Nokia N97 and N97 mini - part 1

We've never reviewed the Nokia N97 fully here on AAS, mainly because we knew the v20 upgrade was on its way. And now that it's here, with the N97 distinctly nicer to use, along comes a sister device, the N97 mini that impresses by improving in almost every are, making the original N97 still hard to fully recommend. In a multi-part review series, I look at both N97 variants in detail. In part 1, I look at form factor, design, build quality and performance. Parts 2 and 3 will cover applications/usability and camera/multimedia.

"Also revealed is the microSD slot - with card swapping now infrequent on modern devices, hiding this potential dust trap away inside the back cover is fine by me. It could even be argued that the card itself is now not quite so vital, with most Symbian-powered phones now coming with substantial amounts of internal flash memory (of which more later). Also of note is that the N97 mini hides its antennae (GPS, 3G etc) underneath plastic, while the N97 leaves them exposed on the surface - yet more evidence that the N97 mini hardware is very much a second iteration on the basic design. (There will be more on GPS performance in a future review part.)"

Source: http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/

Verizon's LG Chocolate Touch is nice but nothing new

Perhaps the biggest letdown of the LG Chocolate Touch VX8575 from Verizon Wireless is that it's not the LG Chocolate BL40. After getting teased for months by the sexy shots of the LG BL40, we thought there might be a chance we would see it stateside. Alas, the LG Chocolate Touch VX8575 looks nothing like its European cousin. In fact, the touch screen interface reminds us a lot of previous LG touch screen handsets, like the LG enV Touch for example. The geometric shapes on the back of the phone and the blob-like buttons underneath the display are about the only things that are unique about the phone's design.

Still, that doesn't mean the Touch VX8575 is a terrible phone. Continuing the Chocolate tradition of strong music features, the Chocolate Touch VX8575 has a great music player with Dolby Music equalizer settings (both manual and preset modes), an FM radio, and an integrated song ID feature. There's also a really fun "Join the Band" feature that gives you either a virtual drum kit or a scrolling 88-key keyboard to play along with your tunes. The drum kit even has a cow bell, which we found amusing.

That, and it has a nice 3.2-megapixel camera, EV-DO Rev. 0, V Cast video access, stereo Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm headset jack. We weren't big fans of the full HTML browser -- you have to keep going back to a URL-entry page to enter URLs, for example -- but it's otherwise a decent touch screen music phone from Verizon Wireless. The LG Chocolate Touch VX8575 is $79.99 with a two-year service agreement with Verizon Wireless.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/

Nokia N900 gets Pay Monthly pricing

The N900 isn't far away now - it's due on 16 November. As a result, we're due some pricing information and, lo and behold, here it is courtesy of mobile comparison site Omio.

It's possible to get the handset on a 24-month contract for as little as £20 per month from Orange, though that'll only give you 200 minutes and you'll have to shell out £170 for the handset. A similar 24-month deal from O2 for £30 per month will net you 600 minutes, and the phone itself will only cost £10.

If you're determined to get the handset free, then a 24-month deal from Orange will set you back £35 per month with 900 minutes. The cheapest 18-month contact is £25 per month, again from Orange, with 600 minutes and £220 upfront phone cost.

Are you itching to get your hands on the N900? Tell us why, and which pricing option you reckon you'll go for, in the comments.

Source: http://www.pocket-lint.com/

Orange UK reveals iPhone data limit

The bulk of the criticism is directed at Orange’s terms & conditions, which have revealed a fair usage policy of just 750MB per month on each of wifi and 3G.

Moreover, “non-Orange internet based streaming services, voice or video over the internet, instant messaging, peer to peer file sharing, non-Orange internet based video” are all banned under Orange’s rules. This could be interpreted to mean no YouTube, Spotify or social networking such as Twitter or Facebook, and no GoogleTalk.

To be fair however, this part of Orange’s Ts&Cs isn’t that different from O2’s, and plenty of stuff, including the apps mentioned above, seem to work fine on that network.

But this usage cap, which O2 does not have, raises the ugly prospect of network

congestion, and has prompted some of our readers to comment on how well Orange’s 3G network stands up to the onslaught of data usage, when the iPhone launches November 10. Saying that, the carrier isn’t shying away from offering tethering options for the iPhone, so it is a least expecting some customers to use the handset as a modem.

With pricing pretty much identical and Vodafone set to launch the device too, it looks like the UK battle for iPhone customers will come down to the quality of service each network operator can offer.

In other iPhone news, the device has apparently gone down a storm in China – only 5,000 or so devices were sold in the first weekend.

Meanwhile, the Motorola Droid, the company’s first Android 2.0 handset, has got a funky big budget advert running, see below.

Source: http://www.telecoms.com/

Spice turns creative, unfurls Flexi Dual Spice D-6666 Mobile Phone

Users may gird up to add a pinch of excitement in their life hearing this news. Well, Spice Mobiles has recently proclaimed its first flexi dual phone, Spice D-6666. Captivatingly, the latest handset offers the flexibility to choose between GSM+CDMA mode and GSM+GSM mode in a single phone, something that is not envisioned earlier. Thrilled? Read further!

The innovative Spice D-6666 enables users to swap their connections simply and decide if they intend to pair two GSM connections via this technology that smoothly operates both the connections. The device embodies myriad of multimedia features such as a big screen, 2MP camera with flash, up to 4GB expandable memory, and stereo Bluetooth. It also comes equipped with a FM recorder and MP3 player.

Further, the D-6666 features a cluster of innovative applications such as a highly-advanced mailing solution, Email2SMS that ascertains the convenience of sending, receiving, composing and forwarding all the emails via SMS. Currently, the service is available on Corporate, Gmail and Indiatimes accounts. Interestingly, Spice is also offering 3 months free subscription.

Besides, the device incorporates the M-Commerce application with N-GPAY, enabling users to make bank transactions, pay bills in a short span of time with just few simple clicks. Additionally, it’s special Indian calendar marks all the important Indian festivals and tithes by effectual reminders/ alerts that can be preset according to users’ preference.

Source: http://www.techgadgets.in/

Sony Ericsson launches 3 smartphones

The phones, "Satio", "Aino" and "Yari", will set the trend for the new age smartphones, said Anil Sethi, president of Sony Ericsson Mobile India.

He said the company would focus on the smartphone category for the next two-three years to boost sales.

"Once the 3G spectrum allocation happens, we can roll out more features with better network," Sethi said.

Built on Sony Ericsson's strengths in music, imaging, gaming, applications and content services, the new phones bring alive entertainment on the go for consumers, the company said.

The Satio, priced at Rs 35,950, comes with a 3.5-inch screen and offers a 16:9 widescreen format with 12.1 megapixel camera.

The Aino offers services to access content stored on a PlayStation 3 from anywhere in the world through a Wi-Fi connection.

It also gives remote play access to videos, television shows and photos. The mobile has an eight megapixel camera and is priced at Rs 28,950.

Yari debuts Gesture gaming that enables users to make the moves in front of the screen and play games without even touching the phone. The Phone comes with a five megapixel camera and is priced at Rs 16,950.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

ATTN Nokia N97 users: Firmware version 20 is out

This software release improves touch screen usability, allowing you to scroll smoothly through content by flicking the screen. Ovi Maps 3.1 brings 3-D maps, more accurate positioning, and improved search. Nokia ,Ovi Contacts, Ovi Store, and VoIP support have been added. This release also includes improvements in memory and battery performance, and in image and video stability. To get this software through your device, select Applications > SW Updates and choose the software you want to update.

Someone will surely post something today regarding their experiences with the new firmware. This post will be updated throughout the day with those findings.

Source: http://www.intomobile.com/

O2 unveils Techies mobile broadband support service

O2's small business customers can now get access to on-site set-up and helpline support for their broadband, phone and laptops, it has been announced.

The mobile broadband provider has launched its new Techies service, which will see specially trained staff visit clients to ensure devices are installed and set up properly.

In addition, it will also give businesses the chance to call a dedicated technical helpline for ongoing support.

Simon Devonshire, head of small business marketing for O2, said: "This is yet another example of O2's commitment to helping its customers get on with the job of running their business, and leave the hassle of setting up and managing technology to us."

The launch of the service has come after the company also unveiled its new Joined Up communications platform for both small and large businesses.

It will allow clients to outsource telecoms, IT and consultancy needs to just a single provider.

Source: http://www.cable.co.uk/

BlackBerry Storm: no UK update until 2010

The original BlackBerry Storm got a bumper software upgrade in the US today, chucking in handy features like flick-based scrolling and improved typing, but anyone packing the BlackBerry Storm on Vodafone UK is about to don a pair of green contacts: we’ve just heard that the OS 5.0 update won’t roll out over here until next year.

Verizon, the network hawking the BlackBerry Storm in the US, finally announced the BlackBerry Storm 2 today, along with a major software update to bring the original SurePress phone up to par with its successor. But we’ve heard from a source close to the manufacturer that the same update won’t land for Vodafone users in the UK until 2010.

Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/

Samsung Genio Now On Pre Paid

We are pleased to announce that the Samsung Genio Qwerty mobile phone has just been made available on pre paid, which is sure to please everyone who loves text messaging and social networking.

This new Samsung handset adds new life to the Genio line, with the Samsung Genio Qwerty boasting a great full QWERTY keyboard, much like those found on BlackBerry mobile phones; the keys are also lined up in the exact same way as on a computer keyboard, an area where many other handsets fall short.

Something else we love about the Samsung Genio Qwerty is that it allows you to change the covers; it isn’t a high end feature but it is great for those of you who wind up with scratched cases because you cant break the habit of keeping your keys and phone in the same pocket.

The mobile phone is known as the Corby TXT in other parts of the world and has an impressive range of features including several focussed on multimedia.

The Samsung Genio Qwerty sports a reasonable 2 mega pixel camera, quick keys for all the important functions such as your music player, and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack – and thanks to they great keyboard it is perfect for texting and tweeting fast.

The built in memory is one area where the handset falls short at only 37 MB, however it does support microSD cards up to 8 GB – which aren’t too costly, especially when the phone itself is so affordable; plus there are plenty of neat apps available right from your home screen to have a play with.The Samsung Genio Qwert is available on pre paid now from Orange for only £99.

Source: http://www.blog.moby1.co.uk/

T-Mobile Pulse review

With the Android smartphone platform gaining momentum as the number of handsets available expands, T-Mobile has introduced its own-brand low-cost touchscreen alternative – the T-Mobile Pulse.

The Pulse offers a pay-as-you-go route into the Google-powered smartphone world.Starting at £179.99 in pre-pay deals (and expected to be free with contracts), it's the most affordable Android-equipped smartphone so far.

While HTC has made the early running as the main Android handset producer, manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola have recently joined the game with their own debut Android touchscreen phones, and a bunch of others, including LG, Sony Ericsson and Acer, are committed to releases in the near future.

The market certainly is about to get a whole lot hotter. T-Mobile's own-brand Pulse is a handset sourced from Chinese mobile communications maker Huawei (best known in this country for supplying mobile internet dongles to the major networks). The Pulse is a T-Mobile optimised version of the HU8220, and is a slab design with a 3.5-inch touchscreen – the largest on an Android phone so far. The T-Mobile Pulse may be the most affordable Android handset to date, but that doesn't mean a lean set of features.

It has HSPA and Wi-Fi high-speed data connectivity, is equipped with A-GPS satellite location-finding technology and supports a rich spread of video, music and other media functions, including a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Running on the Android 1.5 Cupcake version of the smartphone OS, it comes loaded up with the usual healthy set of standard Android applications and has plenty of functionality out of the box, including all the Google regulars.

In addition, users can, of course, augment the onboard software with application downloads, using the embedded Android Market application to browse apps online.

Source: http://www.techradar.com/

HTC HD2 Smartphone Available In UK From £486

The HTC HD2 Windows Mobile 6.5 Smartphone will be available on the 11th of November SIM Free from Expansys for £500 including a £30 Expansys voucher.

But it is Insight that has it for the cheapest - £486.43 - if you don't want the voucher. The phone, which is the first Windows Mobile 6.5 with HTC's Sense user interface, has a high resolution 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display that can display a staggering 800x480 WVGA resolution.

That's significantly higher than iPhone-class smartphones but it is only now that HTC has managed to bring in the popular "pinch to zoom" option, something that the iPhone already had for two years.

There's also a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with a 5-megapixel camera with a LED flash and autofocus, all in a sleek, slim and classy chassis. In addition, the HD2, which was formerly known as Leo, comes with GPS, WiFi, 3G, HSUPA and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Source: http://www.itproportal.com/

Nokia N920 Internet Tablet Leaked

Nokia announced the Nokia N900 in September at Nokia World and it’s now about to hit the shops with pre-orders set to being full-filled in the coming weeks.But suddenly here’s a spy/leaked picture of another touchscreen Nokia phone. This phone is what some claim to be the Nokia N920 or the successor to the Nokia N900.

I doubt the fact that it is a successor but I’m not denying it. Anyway the device looks like an Internet Tablet with a colour scheme similar to the old Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. The device looks slimmer and appears to have a larger screen. Some saying the screen measures 4.13″ and has capacitive technology.

It is also rumoured to be running on the Maemo 6 platform. One thing is for sure, this device wont be coming out in the near future and we will most probably see it only in 2010.

This looks like a Photoshop from a iPhone fanboy who dislikes Nokia designers

Source: http://www.fonearena.com/

BlackBerry watch to hit the market soon

Millions of BlackBerry fans around the world rejoice: if the latest rumours are true, then the power of the phone could be coming to your wrist in the form of a watch.

CrackBerry.com, a major proponent of the company, has posted what it claims to be pictures of a watch phone in development which is to be branded as the inPulse Smartwatch.

Instead of transferring everything from a person's mobile, however, it is instead going to show notifications for messages, emails and other items of importance such as meetings and events, making it easier to keep up to date when driving or in meetings.

There is also a lot of talk regarding how BlackBerry apps will work with the miniature offering, though no official confirmation that the watch exists has even surfaced yet.

LG first unveiled its prototype watch phone on January 8th, with Dr Skott Ahn, the president and chief executive officer of LG Mobile Communications, stating it "demonstrates LG's technological leadership, proving that we can bring all the components in today's most advanced mobile phones down to a very small scale".

Source: http://www.watchshopuk.com/

T-Mobile USA introduces BlackBerry Bold 9700 with Wi-Fi Calling

T-Mobile USA announces the release of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 that offers Wi-Fi Calling and GPS. T-Mobile claims that the Bold is its first 3G powered Blackberry and also RIM’s (Research In Motion) first phone to offers built-in support for 3G connectivity as well as voice calls over Wi-Fi.

The high-end Bold 9700 offers top class performance, functionality and advanced features. Designed with high-gloss black finish, chrome highlights and leather textured back. The Wi-Fi (802.11g) enabled handset supports 3G HSDPA networks across the globe, next generation (624) processor, 256MB Flash memory and built-in GPS.

“Increasingly, T-Mobile customers are expanding the use of their BlackBerry smartphones by communicating with friends and family online and through the latest applications and services,” said Denny Marie Post, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA, Inc. “Customers deserve a fast and reliable broadband experience, and that’s what we’re delivering with the new BlackBerry Bold on T-Mobile’s nationwide 3G network.”

With industry’s top mobile email and messaging solutions, the powerful BlackBerry Bold 9700 device keeps users connected while on the go. It also permits access to social networking sites like Facebook. The Bold 9700 also equips RIM’s specially designed compact full-QWERTY keyboard for precise typing and amazing touch-sensitive optical trackpad enhancing the navigation experience. The feature-rich device offers a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus functionality, flash and video recording, music and video player and a strikingly clear high-resolution display.

“The new BlackBerry Bold 9700 delivers state-of-the-art features and performance in a compact and beautifully designed handset,” said Don Morrison, chief operating officer, Research In Motion. “This sleek and powerful 3G smartphone offers an incredibly refined mobile experience that is ideal for both personal and professional use.”

Users can easily access the BlackBerry App World on the device, which enables them to browse and download several mobile applications. The Bold 9700 comes pre-loaded with applications such as the Slacker Radio for free access to music, TeleNac GPS Navigator that allows viewing turn-by-turn directions and visual voicemail. With a hot swappable microSD/SDHC memory card slot, users receive an additional storage to save their huge collection of multimedia files. Users can even save their applications with a 2GB memory card.

Source: http://www.mobiletor.com/

Powermat comes to the UK: Look mum, no wires

Is it a bird? It is a plane? Is it a skateboard without wheels? No it's a Powermat. The Powermat is an inductive charging mat which is capable of charging mutliple mobile phones at once. It's perhaps best thought of as a widescreen version of the Palm Pre's Touchstone charger, as it uses similar technology. After attaching a receiver to your mobile phone, you simply sit it on the Powermat to charge it up. You can charge up to three devices at once this way, and connect a fourth device to the side of the Powermat via USB.

Charging on a Powermat is apparently just as effective as if you were charging directly from the mains and it doesn't eat up as much energy, even with three phones sat on top and another charging over USB. The Powermat can also be used to charge other handhelds, so you can have your phone grilling away next to your iPod Touch and Nintendo DS.

There are two versions of the Powermat available, the more stationary home and office mat (pictured above) and the portable mat (pictured below), which neatly folds up and comes with its own carry case. Both devices can charge the same maximum number of devices. The home and office mat costs £70 with it's portable counterpart costing a slightly dearer £80.

For each phone or device you want to charge you'll need to purchase a separate receiver. The only phones you can currently buy receivers for are Apple iPhones and a selection of BlackBerry phones (including the Bold, Curve 8900 and the Curve 8300). Powermat also make the Powercube which comes with eight interchangeable connections (including mini USB) allowing you to charge Nokia, LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones as well as the Sony PSP. It's worth noting that the Nokia connection will only work with Nokia phones which accept the most recent 2mm chargers.



The Apple iPhone receivers come in the form of battery cases (only available for iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touches) which you attach to the back of the phone, or in the form of an iPod dock which sits on top of the Powermat. All of these go for £40 each. The BlackBerry receivers called 'battery doors' cost an additional £30. If you don't want to have a Powermat receiver on the back of your iPhone or BlackBerry, then you can opt for a Powercube instead, which costs £30.

Source: http://recombu.com/news

Samsung Galaxy i5700 announced for Russia

The Samsung Galaxy i5700 handset, which is nearly identical to the previously spotted Android handset of the same name, has been officially unveiled for sale in Russia. The handset will be known as the Galaxy Spica and sport an 800MHz CPU, 128MB of RAM, and a 3.2-inch touchscreen display. There is also a 3.2-megapixel camera, along with support for microSDHC memory cards up to 32GB in capacity.

The device will also have the ability to play back common video file formats, and there is both a compass and a GPS sensor. Power comes from a 1500 mAh battery. As visible from the home screen and from previous leaks, the Galaxy Spica uses the Android operating system.

Source: http://www.electronista.com/

LG's 'simple' GD510 touchscreen phone outed

LG has decided that the recent raft of touchscreen phones are overburdened with superfluous options which are unnecessary for use every day, so have released the streamline, simple-to-use LG GD510. Or to give it its simpler name: the LG Pop.

The phone comes packing an impressive 8GB of internal memory, 3-inch full WQVGA touchscreen interface, and a 3MP camera. The phone also includes an MP3 player.

The biggest sell here is the simplicity of the device. This is shown in the phone's navigation system: a single button is used on the interface which functions as the 'menu', 'end' and 'cancel' keys. This is coupled with a slim strip of light around the button shines either green or red indicating the handset's function.

Also, the phone has a fair few eco credentials as well, most notably the use of a solar panel on its back, so it can be charged by the sun.

Inevitably, simplicity means that there's no big features to write home about – and that includes a lack of 3G and Wi-Fi.

What you do get is a multimedia device which plays music and movies in several file formats. Oh, and it also makes calls too.

The handset has a UK release date in November and will be available from the Carphone Warehouse. Contracts and pricing are still to be confirmed. more details.

Source: http://www.techradar.com/

Virgin Mobile India Introduces New vPower

Virgin Mobile India the youth brand of Tata Teleservices has launched a new vPower recharge for its customers across India. The pack comes in for Rs499 and gives 900 minutes of free local outgoing talktime. This talktime can be utilized to call any local phones and is valid for 90 days.

It really sure will pinch the pocket being a one time recharge of Rs499 will surely hit the pocket friendly youth whose monthly budget is around Rs.250-Rs.300. Shelling out about Rs.500 at a go will make people think before investing.

A round about calculation concludes that if we divide it the total Rs499 into 3 months then each month its going to cost you approx Rs.167 a month and if we calculate on the basis of minutes, it comes to 300 minutes a month i.e. just 5 hours of non stop talk. Virgin’s idea though seems great in diverting the mind from money to minutes but this plan surely will make people think a bit.

Source: http://telecomtalk.info/

Pre-order the BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vodafone UK

The sleek smartphone is ideal for both personal and professional use. The touch-sensitive trackpad makes it easy to glide through menus and flip between applications, while the full QWERTY keyboard makes emailing a breeze.

The 3G connection enables fast downloads and web browsing. Store all you documents, files, music and photos on the 256 MB Flash memory, or slot in a microSD card to increase the capacity. Other features include built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, plus a 3.2 megapixel camera.

The dark chrome frame and leatherette back add to the new smart phone's sleek and elegant appearance, while the narrow profile, balanced weight and soft-touch sides allow it to feel incredibly comfortable in the hand.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is available on pay monthly price plans from £35 with 600 minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service, unlimited Vodafone Mobile Internet and broadband. Customers who want to be one of the first to get hold of a BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone can pre-order today.

Source: http://www.mobileburn.com/