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Samsung have announced the latest device in their Galaxy range, with the 5 inch Galaxy Grand. It seems they are catering for every possible screen size as this one sits nicely between the Galaxy S3 and the Note 2. Packing 1GB or RAM, 8GB of internal storage and at only 9.6mm thick the Grand could well be perfect for those that found the Note 2 just a little too big.

Running Android Jelly Bean and powered by a 2100 mAh battery the Samsung Galaxy Grand is reported to be launching with both a dual SIM and Single SIM variants, although to which markets are not yet currently clear, as is the price.

It looks to be another beauty.

Source: The Next Web

Posted by: James

We already knew that Research in Motion would be holding the BlackBerry 10 launch event on January 30th, however today invites have started rolling out and the web page for the date has gone live.

The locations for the launch events are to be New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Johannesburg and Dubai. We are still in the dark with regards to times but at least I know that I am going to the London one so if we don’t have a review unit prior to the 30th we should at least get some final software/hardware video footage on the day.

And that day can’t come soon enough for me.

Posted by: James

If you have been waiting for Samsungs latest Windows Phone 8 device then the wait is over. After a few delays the 16GB version is now available to order from Expansys for £459.99.

Hoping to convert Android fan boys and dedicated Apple iOS users, the Ativ S is a serious contender in the bloated smartphone market. Not only is there the fantastic new Windows 8 on board with all the top specs but as Windows TeamBlog described it, "The ATIV S is flat-out beautiful". Samsung have moved away from their usual plastic affair, garnished on the Galaxy and Note range, and have used Apple-esque brushed aluminium instead, the result is a classy looking handset. Also it has a slim 8.9mm profile and weighs in at 135g so it won’t weigh down your pocket.

The Ativ S sports a whopping 4.8 inch, super AMOLED screen which is layered with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 2. This means you have a tough but gorgeous HD screen that does those vibrant Windows 8 live tiles justice. A 1.5GHz processor lurks underneath, along with 1GB of RAM so that tile interface should be buttery smooth to use. 16GB of storage is built in (expandable for up to 32GB) and there’s a respectable 8MP camera on the back which can record full HD video, as well as a front facing camera for video calls. Samsung seemed to have heard people cries for longer battery life on smartphones so have given the Ativ a large 2,300 mAh sized battery (enormous compared to the iPhone 4S paltry 1,432 mAh battery). All in all the Ativ S is a stunning and exciting package that could well be the phone that cracks the Android and iPhone reign.

Posted by: James

EE, the UK’s most advanced digital communications company, today announced that 4G will be switched on in a further 17 towns and cities across the country by March 2013. As well as investing in bringing superfast mobile to new areas around the UK, network density is being rapidly increased in existing 4G launch cities to continue to improve the speed and reach of the UK’s first 4G network.

In the first three months of 2013, 4G will be launched in Bradford, Chelmsford, Coventry, Doncaster, Dudley, Leicester, Luton, Newport, Reading, Rotherham, St Albans, Sunderland, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Watford, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton, bringing 4G coverage to approximately four million more people across the UK. Last week, 4G was switched on in Derby, Newcastle and Nottingham; Belfast, Hull, Maidenhead and Slough will be switched on before the end of 2012. This brings the total of 4G launches in 2012 to 18, ahead of the schedule of 16.

Councillor Rory Palmer, Deputy City Mayor of Leicester, which is due to be switched on in early 2013, said: “I am delighted that the 4G network will be going live in Leicester in early 2013. EE clearly recognises that Leicester is a city that will benefit significantly from 4G mobile coverage – superfast mobile internet will have real benefits for our residents, homes and businesses across the city.”

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Posted by: James

Virgin has recently added a further 20 tube stations to its list of WiFi supported locations with plans to increase to 120 by early next year.

The new stations will coincide with a new pre-pay option. Daily passes are expected to cost £2, weekly passes £5 and monthly passes £15. Virgin signed a deal with Vodafone and EE last month so these charges will be waivered if on either network.

Virgin Media executive director of broadband Jon James said: “WiFi on London Underground has been an incredible success and we’ve rolled out the service to reach even more stations throughout London.

“Our wholesale agreement with EE and Vodafone will keep the majority of Tube users connected for no extra cost and every Londoner and visitor can choose from affordable prepay options with free, up-to-the-minute travel, news and entertainment for everyone.”

Source: mobilenewscwp

Posted by: James

Today, Microsoft announces a new SkyDrive app for Xbox 360 allowing users to access their content in a few clicks whether using the web, PC, phone, or now, even a TV. The app will be going live later today and users can expect to see it on their Xbox very soon.

The entirely new SkyDrive experience for Xbox 360 spotlights your photos and videos. The app connects the cloud to a user’s Xbox and TV: every photo, video, movie, and other file that’s in SkyDrive from Windows or the web will be available on the user’s Xbox-connected TV. Windows Phone is also now connected to Xbox and every photo can be available on their TV automatically.

Starting today, we’re bringing even more value to SkyDrive and Xbox customers with a new SkyDrive app for Xbox 360. This means your favorite content is now only one click away, whether you are using the web, your PC, your phone, or now, even your big screen TV.

Dan Somrack, one of our newest Program Managers, authored this post. Dan just joined us from Cornell University earlier this year and he drove the final release details of this project.

The app will be going live later today. You can expect to see it on your Xbox after 10AM PST.

– Mike Torres, Group Program Manager, SkyDrive apps

More info can be found on the Windows Blog.

Posted by: James

If you are after a dual SIM Android device or maybe looking for a Christmas present that won’t break the bank you may want to consider the Acer Z110 Duo.

While it isn’t cutting edge it does offer great value for money and there aren’t many dual SIM devices out there for Android lovers.

The easy-to-use Liquid Z Series maximizes smartphone fun and affordability. Enjoy your pictures in stunning high resolution on the large display. Music-savvy features jazz up your go-anywhere tunes. Text and game easily, and store what you want. Advanced camera features accentuate great moments with friends and family.

The 3.5" display is awesome to behold and the 1 GHz CPU accelerates web browsing and gameplay. Messaging is clear, photography lustrous. Sized for breezy viewing and typing, this easygoing smartphone fits perfectly in your hand. You can even write single-handed texts or emails with Swype.

Order the Acer Z110 Duo in either black or white here.

Posted by: James

We have reviewed one or two accessories from MobileFun.co.uk in the last few years and it is great to see them expanding. The company have said that they intend to start selling in a further 12 countries by the end of this financial year. They have already this year started trading in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Ireland and Switzerland, so in so called recession it’s great that the mobile accessory specialist is doing so well.

Mobile Fun group e-commerce Manager Alex Ashman said: “Following the success of new European websites over the past year, we analysed ecommerce and mobile device penetration to select the new territories.

“The global market is a major growth driver for Mobile Fun, with international sales accounting for over 30 per cent of our total orders. Although our expansion is a bold move for us, we are confident that our new websites will reinforce the fast growth we have enjoyed internationally so far.”

Source:mobilenewscwp

Posted by: James