In an effort to "launch the Christmas countdown" with 28 shopping days until the big day, Vodafone has announced it is to give away free mobile internet to all its consumer customers this Friday.

On 27 November Vodafoners "will be able to check out where their friends are kicking off Christmas on Facebook, stay in touch with their webmail, bid and buy Christmas items on eBay and Amazon, book a last minute Christmas getaway or find a Christmas date on Dating Direct all for free".

The free-ness is open to both pay as you go and pay monthly customers on consumer price plans with those that usually "pay per day" not having to and those with a data pack not having the day's browsing taken from their monthly limit.

Tags: Phones Vodafone Mobile internet

Vodafone to give away mobile internet on free Friday originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:36:14 +0000

It seems Sony Ericsson's new high-end Satio handset is suffering from "issues" as the UK's biggest mobile phone retailer, Carphone Warehouse, as well as Phones 4U, have withdrawn the device from sale.

As the Satio is "temporarily" withdrawn from Carphone shop shelves, the chain is also offering to replace handsets for any customer who has experienced problems.

"From time to time we experience issues with new handsets, and their software, which may result in a customer experience that is below our usually high standards. We want customers to have complete confidence and satisfaction in the handsets they buy from us, which is why we have temporarily withdrawn the Sony Ericsson Satio from sale", The Carphone Warehouse says in a statement.

"We are working closely with Sony Ericsson to restock the Satio phone as soon as possible and will offer any customer who returns a faulty Satio an exchange of phone".

Problems reported with the Satio include freezing, crashing, battery problems and issues with the phone's interface.

"Sony Ericsson confirms that it has been made aware that a small number of consumers have experienced software issues with its Satio handset when using certain applications", Sony Ericsson says in a statement. ?

"Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U have temporarily removed the handset from sale to ensure that future customers do not have an adverse experience. Sony Ericsson is giving this matter its utmost priority and is working toward solving it as soon as possible".

A Vodafone spokesperson told Pocket-lint that the Satio it offers is a Vodafone variant that's been through testing. The operator says it's continuing to keep a track of the situation, but it is still offering the Vodafone Sony Ericsson Satio for sale.

We've yet to hear if other operators that offer the handset will also be stopping sales or offering exchanges, but we'll update this post as we do.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Carphone Warehouse Sony Ericsson Satio Product recalls Phones4U Vodafone 3

Sony Ericsson Satio withdrawn from sale originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:48 +0000

They've kept this one quiet, but it seems Vodafone is offering free international texts all day today, so if you're a Vodafone customer and there's anyone overseas that you'd like to surprise with an SMS out of the blue, today is the day.

Vodafone customers can send free international texts from the UK to any international mobile phone number all day long today - Friday 20 November - apparently in honour of "World Hello Day".

There's no need to sign up - all customers will automatically get this offer with all texts sent from the UK to international mobile numbers today automatically free and not taking from a customers' bundle, if applicable. There's more info over at vodafone.co.uk/freefridays.

Tags: Phones Vodafone SMS

Vodafone offering free international texts all day today originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:31:59 +0000

Vodafone has expanded its Twitter options in the UK by offering a new service that allows Twitter users to retweet messages via SMS.

Vodafone customers can already send and receive SMS Twitter updates and now they can use the same number to retweet the most recent interesting posts from the people they are following.

Now available to Vodafone customers in the UK, to use the service, customers should send "RT twitter username" to 86444.

As an example, to retweet the most recent message from @VodafoneUK, you would type "RT VodafoneUK" which keeps it simple as it only works with the latest tweet from the Twitter account.

Sent texts will be charged at the standard network rate, or taken from the customer's SMS bundle where appropriate, says Vodafone.

After sending their message, customers will receive a free SMS notification confirming the message that they have just retweeted to their followers.

Vodafone customers will continue to receive SMS updates from Twitter free of charge.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Vodafone Twitter Software Online SMS

Vodafone offers paid-for SMS retweet option originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:48:55 +0000

A UK mobile phone operator has seen a data leak of millions of records from thousands of customers, the information commissioner has revealed.

Staff at one of the UK's major mobile phone companies sold on the customer information to other phone firms, Christopher Graham told the BBC, making a mockery of the data protection act.

Customers have reported being cold-called as their contracts came to an end, ultimately resulting in the phone company alerting the watchdog to the problem.

The information commissioner has searched company premises, interviewed employees and is planning to prosecute those involved, but the operator has not been officially named.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone industry Biz Information Commissioner O2 Orange Vodafone T-Mobile 3

UK mobile phone operator sees major data theft originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:36:03 +0000

The second handset to offer the Vodafone 360 experience, and the H1's little brother the Samsung M1, is now available in the UK.

As many of you will know Vodafone 360 is a new set of internet services for the mobile and PC which gathers all contacts from your phone and social networks in one place.

Available in "iridium black" and "neon rush", the M1 boasts a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, 3.2-megapixel camera, built-in GPS, push email, audio and video playback, up to 10 hours talk time, 1GB memory expandable with microSD card and Bluetooth 2.0.

The Vodafone 360 Samsung M1 is now available for free on 24-month contracts from ?20 per month.

Related links:

• Feature - What exactly is Vodafone 360?

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Samsung Vodafone 360 Samsung M1

Vodafone 360 Samsung M1 now available originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:08:25 +0000

The HTC HD2 is now available on Vodafone in the UK, as we'd reported it would be.

The big-hitting Windows Phone handset is available for free on ?35 per month, 2-year contracts. There's also a ?40 per month, 2-year effort if you need more bundled minutes.

If you'd prefer an 18-month contract then you'll have to stump up ?40 per month while again there's also a ?45 per month option that offers more free minutes.

There are no 12-month plans and there's no pay as you go option from Vodafone right now, so it looks like if you do fancy this high-end mobile you're going to have to get the pen out and sign away a fair chunk of your mobile life, as is becoming the norm with high-end handsets.

The new HD2 Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone offers a 4.3-inch multi-touch display, a speedy Snapdragon processor, a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and HSDPA.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Vodafone HTC HD2 Tariffs

Vodafone offers HTC HD2 free on contract originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:13:21 +0000

While our brows are still furrowed by T-Mobile's assertion that the Windows Mobile 6.5 HTC HD2 will offer Android Market apps, we're happy to report the device is due an imminent launch on Vodafone.

Those hoping to get their hot little hands on the new smartphone with its 4.3-inch multi-touch display, speedy Snapdragon processor, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and HSDPA need look no further than Vodafone with an announcement expected within the next 24 hours.

O2 is also said to be due to offer the device via Mobiles.co.uk for a minimum of ?40 a month on a 2-year contract if you want the handset gratis, so it will be interesting to see at which price point Vodafone will be placing the high-end handset.

We will bring you all the official news - including pricing, tariffs and exact availablity - as soon as we hear it.

UPDATE: It's now official - from free on ?35 per month, 2-year contracts.

Related links:

• Feature - HTC HD2 funky features fun

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone HTC HD2 Windows Mobile Windows Phone HTC Rumours

Vodafone to offer HTC HD2 first originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:22:17 +0000

As Orange starts to offer the iPhone in the UK, Vodafone has sent out an email to all those who pre-registered interest in the device about its launch of the Apple mobile.

The promotional mailer claims that Vodafone is the fastest network for iPhone to download video on, with the following boast:

"We've been out and about testing our network across the UK. Whilst our guys were watching the latest YouTube clips on the iPhone they found that Vodafone delivered the fastest download time for a 10 minute video".

No stats are provided to back the claim up.

Meanwhile, under the heading "get ready for your big day", Vodafone is offering five "top tips" for "getting ready" for the iPhone launch on Vodafone, which includes the likes of setting up an iTunes account.

Vodafone is due to offer the iPhone in early 2010 - we'll keep you posted with more news.

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Related links:

• News - 3 calls foul over Orange 3G coverage claims on iPhone launch day

Tags: Phones iPhone Vodafone Orange Apple

Vodafone boasts fastest iPhone downloads on Orange's launch day originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:58:08 +0000

Vodafone has announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available to buy. If you want to get the handset for free, then you'll need to sign up to a ?35 per month, 2-year contract or a ?40 per month, 18-month contract. Business customers can purchase business price plans from ?30 per month.

T-Mobile has also announced it will be offering the new RIM handset, but its pricing comes in a wee bit higher at free from ?45 per month.
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The Bold follow-up is a slimline QWERTY handset with HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, BlackBerry's push email service, a 3.2-megapixel camera, on-board GPS, media player, 3.5mm headset jack, plus 32GB of memory storage via an interchangeable microSD card.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones RIM BlackBerry Vodafone BlackBerry Bold 9700 Video

VIDEO: BlackBerry Bold 9700 now available from Vodafone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:11:51 +0000

Lawyer: Mrs. Simpson, what did you and your husband do after you were ejected from the restaurant?

Marge Simpson: We pretty much went straight home…

Lawyer: Mrs. Simpson, you are under oath!

Marge Simpson: We drove around until 3AM looking for another all-you-can-eat fish restaurant.

Lawyer: And when you couldn’t find one?

Marge Simpson: We went fishing…

Lawyer: Do these sound like the actions of a man who had all he could eat?

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What am I talking about, and why have a started with a quote from a Simpsons episode? Well, because it's the same problem that is affecting the mobile phone industry at the moment, with neither Ofcom or the Advertising Standards Agency apparently bothered that consumers are being lied to on a daily basis every time they sign up to a mobile phone contract.

The frustration, and one that was experienced by Homer Simpson in the episode, comes down to the definition of Unlimited.

In my books and strangely enough in the dictionary Unlimited means:

Main Entry: un?lim?it?ed

Pronunciation: -li-m-td

Function: adjective

Date: 15th century

1 : lacking any controls : unrestricted 2 : boundless, infinite 3 : not bounded by exceptions : undefined

— un?lim?it?ed?ly adverb

However, talk to any mobile operator and the word "unlimited" seems to come with an astrix that highlights caveats or that the term is based on our "fair usage policy".

According to Orange, that "Unlimited" bundle means 750MB of data, far from what the dictionary describes above.

But why isn't the ASA or Ofcom clamping down on these unfair and misleading claims?

When we contacted Ofcom we got the following response:

"As far as I know, this is not something that Ofcom has published anything on".

Not published anything? Really? However they are happy to spend thousands investigating why people buy pirated DVDs on the Internet - surely they just go to torrent sites?

Meanwhile the ASA doesn't believe that mobile operators lying or being quiet about the terms and conditions of a data plan that could, potentially, cost you thousands of pounds over the course of a contract is that much of an issue.

"The ASA does not have guidance on the use of the term 'unlimited' as the ASA position is derived from the Advertising Codes and previous case history (our ASA case law)", an ASA spokesperson told Pocket-lint when we asked them what was what.

"In a nutshell, the term 'unlimited' can be used to describe a service that, if containing a fair-usage policy, will only affect the a-typical user. (i.e. the majority of users will not be affected.)"

So what's the solution?

I believe that mobile phone operators shouldn't be allowed to use the unlimited moniker unless it really is that. As mobile phones increasingly become the gateway to our digital lives on the go we are likely to be consuming more images, more video, more music and therefore more data.

I don't want to sign up to a contract where there is normally a termination fee if I haven't been made aware of all the facts before signing up.?

At the moment words like "Unlimited" are nothing more than lies, even if "a typical user" won't supposedly be affected.?

Although the ASA might consider "unlimited" an acceptable term for tariffs with data caps or fair usage policies, here at Pocket-lint, we don't. And as such, we are making a stand. We will no longer continue to use the word "unlimited" when the tariff it refers to clearly is no such thing.

We will also be sure to make such caps or usage limits apparent every time we cover news that refers to an "unlimited" deal.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Tariffs Orange Vodafone T-Mobile O2 3

Limited "unlimited" claims should be banned originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:37:26 +0000

We've been doing a little bit of digging to find out who, in the UK, will be offering Motorola's forthcoming Droid handset. The Android 2.0-sporting QWERTY slider scored a whopping 9/10 in its Pocket-lint review, but given that it's supposed to be due on Friday in the States, we're not seeing any sign of the handset in Britain.

We gave all the UK operators a call to find out exactly whether any of them were planning on stocking the device. O2 told us that it wasn't going to be selling the handset, despite its German wing selling it as the "Milestone". 3 said the same thing - there are no current plans to offer the handset at this time.

T3 spoke to Nicola Shenton, head of handset and device marketing at T-Mobile UK, who told the magazine that the company had tested the phone, but passed it up. We also talked to Orange and Vodafone. Orange told us that it had nothing to announce other than the fact it's selling the Motorola DEXT, and Vodafone promised to call us back and haven't.

From that, we can rule out three of the major five operators. Orange is looking likely, especially given the non-denial when other networks were happy to confirm "no". ?We'll update you as and when we hear more from Orange or Vodafone.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Android Verizon O2 Orange 3 Vodafone T-Mobile

Who'll be selling the Motorola Droid in the UK? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:17:37 +0000

Vodafone has announced new SIM-only 30-day and 12-month price plans for those who aren't interested in getting a handset bundled in to their tariff.

The new ?20 and ?25 price plans for 30 days and 12 months give customers "unlimited" data for as much mobile internet browsing and Facebook searching as required - up to a fair usage policy of 500MB.

The 30 day SIM-only plans give customers 600 minutes anytime, unlimited texts and unlimited data for ?20 or 900 minutes anytime, unlimited texts and unlimited data for ?25.

The 12-month SIM-only plans offer 900 anytime minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data for ?20 and 1200 minutes anytime, unlimited texts, unlimited data and unlimited calls to landlines for just ?25.

Tags: Phones Vodafone Tariffs SIMs PAYG

Vodafone's new SIM-only price plans revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:52:54 +0000

Vodafone has an offer on a range of PAYG mobiles offering ?100 worth of calls or texts with the purchase of selected phones. As well as the Genio Touch in pink and white, the offer also extends to the LG Viewty Lite, the Samsung Tocco Lite and the Vodafone 541.

Basic specs for the Genio include 2-megapixel camera, FM radio and MP3 player along with that touchscreen. You also get access to social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo and the ability to swap the back of the phone in order to indulge any desire you might have for different colours.

The Tocco Lite has slightly improved specs with a 3.2-megapixel camera, whilst the LG Viewty gets 5-megapixels and HSDPA connectivity. To take advantage of the offer orders need to be in by 22 December, with further details of the deal as well as full specs of the phones on the Vodafone website.

Prices are ?80 each for the Genios, ?100 for the Viewty, ?90 for the Tocco and just ?40 for Voda's own touchscreen 541.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Samsung Genio Samsung Tocco Lite LG Viewty Lite Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: Vodafone offers £100 credit with £80 Genio mobile originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Pizza Hut and Vodafone have announced they are to team up for a new app on the new Vodafone 360 H1 from Samsung.

The Pizza Hut delivery app is due to launch shortly and will see H1 owners able to order a pizza via their mobile - and charge it to their monthly, or PAYG - phone bill.

Vodafone's location-based services means the nearest Pizza Hut delivery store to the customer's location is automatically highlighted.

Orders are capped at ?30, but in a move that means you'll get more for your money, Pizza Hut is offering 20% discount for orders placed via the app.

While in the States Pizza Hut's iPhone app is said to have generated over $1 million in sales, here in the UK, the app may be rolled out to other devices after a trial period.

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Pizza hut Vodafone Vodafone 360 Samsung

Vodafone 360 H1 to offer Pizza Hut app originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:26:36 +0000

3 has announced it is very soon to offer the Sony Ericsson Satio, the first 12-megapixel camera phone on sale in the UK.

Available on both contract and on a pay as you go basis, cost-concious consumers will be happy to note that 3 is under cutting Vodafone's pricing for the new phone.

While Vodafone is offering the Satio free on ?35 per month, 2-year contracts, 3 customers can get the handset for free by signing up to a ?30 per month tariff for 18 months.

3's Mix and Match contract comes with 300 minutes or texts, 300 3-to-3 calls, free voicemail, free Skype-to-Skype calls and Windows Live Messenger. Unlimited internet and email access costs an extra ?5 a month.

For those that would rather nab the new handset without a contract, they'll need to shell out ?399.99.
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The Sony Ericsson Satio will be available from 3 from the 30 October.?

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson 3 Vodafone Tariffs

3 to offer Sony Ericsson Satio originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:14:05 +0000

Vodafone has announced the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 is now available on a pre-order basis over on its site. The operator has revealed a delivery date of 28 October.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is the improved version of the original Bold, launched back in 2008, and offers HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

The cheapest option in terms of monthly cost is a ?35 a month, 2-year contract that offers 600 anytime minutes and unlimited texts and crucially an unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service as well as unlimited Vodafone Mobile Internet.

To get the same deal on an 18-month contract, and the handset for free, customers will have to fork out ?40 a month.

Related links:

• Shop - Vodafone

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Vodafone BlackBerry Bold 9700

BlackBerry Bold 9700 on Vodafone pre-order originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:17:18 +0100

We'd heard things can get pretty quiet over in New Zealand, so that's perhaps why such a time-consuming and painstakingly exact project has emerged from the isle.

A recent advert for Vodafone New Zealand sees a thousand mobile phones used to recreate a section of Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture.

The "Symphonia" uses 53 different ringtone alerts from 2000 sent messages in the piece, which on Vodafone UK's current pay as you go pricing would cost ?200 in texts alone.

Read

Tags: Phones Vodafone Advertising Video

VIDEO: Vodafone plays the 1812 Overture on phones originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:30:05 +0100

"With the clocks going back this weekend, it's easy to feel all doom and gloom about the dark nights and cold mornings" says Vodafone.

The slightly tenuous solution? An hour this coming Friday when all text messages sent on the Vodafone network will be gratis.

Vodafone's "Free Hour Friday" is offering free texts for one hour between 2pm and 3pm on Friday 23 October.

Both pay monthly and pay-as-you-go customers can take advantage of the offer - there's more info over at www.vodafone.co.uk/freefridays.

Tags: Phones Vodafone SMS

Vodafone offers an hour of free texts this Friday originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:47:09 +0100

Vodafone has finally announced its pricing for the Nokia N97 Mini. It's gone up for pre-order too, so if you're dying to get your hands on the dinky younger brother of Nokia's flagship smartphone then you can be one of the first who'll be able to do so.

The handset will be free on 2-year Pay Monthly tariffs from ?35 per month. That'll get you 900 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited internet. Alternately there's a ?40 per month option, still for 2 years, that gives you 1200 minutes.

As previously reported, the N97 Mini has 8GB of onboard storage, a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera and a full QWERTY keyboard. It has all of the same widgety goodness as its older brother too, but still runs the Symbian operating system that we weren't a fan of in the N97.

The handset can be pre-ordered now, and will be released on 23 October.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Nokia N97 Mini Vodafone Tariffs Nokia

N97 Mini priced on Vodafone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:02:59 +0100

Vodafone has announced its first 360 handset, the Samsung H1, has gone on up on pre-order for delivery on 30 October.

Tailor-made for the operator, the H1 is the first handset which delivers the Vodafone 360 experience, described as "a new set of internet services for the mobile and PC which gathers all of a customer's friends, social networks and online communities, entertainment and personal favourites in one place".

With a 3.5-inch, high def OLED screen, 16GB memory, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 5-megapixel camera, the H1 boasts syncing of all contacts from the phone, Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, and coming soon - Twitter.

The cheapest option to get the Vodafone 360 H1 is on a ?30 per month, 2-year tariff which means the handset is free. The plan offers 600 anytime minutes and unlimited texts.

Related links:

• Link - Vodafone 360

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Samsung Vodafone 360 Samsung H1

Vodafone 360 Samsung H1 goes on pre-order originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:10:06 +0100

After months of rumours, leaked pics and reviews before it even got official, RIM has finally announced the Storm 2, the successor to its first touchscreen phone.

As well as an improved SurePress screen, and BlackBerry OS 5, the 2 benefits from the addition of Wi-Fi.

It will launch in the UK in time for Christmas on Vodafone and will be free for those prepared to sign up to ?35 per month, 2-year contracts.

Hit play on the video above for a quick look at the new handset, in the first official promo vid.

Related links:

• News - Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry RIM Advertising Video Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 2

VIDEO: BlackBerry Storm 2 gets official promo originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:19:51 +0100

Vodafone and RIM have finally announced the forthcoming launch of the BlackBerry Storm 2 across seven European countries - and South Africa.

The second-gen touchscreen smartphone is said to "significantly improve the BlackBerry touchscreen platform with new technology and new features". It will run BlackBerry OS 5.

With chrome accents, a glass lens and stainless steel backplate, the HSPA Storm 2 offers a 3.25-inch, 360 x 480 resolution display, a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash and video recording.

The Storm 2 gets a new version of RIM's "SurePress" tech that gives tactile feedback when the touchscreen is pressed, while typing on the virtual keyboards is said to be easier, more comfortable and more accurate.

The new SurePress technology will mean the user can type a letter with one thumb even while their other thumb may still be touching or resting on another letter, which means multi-key actions such as Shift or Alt -key combinations will be possible.

There's 256MB of flash memory, 2GB on-board memory expandable via microSD cards up to 16GB, media player, syncing with iTunes and Windows Media player, as well as Voda's music store pre-installed.

Other specs include a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and Wi-Fi, while battery life is said to be 6 hours of talk-time.

In the UK Vodafone's cheapest deal sees the BlackBerry Storm 2 free from ?35 per month on a 24-month contract that includes 600 minutes talk-time, unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service, unlimited text messaging, as well as unlimited access to VMI (Vodafone Mobile Internet) and broadband.

Vodafone's pre-order process is up and running with delivery said to be on 26 October.

As far as the original Storm goes, RIM has informed Pocket-lint it will still be available and it will continue to be supported with software updates.

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Related links:

• VIDEO - BlackBerry Storm 2 gets official promo

Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Vodafone Storm 2 BlackBerry Storm 2

Vodafone and RIM make BlackBerry Storm 2 official originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:56:09 +0100

There are "thousands" of iPhones running on the 3 network across the UK, a spokesperson for the operator has told Pocket-lint.

The comment came in response to our query following a report from The Telegraph that all five mobile carriers in the UK are currently offering the iPhone, whether or not they are official operator partners. ?

T-Mobile has been offering the device to high-spending customers as part of an unofficial retention plan, and? 3 is employing the same policy, albeit in very limited numbers.

"Thousands of people have chosen to use their iPhone on the 3 network", the 3 spokesperson told us, referring to iPhones that have either been unofficially unlocked - "jailbroken" - or officially unlocked and in the UK via distribution channels in Europe.

O2 is currently the only official Apple iPhone partner in the UK, but is soon to be joined by T-Mobile merger partner Orange this year and Vodafone in 2010.

Tags: Phones iPhone 3 O2 Orange Vodafone T-Mobile Rumours Apple

"Thousands" of iPhones on 3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:59:02 +0100

Following the news that O2 has lost its operator exclusive on the iPhone, Carphone Warehouse has suffered a similar fate with its retail exclusive.

Phones4U has announced that it will be selling the Apple iPhone range from both Orange and O2 in shops and online while Orange's in-store deal with HMV means the Apple mobile will also be on sale in select HMV stores too.

The news from Phones4U alone means the iPhone will be available soon at an additional 400-plus shops across the UK.

Brendan Sweeney, Phones4U's managing director said in a release: "We are very pleased to be partnering with both Orange and O2 to sell the iPhone. Recognised for our in-depth understanding of the youth market and their needs, our knowledgeable and skilled staff are in a strong position to introduce the Apple iPhone to our Phones4U customer base".

It's as yet unknown when Orange iPhone sales will begin, with mid-November thought likely, while Vodafone will also offer the device in 2010.

Read

Related links:

• Reviewed - iPhone 3GS

Tags: Phones iPhone Phones4U O2 Orange Mobile phone industry Vodafone HMV Carphone Warehouse

Phones4U and HMV to offer the iPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:48:59 +0100

Vodafone has announced it has teamed up with Decho to develop a range of cloud-based services for both consumers and business customers.

Vodafone PC Backup, based on Decho's Mozy online backup service, will let customers "simply and securely" back up both work-related and personal content from their PC to a remotely hosted online location.

"Once a customer has backed-up their digital content they know it is protected and that they will always be able to access it, even if their primary device is lost, stolen or otherwise unavailable", says Vodafone.

The backed up content will be available to view and share from any connected PC, laptop or netbook.

With both business and consumer solutions available, Vodafone says the service will be introduced across a number of major European markets this year, but has not provided details of pricing or UK availability yet.

Tags: Phones Vodafone Software Cloud computing Decho Storage Hardware Biz

Vodafone PC Backup announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:29:48 +0100

HTC has revealed its first set of covers for the HTC Tattoo, the company's new entry-level Android phone now available in the UK from Vodafone.

The HTC Tattoo gets HTC's Sense interface along with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.8-inch QVGA display, GPS, compass, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD expansion slot and of course, the option to personalise it with HTC's ready made covers.

For those really arty types among us, there's also the chance to design your own cover for the new device. Pricing is from 11.99 euros and the covers are available, direct from HTC, now.

Related links:

• PHOTOS - Palm Pixi Artist Series designs

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC HTC Tattoo Photos Vodafone Skins Android

PHOTOS: HTC Tattoo cover designs revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:11:17 +0100

Vodafone has announced a triple-whammy of new handsets for customers on its network. There's the Windows Mobile LG GM750, the Android-tastic HTC Tattoo and the snap-happy Sony Ericsson Satio.

We'll start at the top. The LG GM750 has a 3-inch display, 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and GPS. It runs Windows Mobile 6.5, so it'll synch with Outlook and other work-related things, as well as offering four home screens and apps for accessing Facebook, Twitter, email and IM. It's free on ?25+ 2-year monthly contracts.

The HTC Tattoo is another entry-level Android handset for the UK market. It has HTC's Sense interface, like the HTC Hero, along with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.8-inch QVGA display, GPS, compass, Bluetooth and the same 528MHz Qualcomm processor as in every other Android handset. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD expansion slot too. Again, it's free on ?25/month 2-year contracts.

Lastly, the Sony Ericsson Satio is a renaming of what was originally called the Idou. It combines the company's Walkman and Cybershot brands to deliver a phone that can take 12.1-megapixel photos with a Xenon flash but also comes with media player functionality. It runs Symbian and has a big 3.5-inch screen. This one comes free on ?35/month 2-year contracts.

All three handsets are available now, and come with 300 extra minutes per month when you buy them online.

Related links:

• News - HTC Tattoo "mass market" Android phone announced

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone HTC HTC Tattoo Android LG LG GM750 Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Satio

Vodafone gets LG GM750, HTC Tattoo and Sony Ericsson Satio originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:15:45 +0100

Vodafone has confirmed that HTC Magic?customers in the UK will be getting the latest Android OS update on Monday 19 October.

"Donut (Android 1.6), the latest version of Google’s Android operating system, is making its way onto the HTC Magic, with the UK roll-out scheduled for October 19", it said to FoneHome.co.uk, a site that the mobile phone operator sponsors in the UK.

The news, which will bring a number of new features, follows Donut rolling out to US MyTouch users, the virtually identical handset.

The update includes an improved Android market, a rolling-together of the camera, camcorder and gallery interfaces, an updated voice search app, and better search experience from the home screen. It also fixes bugs and improves the general performance of the device.

No word on whether or not the HTC Hero, available on Orange and T-Mobile in the UK will be getting the software OS update at the same time.

In the US, Sprint's HTC Hero, which ships on the 11 October will ship with version 1.6 according to Sprint, however Pocket-lint's review unit came with Android 1.5 installed.

We will keep you posted.?

UPDATE on 21/10/09: Vodafone has confirmed that the Donut upgrade is currently being rolled out to Vodafone HTC Magic users in the UK. This process is taking place between the 19-26 October.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Android HTC Magic HTC Hero Orange T-Mobile T-Mobile mytouch 3G

HTC Magic to eat Android 1.6 Donut update within days originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:47:25 +0100

RIM's BlackBerry Storm 2, the follow up to its first ever touchscreen handset the Storm that launched in 2008, appears to be due an imminent UK release with the Carphone Warehouse now promoting the device in store.

Following the news that a promo poster for the device appeared in the window of a Carphone Warehouse store in Cornwall, yet another posted has now revealed a little bit more information - a rough idea of pricing.

From the promotional material in the shop window - this time round in Walton on Thames - it seems the smartphone will be available on Vodafone contracts from ?30 a month, perhaps a little less than might have been expected.

Specs for the new handset are rumoured to include a 3.2-megapixel camera, HSDPA, OS version 5.0 and a completely revamped 360 ? 480 resolution capacitive touchscreen without the original Storm screen's clicky functionality.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones BlackBerry Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 2 Carphone Warehouse RIM

Vodafone to offer BlackBerry Storm 2 from £30 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:55:27 +0100

Nokia has revealed, via its Twitter feed for its flagship retail store, the official date that the Nokia N97 Mini will hit shop shelves.

"N97 Mini to be sold in store from 23rd October!" proclaims Nokia, who has set the price of the new handset, SIM-free, at ?429 via its own online store.

Vodafone is to offer the handset on contract in the UK but so far only states it is coming soon in October, so we'd expect more info - including pricing - from the operator soon.

The N97 Mini is described as "a smaller mobile computer with stylish stainless steel cues, featuring a tilting 3.2-inch touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customisable homescreen that makes each Nokia N97 mini as unique as a fingerprint".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Nokia Nokia N97 Mini Vodafone

Nokia N97 Mini due 23 October originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:42:18 +0100

An iPhone price war is unlikely to happen says the CEO of Carphone Warehouse in the UK when Orange and Vodafone offer the handset in the coming months.

“I am not convinced there will be a price war. That is a game that only leads in one direction and that is all of them losing. This battle will be fought on other fronts", Andrew Harrison, chief executive of Carphone Warehouse has told The Times of London.

The comments come as Orange prepares to stock the iPhone before the end of the year ending a 2 year exclusive run from competing operator O2.

Consumers are hoping that the French owned operator will be forced into a price war alongside Vodafone when it starts stocking the iPhone in 2010 to lure customers away from O2.

According to the article, Orange has already received 125,000 pre-orders for the handset from Apple as customers, unhappy with O2's coverage and recent data network crashes, look to move away from the service.

At the time of the announcement O2 said:

"We always knew that iPhone exclusivity was for a limited period of time, but our relationship with Apple continues and will be an ongoing success".

"We also offer award-winning customer service and benefits, which is why more people choose O2 than any other network in the UK", says the operator.

Expect tariff wars to get heated.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones iPhone Orange O2 Vodafone Tariffs

iPhone price war unlikely originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:19:00 +0100

Turns out that Vodafone will be getting their hands on the iPhone too. The company joins Orange, who recently announced that they'd be breaking O2's exclusive and also selling the device. A deal is understood to have been signed on the evening of 28 September.

The news was first rumoured by the Telegraph, but was confirmed to Pocket-lint by Vodafone's press office, who told us that the handset would be arriving in early 2010. Beginning today, Vodafone customers will be able to register their interest in the 3G and 3GS at vodafone.co.uk/iphone.

Vodafone's chief executive, Vittorio Colao, has said that the key reason why his company lost 160,000 subscribers in the last quarter was that he didn't have an iPhone to sell them. Vodafone's most juicy exclusive over the last year has been the Android-equipped HTC Magic.

Analysts suspect that more carriers offering the handset will lead to prices coming crashing down. Steven Hartley, analyst at technology research house Ovum, said: "There will be a price war. Research shows that in every country where there is more than one operator selling it, it is cheaper".

He expects the contracts to come down by about ?5 per month, shaving ?120 off the price of the handset when spread over a 2-year contract. The Telegraph also claims that Virgin Mobile are "desperate" to get their hands on the iPhone, too.

We'll keep you posted of pricing and contract details as soon as they're announced.

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Related links:

• News - iPhone 3GS coming to Orange UK
• Via - the Telegraph

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Orange O2 iPhone Apple Biz Rumours

iPhone coming to Vodafone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:09:21 +0100