by: Mark

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Windows Mobile blog, Nokia N800, Internet Tablet,Tracy & Matt]

HTC Touch Sprints across the pond

Big news for HTC, and their aging mass-market device – the HTC Touch

Although the device has been available worldwide for a considerable time now, including the US, it has until now failed to make a connection with a operator.

However, shortly Sprint will be offering the device exclusively, with the device subsidised depending on contract terms. Heres the blurb:

With an easy finger swipe, Touch by HTC, exclusively from Sprint, offers both business and personal essentials with an easy-to-use interface

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. and BELLEVUE, Wash. — 10/17/2007 — Combining a dynamic touch screen experience with industry-leading network speeds, Sprint (NYSE: S) and HTC Corp. (TAIEX: 2498; “HTC”), today announced the upcoming availability of Touch by HTC, a full touch screen wireless phone integrating Windows Mobile 6 with advanced entertainment features. Operating on the Sprint Mobile Broadband network, the stylish Touch by HTC brings together email and other essential business applications with Sprint’s exclusive multimedia content including over-the-air music downloads, live TV and more.

With a nearly 3-inch display, Touch by HTC features integrated TouchFLO technology, developed by HTC, leveraging smooth navigation through menus with a finger swipe. In addition, the innovative TouchFLO cube brings a 3D cube interface allowing quick access to entertainment, communication tools and a “Dial-by-picture” photo caller ID screen.

Touch by HTC leverages the broad functionality of Windows Mobile 6 with Outlook Mobile for smooth email integration, Office Mobile, Windows Live and the ability to run thousands of third-party applications. It also allows users to surf the web with Internet Explorer, send and receive emails, chat on Messenger and send files to their own web space through Windows Live. The home screen provides one-touch access to email, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts, as well as current weather conditions and forecasts for hundreds of cities around the world.

Versatile and compact, Touch by HTC provides quick and easy access to Sprint-exclusive content, including:

(Standard data charges apply to all downloads from Sprint.)

“Our customers appreciate the ability to have one device that seamlessly balances both personal needs and business demands,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of product development for Sprint. “Touch by HTC is unlike any other wireless device because it brings together the power of Windows Mobile with easy access to our entertainment applications. This attractive device easily lets you watch news as it happens, respond to email, download your favorite songs and stay connected with the office, family and friends.”

“This device provides a broad set of consumers with the benefits of a smartphone with the style and ease of use they demand,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. “Touch by HTC presents a new, more intuitive touch experience that simplifies access to the most commonly used smartphone features such as dialing, messaging and Web browsing. It also improves the video and music experience with the addition of Sprint TV and the Sprint Music Store.”

“People want an easy-to-use companion in a mobile phone, freeing them up to leave the office or home and get more done while on-the-go,” said Pieter Knook, senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft Corp.” The Sprint Touch is the result of the strong relationship between Microsoft, HTC and Sprint and offers customers a fun user experience, the power of Sprint’s network and the ease-of-use of Windows Mobile which makes it easy to browse the Web, send email or enjoy your digital entertainment.”

Touch by HTC offers MicroSD card slot that supports up to 4GB – a 512MB card is included with the device. Additional features include a 2.0 MP camera/camcorder with up to 5X zoom, advanced stereo Bluetooth and Voice-activated dialing.

Touch by HTC measures 4.0″ x 2.4″ x 0.6″ and weighs just 4 ounces. This device will be priced at $249.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and a $100 mail-in rebate. Standard data rates apply for music and other content downloads.

Touch by HTC will be available on November 4 in all Sprint channels including www.Sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1. Customers can register to be among the first to purchase Touch by HTC at www.sprint.com/touch.

Posted by: Mark

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Sprint, HTC Touch, HTC Elf, HTC P3450]

Samsung i620 – released and in stock

The Samsung i620, the small slider smartphone with full qwerty keyboard is now available from Expansys.

As you can see, this one is a bit of a looker – at least in the world of Windows Mobile! The spec sheet is mixed, but if Samsung manage to get a deal with the major operators, I can see this being a big seller.

Here is the blurb from Expansys:

The Samsung i620 Smartphone has a compact slider form factor, with a slide down QWERTY keyboard. Use the 5-way navigation keypad to access applications quickly. For prolonged use, like replying to emails, the keyboard is there for easy input.

Weighing just 105g, this light weight smartphone has great communication options and runs Windows Mobile Standard (WM6). You can connect to the Internet with HSDPA (3.5G). It also boasts a 2 Mega Pixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0 and a Micro SD slot.

Samsung i620 Specification

Additional Features

Posted by: Mark

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Samsung, i620]

First HTC Touch Dual review live

CoolSmartPhone.com have just gone live with what is probably the first full review of the all new HTC Touch Slider.

There are two versions of the HTC Touch Dual, one has a 16-key phone-style keypad with number keys and the other has a 20-key QWERTY style keypad (similar to the Blackberry or Sony P1i) where each key has two letters associated with it. This review deals with a pre-production version of the 20 key variant

Hopefully, we’ll be getting our hands on a 16 key production review device shortly, but for a head start, head over to CoolSmartPhone’s review

Posted by: Mark

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Sprint,

Live Search – with voice recognition!

Just a very quick post, to add to our earlier news regarding Live Search, the free download from Microsoft.

It actually supports GPS (if you have the capabilities), and also voice input/recognition.

Just to show off, or genuinely useful?

To download the application visit the Live Search website here.

Posted by: Mark

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Living Images, Live Search, Tracy & Matt]

T-Mobile announce Pay-Per-Day Mobile Broadband

T-Mobile recently made some changes to their ‘Web-n-Walk’ mobile data services and have now announced a new ‘Pay-per-day’ mobile broadband service:

Pay-per-day mobile broadband launches for the first time in Britain as T-Mobile launches laptop surfing for never more than £4 a day. From November 1st, the mobile operator, who has pioneered Internet on the move, will offer new and existing customers the chance to get super fast Internet access without a contract. The operator has also slashed prices on its pay monthly mobile broadband tariffs, web’n’walk Plus and Max to enable mobile broadband users the chance to go mobile for less.

Customers can for the first time experience a high speed Internet connection wherever they are via a T-Mobile USB modem and their laptop, without the monthly commitment. Unlimited browsing allows customers to take full advantage of the internet, the way they like at any time, without the constraints of a fixed line, for no more than £4. Customers will be notified if they are using web’n’walk Plus Daily regularly enough to benefit from an upgrade to web n walk Plus or Max contract, which is now only £20 or £35 per month for unlimited web browsing!

T-Mobile has also confirmed that it will be permanently cutting the cost of its web‘n’walk Plus and web’n’walk Max price plans. The web’n’walk Plus package, which allows you to browse, email, download, stream and instant message, has been slashed from £29 a month to never more than £20 a month. Meanwhile, web’n’walk Max, which provides all the same benefits of web’n’walk Plus as well as Internet calling services like Skype, has been cut from £44 a month to never more than £35. The new web’n’walk tariffs are available to all existing customers as well as new customers available from now.

Richard Warmsley, Head of Internet on the Move, T-Mobile, said:

“We know consumers value the flexibility of mobile broadband, accessing the internet for all the reasons they love, whenever they want, wherever they are. Now they can try this just £4 without the constraints of a fixed line. When they are ready, we’ll happily recommended a monthly mobile broadband plan, that gives them even more value at our new reduced prices.

Our experience shows that customers want clear and simple price plans that offer value for money, and that is why we are offering flat-rate unlimited price packages and have further improved the value of our web’n’walk Plus and Max packages.”

Also within the portfolio of mobile broadband services, T-Mobile offers the largest worldwide Wi-Fi network, with over 1,200 HotSpots in key locations across the UK and 21,000 worldwide. The network offers the fastest 3G across the UK with speeds of up to 3.6mb per second, increasing to 7.2mb per second later this year.

Key features:

The tariff is subject to a ‘fair use’ policy but as yet we don’t have the details from T-mobile as to what they consider fair use. It seems like a decent option for those that don’t need to use mobile data every day.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, T-Mobile, MDA Touch, Mobile Broadband, pay-per-day]

Microsoft release Live Search for Smartphone

Microsoft have released Live Search for Windows Mobile which claims to turn your phone into a commercial phonebook (think Yellow Pages), Map and City Guide.

Microsoft Live Search

Quote:

Find it.
Find local businesses, restaurants, and shopping in your neighborhood or where you travel.

Map it.
Get maps and detailed driving directions, and track your real-time location with optional GPS integration.

Plan it.
Take the fastest route with visibility into up-to-date traffic conditions.

To download the application visit the Live Search website here.

Posted by: Toby

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Living Images, Live Search, Tracy & Matt]