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Nexus One Update for Vodafone Customers Now Available

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Vodafone has just announced that the update for the Nexus One is now ready for download.

As expected, the Nexus One is the very first handset to be compatible with the 2.2 Froyo update. However, Vodafone subscribers still had to wait for an operator specific version of the Froyo upgrade. The wait was actually pretty long (as the Froyo update has already been out for quite some time), but considering how many impressive things it adds to the Android OS, the OS is certainly worth the delay.

Google has been pretty much focused on improving performance and stability this time around. After all, the Android OS has been having performance issues with each patch since the platform is being used on a wide variety of mobile phones. Google intends to streamline and standardize the user experience by the time 3.0 Gingerbread comes out –making the 2.2 update a very important step in that direction.

Our early assessment would be that Google has actually succeeded. The new Froyo version of the operating system is not only faster, but it is more stable. The user experience has certainly been improved by the faster load times and smoother transitions. Since the Nexus One is running on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, running large apps and handling big files is never an issue for the device.

The 5 mega pixel camera is also getting an upgrade. Aside from the autofocus and LED flash, the phone’s camera user interface has also been changed. Taking photos with the Nexus’ snapper has been made easier with the new onscreen menus and guides. Adding special touches such as filters and effects is also accessible with just a couple of screen taps.

Currently, the only way to obtain the Nexus One is straight from Vodafone UK’s tariff plans. Developers are still going to have access to a special portal by Google that allows them to order the handset directly.

Tags: 5-mega-pixel, android-2.2-froyo, Android-3.0-Gingerbread, Google, google-android, Google-Nexus-One, Qualcomm-Snapdragon, Vodafone News
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Blast from the Past: Vodafone 360 M1

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Vodafone’s 360 network is one of the most interesting and innovative social networking tools to be introduced last 2009. To start things off right, Vodafone started the service with the launch of three new smart phones carrying the Vodafone brand (which were manufactured by Samsung). The 360 series of handsets bring together features of mid to high end smart phones while still keeping within a reasonable price range.

As good as that may sound, the success of the 360 network is not as big as what one might think it would have been. Despite creating a comprehensive social portal for all communications between contacts and friends within the 360 network, the service still had to contend with the direct competition from social networking sites like Facebook –despite the fact that the 360 network also incorporated Facebook as well.

Anyway, for those who were quick enough to snag a Vodafone 360 M1: that is one little smart phone that users should not be so eager to let go off. Despite the fact that the handset does not support WiFi, it is still a fully functional smart phone loaded with plenty of features. The device is arguably the most stylish looking of the 360 series with its solid matte finish and hard edged form factor.

One often overlooked feature in the Vodafone 360 M1 is the FM radio. The reason for this is the fact that the radio controls are not part of the handset’s media player controls. Instead, users will need to access the radio app from the Vodafone 360 app menu. This little feature is so overlooked that some M1 owners are actually surprised that the feature is available in the first place.

The M1 comes with a 3.2 inch TFT touch screen display, a 3.12 mega pixel camera and an ARM Cortex A8 CPU clocked at 600 MHz.

Tags: Facebook, FM-Radio, Vodafone News, Vodafone-360, Vodafone-360-M1
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Where to Get Your Apple iPhone 4

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Apple-iPhone-4-3 In terms of context, this article may be better off labeled as “where not to get an Apple iPhone 4”, because simply, the handset has been sold out almost everywhere in the UK.

The newest Apple smart phone is so inherently famous and highly demanded that the device is nearly non-existent in stores. Not that Apple slowed down in terms of manufacturing, the Cupertino based company shipped out over a million and a half iPhone 4’s throughout the whole world for the launch. In fact, it has been confirmed that about 1.7 million units of the new iPhone were sold in the first three days of sales.

The stocks are indeed draining low –some are even saying that people are buying the handsets faster than Apple can have the devices ready for shipping. Considering the current figures, that is probably true.

Various network operators on the UK have confirmed that that iPhone is out of stock from their shelves. Here is a quick recap of the various networks.

Apple-iPhone-4G O2 UK has confirmed that everything they had has already been sold. While the priority has been to get pre-order customers their orders, O2 still managed to sell off plenty of handsets. Currently, the network operator is waiting for new stocks to arrive.

Vodafone UK has a similar tale to tell. With all of their pre-order devices already shipped out to customers, iPhone buyers made quick work of their stocks. 3 UK and T-Mobile share different stories. Their stocks of the Apple smart phone has not yet arrived and they are expecting the first batch of shipments to get in on a later date.

Electronics retailer Carphone Warehouse has confirmed that it has a very short amount of stocks left –which are now close to running out. This is the best option that buyers can take; however, ordering the iPhone 4 online is not longer an available option.

Tags: 3-Mobile, Apple, Apple-iPhone-4, O2 News, T-Mobile News, Vodafone News
Posted in 3 News, Apple News, Manufacturers News, Networks, O2 News, TMobile Phones, Vodafone Phones | No Comments »

Vodafone’s Triple Android Smart Phone Offer

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Vodafone_845 It is hard to go wrong with an Android smart phone. And Vodafone is giving the mobile industry three devices to choose from.

The first is the proprietary Vodafone 845. For a generic handset, this device is actually pretty decent. The smart phone itself uses a basic touch screen form factor. With a 2.6 inch display and a nicely designed frame, it is hard to say that this phone looks cheap in any way. The device also comes with a 3.2 mega pixel camera, a decent 1200mAh battery and the Android operating system.

Vodafone is offering the 845 free on its 15 Pound monthly tariff with a 2 year contract and is offering 100 minutes for calls, free text messaging and up to 500MB of data allowance each month. Cheap, affordable and stylish, the 845 is actually a great choice for budget smart phone fans.

The HTC Wildfire is also being offered by Vodafone. The device is free on a 20 Pound monthly tariff with 300 minutes of talk time, unlimited text messaging and 500MB of data allowance. It is a sweet deal for a two year contract. The handset comes with a 528 MHz CPU, a 3.2 inch touch screen display and a 5 mega pixel camera.

samsung-i9000-galaxy-s Last on the list is the Samsung i9000 Galaxy S. This phone has been gathering plenty of coverage recently as Samsung has been adding new devices to the Galaxy lineup of Android handsets. There are also rumors that the Galaxy S Pro (which is the same phone but comes with an additional slide out QWERY keyboard) might potentially be released in the UK too.

This ARM Cortex A8 1GHz CPU running handset is being offered for free at a 35 monthly tariff for 24 months. The Vodafone contract will give users a hefty 900 minutes of talk time, unlimited texts and 1GB of data allowance. It is particularly recommended for heavy phone users.

Tags: Google, google-android, HTC-Wildfire, Samsung-Galaxy-S, Samsung-Galaxy-S-i9000, Samsung-Galaxy-S-Pro, Vodafone 845, Vodafone News
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Vodafone Offers Nokia C3 on PAYG

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Getting a mobile phone on a pay as you go price may not be as cheap as going for a contract, but when your overall messaging and call consumptions are low and you prefer to stick to WiFi for internet access, then you might want to consider Vodafone’s nice 80 GBP offer for the Nokia C3.

The Nokia C3 is a very straightforward handset. It comes with basic phone features, a 2.4 inch TFT display, a 2 mega pixel camera, a QWERTY keyboard and support for WiFi. Simple, yet practical, this device is a good fit for anyone one a tight budget. If switching over to Vodafone is an issue, know that the network operator has one of the largest and most stable coverage in the UK –reaching plenty of locations that other networks do not.

As said, Nokia’s C3 is a straightforward device. While it lacks and fancy features, it gives functionality. The QWERTY keyboard is well designed and ergonomic, and users will be typing on it easily without much trouble. The keys are actually quite responsive which makes the handset enjoyable to use.

WiFi support is definitely a big plus. With the lack of 3G access, getting connected online is going to be hard. But since the device supports wireless LAN, all users need to do is get within range of a free WiFi hotspot to get on the internet. This feature also makes the integrated social networking apps in the C3 a lot more useful. After all, one of the main reasons why people would want to go online often is for social networking sites like Facebook and the microblogging tool Twitter.

For just 80 Pounds, Vodafone is offering this device at a pretty cheap price –especially for a pay as you go model. Expect to see this phone in the hands of well informed gear heads on a budget.

Tags: Apps, Facebook, internet, Nokia, Nokia-C3, Twitter, Vodafone News, WiFi
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Vodafone Profits Boosted by Smartphones

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

A strong performance in the smartphone market has helped Vodafone to more than double its profits compared to last year.

The mobile phone company announced profits pre-tax for the financial year of £8.7 billion – whereas last year saw pre-tax profits of £4.2 billion.

Mr Colao said in the company’s press release: “Vodafone’s financial results exceeded our upgraded guidance on all measures. Revenue trends have improved again in Q4 driven by growth in mobile data and fixed broadband. Cost reduction targets were delivered ahead of schedule enabling commercial reinvestment to improve market share and further strengthen our technology platforms. Free cash flow of £7.2 billion and confidence in Vodafone’s prospects have enabled us to increase dividends by 7% and to target 7% per annum growth in total dividends per share for the next three years. We are creating a stronger Vodafone, which is positioned to return to revenue growth during the 2011 financial year, as economic recovery should benefit our key markets.”

The group revenue increased by 8.4% to £44.5 billion – and the improved profits were also as a result of performing well in emerging markets.

However, as Vodafone added on within its press release: “Although our operational performance in India since acquisition in 2007 has been strong, the award of six new national licences in the market one year after our entry and the resulting intense price competition have led to an impairment charge of £2.3 billion, partially offset by a £0.2 billion reversal related to Turkey.”

Vodafone now has 341 million customers and has recently added a range of phones to its portfolio including the Google Nexus One, HTC Legend, iPhone, Samsung Wave and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 handsets.

Tags: Apple-iPhone, Google-Nexus-One, HTC-Legend, Samsung-Wave-S8500, Sony-Ericsson-XPERIA-X3, Vodafone News
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Vodafone Launches Own-Branded Android Phone

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Vodafone 845

The Vodafone 845 is the first own-branded Android smartphone to be launched by the company, and was unveiled today.

The new mobile phone runs on the latest Google Android 2.1 platform and has been designed to bring smartphones to a mass market.

Patrick Chomet, group director of terminals at Vodafone said: “In February we launched the world’s cheapest handset. Today we are again breaking new ground. I’m proud to be announcing the ‘845’, Vodafone’s first own branded Android smartphone. It runs the very latest Android ‘Eclair’ software and shows our commitment and ability to take high-end trends and make them an affordable option for many.”

The Vodafone 845 has a 2.8 inch touchscreen and comes with Vodafone’s social networking 360 services. The handset supports Wi-Fi and comes with a 3-megapixel camera and access to the Android Market where further apps can be downloaded.

Vodafone has also launched seven other mobile phones which range from budget handsets to sophisticated smartphones.

There are two so-called “trend influenced handsets” – the Vodafone 543 and 547 which come with touchscreens and Opera Mini browsers among other features.

And then there are the so-called “ultra low cost handsets” or “ULCH” for short – the Vodafone 246, 247, 248, 350 and 345. All come with an FM radio and text features. The 247 has a solar panel integrated which charges on the move; and both the 350 and 345 have a QWERTY keyboard – the 350 also has WAP access for email.

Mr Chomet said of the new devices: “Our aim is to offer our customers the best choice of compelling mobiles as well as the best-in-class experience of new services over Vodafone’s reliable network. This regular portfolio refresh ensures that we continue to deliver contemporary and relevant Vodafone branded devices to our customers across all our markets.”

You can read more on the Vodafone 845 phone along with the other newly launched handsets, over on Vodafone.

Tags: Android, Google, Vodafone 845, Vodafone News
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Microsoft and Vodafone Team Up to Bring Kin to the UK

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

MS Kin One If the wait for the Windows Phone 7 seems a little too far and a little too expensive for your tastes, then you might like the two new mid-range social networking smart phones that Microsoft has got in store for you. Coming to the UK via Vodafone: two of the first Microsoft branded smart phones, the Kin 1 and the Kin 2.

The phones do not use the upcoming Windows Phone 7 mobile platform, but they do run a variation of the OS that is focused mainly on social networking functions. If you use Facebook, MySpace or Wonderwall (or any combination of the three services) then you will certainly be able to appreciate the user interface which gives users a stylized and well organized view of updates.

Both devices come with touch screens and QWERTY keyboards. The Kin 1 is nicknamed Turtle because of its shape while the Kin 2 is nicknamed Pure and comes in a more traditional touch screen with sliding keyboard format.

MS Kin Two Palm and BlackBerry users would find the switch to Kin 1 as an easy transition as the device’s slide out keyboard layout looks quite a lot like other devices from the manufacturer. For those looking for a look that leans towards the traditional smart phone type, the Kin 2 should be a great fit. Specs on the two devices are mostly similar though the Kin 2 has a better 8 mega pixel camera as compared to the 5 mega pixel camera on the Kin 1.

Of course, these two devices are only good if you are the type who enjoys making use of social networking features. Those looking for a phone for other functionalities might want to hold out for mid range Android devices instead.

Get the rest of the scoop and details on the upcoming Microsoft handsets at the Guardian UK.

Tags: Microsoft, MS-Kin-1, MS-Kin-2, Vodafone News
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Over 300 Lose jobs in Massive Redundancy Cut by Vodafone

Friday, March 12th, 2010

vodafone-logo2 Vodafone is still the second largest mobile network operator in the UK. While they have been financially successful in the past few years, the company still takes the occasional streamlining in order to save more money.

Sadly, the latest move by Vodafone sees the company cutting off about 375 job positions that they have deemed “redundant”. While this move it pretty much understandable, there has been great disapproval towards how the major carrier carried out the plan.

According to several current and previous Vodafone employees, the scenes that unfolded at their offices were tragic and full of grief as many teary-eyed workers were escorted off the premises of the Vodafone offices. No warnings were given prior to the sudden announcement that many of them would be fired from their jobs on that very same day.

It is said that many were told to go into a separate room where all of them were told that they have lost their positions. During the announcement, the private belongings of the employees were taken to a reception area where they would be picked up by their owners on the way out.

In what we can only describe as a cold and cruel move, Vodafone has shown to its employees that it is the kind of company that is willing to treat its most loyal workers in such a harsh manner. So far, there have been no incidents during the procedures –which raised eyebrows at why the former employees were “escorted” out after being fired.

At the same time, several major Vodafone stores in Sheffield and Oxford were also closed. The staff in these stores is among the count of 375. Union groups such as CWU and Prospect are currently coordinating to help out the former Vodafone employees.

Get to read the rest of the details at Mobile Today UK.

Tags: Vodafone News
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Vodafone 150: The “Lowest-cost Mobile Phone On Earth”

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

vodafone-logo2 Vodafone has revealed what it calls the “lowest-cost mobile phone on Earth” during the Mobile World Congress.

Called the Vodafone 150, the handset is aimed at the developing world and is expected to be sold for around $15 – that’s about £10. The mobile phone will be available to begin with in India and Turkey, and eight African countries including Ghana and Kenya.

The Vodafone 150 is a simple handset, as you’d expect considering its price tag. The screen is just 1 inch and the display is in monochrome. The minimal features stretch to SMS, support for mobile payment services, ringtones, two games and an inbuilt torch on the back of the phone. The battery life is good with up to 400 hours on standby and 5 hours battery talk time.

There is an enhanced version of the 150 called the 250 which will sell for $20. The Vodafone 250 comes with a colour screen and FM radio.

The demand for mobile phones in developing countries is growing because people can use their handset to access mobile health services and banking. As the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) secretary general Dr Hamadoun Toure said: “Even the simplest, low-end mobile phone can do so much to improve healthcare in the developing world.”

One example of the good mobile phones can achieve, is that a text message can “deliver instructions on when and how to take complex medication such as anti-retrovirals or vaccines”.

With regards to mobile banking, Vodafone estimates that over 11 million of its customers are using these services currently. The company said the reason for designing the Vodafone 150 was to bring these health and banking services to more people.

To learn more about the Vodafone 150, head to BBC News or watch the introductory video below.

Tags: Vodafone 150, Vodafone 250, Vodafone News
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