Research In Motion‘s (RIM) new BlackBerry Storm 2 mobile phone has been enjoying plenty of attention and popularity recently, however it seems to be going for even more by offering the new BB 5.0 operating system to current Storm users.
As a result users will see kinetic scrolling, the auto correction of text as you type and a few other improvements designed to generally enhance the user experience. It was announced as an option for current Storm users by Verizon in the United States and will be made available very soon.
However, in yet another case of US favouritism the United Kingdom will not be getting the upgrade until next year. That’s right – customers in the UK will be waiting at least two months longer than those in America; and for no good reason as far as we are concerned.
The upcoming update, even if it wont be seen until 2010, make the Storm 2, (which is available now from Vodafone in the UK,) a slightly more desirable mobile phone for customers who want the BlackBerry touch screen handset that delivers what it promises and them some, unlike the original Storm which fell short in many areas – but these improvements aren’t exactly thrilling us as by the time we see them here, they will be old news.
Research In Motion is clearly favouring the American market; which is a real slap in the face after the BlackBerry Storm 2 was released in both the US and the UK at the same time, while the US receives great support and updates and the UK is told to just wait it out until next year.
Archive for October, 2009
UK BlackBerry Storm Owners Have To Wait For Upgrade
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Spotify On HTC Hero – New Details Emerge
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
As you all probably remember from earlier in the month, the 3 UK network have paired with Spotify to offer music streaming on your mobile phone; now we have some new details about dates and pricing, which will likely interest a lot of you.
Spotify on 3 will arrive bundled with the HTC Hero, which runs under the Android operating system and won the Gadget of the Year award for 2009 – we think the handset was a superb choice for the service.
It will be available on a 24 month contract known as the Internet Texter Plan from the 3rd of November. The contract itself will set you back £35 per month for two years, while the mobile phone will be a one off upfront £99.99 – however that isn’t too bad when you consider the free Spotify Premium subscription being included for the life of the contract, as you will save £240 right there.
This contract will give consumers the option to make full use of the Spotify music streaming service, letting them stream music or download it for offline listening, either to their mobile phone or their computer.
The director of Products and Services at 3, Charlotte Blanchard, stated; “We have built this service into an attractive, well-priced package. Over time, our deal with Spotify will extend across a range of our products including mobile broadband.”
The 3 network really is on the up and up with their forward thinking in recent times, which is reaffirmed by comparing the Spotify service they are now offering with Nokia’s “Comes With Music” service, which sadly only had 107,000 users last time we heard.
New Images Surface Of Sony Ericsson Xperia X3
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson has had rumours surrounding it for some time now regarding the possibility of a new device running under Google’s Android operating system, known as the Xperia X3, the Rachael and most recently the Xperia X10 – and it seems the handset had just been spotting in the wild, and some new specifications have finally come to light.
These new pictures were first spotted online this week and while they aren’t of the highest quality they do give us a pretty good impression of the mobile phone. We can tell you that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X3 is definitely one of the more attractive phones to run under the Android operating systems in the looks department.
As far as the newly revealed specifications go things look good, although these are still just unconfirmed rumours at this stage. Apparently we can expect to see the Xperia X3 hit shelves boasting a 1 GHz processor, an impressive 4 inch touch screen display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution and allegedly an 8.1 mega pixel camera sporting flash and video recording functionalities – as well as the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a number of different options in terms of connectivity.
If these specs are proven to be real then the new mobile phone is likely to be widely popular, especially in this age of social networking obsession – an 8 mega pixel camera to snap and upload to Facebook is a must for plenty of people, teenagers in particular.
It is expected that the company will announce the new Android model sometime next month, although it will likely be debuting as the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 rather than the Xperia X3 or the “Rachael”, which begs the question – Just what happened to X3 though 9?
Samsung i5700 Galaxy Lite has Cupcake
Monday, October 26th, 2009
Cupcake is the name for version 1.5 of the Google Android operating software and you will find it running the Samsung i5700 Galaxy Lite. This is a wise move by Samsung since Android smart phones are currently the best kind of smart phones available to the public.
Mobile Google
If you find yourself wondering what makes the Google Android so good, consider the fact that Google has a very intensive software and application development. They have had numerous experiences with creating client-based software and web applications such as Google Talk, Gmail, and Google Maps, they have also acquired the major video sharing site, YouTube. The great thing about the Android mobile system is that it packs the mobile app versions of Google’s apps and tools and you can use them all on your mobile phone. Google maps in particular ties up nicely with the Galaxy’s GPS capabilities.
The Galaxy is Here
The i5700 Galaxy Lite is Samsung’s second take at the original i7500 Galaxy. The original Galaxy had great reviews and was warmly received by people. The i5700 sacrifices a large chunk of internal memory in order to keep all the other features of the i7500 Galaxy. While the loss of storage is pretty bad, it can be compensated by a high capacity SD card. Meanwhile, the Lite gets to keep everything else that Samsung has put into the older mobile phone.
I5700 Specs
The i5700 shares the same spec sheet as the i7500 with the exception of the camera and internal memory. The i5700 has only 1GB of memory and a 3.2 mega pixel camera, everything else remains the same. GPS, WiFi 3G, EDGE, GPRS and HSDPA are all available on the Lite. It also retains the 3.2 inch touch screen, media players, and even the 3.5mm audio jack.
Samsung i5700 Galaxy Lite Links:
Dell Streak Android Unveiled
Monday, October 26th, 2009
Details of the new Dell Streak touch screen Mobile Internet Device (or MID) have just started to appear online, and we are seeing reports that it will be running under the highly anticipated Android 2.0 operating system.
We have yet to see the first Dell mobile phone running under the Android OS to land in the United Kingdom, but given this is the second handset to be released we imagine it could be happening any time now – possibly even in the lead up to Christmas in an attempt to boost fourth quarter revenue for the company.
The Dell Streak is a touch screen mobile phone, with a very impressive 5 inch WVGA display, with three different hardware function buttons located at the bottom of the device.
Besides the clear draw of the large screen, there are some other rumours floating around regarding the specs. If speculations are to be believed, the Dell Streak with sport a 5 mega pixel camera with dual LED flash, 3G, Bluetooth and Wi Fi connectivity, as well as a microSD card slot.
As I mentioned earlier despite being the second mobile phone from Dell to run under the Android operating system, it has currently not been made available for sale outside of China – although it has been officially announced that it will appear in the US soon, (speculated as the beginning of next year), this may or may not be with the Android OS.
While the details are slim we like what we know, and we look forward to hopefully seeing the Dell Streak phone on shelves around the UK in the future.
Powermat Arrives In UK
Monday, October 26th, 2009
The Powermat has just arrived in the United Kingdom, and let me just say it is one of the most impressive pieces of technology I have ever had the pleasure to write about. For those of you as yet unfamiliar with this remarkable device, it is an inductive charging mat, which is able to charge multiple mobile phones at the same time. Imagine the Palm Pre’s Touchstone charger only larger, and able to charge any handset. You are able to charge up to three devices at once, and add a fourth via USD to the side.
Charging your mobile phone using the Powermat seems to be just as effective as if you were using your regular charger, and doesn’t burn through too much energy, even if you are charging three handsets with the fourth attached via USB. It is also capable of charging other devices, such as the Nintendo DS and the iPod Touch.
The Powermat comes in two different versions, one which is designed to primarily stay in one place such as the home or office, and one which is portable; I’m especially fond of the portable version as it folds up neatly and has its own carry case. Both Powermats are able to charge the same number of devices, so even if you opt for portability you wont be missing out.
The cost of the stationary Powermat designed for home or office use has a price tag of £70, while the portable version is only £10 more at a very reasonable £80.
Handsets will need a receiver as well, so keep that in mind as they cost £30 for the iPhone or BlackBerry, and £40 for other supported devices.
Windows Mobile 7 Has Zune Integration
Monday, October 26th, 2009
Windows Mobile 7, the new upcoming version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system, has had a lot of speculation regarding what features it will have when it comes to the market, some of which have already been officially confirmed, and others which are still up in the air.
One of the rumours proven to be true has been that of the integration of Zune, which was officially confirmed by Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer.
Ballmer said recently that the new version of the Windows mobile operating system would have Zune. Although we are sure that many of you had an inkling that this would be on the cards, we figure you are probably just as pleased as we are to hear it confirmed by an official source. Although we will have to wait and see exactly what Zune integration will mean, and how far it will go, it is still very exciting – even if we will still have to wait for almost 12 months for the new operating system to arrive.
Until then we should say that Steve Ballmer does not seem discouraged by Windows Mobile 6.5, which was received quite badly on the whole – in fact the company seems to be motivated by the shortcomings of the operating system to work even harder and make the Windows Mobile 7 OS far more competitive and attractive to users.
When discussing Windows Mobile 6.5 Ballmer has been quoted as saying; “I think Windows Mobile 6.5 enables a new generation of exciting Windows phones. That’s what I believe. Reviews aside, that’s what I believe.”
We will leave you to contemplate Zune’s integration with Windows 7, and to consider this almost haunting quote from Ballmer when asked about the future of operating system; “Will there be a next release? Sure. And a release after that? Sure. And a release after that? Sure. There will always be new releases.”
Let’s just hope there is never another Windows Mobile 6.5.
Mobile Giant Does a Laptop: the Nokia Booklet 3G
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
If you have been looking forward to getting a new mini laptop, you might want to hold out for Nokia‘s new device. Yes, we are actually telling you to wait for a Nokia product; in general Nokia’s mobile phones, particularly the GSM models, are often the subject of much deserved ridicule. This upcoming Booklet (can they not come up with a better name?) however, is worth looking forward to. So what does this mini laptop have to offer that we are actually eating our words about new Nokia products? Well, it’s promising, very promising.
Power Needs
The word about mobile devices is that there are a few certain expectations that have to be met before you look at the extras. The most important of which is long battery life. This is major consideration when buying a mini laptop because its portability is also heavily dictated by the battery power. Even if you have access to a power outlet, the whole point of having a mini laptop is having the freedom to move around. It you are just short on space at home and are looking for a laptop to substitute as your desktop, then you are better off with a different model.
Go Mobile, Go Mini
The Nokia Booklet 3G is a dedicated laptop, with this you can go anywhere and connect to wireless networks such as WiFi and 3G (thanks to the built in SIM card slot). You also get Bluetooth so you can expect your devices to synchronize with this as well. The Booklet is A-GPS capable, though we honestly question why Nokia bothered with the function, they even put in Ovi maps on this as well.
Small is Good
Another great feature of this mini laptop is that it really is mini. At 2cm thick and with a 10 inch screen, it is easy to lug this around anywhere you go.
Nokia Booklet 3G Links:
More Full Touch Screen Fun with the LG GD510 Pop
Saturday, October 24th, 2009
The GD510, or Pop is LG’s latest full touch screen mobile phone. If you became a fan of the LG PRADA when it came out last 2007, then you will love the latest full touch screen phone that LG has to offer. This model is not out yet so detail are a bit scarce, but it has been confirmed that the mobile phone will be having 8GB of internal memory, a 3.0 mega pixel camera and 3 inches of WQVGA (yep, its wide aspect ratio –perfect for viewing movies).
Full Screen to the Edges
The design of the mobile phone greatly emphasizes the touch screen. The hidden bevel on the phone surface is meant to create the illusion that the screen actually touches the very edges of the mobile phone. The end result is a smooth phone surface without cuts or breaks. The continuous surface is a joy to see and touch. If you have been familiar with other touch screen phones, you are probably tired of the generic touch screen look, the LG GD510 Pop promises to deliver a unique and interesting touch screen experience.
Drawbacks to the Full Touch Screen
Of course, since your fingers will be moving around the touch screen, you will probably be peering over your hand a lot. This can get pretty annoying and slow; and you will certainly feel the difference when you are lumbering away at the onscreen virtual keyboard while your friends are all typing fast on their slide out keyboards. There is no word yet on stylus support, but that would be greatly appreciated since a stylus blocks less of the screen at any given time.
What to Expect
LG should be putting in some good media playback and browsing capabilities if they want this device to keep up with the competition. There really is not much demand for full screen touch phones. Another important aspect is having a good battery to keep up with the high energy needs of the touch screen.
LG GD510 Pop Links:
LG BL20 Chocolate is Behind the Times
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
GSM mobile phones are good devices, but they are not longer in any real demand. In fact, manufacturing GSM models in this day and age is the same as releasing a diesel car in an age of electric motored vehicles. The technology should be made obsolete. While this may not be the final case until the next few years (there are still plenty of carriers who need GSMs for their contracts), it should be the focus of an industry that is constantly pushing forward. The mobile phone industry generates billions in revenue, competing with weapons and computer technology for being one of the most constantly advancing technologies in the world.
Taking a Step Back
Regardless of how the industry stands regarding GSM phones, there is no doubt that they still attract a large enough crowd to generate profit. Here we have the LG BL20 Chocolate, a step down from the original BL40 Chocolate Touch. Doing away with the unneeded touch screen and focusing more of making the device slim, the BL20 was made to be easy to handle and carry.
Simple Specs
The screen is limited in size; the 2.3 inch QVGA does its job well at displaying a good user interface and the touch sensitive face buttons react well to your touch. On the other hand the slide out keypad has resounding keys that lets you get a good feel of the phone.
Overall Performance
The phone works well and quite smoothly. The processor is good enough to handle applications for the built in 5 mega pixel camera with autofocus and flash. Meanwhile, the mobile phone still maintains its small size. The interface, as said, is very responsive and will allow you to browse phone contents and access features without much trouble. If you have been looking for a new GSM model, then LG has the right phone for you.
LG BL20 Chocolate Links: