Mobile Digest

Orange and BBC do mobile TV

Does anyone really get excited about TV on mobile phones? It just doesn't seem to have happened, despite the best efforts of the various networks. The latest offer to tempt us in is from Orange, which has done a deal with the BBC for some of the channel's content on its handsets.

Orange customers who sign up to the mobile TV package get access to BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4 and BBC News24, as well as radio streams of Radio1, 1Xtra, Radio2, Radio3, Radio4, 6 Music, BBC7, and the Asian Network. Note, these are live streams, not the previously-available clips http://www.techdigest.tv/2006/02/bbc_clips_on_yo.html. If that gets you all hot under the collar, you can get the service from April, prices starting from £5 per month.

Five handsets can currently receive the service, which also offers content from Sky, ITN, Channel4, Disney and Bloomberg. Orange TV is available on five handsets and includes content from Disney, ITN, Channel4, Sky, and Bloomberg.

Orange website

EMI boss: mobile industry can learn from Apple

EMI's CEO, Eric Nicoli, said that the mobile phone industry could learn a thing or two from Apple about mobile music sales, who "makes stuff that people love to own."

"They love the simplicity and user-friendliness of the iPod and iTunes. Apple doesn't employ any sorcery or dark magic to achieve this. They listen to what consumers want. And that shouldn't be Apple's unique privilege," he said.

He said that the iPhone shows what can be done by putting the customer first.

Love it or hate it, there's no denying that the iPod coupled with iTunes has dominated the market, and the forthcoming iPhone could continue that trend.

Got an emergency mobile phone? Check it's still got credit

The Inquirer reports on the possibly mean-spirited contracts imposed on Pay As You Go mobile phones by Vodafone (and probably other operators as well).

The small print on many contracts will often stipulate that if the phone is not used to make a billable call within 90 days, the credit will be taken back, and after 180 days, the SIM card will be disabled and the number reallocated.

Seems fair enough, you might think, given that these operators are running a business, not a charity, and that we should all be reading the teeny print on our mobile contracts.

Whilst the demographic of the Tech Digest readership might suggest that we're a load of mobile fanatics, and would barely go 90 minutes without using our phones, it's worth sparing a thought for those who have specifically been given a mobile phone to use in case of an emergency.

Thankfully, emergencies tend not to happen too often, but they could be made a lot work by finding that the potential lifeline has ceased to work.

Andrew Thomas got his money back and had his SIM card reactivated, but has a sneaking suspicion it's because he's a tech journalist and it's good PR.

It may be worth checking out with anyone you know who has an 'emergency' mobile. Even if they have to make a short telephone call every 3 months, it could be a lifesaver.

Smoker's mobile phone - with real cigarettes

Smoking might be on the run in the UK, but in China, there's still billions of keen participants. So many that it's viable to produce a mobile phone specifically for the smoking community.

Yes, it looks just like a packet of cigarettes - that's because it's essentially a hi-tech cigarette packet, same size and even carrying the health warning labels. But unlike your normal disposable pack, this one is a mobile phone with MP3 player, VGA camera and microSD slot for storage. There's even a colour screen.

It retails for the equivalent of around £90 - for that you get the phone, a packet of branded cigarettes and a lighter. Has their eve been a more unhealthy gadget?

Via Gearfuse

Sandisk launches 4GB M2 card for Sony Ericsson handsets

A bit short of space for photos and music on your Sony Ericsson handset? It might be worth investing in the Sandisk M2 card for Sony Ericsson phones, with 4GB of capacity.

M2 is a format jointly developed by Sandisk and Sony and in real terms, 4GB is around 1,000 MP3 tracks - giving many standalone MP3 players a run for their money. Alternatively, it's also enough for 2,000 high-resolution images or 20 hours of MPEG-4 video. The card is compatible with Sony's latest multimedia handsets, including the recent Cyber-shot and Walkman phones.

According to Norm Frentz, director of marketing for SanDisk’s mobile consumer solutions division. “This is the threshold at which mobile phones provide enough capacity to become the user’s all-in-one portable music player, camcorder, photo album and video player.”

The 4GB M2 card will ship in May, price to be confirmed,

Sandisk website

Nokia 5700 XpressMusic 3G smartphone

Nokia has announced the arrival of its 5700 XpressMusic 3G smartphone, which benefits from a dedicated audio chip to boost music performance and a twist design for switching between four modes - music player, 2 Megapixel camera, video call and smartphone.

Main storage is via microSD card, with up to 1500 tracks possible on a 2GB card. And once they're on, you can listen wirelessly via Bluetooth stereo headphones or compatible speakers via Bluetooth streaming. Formats supported include WMA, MP3 and AAC, as well as eAAC+ and MP4. There's also DRM support and a music player that supports album art and playlists and includes a 5-band equaliser and audio visualisations.

Also included is a colour screen supporting up to 16 million colours, 3G connectivity, video calling, two megapixel camera and all the features of the Symbian S60 operating system. Expect it in a couple of months, priced around 350 Euros, but expect a hefty subsidy if you take out a contract.

Nokia website

Nokia announces the "fun and function" 5070

Nokia has unveiled a new budget handset - the Nokia 5070 - which is aimed very much at "young consumer". By that, I think they mean it's a music phone that's good for texts.

Available in red or blue finish, the 5070, Nokia promises fast messaging - contacts found and messages posted in just a couple of clicks - along with fast voice messaging via Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging. There's also a camera on-board for picture messaging, but they're not specific over the pixel count, so we'll presume it's not high.

Other features include an integrated FM radio, MP3 player, stereo headset, java games, web browser, MP3 ringtones and a talk time up to 3.5 hours, along with a standby time of up to 12 days.

Expect to see the handset in the coming weeks, priced around 100 Euros.

Nokia website

Review: LG U830

The propaganda

The LG U830 is one of the more recent additions to the monstrously successful Chocolate and Black Label range, and it is the clamshell answer to the KG800’s (aka Chocolate) sliding action. It also happens to be one of the first HSPDA enabled handsets in the UK and 3 customers will be able to enjoy the full advantage of the high speed data transfer that it enables. That means better, faster web browsing, mobile email options and mobile TV.

Other features are a bit more standard: there’s a 2.0 megapixel camera, 185MB onboard memory, battery life offering 200 hours of standby time, A2DP Bluetooth and a 2.2” 262k colour screen. Adorning the outer edge are touch sensitive multimedia controls, glowing red on black, which makes it immediately recognisable as coming from Chocolate camp.

The good

HSDPA connectivity is undoubtedly going to be a big lure but arguably one more suited to PDAs which have better options for web browsing, etc. Actually, the U830 turns out to have a fairly decent array of internet applications, including 3’s MSN messenger, that can take advantage of the service once it rolls out across the UK.

Call quality is one of the U830’s strongest features and I can honestly say I haven’t used a handset that has offered such a decent call quality as this. During our tests we found that incoming calls enjoyed a wide range of crisp sound, with no evidence of popping or hiss in the background. Outgoing calls were reported to be of good quality too.

The bad

The U830 has a really stylish design, as you’d expect from LG, and there is no arguing that it makes for a more than adequate fashion accessory. The problem with the design though, isn’t so much to do with the looks, but the sheer number of buttons on the keypad.

This reminds me very much of LG’s older phone designs and perhaps the fact that the U830 is basically a revamped KG810 is to blame.The U830 not only has media controls on the outside, it also has a full numeric keypad (12 buttons), soft keys (two buttons), a direction pad (five buttons), call control keys (2 buttons), a menu key (1 button), a music key AND a video call key. Phew. Couple that with the volume keys, camera shortcut and music controls and I think it is safe to say we’re on a bit of a key overload here.

There was only one glaring omission that threatens to let the phone down. We have: media control buttons, MP3, AAC, AAC+, AAC++ and WMA format support, and a 3.5mm headphone adaptor. But wait a minute, where’s the memory card slot?! Unfortunately there isn’t one, which is a bit useless if you want to use you handset as a serious alternative to standalone MP3 player.

Geek Sheet

Dimensions: 98x49x14.8mm

Connectivity: 3G, HSDPA, Bluetooth (with A2DP), USB, Infrared

Internal memory: 185 MB

Displays: External 1.3”, 128x160 pixels, internal 2.2”, 320x240 pixels

Cameras: External 2.0 megapixel, internal VGA.

POP3 email client

Battery: 200 hours standby

Overview

Although there are complaints to be made, these are not so great as to tarnish the overall experience of the handset. It is definitely a bit more ‘blokey’ than the Chocolate, but still looks stylish enough, and where it counts – call quality, mobile internet functionality, etc – its performance is well up to the task and is an worthy improvement over its predecessor, the KG810.

Related stories: Jajah mobile application to feature on LG Prada handset | LG Chocolate Phone Review| LG's KE850 Prada phone gets official unveiling - and imminent European launch | More Mobile Phones...

Related sites: LG

Jajah mobile application to feature on LG Prada handset

Quite a coup for VoIP company Jajah, it has managed to get its functionality featured on LG's much-anticipated Prada handset.

Jajah claims to have two million users just one year into its existence, thanks to a system that requires no downloads and no extra hardware. That number which should be boosted with a prominent position on the Prada phone's menu. It uses Jajah's just-released mobile web application, which means low-cost calls with one click of the menu button.

According to the company, those call rates from the UK and abroad are typically 91% cheaper than on a standard mobile contract with Vodafone, 67% with Orange, 87% with T-Mobile and 88% with O2 - and even lower rates again if both the caller and the person being called are Jajah members.

Find out more about Jajah

Proporta launches accessory range for Nokia N95 handset

You know a product has some legs when companies start retailing accessories specifically for it. So Nokia must be be feeling good about the N95, with add-ons already available for their do-it-all handset. Quick off the mark is Proporta, which has a range of extras for the N95 already available to buy.

In the main, they're add-ons to keep your shiny new phone in one piece. The Alu-Leather Book Case, which offers case and screen protection, room for a credit card module and SD cards, along with a magnetic docking system for use in the car. The Alu-Leather Flip Case offers the same functionality, but in a different shape.

The Crystal Case is made from the type of durable and scratch resistant polycarbonate plastic that's used to make protective eyewear and again will magnetically dock in your car if you want to use the N95 for GPS. And the Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger, whilst not being N95 specific, does work with the handset, offering a boost in power from a pocket-sized device when you need it. And when that runs out of power, recharge via USB.

Prices start from around $20.

More details from the Proporta website

Palm announces update to Windows Mobile 6 for Treo 750 smartphone

Still pondering the Palm Treo 750 smartphone six months after its launch? Well, here's something that might sway you - the company is updating the software to Windows Mobile 6.

Although details of networks offering it will only available later this week, it's fair to say it should be offered all who currently offer the smartphone. On some US networks, there will also be HSDPA connectivity. Again, we'll have to wait and see if that's the case here. Windows Mobile 6 paired with Exchange Server 2007 will offer email enhancements such as HTML-formatted email messages, the ability to set an out-of-office message remotely, and live links to Microsoft SharePoint documents. There's also newly-updated versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The device itself offers a touch screen, full QWERTY keyboard, mini SD slot, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and media player. Check with your network of choice for availability - but maybe leave it until the weekend.

Palm website

Ofcom forces mobile phone operators to cut call costs

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has used its powers to order that Britain's five mobile operators cut the cost of mobile calls routed through their networks.

3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone, will all have to cut their rates by as much as 45 per cent.

It will apply to both 2G and 3G networks. 3 will have its charges forcibly reduced by 45% to 5.9 pence per minute, whilst Orange are likely to have to cut prices by around 20%, with Vodafone and O2 reducing costs by about 10%, to 5.1 pence per minute.

The ruling, which comes in at the end of March, covers the next four years and should ensure that consumers who call other networks from their mobile phones will face significantly cheaper bills.

Ofcom said that the "charge controls remain necessary to protect consumers from unduly high prices".

Channel 4 launch "Big Art Mob" mobile blogging web site

Channel 4 is to launch a mobile blogging web site with the aim of creating the UK's first comprehensive map of public art.

The "Big Art Mob" aims to build the resource before next year's Big Art Project TV series by inviting people to use their mobile phones to send in photos, text, video and audio to do with any public art form.

Users upload images with the name of the artist and the artwork (if they know) as well as the location. Visitors to the site can also add and edit tags to help complete any missing information.

It will be up to the public to decide what 'art' is - whether things like graffiti count - and should make for an interesting collection.

Adam Gee, Channel 4’s commissioning editor, New Media, says: "There’s no comprehensive map of the UK’s public art, simply because there’s so much of it. But now, with a combination of networked media and people power, for the first time it’s an achievable public challenge. As well as documenting the richness and diversity of our public art, the Big Art Mob will highlight the fun of moblogging and provide the base for a lively, visually-oriented, UK-centred arts community.”

The new project uses moblogUK technology, who already run Europe's leading moblogging community site.

Big Art Project

Sony Ericsson launches W580 Walkman phone

Yet another addition to the ever-increasing Sony Ericsson Walkman phone family - this time the W580 "lifestyle" handset.

It's a slimline, quad-band slider phone (just 14mm thickness) with EDGE support, a 2-inch screen, enough memory to store 470 music tracks and a 2 megapixel camera that doubles up as a training partner for all you fitness fanatics.

According to Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson: “As well as letting you have your latest music with you at all times, the W580 steps in as your portable photo album and pocket gaming device. It will even serve as your training partner thanks to built-in sports applications that track running speed and distance.”

Specifics on date and price are still unclear, but expect to see it in the UK at some point later in the year - with more details of these "sports applications" too.

Sony Ericsson website

Multimap and 82ASK offer maps by text to your mobile

Text and answer company 82ASK and internet mapping provider Multimap have launched a service together that offers a map of your location by simply sending a text.

Just text 82ASK (82275) requesting a location or landmark and a text is sent within five minutes with a link to a WAP page containing the map. Text directions can also be supplied along with the map. Ideal if you're lost or want to find somewhere in the area quickly.

The downside is the cost. The service will cost 50p per map in addition to the regular £1 per question asked to 82ASK, which seems a bit hefty compared to the price of mobile internet monthly rates these days (although obviously, not all phones are going to offer that).

Multimap website

Mr Bean mobile content - from the film poster

A cinema showing of Mr Bean’s Holiday might not be the first place you would think of looking for cutting-edge mobile technology, but that's where you will find the first UK use of Snap Happy.

The technology, created by Magnet Harlequin, works in conjunction with the Mr Bean movie poster. If you see one (at the cinema or not) with the Snap Happy logo, take a picture of the poster using your mobile phone and send it via MMS to Mr Bean’s special mobile number – 07786 200547. The Snap Happy technology will automatically identify the type of phone you have, then offer the appropriate free ring tones, wallpaper or video from the movie.

The technology behind Snap Happy uses an algorithm to match the camera phone picture to the promotional image logged on the database - even partial images taken in poor light or at an angle will be recognisable. The Snap Happy campaign for Mr Bean’s Holiday will launch through cinemas nationwide on 26th March.

Magnet Harlequin website

Mr Bean's Holiday

ZyXEL launches V660 VoIP-enabled smartphone

ZyXEL has unveiled the V660 - a converged quad-band smartphone that offers VoIP calling over your Wi-Fi network, along with all the mobile functionality you'd expect.

It's powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile Edition 5.0, so expect all the mobile Office functionality (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, pocket MSN and Outlook), along with Push email. And there's a 1.9-inch screen, 2 megapixel camera, video and MP3 player, 64MB of on-board memory, microSD slot for added storage and Skype software pre-installed for those internet calls.

“The growing army of mobile workers is placing businesses under increasing pressure to provide a single device to replace the many that currently occupy our bags and pockets,” said Rob Mackinnon, VoIP product manager ZyXEL. “Whilst most technical innovation creates as many problems as it solves, the V660 combines a myriad of devices and ensures that SMBs and consumers alike always have instant access to the world’s sources of information and entertainment.”

Availability will be announced in the latter half of 2007.

ZyXEL website

Sony Ericsson to license Sagem handsets for entry-level range

The problem with being at the cutting edge of technology is that you need to be constantly pushing those boundaries to stay ahead of the pack. And to help Sony Ericsson to keep doing that, the company has decided to sub-contract entry-level models to budget specialist Sagem.

Yes, Sony Ericsson and Sagem have signed licensing and ODM (Original Developer Manufacturer) agreements concerning entry-level GSM, GPRS & EDGE mobile phones. As part of the deal, Sagem Communication will license certain hardware and software technologies to Sony Ericsson and provide Sony Ericsson with a number of Sony Ericsson branded mobile phones.

"We chose Sagem Communication because their software platforms are mature, scaleable and flexible. In addition we were impressed with the quality and performance of their phones, which have been developed by a skilled workforce. Our co-operation with Sagem Communication will allow us to offer a mature range of phones right from the start," said Howard Lewis, Vice President and Head of PBU (Product Business Unit) Entry at Sony Ericsson.

Sony Ericsson also plans to establish a development unit for entry-level mobile phones near Sagem's premises in Cergy, France.

Sony Ericsson website

Vodafone favoured for European iPhone contract

As reported over at iPhonic, Apple may well be looking for a single mobile operator to launch the iPhone Europe-wide towards the end of 2007.

We've been wondering which UK network would get the iPhone, and whilst we've favoured T-Mobile in the past, some experts think that Vodafone is currently in the lead.

This isn't confirmed, and there's a long way to go before we reach a European launch of the iPhone. It would appear to rule out an unlocked iPhone, though. Apple will no doubt be keen to get as much of its own way as possible.

If Apple don't release a 3G iPhone in time for the launch, I wonder if the networks will be fighting over a contract deal.

Premium rate TV phone in scams quizzes will need a lottery licence

TV channels looking to boost revenue through high priced phone in competitions will need a licence from September.

Changes in gambling legislation passed in 2005 and due to come into effect later this year will clear up the ambiguity about what is and is not a lottery, according to the Register.

The changes will cover many TV phone in quizzes - some of which are currently under investigation by Ofcom for not playing fair.

Programmes such as Richard and Judy, the X Factor and even children's TV staple Blue Peter have admitted to errors or misleading information with regards to premium rate phone in quizzes.

If a competition only involves chance, and no skill, then it's a lottery. As such, it will require a licence that costs £30,000 and 20 percent of income must go to charity.

Premium-rate phone operators will soon need a lottery licence

Blue Peter says we're very, very, very sorry.

Want an iPhone? Get one on eBay

Well, sort of - if you're up for a punt. Computerworld managed to track one down on the auction site, but as soon as it notified eBay the listing was pulled.

The magazine managed to trace the highest bidder - whpub - though, who was quite happy to slap down $1,125 on the as yet unreleased mecha-must have.

The buyer reckoned the bid was low risk, high reward. "EBay insures up to $200 and PayPal up to $2,000 if the seller does not deliver," whpub told Computerworld. "Besides, there are rumors of iPhones being shipped as early as early April, and there's always a chance this seller managed to get one somehow."

EBay took it less philosophically. When asked for comment it said: "Thanks ... for informing us of the Apple iPhone listings. As we understand, the Apple iPhone will not be commercially available until June. Any such listings claiming to be selling the Apple iPhone are in violation of eBay's pre-sale policy which require sellers to guarantee shipment of the item listed within 30 days from the date of purchase. As such, all postings violating eBay's pre-sale policy will be removed."

Elusive iPhone is sold on eBay

** More iPhone news on our iPhone blog iPhonic

London Underground to trial in-train mobile phone service

London Underground has announced that it is to begin a six-month mobile phone trial on trains and platforms on the Waterloo & City Line.

Though it's not due to start until at least April 2008, the trial will provide mobile coverage for Waterloo and Bank stations, as well as in the tunnels. The line was chosen because it is at a deep level, and isolated from the rest of the Tube network.

The primary aim of the trial is to see whether it's technically and commercially feasible to extend mobile coverage to the whole Network.

"Should the trial prove a technical and commercial success, then London Underground will consider how to provide mobile phone and telecommunications services across the Tube network. This would enable passengers to enjoy the benefits of the same mobile and new technology services that are available on the overground sections of the Underground network. If the trial is not a success then London Underground will not proceed with plans to extend mobile phone coverage to the Tube," said Richard Parry, LU Strategy and Service Development Director.

45% of the Tube network is currently underground and cut off from mobile signal reception. If the trials are successful, it could also lead the way to providing other services such as Internet access.

As well as the personal and business benefits mobile access on the Tube could generate, it would also be highly useful in the case of an emergency.

(Via PublicTechnology.net

Related stories:
< href="http://techdigest.tv/2006/07/advanced_wirele.html">Advanced wireless communications system successfully used on London Underground
Turning the Tube into a viral music network? Undersound plans to

Sagem launches my215x handset with Vodafone

Another handset for the budget-conscious from Sagem - the my215x.

It's being billed as a low-price music phone, offering 256MB of storage for your tunes, with music-friendly controls built into the handset for adjusting the volume, skipping tracks and pausing. It's also got a strong battery life, with neatly four hours of talk time and around 255 hours of standby.

And apart from that - not a lot beyond the mobile phone basics. But at £40 from Vodafone, it's not a bad price for a music phone. If only it had an expansion slot - then it really would be great value.

Sagem website

Bluetrek Mini - more fashion for heads Bluetooth

Bluetrek has been pushing Bluetooth headsets as "Fashion for Heads" for some months now. But still they keep coming - the latest of which is the Bluetrek Mini.

The Mini is described as "an innovative ear jewel" that can be worn in the traditional way or as a pendant. It has a chrome-like finish and a minimalist design that doesn't need an ear hook for use, fitting directly into the ear using the Ergobud adjustable ear fitting.

In terms of specification, it offers up to six hours of talk time, six days of standby and features low battery alert, call waiting, volume adjustment and number memorisation. It should be in stores from May, priced between £29.90 to £32.90.

Bluetrek website

Millets' eco-friendly wind-up phone charger

Millets has a range of eco-friendly gadgets instore, including this wind-up mobile phone charger, part of the One Earth range by Peter Storm.

It's not just the winding that's good for the environment, it's also about the construction. The whole of the range is made from recycled and organic materials where possible - or sing sustainable resources and innovative methods of dying. The wind-up phone charger is part of a gadget range that also includes a wind-up head torch, standard torch, solar radio and lantern.

The wind-up phone charger itself is compatible with most mobiles and ideal for outdoor pursuits - where you might need a phone, but are unlikely to encounter a mains or USB socket. Available in blue, green or black, it retails for £12.99.

Milletts website

Nokia N95 hits the UK (six months after its launch)

The Nokia N95 was officially launched way back in September, but it's taken six months to finally get a UK  launch.

Sadly for Nokia, the mobile landscape has change somewhat in that time, with the launch of so many new handsets, most notably the iPhone and the LG Prada model. But the N95 still has plenty to offer. For a start, this two-way sliding "multimedia computer" has HSDPA connectivity, as well as EDGE and Wi-Fi, a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and GPS functionality.

There's also a fully-featured media player, built-in stereo speakers, and web browsing, plus expandable memory via microSD card. If you want one, check out your network of choice from today. Price based on your contract.

Nokia website

Maya - Temple of Secret - Rubiks Cube on your mobile

Rubiks Cube on your mobile? Well, not quite - although Ojom reckons its new Maya - Temple of Secrets mobile game is the nearest you'll get to that particular retro gaming experience.

Each puzzle is made up of a cluster of triangles with a different colour in each corner. To solve the puzzle you need to flip or rotate the triangles to form a pattern where all the corresponding colours are connected to each other.

And there's a theme, with the plot takes you deep into the jungle on a quest to reveal the secrets of the hidden Maya Temple. Legend has it that the temple contains a number of ‘golden artefacts’ that hold the key to an unsolved mystery. You'll find the golden artefacts by solving the puzzles and eventually unlock the secret of the Temple of Mysteries.

Find out more at the Ojom website

Samsung launches Bang & Olufsen-designed WEP 420 Bluetooth headset

Samsung has teamed up with high-end Danish designers Bang & Olufsen to produce the WEP 420 Bluetooth headset, which even comes with a charger that doubles as cool home decor.

Typically for Bang & Olufsen, it's all about minimalism, with all the buttons hidden behind a sliding cover. In addition, the sliding cover blocks static to improve overall sound.

And that's not all. "To enhance its value" (according to Samsung), the WEP 420 comes packaged with a designer charger cradle that doubles up as a decorative home item. Not sure I can see that myself, but I'm sure it appeals to someone out there.

The Samsung WEP 420 is available later this month, no price confirmed as yet.

Samsung website

New survey suggests UK mobile phone users seek value for money and good customer service

A survey of 1,031 UK residents aged between 16 and 80 has shown that advertising does very little to persuade them to choose a particular mobile phone operator. Only 3.98% were influenced by marketing.

Of the 29.4% who switched providers last year, 73.2% said that a better tariff lured them, whilst 9.4% said that they were unhappy with customer service. 7.6% of people changed provider to be on the same network as their friends and family, while 5.8% changed due to poor network coverage with their existing carrier.

Asked about the influences that caused them to choose a particular network, 51% were influenced by price, 54.4% by functionality, and 34.3% on the phone brands available.

Contrary to what I had previously thought, this survey suggested that older customers were more likely to switch providers than their younger counterparts.

The most important phone capabilities mentioned were the ability to send text messages, followed by upgradability, MP3 capabilities, video, web browsing, email, and gaming.

Tim Ogle, Group Marketing Director at Retail Eyes, said, "The results of this research demonstrate that, although pricing is the biggest influencer in making a decision about a new mobile, customer service is a big enough influencer that providers and retailers need to take notice. The fact that nearly 10 per cent of customers switch providers due to poor service and 27.9 per cent would not return to a phone retailer if the sales staff were too pushy means service has a huge impact on their bottom line."

(Via UTalk Marketing)

More Mobile phone news

T-Mobile launches UMPC-like Ameo from £120

First mentioned in January and officially launched at the 3GSM 2007 was HTC's Advantage (X7500). It's now on sale in the UK as the T-Mobile Ameo.

The UMPC-like device has 3G UMTS/HSDPA connectivity, a QWERTY keyboard, 5-inch, 640 x 480, 65,536-colour screen, 8GB hard drive, 128MB of memory, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and an SDHC-compatible memory card slot. The operating system is Windows Mobile 5. Talk time is around 6.5 hours, with 300 hours of standby.

Depending on your contract, you can pick one up fairly reasonably - prices start at £120, rising to £430. If you don't want to be tied, HTC is expected to launch the device under the Advantage (X7500) label, but at a higher price point.

T-Mobile website

Via The Register

Plantronics launches Discovery 665 Bluetooth headset with noise reduction

Plantronics has a new Bluetooth headset on the market - the Discovery 665 - which claims to reduce background noise by up to 50 per cent.

In terms of sound quality, the Discovery 665 features AudioIQ - the first headset DSP (digital signal processing) sound technology that automatically optimises audio quality for both caller and listener. In practice, that means more clarity for both caller and listener, with the sound constantly adapting to the change in external noise.

There's also QuickPair technology for ease of set-up, an in-car charging system, visual call and low battery indicator and a lightweight design with customisable eartips for a comfy fit. it's available now for £69.99.

Plantronics website

Sandisk launches mobile phone-specific range of microSD cards

Sandisk has a new range of microSD cards on the market - this time designed specifically for mobile phone downloads and known as Premier microSD cards.

Why so good for mobiles? Well, according to the company, they provide a faster transfer of content to and from their mobile phones as well as offering a sizeable amount of storage for all the things we now carry on our handsets - videos, music, ring tones, digital images and work-related documents. The Premier cards also feature SanDisk’s TrustedFlash technology, which allows network operators to sell premium content directly to mobile phones, stored on the cards and played on other TrustedFlash-enabled devices authorised by the network provider. Not sure I like the sound of that, but that's probably because I'm a consumer.

The company will offer 1GB and 2GB cards, each with adaptors that to fit standard SD card slots. They retail initially in the US for $44.99 and $69.99 respectively.

Sandisk website

Sagem introduces my401c clamshell handset

Another budget handset on its way from Sagem, this time the my401c - a clamshell handset available in a silver/black or silver/pink finish.

It's probably what you would call a "solid" handset, with all the essentials in place, but nothing to make it stand out. The features on the tri-band phone include an exterior and 128x160-pixel, 65K-colour interior screen with white-on-black text, VGA camera with 4x digital zoom, music player for multimedia, SMS and MMS, Bluetooth and Wap 2.0.

There's 1.5MB of storage, which can be extended with a microSD card, over three hours of talk time and 250 hours on standby. It's available from April on T-Mobile and Vodafone for around £49.99.

Sagem website

Orange offers Samsung's D840 with bonus travel guides

We previewed the Samsung D840 back at the 3GSM. If it caught your eye, then you'll be interested to know that Orange are now offering it exclusively in the UK, with some bonus Euro travel guides thrown in as part of the deal.

The slim and chrome tri-band handset features a two megapixel camera with digital zoom, video recording (up to an hour in high resolution), automatic slide, 80MB of storage (expandable via microSD card), media player and Bluetooth connectivity.

And as an added sweetener, Orange are throwing in four Time Out City Guides (Rome, Paris, Barcelona and Prague), a gift box and a chance to win a city break to one of the cities.

Price varies according to your contract, but is free on contracts over £30.

Orange website

Sony Ericsson W660 Walkman phone with snap-on speakers

Sony Ericsson has a new 3G phone on the market - the W660 Walkman phone, compatible with Sony's new snap-on phone speakers.

Available in a choice of Record Black and Rose Red, it features TrackID, which can identify a piece of music when you're out and about via the Gracenote Mobile MusicID database, storage for up to 470 tunes on the supplied Memory Stick Micro, album art support for the media player, FM radio, two megapixel camera, two-inch TFT display, picture blogging and RSS feeds that can be sent directly to your phone's "desktop".

It can also be used with Sony Ericsson's new MPS-75 snap-on speakers - a small plug-in speaker unit powered by your phone. or you can stream your music via Bluetooth.

The W660 Walkman phone will be available fro the middle of 2007, with the snap-on speakers released around the same time.

Sony Ericsson website

Rebtel - free international calls from your mobile

If I were to mention free calls overseas via your mobile, you would expect me to then mention VoIP or at least something to do with the internet. Well, this new service from Rebtel does use the internet - but you don't need to be near a computer to make your calls.

The company claims its new service is "Skype for Mobile", which is probably overselling it a bit, but it's certainly worth a look if you do a spot of globetrotting. And you can use it with any phone, on any network and in 38 countries. To find out how it works, read on.

You can sign up for the service for free, with ten free unlimited international calls on offer every month. If you choose to make more calls, you'll be charged a small per minute fee by Rebtel, which (as an example) is 1.5p per minute from the UK to the US.

Commenting on the service, Rebtel CEO Hjalmar Winbladh said: We wanted to build a service that would allow mobile phone users around the world to talk to one another for free, liberated from exorbitant charges that the mobile industry levies for international calling. It’s a tax on international mobile calling. It’s 2007 for goodness sake; if you can do it from your PC, we think you should be able to do it from your mobile.”

Find out more about Rebtel service

Currys to sell mobile phones in store

DSG, owner of Currys and Currys.Digital (formerly Dixons) stores, has said that it plans to sell mobile phones in up to 500 of its stores, with a major mobile presence already planned for its Manchester White City and Bournemouth Currys superstores.

According to Mobile Today, it plans to play on its strengths in the home entertainment market by selling combined entertainment, broadband and communications deals for companies like Sky and Virgin Media.

John Lyngra, head of communications trading at Currys, said "Customers tell us they want clarity and value, and they do not trust the complexities and stealth pricing of most communications tariffs. We have designed our tariff guides to be ultra-transparent and fair, with a range of options to suit any customer."

Find love on public transport with On The Same Track web service

"We've all been there. We see someone on our train journey and wish there was an easy way to chat to him/her. Let's face it, it's more difficult in real life."

That's the opening gambit of the new networking web site onthesametrack.co.uk that seeks to bring together people who share the same regular commute on public transport.

The sign-up process is simple: provide details of your regular train journey, your photo and description, and then see matches with others who share your commute.

By sharing your mobile phone number, people can send you an SMS alert and invite you to go online to check them out. Of course, that's not going to work on the Tube - maybe that'll add to the dash of commuters rushing up the left-hand side of the escalators to get a signal so they can text that hottie whose armpit they've been admiring for the past 10 stops.

Or perhaps not.

It's a novel new idea. I've refrained from calling it a dating web site as it's billed as more than that - but let's face it, that's probably what it will be used for.

The downside, as with other services (such as I Saw You Once), is that both interested parties need to have signed up. Maybe more traditional methods still have their place.

As an incentive, the first 3,000 registrants will get 'free for life' membership.

Mix it up with Undersound and it'd be a cracking social networking concept.

Sony Ericsson K510i gets a Julien MacDonald makeover

Well, if you can't shift a handset the first time round, you can always give it a makeover to appeal to the fashion market, as is the case with this Sony Ericsson K510i, featuring a Julien MacDonald design.

The handset itself is around a year old, featuring a 1.3 megapixel camera with digital zoom, Bluetooth and an MP3 player. Except this time it casts off the dull exterior, replacing it with something altogether more colourful.

"The print I decided to use for the SonyEricsson K51Oi was taken from my spring summer 07 collection," says Mr MacDonald. "The print was inspired by exotic flowers, Orchids in particular, so thought it would be perfect for the spring launch of this handset."

And if you also think it perfect, you can pick one up for £50 from your nearest Orange store.

Orange website

Gucci to follow Prada in making a fashion phone?

Relax, fashionistas. It's still just an internetweb rumour based on nothing more than a couple of photos on Flickr, which may well be mockups. Still, with Prada having already teamed up with LG for a mobile phone, it wouldn't be entirely surprising if Gucci followed suit.

Where will it all end though? Surely it's only a matter of time before Armani, Chanel and Dior throw their hats into the ring too, while Kate Moss is presumably set to unleash her dazzling clamshell (not a euphemism) on the world at the same time as her much-anticipated Top Shop fashion range.

Hey, Naomi Campbell could put her name to a handset with a specially-moulded throwing grip, for those troublesome PAs...

(via Engadget Mobile)

O2 launches XDA Graphite smartphone

O2 is now offering its XDA Graphite smartphone, a Windows Mobile 5.0 device with all the usual add-ons.

Windows Mobile 5.0 means push email, MSN Messenger, the ability to view and edit documents plus music via Windows Media Player. In addition, there's a 2 megapixel camera, 2.2-inch screen and Bluetooth 2.0.

There's also video calling on 3G networks and a battery that offers around fours hours of talk time. You can pick one up in O2 stores now, price dependent on your contract.

O2 website

BluPhones - wireless Bluetooth headphones for music and calls

If you've got an A2DP-friendly phone, you might as well take advantage of it - which is where BluPhones come in.

Essentially, it's a lightweight (26g) Bluetooth headset, so you can use it with a Bluetooth-friendly music player or phone, but if you have a gadget that does both, all the better. You can take calls on the BluPhones and if music is playing, it will be paused for the duration of the call. On-ear controls allow you to easily answer and end calls - and if you d

Then there's the music, wirelessly streaming the tunes from your player or phone, with on-ear control for volume and skipping tracks. There's five hours' talk time, 60 hours of standby and a range of 10m.

You can order one now for £49.99.

Find out more

Video Review: Can the LG Prada phone beat iPhone at its own game?

Fashionistas are already getting themselves into a tizzy over LG's Prada handset, but those of us who don't change our wardrobes every season have got reason to follow its progress closely too. Can its tactile touch-screen interface rival Apple's iPhone? ShinyShiny's Susi takes a detailed look at LG's stylish new handset below.

Review: LG KE850 Prada phone

In certain quarters, it's the most hyped phone since the last hyped phone. And is likely to be, til the next hyped phone. So, having managed to check it out briefly at 3GSM, leaving Kat to manage in Milan, I was thrilled to have it in my hands for a full 24 hours in my care, to get a real idea of what it was like.

I found it an interesting experience. Disappointing in the same way that Christmas Day is never as good as you think it's going to be on Christmas Eve, but interesting nonetheless.

My initial reaction on getting it out of the box was the predictable 'ooh, it's so pretty, it's so shiny, it's so Versace. I mean Galliano. I mean Prada. Oh god, I wasn't born for all these gadget collaborations'. And they certainly have packaged it nicely, in a beautiful black box, which just cries out for an unveiling in the way few other phones do (although LG do seem to have the monopoly on those currently).

When you turn it on, it defaults to the black and white screen that Prada were so keen on, although there are several other coloured wallpapers available. It also defaults to the clock which floats around the screen, unless it's being dragged in another direction by your finger (it's a touchscreen, remember?). The bulk of the screen is used to display the clock and wallpaper, with the option for messaging, calling and settings laid out across the bottom.

There's also another option for your wallpaper, which involves a fish following your finger, although that wasn't working on the preproduction model I had.

The messaging was what I was most interested to try out, since no one I know has been overly keen on the thought of entirely doing away with a keypad when it came to SMSing. The results were mixed. Whilst concentrating, I found the touchscreen just as easy as a normal keypad - it's laid out in exactly the same way, with 2 representing abc, 0 being a space, in accordance with your normal T9 language. However, after a period of time, I forgot to be so exact, and found that I was frequently misspelling things. I don't need to tell you how annoying it is to have to go and retype texts two or three times over...

Apart from the texting, the touchscreen worked better than I thought it would. I didn't feel any particular lag, between hitting the buttons and the phone reacting, although there were several times where I had to tap something several times in order to get a response.

The menu icons were spaced far enough apart so that you didn't accidentally end up with your MP3s when you tried to turn on Bluetooth. Plus, several of the functions have external buttons on the handset itself, such as the MP3 player, camera and the screen lock.

The camera itself is an adequate two megapixels, and has a light. The size of the screen meant that the photos looked clear and bright, as well.

The build quality overall was impressive, as it's not only small and lightweight, but is only a few millimetres thick. One niggle I did have was how dirty the back of the phone got, which suffered the same fate as pretty much every 'Piano black' finished product ever - fingerprints everywhere. The button you pressed in at the bottom of the phone to release the back cover was also easily chipped, revealing that it wa