People who already own the HTC Magic mobile phone are currently wondering whether or not they will get to experience the Sense user interface (UI). It seems that if they live in Taiwan they can – they just have to download and update their device, and voila, they can enjoy both new additions. However users in the rest of the globe are still unable to get these updates, which is disappointing; but it seems probable we wont be left waiting long, if past behaviour is anything to go by.
There could be some bad news for those of you purchased branded HTC Magic handsets however, as the update needs the carrier to make it available if users are to access it. Licensing restrictions could be a huge obstacle in this, and possibly prevent some users from getting to experience the Sense UI and/or Android 2.0 anytime soon, despite the fact that all HTC Magic phones should be fully compatible.
There has been some suggestion that the older HTC Magic that only had 192 MB RAM could have some problems with the upgrades, although currently the 288 MB version appears to be working fine.
If any carrier fails to make the Android 2.0 and Sense UI updates available for users to download there could be quite a backlash, especially as users in Brazil can supposedly buy a HTC Magic and enjoy these new features right out of the box.
At the end of the day it seems likely that they will be made available in the UK soon, although if users in Taiwan and Brazil already have access we would hope that this isn’t another Palm Pre situation where we end up months behind the US in terms of availability. Time will tell.
Archive for October, 2009
HTC Magic To Get Android 2.0 And Sense UI
Thursday, October 29th, 2009Samsung Omnia II A Windows Mobile 6.5 Device
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Mobile phone manufacturer Samsung recently revealed the Samsung Omnia II; a good looking, high end handset that runs under the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. While the device has already hit shelves with the 6.1 version however, it is now going to start appearing with the new Windows Mobile 6.5 OS right out of the box.
The company had already announced that the Samsung Omnia II mobile phone would be getting the update, which we think is pretty good news for those of you who own the device, especially as Windows Mobile 7.0 is likely going to make version 6.1 look pretty old and clunky. Although, we should take into account the handset’s use of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, which changes how the phone looks and feels, making it less than obvious that it is in fact running the Windows Mobile OS at all.
The user interface is not only evident on the home screen, but throughout the system; it can be seen in your menus, settings, options and even some apps. The Samsung Omnia II is not only a great looking mobile phone, but with the TouchWiz UI and now the option of Windows Mobile 6.5 OS, it is looking better than ever.
The update is going to please a lot of Samsung Omnia II owners, many of whom are likely slightly put out by the fact that so soon after purchasing the mobile phone the operating system got such a significant update.
If you are going to update your handset from Windows Mobile 6.1 OS to version 6.5, be sure to back up all of your data first to avoid losing anything important.
A Lower Pricing for the iPhone 3GS on Orange Networks
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
After two years under an exclusivity deal with Apple, Telefonica-owned O2 has relinquished (or lost) the deal to France Telecom-owned Orange in the UK and to another UK network operator Vodafone in a non-exclusivity deal that is expect to bring down the iPhone tariffs even for the new and more powerful iPhones.
Orange is well poised to take on the iPhone 3G and 3GS as it has the most extensive 3G network in the country with more people on it than on any other 3G network. Moreover, this is not new to Orange as it has distribution rights to the handset in 28 other countries on the planet. What is more significant is that with the new deal, the iPhone 3GS on Orange is expected to benefit UK iPhone fans.
A Better deal for UK Markets
The new arrangement between Apple and Orange does away with the onerous provision of revenue sharing between the two that was both boon and bane for O2. Exclusivity did have its price and it effectively put UK iPhone fans at a disadvantage with a tariff on the handset that was higher than it could have been.
But it did catapult O2 as the number one carrier in the land with more than 1.7 million iPhones sold during the period. Now, Orange and later Vodafone are expected to offer iPhones at lower prices.
Apple’s monopolistic attempts to get exclusive carriers in European markets as it had in the US had earlier met with stiff resistance with French and German telcos getting their courts against it. But it eventually proved not only good for iPhone markets but also for Apple. In countries where there are two or more networks carrying the iPhones, Apple got more revenues.
And with more people getting the iPhone at better tariffs, Apple realized more revenue streams from its iTunes App Store when the site got swamped with application purchases from the growing iPhone owners. The revenue from its online app store simply overtook the prospective revenues from any exclusivity deal. It was clear Apple has a new business model with the iPhone phenomenon.
iPhone 3GS Now in the UK
The new non-exclusive deals are expected to further boost interest and a wider market for the iPhones that have enjoyed the most commercial success in the markets where they were made available. With the third generation iPhone 3GS sporting a more powerful engine and an upgraded feature set that puts its phone functions at par with upscale smartphones, there’s every indication that points to its success under the new networks. The iPhone 3GS on Orange and later on Vodafone is expected to bring lower tariffs to a wider iPhone fan base.
Availability
Orange plans to have the new iPhone handsets ready in time for the Christmas holiday shopping rush. The O2-owned Carphone Warehouse will continue to beef up its iPhone stocks with Orange retailers from its brick-and-mortar and online shops ready to take orders starting this 16ths of October. Orange is still silent on the pricing but be sure to visit its site at www.Orange.co.uk/iPhone for more updates.
Apple iPhone 3G S Links:
Spotlight: Windows Mobile Acer beTouch E101
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
The Acer beTouch E101 is a mobile phone with simple specifications, good design and is running Windows Mobile 6.5.1. It is a good combination if you are not looking for much in a phone (this is a GSM model after all). But those looking for high end hardware and a fast processor will have other choices to choose from when Christmas rolls around the corner.
The beTouch series, E100, E101 and E200 and the neoTouch will all be released at the same time. This will be done in conjunction with the release of Windows Mobile 6.5.1.; there is no word if any of the four devices will be upgradeable to the upcoming, and eternally delayed, Windows Mobile 7 operating system. Of the four devices, the mobile phone with the best specs is the neoTouch, the beTouch series serves more of the mass market.
beTouch E101’s Resistive Touch Screen
There is no doubt about it, the resistive touch screen of the E101 will make you feel like the device belongs in the old age of mobile phones. Stylus based touch screen usage is so out, particularly when most touch screen phones can easily be operated with just one hand. Still, if you do not mind the minor inconvenience of relying on a stylus, then you might be okay using the E101.
At least it has solid features to back it up. Using Windows Mobile 6.5.1 with a stylus is pretty easy. Unlike other touch based interface like the TouchFlo or the Sense, WinMo 6.5 uses basic touch commands. In the end it all matters according to the user. Just be warned, the beTouch E101 is completely touch screen based and you will always need a stylus to properly operate this device.
The beTouch E101 Hardware and Software Specifications
Windows Mobile offers a lot of pre-installed functions. Outlook mobile is for email, while Pocket Office handles text documents, spreadsheets and similar files. Windows Media Player mobile is used to play back both music and video files and the E101 comes equipped to play most encoding formats.
No word yet on any integrated features and it seems very unlikely unless a carrier decides to support the beTouch series. The E101 can access 2G network bands and access the internet through EDGE and GPRS networks. Everything in this mobile phone will be run by a Qualcomm MSM 7225 processor. At 528 MHz, it is fast enough to run all the existing applications without any foreseeable problems.
The rest of the hardware is pretty impressive for the GSM device. The 2 mega pixel is perfect for taking good quality 1600 x 1200 photos. It has A-GPS for navigation functions, Bluetooth for accessories and a mini USB port to back up and transfer your files. With its 1140 mAh battery, the device is expected to run for 400 hours on standby and five hours of continuous talk time.
Bringing Life Back to GSM
GSM is far from dead, lots of manufacturers are still developing GSM devices and GSM is still the most used network band for mobile phones across the globe. But the inevitable reality is that GSM and 2G technology will eventually become obsolete. Unlike radio, the practicality of using 2G does not surpass that of 3G. 3G has the same signal coverage capabilities as 2G; the only difference is that there are not as many providers.
At this point it is still a wise move to create a GSM device. Where Acer had a misstep was in making the E100, this 3G counterpart of the E101 lacks enough hardware capabilities to compete in the 3G market. Unlike the Acer beTouch E101, which has the exact same capabilities as the E100; these existing hardware and functions are high for 2G standards.
Acer beTouch E101 Links:
Linux Mobile Smart Phone: the Vodafone 360 H1
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
There is plenty of excitement and praise for Linux Mobile smart phones, after all, just like the Google Android; they provide an easier to use and more powerful operating system as compared to Windows Mobile. This comes as to no surprise as Linux has long been developing some powerful and useful open source software.
Their computer operating systems are also considered some of the most secure and stable platforms. Linux’s Ubuntu is recommended a lot by computer experts as well. Their venture into the mobile market comes as to no surprise and industry has welcomed this amazing developer with open arms.
The Tie-Up
Linux is teaming up with Vodafone and Samsung for the Vodafone 360 H1. This smart phone will be running the Linux Mobile operating system, manufactured by Samsung and supported by mobile carrier Vodafone using their 360 service. That is a pretty good package, unless you already have a contract on another carrier that is. One way or another, it is still worth considering the switch to this mobile phone.
Worth Switching To?
Naturally, getting the Vodafone 360 H1 is not just about getting a phone, it also means switching carriers. As said, if you already have one, then this probably is not something you would consider; unless your contract is ending pretty soon and just in time for the launch of the 360 H1. The 360 H1 is truly a magnificent phone, and we are just talking about the external features here. Inside, the 360 hardware and software puts it on the same tier as the Sony Ericsson Xperia X3.
Spec Wise
With a 3.5 inch AMOLED touch screen, Wi-Fi, a 5 mega pixel camera, 16GB of internal memory (yes, you read that right, 16GB) and a whole host of other amazing features, we are hard pressed to think of a reason why not to get this device the moment it comes out.
Vodafone 360 H1 Links:
New Firmware For Nokia N97
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia has just released a new firmware for the Nokia N97 handset, which arrives as version 20.0.019, 20.1.021 or 20.2.019, depending on where exactly you are from. This new firmware is set to deliver a few nice little improvements, although keep in mind not all N97 model numbers are currently supported.
Some of the more interesting changes that come with this new firmware include:
- Kinetic scrolling within the UI, lists and any item larger than your display.
- Pressing a key for more than a second will now bring up the associated symbol or numeric digit. – Bug fixed to ensure music player how displays album art more reliably.
- Six new social media and service widgets have been added by default.
- Various photograph and video improvements.
- Optional offline mode for the home screen widgets.
- The N Gage client is now included.
- Ovi Maps 3.1 is now included.
- Ovi Store and Ovi Contacts are now integrated.
- The Sync system has been improved.
If you own a Nokia N97 and are interesting in upgrading to the latest version of firmware you can do so on Nokia’s Software Update. To access it simply scroll to the “SW Update” in your mobile phone.
Although the Nokia N97 has built in User Data Preservation, otherwise known as UDP, we cannot stress it enough that it is important to have a complete back up of all of your data and not just “risk it” as so many people do, only to find that they’ve lost everything. No UDP is completely flawless and unless you want to be tracking down phone numbers for the next 6 months we encourage you to take the necessary precautions before an update.
Samsung Pairs With Handmark For Mobile Gaming Development
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Mobile phone manufacturer Samsung has just paired up with Handmark, a leader in creating and distributing mobile apps and services, as was announced on Monday. The two companies have launched something called the Global Venture Fund, which aims at investing in individuals and companies who have innovative gaming ideas that could suit the upcoming line of next generation Samsung handsets.
The senior vice president of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships for Handmark, Chris Barnett, stated of the partnership: “We know there’s a wealth of great ideas out there waiting to be discovered,” adding that, “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, including big brands, mobile developers or any individual with a unique, creative idea to make it a reality.”
According to the two companies, those who are able to be a part of the program could receive as much as $250,000 each to help fund their ideas. The money will be managed by Handmark from their Kansis City and London offices, while Samsung will be a collaborator in this. The pair are seeking games that will make the most of the features that are present in Samsung’s mobile phones, and which could be used to help promote the handsets in the future. They have stated that they are open to both new and older ideas, which is good news for those of you who have been sitting on something for sometime now.
To us this seems like a pretty cool initiative, not so much in terms of investing in companies, but in terms of investing in the ideas of individuals. There are plenty of people out there who lack the funding to realize the great potential of their ideas, and this could be just the ticket.
Sony Ericsson Equinox Review
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
The Sony Ericsson Equinox is the latest mobile phone to come from the handset manufacturer and has just reached T Mobile‘s line up. A slick and attractive model, it boasts some very nice features, and has a funky pulsing effect when a call or message is received.
The Sony Ericsson Equinox comes with not only a nice design, but also 3G connectivity functionality, including 3G, as well as in built GPS, a 3.2 mega pixel camera, an FM radio, Bluetooth 2.0 and a number of multimedia focussed features such as an app that allows the user to film something then upload it easily to YouTube to share with their friends.
The mobile phone also has something being called “night effects” which lets the user set up their own pulsating light flashes to go off when up to five of their contacts call, so they can tell who it is before they even see the caller ID on the screen – this reminds me a lot of an old Nokia I used to own, and it is nice to see a new and improved version being implemented on a newer device, I must say.
The Sony Ericsson Equinox also features gesture control, meaning that you can shut off your alarm with a single movement; although personally I would be reluctant to use it in such a way, as I imagine it would be all too easy to just roll over and go back to sleep. The display itself is 2.2 inches and supports up to 262k colours with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels.
All in all it is a nice handset, although nothing truly special in terms of specifications.
Why Get a Samsung Omnia Pro B7330
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
If you are looking for a reliable smart phone that has features well made for people who go to the office, then perhaps Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 is a good consideration. This mobile device was made solely for the purpose of doing some serious writing tasks thanks to the Windows Mobile software and full QWERTY keyboard on the face of the phone. The buttons respond fast and the processor is able to keep up with fast typing skills. Naturally, you can use this device with either one or both your hands.
No Touch Screen
Of course, doing away with the touch screen is not always a good thing. For one, it makes navigation a lot harder, even if you have an operating system that can work without the need for a touch screen. This has also made certain programs and applications less accessible for a lot of people. The screen is a little small, at its size, you can still view messages, websites and even watch videos and keep a good time, but it just barely gets the job done.
Bad GPS Alternative
Another feature of this mobile device is the fact that it has a GPS function. You can make full use of this function is you just want to see a map of an area and plan a route ahead of time. But if you intend to use this device while you are driving, then forget it. The screen is too small to be of any help and this device is more likely to get you in more trouble.
Is it Worth It?
If you are looking for a no-nonsense mobile that is going to make things a little easier for you, then hopefully this is it. This Samsung device can do desktop editing and other important messaging functions; if these functions are not enough, then you definitely need another device.
Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 Links:
iPhone Comes To Orange On November 10
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Customers on the Orange network could see the iPhone arrive sooner than first expected if the reports are true; in fact as soon as the 10th of November.
The company hasn’t yet provided any official confirmation, or dismissal, regarding the possible November date, and has actually declined to comment numerous times to different sources when questioned about the possible date the iPhone will be arriving on Orange UK.
Last month the company, who already offers support for the iPhone in twenty eight other countries around the globe, made an announcement that the popular mobile phone would become available at some point before Christmas this year – with Vodafone then announcing they will be adding the iPhone to their line up early in 2010.
Ever since the news came that O2‘s exclusivity over the iPhone was about to end, consumers have been waiting and hoping to see a price war; however as both carriers are keeping quiet about exact arrival dates we are still left waiting, wondering which network is going to give us the best price.
As Vodafone’s next financial reports will be coming out about the same time as the possible November Orange iPhone launch, that may have some bearing on the situation; but without any official confirmation we really aren’t any the wiser.
We do know that the 3 network is also eying the popular device off however, with the chief executive for the company, Kevin Russel, recently stating; “I would expect the iPhone to be on the 3 network sometime during 2010. At the moment, we don’t have the iPhone. We don’t really have any smartphones but if we improve our range of smartphones and introduce the iPhone then our data traffic will grow massively.”
AS far as we are concerned, the more carriers the more competition – bring on the price war!