Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

O2 UK International Calling Card: New Rates

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 01:31 PM PDT

If you are not happy with the service you get from some of these International calling cards, O2 may now have a solution to your problems.

O2 has launched their own calling card in a bid to clean up what they have called the 'scammy' market. The new calling card will be distributed through the network operator's partnership with Elite Mobile, and is available from over 20,000 retail outlets across the UK, which includes O2 stores for cost of £5.

The new O2 International Calling Card offers a 'high quality call experience' with great rates from as little as 1p per minute, combined with and no hidden catches such as maintenance fees, connection charges, disconnection charges or premium rate access numbers.

In the article brought to us by MobileToday it indicates that the introduction of the calling card follows Ofcom's report on the international calling card market, which noted other common poor practices. These included poor quality lines, inability to activate cards, early disconnections and the complexity of charges.

Gary Booker, O2's consumer general manager said: "The International Calling Card market is notoriously grubby and we know that consumers are crying out for a quality product from a trusted brand. Our new calling card follows the successful launch of our International Favourites bolt-on and is part of our strategy to grow our share of the overall international calling market."

Both O2's International Favourites offering and its International Calling Card are built upon Jajah's voice over IP platform, which Telefónica obtained in 2010.

Android Gingerbread Update for Samsung Galaxy S Suspended

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 12:52 PM PDT

The other day we saw the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the Samsung Galaxy S at long last start rolling out to certain Galaxy S devices in Europe; however it appears that the rollout of Android Gingerbread didn't last that long.

According to an article over on Phone Arena by way of Engadget, it appears that Google has slapped a hold on Android 2.3 Gingerbread for the Samsung Galaxy S without stating a reason for doing so.

However apparently Vodafone UK has piped in and stated that there are no known problems with the Android Gingerbread update in Europe, so hopefully this should mean that Google would sort out whatever problems they believe there is out quite rapidly.

Does this news of a temporary suspension of Android 2.3 Gingerbread coming to the Samsung Galaxy S just take you to the bring of anger or are you quite happy to wait until such times as the Google guys say its all clear to push out the update once again? I know I’m getting a tad impatient for the update to come.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Galaxy Tab Vodafone Australia Test

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 11:57 AM PDT

Rumours and speculation are surfacing surrounding the possible testing by our buddies in Australia on the Gingerbread update for the original Samsung Galaxy Tab, great news for users of the device if the rumours prove to be true.

The testing supposedly being carried out in OZ on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update does not apparently stop at the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7″, but is also suppose to be for the HTC Desire Z, HTC Desire HD and Samsung Galaxy S″.

The above information comes to us from SamsungHub via AndroidCommunity and refers to a Twitter from Vodafone Australia's account – see tweet below.

Therefore, if the tweet is to be believed, it could mean that US counterparts of the devices mentioned could also see an update sometime soon. The only thing that could hold the phones and tablets back from getting the update, is if any interface modifications have been undertaken by their network carrier.

So with the addition of the update on the original Samsung Galaxy Tab will it become a contender on the sales market once more? It is hard to say, especially with the new tablets coming out to play with Android 3.0 Honeycomb on them. Watch this space. Please let us know your views on the update news, especially if you own a Galaxy Tab 7″.

Motorola Xoom Full Backup via Clockwork Recovery

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 10:39 AM PDT

For those owners of the Motorola Xoom that were waiting for the Clockwork Recovery, its arrival has now been confirmed.

With the addition of the SD card support late last week to the Xoom, the ClockworkMod Recovery has now followed, according to an article from the guys at Xda-Developers, coming via Droid-Life a recovery source has been available for a long time now. However, it was useless without the SD Card being enabled in the kernel.

Now that the SD issues have been resolved, the recovery was able to get going. The ClockworkMod Recovery is now fully operational and will create and restore nandroid backups to and from the SD Card.

If you require the ClockworkMod Recovery for your Motorola Xoom, you can get the full support thread including the download and instructions here.

When you have downloaded the recovery on to your device, please let us know what you think.

HTC Wildfire Feeling Lonely: No Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 09:41 AM PDT

If you own a HTC Wildfire and have been patiently waiting for the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for your device, unfortunately news coming in is that your handset is not going to be receiving the new update – sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

During the next few weeks, some of the best-selling and high-end Android phones, such as the Galaxy S and HTC Desire range (on certain carriers) will be due an update to the latest version of Google's platform.

However, the HTC Wildfire is not on the list and therefore, will not be getting the Android 2.3 in the foreseeable future and may even be ruled out altogether, as suggested in a Tweet from Three UK, coming to us by way of Top10. The Tweet was in response to a query from a follower and stated, "It currently doesn’t look like Wildfire will be getting Gingerbread I’m afraid."

In a way, this should not really come as a surprise, as the low-spec HTC Wildfire was not mentioned on the Android Gingerbread smartphone update schedule, that we did an article on dated April 8th, 2011.

It will be a shame if HTC do not upgrade the Wildfire currently running on Android Froyo, as their owners of this device will miss out on a revamped virtual keyboard and some UI tweaks. However, if you own a Wildfire do not despair, as back in December 2010, HTC shocked everyone when they pushed out an update to the ageing value priced Android phone ‘Magic’ and so, there is still hope.

Do you own a HTC Wildfire?, If so why not leave us your comments on this latest news.

iPhone 4 RedSn0w 0.9.6rc14 Untethered 4.3.2 Jailbreak Fix

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 09:34 AM PDT

All of those that have the iPhone 4 that experienced problems with RedSn0w untethered jailbreak tool for iOS 4.3.2 running 0.9.6rc13 will be happy to know that the RedSn0w 0.9.6rc14 will fix it.

The Dev Team have worked hard to bring you RedSn0w 0.9.6rc14 that fixes know problems with version 0.9.6rc13, many iPhone 4 users did not have any issues at all but some of you was unlucky and did, well hopefully you do not have any occurrences with the new update.

i0n1c helped the Dev Team fix the RedSn0w problems, we recommend you visit iDB for more information and how to install this new tool. This update will work on all devices running iOS 4.3.2, but not the iPad 2.

Please do let us know if you still have problems with your iPhone 4 or if everything is now running fine after the update.

Motorola Droid Bionic Release Date Delay: Verizon Problems (Update)

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 08:57 AM PDT

Is this the case of the RIP to the Motorola Droid Bionic with the latest news suggested it has been cancelled, or is a simple case of it has been delayed. This is where the confusion starts because we reported that its release date is in May.

We reported earlier that the Droid Bionic is set for release May 12, but out of nowhere it has also been said that it could be postponed in favour of the Targa. Getting a little confusing now so we thought we would look a little more into this.

If you visit Phone Arena they have two updates on their news article, one in a nutshell says that Droid Bionic has been delayed due to battery and performance problems, but their second update says that the handset is to be returned by testers because it will not be released now.

GottaBeMobile have reported that the Droid Bionic has been cancelled because there is compatibility issues with Verizon's 4G Network and the problem lies with the dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset overheating.

Has Motorola Droid Bionic been cancelled never to go on sale or has it simply been delayed until further notice?

If you have had any problems with your Verizon smartphone overheating please do let us know, it does not matter what mobile phone it is just as long as you let us know what make and model it is. Thanks

UPDATE: We had an email Statement from Motorola re: DROID BIONIC quoting:

Hi Mark — I saw that you reported on DROID BIONIC today, so wanted to be sure you had our official statement should you be interested in updating your story. Thanks!

Motorola Mobility delivered the original DROID in 2009, an award winning device and one of the most successful smartphones launched. The company followed with the DROID X, DROID 2 Global, and DROID PRO. We believe the DROID BIONIC will have those same award winning features and will be one of the best 4G LTE devices on the market.

Motorola’s DROID BIONIC LTE smartphone, first announced at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show, will launch this summer with Verizon Wireless. Based on compelling feedback since the show, we are incorporating several enhancements to make this an even better consumer experience. This includes expanded features, functionality and an improved form factor. Motorola Mobility and Verizon Wireless are very excited about bringing the ‘new’ DROID BIONIC to market.

Becki Leonard

LG Phoenix on AT&T Yours for a Cent

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 08:23 AM PDT

Roughly a week ago the AT&T version of the LG Optimus One handset was announced, the LG Phoenix, but it appears that the Android smartphone can already be gained for an extremely low price on contract from Amazon.

According to an article over on Unwired View by way of Android Central, Amazon is now offering the LG Phoenix for a single cent; however it’s obviously not as simple as shelling out a penny and getting the Android handset.

To gain the LG Phoenix for a cent you will be required to sign up for a term of 2 years with AT&T, but if you go with AT&T they offer the same deal but for $49.99, so at least opting to go with Amazon you’ll save yourself a bit of cash.

Spec wise, the LG Phoenix offers a 3.2-inch HVGA touch screen, 3.2 megapixel camera, runs Android 2.2 Froyo OS, 600 Mhz processor, GPS, WiFi, microSD expansion, 3.5mm jack and pre-installed 2GB card, not bad for a cent is it.

White iPhone 4 Running iOS 5 Captured on Video

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:34 AM PDT

It’s looking more and more likely that the Apple unicorn, the white iPhone 4 is finally coming out to play and today a white iPhone 4 has shown up on video, but not just any run-of-the-mill white version of the iPhone, but one sporting iOS 5.

Of course we have the footage for your viewing pleasure below courtesy of 9to5 Mac, by way of Engadget and from the guys over at Tinhte, two videos actually, one showing iOS 5 running on a white iPhone 4 and the other shows of the smartphones hardware.

According to the guys, iOS 5 looks like it has ditched the Spotlight search menu in favour of an Expose multitasking page with Spotlight menu atop its display.

Now of course there’s no real confirmation that this is indeed a real white iPhone 4 or that it is running the real iOS 5, so head on down and take a gander at the videos and let us know if you think it is the real deal…enjoy.

Angry Birds Magic Edition For NFC Devices Coming: Video

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:03 AM PDT

So it appears that mobile game maker Rovio is about to take their hugely popular multi-platform game, Angry Birds to another level, is as much as they are to soon release Angry Birds Magic, a version of the game for NFC enabled smartphones.

Although Near Field Communication isn't that widespread at the moment, it appears NFC will be the next big thing in the mobile space and thus according to an article over on Gadget Venue, by way of Nokia Conversations, Rovio is to release Angry Birds Magic in the coming months.

This new version of Angry Birds will apparently be exclusive to Nokia and will launch on the Nokia C7 once the ‘Anna’ update hits. The idea is that you know someone else with an NFC enabled device and they came help you to progress through the game.

Here’s what Mikael Hed of Rovio says… "With Angry Birds Magic, friends can group together to combat the pig menace, in a new take on the game that so many people all over the world have fallen love with. This is an exclusive offering with the Nokia C7, a smartphone that really kicks off the NFC experience for developers. In time, the communal power of users with Angry Birds Magic could prove even stronger than the Mighty Eagle."

Apparently Angry Birds Magic will also included on all Near Field Communication devices coming out of Nokia in 2011, and we have a short demo video of the Angry Birds Magic edition for your viewing pleasure below.

Do you thing Rovio has made a wise move delivering a version of Angry Birds just for NFC enabled devices, or should they wait until more devices offer NFC?

New Nokia C2 Series Dual SIM Mobile Phone

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 07:01 AM PDT

Photographs have been leaked, showing what appears to be a new Nokia C2 series device, with dual-SIM.

This glossy Nokia C2 series dual-SIM phone prototype was recently spotted in India and the markings on it indicated that it could enter the market as a C series Nokia phone. But, unfortunately the device does not possess 3G and WiFi connectivity and only come with a poultry two megapixel camera (sans flash). However, the reason for this is possibly to keep the cost down, so it is more accessible to a wider audience.

As revealed by Engadget, the handset features Bluetooth and is running Series 40 6th Edition. There is no news on the price of this Nokia dual-SIM phone at present, but without the introduction of some major features, it should be affordable to the majority of people – we hope.

The photographs of this dual-SIM prototype phone come to us by way of Hackintosh India and give us a great insight into what Nokia could be bring to the market place soon.

Of further interest to anyone look for a no frills phone with dual-SIM technology, why not check out our articles on the Samsung E2152 aka Guru and Samsung Ch@t 322, or if you have an iPhone 4 see the article on the dual-SIM adapter case (however, please note that your phone does need to be unlocked).

Dual-SIM devices – what do you think? Please let us know below.

iPhone 5 or White iPhone 4 Poll Results: Most Wanted Is?

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:55 AM PDT

We asked yesterday what Apple smartphone do you want the most and the results are now in, this is what we call the "Most Wanted".

Yesterday we started a poll asking you one simple question, which was "What Apple Smartphone You Want The Most?" we gave you the choice of the iPhone 5, White iPhone 4, White iPhone 5 and None of the above.

The Results After One Day:

So far up until now this poll received 975 votes with the iPhone 5 being at the top with (62.0%, 603 Votes), then it goes as follows: White iPhone 5 (31.0%, 300 Votes), White iPhone 4 (6.0%, 56 Votes) and None of the above (2.0%, 16 Votes).

So given the choice of these phones the Apple iPhone 5 is the most wanted Apple smartphone with 603 votes out of 975, the white iPhone 4 seems to be popular with 300 votes. Oh Apple you should release the iPhone 5 before the white iPhone 4 because this is what customers want.

If you have not voted yet please do so here: VOTE NOW

Sonos Controller App for Android Release: Unlimited Music

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:37 AM PDT

Wireless multi-room music systems developer Sonos has now released the Sonos Controller app for Android, an app that transforms most Android smartphones into a wireless music controller for the Sonos multi-room music system.

With the Sonos Controller app for Android the user can access and play music on their Sonos S5 in any room from your library or the Internet, enabling the user to play the same song in every room of a home and perfectly synchronised.

The founder and CEO of Sonos Inc, John MacFarlane says, "We're pleased to deliver a great new way for music lovers to tap into all the music on earth. Now Android owners can pull out their phones and bring music home with Sonos."

With the Sonos Controller for Android a user can search for songs by typing or talking and turn the hard button on their Android device into a volume control, and if you receive a text your music isn't interrupted.

The Sonos Controller app for Android is available as a free download from the Android Market, and just so you can see what Sonos Controller for Android is all about we have a couple of videos for your viewing pleasure below…enjoy.

Microsoft Office 365 beta, Pricing: Android, iPhone & Windows Phone

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:24 AM PDT

Microsoft Office 365 beta is now live and access can be made via the likes of Android, iPhone and Windows Mobile so it made sense for us to let you know a little bit about this new service.

First of all we will get the pricing details out of the way, Microsoft Office 365 is free at the moment whilst in beta stages but when the finished and final release goes live it will be a subscription service costing from $6 per user per month, you can gain access via web browsers on PC and Mac and as said above mobile phones.

The new cloud-based Office 365 suite according to PCWorld India could possibly take on the likes of Google Apps, this new Microsoft service with feature Sharepoint Online, Office Web Apps, Email, Calendar and Exchange Online for small businesses and enterprise.

For more information please visit CBR and of course the official Microsoft Office 365 website. Great service to have if you like instant messaging, video conferencing and building websites.

Please let us know what you think of the new Microsoft Office 365 service in beta, we will let you know as soon as the final release is released.

Samsung to Counter Sue Apple in Copying Spat

Posted: 19 Apr 2011 06:05 AM PDT

Earlier today we posted an article concerning Apple bring a lawsuit against Samsung for alleged intellectual property infringement because Apple claims the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and Samsung Galaxy Tab resembles the “look and feel” of the iPhone and iPad.

Well according to an article over on Slash Gear, old Sammy isn't about to take Apple’s accusations lying down and is to strike back with a counter suit. Apparently according to the AFP, Samsung says Apple is violating its wireless tech patents.

Samsung said in a statement… “Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property.”

Thus the game of tit-for-tat in the legal arena begins, no doubt this fight between Apple and Samsung will continue for a while until such times as both sides come to some arrangement, just what that arrangement turns out to be remains to be seen.

So what side do you come down o, is Apple right in claiming Samsung has copied the look and feel of their gear, or do you feel Samsung has come up with their own look and feel for their devices?
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)