HTC Desire owners under the Vodafone network have something new to be excited about. According to reports, the official 2.2 Android Froyo update is now ready for downloads and the update will not only bring the latest new features to the open source mobile platform, it will also uninstall those annoying Vodafone 360 features that came with a previous update from the network operator.
For those hoping for an automatic connection, you will have to wait. Right now, the only way to avail of the Froyo update is to manually connect through the HTC Desire. Once up and running the update will require users to have at least 25 megabytes of storage space on the device (so be sure to free up even a little space if you have managed to cram plenty of content into your handset).
The Google Android 2.2 update is considered by many to be an important upgrade to the Android OS. This will bring support for the new Flash player from Adobe which makes the handset fully compatible with almost all of the media found on the web today. There is also a better Exchange sync connection, a revamped used interface for the camera (which allows for easily adding effects to shots) and plenty of other added features.
The big bonus that Froyo brings is the performance boost. While the Android has never been known for having serious issues, it is hard to deny that running the 2.2 version of the OS will set a new benchmark for speed.
The user interface has been confirmed to have been boosted up to three times faster while browsing many web pages will be running about five times faster (connection speeds willing). The OS speed boost is thanks to better kernel management while the browser benefits from having an updated Java handler.
Archive for the ‘Vodafone Phones’ Category
Android Update for Vodafone Users Now Available
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010Apple Could Learn a Thing or Two from Vodafone UK
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Companies and manufacturers are not perfect, the institutions and corporations are run by the same flawed humans just like everyone else, and like everyone else, they make mistakes. The big issue about mistakes it that when someone makes it, fixing the problem becomes a whole lot harder when there are more people involved. With mobile phone manufacturers, every single person owning a specific handset can become victims.
Apple has shown that it is unable to take care of its consumers; if anything, they have proven that the real focus of Apple is expansion and not the well being of their users. This is what happened with the recent antenna issue and how Apple kept denying that there was any real problem at all. Despite the announcement that they would be giving away free iPhone 4 bumper cases, the fact remains that the antenna on the handset does not function properly.
Vodafone could have taken a similar route; in fact, they had more of a right to do so. A couple of weeks ago, a misleading interpretation of a Vodafone announcement led many HTC Desire owners to believe that an update for their handset’s OS would be available. However, upon downloading the update, users realized that this was not an Android 2.2 OS that they received, but an implementation of Vodafone 360 features.
The operator never said that the update was for the Android OS specifically, but they still took responsibility for the issue. Vodafone has announced that the real 2.2 Froyo update is going to be available shortly and that the update will not just bring in the new OS, but will also remove the 360 software installed from the previous patch.
Apple ought to realize that companies need to make sacrifices too, and even if they stand to lose by offering a repair program or a recall of all iPhone 4 stocks, it is pretty much an ethical principle that they need to uphold.
Vodafone’s Froyo Update for Nexus One Now Available
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
The very first handset to ever get the Android 2.2 Froyo update is the Google Nexus One. However, not all Nexus owners were able to update their devices to the latest Android OS. Those who got their Android smart phones under Vodafone had to wait for a while before a special version of the update has been made available.
According to Vodafone the wait is finally over. The Nexus One’s Android 2.2 update is now up and fully running. This new version of the Android operating system provides massive performance boost to the system and its browsing capabilities. It also supports the new Flash Player 10.1 from Adobe –giving the device access and full support for all Flash content on the internet.
The kernel management has been optimized, making the user interface run smoother and faster. Google states that overall performance has been increased three fold. Browsing online has also been fixed; Java now loads much faster and surfing the internet can be around two to five times faster than before (of course, not considering the connection speed that is).
Froyo also brings a few additional features such as tethering and using the handset as a wireless hotspot (which users are warned to always disable when not needed, as it could compromise data and of course, drain battery power). Exchange support has also been streamlined and several other features have been added in as well.
The Nexus One is currently only available through Vodafone UK. The old Google online store for the handset has been taken down just recently. App developers will still be able to order the handset directly from Google.
This high end Android smart phone comes with a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera (with autofocus, LED flash and geotagging) and a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display.
Three New Smart Phones Now On Vodafone
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Mobile network operator Vodafone UK has announced that it has three devices that are now offered on various plans.
At a two year, £25 monthly tariff, the BlackBerry Pearl 3G is being offered for free. The plan includes 300 minutes of talk time, unlimited messaging and 500MB of data. LG’s Android Optimus smart phone and the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro handset will be free at £20 per month, also on a two year contract. The plan gives 100 minutes of talk time, 500 MB of data and 500 text messages.
With two new Androids and a BlackBerry handset, anyone looking for a good budget deal on a decent smart phone will certainly enjoy the choices being offered by Vodafone UK.
The SE Android, X10 Mini Pro is undoubtedly the best looking handset of the bunch. It still retains most of the design features of the original XPERIA X10, but on a smaller scale. The slide out QWERTY keyboard also adds and extra notch to the device’s form factor, making it a great choice for heavy texters and email users. In terms of specs, the X10 Mini Pro is virtually identical to the X10 Mini. Both phones come with a 2.55 inch TFT touch screens, 600 MHz CPUs and 5 mega pixel cameras.
Among the three handsets, the Optimus from LG is the least impressive in terms of specs, so unless you are not really fond of having a physical keyboard, then the X10 Mini Pro is a better choice –since they are available on similar contracts.
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G definitely has that unique look that only RIM can deliver –and the BB brand by itself is already impressive which makes it worth the slightly higher price tag (though in terms of monthly consumables, the Pearl offer has great value). Users might take a bit to get used to the unique button layout configuration (it curves down towards the center of the handset).
Vodafone’s 360 M1 Revisited
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
If you are looking for a smart phone to invest in and cannot decide which handset would suit you best, then it might be time to take a step away from all the new releases and try out an older handset. Sure, yesterday’s technology is obviously old news, but if a phone fits your needs, then no amount of hardware superiority can prove to be a better match.
Take the Vodafone 360 M1. Now this handset came out sometime around November of last year. It is certainly an old model by today’s standards, but it is certainly one great smart phone with plenty of users until today.
Right off the bat, the first thing that people should know about this phone is that it lacks WiFi, so for any user who needs a phone with WiFi, they should look elsewhere. But aside from that little issue, the 360 M1 is a well rounded handset. First off, it comes with a radio –of course, it may seem like a rudimentary feature, but one that people keep tending to forget when it comes to smart phones. An FM radio is one of the nicest things to try out on their phone. To activate it, simply go to the apps menu and turn it on.
Next is the 360 service from Vodafone. Now this is where the real deal is. It provides users with instant messaging and a secondary framework for socializing with friends and contacts. It even links with existing social networking accounts –allowing users to have a comprehensive system for checking updates.
Of course, users will need to switch to Vodafone to get the 360 M1. Currently, the device is available for a reasonable price –considering the features of the system. For those wondering, Samsung manufactured the Vodafone 360 handset series for the network operator.
Apple iPhone 4 Availability is Low in the UK
Monday, July 5th, 2010
It seems that after Apple has managed to sell over 1.7 million units of the iPhone 4 in just three days of sales, the Cupertino based company is having trouble keeping up with the demand. Recent reports indicate that stocks of the iPhone are not just low, but have already gone out of stock in various network operators.
3 UK and T-Mobile have yet to offer the iPhone 4 to their customers. The two networks are still leaving their iPhone offers on hold until stocks arrive. According to 3 UK, the iPhone 4 is expected to be made available by the end of this month. T-Mobile on the other hand did announce that they will also offer the Apple smart phone, but no details or date has been given.
Tesco mobile has announced that it is accepted pre-registrations for the iPhone. While the process will not ensure a handset for every person who signs up (unlike a pre-order which ensures an Apple iPhone 4 for the buyer), they have hinted that stocks of the handset will be arriving in a matter of weeks.
Vodafone UK has already run out of stocks –having received the Apple iPhone 4 early, they had already shipped out all the pre-order units to the customers and have proceeded to offer the handset locally. As one can see, the sheer volume of people who availed of the smart phone was more than enough to empty out the stocks of the network operator.
The same situation faces O2 UK. The network that originally hosted the older iPhone in the UK for three years has announced that all their stocks of the iPhone 4 are all out. Like the case with Vodafone, O2 has been able to accommodate all pre-order customers. According to OS, they are expecting a new batch of iPhone 4 stocks to arrive over the weekend.
Vodafone 845 and Samsung i9000 Galaxy S now Available
Friday, June 25th, 2010
Samsung’s latest Android handset, the i9000 Galaxy S is now available for free on Vodafone’s contract plans along with a low end Android smart phone, the Vodafone 845. The operator made handset may be a low end device, but it actually looks pretty good for a budget device.
Fans of the Android OS looking for a cheap handset will find the Vodafone 845 a reasonable device to go for. At only 15 Pounds a month for two years, users will get to enjoy 100 minutes of talk time, unlimited text messages and 500MB of data allowance –it’s a pretty good deal for the data allowance alone, and users will get a nifty looking 3G touch screen Android smart phone along with it.
The 845 sports a humble 2.8 inch TFT touch screen, a 3.2 mega pixel camera and of course, the Android operating system.
The Samsung Galaxy S on the other hand is a pretty high end smart phone, but for free at a 35 Pound monthly tariff, Vodafone still manages to provide a value packed deal for the device. The 24 month contract will give users 900 minutes, unlimited text messages and 1GB of mobile data allowance. It is a sweet deal especially for users who rely heavily on 3G connectivity.
This Korean handset comes with an ARM Cortex A8 CPU clocked at 1GHz, a 4 inch super AMOLED capacitive touch screen display (a larger version of the display on the Samsung Wave), a 5 mega pixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, 720p video recording and 8GB of internal memory.
Topping that off is a full featured Android 2.1 Éclair operating system and you have the makings of a great smart phone. There are rumors that the Galaxy S Pro might be brought over to the UK though Samsung has yet to confirm the announcement.
Vodafone UK Offers Nokia C3 for only 80 Pounds
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
2G handsets these days get very little attention, more often than not most of these candy bar handsets offer little in terms of difference. While most of the hardware specs are similar, the biggest differences lay only in the style of the device –if nothing else. But there are some devices that can manage to stand out, even if just the little.
The Nokia C3 is one such handset, with its sleek looking QWERTY keyboard, matte finish and 2.4 inch TFT display, the handset is a good example of a fancy looking 2G mobile phone. And thankfully, the device actually offers some pretty useful features too.
Vodafone UK has announced that it will be offering this handset for only 80 on pay as you go. This is great value for anyone who wants to buy a decent low end mobile handset. For this price, users will get a fully functional mobile phone with good features, a decent balance of hardware specs and social networking.
Yep, the C3 features some integrated social networking features. It lacks 3G so getting live updates is a bit difficult, but as long as you are in an area with free WiFi; it will not be a problem. Supporting WLAN 802.11 b/g, the C3 is not only a QWERTY toting mobile phone, it is also a social networking tool.
With a 320 x 240 screen display, web and other content are viewed in clear, crisp visuals. The directional pad works nicely with the keyboard for controls, and the 2 mega pixel camera will have users able to upload and share images online instantly.
The handset only has 55MB of internal memory, so expect to bring around a microSD card for your files and other data. With a 1320 mAh battery, you can run through a whole day’s worth of audio files before draining out. According to Nokia, the C3 has a talk time of about 7 hours straight.
Vodafone’s Cost Cutting Affects Morales
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
When you work for one of the largest mobile network operators in the UK, you would think that the level of employment stability and the security that comes with such a position would be hard to match.
This is the exact opposite of what many employees within Vodafone are feeling at the moment. Despite the company getting ready to offer its clients some of the best smart phones available this coming April (along with the Apple iPad touch screen tablet), the feeling for most Vodafone employees right now is that their jobs could be removed suddenly without warning. This is the result of a series of the cost cutting implementations that saw the removal of 500 employees in 2009 and 375 just this month.
Redundancies had to go, but not in the way Vodafone implemented the change. Without warning, the employees were simply told to take their things and leave as the cost cutting procedures have decided that their jobs are no longer useful to the company. The teary-eyed employees were then escorted out (apparently by security personnel that Vodafone added in at the last moment –perhaps in case some of the employees riot). Vodafone also had to close down six stores, the employees of which are part of the 375 redundancies.
Many current employees are disheartened by such events. Many of those removed have worked loyally for the company for many years and did not deserve to be treated in such a way. Should the cost cutting even affect more jobs, it is quite likely that the overall morale for employees would drop at an all time low. Union groups such as CWU have been coordinating with those affected by the cost cutting.
Read more about the full details on what is going on with Vodafone’s cost cutting and why it is affecting so many jobs at Mobile Today UK.
Vodafone to get the iPad
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
There’s a major new device in the works and while not many people are planning to get one, Vodafone is expressing interest in being able to offer the new Apple Tablet to its customers.
The Apple iPad is currently a very recognizable gadget, but not one that people are inclined to bring to their homes. It is an understandable reaction, though that might change once people start realizing how useful it can be to have in the home.
While it is not surprising that Vodafone is interested in having the device –they have been very successful with Apple’s iPhone and sold 100,000 units in the first week of launch this January, this is great news since they are the network provider who could provide the best 3G network service in the UK. It has been reported that their number of iPhone subscribers are continuously growing as subscribers from other lines are switching to their network.
For those who missed the big reveal last January; Steve Jobs presented the device last month and demonstrated plenty of impressive functionalities in a stage demo before handing out demonstration units to the attendees. The device proved to be an impressive browser, organizer, eBook reader and even as a gaming device. While it lacked any good titles, it is already compatible with the applications for both the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
The device itself sports a 9.7 inch touch screen display that auto-rotates and responds to multi touch gestures. Boot up the iWork application to do short documents, emails and messages. Lacking in the device is support for Flash and multi tasking capabilities. The Apple iPad is expected to hit store shelves sometime this coming April –just in time for the Apple iPhone 4G.
Read more about Vodafone UK and the upcoming Apple iPad from Softpedia.