Mobileshop Articles in the Mobile Phone Category
Android models 'entering a competitive market'
Posted: 10 November 2009
Following the unveiling of the Sony Ericsson X10 last week, one expert has noted what impact the device could have on the market.
As the latest handset to be announced that comes equipped with Google's Android operating system, a spokesman for Mobile Gazette said there is now a selection of models out there that could be worrying others in the sector.
In particular, site editor Conrad Longmore suggested some could be looking over their shoulder at the growing number of top of the range smartphones featuring the software.
However, he noted some of the many firms out there would be unlikely to remain on the back foot for long, thanks to the "highly competitive" nature of the mar ...
Mobile phone satnavs 'will impact existing designs'
Posted: 2 November 2009
Mobile phones equipped with Google Maps Navigation could impact existing technologies from companies such as TomTom and Garmin, it has been claimed.
Conrad Longmore is the editor of Mobile Gazette and was asked whether the software, which is free to use, will damage the aforementioned firms' equivalent applications.
He said those who want to see what kind of an effect it is having need only look at the share prices of Garmin and TomTom.
"People with long memories might remember what happened to Netscape Corporation after Microsoft started to give Internet Explorer away for free," Mr Longmore explained. "Free is always an attractive proposition to customers."
...
Social networking and the 'smartphone boom'
Posted: 19 October 2009
The rise of the smartphone is being buoyed by a number of different factors, according to one expert.
A spokesperson for Mobile Choice, a magazine and online portal which offers news and reviews on the latest developments in the sector, said growth in this field was "multi-faceted".
Natasha Stokes, editor of the publication, explained that in addition to improvements in handset technology and better value, data-based tariffs, the boom in social networking was key to the popularity of such devices.
"Social media has really taken off this year," she said. "Updating social networks is something that people really want to be able to do all the time, and on the move. ...
Mobile phone charging on the go
Posted: 15 October 2009
Mobile phone users looking to keep their device at full power while on the go may welcome a new partnership.
It has emerged that an international deal will bring a new bag to the market that is equipped with technology designed to charge electricals using the energy of the sun.
US company G24 Innovations revealed this week it would utilise an existing product from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne of Switzerland that features a solar panel integrated into a travel holdall.
The electrical component itself will be built in Cardiff, Wales and the actual bag will be put together by manufacturers at Hong Kong-listed company Mascotte Holdings.
Speaking to the South China Morni ...
Palm Pre given 8 out of 10
Posted: 9 October 2009
The Palm Pre has been awarded eight marks out of a possible ten by a technology website.
According to Trusted Reviews, which gave the handset a once-over this week, it excels in the areas of design and features but it also good in terms of usability and value.
Edward Chester took the responsibility of evaluating the Palm pre and said his first impressions were positive, given the phone's size and rounded corners, which make it comfortable to use.
However, the plastic materials used in its manufacture make it seem less solid and easier to scratch than its competitors.
The keyboard was given a good write-up, although Mr Chester said it is likely to divide users due to its cramped ...
Flash on mobile phones 'may not be viable'
Posted: 8 October 2009
Mobile phones with Adobe Flash Player may be able to do everything a computer can do - but whether they have the features required to make this a viable option for the market is not definite.
This is according to Andrew Laughlin of digitalspy.co.uk, who commented after it was announced earlier this week that the 10.1 version of the software was available for netbooks, smartphones, smartbooks and other web-connected devices.
And while the potential for Flash on handsets is wide-ranging, the industry will have to wait until the first are unveiled next year to find out if consumers will be able to access this, he explained.
"There is a question mark over the memory and battery power r ...
56% 'experience mobile phone coverage problems'
Posted: 7 October 2009
Mobile phone coverage problems are experienced by 56 per cent of consumers across the UK, a new report has stated.
The Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) conducted research and also found that 91 per cent of small businesses have the same difficulties.
As a result, the organisation has called on Ofcom to collaborate with networks to improve this situation and make more information available to users.
Some of the respondents to the survey said coverage problems included delayed text messages and dropped calls.
And despite technology aimed at developing new services such as mobile broadband, work on bettering basic connections is required, the CCP commented.
Chair Anna ...
Mobile users 'demand unlimited music'
Posted: 2 October 2009
Mobile phone companies need to address the demand for unlimited music downloads, it has been advised.
According to a blog post for CCS Insight, a recent poll suggested one in five young adults would welcome this service and operators should be taking advantage of this.
Paolo Pescatore outlined some of the other facilities that should be introduces as more people look to get the most from their handsets.
"I think operators will have to offer more than just music. They need to emphasise the social aspect of music and provide an integrated social experience of music across the Web and the mobile phone," he said.
He went on to say that partnerships like that between Voda ...
US network advises consumers to recycle
Posted: 25 September 2009
A US network has asked consumers in the market for new mobile phones to consider the benefits of recycling their old device.
Sprint said this week that when upgrading it is important people consider their environmental responsibility and ensure their old and unwanted model is disposed of correctly.
The North American operator explained that this was an important part of its own company policies as it endeavours to provide the most sustainable service possible.
Sprint's comments were in support of the launch of a new device which has yet to be put out across the UK - the Samsung Instinct.
Company senior vice-president of product development Kevin Packingham said the model ha ...
More companies back anti-MTR campaign
Posted: 23 September 2009
Four more firms have announced they are behind the campaign to lower mobile termination rates (MTRs), it has emerged.
Organised by a number of groups including 3 Mobile, the initiative was launched earlier this year and now adds 4children, the Institute of Money Advisors, Crossroads Care and Moneymagpie.com to its list of supporters.
Named Terminate the Rate, the campaign targets the lowering of fees that are charged when mobile operators connect to other networks - costs which are partially passed down to the consumer.
Moneymagpie.com founder Jasmine Birtles said her site's involvement was part of a bid to get "greedy mobile phone companies" to address the issue.
...
