When it comes to 3G technology, 3 UK knows where it is at. And the virtual mobile network operator not only strived hard to bring the best network technology, they are also finding new ways to innovate the services they are offering.
In what many are describing as a very aggressive marketing move, 3 UK has scrapped the concept of unlimited access. Instead, the company is focusing on giving users a generous supply of call minutes, text messages and data allowance.
The One Plan is a huge serving of monthly phone allowance that would be a great fit for most (but not all) smart phone users. Whether a user is a heavy texter, caller or internet browser, the One Plan seems to offer more than enough for all. The plan varies in cost depending on how long the contract is. For a 24 month contract, the monthly tariff will be 28 Pounds. A shorter 12 month contract will only cost 25 Pounds per month.
For that price, users will be getting 1GB of data, 5000 text messages, 5000 minutes of voice calls to other handsets in the 3UK network and lastly, 2000 minutes of talk time to other networks. With the great value in this deal, we can see that 3 UK just found a great formula for subscribers. Of course, 3 is also offering other pay monthly plans for users with more specific needs.
According to the official website, 3 UK is going to be offering the iPhone 4, but the exact date of launch is still not confirmed. So far, only pre-registrations are available. The new Apple smart phone will be available from 3 UK starting at 40 Pounds per month. Android fans will be able to avail of the HTC Desire. The handset is confirmed at a 35 Pound monthly tariff.
Posts Tagged ‘HTC-Desire’
3 UK Offers the One Plan
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010Understanding Mobile Platforms
Friday, June 25th, 2010
It is a commonly accepted fact that operating systems are part of what makes or breaks a smart phone, and more often than not, gear heads would put aside the hardware issues as long as they get the right operating system.
This is because a good operating system will have an average phone performing well. Whereas a badly designed OS would make even a high powered handset seem clumsy and jerky to use. Take the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2, this smart phone has plenty of good hardware features, but the Windows Mobile operating system tends to slow it down a lot, and the fact that it relies on a resistive touch screen display means that it requires a stylus to be operated properly.
At the same time, the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini is a very mid range smart phone in terms of today’s hardware standards, but the Android 1.6 Donut OS 
makes it a very well rounded device. Speaking of the Android OS, the HTC Desire and the Dell Streak push the limits in terms of both hardware with their high speed 1GHz CPUs and software (with the newer Android 2.1 Éclair).
Some manufacturers rely heavily on proprietary operating systems. Take the Palm WebOS, RIM BlackBerry OS and the Apple iPhone OS. Since the devices that make use of these platforms are specifically designed to maximize the capabilities of the OS, the user experience is not only uniform, but the all of a phone’s features are also fully utilized.
This is why it is important for buyers to know what kind of operating systems they want before they decide to purchase a mobile phone. Even if the hardware seems like a good fit, if the OS is not compatible with a user’s needs then choosing a different device would be the wiser option.
Double Android Offer: X10 Mini and Wildfire on Vodafone
Friday, June 11th, 2010
Vodafone UK seems to have one of the most extensive and impressive lineup of mobile phone offerings this year. The mobile network operator has already confirmed that they will be offering the iPhone 4 when it comes out on June 24, in the meanwhile, smart phone fans will get to choose between a wide range of Android handsets, including these two new devices from HTC and Sony Ericsson.
The HTC Wildfire is pretty much a surprise smart phone from the Taiwanese manufacturer. With all the focus on HTC’s Desire and Legend handsets, no one expected that they had a third device waiting on the wings and unlike the two other devices, the Wildfire is actually a low to mid range handset.
With its 3.2 inch TFT capacitive touch screen display, 5 mega pixel camera, and 528 MHz CPU, the Wildfire is pretty much the quintessential mid range Android handset. As one would expect, this phone will be making use of the Android 2.2 Éclair OS as well as HTC’s SENSE user interface. A new feature of their phone is how it heavily incorporates social networking features. Users will be able to access their Facebook and Twitter accounts with integrated apps which also allow for easy sharing and uploading of media.
The Sony Ericsson X10 Mini smart phone is basically bite-sized version of the more impressive XPERIA X10. Doing away with all the big heavy specs and the large touch screen, the X10 Mini is basically what a bare-bones Android handset should be –minimal hardware packed to the brim with features.
Sony Ericsson will also be releasing a second version of this Android handset soon. The X10 Mini Pro is pretty much the same Android smart phone as the original device, but with the addition of a slide out QWERTY keyboard.
2.1 Éclair Comes to Older HTC Androids
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
Owners of older HTC Android smart phones will be happy to know that an update to version 2.1 of to open source mobile platform will be available later this June. The announcement comes right after the update was released in Taiwan.
According to sources, devices that will be able to make use of the new update will include the HTC Hero, HTC Legend, HTC Desire, and the recently launched HTC EVO 4G. No word yet if the HTC Wildfire will also get the update, but many expect it to make the list of covered handsets.
The 2.1 update even updates existing Éclair installations. However, the update brings no new features for current 2.1 devices, but it does provide a couple of security fixes regarding root access and fixing some micro SD card issues. In many ways, this announcement is hardly the big update news that many users have been waiting for, version 2.2 Froyo’s availability for many handsets is still unconfirmed. At the moment, only the Nexus One has the new version and the HTC Desire’s update is due to be released around June 23.
For those who missed out on the HTC Legend and the HTC Desire, these two impressive handsets came out just this April alongside the UK launch of the Nexus One and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10.
The Desire is currently considered to be one of the top Android handsets available –considering that it basically mirrors the Nexus One in specs. It comes with a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera and a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display. Many believe that the Desire is one of the best Android handsets available in terms of specs, price and availability. For those who feel that the Desire is a little too high end, the HTC Wildfire is an excellent alternative as it offers a slightly downgraded version of the Desire.
A Look at the Latest Androids
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Android smart phones are taking the headlines recently. After all, Google has been forging partnerships and alliances with more companies than one could imagine –and Apple’s standoffish approach with dealing with people certainly is not earning them any friends in the industry. The recent fuss between Adobe and Apple predictably led to the team up of the Flash developer and Google, who welcomed Adobe with the openness that Apple denied them for so long.
Of course, all that inter-company drama was not just for show. The latest line of Android smart phones are poised to be updated with the latest version of the OS –which brings plenty of new features, better performance and native Flash support for the smart phone. So far, the only update available is for the Nexus One and later on June 23 for the Desire, but it is expected that Froyo updates for other devices will be launched in the following weeks. In the meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at some upcoming Androids.
HTC’s Wildfire smart phone might not be the high end handset that the Taiwanese company is often known, for, but it brings to users plenty of functionality and social networking features that people might just want to pass up the Legend and the Desire to get this handset. Sleek looking, highly functional and cheaper than other HTC handsets, the Wildfire is certainly something to check out when buying a phone.
Dell’s Streak (also known as the Mini 5) has been confirmed by O2 UK and it will be on shelves this Friday. It is going to be expensive, but with the 5 inch touch screen display, it is well worth the cost. Why bother with a big clunky tablet when Dell provides the same experience with a smaller device and phone features?
Motorola’s Flipout is also coming out this June. This impressive little compact phone brings users a QWERTY keyboard -which is a pretty rare commodity among Android smart phones. With a 700MHz CPU and a 3.15 MP snapper, it is an excellent mid range model for Android fans on a budget.
BlackBerry 9800 Slider Details Emerge
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Research in Motion has finally released the details on the new BlackBerry 9800 Bold Slider version. This phone has the same form factor that you would expect from RIM’s BlackBerry series, but with a much sleeker slider phone style.
On an odd note, it appears that RIM still wanted people to have a feel of the old BlackBerry handset and has enabled a virtual keyboard for those times when sliding out a keyboard is not necessary –such as for typing short, quick messages. Regardless of the new slider look, the phone still retains that good old BlackBerry charm. The curves are still edgy enough to look professional, but still borders on the more traditional looking style of other smart phones like the HTC Desire.
The Bold 9800 is getting plenty of attention simply because of the device’s form factor. For years, people have been used to BlackBerry handsets that come with the standard 2 to 3 inch touch screens and portrait oriented keyboard. While that may sound a little cramp, any RIM fan will tell you that no other handset beats the BlackBerry’s keyboard in terms of comfort and efficiency.
So how does the new slider look? So far, initial images of the new phone reveal that good old BlackBerry keyboard layout but with a slightly wider spacing –which is always an improvement. The whole device is still in portrait mode which is familiar for BlackBerry users but somewhat awkward to look at –depending on the angle if this is your first BB handset.
The base specs places this slider handset in the mid range category, with 4 GB of internal memory, 512 MB of RAM, a 5 mega pixel snapper, support for micro SD cards and of course the BlackBerry OS (version 6 will come with the 9800 Slider).
HTC Wildfire: Desire Gets a Mini Version
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
Mini versions of high end smart phones are among the most in demand devices in the mobile phone market. After all, not everyone has the budget for the newer Snapdragon powered monsters that are competing for our phone budgets –the best phones to buy are those that bring together as much of the great features found in the high end devices, but also with the toned down hardware which brings comparatively cheaper prices.
Anyway, HTC just released a Mini version of the HTC Desire, the Wildfire. Many of us may remember the HTC Desire as the high end Snapdragon Android smart phone that basically served as the basis for the Google Nexus One. While the Desire is impressive, it was also expensive –almost as expensive as the Nexus One itself. This was because the HTC phone was packed to the brim with its 1GHz CPU, 5 mega pixel camera and a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen.
The Wildfire is a much smaller touch screen smart phone, it packs a 3.3 inch capacitive touch screen, a Qualcomm MSM7225 528 MHz CPU and of course, the latest Android operating system. While it is a toned down device, it is not that much lacking in terms of software features. The phone brings all of the Android Éclair’s features –which means users will get free voice guided sat nav services, Google Goggles, Picasa, Google Talk and more. Flash and AIR support will be added later on with the update from 2.1 Éclair to 2.2 Froyo.
One comment that most tech experts are giving this new phone is that unlike the AMOLED screen on the Desire, the Wildfire only has a basic QVGA display in which the Android UI does not look quite as good.
Expect this phone to arrive in store shelves later this July to September.
Vodafone to Offer Galaxy S and Wave Smart Phones
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Samsung’s latest handsets have proven to be quite elusive. It was originally announced that the devices would be coming out this April, right after the launch of other high end Android devices such as the HTC Desire and the Nexus One. However, Samsung quickly rebuffed the news and announced that their new smart phones would not be arriving so soon.
It seems that Vodafone UK has been successful in finally getting the two devices to be part of their offered lineup this Q2 of 2010 as the mobile network operator has finally announced both devices in their new offerings. It is expected that both of the handsets will be ready and in stock on shelves by June.
The Samsung i9000 Galaxy S is the newest high end Android smart phone in the Korean manufacturer’s lineup. This smart phone comes packed with a massive 4 inch touch screen that features Samsung’s latest super AMOLED technology. This means that the Galaxy S’ display is one of the clearest and sharpest available. The phone also comes packed with the 2.1 Android OS, the Touch Wiz user interface, a 5 mega pixel camera and several software features from Samsung. These additional apps include the Samsung Social Hub, SmartLife, ThinkFree and several other applications.
Samsung will also be bringing its Bada-loaded smart phone, the Wave. This device with an impressive 3.3 inch super AMOLED screen (slightly smaller than the one in the Galaxy S), a 5 mega pixel camera and of course, the Samsung TouchWiz user interface. The smart phone also uses the Samsung Social Hub.
It has also been announced that Samsung is working on a third smart phone that also makes use of the super AMOLED screen. The device has yet to be named but it has been confirmed to be a type 1 chassis smart phone that will be running the upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS.
Orange Gets Exclusive Colors on Android Devices
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
There is a new HTC Desire version out there and only Orange is offering the device to their clients. The new Desire Black Edition has been confirmed to be part of Orange Mobile’s offerings for this April and this brings the number of the operator’s exclusive Android colors to two. This all black edition of the HTC Desire is both visually appealing and a much better deal than the regular version of the smart phone.
Aside from the black edition of the HTC Desire, Orange mobile is also offering the white version of the SE XPERIA X10.
The white version of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 was announced last week as an exclusive bonus for Orange. This is the special white color version of the Japanese Swedish joint venture’s very first Android smart phone. The handset runs on a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU which means that it will be running apps and features without noticeable slowdowns. The 4 inch OLED touch screen and the 8 mega pixel camera also help put this device in the high end category.
Anyway, back to the HTC Desire, this smart phone is the most impressive Android from HTC yet. The phone is pretty much the basis for the specifications of the Nexus One and also brings a few extra HTC-made features of its own.
Much like the Nexus One, the Desire comes with a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen for high quality visuals and easy touch controls, a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU for fast app and function loading as well as a 5 mega pixel camera. Added in to the Desire are the HTC Sense user interface and 720p HD video recording capabilities. Expect to see this handset available by the second week of April
Find out more about the new all black HTC Desire smart phone at Softpedia.
News Recap: Highlights from March Week 2
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
If you missed out on the news last week, here is a quick recap of all the big highlights:
First off, Sony Computer Entertainment has finally brought out the Playstation Move. After spending the last few months without announcements or updates on their motion based game controller, Sony has finally brought out a finished product with all the main specs and a combined current and tentative list of games that would support Move.
The new motion controller is designed with two devices that are to be held in each hand (unlike the Wiimotes, no connecting cord will be used). Expect to see some interesting applications of this new technology in the months to come.
Speaking of Sony, the electronics giant has announced that it will be bringing HD video content into the PS Network. Microsoft is also bringing its MSN player on the Xbox 360 and on WP7 as a way to bring its library of over 1000 hours of video to users.
In the meanwhile Vodafone has been through some tough internal changes with job cuts and the closure of 6 stores. At the same time, the UK based mobile network operator will have a busy month marketing in April as several devices launch. The SE XPERIA X10, the HTC Legend, HTC Desire, the Apple iPad are only some of the more interesting devices that will be part of the company’s upcoming lineup.
There are also reports that the Nexus One is now up on the Vodafone website though many believe that the Desire will easily outsell the device. Apple is still pushing with its lawsuit against HTC and now, it will also be defending its patents against Texas based SmartPhone Technologies in a similar lawsuit.
Get to see more of the news highlights for last week at Pocket Lint.