Gadgety News

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16 companies have teamed-up for a GSM Association-led initiative to make mobile broadband a recognisable standard - nothing makes things more real than a logo

The team’s aim is to create a bunch of “always-connected mobile broadband devices delivering a compelling alternative to Wi-Fi”.

The first phase will see it pre-installed on laptops in 91 countries.

Launch participants include 3 Group, Asus, Dell, ECS, Ericsson, Gemalto, Lenovo, Microsoft, Orange, Qualcomm, Telefónica Europe, Telecom Italia, TeliaSonera, T-Mobile, Toshiba and Vodafone.

So - some big names in there.

The GSMA-created “Mobile Broadband service mark” is designed to help consumers easily identify a “ready to run” mobile broadband device.

More is promised from the initiative including “a whole range of previously unconnected devices – from cameras and MP3 players to refrigerators, cars and set-top boxes.”

Here it is.

Sony Ericsson proudly present their latest bruiser, the G705.

It’s a 3G slidey that is packing a 2.4-inch display with screen rotation thanks to an accelerometer, WiFi, aGPS with Google Maps for Mobile, 1GB included M2 memory, built-in FM radio, RSS reader, and full HTML browser.

For image grabbing it sports a 3.2 megapixel cam that can capture video and then upload directly to YouTube under a new partnership with Google.

It has also been announced that it will step-up in an UMA variant (G705u) which is a first for SE and built exclusively for Orange to bridge GSM and WiFi networks.

This is all to appear in the US of A early 2009 whereas Orange UK should have it in the next month or so

Nokia has finally announced that their much anticipated flagship (since February!) N96 has now started shipping so it’s likely to appear a month earlier than the previously thought October date.

If you need reminding it boasts a TV tuner, 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, turn-by-turn voice navigation, 16GB of internal memory that can be increased to 24GB with an optional microSD card, “superior sound and music”, N-Gage gaming and a 2.8-inch display.

Nokia says that first shipments of the device have started and it will be available with an estimated retail price of 550 euros (about £450) before taxes, subsidies and those other niceties.

In the UK, operators and retailers are due to be 3, Carphone Warehouse, Orange, Phones4U, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

You can order your own direct from Nokia. The store still offers it as a pre-order at the moment, but that’s likely because they’re clearing the backlog of existing orders before listing it properly.

Rejoyce!

There’s plenty of rumblings going around regarding the impending availability of the Samsung i900 Omnia on Orange and Vodafone here in the UK.

According to Coolsmartphone Orange have it in stock now and Vodafone will follow closely behind.

This new phone from Sammy sounds like it probably is a must-have for all those seeking out a rather swish new Windows Mobile device.

See it in all it’s glory at the Samsung Omnia Website
 

Via Mobile Tech Addicts

Better known for single-use razors and ball point pens they’ve decided to put their disposable knowledge into the mobile market.

Bic has teamed up with Orange France to release the first ever Bic Phone.

The blower is sold complete with a pre-charged battery and made to be thrown away once you’re bored with it or ceases to be useful.

The Bic Phone comes with a SIM card already set-up and raring to go, with activation being the only needed step.

Each Bic Phone will also offer 60 minutes of free talk time. But you can always add more minutes if you’re so inclined.

The Bic Phone will be available in France starting August 7 with a choice of 2 colours; Citrus Orange and Lime Green.

It will cost a fairly reasonable €49 (£39/$80).

Source

If you’ve been keeping up with the 3G iPhone leaks and news you will have seen mysterious queues outside Apple stores and excited reports about cargo ships from China.

This one seems a little more real.

French iPhone owners are reporting that they are being contacted by Orange, the official French carrier-partner, with special offers for the (rumoured) 3G model.

PCInpact is claiming that a number of its readers have been called by Orange regarding an upgrade to the future Apple mobile. HMmmm……………..

The current owners are being offered a direct exchange of their existing iPhone and get the second gen version for 50 euros.

The other option being touted is for those who want to keep their current iPhone, but also want the (supposedly) 3G version means they can buy the new model and receive a “generous” discount - but I think that’s just plain greedy!  :0P

I’m sure all this will become apparent on 9th June

Electronista And - AppleInsider

I have just learned that The Samsung F400 will be launched in the UK and will be available through O2, Orange, Virgin, The Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U.

 :0)

MGM has signed a deal with Orange to allow their films to be downloaded in a video on demand (VOD) stylee.

Orange customers will be able to download the films, with prices starting at 1 Euro, to their PC or on special set-top boxes. The license lasts for 24 hours and in that time you can watch it as often as you want.  You’ll be able to pause, rewind and fast-forward the flick.

L’Orange’s download service, called 24/24 Video, is already in league with the likes of Paramount and Fox so customers must be spoilt for choice!

24/24 Video is available in most of Europe already but is yet to cross Le Manche - but it might happen “soon”.