Mobileshop Archive from July 2008
Prepaid LG 'could be all you ever need'
Posted: 31 July 2008
A new prepay handset from LG is an entry-level model that hides more than users may at first realise, a new review claims.
In an article for the Mobile Gazette, it is noted that the manufacturer claims the LG KT520 is aimed at people looking for a model that offers "basic functionality". However, its "surprisingly good" features mean it has much more to offer.
The reviewer states that with 3.5G HSDPA high-speed connectivity, a 3.2-megapixel camera and a 2.2-inch QVGA high contrast screen the KT520 "easily offers all the features that most people would ever need".
Also included is a secondary video calling camera, USB and Bluetooth 2.0, as well as a multimed ...
Mobile phones 'could open up new bingo market'
Posted: 31 July 2008
Mobile phones could be the future of online gambling and bingo playing, one expert has suggested.
According to a spokesman for the Bingo Association (BA), an industry body which aids the licensed bingo industry in the UK, mobile phones have the potential to offer a range of new gaming options to the market.
Stephen Baldwin, communications manager at BA, said the mobile bingo market was "difficult to judge" due to the fact that it was such a new sector, but added that the potential for bringing in new players was clearly there.
"[Mobile bingo] may just open a new market because it provides a new channel for people accessing bingo," he said, adding that mobile bingo wa ...
Motion control 'the future of gaming'
Posted: 31 July 2008
With some mobile phones offering new motion control features, one expert notes that this has already revolutionised the console gaming industry.
A spokesman for Stuff.tv, a review-based website which offers all the latest news on gadgets and mobile phones, said products such as the Nintendo Wii have shown there is a strong market for motion control gaming.
Joe Minihane, online news editor for the site, said a number of technological advancements were likely to emerge in gaming in the near future, but added that a controller of some sort would always be required.
"Gesture control will be a big thing," he said. "There's always going to be a niche for people who want to sit ...
Classic puzzler gets a new twist for mobiles
Posted: 31 July 2008
A classic puzzle game has been given an interesting new twist for gamers with mobile phones, it has emerged.
In a new review for Pocket Gamer, it is reported that Tetris Pop takes the falling, rotating blocks of the original puzzler, but splits the game across 17 various levels.
Already popular as a download for mobile phones, the site adds that this is not the first time Tetris has been revised for the modern market - with titles such as Tetris Ultra, Tetris Mania and Tetris Blockout all available.
However, it adds that its latest incarnation may have given the franchise the boost that it needed.
"Tetris Pop is great," the review concludes. "As someone who's usu ...
Details of three new Samsung headsets announced
Posted: 31 July 2008
Samsung has announced the launch of three new Bluetooth headsets, according to reports.
Phones Review states that the WEP250, WEP350 and WEP700 are all "stylish" in their design and offer value for money, although it has not yet been stated if and when the models will head to the UK.
Citing justamp, the website says that the WEP250 is the successor to the manufacturer's popular WEP200 headset and is designed to be a budget model. The unit weighs 11 grams and has seven hours' battery life on talk and 100 hours on standby.
The WEP350 focuses on portability and at 5.9 mm thick claims to be the thinnest headset in the world, the model comes in glossy black, romantic red and metall ...
Motorola goes for the mobile music market
Posted: 30 July 2008
The latest music-focussed handset from Motorola has been put to the test in a new review.
Motorola is no doubt keen to win music fans from other providers such as Sony Ericsson and its growing series of Walkman phones - and Mobile Burn highlights a number of the features on the ROKR E8 which could do this.
It is noted that the Motorola ROKR E8 is an "unusual" handset that comes equipped with a virtual keypad which shifts in line with how the phone is being used.
This ModeShift technology allows consumers the opportunity to use the phone as more of an mp3 player and an "iPod-like scroll wheel" adds to this level of usability.
"The Motorola ROKR E8 is a f ...
Brando to the rescue for damaged iPhones
Posted: 30 July 2008
A new toolkit has been launched that aims to come to the aid of distressed Apple mobile phones customers with damaged handsets.
Brando has made available a set of items that could be used to restore an iPhone 3G to former glory following unfortunate accidents that have resulted in a damaged screen, Register Hardware reports.
The company is offering an iPhone 3G Replacement LCD Display at a cost of $85 (£42) as well as the iPhone Opening Tools Kit - for those brave enough to use it - with a price tag of $11.
"It's probably not advisable to open up your iPhone unless you really know what you're doing, but Brando does at least provide some help in that department," the artic ...
BBC considers mobile TV offerings
Posted: 30 July 2008
Consumers with mobile phones could soon be watching their favourite BBC TV shows on their handsets, according to reports.
Tech Radar states that the broadcaster could be about to make the most of modern 3G technology having trialled a number of services for providing its content to web-enabled mobile phones.
It states that the BBC has denied recent suggestions that the trials were unsuccessful and that it has now begun a public consultation to begin the streaming of channels using the 3G network.
"The BBC's 3G TV and Radio trial was undertaken in order to establish patterns of usage and the extent of audience demand for mobile TV via 3G," a BBC spokesperson confirmed.
...
T Mobile to launch new Sidekick
Posted: 30 July 2008
Details have emerged on the latest entry into T Mobile's Sidekick series of mobile phones.
Phone Arena reports that the network and manufacturer will launch the latest version of the handset this year and has given the model a number of features to attempt to win over consumers.
The new sidekick offers a 2.6-inch WQVGA resolution screen, stereo Bluetooth connectivity, a two-megapixel camera and microSD support. In addition, detachable shells mean the model can be styled to the users own tastes.
"There is a large collection available at sidekickshells.com, but the site also offers the option to design custom one yourself," the article notes.
Earlier this year, the site ...
Voice dialling for iPhone launched
Posted: 30 July 2008
The Apple iPhone 3G has now been given a voice-activated dialling feature - although not through the manufacturer itself.
According to Trusted Reviews, it was expected the launch of the App Store - Apple's online shop offering applications for use with the handset - would see some third parties offer items that would boost the usability of the new iPhone.
It states that one such "core functionality" had been voice dialling, but this has been addressed by a new programme from Makayama.
"Apple has rather surprisingly given the thumbs up to Makayama's VoiceDial - a tool perhaps well known to owners of original jailbroken iPhones," the site adds.
Once the applic ...
