The Carphone Warehouse is offering cut price upgrades to the new iPhone 3G S by letting you trade in your old model.
The shop will let you trade in an iPhone 2G for £100, and if you’ve got a newer iPhone 3G the 8GB version will earn you £170 the larger 16GB version will get you £180.
Users would still need to pay up to 18 months of their deal to get their hands on the new phone, which can cost up to £275, so the maximum cost would spiral well over £1,000 just to be among the first to have the new phone.
Not a bad deal if you don’t want the hassle of wheeling and dealing but a quick search on Google and we came up with a service called Mazuma which will give you £180.00 for the 8 Gig and £200.00 for the 16 Gig all done by post.
Via Techradar
All-in-one Redefined: Omnia II (I8000)
The Omnia II features Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and the world’s largest 3.7-inch AMOLED display with WVGA resolution. 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. Multimedia features include DVD-like (480p) video recording/playback, internet browsing and interactive 3D games. Users can download content quickly to the Omnia II’s HSUPA 5.76Mbps, HSDPA 7.2Mbps and Wi-Fi capabilities. Up to 48GB lets users store more of their favorite content.
This morning in Singapore Samsung Korea unveiled the B7610, an Omnia Pro device with a keyboard. It features a 3.5” AMOLED touchscreen display with a 800×480 resolution, slide-out Qwerty keyboard, a 5.1Mpix camera module, 1GB of memory, FM tuner, WiFi, TV Out, GPS and all running Windows Mobile.
Also shown was the Samsung Pixon 12 M8910 and its 12Mpix Camera Module, The Samsung Jackie B7320, and the Android powered I7500.
via Akihabaranews
As you may know, last year we conducted a small group test of digital camcorders as we were looking for for something new to record our unboxing videos on. When we conducted our group test we set a budget of £200 – 250 and at the time the only HD camcorders to fall in to that price bracket were only capable of 720p and in fact not all the cameras on test were HD capable at that price point.
Quite a lot has changed and less than a year later most new camcorders can record 1080p or at least 1080i furthermore many manufacturers have achieved this and have managed to lower prices!
The Toshiba Camileo P30
So here we are looking at one of the latest camcorders from Toshiba, the Camileo P30. This is a pistol-grip style camcorder that looks similar to the Xacti range from Sanyo although the P30 is somewhat smaller and lighter than the equivalent Xacti model.
So as always we are starting our review of the Toshiba Camileo P30 with the unboxing video which you can see below. I’m going to put the P30 through its paces over the next few weeks and will have a written review for you soon.
Toshiba Camileo P30 specification:
- CMOS Sensor: 5MP CMOS Sensor
- Battery: NP60 Li-ion Battery
- Self timer: Approx. 10 sec
- LCD monitor: 2.5inch TFT LCD
- Focusing range: Macro: 1 ~ 80cm; Normal: 10cm ~ infinite
- Lens: 5X Optical Zoom Lens (f=6.8 ~ 34mm; F3.5 ~3.7)
- Exposure control: ± 1EV in 0.3 steps
- Flash: LED Light Flash (for Still): On, Off (LED Light Flash not to cause red-eye phenomenon);
- Storage media: 128MB Nand Flash Memory (Usable storage : around 96MB)
- File format: MOV (video) , JPG(Still)
- Zoom: Digital Zoom 4x (2X for 1080P)
- Interface: HDMI/Mini USB2.0/ TV Out
- Resolution: Still Picture Resolution: High: 3200×2400 / Standard: 2592X1944 / Low : 2048×1536;
- Battery life: Video Recording time: 2 hour; Video Playback time: 1 hour 55min; Picture Taking Q’ty (CIPA): 185 PCS;
- Power Saving Mode: 3 minutes
- OS supported: Microsoft® Windows ® 2000/XP/Vista
- Dimensions: 104(H) x 82(W) x 38(D)mm
- Weight: 135g (w/o battery)g
- Accessories included: 1.CD 2.Quick guide 3.USB cable 4.Video cable 5.HDMI cable 6.battery 7.Power adapter 8.Wrist Strap 9.Tripod 10.Pouch 11.Warranty leaflet 12.Clean cloth
- Other Features: 1. Video Stabilization; 2. Scene support, Auto, Skin, Night, BackLight, Black/White, Classic, Negative;
- White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten
- Capacity: Photos taken vs. Capacity (1GB SD): 8 Mega Pixels – 327; 5 Mega Pixels – 446; 3 Mega Pixels – 817; Video recording vs. Capacity (1GB SD): FH(1080p) – 15min; HD (720p) – 30min; WVGA – 25min; VGA – 1 hour; QVGA – 4 hours;
- System Requirement: Microsoft® Windows ® 2000/XP/Vista; CPU Intel Pentium III 800MHz above; 256MB system memory and free 700MB system hard disk space; 4X CD-ROM; 1 available USB port;
- TV Output: Digital: HDMI Analog: Composite Video (NTSC/PAL Selectable)
Posted by: Matt
[ Post Tags: Toshiba Camileo P30, camcorder, video cameras, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]
Documents To Go has eventually hit the App Store after what seems like forever waiting for it. There are two versions available one that can sync with Microsoft Exchange to retrieve attachments that you can then edit and a straight forward version without the exchange feature.
The one downside so far is the omission of any ability to edit Excel files although Dataviz have promised that this will be updated very soon and for free to anyone that buys this app now.
Pricing of the application is amazing but apparently is a limited time offer, the two versions are priced at £2.99 and £5.99 respectively.
Matt Miller from ZDnet has already done a review of the software and the video is after the break.
Of course it is not really a “browser” (like Opera Mobile or Internet Explorer) but it is an UI control – the same as the one used in Safari – that is used in app – like many other “browser” apps. However this “browser” adds something interesting: you can easily share links to web pages that you are viewing on 2 currently leading social networks: Twitter and Facebook. Of course next week, iPhone OS 3.0 will bring copy and paste and ability to share also with standard social network clients, but sharing directly from the browser might be faster.
This app is FREE (or rather banner-sponsored to be exact) and here is how this app looks like:
Continue Reading »
DivX have announced the first line of DivX Certified® HDTVs from Toshiba. The striking new Toshiba REGZA XV, ZV and SV LCD HDTV series enhances consumers’ viewing experience with support for high-quality DivX video.
Available now in the United States and in Europe this summer, the REGZA LCD HDTVs deliver brilliantly sharp imagery and support next-generation home network connectivity. Leveraging unique features such as Resolution+ technology, these new HDTVs enable the consumer to up-convert DivX video files to full 1080p high definition while preserving the outstanding visual quality that Toshiba builds into its consumer electronic products.
DivX technology allows movies to be compressed to a fraction of their original size, while maintaining excellent visual quality. Users can fit over six hours of high-quality DivX video on a 4GB USB. With support for DivX video, consumers can easily playback their DivX content via the USB flash drive directly on the REGZA TV.
"We have worked with DivX in the past for a range of Toshiba products, including portable DVD players and LCD TV/DVD combo to support DivX playback," said Masayuki Ito, Senior Manager of the TV Product Planning Group, TV Division, in Toshiba’s Digital Media Network Company. "Now that our new line of HDTVs is DivX Certified, we can increase the value we add for consumers so they can enjoy high-quality DivX video playback in the living room."
“DivX has long been a checklist feature in leading consumer electronics products, and it’s clear that we’ve evolved to become a must-have feature in HDTVs,” said Kevin Hell, Chief Executive Officer of DivX, Inc. “We are pleased to work with Toshiba to expand our ecosystem with the new series of Toshiba REGZA TVs soon to be available throughout the U.S. and Europe”
Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure a high-quality DivX media experience, including reliable video creation and playback, interoperability with other DivX Certified devices and the visual high-quality users expect from DivX.
For more information about DivX video, visit www.divx.com.
Posted by: Matt
According to Apcom/I.R.I.S., the official distributors of Apple products in Romania, cited by Ziarul Financiar, the Palm Pre should come in the country at about the same price as in the US. This report comes from ZF.ro and it quotes Zsolt Kadar, the director of marketing for Apcom/I.R.I.S., "The launch depends on demand and in the West, but the device should be available in Eastern Europe, including Romania, at the end of September, at prices similar to those outside ($550 without subscription red.)." The Palm Pre may be offered on the local market in Romania through wireless carriers as well, though no exact details have been made public.
Still remember the Samsung B7610 Louvre we featured way back in April? It turns out that the Louvre is actually the newest Omnia from the company, the Samsung Omnia Pro. Taking a cue from HTC where their Pro version such as the HTC Touch Pro2 features a QWERTY keypad, Samsung does the same with the Omnia Pro. More details and pics after the break.
LG KM900 Arena review
LGs latest addition to there touch screen devices seems to be off to a flying start but does the new Arena live up to the hype?
First announced at Mobile World Congress back in February the LG KM900 Arena is not LGs first touch screen device but it is the first with the new S-Class UI, so let’s see how it compares with other touch screen devices on the market.
The LG Arena (LG KM900)
What’s in the box?
- Handset
- Battery
- Data Cable
- Wired Headset
- Charger
- User Manual
- Software Disc
Have a look at Matt’s LG Arena unboxing video for more details.
LG Arena Specification:
- 3” 16M-colour capacitive TFT touch screen of WVGA resolution (480×800 pixels)
- S-Class Touch UI
- Quad Band GSM/GPRS/Edge support
- 3G with HSDPA (7.2 Mbps)
- WiFi & GPS with A-GPS
- 5 Megapixel autofocus camera with Schneider-Kreuznach optics, LED flash, geotagging
- Di (720×480 pixels) @ 30fps, QVGA fast motion video and QVGA slo-mo video
- 8GB built in storage
- Hot swappable microSD card slot
- Standard 3.5mm audio jack and TV out
- USB mass storage
- Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP
- Accelerometer for screen auto rotate
- Multi-touch input
- 3D Hardware accelerator
- DivX and XviD support
- FM Radio with FM transmitter
- Office document viewer
- Smart dialling
General
Opening the box first impressions were generally positive. On the bottom/front of the device are the send and end keys. Between them is a shortcut key which takes you to the 3D cube. This lets you scroll between the four available customized home screens.
On the top/front of the device is the front facing camera (for video calling) and the powerful speaker.
LG Arena front view
On the rear of the handset is the 5MP camera lens and also the flash for low lighting shots.
LG Arena back view
The left side of the Arena only contains the USB port. Unfortunately LG are still using there proprietary connectivity port and not a more standard MicroUSB or MiniUSB. On the up side, the port does have a nice sliding cover instead of a removable rubber cover like on many other handsets.
LG Arena left side
The right side of the device contains a dedicated camera button for a quick launch and also an up/down volume rocker.
LG Arena right side
The top of the handset houses the 3.5mm headset jack and also the on/off power switch.
LG Arena top view
The bottom of the Arena is plain, featuring no controls or ports whatsoever.
Highlights
- 3G HSDPA
- Built in GPS
- Superb Video Recording
- 3.5mm Headset Jack
Lowlights
- Feels very plastic and low quality
Review
My initial thoughts when I first handled the LG Arena was “oh no, this feels horrible”, however when I turned the handset on I was pleasantly surprised. The screen is extremely vibrant and the haptic feedback makes using the touch screen relatively easy.
The four different home screens make finding what you want quick and smooth.
Although the phone is not of the best build quality all the buttons are extremely responsive and do the job well.
Having 3G made web browsing fast but the browser itself is not the best. It supports pinch zooming (like the iPhone) but it is very jumpy and hard to get the exact zoom you require.
By far the best features on the Arena are the multimedia ones.
The video camera is superb. I have used many high end smartphones and none of them can match the video quality of the Arena. If there was one thing that really impressed me about the handset it was this!
Sample Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6xkEn1C15A
The 5MP camera does a great job and produces good quality bright vibrant images.
Viewing photos on the phone was also a pleasant experience. Switching to landscape mode allows you to swipe forward and back through the images and the pinch zooming works a treat here.
Listening to music was fantastic. The speaker on the Arena sounds amazing and this was before I even figured out that I could switch on the Dolby option. This made the music even crisper and as a rock fan it was nice to be able to clearly hear the bass. Once the wired headset was connected the sound quality was good enough to give any other handset/mp3 player a run for its money.
From LG’s website:
Take great quality photos with the 5 megapixel camera that includes Auto Focus and a 4x digital zoom and capture quality images.
Enjoy a truly cinematic experience with a 3" WVGA screen (480 x 800 Resolution) which gives you four times the clarity of most mobile phones. Accessing your favourite film has never been easier thanks to the DivX/Xvid Video Playback.
Play your music more powerfully with Dolby Mobile for Music to experience a superior sound quality. Plus, take advantage of the 3.5mm jack, for connecting high quality headphones. Finally, the LG Arena allows you play your music in multi-formats meaning all of your music – MP3, AAC, AAC+, RA and WMA).
Play your music where ever you want with the fantastic FM Transmitter. Plus, enjoy internet access with lightning fast Wi-Fi connection and a PC like internet browser. Venture off the beaten track with the integrated A-GPS feature and tag locations of great photos with Geo-Tagging.Massive 8GB of storage (expandable to 32GB with a Micro SD Card) there’s plenty of room for loads of photos, music and videos.
Conclusion
So does the LG Arena live up to the hype?
A lot of people have compared the LG Arena to the iPhone, but personally I don’t think that Apple have much to feel threatened about. Although the Arena does everything it says on the box the user experience is not as good as on some other handsets (including the iPhone).
As a fan of touch screen devices I was not expecting the Arena to be a great handset to use but it pretty much ticked all the boxes. Although I won’t be going out to buy one I honestly feel that if I had to recommend a phone to someone who did not need a business handset then the LG Arena would certainly be a contender.
Well done LG. A pretty good effort.
Review by: James
Post Tags: [LG Arena,LG KM900,touchscreen phone,tracyandmatt.co.uk]
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