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/