Saturday, May 7, 2011

Phones Review

Phones Review

No Signal iPhone Problems: Your Discussions

Posted: 06 May 2011 11:18 AM PDT

If you are sick and tired of your iPhone displaying 'No Service' or 'Searching…' in the top left hand corner, due to signal problems – join the discussion and have your say here.

On May 3rd I did an article entitled 'Apple iPhone 3GS Or O2: Signal Issues?', as I keep getting the message 'No Service' appear on my iPhone 3GS. Now I was not sure if the problem was with the device or my network service provider O2.

However, from the comments I have received back on this issue, it would appear that the problem lies at the feet of Apple and their devices. A number of people replied who are experiencing the same signal problems and not all of them are on O2, the problem has been happening to some iPhone users on Orange/T-Mobile and AT&T in the USA.

Another thing that has come from the comments, is that the loss of signal is not just happening on the iPhone 3GS, but also iPhone 4. We all know that there was a signal issue with the iPhone 4 when it released, apply named the 'Smart Phone grip of death'. However, this latest issue does not seem to stem from that.

Someone that commented back under the alias iPhone user, stated:

"Yes, I have the exact same problem. I thought perhaps I was the only one. Try turning off your 3G via settings > General > Netrowk > Enable 3G: off. This actually works really well and saves your battery. Its a shame though because I used to get full signal on O2 and I too have an iPhone 3GS. I live within the Berkshire area, i have been having this problem for about 4 weeks now and I am confused as to if the fault lies within the actual iPhone itself or O2?
Please let me know if this helps.
Kind Regards."

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately, it did not work for me – but it may help others hopefully.

So I put this to you Apple – PLEASE SORT THE SIGNAL ISSUE OUT, your customers are getting more and more disgruntled with the service you are providing (no doubt this plea will fall on deaf ears, so unfortunately – it is business as usual). Please keep you comments coming in, as the saying goes ‘strength in numbers’, so one day Apple may decide to take notice of their customers rather than lining their pockets with our money. Can't wait for my upgrade!

Sony Ericsson WT18i Walkman Android Phone: China

Posted: 06 May 2011 09:54 AM PDT

The people of China will soon wake-up to the introduction by Sony Ericsson of a new Walkman phone on their shores.

Sony Ericsson's WT18i Walkman, is a TD-SCDMA/GSMA smartphone that comes with Android 2.2 Froyo, its Chinese sibling OPhone 2.5 and is compatible with Android Apps that are available for Android 2.2 phones.

This handset is available on Chiba Mobile and includes features such as a 3.2" HVGA screen (320×480), Marvell PXA920 CPU at 806MHz, 150GB of internal memory, a microSDHC card slot, 3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR with BGN, GPS, FM Tuner, capability of shooting 480/24p videos and not forgetting Sony Walkman basic audio features.

The Sony Ericsson's WT18i Walkman phone has a total size of 106×56.5×14.3mm, weighs in at 110g and has 1200mAh battery. The handset is set to be released in China shortly. Information on this device comes from Sony Ericsson via Akihabaranews.

Do you want a Sony Ericsson WT18i Walkman phone? Please let us know below.

Dell Venue Pro AT&T Prices: Now Available

Posted: 06 May 2011 08:48 AM PDT

Great news for those on AT&T waiting to get their hands on the Dell Venue Pro (a portrait QWERTY Windows Phone 7 device), as of yesterday it was made available on AT&T.

Whilst, the Dell Venue Pro has been available since December of last year on T-Mobile, those wishing to get the hands on this little beauty on AT&T have had to wait until yesterday.

On the Dell website, it shows the Venue Pro is available in three different models for AT&T: 8GB model will set you back $99.99 on a two-year contract, 16GB model comes in at $149.99 with contract, or there is the daddy of the three options a sizeable 32GB model with a price tag of $199.99 on a two-year agreement.

In an article by Pocketnow, coming to us via PhoneDog, it is indicated that the only difference between the T-Mobile and AT&T model of the Venue Pro (other than the AT&T model's ability to work with AT&T 3G) is that the T-Mobile model stops at 16GB.

Will you be getting this unique handset on AT&T? If you are already an owner of the Venue Pro, please give us your feedback on the device.

HTC Thunderbolt Update on Verizon Coming Soon

Posted: 06 May 2011 07:17 AM PDT

For those of you out there with your HTC Thunderbolt in hand waiting for Verizon's latest update for the handset, news is that it will be coming soon.

On Tuesday, my colleague Mark posted an article on the Thunderbolt update rolling out to customers in stages starting from that Tuesday and whilst, some users received the update (which fixes things like better 3G connectivity and GPS updates loading faster in Google Maps) many users were left dangling with no update to be seen.

The guys over at Droid-Life have noted in their article that Verizon had delayed the update, and were directing customers to the support page of the handset for details. Initially, there was nothing to be seen, but as of yesterday morning or late Wednesday night, details on the page had changed and now showed a "COMING SOON!" message.

At present, there is no information on the cause of the delay or when the update will start rolling out again. So, for now you will just have to continue as normal. Please note that the update for the Motorola Xoom, that was initially scheduled to release back on April 28 has also been cancelled, which is quite strange.

When we hear more information on these updates or any others, we will of course let you know. So, were you one of those fortunate enough to get the update? If so, tell us what you think. For those that did not, please leave your rants in the comments box.

BlackBerry PlayBook Official Keyboard Accessory Pictured

Posted: 06 May 2011 06:57 AM PDT

Research In Motion have apparently been working of an accessory for their BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, an official keyboard, and a couple of pictures have now turned up o the net waves showing off the BlackBerry PlayBook keyboard accessory.

According to Slash Gear by images of the BlackBerry PlayBook Bluetooth keyboard comes by way of Netbook news thanks to both Intomobile and BlackBerry Rocks and apparently the word of the accessory making its way to the mobile space came from RIM's head of accessories Bruce Winter.

Unfortunately though real details on the device are unavailable, but it is presumed the keyboard will be Bluetooth, and the blurred image shows the absence of a trackpad; however apparently when the device hits the streets the device will have a trackpad on the right.

Apparently the BlackBerry PlayBook keyboard will also double as a dock enabling the user to fold everything together when they need to move.

So does a Bluetooth keyboard for the Blackberry PlayBook make you want to think twice about purchasing the tablet?

iOS 4.3.3 Untethered Jailbreak PwnageTool and Redsn0w Still Works

Posted: 06 May 2011 06:22 AM PDT

Apple pushed out their latest iOS update on Wednesday, iOS 4.3.3, probably hoping to put a stop to the untethered jailbreak; however apparently the @i0nic untethered jailbreak created for iOS 4.3.1still works with iOS 4.3.3.

According to an article over on Daily iPhone Blog and by way of the iPhone Dev Team, this makes an "unprecedented three firmwares where the same userland exploit works."

The latest PwnageTool and Redsn0w incorporate @i0nic's exploit pot to iOS 4.3.3 and also uses the Limera1n bootrom exploit by Geohot. Apparently the untethered jailbreak will work on all devices running iOS 4.3.3 with the exception of the Apple iPad 2.

The iPhone Dev Team do say though that the Apple iPad 2 jailbreak is still in development, and will probably be a useland exploit not dependant on bootrom dumps.

So the iOS 4.3.3 untether works with the iPhone 4 GMS, iPhone 3GS, Apple iPad, iPod Touch 3G and 4G and Apple TV2G version 4.3.8F202.

Nokia J Bluetooth Headset Introduced: Video

Posted: 06 May 2011 05:53 AM PDT

If you are into using a Bluetooth headset, Nokia now has a new Bluetooth headset called the Nokia J, and they have introduced the hands-free device in a video presentation, which naturally we have posted for your viewing consideration below.

According to an article over on Ubergizmo by way of Geeky-gadgets, The Nokia J Bluetooth headset has already acquired numerous design awards like the International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase Honour 2011, the iF Product Design Award 2011 and the red dot Design Winner 2011.

The Nokia J headset features a sleek design and comes with a holster for storing the device when no in use, and apparently delivers up to five hours talk time and up to three months standby time and features active background noise cancellation, wind noise reduction, auto-echo cancellation and digital signal processing.

Furthermore the Nokia J can be charges to deliver two and a half hours of talk time in just fifteen minutes using the supplied microUSB AC-10 charger.

So with all that said and done all you need do now is head on down, hit the play button and check out the Nokia J intro video courtesy of the Nokia YouTube page…enjoy.

Samsung Droid Charge Release & Price on Amazon

Posted: 06 May 2011 05:53 AM PDT

If you are eagerly awaiting the possible launch of the Samsung Droid Charge by Verizon sometime next week, you may be pleased to know that Amazon has put up an order page for the device and is offering it for $50 less than Verizon's price tag.

The DROID Charge with its 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB RAM and 512 MB ROM, has 2GB of internal memory, which is expandable with the microSD slots. The 4G LTE smartphone also features a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with Super AMOLED Plus technology that even in direct sunlight provides a great view.

This is Samsung's first 4G handset to release via Verizon. However, a problem with Verizon's 4G LTE network resulted in last week's expected release of the Droid Charge being postponed. With Amazon now putting up an order page for the Samsung the DROID Charge with a price tag of $249.99, there is a real belief that the device could be making an appearance by Verizon soon, even as early as this week – lets hope.

One thing to note, as explained in the article by NewsLocale is that although you can order the handset from Amazon for $50 less than Verizon's price, there is "backordered" tag shown on the handset, meaning you will have to wait for a minimum of 10 days before you get to have the Droid Charge nestled in your hands.

However, if you have just had enough of the rumours, speculation and delays surrounding this device and cannot wait a moment longer, check out our article on 'Best Buy Taking Orders', as there is a possibility (albeit slim) that you could get your hands on the handset today. Are you still prepared to wait for the release? Alternatively, have you moved on? Please let us know.

Gingerbread Acer Iconia Smart Launches In India

Posted: 06 May 2011 04:59 AM PDT

The word is Acer has now launched the Acer Iconia Smart smartphone over in India, an Android handset with a 4.8-inch HXGA touch screen, and although Acer announced the device they haven't yet announced any pricing.

According to an article over on Igyaan, Acer did deliver the specifications for the Acer Iconia Smart though and the device is said to pack a 1GHz Snapragon processor, 8GB internal memory, an 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recording and a 2 megapixel front facing camera.

Other specs of the Acer Iconia Smart are the handset runs the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system, Acer user interface 4.2, 3G, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, WiFi, AGPS, Dolby Mobile sound, HDMI port, 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion up to 32GB.

As stated earlier there is currently no official price for the Acer Iconia Smart in India however the Android smartphone is expected to go for somewhere in the range of 30K IRN.

A while ago the guys over at Phone Dog done a hands-on video with the Acer Iconia Smart, which we have posted for your viewing pleasure below so feel free to check the footage out. Any of our readers over in India contemplating picking up the Android Gingerbread toting Acer Iconia Smart?

Apple iPad 2 China Launch Attracts Customers Along with Scalpers

Posted: 06 May 2011 04:21 AM PDT

As with most launches of the Apple iPad 2, the iOS tablet draws crows of customers, and the same goes for the launch of the Apple iPad 2 in China on Friday with hundreds lining up to snap up one of the devices.

According to the guys over on Apple Insider the white iPad 2 seems to be the most popular in China and the Apple store in Beijing saw a line of hundreds waiting at 10am local time with reps allowing a handful of customers in at a time while "dozens" of scalpers were outside offering to sell the Apple iPad 2.

Apparently the launch of the next generation tablet attracted more custom than the release of the original Apple iPad last year although it is suggested that the weather could have been the reaso9n as last year the launch was rained out.

This time round Apple retail staff has organised rules for those opting to camp out overnight to grab the Apple iPad 2 and provided numbered wristbands and a waiting area and a sign, which read…

“If you leave the queue, an Apple staff member will take your wristband. If you return within one hour, it will be given back to you. If you return more than one hour later, you will be given a new wristband for a different place in line.”

Looks like Apple is doing well in China with the iPad 2, do you prefer the white iPad 2 to the black tablet?

Where is the Droid X 2 & Bionic on Verizon

Posted: 06 May 2011 04:18 AM PDT

For all the Verizon faithful out there waiting to see what smartphones are on offer Spring/Summer 2011, Verizon released the guide yesterday. However, the Droid X2 and Bionic are nowhere to be seen.

Smartphones like the DROID Charge and LG Revolution are featured in the guide as "Coming soon!", but the first two dual-core devices are absent, with no indication as to why.

Yesterday, we did an article on the possible Verizon release dates for the LG Revolution, Xperia Play and Droid X2 – see article here. Whilst, for the LG Revolution and Xperia Play it appears the release dates could be true, the no show of the Droid X2 on the guide leaves us in some doubt as to whether it will release on the 12th as hoped. Also, has the Bionic been cancelled by Verizon in favour of the Targa?

The Verizon guide was brought to us by way of Droid-Life and shows the first WP7 device – HTC Trophy, is there sitting proud with the Droid Incredible 2, but there is no dual-core handset to be viewed. See full guide.

So what do you think of Motorola‘s Droid X2 and Bionic not being shown on the guide? Do you think we will see a release by Verizon in the near future? Please let us know your thoughts below.

How Is Your White iPhone 4: Happy or Not

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:59 AM PDT

It took Apple some considerable time to finally manage to deliver on their promise of the white iPhone 4, and I'm fairly sure many of those hoping to gain the white iOS smartphone chose in the end to purchase a black iPhone rather than continue to wait.

But eventually Apple did release the white iPhone 4, and obviously many have throw expense to the wind and gone a picked up the handset whether they have a black version or not as the case may be.

But we'd like to know is it worth picking up the white iPhone 4, how has the white iPhone 4 been for you, are you happy or not that you now have the elusive white iPhone 4 in your hands.

Perhaps you are not very happy with your white iPhone 4 for some reason; does the antenna issue with the black iPhone worsen with the white iPhone?

Whatever your views on the white iPhone 4 we'd love you to comment in our comments area on whether to are elated or disappointed with the white version of the iPhone 4 and why.

T-Mobile Prepaid Plans Being Revamped Later in Month

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:41 AM PDT

If you are a T-Mobile customer with a prepaid unlimited talk and text plan, the word is that on Sunday the 22nd of this month, said customers may be in for a surprise as T-Mobile is revamping their prepaid offerings.

According to Phone Dog by way of Tmonews, at present T-Mobile prepaid unlimited talk and text plans come with 100MB data at a cost of 50 bucks a month or 2GB data for 70 bucks a month; however as of the 22nd of May that data allowance is set to rise.

So here's how it pans out as of the 22nd, T-mobile customers on the $50 a month plan will continue to get 100MB a month but now will be at 4G and once that 100MB is surpassed data speed will be throttled, however the customer will not be require as they do now to up their plan or purchase a DayPass for $1.49.

For those on the $70 2GB plan, as of the 22nd of May T-Mobile will give you unlimited data, which is an improvement over that 2GB, but it isn't clear whether T-Mobile will also throttle data speeds on this option. Details of the new plans can be viewed here and here.

Does the news of the new prepaid plans make any of our T-Mobile readers consider switching to prepaid as of the 22nd of May?

LG Optimus 2X Petition: Freeze & Reboot Problems

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:21 AM PDT

If you visit petitiononline.com you will see a new LG Optimus 2X freeze and reboot problems petition and so far there have been 217 online signatures. Please read on

Looks like those that own the LG Optimus 2X are not happy at all, the petitioner is called Luca Merega and he has named the petition "LG Optimus Dual freeze and reboot problems", here is what was said:

To: LG Electronics so far

Dear LG, this is a group of customers who bought your Phone LG P990 (Optimus Dual).
We have all the same problem.
Our smartphone freezes and often reboots in a kind of loop.
We can only remove and reinsert the battery to have a working phone again.
You are not giving us any kind of feedback.
Some of us returned the phone, you repaired it and the effect still persists.
So the question is: how can we solve definitively this incredible situation?
Check out all of this thread and read more than 100 pages of complaints.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=997705

We hope in a new SW upgrade solving the problem ASAP.
Please, let us know something.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned

Please visit this webpage to view all the signatures so far; some have comments of problems next to them. We here at phonesreview.co.uk are only reporting the news and have nothing to do with this petition but we thought you should know about it.

Calling Out To Customers: If you own the LG Optimus 2X please let us know if you are experiencing the above problems, if you are we would like to know about them and maybe you would like to sign the Petition Here.

Xperia Mini and Mini Pro Hands on Videos

Posted: 06 May 2011 03:17 AM PDT

We earlier posted that Sony Ericsson have officially announced the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro handset, both coming out to play at some point in the future with Android 2.3 Gingerbread aboard.

And now thanks to the guys over at Enagdget we have a couple of hands-on video with both the Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro delivering almost five minutes in total of checking out both Android devices.

The guys say that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini is a "wonderful size" with the exception of its thickness and wonder why the device is so thick, while the Xperia Mini Pro is a tad thicker due to its slide out QWERTY so was hoping the Xperia Mini would be more slender.

Apparently though browser rendering does have flaws along with a "stuttery quality" when zooming, but flash looks to work well. So I'll end it there as not to spoil your viewing pleasure of the videos below, so hit the buttons and check out the hands-on footage…enjoy.
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