Intercity Mobile Data News

Vodafone Indoor signal Boost

2009-07-10T09:42:00.004+01:00

Vodafone have released the Vodafone Access Gateway - the first in the long awaited Femtocell technology - an indoor signal boost for 3G backed up to your existing broadband connection.

The Vodafone Access Gateway service gives you a great 3G signal throughout your home, no matter where you live. All you need is a broadband line and the Gateway (above) - a clever little box that's simple to install.

You can even connect family and friends to the Gateway, as long as they're with Vodafone. And up to four people can use it at once. So everyone gets the same great signal.

Compatible with all 3G handsets
Requires a 1Mbps minimum broadband connection
Max of 30 users can be registered (4 simultaneous connections)

Available to buy outright or on a monthly contract - please contact your account manager for details.

HTC - Announcing new Android handset with included Sense

2009-06-24T13:27:00.003+01:00

HTC Hero - HTC have announced a new addition to the Android operating system devices (see here for the first - HTC Magic).

This is the first HTC Android handset with a custom HTC interface - the HTC Sense - an intuitive, seamless experience built upon three fundamental principles - make it mine, stay close, and discover the unexpected.

Make it Mine
With HTC Hero, personalization reaches a level never before possible. Rather than burying important content under layers of menus, the HTC Hero lets you put it at glance view, with a selection of widgets that can be placed right on the home screen. The widgets themselves can be personalized with a variety of designs and sizes that best match your personality. With Scenes, a new profile feature, HTC Hero becomes multiple phones in one. Create and switch between Scenes that reflect different moments in your life. Your Hero becomes a weekend phone that helps you relax with your choice of tunes, catch up with your favorite friends and capture some memories with HTC Footprints™. And when you go on a trip, your phone becomes your personal guide and gives you instant access to local time, weather and maps.

Stay Close
Today, staying in touch with the people in your life means managing a variety of communication channels and applications ranging from phone calls and emails to Facebook updates. HTC Hero makes staying close as simple as turning to your friend and saying hello. When you view people, you see the different ways to get in touch, you also see all your interactions like emails sent to your personal and work accounts. You can even check for social network updates and event notices as well as see the latest pictures your friends uploaded to popular photo sharing sites.

Discover the Unexpected
Many of the most memorable moments in your life are experienced, not explained. Even basic functions like the dialer will pleasantly surprise you on the HTC Hero. You can find a person by dialing their phone number or simply by dialing the first few letters of their name. With HTC Hero, you can look at things through different perspectives.
Your inbox is not just a list of emails, but a catalog of conversations, a collection of notes flagged as important, and a document library of all your emails with attachments.
Your Album is not just the photos saved on your phone. It is also a gateway to online collections of you and your friends on Facebook or Flickr.

Search just about anything, anywhere on your HTC Hero.
The dedicated Search button combs through tweets in Twitter™, locates people in your contact list, finds emails in your inbox, searches through appointments in the calendar and very nearly finds needles in haystacks.

More Images and Specifications can be found online at http://www.htc.com/www/product/hero/specification.html

Release Dates TBC

Nokia annouces new addition to the E-Series line-Up

2009-06-16T08:53:00.003+01:00

Along with the recent additions to the Nokia E-Series Business handsets (Nokia E55 and Nokia E75 - see here) - Nokia has announced the Nokia E72.

Similar in design to the Nokia E71 (see here) - the E72 improves on this with an enhanced Desktop-like email experience and a new optical navigation key for scrolling through menus, emails etc.

The camera has also been enhanced to 5 megapixel.

More details - here

Release date TBC - third quarter 2009

RIM Launches BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0

2009-05-12T10:00:00.002+01:00

Next Generation Mobility Platform Delivers Rich Set of Advanced IT Administration Features and Smartphone Controls

Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM, TSX: RIM) have announced the availability of BlackBerry® Enterprise Server 5.0 – the next generation of RIM’s secure, push-based server software for business mobility.

Version 5.0 supports advanced IT administration features and smartphone controls that help improve the productivity of mobile workers and more effectively meet the demands of large-scale, mission critical enterprise deployments.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 enables a secure, centrally managed link between BlackBerry® smartphones and enterprise systems, applications, corporate phone environments (with BlackBerry® Mobile Voice System) and wireless networks.

It tightly integrates with IBM® Lotus® Domino®, Microsoft® Exchange®, and Novell® GroupWise®, and is designed to provide highly secure access to email, organizer data, instant messaging, voice (via BlackBerry MVS), browser and other enterprise applications. It also provides advanced security features and administrative tools that simplify the management and use of the BlackBerry® solution within the enterprise.

BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 Enhancements and Key Features

BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 provides enhanced IT management and administration features, including:

* BlackBerry® Administration Service, a new administration component with a web-based user interface that provides centralized management, monitoring and control of smartphone deployments and the complete BlackBerry system environment. IT staff can easily access the BlackBerry Administration Service from an Internet Explorer web browser.
* Role-based access controls allow IT administrators to delegate tasks to IT staff, either individuals or groups, and control access to IT functionality. Screen consoles display only the functions that are available to the individual IT administrator.
* Over-The-Air application deployment and device software updates can be better managed and controlled with job scheduling and throttling.
* IT administrative task scheduling supports the deployment of device, application and server updates at times that can help minimize impact on smartphone users and business operations.
* Mobile application management and deployment enhancements support the efficient management and control of applications across smartphone deployments, allowing IT administrators to:

Publish updates and optional applications that are available for download by smartphone users.
Push mandatory applications or updates to individuals or groups of users.
Identify “disallowed” applications to prevent smartphone users from downloading prohibited applications.

Simplified IT policy management allows IT administrators to create groups of smartphone users and nested groups, then apply IT policies or perform IT tasks for one or more groups, in addition to applying policies to individuals.

Approximately 450 IT policies that can be applied to individuals or groups of smartphone users, ranging from enforcing smartphone password protection and controlling access to third party smartphone applications, to controlling the use of specific smartphone features, such as using a camera or video recording.

System health monitoring provides a unified, color-coded view of the BlackBerry environment, both server and user related, for the easy identification of potential issues.

Advanced reporting features, including trending, chart analysis and server statistics, provide a comprehensive view into the overall health of the BlackBerry system environment. BlackBerry Enterprise Server also stores up to 56 weeks of health scores for historical trending analysis.

Built-in high availability and automated failover allows IT administrators to set BlackBerry Enterprise Server to automatically issue alerts and then failover to a standby server when certain thresholds are met. Load balancing between the primary and standby server is an option for some shared service components like the Attachment Service. Manual failover from the primary server to the standby server is an option for IT administrators to perform planned maintenance tasks without affecting smartphone service.
BlackBerry Enterprise Transporter Tool makes upgrading to BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 easy and seamless. It streamlines the transfer of multiple user accounts from one BlackBerry Enterprise Server domain to another without impact to or action required by end users.

Support for New Smartphone Features

BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0 supports all current BlackBerry smartphones and supports the following smartphone features with BlackBerry Device Software 5.0*:

Remote access to Windows network file shares to allow smartphone users to securely retrieve, view, edit and email documents from behind the firewall.
Flag emails for follow-up in the same way that flags are used in Microsoft Outlook®.
Create, move, browse, rename and delete email folders directly from the smartphone, and view and attach files from those folders to emails sent from the smartphone.
View attachments in a meeting request or calendar entry, and forward calendar appointments with attachments.
Easily manage personal and public distribution lists.
Use of Calendar Meeting Delegation for IBM® Lotus® Domino®, which allows attendees to delegate invitations to others from their BlackBerry smartphones.

BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 to be released separately in the coming months
Contact your IMC Business Development Manager for pricing

Samsung C6625 - Business Smartphone

2009-04-28T09:29:00.003+01:00

An essential handset for people on the go.

The C6625 is the latest Smartphone offering from Samsung. Equipped with Windows Mobile® 6.1 and a large QWERTY keyboard you'll be able to message whether you're in the office or on the go. Also, with HSDPA connectivity you can access and view documents, emails and internet pages on the large 2.6" display. Additions such integrated A-GPS get you to where you need to be and features like a 2MP camera and FM radio will keep you entertained on the way.

* Built-in A-GPS
* Windows Mobile® 6.1 OS
* 2MP camera
* HSDPA

Available now

Full Specifications here

Samsung launches I7500, The Company’s First Android-Powered Mobile Phone

2009-04-28T09:13:00.003+01:00

April 27, 2009, Seoul, Korea - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today unveiled the I7500, its first Android-powered mobile phone. With a launch of I7500, Samsung became the first company among the global top three mobile phone manufacturers to unveil an Android-powered phone.

The Samsung I7500 is a cutting-edge smartphone, featuring a 3.2” AMOLED full touch screen and 7.2Mbps HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, giving users access to Google™ Mobile services and full web browsing at blazing speeds.

The Samsung I7500 offers users access to the full suite of Google services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Calendar™, and Google Talk™. The integrated GPS receiver enables the comprehensive use of Google Maps features, such as My Location, Google Latitude, Street View, local search and detailed route description. Hundreds of other applications are available in Android Market. For example, the application Wikitude, a mobile travel guide, allows consumers to access details of unknown sights via location-based Wikipedia articles.

Based on Samsung’s proven product leadership, Samsung I7500 comes with latest multimedia features. The large and vivid 3.2“AMOLED display ensures the brilliant representation of multimedia content and enjoyable full touch mobile experience. Along with supporting a 5-megapixel camera and various multimedia codec formats, the I7500 also provides a long enough battery life (1500mAh) and generous memory capacity up to 40GB (Internal memory: 8GB, External memory: Up to 32GB) to enjoy all the applications and multimedia content. The phone also boasts its slim and compact design with mere 11.9mm thickness.

The Samsung I7500 will be available in major European countries from June, 2009.

HTC announce new QWERTY Smartphone

2009-04-06T10:35:00.003+01:00

HTC have announced a new QWERTY smartphone in their new lineup for spring/summer 2009.

HTC Snap
We think a mobile phone should be freeing. It should simplify your life while keeping you connected to the people you care about. We designed the HTC Snap to do just that. Connect. Simplify. And look good in the process.

Inner Circle = Quick Connections
Life seems to be speeding up. And with more to organize and less time to do it, your phone should help prioritize the people who matter most to you. HTC Inner Circle keeps you connected to your exclusive few. With the touch of a button, e-mails from your “inner circle” rise to the top for quick access and streamlined communication.

In Sync. In Step. In Tune.
The HTC Snap offers a simple set of features, designed to keep your life running smoothly. Update your calendar, manage your contacts and emails and stay totally organized with the familiar experience of Windows Mobile. Even texting is faster than ever with the friendly QWERTY keyboard.

Simply Stylish
With its slim profile, the HTC Snap boasts an effortless elegance you’ll be proud to display, no matter where your schedule has you running.

Specifications
Processor Qualcomm® MSM 7225™, 528 MHz
Operating System Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
Memory ROM: 256 MB
RAM: 192 MB
Dimensions 116.5 X 61.5 X 12.0 mm ( 4.59 X 2.42 X 0.47 inches)
Weight 120 grams (4.23 ounces) with battery
Display 2.4-inch TFT-LCD with LED back light and QVGA resolution
Network HSDPA/WCDMA:

* Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz
* Up to 7.2 Mbps down-link speed

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:

* Europe/Asia: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Detailed Overview : here
Release Q2 2009

RIM Launches BlackBerry App World

2009-04-01T08:40:00.002+01:00

Research In Motion has today launched BlackBerry App World - a new on-device application store for BlackBerry Smartphones.

The App Store is designed to present relevant applications to your BlackBerry Smartphone from the catalogue available.

For more information view online at http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/appworld/

Or direct on your BlackBerry Smartphone by visiting http://www.blackberry.com/appworld

Samsung Solid Extreme

2009-03-25T11:17:00.003Z

The New All Weather Samsung Solid Extreme

Getting you through the toughest environments.

The Samsung Solid Extreme follows up the successful Solid (see here) as the latest rugged handset. IP57 rated, the Solid Extreme is both water and dust resistant and features a rubberised cover, keeping it protected in the harshest environments. With features such a 1.3MP camera and BluetoothTM connectivity you won't miss out on the most memorable of moments and be able to share them with your friends. Other features include an FM radio, microSD memory card slot, USB 2.0 connectivity and built-in torch. Designed for all weathers, you won't want to leave the house without it.

* Noise cancellation
* Camera
* Built-in torch
* IP57 certification
5 Protected against dust limited ingress (no harmful deposit)
7 Protection against the effects of immersion (6 inches to 3.3 feet)

Specificiations here

Available soon (april)

Vodafone and HTC unveil Android-powered HTC Magic

2009-02-17T15:26:00.005Z

Available exclusively for the Vodafone market in the UK, Spain, Germany and France (SFR) - the HTC Magic offers the new Android operating system allowing easy access to downloads from the Vodafone and Android Market.

The HTC Magic is an Android™-powered mobile designed to turn heads with its chic design, and command attention with its advanced list of capabilities. Ready to always keep you in the know… it provides the Google suite of services like Mail, Search and Maps geared up for use in the palm of your hand. Further enhanced with video capture and support for tunes via Bluetooth wireless headsets, the HTC Magic is a true entertainment and media powerhouse.

Full Specifications here

Availability - Spring 2009

Htc Launch 2 new Touch handsets

2009-02-17T14:26:00.007Z

HTC have announced the launch of two new handsets in the Touch range - Touch DIAMOND2TM and TOUCH PRO2TM .

Building on the earlier Touch Diamond series featuring innovative touch interfaces integrated within the Windows Mobile OS - these new flagship devices truly integrate the 3D aspects in this customized version of the Windows Mobile 6.1.

"The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text or email,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate."

HTC TOUCH DIAMOND2

The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into the hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for a greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.

Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC’s new Push Internet technology The Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use.

With fifty-percent better battery life, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.

HTC TOUCH PRO2

Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone. Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use.

Availability
Diamond2 - Q2 2009
Diamond2 Specifications here

Pro2 - Summer 2009
Pro2 Specifications here

Nokia announce new Business E-Series handsets - E55 and E75

2009-02-16T14:20:00.003Z

Today at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Nokia has launched two new E-series handsets. The popular E-series handsets are the mainstay of the Nokia Business portfolio, offering direct connectivity to Microsoft 'Push' email as well as personal email accounts.

Nokia E55 The Nokia E55 features a 'SureType' keypad allowing for standard mobile phone use and rapid access to business email - all other standard features are available such as 3.2 mega-pixel camera, hybrid QWERTY & numeric keyboard and AGPS

Message Faster:
The Nokia E55's compact keyboard fits comfortably in your hand yet provides a QWERTY keyboard for messaging. The innovative hybrid keyboard combines a phone keypad with a QWERTY keys for easy messaging or dialling. Smart predictive text corrects and completes your typing automatically.

Quick Connections: Take advantage of fast internet connections with high speed 3G (HSDPA/HSUPA) and Wi-Fi connectivity. Connect to colleagues and business rapidly, high speed connections even allow you to access files on your PC remotely.

On-Line Network: Network and socialise with email and instant messaging, browse the web and share content with your friends on popular social networking sites.

Extended Battery: Discuss your business at length, the large battery in the Nokia E55 provides 8 hours of talk time and 31 days of standby. Active noise reduction removed background noise when you call from noisy environments.

Nokia E75

The Nokia E75 features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard as well as the standard keypad underneath the display.

Business Flow.
Stay up-to-date at any time and anywhere and let the Nokia E75 collect all your messages however they arrive. Receive emails and messages, review office documents and send them on instantly. High speed HSDPA connectivity lets you connect to the internet and keep to-date on news and current events.

Work Flow.
Improve your work flow with the Nokia E75. Instant push email support delivers your messages the moment they are sent. Set-up is simple and a dedicated email key and slide out QWERTY keyboard help your get your messages out. Dual mode functionality lets you switch between work and personal emails at a moments notice.

Personal Flow. Two home screens lets you choose between work and leisure modes. Choose application short cuts to suite your schedule with message notification on or off.

Input Flow. Innovative dual keypad design lets you composes messages seamlessly. Start a message on the front phone pad, then slide the E75 open to reveal a QWERTY keyboard and carry on typing.

Design Flow. As good as it looks, a high gloss black finish encircled with smooth polished stainless steel edging and back. Intelligent indicator lights notify you of messages.

Find Flow. Arrive on time to your destination with Nokia Maps and integrated AGPS, helping you stay one step ahead of your meeting schedule.

Media Flow. A large crisp display lets you watch your films in their original wide screen format with smooth uninterrupted playback. MP3 music player and microSDHC expandable memory lets you carry your music and movie collection with you when you want to unwind.

Nokia E55 Specifications - Download Here
Nokia E75 Specifications - Download Here

Release dates TBC (E75/Q1 - E55/Q2)

Option GlobeSurfer III - Instant Wifi Hotspot

2009-02-03T08:44:00.003Z

Option International have released the latest Option GlobeSurfer 3G Wireless Mobile Router - Create an instant, secure wifi hotspot for all of your mobile devices.

Packed with new and unique features, the Globesurfer® III pushes the boundaries of conventional gateway routers. Using a Qualcomm 7225 chipset, this clever device offers HSUPA at 5.76Mbps, as well as AWS support - making it a forerunner in the bandwidth market.

Naturally, it comes with full telephone functionality, including composing, reading and managing SMS text messages.

Hard drives and printers can be connected via the integrated USB port.

This means users have access to a central storage system, allowing them to back-up critical files, or share files across the LAN. Multimedia files such as MP3s or AVIs can be streamed across the network. A printer can be conveniently located and used by all connected PCs.

The Globesurfer® III is easy to use, with just two buttons and a clear, colour display screen.

The browser has been sub-divided into two sections, so users who only require basic features such as SMS, Telephone, Quick Set-Up and Security can perform all these tasks without having to navigate through more complex functions within the advanced section.

Main Features

High-speed: Download 7.2 Mbps, Upload 5.76 Mbps*
Powerful Wi-Fi Network router
Easy to use: Intuitive 2-button control
Unique Notifier software displays alerts and status information across the wireless network
Built-in security and firewall functionality
Smart design: Desktop or wall-mounted

Example uses
Temporary Offices - quickly setup a network without need for ADSL etc
Exhibitions - setup for demonstration and access you control

Available Now
Download Full Specificiations - here
* Data Speed dependant upon network chosen and coverage

HTC Announce new HTC Cruise 09

2009-01-23T08:32:00.003Z

HTC Corporation have announced its latest personal navigation handset with inbuilt GPS.

The new HTC Touch Cruise™, an update to 2008’s popular HTC GPS device of the same name, boasts a new, more compact design and a host of new capabilities to offer a richer and more intuitive experience in one powerful package.

Introducing HTC Footprints

The new HTC Touch Cruise is the first mobile phone to offer HTC Footprints, an application experience that enables people to permanently chronicle their special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favourite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS co-ordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area.

Flipping back through their photos, HTC Touch Cruise users will be able to retrace their steps to that exact location in just a few touches. Unlike other devices with geo-tagging functionality, HTC Footprints works effectively outdoors and indoors, offering a more accurate record of location for future reference and navigation.

Key HTC Touch Cruise Specifications

* Size: 102 x 53.5 x 14.5mm
* Weight: 103 grams
* Connectivity: WCDMA/HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
* Operating system: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
* Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
* Control panel: HTC TouchFLO™, 4-Way navigation wheel with Enter and HTC Footprints™ buttons
* Camera: 3.2 MP, with fixed focus
* Internal memory: 512 MB flash ROM, 256 MB RAM
* Expansion Slot: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
* Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR
* Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
* GPS: GPS/A-GPS
* Interface: HTC ExtUSB (mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
* Battery: 1100 mAh
* Talk time: GSM: up to 400 minutes
* Standby time: GSM: up to two weeks
* Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM7225™, 528 MHz

More Details : http://www.htc.com/europe/product/touchcruise/overview.html

O2 announce BlackBerry Curve 8900 available Jan 5

2008-12-16T08:46:00.004Z

The recently announced (see here) BlackBerry Curve 8900 (aka Javelin) will be available to order from O2 in the new year (Jan 5th).

More about the BlackBerry Curve 8900

A sleek, new twist on a classic style the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone to date and comes with a highly refined design and comfortable in-hand feel.

The latest QWERTY BlackBerry® handheld with a new generation of technology for intuitive performance combined with a stylish design. Featuring the comprehensive business functionality you would expect from BlackBerry’s latest Smartphone, offering push email, full web and internet browsing as well as a new version of BlackBerry desktop manager, providing an enjoyable and exceptional communications experience.

Designed for…

Business customers who want the latest, must-have Smartphone from BlackBerry, delivering all the office capabilities of voice, email and internet browsing with premium multi-media features, in a sleek, sharp handheld Smartphone.

A bit more detail…

* Send and receive emails in real-time and download, open and amend attachments
* Receive, view, and send files in HTML format with full HTML browsing capability
* Receive emails and calls internationally using Quad-Band functionality
* Wi-Fi compatibibility for even faster web access
* Crisp, high quality screen – 480 x 360 Screen (half VGA+)
* 256 MB onboard memory
* 1GB Micro-SD card for storing photos, videos and MP3s. Support for 16GB cards
* Easy mouse navigation with 9-way trackball
* Premium BlackBerry® media player for capturing and playing video footage, storing and listening to music and taking and storing photographic images
* Full BlackBerry® messaging and PIM feature set
* Multi-media messaging with MMS, SMS and Instant Messaging
* Full screen PC-like HTML browsing
* Spell checker for word processing and emails

See the full specifications here (o2)

Update 29th December - this will also be available on the Vodafone network in the new year Generic Spec Sheet here

Novatel Wireless - Instant 3G Wifi router

2008-12-10T09:07:00.003Z

Novatel Wireless has introduced a new innovation in wireless data with the Mifi - a pocket-sized instant Wifi router.

The data connection is provided by the internal 3G/HSDPA data device and generates a secure Wifi hotspot - unlike other existing 3G/wifi routers this device is also battery powered (up to 4 hours use) so a wifi hotspot can be created anywhere you take it - or even on the move in vehicles (though we would not recommend trying this on a plane).

An instant wifi hotspot allows you to connect your multiple devices (e.g. laptop/pda/ipod etc) and connect and share one data connection - use just for yourself or share with colleagues etc.

Full details here
Novatel Wireless

Release date - 1st/2nd quarter 2009.

O2 XDA ZEST

2008-12-04T10:08:00.003Z

O2 have released the XDA Zest - an introduction to the PDA experience.

This new touch-screen device running Windows Mobile 6.1 also offers premium features such as 3G/HSDPA as well as location services using GPS.

Also features a two-week trial of Co-Pilot Live 7 - full sat-nav spoken word navigation with built in location services.

Windows Mobile 6.1
Built-in sat nav
Fast mobile Internet with Wi-Fi connectivity
3.0 megapixel camera
Size: 120 x 60.5 x 16.5mm

Specifications here

O2 XDA Flint - Now available

2008-12-04T09:50:00.003Z

The O2 XDA Flint - All the function of a PDA with a 5-inch touch-screen.

The XDA Flint (available also sim-free as the HTC Advantage) allows for all of the standard features in Windows Mobile 6.1 such as;

Advanced Messaging with Microsoft 'Push' Email
Office Mobile with Word, Excel and PowerPoint
3G/HSDPA and WLAN connectivity options

This unique device gives the pocketpc user an always-on access to email and PIM data as well as easy viewing of files/attachments.

Also features a detachable QWERTY keyboard.

Specifications here

Nokia announce new N97 Mobile Computer

2008-12-02T09:59:00.003Z

Nokia have today announced the Nokia N97 Mobile Computer at Nokia World 2008 - fusing the best of Nokia's recent device features into one intuitive full-qwerty handset - touch-screen/multiple networks/gps.

Focus here is on the main systems - Mail, Music and Media with Microsoft Exchange being supported as well as public email systems such as Gmail etc.

More information at the full press release here
NokiaWorld 2008 here
Product Specifications here

RIM launch new Curve 8900 in Germany

2008-11-12T15:00:00.005Z

The new BlackBerry Curve 8900 - previously known as Javelin - has been announced in the German market exclusively on T-Mobile.

With the same high-res screen and new OS as the recent BlackBerry Bold - this handset also features GPS and Wifi but differs from the recent Bold as this model does not feature 3G.

Release in further european markets and networks is expected over the coming months.

Full Press Release here

Nokia Announce new Mass Market Messaging handset - Nokia E63

2008-11-12T09:13:00.002Z

Nokia have announced a new Eseries messaging handset - the Nokia E63.

The design of this handset reflects the business aspect of the Nokia E71 (with corporate email and personal email services) but with a design aesthetic appealing to a wider audience.

The Nokia E63 will be available in ruby red or ultramarine blue with a range of multimedia features - availability end 2008.

Full Press release available here

RIM to Launch BlackBerry Application Storefront and BlackBerry Application Center

2008-10-27T13:27:00.002Z

Research In Motion (RIM) have announced interesting plans to launch an application Storefront and Application sites to allow direct interaction between BlackBerry Users and application developers.

The Storefront will open in March 2009 and this will allow BlackBerry Users to browse and buy/download from the on-device application center as well as browse for apps in the online Storefront (BES software policies will still apply).

For more info read the full press release here

O2 XDA® range expanded with the XDA® Ignito and XDA® Serra

2008-10-10T14:36:00.005+01:00

O2 have announced the new additions to the popular XDA® handset range.

XDA® Ignito

A stylish and lightweight touch-screen device supporting the latest Windows Mobile® 6.1 technology, the Xda® Ignito incorporates all the features of a PDA with the added security of remote IT management.

Designed for…

Business customers who want the latest in technology and style from a mobile phone. Touch-screen control, remote IT security, 4GB internal memory, optimum video viewing and enhanced Microsoft® direct push email are just some of the key features of the Xda Ignito.

Xda Ignito is the first Xda to adopt the new UI design platform and hardware design style. It’s ultra slim design (the thinnest Xda to date), modern styling (competing directly with high end consumer handsets) and TouchFLO 3D ser interface (a consumer friendly short cut menu which sits on top of Windows Mobile) makes the Xda Ignito the perfect device for applications and viewing media and data with absolute clarity.

Features

* Windows Mobile 6.1 technology – open and edit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint
* Remote IT security (with Microsoft Exchange)
* HSDPA (supports up to 3.6mbps)
* 2.8 inch full colour, high resolution, VGA screen for optimum viewing
* TouchFlo 3D for touch-screen control
* Fast internet and email delivery with 3G and WLAN connectivity
* Supports Microsoft direct push email
* Only 11.5mm thick- an extremely lightweight, portable mobile device
* Key IT Security Features
* Access to GSM location services such as Google™ maps
* Easy set up wizard for both work and personal use
* Range of accessories available include car kit options, Bluetooth® headsets, Stereo PHF headset an in car charger.

Also available sim-free as the HTC Touch Diamond

XDA Serra
Soon to be released is the XDA Serra

A stylish and lightweight smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1® for seamless business functionality and state of the art technology for intuitive and simple use.

Designed for…
Business customers who want the latest in technology and style from a mobile phone. Touch FLO 3D touch screen control, sliding QWERTY keyboard, optimum video viewing and enhanced Microsoft® direct push email are just some of the key features of the Xda Serra.

The Xda Serra provides flexibility to choose your desired input method by sliding out the QWERTY keyboard or using the intuitive Touch FlO 3D touch-screen. There is also an orientation sensor that allows the screen to switch for optimum viewing capability.
Containing many useful applications including an RSS feeder, an MP3 editor, a ZIP utility and business card recognition software the Xda Serra is more than just a smartphone.

Features

* Windows Mobile 6.1 technology – open andedit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint
* Remote IT security
* HSDPA, 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® 2.0
* 2.8 inch full colour, high resolution, VGA screen for optimum viewing
* Quad-Band functionality – operating on GPRS/EDGE wireless networks
* TouchFlo 3D for touch-screen control
* Supports Microsoft Direct Push Email
* Choice of sliding QWERTY keyboard and Touch FLO touchscreen
* MP3 Player
* Orientation Sensor
* Full internet browsing
* Range of accessories available include Car kit options, Bluetooth headsets, Stereo PHF headset, in car charger and Micro SD memory cards

Also available sim-free as the HTC Touch Diamond Pro
Update : Released 12th November

RIM Launch TouchScreen BlackBerry handset - The Storm

2008-10-02T10:42:00.010+01:00

BlackBerry Storm Delivers the Full Power of the BlackBerry Platform on the World’s Leading Networks with the World’s First “Clickable” Touch-Screen Smartphone

Research In Motion announce the launch of the touch-screen BlackBerry Storm (exclusive to Vodafone in Europe). Continuing the 3G front introduced by the Bold with UMTS/HSPA offering data speeds up to 7.2 mb/s this handset alssees the intuitive touch interface popular with many Smartphones on the market today.

Features such as the accelerometer (which changes the keyboard from SureType to Qwerty as you rotate) and the "click" feedback given when the keys are pressed give a user confidence to enter data whenever and wherever they are.

Main Features
* BlackBerry® Internet Service, BlackBerry® Unite!, BlackBerry® Professional Software and BlackBerry® Enterprise Server support
* Preloaded DataViz® Documents to Go® allows users to edit Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint files directly on the handset
* 3.2 megapixel camera with variable zoom, auto focus and a powerful flash that also provides continuous lighting when recording video
* Built-in GPS supports location-based applications and services, as well as geotagging of photos
* 1 GB of onboard memory storage and a microSD™/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB of additional storage
* Media player that can play movies smoothly in full-screen mode, display pictures and slideshows quickly and manage an entire music collection; playlists can be created directly on the handset and there’s an equalizer with 11 preset filters – including “Lounge,” “Jazz” and “Hip Hop” – for customized audio ranges when using wired headphones or external speakers
* A 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, support for Bluetooth® stereo audio profile (A2DP/AVRCP) and dedicated volume controls
* Sleek, elegant design with contoured corners, stainless steel back and chrome accents surrounding its large (3.25") glass lens; its exceptional 480 x 360 resolution at 184 ppi is crisp and bright with eye-pleasing clarity
* An ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts backlighting for ideal screen viewing and an accelerometer that allows customers to view applications in either portrait or landscape mode by simply rotating the handset
* Removable and rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides approximately six hours of talk time on 3G networks and 15 days of standby time

Press Release here
More Information on the Storm here
Download Specification Sheet here

UPDATE 09/12/08 - Now Available to order for both BIS and BES BlackBerry subscribers.

The Google G1 announced by T-Mobile

2008-09-24T08:54:00.004+01:00

The Google G1 - the first from the search-engine giant has been announced exclusively on T-Mobile.

This is the first handset running the new operating system (Android) based on the open-source Linux platform.

First impressions of the handset (manufactured by HTC) are good -the basic systems (3G/HSDPA, Wifi and GPS) are on a par with all the top Smartphones on the market and the full-qwerty keyboard allows for quick and easy data entry .However it will be in the new interface and rich HTML web-browser and other web services that this new OS should deliver the goods, the new OS should also allow those with technical knowledge to easily create their own 'Widgets' for the handset.

Email services on the handset deliver only pop3 and IMAP and not direct Microsoft Exchange services.

Release in the UK is scheduled for November