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Orange will offer the BlackBerry Bold first in the UK

Orange has won the battle of the BlackBerry Bold, as they plan to release it in the UK from the 16 August, beating T-Mobile’s September release date.

The BlackBerry Bold is an Email focused Smartphone with 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS built in. A spokesperson from Orange made this statement over at the Inquirer, “Orange will be taking stock on the 14th and will have them in its shops by the Saturday 16th, along with online ordering.”

Meanwhile, other providers O2 and Vodafone have yet to release details regarding their releases of the phone, but after this announcement from Orange, I expect either one to come forward and announce dates of some sort.

Orange will offer the BlackBerry Bold on a £45 a month tariff with the handset free.

Head over to pocket-lint.co.uk for a review on the BlackBerry Bold, Phonesreview have also been keeping up to date with this product.

Source: Read

Fresh details on the BlackBerry Javelin

Fresh details have emerged on the BlackBerry Javelin, which is rumoured to be the follow up to the BlackBerry Curve handset.

The handset which is likely to be released in 2009 will come equipped with Wi-Fi and integrated GPS. Here is a list of the features which we can expect for the Javelin:

Speed and Performance

- High speed USB
- 256 MB Onboard Flash Memory
- A Faster Processor: 512 MHz

Built in features

- 3.2 MP Camera
- Wi-Fi b/g with UMA + GPS

User Interface

- Improved Web browser and graphics
- Micro USB
- Easy to swap MicroSD slot
- New Industrial Design – thinner, more stylish.
- High Resolution HVGA + Display (480 x 380)

Fans will have to wait until sometime next year to get their hands on this eagerly anticipated handset, hopefully more details will emerge about its release so we’ll bring you them as soon as we hear of it. Head over to the link to view more images of the BlackBerry Javelin.

Source: Read

T-Mobile plans to create its own App store for all handsets

T-Mobile has plans to work closely with developers in the US to create an App Store similar to Apples. Apple has enjoyed success with its App store since it launched a few months ago, and T-Mobile is hoping to create something on a par with that, for all of its handsets.

In an interview over at moconews.com, T-Mobile’s director of Mobile Applications and Partner Programs Venetia Espinoza said:

“T-Mobile is working with the industry to foster an open wireless services platform which will provide developers with the tools and information they need to make new, innovative experiences available to T-Mobile’s more than 31.5M customers. The devPartner Community site, which is in its alpha stage, is just a taste of what T-Mobile has in store and we encourage you to stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.”

Looks like this could change a lot of aspects in the mobile industry as providers and operators look to share the success that Apple has made.

Head over to Moconews to read the full article.

Video of ‘I am Rich’ app in action

A YouTube user has posted a video which lets the world see exactly what is contained within the ‘I am Rich’ iPhone application which costs $1000 to buy, and the answer is, not a lot.

For those of you who are unaware, Apple recently launched its App store in release with its 3G iPhone which lets users download third party apps and in the mean time, lets developers sell the applications they’ve created.

Contained in the video is nothing more than an image of a glowing red gemstone. Pressing the info button reveals the following words:

“I am rich
I deserv it
I am good,
Healthy &
Successful”

And that for $1000 folks is it! Amazingly enough… There have been reports of 8 people buying this app from developer Armin Heinrich, which has prompted Apple to remove the App from its store. Check out the video for your own enjoyment below.

Source: Read
Or: Read

Blackberry Thunder Vs Apple iPhone in October?

There have been reports that the upcoming touchscreen Blackberry Thunder will be released in the US and that it will be competing against Apple’s Iphone.

These rumours state that US mobile operator Verizon is planning a head to head with Apple’s product when the iPhone gets released on the 13 October in the US. It was further evidence that this will be backed up , when there was an image released from a timetable from Verizon showing the model number of Blackberry’s new phone, the 9530 as being on schedule for an October release.

The new touchscreen from Blackberry is expected to remain a Verizon exclusive in the US, with reports saying it will become a Vodaphone exclusive in the UK.

It looks like fans of both phones will see a busy October if everything appears to be true, which phone are you going to buy? Stay tuned for more news.

Source: Read

Steve Jobs: Apple kill switch confirmed

Apple boss Steve Jobs has been speaking to the Wall Street Journal about the AppStore and he had some interesting facts for us. The biggest news is that Jobs has confirmed that there is in fact an application kill switch.

Steve Jobs has said that this has been put in place in case Apple accidentally approves a malicious program for distribution. Jobs hopes that they will never have to pull the kill switch lever.

Jobs did add that Apple would be irresponsible not to have something like this in place. This news comes days after Apple pulled the plug on the $999.99 I Am Rich application, which was the program that just had a glowing red gem on it.

The Apple boss said that pulling the app from the stores was a judgment call; he said that it does not explain how the application made it through their vetting process.

Since the launch of AppStore last month almost 60 million programs for the iPhone has been sold. This represents about $30 million in sales.

Source

iPhone 2.0.1 IPSW Download and PwnageTool 2.0.2

We reported a couple of days ago that the PwnageTool 2.0.2 tool would be available very soon and that happened yesterday. Just as the DevTeam made the latest PwnageTool available in the sparkle update system, they noticed a major bug.

This bug was reported to only happen on an Intel iMac running Leopard, the PwnageTool 2.0.2 was then pulled from the sparkle update system.

So with the confusion of finding the iPhone 2.0.1 IPSW download well on the way moments after, things got confusing for many wanting to jailbreak their iPhone 2.01 firmware.

You can now download the PwnageTool 2.0.2 tool on a few different mirrors, these include zippy share.

You should also be aware that if you do download the PwnageTool_2.0.2.tbz file from other mirrors then you could end up getting a problem. The iphone-dev site has the mirrors they recommend and also say to check the SHA1 sum if getting elsewhere.

Let us know your experiences with PwnageTool 2.0.2 in the comments. You can view other iPhone 3G news here.

Olympics results fast with new mobile search tool

When it comes to searching for the information you want, most people like to see results quickly and simply. Google has always been known for their “keeping it simple” approach to search and their new Olympics mobile search tool is no different.

Google aims to give you Olympics results fast with new its new tool that helps you track down Olympics results quickly on your mobile phones.

They have also setup a mobile website designed for those that are following the Olympics. All you need is an Internet-capable mobile phone to view these specific Olympic-based tools.

If you want to browse all the events, then you can by going to google.com/m/summergames on a mobile phone. We had a look and saw sports we did not even know were in the Olympic games.

Google’s mobile Olympic site not only shows all the events and results, but it is apparently available to 60 different countries and 36 languages. Google has kept search simple yet again.

Source: Read | View other cell phone news.

Reality TV shows with Apple iPhone 3G’s

Could you imagine reality TV shows with Apple iPhone 3G’s used as transaction wands to indicate their interests in personalities, events, products, and so on?

This kind of entertainment is very possible thanks to music and television content becoming more like software these days. The iPhone App Store is a platform that has helped the line between software and media disappear.

These were seen as two different products before the iPhone App Store, and now we will see many types of programming emerge.

The Washington Post has an interesting article titled “I Want My iPhone TV” and it raises some questions about the future of mobile technology, and how it could create a new hyper reality show.

The App Store would become the gateway for “an Adsence-like version of Big Brother that leaves the house and breaks out into the virtual community”.

The iPhone 3G and application possibilities are going to truly change the way we receive of reality TV fix, while our homes are getting bigger TV’s, it looks like millions will turn to a much smaller screen that gets more involvement on your part.

Read the full story on The Washington Post or view more iPhone 3G news.

Nokia enjoys 43% of UK market share

Research firm CSS has revealed that Nokia is currently enjoying a 43% market share in the UK, which is double what one of their closest competitors, Samsung is achieving at the moment.

This is clearly a step in the right direction for Nokia as they hope to dominate the UK market for many months to come. Elsewhere in the charts, LG are in fourth place after some positive sales, while Samsung’s growth rate slowed causing them to remain in second. Sony Ericsson however have showed the biggest decline in net profit.

Here is a statement from CSS Insight Analyst Ben Wood commenting on Nokia’s current dominance,

“Nokia is still head and shoulders above the rest. It is not just leading the market but controlling it. Sony Ericsson has really been put under pressure by Nokia’s new mid-range handsets and has struggled as a result. Samsung is the clear number two in the market, while LG has established itself in the big time. It has hit a sweet spot with a lot of its handsets recently.”

Read the full article over at Mobile Today

Breaking Apple iPhone 3G Privacy News

Many web users hate being spied on and this has been shown over and over again when their privacy is possibly made public (YouTube having to show its log files to a court is one example, we’re sure you can think of many more).

So when you think about your nice new Apple iPhone 3G and the possibility that it may be phoning home every now and then, how does that make you feel?

The site iPhone Atlas has broke some news about the iPhone’s 2.xx firmware being able to check for unauthorized applications, and disable them after phoning home to Apple.

Its being reported that a configuration file tucked deep inside CoreLocation shows this to be true. You can read more details on iPhone Atlas and in iPhone Forensics manual by Jonathan Zdziarski.

Now is Apple doing this for our security or other reasons?

Read more iPhone 3G news here or leave a comment.

PwnageTool 2.0.2: Jailbreak iPhone 3G and iPod Touch

This is some great news for you jailbreakers out there; we are hearing that PwnageTool 2.0.2 will be available in the next couple of hours. Although this is still not the Apple iPhone 3G unlock yet.

The PwnageTool 2.0.2 version will jailbreak the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch latest software. If you did not update to iPhone 2.0.1 firmware then you’re about to get cool keyboarding and improved stability while if you did update to the latest software then you will be able to access your jailbroken applications.

The DevTeam are claiming that PwnageTool 2.0.2 should be uploaded within a few hours, its undergoing final checks. While there is no definite time, you can expect it to be released today.

You can get the update via PwnageTool’s software updater and direct links online. Will you be updating today?

Source: Read | View other Apple iPhone 3G news here.

Are T-Mobile planning HTC Google Android handset release at end of year?

There have been a lot of interest on the pending release of the first Google Android handsets but the news is that HTC hope to release them at the end of the year. Still no official date yet though, but at least it’s a bit of news to get fans hopeful.

HTC have claimed these blank, unbranded phones will be heading out to the original design manufacturer by the fourth quarter of the year and only then will fans be able to get their hands on one.

Although there has been a lot of speculation on the Google Android phones, there still is the debate on which mobile phone provider will distribute it. Sources have indicated that T Mobile could be the company that is going to take on the responsibility, as previous news stated that Google had assisted T-Mobile US with the HTC Dream handset.

As its just turned August though, I wouldn’t expect any more hints on these phones until later on when it edges nearer to the end of the year. Hopefully soon though, there will be reports of seeing these mobiles in action, stay tuned to hear more news.

Source: Read

LiMo Open-Source vs Google Android and Nokia’s Symbian Foundation

When you have three very big names all in the same basket you know things will heat up, and this is where the competition really spices up for open-source mobile devices and indeed platforms. According to Phones Review the LiMo Foundation on Monday revealed a host of new partners and devices that will go up against the likes of Google Android and Nokia Symbian Foundation.

Can LiMo really heat things up? can they really compete with the likes of Google Android and Nokia Symbian Foundation?

On Monday the open-source mobile consortium saw it increase its ranks to more than 50 partner companies in its drive to deliver open handset platform for the entire mobile industry. The eleven new members include the likes of Esmertec, Freescale Semiconductor, VirtualLogix, Telecom Italia, Longcheer Holdings, PacketVideo, MIZI Research, SK Innoace, Cellon, ZTE and Movial.

Well now according to the LiMo Foundation the latest line-up of partners are evidence that its contributor-led governance model can uniquely rationalize the increasing mobile ecosystem giving it more complexity and flexibility and of course sophistication.

LiMo Foundation revealed seven new Linux-based mobile phones which will indeed put pressure on Google and the Open Handset Alliance to create sophisticated handsets based on the Linux-based Android mobile operating system. The phones include Motorola’s Motozinet ZN5; FOMA N906i, FOMA N906i, FOMA N906iL and FOMA N706i from NEC; and the FOMA P906i and FOMA P706i from Panasonic Mobile Communications.

LiMo are hoping that its open-source based phones will be just as good if not better than the success of the iPhone, if they get close to this or even better it then we can see amazing competition on our hands.

Who will win?

Apple iPhone 3G Problems: Official Blog helps out

We reported over the weekend that Apple came clean with more information about the problems with MobileMe. This included admitting that 1% of customers were affected and 10% of these might lose their e-mail for good.

When the 3G iPhone was launched two weeks, Apple also launched the MobileMe service. This service is Apple’s version of cloud computing, iPhones can connect to the remote server and keep updated with other devices that connect to the cloud.

The problems with MobileMe started right away. Some users could not synch their devices and others could not send or receive e-mails.

While companies normally like to keep a lid on problems until they fixed them, Apple were forced to open up after criticism mounted about MobielMe.

The new blog setup up to help MobileMe users has been updated regularly. On Sunday, a post said full e-mail access is restored to 40% of those affected and the remainder should be restored in the next few days.

Looking at the reports about MobileMe today, it looks like problems are still around. One user had all their contacts wiped out and an empty calendar on their iPhone.

Are your MobileMe problems fixed?

Read more on the BBC about the Apple Blog updates or read the latest iPhone 3G news here.

Making calls not as important on cell phones

Making calls not as important on cell phones

In a recent survey conducted by Mobile Data Association (MDA) it looks as though other features such as, text messages, picture messaging and going on the Internet is more important than making calls on a cell phone.

Almost 1.5 billion text messages were sent per week in the months between January and May 2008. MDA also said that year-on-year growth on text messaging from May 2007 to 2008 was up by 30 percent.

MDA has said that “SMS has established itself as a true social connecting tool and continues to have mass consumer appeal.”

MDA have said that they expect this current trend to increase by 30 percent in 2008; this is a result of great deals that cell phone carriers are now offering.

MDA Chairman Steve Reynolds also said “Picture and video messaging volumes are gathering real pace.” He also added “The proliferation of camera enabled devices has been key, but improved and automated settings around MMS set up have made the process simpler for the end user.”

Source

Fix slowness of iPhone 3G after 2.0 update

If you own an Apple iPhone or the newer iPhone 3G and have the software 2.0 update, then you are well aware of the lag bug. One PR user has claimed they fixed this problem.

They said they fixed the slowness of iPhone 3G after the 2.0 update using a factory reset on the phone. They then used iTunes to erase the backup file.

People! I just fixed the slowness of my iPhone after the 2.0 update.
After several resets on iTunes, nothing seams to work, so I did a factory reset on the phone itself instead of iTunes and on iTunes I erased the backup file. It takes a while but its working great now. Before this, it was just a useless phone with Internet that I could not even see my contact list without waiting 8 seconds to load. Try it out. It worked for me.

If this does truly work for everyone, would you be willing to make that kind of sacrifice with your data?

Why should we go back to factor settings? This problem was not on the last iPhone firmware and should not be on this one. The next firmware update should fix this issue and it may be better to wait to then.

Read more iPhone 3G news here.

MobileMe push email on iPhone 3G and support for IMAP-IDLE

The MobileMe issues are slowly getting fixed but just how does push email work on the Apple iPhone 3G? If you think it includes the IMAP idle method then you may be wrong.

On the Apple Discussions section of their site, someone raised just this question. While it’s believed by some that the iPhone’s email client supports IMAP-IDLE, it looks like this is incorrect.

You can read the discussion here. One user called Robin has a little expertise on this topic. He is apparently the VP Marketing of a company that wrote a whitepaper on IMAP-IDLE.

I think I should point out (as a 3G iPhone owner and as the VP Marketing of the company that wrote the whitepaper you pointed to) that the iPhone’s email client does not support IMAP-IDLE. Very disappointing given Steve Job’s initial assertion during his speech introducing the original iPhone that for email “IMAP is, of course, the best”.

We will update you on the improvements Apple makes with MobileMe. But for now, what’s your view on IMAP-IDLE and the lack of support on the iPhone?

View more news about MobileMe here.

Not Just Bug Fixes: iPhone and iPod Touch 2.1 firmware update

We all know about the bugs in the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch 2.0 software update, which have affected us all in different ways. The main problem we had was the lag we received on the iPhone after updating to firmware 2.0.

Today we hear from GearLive that Apple has seeded iPhone 2.1 beta firmware to developers that were accepted prior to July 11th, 2008. This update will include turn-by-turn GPS thanks to new software tracking your speed and direction your traveling.

Some developers have found the new iPhone SDK disappointing and this is for its lack of App Store support. You cannot submit Apps to the current Apple App Store.

The new beta firmware also shows support for cutting, copying and pasting. This is something we knew was coming at some point and it looks to be in the 2.1 software.

Blogging is a massive platform already, but this new firmware will help this industry grow faster with copy and paste on the iPhone.

What feature do you want to see in firmware update 2.1 the most?

Via Phones Review | Read more news about iPhone 3G here.

Alert Sound Issue: 3G iPhone with 2.0 firmware update

It seems that another issue has been found with iPhone 3G’s and first generation Apple iPhones that have updated to firmware 2.0, the Apple discussions area is alive with people confirming they have the same problem as the person that raised the question.

Its to-do with the text-message alert sound going away at certain times after getting the iPhone software 2.0 update. The information below is what one person said their issue was.

I got the iPhone 3G over the weekend, and I’ve noticed that my text-message alert sounds kind of go away. The phone will vibrate, but the alerts don’t sound off.

Before you say anything, yes the phone is on Loud (it’s not on Vibrate), Yes my text message alerts are enabled in settings, and Yes I’ve double checked.

So far the only way I’ve been able to fix this is to restart the phone. Which can get really annoying when you do it over and over.

I THINK that it’s caused by the headphones. I’ve noticed that the text alerts work, but when I plug in the headphones and then unplug them the sounds stop working.

The first problem we found with the iPhone 2.0 software was lag, although this may be tied with applications keeping memory and not releasing it, we still need this fixed.

View the discussion on Apple, view other iPhone 3G news or leave a comment below if you have the above problem.