What better way to kick off the week than with our favourite phones from the rumour mill; the . Whilst we do know a fair bit about the latter, the former remains very much a mystery but we can now add two new tidbits thanks to an online leak; their names.
Courtesy of a leak from Germany, we now see that the HTC Ace will launch as the Desire HD whilst the Qwerty-packing Vision will go under the name Desire Z. The Vision has leaked previously and looks set to feature a slide out QWERTY keyboard with a unique snap-out mechanism that earns the Vision the Z in its name. Elsewhere the Desire Z is expected to include the Desire’s 3.7 inch multi-touch touchscreen, OS, a 1GHz processor and the same 5.0 Megapixel camera.
On to the Ace now and this is alot more speculative. The phone we now know as the Desire HD will be an Android touchscreen device and is more than likely to be the successor to the hugely popular Desire. Current rumours have it that the Desire HD will be a GSM variant of the HTC Evo 4G, the phone that debuted exclusively on the US network Sprint and combined 4G WiMax technology with a 4.3 inch capacitive touchscreen display, Android OS 2.1 (recently updated to 2.2 Froyo), 8 Megapixel camera and HD video capture. It’s the addition of HD to the name that could prove that the Evo 4G is coming to these shores.
No word on an official announcement for either the HTC Desire HD or Desire Z so be sure to check back on the and we’ll let you know as soon as HTC go public with their next Android powered .
Rumour has it that RIM are due to launch a new handset which has been designed to compete with the and other sought after .
There has already been some information leaked online which suggests that the device will be called the BlackBerry 9800 or the Torch, however these may be codenames and may change upon release.
It has been indicated that the release may come as early as next week and is expected to ship with BlackBerry OS 6 which is RIM’s latest software update which features multi-touch controls, better integration with social networks and an improved browser; full spec for OS 6 can be found in a previous .
It has also been stated that the new handset will be featuring a large touchscreen for gesture inputs and a slide out QWERTY keyboard which follows on from the traditional image of BlackBerry handsets being designed for email users.
Images which have been leaked show many similarities to current BlackBerry models, which sports a keyboard that slides down from under the screen which looks a lot like that of the BlackBerry 9700.
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There has been no further input from RIM regarding this rumoured handset, so keep on the blog for all the latest on launch dates and other key information.
When it was first announced last year, the iPad received a mixed reception with many critics dismissing it as an oversized / iPod Touch. Despite this, Apple’s Tablet device has gone on to achieve phenomenal success and carve out a market many thought simply didn’t exist.
Now, following Apple’s success it would appear other manufacturers are falling over themselves to release an iPad rival. RIM (the guys behind BlackBerry ) have previously been rumoured to have a tablet in the works going under the codenames “Cobalt” and “BlackPad” sporting an 8.9 inch touchscreen display running BlackBerry 6 OS. And, whilst it had gone quiet on the tablet front for some time, rumours have heated up once again with the news that RIM have bought the domain name blackpad.com. And, with RIM holding a press event on the 3rd of August, could we be treated to our first glimpses of the BlackPad?
On to Palm now who, prior to their acquisition by HP, were the subject of frequent rumours around a tablet running WebOS (the OS powering the Palm Pre and Pixi smartphones). With HP already committed to Microsoft Windows with the Slate, it had seemed that WebOS fans hopes had been dashed but the WebOS tablet is very much alive once again with the news that HP have filed an application to trademark the name PalmPad. So, it would seem that not only are HP and BlackBerry keen to join the tablet revolution but they’re also acknowledging ‘Pad’ as the recognised name for such a product.
Keep an eye on the and we’ll keep you up to date on all the latest tablet news and we’ll also be all over RIM/BlackBerry’s press conference on the 3rd of August to give you all the gory details.
When it was first announced last year, the iPad received a mixed reception with many critics dismissing it as an oversized / iPod Touch. Despite this, Apple’s Tablet device has gone on to achieve phenomenal success and carve out a market many thought simply didn’t exist.
Now, following Apple’s success it would appear other manufacturers are falling over themselves to release an iPad rival. RIM (the guys behind BlackBerry ) have previously been rumoured to have a tablet in the works going under the codenames “Cobalt” and “BlackPad” sporting an 8.9 inch touchscreen display running BlackBerry 6 OS. And, whilst it had gone quiet on the tablet front for some time, rumours have heated up once again with the news that RIM have bought the domain name blackpad.com. And, with RIM holding a press event on the 3rd of August, could we be treated to our first glimpses of the BlackPad?
On to Palm now who, prior to their acquisition by HP, were the subject of frequent rumours around a tablet running WebOS (the OS powering the Palm Pre and Pixi smartphones). With HP already committed to Microsoft Windows with the Slate, it had seemed that WebOS fans hopes had been dashed but the WebOS tablet is very much alive once again with the news that HP have filed an application to trademark the name PalmPad. So, it would seem that not only are HP and BlackBerry keen to join the tablet revolution but they’re also acknowledging ‘Pad’ as the recognised name for such a product.
Keep an eye on the and we’ll keep you up to date on all the latest tablet news and we’ll also be all over RIM/BlackBerry’s press conference on the 3rd of August to give you all the gory details.
Had a hankering for a but wanted something more on the pocketable side? Well say hello to the , BlackBerry’s most pocket friendly phone ever which has launched and is now in stock at !
The BlackBerry Pearl 9105 is a milestone for BlackBerry as it’s the companies first phone to feature a traditional T9 keypad. This means that, rather than featuring the full Qwerty keypad as seen on the likes of the and , the Pearl 3G sports a 12 button keypad with three letters assigned to numbers 2 to 9 of the keypad. This makes the Pearl 9105 ideal for those new to BlackBerry and an ideal first smartphone for those upgrading from a feature phone.
As with any BlackBerry, Email and Messaging are the Pearl 3G’s fort? with full push email capabilities on board, not to mention the juggernaut that is BlackBerry Messenger. For the uninitiated, BlackBBerry Messenger (referred to as BBM by users) is an instant messaging client that gives allows users to chat with friends, receive notifications when a message has been received and even when the recipient is composing a reply. If you’ve ever used MSN, you’ll understand the addictive qualities of Instant Messaging.
The BlackBerry Pearl 9105 also finds space in its diminutive form factor for a host of additional features including HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity for high speed web access and downloads, GPS with BlackBerry Maps software pre-installed, a 3.15 Megapixel camera with video capture and expandable memory by up to 32GB using a MicroSD card. And all this powered by a 624MHz processor running BlackBerry OS which offers downloadable apps from BlacBerry App World and true multi-tasking.
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G is now in stock at Mobiles.co.uk. Get BlackBerry’s latest messaging masterpiece for as little as ?20 per month with 100 minutes, unlimited texts and 500MB of data and push email plus 14 months half price line rental by redemption. to check out this and more of our fantastic offers on the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and order now for next day delivery!
Whilst some of you will already be aware of an unofficial upgrade to Android 2.2 Froyo for the , the process involves quite a bit of tinkering that will scare of your average user. But, if you’ve still got your eye on that upgrade but don’t want to wade through the murky depths of rooting your phone and installing ROM’s then we’ve got good news; 2.2 could be set to drop on the HTC Desire in the coming weeks!
Though have yet to confirm an official date, Regional Director Mark Moons tweeted that Android 2.2 upgrades would start rolling out for Desire’s from today onwards and also hinted at Froyo hitting other HTC devices in the next few weeks. Eric Lin, HTC’s global PR and online community manager was slightly more cautious when talking to , stating that the update could start as early as today but that there is still a testing process that is ongoing.
In addition to this, HTC have confirmed that they will be launching their Android devices in China, including the Desire and recently released , and all will be shipped running Android 2.2. Obviously this doesn’t necessarily mean we can definitely expect the Froyo update on both the Desire and Wildfire but it does prove that HTC have successfully transitioned from 2.1 ?clair to 2.2 Froyo with Sense UI in tact. For all you Desire owners, keep hitting the update button over the next few days and be sure to let us know in the comments section if you’re able to upgrade to Froyo!
are rumoured to be prepping a QWERTY version of the recently released (and current top dog) based on a spec sheet that found its way on to Samsung’s Download Support page. Whilst there was no accompanying image, the spec sheet was fairly detailed and looks to point to a high-end touchscreen-qwerty hybrid though at present we can only guess on the form factor. From the list we can see that the Galaxy Q features a 3 inch Super-AMOLED touchscreen (with multi-touch) and Qwerty keypad so at that size it could take either a slide-out Qwerty form factor or adopt a more BlackBerry style candy-bar design.
Whatever the Galaxy Q will look like on the outside, we can certainly see that the Galaxy has alot going on in terms of features. In addition to the Super-AMOLED touchscreen and Qwerty keyboard, the Galaxy Q will boast an optical track pad (think or ) which should aid navigation when scrolling through emails and web pages. The newest member of the Galaxy family will run Android 2.2 (possibly leading to an update for the Galaxy S too) and is powered by a 1GHz Samsung processor.
Elsewhere, the Galaxy Q will match the best in class Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 in the camera department, featuring an impressive 8.0 Megapixel camera with an LED flash, HD video capture and a mini HDMI port (as also seen on the upcoming ) meaning you can play back all your HD content on your HD TV. 16GB internal memory is complimented by up to 32GB expandable via a MicroSD card and the Galaxy Q is nicely rounded off with all the usual trimmings such as HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth 3.0!
No word on pricing or availability yet but the is reporting that the Galaxy Q is ready for release with Samsung reportedly in talks with several of the major US carriers. Will it make it over to Blighty? Keep an eye on the and we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we find out!
The , LG’s take on the mid-range Android smartphone, is now in stock at . Packing in all the features you’d expect from a high-end without the price tag, the LG Optimus certainly punches above its weight.
Running OS 1.6, whilst it misses out on the ?clair goodies enjoyed by the and , crucially the Optimus does benefit from Google Maps Navigation giving you free voice guided navigation on your phone. Time to banish that Tom Tom to the drawer and join the Android revolution. Boasting a vivid 3.0 inch touchscreen the display, the Optimus is perfect for use as a SatNav in the car and on foot. The touchscreen itself is responsive and crsytal clear making navigating the phones many features, browsing the web and watching video a joy. The Optimus boasts a promising multimedia package with an updated Android media player, 3.5mm audio jack, support for a wealth of audio and video file formats and expandable memory up to 32GB with a MicroSD Card.
Just as adept on the social scene, the LG GT540 (formerly known as the Swift) integrates with all your favourite social networking sites, pulling in live updates, tweets, allowing for photo uploads, status updates and more. Downloads and uploads are suitably speedy with HSDPA and Wi-Fi both on board and Bluetooth v2.1allows for quicker file transfers and streaming music to a compatible Bluetooth headset.
Rounding off this impressive package is a 3.15 Megapixel camera with auto-focus and video capture and of course, full access to the Android Market App Store with over 50,000 apps now ready to be downloaded. And how much for all this Android goodness? Well, you can pick up an LG Optimus on Orange, free on a with 50 minutes, unlimited texts and 250MB of inclusive data for web browsing and downloads. to see this and our other great offers on the LG GT540 Optimus and order now for next day delivery!
have announced their financial results for Q2 2010 and again it’s mixed results for the number one vendor. The Finnish outfit posted a rise in sales with ?10.005 Billion net sales, 1% higher than the previous year and 5% higher than the previous quarter. The bad news comes in the shape of the net operating profit which has fallen to ?660 Million; a 15% fall decline on the previous year and 20% quarter on quarter.
Whilst the increase in sales will provide some comfort, the sharp fall in profit will be worrying to say the least and will only further fuel the flames to those calling for current Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo to step down. The unstable exchange rate and weakening of the Euro won’t have helped Nokia’s cause but it’s the drop in the average selling price of that will have had the most dramatic impact.
In Q2 of 2009, the average price of a smartphone was ?181 but in Q2 2010 this has fallen by a whopping 21% to ?143. Nokia has attributed this decline to “price pressure” in the high-end segment. This can probably be attributed in turn to the emergence of Android as a real force in both the high-end and low-end smartphone market. Speaking about the results, Kallasvuo conceded that had lost ground to competitors in the high-end smartphone space but looked ahead with optimism:
“In smartphones, we continue to renew our portfolio. We believe that the Nokia N8, the first of our Symbian^3 devices, will have a user experience superior to that of any smartphone Nokia has created. The will be followed soon thereafter by further Symbian^3 smartphones that we are confident will give the platform broader appeal and reach, and kick-start Nokia’s fightback at the higher end of the market.”
The is due to launch in October, click here for more details.
Just over a week ago Apple held a concerning the and, whilst the majority of the event consisted of back slapping due to the phones phenomenal success, there was an important piece of information for those of you who’d already taken the plunge and bought into the new iPhone.
Amidst accusations of poor signal strength (relating to the antenna design), Apple have once again shown their expertise in swinging a potential PR disaster in their favour by offering free Bumper cases to all iPhone owners who purchase up until the 30th of September. The Bumper case, which is said to all but remedy the issue, can be claimed by downloading a dedicated App from the App Store and filling out the necessary details.
If you’ve already bought your official Apple bumper but still want to get in on the freebie action fear not; simply return to the Apple store with your receipt for a full refund. Nice. For more information head on over to the to get the skinny on how to get your hard earned dosh back.
More iPhone news now though this time it’s bad news; those holding out for the White iPhone 4 will have to wait a little longer. Apple have confirmed that the White iPhone has been delayed until later this year due to unexpected manufacturing issues. Want our advice? , order a Black iPhone 4 and claim a free case to soften the blow.