Andrew Willett, a 22 year old from Battersea is the first local owner of a Windows Phone 7 handset in the UK. With this, the first WP7 device to be locally sold is the Samsung made Omnia 7 (purchased through an Orange Mobile UK store). Officially, the first WP7 handset to ever be sold in the whole is HTC 7 Trophy which was purchased by Jourdan Templeton at Auckland, New Zealand.
And that makes it official, the Windows Phone 7 is officially out there and ready for everyone to try out. With all the new features, social networking and even multiplayer games available, one can only expect great things from Microsoft’s new system.
Speaking of WP7 devices being out, 3 UK has confirmed that the Omnia 7 is already available through them as well as the HTC Desire HD. The Android toting Desire HD and the WP7 loaded Omnia 7 are both being marketed at the same rates. Free on a 35 Pound monthly tariff and providing users with plenty of call minutes, several thousand texts, a generous bandwidth and free two months worth of free Spotify.
Now, moving on to other news; retailer Tesco is certainly placing the Galaxy Tab on a direct head to head competition with the Apple iPad. Despite being smaller, the Tab is of the same price as the iPad (despite initial reports stating that Samsung’s tablet might end up as being more expensive). The Samsung Galaxy Tab is already available through pre-orders on Tesco.
Lastly, Samsung’s Galaxy S is taking a quick step back from the earlier announced Froyo update. With possible issues to the system, it has been deemed as an important precaution to hold off the availability of the update until Samsung is certain that it will not cause any issues once installed.
Archive for October, 2010
First Windows Phone 7 Sold and the Rest of Today’s Highlights
Friday, October 22nd, 2010Rumours: Google’s Next Android
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
The next Android operating system name has already been put out in the wild: Ice Cream. Given Google’s existing naming convention for the Android operating system, it is not surprising that people already believe that version 4.0 will be named Ice Cream.
The naming officially started with version 1.5 and it was named as the Android Cupcake. This was then followed up with version 1.6 Donut. For quite some time, these two platform versions proved to the world that the Android open source operating system was a system that people can rely on and it was a great contender against the iOS.
Version 2.0 Éclair came out late last year with the launch of the Motorola DROID. The phone was exclusive to US carrier Verizon for a couple of months before the system made it to the UK under the name of Motorola Milestone.
During the second quarter of the year, Android 2.2 Froyo (which stands for frozen yogurt) finally came out, the new platform update brought lots of new features and most importantly, performance updates to the phone that made it faster and easier to use. Sadly, the shift from Éclair to Froyo has turned out to be a difficult one, with many developers and manufacturers unable to update their systems.
The next Android version, 3.0 has been announced to be the Gingerbread. This was stated by Google during the I/O conference several months back. It has also been rumored that the next version of the OS is going to be the Honeycomb and later followed by the 4.0 Ice Cream.
Technically, that makes it as the next, next, next Android OS.
Regardless of Google’s naming convention, one thing is known for certain. That the mobile platform is certain that has captured the interest of many smart phone users excited to see the latest update available.
Nokia in Focus: Finnish Phone Maker is Shaping Up
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
It has been a short while since the Canadian born Stephen Elop has taken the reigns of the world largest phone maker. But he has come to take on the CEO title at a very testing time for the company. With strong competition in terms of both the hardware and software products, as well as the slowly decreasing fan base for the Nokia brand label, Elop certainly has his work cut out for him.
The most recent sales of Nokia still managed to rake in a profit, and after suffering from a serious degree of net losses last 2009, being able to stay afloat would be a very important thing. However, the overall shipping volume of Nokia’s handsets has decreased and despite profits moving up (mostly due to the costs of phones getting higher), Nokia needs to get into a strong market position in order to stay on top of the game.
According to reports, Nokia made about 469 million GBP in the previous quarter and has managed to ship out about 110 million devices. That is indeed higher than the volume last year, but certainly a lot less than they wanted –considering the fact that Nokia already predicts that the fourth quarter of the year would be bringing in even less sales.
In an effort to keep things running steady, Nokia has already adopted the Qt platform for software development. This will create a level of uniformity between the MeeGo and Symbian platforms, allowing developers to create cross compatible apps without any issues at all –this is a good sign for Symbian users as well.
Nokia’s current lineup of handsets is also looking pretty good. Despite being very delayed, the N-series N8 has been getting plenty of attention as of late as the phone’s 12 MP snapper and HD features are certainly worth trying out.
The Quick List of Today’s Top Mobile News
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
HTC is busy with its line of Windows Phone 7 mobile devices and while they seem to be pretty much on par with HTC’s Android phones, the Google OS still has some features that are better -such as free satellite navigation services. While it is unlikely that Microsoft would offer a similar service, the fact of the matter is that GPS support is important for many smart phone users –and considering that the Windows Phone 7 has plenty of GPS oriented tasks and features, this is a major consideration.
Tom Tom and HTC have teamed up to bring us a new user experience when it comes to navigation. The new system, focused heavily on the HTC Maps services in the new Sense UI, makes use of Tom Tom’s technology. The combination is promising to bring HTC Locations to a whole new level –and it will be a great fit on their WP7 handsets as well.
The Palm Pre 2 is officially launching and it will be featuring the new WebOS 2. Since the buyout of Palm by HP, many have been wondering what the future had in store from RIM’s former rival. There is certainly a lot of promise in the initial details of the WebOS 2, though we will have to wait until the Pre 2 is in our hands for testing. In the meanwhile, this is the perfect time to rejoice about the fact that HP is finally utilizing their smart phone resources.
HTC’s Desire HD is now officially available through many online sources and since the phone is not yet stocked in any brick and mortar locations, interested buyers will have to make their pick through the computer. The choices are as varied as the sources as the Desire HD is available in both SIM free and contract offers from various mobile networks. The best deal we have seen so far is from Vodafone UK which provides users with the handset for free under a 35 Pound monthly tariff.
OS Wars: A Situation Report
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
There is no doubt that a mobile platform can make or break a phone, while this is true there are also times when a platform is not considered –such as the case of the Samsung Wave which was a resounding success, not only for the phone itself but also for the Bada operating system.
Right now, the big players are still preparing for the big sales this coming holiday season. Google is still fixing up its mobile handsets by getting everyone updated to version 2.1 Éclair or 2.2 Froyo as soon as possible. But even with such diverse fragmentation, many believe that the platform would eventually surpass all other OS in terms of distributions.
Apple’s iOS has been on the quiet side of the news (though Steve Jobs has not). With no new innovations and hardly any ground breaking achievements, the Apple made OS is certainly taking it sweet time. Still, it is hard to argue that anything needs to be done about the platform right at this instant. The Apple iTunes store is still selling plenty of apps and the next iPhone 4 version seems to have fixed the antenna issue.
The big variable factor right now is Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS. From what we have seen so far, Steve Ballmer has delivered on his promise to change the way we use mobile phones. But as to whether WP7 will be the unstoppable winds of change or that one door of progress we are all loathe to cross still remains to be seen. Either way, WP7 is looking all set to change today’s mobile phone standards.
RIM’s BlackBerry OS is not to be left behind either. With the success of the OS 6 which focuses more on media, the use of the new QNX OS for the Playbook tablet seems to be opening up plenty of new possibilities for the Canadian phone maker.
New Handsets are Coming to the UK
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
While we all shed a quick lone tear for Samsung’s unconfirmed dual SIM QWERTY handset, the Chat 322 (the Chat is written with an “at” sign, which makes it actually spelled as “chatt”), the fact is, so many handsets are already heading for the UK that one less phone is not all that bad.
Right off the top of our list is the new BlackBerry Bold 9780. Yes, the phone is not just a rumor and despite that oddly shaped BB Style that was shown off just a day ago, this new handset sticks true to RIM’s tried and tested form factor: the portrait oriented keyboard. Since we expect to get the best typing experience from RIM’s physical keyboards, there is certainly no loss to having the 9780 over the Samsung Chat.
Moving on, Sony Ericsson is launching a new camera phone loaded with a 16 mega pixel camera. While the lenses are top notch, many point out that the lack of a decent operating system might be the biggest drawback for the handset. Had this been an Android device, then it would certainly be more exciting.
For many, the fact that the handset is announced as an exclusive for AT&T US is a major blow. Fortunately, HTC had the right mind to bring over the device as the HTC Gratia. While the name may have changed, the hardware stayed the same. Fans of the Android will enjoy version 2.2 Froyo preloaded on the handset.
For those looking for a different OS experience, the upcoming Samsung Omnia 7 offers the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform. With the handset already available on pre-orders at T-Mobile UK, it would not be surprising to see the slots slowly running out in a couple of days –so for those who want to have this device, head on over to T-Mobile and get it free on a 2 year, 35 Pounds a month contract.
All Things Apple: Today’s Highlights
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
Steve Jobs has done it again; the turtleneck wearing master of presentations and chief honcho of Cupertino based Apple has gotten himself in another messy media break out with a dispute regarding “open source” with Google’s Andy Rubin. Jobs stated that the iOS is not fragmented as he so describes the Google Android and that the iPhone’s uniformity is a stark contrast to the Android’s more varied approach per owner –usually as a result of various customizable settings.
The man did point out some rather valid advantages of the iPhone over the Android (depending on the context), it does not actually declare that that iOS is an open source standard. As such, many are comparing this argument to his previous statements about the iPhone 4’s antenna problems.
Speaking of which, it seems that the newest version of the iPhone seems to have resolved the issue of the faulty antenna. Initial screenshots show that the next batch of iPhone 4 devices will not have that infamous gap in the side that caused the dropping of calls.
Right now, there is a bit of a confusion regarding the news of a second version of the iPhone 4 and what might actually be a test prototype for the iPhone 5. While many would say that it is far too early for the iPhone 5 to be so far along in production, the possibility still remains in the air.
In the meanwhile, despite all of Steve Job’s constant meddling in the media, Apple is enjoying a pretty large margin of profit. With 14.1 million units sold in just one quarter, the folks at Cupertino certainly have something to be proud about. Industry experts predict that the sales would just continue to keep growing as the holidays arrive.
Lastly, Jobs has also confirmed that Apple will not be producing a smaller 7 inch iPad.
Mobile News: Today’s Highlights
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
It has been another exciting week for the mobile phone industry and if you have been having keeping tabs on all the latest news updates, here’s a quick list of all the important things you would not want to miss out on.
First off is the launch of the Windows Phone 7. The new mobile platform from Microsoft is officially out but the first handsets to showcase the OS will not be out until the next few days. Expect to see plenty of sold out pre-orders for some of the latest devices like the HTC HD7 and the Samsung Omnia 7.
Samsung’s also got another killer handset on the way. The Wave II has just been confirmed for a launch in the UK this coming holiday season. The massive update to the first device that brought to us the Bada operating system and is taking away all that disappointment high end smart phone fans had with the Wave 2 and Wave 2 Pro (though we can expect those two devices to sell significantly better). The new phone will also be showcasing super LCD technology as a replacement for the super AMOLED screen on the older Wave.
In more Samsung news, the i9000 Galaxy S is getting its much awaited update to the Android 2.2 Froyo operating system. After a long wait, the OS if finally moving up to match that of the HTC Desire keeping the Galaxy S as still one of the most coveted Android devices around. If the impressive new firmware update is not enough, let us remind you that this phone also packs a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen display.
HTC’s previously exclusive Aria handset has finally made it to UK shores. And like many other smart phones that were deemed to be US carrier exclusive, a quick name change (to the HTC Gtatia) was all it took to bring the handset over locally.
The Best Handset Deals at a Glance
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
Depending on which network provider you prefer there’s a wide range of handset to choose from. But there are just some combinations that get pretty hard to beat. Combining smart phone features, a great mobile platform and a provider that compliments the handset may seem like a tricky bit of work, so we have taken all the guesswork out of the equation to provide you with our top picks for tariff plans.
When it comes to the upcoming handsets, Samsung always manages to come up with very exciting offerings. With the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform coming in the next few days, their smart phone offering serves as one of the most compelling tech treats: the Omnia 7.
Naturally, what makes this phone stand out is the super AMOLED capacitive touch screen technology that was first seen with the Wave and later, with the Galaxy S. The resolution and quality of the 4 inch display rivals that of Apple’s retina technology –at a much lower price. Grab the Samsung Omnia 7 handset when it comes out at 25 GBP per month for two years under T-Mobile UK.
But if the upcoming Windows Phone 7 is not your thing and something familiar might be more suitable, then nothing would beat a great Android smart phone –and in that end, we have a couple of great choices.
Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10 and the HTC Desire are among the top picks for Android smart phones this time around. The X10 may seem a little underpowered with the lack of a 2.2 update. But at least it already runs on the 2.1 Éclair (it originally came out with 1.6 Donut). Grab the X10 under Orange Mobile for 27.50 GBP.
The HTC Desire comes out at a great 35 GBP deal under MVNO 3 UK. This iconic Android brings a 3.7 inch AMOLED touch screen with plenty of great media capabilities.
Froyo Delayed on Galaxy S, XPERIA X10 Gets Éclair
Monday, October 18th, 2010
A bit of sad news for Samsung Galaxy S owners in the UK; apparently, the Android update for the system has been taken down and will not be launched until another week. But Samsung has officially stated that the firmware update is not due to be released in the first place. They are still in the middle of testing and next week is their intended launch date.
While it may seem like an over-reaction to a pre-mature posting of the Froyo on Samsung’s open source site, Galaxy S owners have to be forgiven for their fervor as the wait for an update has been pretty long.
Originally, when the Froyo was announced much earlier this year, the OS update was supposed to arrive for the Galaxy S within a month after the HTC Desire was updated. As it turned out, the Desire update has been available for quite some time –leaving Galaxy S owners wondering when their turn would actually come.
Simon Stanford, current director of Samsung Mobile UK has stated that “In the UK market, we are currently in final stages with our testing to ensure the upgrade is as smooth an experience as possible. Further information in relation to roll-out will be available early next week.”
In other Android related news, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 is getting an update to the Android 2.1 Éclair. While this news bit would have been much more impressive had it been a 2.2 Froyo update, SE owners are happy nonetheless. The X10 came out packed with 1.6 Donut, making the XPERIA series fall far behind its competitors when it comes to having an updated OS.
Despite this factor, Sony still managed to more than enough handset to make some of their devices –particularly the X10 Mini Pro and the X10 Mini become some of the most successful handsets in the UK.