Vodafone UK made a pretty huge mistake a week ago when they accidentally misled the public into believing that they would be launching the Froyo update to the HTC Desire. As it turns out, the update was simply a Vodafone 360 service add-on which quickly irked plenty of users. To compensate, Vodafone stated that they would be releasing the official Android update and the official update would also remove the 360 add on features.
And now, the official update is finally out and Vodafone has lived up to their word.
According to those who have been able to try out the update, the new patch is the official 2.2 Froyo update and it brings everything that Google has promised with the new OS version as well as the removal of the Vodafone 360 applications. The only thing that users will need to manually do is to remove the icons that will be left in the system.
The launch of the update also marks a major milestone for the Android OS as well. Previously, the only Android smart phone to have the Froyo update was the Google made Nexus One –and that update was released almost a whole month ago. With the HTC Desire getting Android 2.2, it will not be long before other devices will get updated as well.
On the waiting list for the new Android version are several impressive high profile devices ranging from the mid to the high end tech tiers. HTC’s very own Wildfire and Legend smart phones are certainly looking forward to an update in a matter of weeks (considering that the Desire is also HTC made) while other devices such as the Motorola Milestone, Samsung GT i9000 Galaxy S and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA series (X10, X10 Mini, and X10 Mini Pro) are all expecting to see updates from now to September.
Posts Tagged ‘Vodafone’
Vodafone Lives Up to Android Promises
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010Vodafone’s Android 2.2 Froyo Update is Coming Soon
Monday, August 23rd, 2010HTC Desire owners under Vodafone have plenty to be happy about. It has just been confirmed that August 23 will see the official launch for the 2.2 Froyo update for the Android operating system on the HTC Desire.
The HTC Desire is an impressive smart phone released earlier this year. With a 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display and a 5 mega pixel camera, the device was among one of the first handsets (along with the Google Nexus One) that set the bar for all upcoming Android phones.
Of course, with the announcement of a new Android OS version, it was believed that it would only be a matter of time before it would be brought to the Desire. However, for reasons unannounced, the Froyo update did not come early and many people had to wait for the update to be made available for their specific handsets.
Problems started to arise when Vodafone failed to properly announce the Vodafone 360 service update and many people were misled into thinking that the update was for the Google Android. This lead to many unhappy surprises when people realized that they updated their Android 2.1 handsets to Android 2.1 but with 360 features. Another issue was that the update did not allow users to uninstall of remove the 360 software –which made it really frustrating for many.
Fortunately, Vodafone has a good enough head on its shoulders to realize a mistake and have offered a sufficient apology –along with the promise that the actual Android 2.2 update does come out, it will also give users the freedom of deleting the 360 service features from the OS. According to Google, the Froyo update is more than just a new set of features and bug fixes; it is also a major performance boost to the OS itself.
Vodafone Debranding: Why it Works
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
The debranding of the HTC Desire under Vodafone is a solution to a problem that Vodafone started, but it is also an interesting little feature that many smart phone users would certainly appreciate.
Branding on a mobile phone by a carrier is pretty common. Special apps, features and other integrated content can often be found in smart phones. While interesting and functional, many smart phone users would attest that they rarely use these services. After all, as cool as consolidated social networking might sound, there are already so many options to do so.
Being able to shut down these features and even deleting the specific apps is often not an option for users and this can be frustrating as these features take up valuable storage space in the phone’s internal capacity. Vodafone is allowing its users of the HTC Desire smart phone to rid of such nuances with the upcoming Android 2.2 Froyo update.
For those unfamiliar with the situation, it appears that earlier this week, Vodafone announced that it would be releasing an update for the Desire –which seemed as if they were about to release the Froyo update. However, HTC Desire users were stunned to realize that the update was not for the Froyo, but a series of Vodafone 360 network features and apps.
Even worse was the fact that users could not uninstall the apps. This greatly frustrated and angered so many users that Vodafone finally had to come up with a solution to the problem. According to Vodafone UK, they will be releasing the actual Android 2.2 Froyo update in a matter of days and that anyone who installs the update will find that it not only installs an updated version of the Android OS, but it also deletes the previously installed Vodafone 360 functions and apps.
Froyo Update Available for Vodafone’s Nexus One
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
The Google branded Nexus One has received the Android 2.2 Froyo update a couple of weeks ago. However, not all owners of this impressive smart phone were able to update. Only users who purchased the device through Google’s online store had been updated to the new Froyo version while those who are under Vodafone’s contracts are still waiting for a compatible patch to be released.
Fortunately, the wait is finally over. Mobile network operator Vodafone UK has announced that the Nexus One smart phone is finally available right this very moment. Those who have not downloaded the update should go online as soon as possible to get their handsets fully fixed up with the latest firmware from Google.
As one might expect, an update of level is more than just a bunch of random bug fixes and tweaks, the new OS version provides plenty of additional functionality to users.
First off, Froyo gives the Android OS a major performance boost. The system runs and loads faster thanks to better kernel management. The user interface has been reported to be running up to three times faster than it normally does. Not only has the speed been improved, but the performance as well –the OS is also smoother and more stable than before.
There are also new features that have been added to the system such as a better user interface for the 5 mega pixel camera. This will allow users to easily add changes to settings, effects and filters as they shoot images on the go. Additional support for Exchange has also been added in as well.
Tethering is now supported, as well as an additional function that turns the handset into a WiFi hotspot. But of all the new features that Froyo brings, the most exciting one would be the compatibility for Adobe’s Flash Player 10.1 which allows users to view any Flash content online.
Vodafone UK Offers Three New Handsets
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Mobile network operator Vodafone has just announced that they are offering three new handsets this month: the BlackBerry Pearl 3G, Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro and the LG Optimus. This double Android combination gets capped off with a budget BlackBerry –which means that most smart phone fans would have one or two devices to like from this set.
Naturally our attention is drawn mostly to the X10 Mini Pro. The Android smart phone is small, stylish and comes packed with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. RIM’s Pearl 3G also has a physical keyboard, but the slide out form factor has such an appealing aesthetic approach that cannot be denied.
Anyway, the only thing dragging about the X10 Mini Pro is that the OS is still the old Android 1.6 Donut. A September update has been announced for the smart phone, so that means users will have to wait. Despite this, users will still enjoy the handset and thanks to the Timescape custom UI, it is hard to notice the older OS version.
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G is more of a budget level RIM handset. For those who just need a quick fix before the launch of the Storm 3 (which is expected to be released in the next few months), the Pearl 3G gives users all the basic BlackBerry features with a much lower price tag. It uses a front facing physical keyboard and an optical trackpad for user input.
Last on the list if the LG Optimus Android smart phone; like the X10 Mini Pro, this device come with the Android 1.6 Donut –though it already has an update to version 2.1 Éclair. The handset comes with a 3 inch resistive touch screen display. Controls are pretty tight on the device despite the resistive screen technology. Still, users should expect to lose a bit of accuracy for successive touch motions. The 3.2 mega pixel camera comes equipped with autofocus, geo tagging and face detection features.
Google Takes Nexus One Off Online Store
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Google has announced that the Nexus One handset will no longer be available on the online store.
Many fans of the Android operating system might remember that initially, the Nexus One was exclusively available on Google’s online store. When Google made the announcement about the device’s availability, many who attended the launch of the device last January 5 felt that the online store was a bad idea. And they were right. Within the first week of sales, Google managed to sell only 20,000 units of the Android smart phone.
But bad sales do not necessarily mean that it is a bad phone, many attributed the fall of the supposed iPhone-killer to its store availability than a problem with the handset itself. In fact, many considered the Nexus One to be an excellent high end smart phone.
According to Google, the Nexus One was simply meant to push the standards of the open source operating system further. They did not make the device to break into the smart phone industry. In fact, Google even says that they do not have any plans to create a second device –which means that it is unlikely that the initial rumors about a Nexus Two smart phone will no longer come true.
With that, the Nexus One is said to have already achieved what it was meant to do, and Google is not asking for anything more of the handset. The device has now been taken off the online store, but is still available in the UK. Mobile network operator Vodafone UK is still offering the device on their monthly tariffs.
The Nexus One, despite being Google’s first handset, is a very impressive device. The phone comes with a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display, a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera with autofocus, LED flash and video recording. Of course, the handset is able to run the Android 2.2 Froyo.
UK Availability Wrap Up: Apple iPhone 4
Monday, July 5th, 2010
If you have not pre-ordered an Apple iPhone 4, then the chances of getting the famous smart phone is pretty low. Many retailers are already announcing that they are running low on stocks and that Apple is also having problems keeping up with the demand. Since the device managed to sell over 1.7 million units in the first three days of sales alone, it is not surprising to know that getting the iPhone is going to be a challenge for anyone.
To help out anyone who missed out on getting the smart phone, here is a quick summary of the Apple iPhone 4’s availability on different retailers and network operators.
Vodafone UK, considered to be one of the largest networks in the UK (as well as one of the first to confirm having stocks of the Apple iPhone 4 early on) has announced that they have now sold everything that they had. The official announcement from the network confirmed that everyone who pre-ordered or reserved a handset had already had their device shipped.
Tesco Mobile’s stocks of the iPhone 4 have not arrived yet, and while there is no confirmation of when the device will be available, the company is still taking registrations for the smart phone.
O2, the network that previously held the older iPhone on an exclusive deal for two years, has announced that like Vodafone, their stocks have also been fully sold. Again, a big chink went off to those who pre-ordered the handset. According to O2 UK, they are expecting a second batch of iPhones to arrive soon.
Anyone still hoping to be able to go out and grab an iPhone would have a very small chance with Carphone Warehouse. The electronics retailer has confirmed that while they have stocks of the Apple iPhone 4, most are already allocated to those who pre-ordered the item online. Currently the handset has been removed from the online store’s pre-order options.
Vodafone Offers Two More Androids
Friday, June 25th, 2010
It seems that mobile network operator Vodafone is going to keep Android fans happy with a wide range of handsets to choose from. The network operator has already confirmed that they have the HTC Wildfire as part of their Android line up and now, they are also two new devices on the list.
The first is the Vodafone 845. This unassuming smart phone is a basic touch screen device developed by the network operator for anyone who wants to enjoy a straightforward Android user experience. The handset brings a 2.8 inch TFT touch screen display, a 3.2 mega pixel camera and Android 2.1 Éclair. While it is likely that the handset would be getting a Froyo update eventually, no confirmation has been given by Google nor Vodafone.
The other device is the more well known Samsung i9000 Galaxy S. This smart phone is one of the best Android devices to be offered on the market today as it is able to match the specs of the HTC Desire and the Google Nexus One. While the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 matches these devices in terms of hardware, the fact that it only uses Android 1.6 Donut places it lower on the bar of the Galaxy S. Like the Desire, the i9000 makes use of the Android 2.1 Éclair operating system.
With a high speed 1GHz CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera and a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen, there is plenty to like about this Samsung handset. The Korean manufacturer has also added in some special features such as the Samsung Social Hub, SmartLife, ThinkFree and various other proprietary applications.
According to Vodafone, the Samsung Galaxy S is available for free on a 35 Pound monthly tariff for 24 months. This contract will give users about 900 minutes of talk time, 1GB data allowance and unlimited texting.
Nokia’s C3: Cheap, Effective and Heading to Vodafone
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
If you need to just have a phone, any phone, then most would say that any standard GSM/2G handset would do, and for the most part, that answer would be true. But for those who would be willing to put off a budget friendly 80 Pounds to invest in a mobile handset, then it would be hard to do any better than getting the new Nokia C3.
Local mobile network carrier Vodafone UK is offering the device at a very low price of 80 Pounds, and considering how much this handset offers, it is a very great deal. If there are just two main factors that make the C3 a device worth owning, it is the physical QWERTY keyboard and the support for wireless LAN.
As very few 2G handsets actually have WiFi, this is actually a pretty big deal for the Nokia C3. First off, it makes access to the internet much easier and significantly faster (as well as more reliable than having to stick with the 
slower GPRS). Since the phone also comes with integrated social networking features, users will be able to check their online profiles, make posts and even upload content instantly.
The best part about WiFi these days is that it is easy to find hotspots almost everywhere you go. Plenty of commercial and public establishments often have WiFi access for customers while others simply offer a free open network for any user who needs it.
Nokia’s C3 also comes with a physical QWERTY keyboard. With a basic four row configuration, evenly spaced keys and an ergonomically designed downward curve, typing out long emails and messages on the C3 becomes an easy task.
According to Vodafone UK, the C3 is 80 Pounds on pay as you go –one of the best prices for a handset with these features.
Vodafone Offers Two Mid Range Androids
Friday, June 11th, 2010
The Android smart phone market is pretty much congested with high end smart phones. With handsets like the Google Nexus One, HTC Desire, Samsung i9000 Galaxy S, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 and many others, it seems that getting to own an Android handset on a budget is a pretty hard thing to do. Fortunately, it seems that beyond these impressive devices and their 1GHz CPUs and large touch screen displays, there are still plenty of smart phones that are more reasonable with the balance of specs and cost.
Take these two new handsets that Vodafone is now offering its customers: the HTC Wildfire and the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini. Both handsets are based on more expensive high end counterparts, but they drop the pricey hardware and simply focus on delivering the basic Android smart phone experience to users, and it that sense, the phones are pretty successful.
Vodafone has announced that the plans for both handsets would make the mobile phones available for free on their various 20 Pound monthly tariff plan (good for two years/24 months). Since the phones vary in retail cost, the plan offers for the two phones vary a little. The X10 Mini gets about 100 minutes of talk time, 500 SMS and 500 MB of data. The HTC Wildfire on the other hand gets to have unlimited text messages, 300 minutes of talk time and also 500 MB of data. Either way, both plans are good.
The Wildfire comes with a 3.2 inch TFT capacitive touch screen display, a 5 mega pixel camera, and the Android 2.1 OS (it also makes use of the HTC Sense user interface). The X10 Mini has a smaller screen at 2.6 inches, but has a faster CPU than the Wildfire.
Both Android handsets are available right now from Vodafone UK.