Engadget Mobile

Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[O2 to announce 3G iPhone in "the coming weeks"]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/14/o2-to-announce-3g-iphone-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/14/o2-to-announce-3g-iphone-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/14/o2-to-announce-3g-iphone-in-the-coming-weeks/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

It's all starting to come together. After getting a general ballpark courtesy of AT&T store employee vacations last week, and a hint of "next month" on Monday, O2's own CEO is promising a 3G iPhone announcement in "the coming weeks." Which, let's face it, doesn't really put us any closer to pinpointing the exact date, but does make us feel a bit better about the 1000 "iPhone 3G in June or life isn't worth living anymore" t-shirts we just bought on CafePress.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappleiphoneo2Wed, 14 May 2008 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T listing "iPhone Black" model, O2 gets the original back in stock]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/12/atandt-listing-iphone-black-model-o2-gets-the-original-back-in/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/12/atandt-listing-iphone-black-model-o2-gets-the-original-back-in/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/12/atandt-listing-iphone-black-model-o2-gets-the-original-back-in/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, ATT, O2, Apple

Good news and bad news on the imminent 3G iPhone front. O2 apparently got another batch of 16 giggers in stock, since it's currently accepting orders, while the 8GB remains out of stock, and both phones remain unavailable on the US and UK Apple Stores. More encouraging, however, is the new listing of an "iPhone Black" model on AT&T's account management site. There's nothing else on the site to hint at specs or release or whether this is indeed the upcoming 3G iPhone, but it does fall in line with the word we have on a glossy black back for the much anticipated phone. Whether all this means we have weeks or months to wait is anyone's guess, but there are plenty of encouraging signs out there for the true believers to cling onto.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneattbreaking newsBreakingNewsiphoneiphone blackIphoneBlackMon, 12 May 2008 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone is good and done in the UK -- until the 3G version, anyway [updated]]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/08/iphone-is-good-and-done-in-the-uk-until-the-3g-version-anywa/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/08/iphone-is-good-and-done-in-the-uk-until-the-3g-version-anywa/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/08/iphone-is-good-and-done-in-the-uk-until-the-3g-version-anywa/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

The headline kind of says it all, but if you weren't already sure enough that the first gen iPhone's stint in the UK was coming to a close, O2's pushing to make things crystal clear. It's hard to imagine both companies are going to just stop selling such a high profile device for too long, but clearly we're all still in the dark as to when its 3G replacement will officially be out.

[Thanks, Keith]

Update: While European carriers are running out of stock left and right, it seems Apple Stores in the UK and elsewhere still have iPhones -- for now.

Update 2: Okay, and now O2's page is showing that the iPhone is once again available. Temporary glitch or preparatory? Beats us, but if you want a 16GB device, it's apparently still up for grabs.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphonecanceledeoliphoneukThu, 08 May 2008 02:26:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 meets 3G obligation in UK, averts spanking]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/07/o2-meets-3g-obligation-in-uk-averts-spanking/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/07/o2-meets-3g-obligation-in-uk-averts-spanking/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/07/o2-meets-3g-obligation-in-uk-averts-spanking/#commentsFiled under: O2, UMTS

Clearly terrified at the process of losing four solid months of its 3G license's duration (which still runs for another 13 years, by the way), the UK's Office of Communications has now confirmed that O2 has stood up, acted like a carrier for once in its life, and taken responsibility for its wrongdoing. Obligations tied to the sale of the UK's 3G licenses back in 2000 stipulated that all buyers must reach 80 percent population coverage by December 31, 2007; Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, and 3 all managed to do that, but O2 was caught with its pants down at 75.69 percent. Ofcom showed leniency and extended O2's deadline out to June of this year, which was just enough for the carrier to get its act together and bring its coverage over the minimum. Meanwhile, US 3G coverage is an embarrassing shadow of the impressive numbers that even the slacker carriers there have managed to put up, so don't feel too bad for yourself, O2, we still love ya.

[Via Coolsmartphone]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3glicenseo2ofcomukWed, 07 May 2008 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola RIZR Z10 gets exclusive on O2]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/05/motorola-rizr-z10-gets-exclusive-on-o2/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/05/motorola-rizr-z10-gets-exclusive-on-o2/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/05/05/motorola-rizr-z10-gets-exclusive-on-o2/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Motorola, O2

About time that Moto's RIZR Z10 sees the light of day, and it'll be shining in O2's spotlight as an exclusive for at least the first little while. Featuring a 3.2 megapixel camera, quad-band GSM / EDGE, single-band HSDPA, support for up to 32GB of pop-in memory, a winning kick-slide form factor, and O2 has even seen fit to pitch in the Borne Ultimate collection on the included 1GB microSD card. If you're a fan of vid and pic editing, the built in editing software on the Z10 should keep you happy with the ability to add a soundtrack, overlay text, and even upload your 30fps opus right to YouTube from the handset. So there ya have it, if you're in the UK and have from $free to £149.99 (roughly $300) to spend, it may well be worth having a peek at.

[Via MobileBurn]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorolao2RIZRRIZR Z10RizrZ10Mon, 05 May 2008 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch Cruise becoming "Touch Find" for Movistar?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/htc-touch-cruise-becoming-touch-find-for-movistar/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/htc-touch-cruise-becoming-touch-find-for-movistar/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/htc-touch-cruise-becoming-touch-find-for-movistar/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, movistar, O2, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Oh, to be a fly on the wall in one of those meetings once in a while where product names get hammered out. Seriously, what possessed Movistar to latch on to "Touch Find" for this one? Was HTC's own name, Touch Cruise, not good enough for 'em? Or heck, how about the Xda Orbit 2 (pictured) moniker used by Movistar's own O2 subsidiary? Alas, yeah, the latest rumor here is that the Touch Cruise will be christened Touch Find for Movistar's networks, featuring 3.6Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, GPS, and a 3 megapixel cam. We don't know for certain whether the Touch Find will adopt the O2's same pebble-esque case or the Touch Cruise's harder lines, but it certainly seems like it'd make more sense to be consistent within the company ranks and go Xda Orbit 2-style. Then again, the name change itself doesn't seem to make much sense, so who knows?

[Via Unwired View]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>htctouch cruisetouch findTouchCruiseTouchFindxdaxda orbit 2XdaOrbit2Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 adds Treo 500 to roster]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/o2-adds-treo-500-to-roster/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/o2-adds-treo-500-to-roster/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/30/o2-adds-treo-500-to-roster/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Palm, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, UMTS

O2 offers Treo 500 for free

British carrier O2 has added the previously Vodafone-exclusive Treo 500 to its roster of business class smartphones. O2 is offering Palm's latest Windows Mobile handset for free with certain data and voice plans, which is probably the only way the company could get anyone to take these underwhelming hunks of plastic off their hands.

[Via the::unwired]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>smartphonetreotreo 500Treo500Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:54:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC confirms Diamond with VGA touchscreen launch next month?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/29/htc-confirms-diamond-with-vga-touchscreen-launch-next-month/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/29/htc-confirms-diamond-with-vga-touchscreen-launch-next-month/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/29/htc-confirms-diamond-with-vga-touchscreen-launch-next-month/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile

We already knew it was coming, now HTC has seemingly confirmed that its Diamond handset will be announced next month presumably at the May 6th event. The wording of the Taipei Times article (which we assume was translated from Chinese) leaves HTC's comments open to interpretation. Speaking to a group of investors, HTC's financial executive Cheng Hui-ming, said that revenues will grow by 20% this year thanks to the launch of a new Touch phone next month. Referring to the HTC Diamond by name, he then calls the device "the most important product for HTC this year." Interesting considering that HTC is widely expected to launch the first Android handset -- dubbed Dream -- before the end of the year. Regardless, the 3G Diamond with Windows Mobile 6.1 running beneath a large, glossy, VGA touchscreen display with WiFi and 3 megapixel camera is certainly going to attract a lot interest from us and our wallets.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamondhtcrumorTue, 29 Apr 2008 04:40:00 EST<![CDATA[8GB iPhone and iPod touch reach end-of-life, at least in the UK]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/25/8gb-iphone-and-ipod-touch-reach-end-of-life-at-least-in-the-uk/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/25/8gb-iphone-and-ipod-touch-reach-end-of-life-at-least-in-the-uk/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/25/8gb-iphone-and-ipod-touch-reach-end-of-life-at-least-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

Conspiracy theorists and Mac rumor-mongerers, start your engines. According to an internal O2 memo we've received, stock of both the 8GB iPod touch and iPhone have run their courses, and have been EOL'd (at least in the UK). The brief letter sent out yesterday evening states that, "Due to the highly successful sales of the Apple 8GB I-Phone [sic], supply chain have today run out of stock & will not be replenishing stock of this product as it has now gone to end of life." Whether this is due to the recent price cuts, the rumored upcoming 2nd generation iPhone, or just a sign that Apple is moving towards higher capacity devices is anyone's guess. All we know is that soon the 8GB iPhone -- at least in the UK -- will become as rare and precious as the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth.

[Via The Register; Thanks Callum M.]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdiscontinuedend of lifeEndOfLifeeoliphoneipod touchIpodTouchtouchFri, 25 Apr 2008 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 slashing £100 from 8GB iPhone in UK]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/15/o2-slashing-100-from-8gb-iphone-in-uk/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/15/o2-slashing-100-from-8gb-iphone-in-uk/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/15/o2-slashing-100-from-8gb-iphone-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, GSM, EDGE, Apple, OS X

The whispers are true, or so it seems. According to Stuff, O2 is getting set to one-up T-Mobile's price cutting affair in Germany by hacking a full £100 from the 8GB iPhone in the UK (bringing it down to £169). Better still, the discount will apply regardless of which contract selection you make, whereas T-Mobile forced users to sign the dotted line on a pricey Complete XL plan. Unfortunately, the lower sticker only applies to the 8GB version -- the 16GB model will remain £329 -- but anyone who sprung for one of the former iterations within the last month will receive an "Ultimate Price Promise" £100 refund voucher. Before you dash out to cash in, it should be noted that the deal is set to expire come June -- and we certainly don't have to remind you what that could mean.

Update: O2 just made it official.

[Via Mobile Today, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneo2priceprice cutprice dropPriceCutPriceDroppricingukTue, 15 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ireland and Austria get iPhones, and the shaft]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/14/ireland-and-austria-get-iphones-and-the-shaft/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/14/ireland-and-austria-get-iphones-and-the-shaft/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/14/ireland-and-austria-get-iphones-and-the-shaft/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, T-Mobile, Apple

As we expected, Apple just loosed the iPhone into Ireland and Austria. €399 nabs the 8GB model while €499 takes the 16GB unit home. T-Mobile has the honors for Austria as it does in Germany while O2 carries the flag in Ireland as it does in the UK. Interestingly, Irish subscribers are not entitled to Visual Voicemail or free WiFi even though they are offered by O2 UK -- neither country offers an unlimited data plan. Tsk tsk. Regardless, early adopters from those countries already had their unlocked iPhones months ago which makes the launch just a formality at this point.

[Via MacRumors]

Read -- Austria
Read -- Ireland

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleaustriabreaking newsBreakingNewseuropeiphoneo2t-mobilevisual voicemailVisualVoicemailFri, 14 Mar 2008 02:55:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 slides HTC S730 onto shelves as XDA Atmos]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/o2-slides-htc-s730-onto-shelves-as-xda-atmos/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/o2-slides-htc-s730-onto-shelves-as-xda-atmos/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/o2-slides-htc-s730-onto-shelves-as-xda-atmos/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

It would seem that HTC's updated Vox, the HTC S730 Wings, has hit O2 sporting that distinctive XDA style. While the shop doesn't get into detail about which version of the HTC Wings this is -- as a refresher, the Wings100 packs 2100 MHz HSDPA while the Wings200 has 850, 1900, and 2100 -- the O2 Atmos' price is right and listed as starting at $free. Availability is set for now, so if you've been waiting for a new bit of QWERTY Windows Mobile hardware, fill your boots, operators are standing by.

[Via CoolSmartPhone]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtmosHTCO2O2 AtmosO2AtmosS730WingsWings100Wings200Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 threatened with hilarious penalty for poor 3G coverage]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2-threatened-with-hilarious-penalty-for-poor-3g-coverage/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2-threatened-with-hilarious-penalty-for-poor-3g-coverage/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2-threatened-with-hilarious-penalty-for-poor-3g-coverage/#commentsFiled under: O2, UMTS

So the UK's Ofcom (that's Office of Communications, for those not in the know), in awarding its coveted 3G licenses, required that those five licensees all cover at least 80 percent of its population by December 31, 2007. Four of those five companies -- Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, and 3 -- were able to meet that deadline; meanwhile, O2 has been holding down last place with a measly 75.69 percent blanketed with its high speed data, which leaves the Telefonica subsidiary about 2.5 million Britons short of its obligation. So when a government body is dealing with a huge, multinational corporation that's failing to hold up its end of the bargain, you'd think that there'd be some massive fine levied, right? Not exactly. First of all, Ofcom's extending O2's deadline out to the end of June, and if they're still not at 80 percent, the penalty will be to reduce the term of O2's 3G license by a mere four months. Oh, and the license doesn't even expire until 2021. Way to put your foot down, Ofcom.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3glicenseo2ofcompenaltyukThu, 28 Feb 2008 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[O2's bringing the iPhone to Ireland on March 14th]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2s-bringing-the-iphone-ireland-on-march-14th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2s-bringing-the-iphone-ireland-on-march-14th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/o2s-bringing-the-iphone-ireland-on-march-14th/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

We got wind of this in the early AM, but now it's official: O2 is picking up the iPhone in Ireland, selling the 8 gigger for €399, and the 16GB for €499. Tariffs range from €45 for 175 minutes to €100 for 700 minutes, and all plans include 1GB of data. It sounds like quite the scam compared to O2's iPhone plans in the UK, but we're going to just chalk it up to cultural differences not explored in Colin Farrell's latest masterpiece, "In Bruges."

Update: Some tipsters have pointed out that O2 Ireland makes no mention of Visual Voicemail on its iPhone pages, which is odd considering the fact that O2 UK highlights the feature. It could be a oversight, or it could mean that those unsightly tariffs are, in fact, true highway robbery.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneirelando2Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone launching in Ireland on March 14th?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/iphone-launching-in-ireland-on-march-14th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/iphone-launching-in-ireland-on-march-14th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/28/iphone-launching-in-ireland-on-march-14th/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

Looks like the iPhone is launching in Ireland with O2 on March 14th, according to Pocket-lint. It's supposed to go for the low, low price of €399 (including VAT) on the 8GB and €499 for the 16GB; we haven't heard anything solid either way, but we'll let you know if we do (and you do the same, would ya?).

[Thanks, John and Ronan]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneirelando2o2 irelandO2IrelandreleaserumorThu, 28 Feb 2008 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[O2, Vodafone both working on 3G femtocell trials]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/22/o2-vodafone-both-working-on-3g-femtocell-trials/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/22/o2-vodafone-both-working-on-3g-femtocell-trials/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/22/o2-vodafone-both-working-on-3g-femtocell-trials/#commentsFiled under: Others, NEC, O2, Vodafone

Femtocells may be one of the closest things we have to a win / win in the wireless industry, lowering infrastructure costs for carriers and giving customers on-demand, self-installable coverage where they wouldn't have it otherwise, all without requiring WiFi-capable handsets that UMA services like T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home do. It makes sense that a number of carriers would be rushing to get femtocells into end users' hands, then, and both O2 and Vodafone are doing exactly that in separate European trials. O2's trial involves NEC equipment in the UK, while Vodafone is turning to Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent to supply hardware to Spanish testers. Both trials involve 3G cells (yay!) and at least O2 has gone on record saying that a successful test will lead to commercialization by early next year. Kinda strange that Sprint is so far ahead of the curve on this one, but hey, do you see us complaining?

Read - NEC and O2 trial femtocells in the UK
Read - Vodafone Group trials 3G femtocell technology

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcatel lucentAlcatelLucentfemtocellhuaweineco2trialvodavodafoneFri, 22 Feb 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile advertising takes center stage at MWC]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/11/mobile-advertising-takes-center-stage-at-mwc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/11/mobile-advertising-takes-center-stage-at-mwc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/11/mobile-advertising-takes-center-stage-at-mwc/#commentsFiled under: Nokia, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Misc, Hutchison 3

Because the mobile industry isn't nearly monetized enough as it is (we jest, we jest), big players have come out of the woodwork at Mobile World Congress this year to announce some pretty heavy initiatives with the goal of revolutionizing the way we're hit up with advertising on our phones. Nokia has actually come forward with two mobile ad headliners: first, the Nokia Media Network is now official, bringing together ads on Nokia's own sites as well as 70-plus publishers' and carriers' properties under a single umbrella, all made possible by the company's 2007 acquisition of Enpocket; second, Nokia Siemens Networks has announced a turnkey solution for folks wishing to bite the targeted mobile ad bullet, spanning from consulting to infrastructure and ad delivery. Meanwhile, the big five carriers in the UK -- Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, O2, and 3 -- have announced that they're working with the GSM Association to develop a common standard for measuring mobile ad reach, a marked change in some of the carriers' typical policies of keeping customer metrics well out of reach of potential advertisers and therefore limiting interest. One of those carriers, O2, has separately revealed that it has launched its own mobile advertising service (take that, Nokia Media Network) following a 2007 trial that will allow advertisers to get really, really down and dirty with their target demos -- age, location, browsing behavior, and so on -- through a system that generated a 6 percent click-through rate in testing. As long as the average phone display stays QVGA or lower, we're pretty sure we're not down with teeny, tiny banner ads all up in our business, but it's the wave of the future, it seems.

[Via mocoNews]

Read - Nokia Media Network
Read - Nokia Siemens Networks
Read - UK mobile companies to develop advertising standards
Read - O2 sets sights on mobile advertising market

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3adadsadvertisinghutchison 3Hutchison3mwcnokianokia media networknokia siemensNokiaMediaNetworkNokiaSiemenso2oranget-mobilevodafoneMon, 11 Feb 2008 22:12:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone customers on O2 now get more bang for their buck]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/iphone-customers-on-o2-now-get-more-bang-for-their-buck/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/iphone-customers-on-o2-now-get-more-bang-for-their-buck/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/iphone-customers-on-o2-now-get-more-bang-for-their-buck/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

So we've got to ask -- if the iPhone is allegedly O2's best selling device ever, why is fat already getting trimmed out of the carrier's plan offerings? No bother; we've always found that when a carrier wants to give us more for our hard-earned quid, we're best off blindly accepting the offer and asking questions later. A tariff restructuring currently underway now gives £35 / month subscribers 600 voice minutes and 500 texts -- up from 200 of both -- while current £55 / month subscribers will see £10 shaved off their bills and the current £45 plan goes away. The high-end £75 plan rolls deep with 3,000 minutes and 500 texts; not unlimited, granted, but at least all three new plans still include unlimited data. Current owners shouldn't have to do anything to see the benefits of the new plans.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneo2plantariffSun, 03 Feb 2008 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Come get your Touch Cruise: Xda Orbit 2 now available from O2]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/01/come-get-your-touch-cruise-xda-orbit-2-now-available-from-o2/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/01/come-get-your-touch-cruise-xda-orbit-2-now-available-from-o2/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/01/come-get-your-touch-cruise-xda-orbit-2-now-available-from-o2/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

It's bad enough that we're getting teased with the HTC Touch Cruise from afar, but to hardened customers in the US, the fact that O2's offering the Xda Orbit 2 for as little as £0 is just icing on the hate cake. The phone looks arguably even better in O2's very customized trim, too, sporting a glossy black case in which to stuff its 3 megapixel camera, GPS, 256MB of ROM, and WiFi. Were it not for the 2100MHz-only HSDPA, we'd be liable to smuggle a few across the pond, we reckon.

[Via CoolSmartPhone]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>o2orbit 2Orbit2touch cruiseTouchCruiseukwindows mobileWindowsMobilexdaFri, 01 Feb 2008 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's M110 "Solid" phone is rugged, boring]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/04/samsungs-m110-solid-phone-is-rugged-boring/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/04/samsungs-m110-solid-phone-is-rugged-boring/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/04/samsungs-m110-solid-phone-is-rugged-boring/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Samsung, O2, EDGE

Samsung's M110 "Solid" phone is apparently making its way to the UK soon, bringing with it a ruggedized exterior sure to resist even the most violent attacks (or scratching, at least). Aside from the tough exterior the device, it's actually a fantastically boring GSM phone, featuring EDGE / GPRS data, a 240 x 320 screen, Bluetooth, a VGA camera, FM tuner... and MMS! The Korean electronics-maker claims this phone is the "first ultra durable handset," which is wildly inaccurate, though the device can apparently withstand shocks, water, and hanging out with Tara Reid for a night. Price is expected to hover somewhere near the £59.99 mark (or about $119), and will be available in the UK on the O2 network soon.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>m110ruggedizedsamsungsgh m110SghM110Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 chief checks in with Jobs, tells him iPhone sales are on track]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/25/o2-chief-checks-in-with-jobs-tells-him-iphone-sales-are-on-trac/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/25/o2-chief-checks-in-with-jobs-tells-him-iphone-sales-are-on-trac/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/25/o2-chief-checks-in-with-jobs-tells-him-iphone-sales-are-on-trac/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

Following a rather bold claim regarding the iPhone's alleged status as O2's fastest selling device in history, the carrier's CEO paid a little visit out to Cupertino last week to brief Steve personally on just how warmly the iPhone has been received across the pond. Chief Executive Matthew Key says that he expects 200,000 iPhones to be sold on his network by the end of January, meeting O2's expectations set prior to its November launch -- despite the fact that analysts are claiming many more could be sold by then (we suppose it's better to underestimate than overestimate). That's not really the big news here, though; Key also told Jobs that his network's iPhone customers are consuming data at a far more aggressive rate than others, with a full 60 percent using 25MB a month or more compared to just 1.8 percent among the general O2 populace. That, of course, is where the real money lies for O2 in this whole exclusive iPhone deal with Apple, since Cupertino is doing a magnificent job of siphoning off virtually any hope of profit from the hardware itself. In other news, Key says he's confident that O2 will snap up the 3G version of the iPhone when it's launched next year -- especially since Vodafone, Orange, and others should be locked out on account of O2's multi-year contract with Apple in the UK.

[Via mocoNews]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphonematthew keyMatthewKeyo2steve jobsSteveJobsukTue, 25 Dec 2007 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[UK carriers ganging up on 3?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/16/uk-carriers-ganging-up-on-3/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/16/uk-carriers-ganging-up-on-3/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/16/uk-carriers-ganging-up-on-3/#commentsFiled under: O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Hutchison 3

The underdog in Britain's mobile market, 3, is accusing its larger rivals of trying to shut it out of the market to the tune of £250 million (about $500 million), taking its sob story all the way to the UK's court system. The claim revolves around a series of meetings in 2005 of the Operator Steering Group -- a group to which Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, O2, and 3 all belonged -- in which everyone but 3 voted to keep the nation's number transfer delay at five days, despite the fact that the process takes mere hours in other European countries. 3 claims that the larger carriers are using this excruciatingly long window to convince folks porting their numbers to 3 to stay by throwing fantastic discount packages their way. On the surface it all sounds like a plea for government help when the little guy finds itself unable to compete, but who knows, maybe there's some actual collusion going on here.

[Via textually.org]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3hutchison 3Hutchison3o2oranget-mobilevodafoneSun, 16 Dec 2007 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[UK iPhones having service / reception issues?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/27/uk-iphones-having-service-reception-issues/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/27/uk-iphones-having-service-reception-issues/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/27/uk-iphones-having-service-reception-issues/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

It's not clear how widespread the problem is, but a number of iPhone users in the UK are reporting serious reception issues on O2's network. Our source in the UK has told us that his O2 iPhone currently has no service in the same room as other O2 phones with five bars and an unlocked iPhone on Vodafone with full service, and Apple's UK support forums are buzzing with similar reports. Users are also reporting that replacement iPhones don't exhibit the same problems, so the problem might be with the device itself -- but that would be strange, seeing as iPhones in other countries don't have the same issues. For its part, Apple appears to be replacing units as they're brought in, and hasn't made any official statement on the matter yet -- any UK iPhone users out there care to chime in?

[Thanks, Wil]

Read - InformationWeek article
Read - Apple Support thread about the issue

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneTue, 27 Nov 2007 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 finally getting HTC Kaiser as "Xda Stellar" -- or "Stella" perhaps]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/o2-finally-getting-htc-kaiser-as-xda-stellar-or-stella-pe/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/o2-finally-getting-htc-kaiser-as-xda-stellar-or-stella-pe/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/o2-finally-getting-htc-kaiser-as-xda-stellar-or-stella-pe/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Seems like a pretty egregious error on O2's part to throw up a promotional image of its upcoming HTC Kaiser variant with a big, fat typo up top -- but at the same time, we have an easier time believing that they're coining it the "Xda Stellar," not the "Xda Stella." The text below the picture uses the Stellar name, so that's what we're going with for the time being until we hear otherwise. Anyhoo, by all appearances, this is pretty much the same Kaiser everyone else has gotten, and with a projected release window in December, we're a little surprised to see O2 so far behind the curve here. Too little, too late, or is HTC's finest QWERTY device still going to find droves of buyers by the time it finally launches?

[Via MoDaCo and Mobiholics]

Update: O2's already corrected its mistake, it's officially the Xda Stellar. Makes more sense that way, eh? Thanks, Gears!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>htckaisero2stellastellarukwindows mobilewindows mobile 6WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6wm6xdaxda stellaxda stellarXdaStellaXdaStellarTue, 20 Nov 2007 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Touch getting upgraded on some carriers]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/htc-touch-getting-upgraded-on-some-carriers/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/htc-touch-getting-upgraded-on-some-carriers/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/htc-touch-getting-upgraded-on-some-carriers/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, T-Mobile, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE

Time flies, doesn't it? Seems like it was just a few months ago that HTC announced the HTC Touch. Ah, that's right, it was just a few months ago. Anyway, time stops for no phone in the wireless industry, and HTC's been hard at work re-upping the Touch with twice the RAM and ROM -- now up to 128MB and 256MB, respectively -- and O2 Germany, T-Mobile Germany, and T-Mobile UK have all snapped the new model right up into their inventories. Get 'em now, if you're lucky enough to be within range of such a carrier.

[Via the::unwired]

Read - T-Mobile UK
Read - T-Mobile Germany
Read - O2 Germany

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanyhtcnovao2t-mobiletouchukxdaxda novaXdaNovaTue, 20 Nov 2007 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 claims iPhone is its fastest-selling device -- ever]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/19/o2-claims-iphone-is-its-fastest-selling-device-ever/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/19/o2-claims-iphone-is-its-fastest-selling-device-ever/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/19/o2-claims-iphone-is-its-fastest-selling-device-ever/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

Neither O2 nor Carphone Warehouse are interested in disclosing exact numbers regarding the opening week of iPhone sales in the UK -- a tightlipped tactic some are seeing as a sign that sales failed to meet expectations -- but for what it's worth, O2's got a few positive (albeit vague) things to say about the festivities. CEO of Telefónica O2 Europe Peter Erskine says that the iPhone has been the "fastest-selling device" for O2 ever. "Ever" is a strong word, but it's exactly the one Mr. Erskine chose during O2's most recent earnings call despite rumors that sales were light at retail outlets across the land. Furthermore, he claimed that a full two-thirds of buyers were new to the carrier; conquests from competing carriers are naturally more highly valued than upgrades, so that's a big deal if it holds true. British readers, what's your take? Is the buzz at a rolling boil, or have you yet to see an iPhone used in public?

[Via iLounge]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneo2ukMon, 19 Nov 2007 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone's solution to iPhone-related defections: shutdown customer service?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/12/vodafones-solution-to-iphone-related-defections-shutdown-custo/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/12/vodafones-solution-to-iphone-related-defections-shutdown-custo/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/12/vodafones-solution-to-iphone-related-defections-shutdown-custo/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Vodafone, Apple

The Inquirer is reporting that Vodafone UK's customer service line used for defecting customers is down. In fact, it's been down the entire weekend since the iPhone's Friday launch. Instead, Vodafone customers looking to change their status to O2 customers are being greeted with an automated voice response asking them to try again later. Coincidence? Maybe. It's certainly timely having already witnessed the carrier defection rate following the US launch.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneo2rumorvodafoneMon, 12 Nov 2007 06:08:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 announces O2 Xda orbit 2, aka HTC Polaris and HTC Touch Cruise]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/o2-announces-o2-xda-orbit-2-aka-htc-polaris-and-htc-touch-cruis/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/o2-announces-o2-xda-orbit-2-aka-htc-polaris-and-htc-touch-cruis/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/o2-announces-o2-xda-orbit-2-aka-htc-polaris-and-htc-touch-cruis/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

The O2 Xda orbit 2 enters officialdom and adds yet another name to an already confused HTC device. The TouchFLO-enabled replacement for the 2006-ish Xda orbit brings a pile of new niceties to the line and a pretty slick new look to boot. Featuring 128 MB / 256 MB of RAM and ROM, a 400 MHz Qualcomm CPU, GPS, quad-band GSM, HSDPA (we've heard tri-band and also only 2100), and a 3 megapixel camera with typical Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity thrown in for good measure. Availability is slated for early December from a rock bottom €99 (roughly $140) on contract. If you're in the know and can provide frequency clarity for us, please do.

[Via the::unwired]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HTCO2Orbitpolaristouchtouch cruiseTouchCruisetouchFLOxdaxda orbitXdaOrbitWed, 07 Nov 2007 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone UK: set to roll Friday at 6:02]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/06/iphone-uk-set-to-roll-friday-at-6-02/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/06/iphone-uk-set-to-roll-friday-at-6-02/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/06/iphone-uk-set-to-roll-friday-at-6-02/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, GSM, EDGE, Apple, OS X

Nothing new to report, just letting our UK brethren know that Apple is set to roll with their iPhone launch. Friday at 6:02 (get it, "oh two," meh) is the official launch time. Here are the stats:

Limit 2 per person
On sale at more than 1,300 Apple, O2, and Carphone Warehouse retail locations
Free workshops Saturday morning at Apple locations
"Hundreds" of new iPhone specialists hired and trained at O2
£269 (inc VAT) with 18 month contract
Three iPhone tariffs available starting at £35 -- including free unlimited data use
Free unlimited use of The Cloud WiFi at 7,500 UK locations

Oh, and it's not mentioned, but they'll happily toss in a hack-proof firmware at no additional cost. Lucky you. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading iPhone UK: set to roll Friday at 6:02

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneo2ukTue, 06 Nov 2007 03:57:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone international: Apple schedules iPhone workshop in Canada; O2 scraps limited-unlimited data]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/05/iphone-international-apple-schedules-iphone-workshop-in-canada/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/05/iphone-international-apple-schedules-iphone-workshop-in-canada/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/05/iphone-international-apple-schedules-iphone-workshop-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: O2, Rogers Wireless, Apple

Now why, dear readers, would the Apple store at the Eaton Centre in Ontario, Canada, be hosting an iPhone workshop? Could it be that the iPhone is headed to colder climes in time enough for the holidays? Or is it just a simple mistake? Judge for yourself. We just hope this little mishap doesn't get that Eaton Centre Apple events coordinator fired.

Oh, and that not-so-"unlimited" data the iPhone was getting in the UK on O2? Turns out that apparently the carrier's reversed its decision to cap iPhone users' data at a mere 100-200MB, apparently stating, "There is no limit on the monthly network usage. However if we feel that your activities are so excessive that other customers are detrimentally affected, we may give you a written warning (by email or otherwise)." We're not really sure what the fuss is about, O2's rolling out a legacy EDGE network specifically for the use of iPhone users, why fuss over a device that can't be (easily) tethered to a laptop and has slow-ass EDGE data and quick WiFi?

Read - Apple schedules iPhone workshop in Canada [Thanks, Ethan]
Read - O2 scraps limited-unlimited data [Via TUAW]

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaiphoneo2Mon, 05 Nov 2007 01:17:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone v1.1.2 breaks jailbreak -- coming to the UK on Friday]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/04/iphone-v1-1-2-breaks-jailbreak-coming-to-the-uk-on-friday/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/04/iphone-v1-1-2-breaks-jailbreak-coming-to-the-uk-on-friday/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/04/iphone-v1-1-2-breaks-jailbreak-coming-to-the-uk-on-friday/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Apple

When we first got our hands on the UK iPhone back in September, it was already running the 1.1.1 firmware. The same firmware which helpfully bricked a number of hacked iPhones Stateside upon later release. Now T3 is claiming that the UK iPhone -- set for release on November 9th -- is kicking 1.1.2 under the glass. Besides support for French and German keyboard layouts and characters, the other notable change is the shuttering of the TIFF exploit used to jailbreak and then install (and unlock) third party applications on the 1.1.1 iPhone and iPod touch. With the possibility that Apple might release 1.1.2 globally with the UK launch on Friday, consider yourselves warned. It's not like there's a lot of incentive for you to update anyway (remember, it's optional) what with the latest jailbreak simultaneously exploiting and then plugging the TIFF exploit to keep your browsing safe. For whatever it's worth, the February SDK isn't too far away -- perhaps you should wait 'till then to get right with The Steve.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.1.2applebreaking newsBreakingNewsfirmwarehackiphonejailbreako2ukSun, 04 Nov 2007 03:52:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 Asia is dead, long live MWG]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/02/o2-asia-is-dead-long-live-mwg/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/02/o2-asia-is-dead-long-live-mwg/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/02/o2-asia-is-dead-long-live-mwg/#commentsFiled under: O2

First, the bad news: the rumors have turned out be true, O2's pulling out of its Southeast Asian biz. Now the good: rising from the ashes is a new operation, MWG, that looks ready and willing to carry on with O2 Asia's product lineup. In fact, MWG's website says that they've outright inherited O2 Asia's entire management team, so really, it's the same company in shiny new clothes. Current offerings include the Xda Atom Life, Xda Flame, and Xda Zinc -- not a bad start, if Windows Mobile is your thing -- and they're promising "an exciting roadmap" through 2008. Best of luck, fellas!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiamwgo2o2 asiaO2AsiaFri, 02 Nov 2007 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA["Unlimited" iPhone data plans on T-Mobile, O2 and Orange not so unlimited]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/29/unlimited-iphone-data-plans-on-t-mobile-o2-and-orange-not-so/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/29/unlimited-iphone-data-plans-on-t-mobile-o2-and-orange-not-so/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/29/unlimited-iphone-data-plans-on-t-mobile-o2-and-orange-not-so/#commentsFiled under: O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Apple

Europeans are pretty used to paying through the nose for usage charges, whether it be by-the-minute charges for local calls in the landline days of yore, or per-KB charges for wireless data. The up side is that there are usually some pretty sweet prices on phones, since wireless companies know they can make it up on the back end, but for heavy users things can get expensive fast. And unfortunately, the glorious promises of "unlimited" data usage tacked onto iPhone plans offered by T-Mobile, O2 and Orange in their respective iPhone-exclusive markets aren't quite the revolution we might've hoped for. T-Mobile just posted its rate plans for the November 9th iPhone launch, though it quickly pulled them from the site. Eagle-eyed observers grabbed a screenshot of the rates (pictured), but what's notable is the fine print: depending on which plan you select -- M, L or XL -- you're limited to 200MB, 1GB or 5GB of data, after which your data speeds are limited to 64Kbps, instead of EDGE's traditional 220Kbps max. O2, whose rates have been up since day one, has a slightly vaguer "fair usage policy" that gives O2 the right to slap you with extra charges or change your rate plan if you exceed 200MB of use, though they claim this rarely happens. Details on Orange's rate plans for the iPhone haven't emerged yet, but Orange France has historically some of the priciest unlimited data rates, and has a standing policy to just go ahead and slap per-KB charges once the limit is crossed. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

[Thanks, Patrick]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefrancegermanyiphoneo2oranget-mobileukunlimited dataUnlimitedDataMon, 29 Oct 2007 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 launches "unlimited" data plans for the rest of us]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/07/o2-launches-unlimited-data-plans-for-the-rest-of-us/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/07/o2-launches-unlimited-data-plans-for-the-rest-of-us/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/07/o2-launches-unlimited-data-plans-for-the-rest-of-us/#commentsFiled under: Messaging, Multimedia, O2

It was practically a foregone conclusion, but O2 has finally revealed pricing on "unlimited" data Bolt Ons for mobiles not dubbed iPhone. Unfortunately, the word unlimited has a very interesting meaning in this scenario, as Pay & Go users who purchase the plan for £7.50 ($15) / month are told to keep their usage under 200MB per period, or else O2 could cancel their service or charge more to compensate. Moreover, the £30 ($61) Web Max package is available for monthly subscribers and to those who'd like to tether their mobile to a PC, but alas, you better not exceed 3GB of usage per month unless you'd like to be monitored and / or slapped on the wrist. Lastly, the Unlimited BlackBerry plan will run you £10 ($20) per month, but is still guarded by a 200MB quasi-limit.

[Via mocoNews]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bolt onBoltOndata planDataPlano2umlimitedunlimited dataUnlimitedDataSun, 07 Oct 2007 06:32:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 Germany's turns HTC Touch Dual into "Xda star"]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/04/o2-germanys-turns-htc-touch-dual-into-xda-star/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/04/o2-germanys-turns-htc-touch-dual-into-xda-star/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/04/o2-germanys-turns-htc-touch-dual-into-xda-star/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, HTC, O2, Windows Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Didn't take long at all following HTC's official announcement of the Touch Dual for carriers to start getting on board. First up is O2 German with the "Xda star," continuing O2's longstanding tradition of appending somewhat random words onto "Xda" to come up with names for its smartphone hardware. The Xda star's design differs slightly from the Touch Dual reference design -- note the retooled button layout below the screen -- but specs are otherwise unchanged. It'll be available in the SureType-esque 20-key layout only when it launches next month for just shy of €30 (about $43) on a two-year contract. Man, can we get it for $43 on contract, please?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanyhtco2o2 germanyO2Germanytouchtouch dualTouchDualwindows mobilewindows mobile 6WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6wm6xdaxda starXdaStarThu, 04 Oct 2007 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone shows "E" in plain ol' GPRS coverage?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/19/iphone-shows-e-in-plain-ol-gprs-coverage/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/19/iphone-shows-e-in-plain-ol-gprs-coverage/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/19/iphone-shows-e-in-plain-ol-gprs-coverage/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

We reckon this topic's going to heat up immensely as O2's EDGE and iPhone rollouts cross paths in the next few weeks, but at the moment, it's really only applicable to the privileged few sporting unlocked examples in their European pockets: what happens when you're covered by GPRS, not EDGE? AT&T's done a pretty good job of blanketing its entire coverage area with the so-called 2.5G tech, so we really haven't had an opportunity to test GPRS operation of the iPhone (thank goodness) here -- but tech.am is reporting that an unlocked unit on Vodafone Spain still shows the "E" symbol in the status bar with nary an EDGE signal to be found. Did Apple get the memo that the "E" actually stands for something?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleedgeiphoneo2Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Jobs in Berlin tomorrow, France on Thursday?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/steve-jobs-in-berlin-tomorrow-france-on-thursday/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/steve-jobs-in-berlin-tomorrow-france-on-thursday/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/steve-jobs-in-berlin-tomorrow-france-on-thursday/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Apple, OS X

Now, we know how hot-under-the collar you guys get when we note El-Jobso's movements in Europe, but news is news, people. Just as speculated yesterday, it appears that the Apple honcho is working his way across Europe, moving nation-to-nation to spread the good word of iPhone wherever his New Balance touch ground. Not content with just launching the device in London for the O2 network, the company is taking this show on the road, traveling to Berlin on Wednesday where Jobs and his turtleneck will supposedly announce a partnership for the iPhone with T-Mobile. Expect EDGE, lots of screen touching, and Steve saying, "OH-, eine weitere Sache." Then, as we hear, it's off to France for some sightseeing. Just kidding... about the sightseeing.

[Thanks, Floris]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementberlineuropeeventfrancegermanyiphonesteve jobsSteveJobst-mobileTue, 18 Sep 2007 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[3G iPhone coming early next year?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/3g-iphone-coming-early-next-year/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/3g-iphone-coming-early-next-year/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/3g-iphone-coming-early-next-year/#commentsFiled under: O2, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Apple

Steve's response to our question about the lack of 3G on the iPhone was kinda reasonable -- battery life is a major issue on current 3G chips -- but that doesn't mean the technology isn't improving rapidly. According to The Street, we could see an iPhone with a 3G capable chip by the first quarter of next year. Of course, Apple declined to comment -- they never talk about future products -- but we wouldn't be surprised if the company dumps a proper HSDPA / UMTS device onto the market around that time, and Steve Jobs did make it pretty clear that 3G battery life constraints should be lifted by "later next year," and that 2nd and 3rd gen iPhones are certainly in the works. We seriously hope they come sooner than later: EDGE + WiFi is a horrible compromise these days, what with 7.2Mbps mobile connections starting to pop up around Europe.

[Thanks, Adam P.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3GiPhoneTue, 18 Sep 2007 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPhone hits O2 in the UK on November 9th]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/apple-iphone-hits-o2-in-the-uk-on-november-9th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/apple-iphone-hits-o2-in-the-uk-on-november-9th/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/apple-iphone-hits-o2-in-the-uk-on-november-9th/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, O2, EDGE, Apple, OS X

Ending months of intense, practically insane speculation, Apple just confirmed its first European carrier for the iPhone: O2 is scoring exclusive UK rights to the hotly contested device, and will be launching it on November 9th for £269 including VAT. Unlimited data comes standard with the £35, £45 and £55 voice plans, which include 200, 600 and 1200 minutes, respectively, and 200 SMS for the cheapest plan, but 500 messages for the other two. Just like the rumors (finally) predicted, Carphone Warehouse is being pulled in to beef up retail presence for O2, with 1300 retail locations, each with an "expert" on the iPhone. Naturally, Apple's not doing anything fancy here, and is announcing the same old EDGE phone we know and love here in the States -- shattering the 2007 3G pipe dreams of millions of Europeans -- but has made up for it slightly by scoring free WiFi for O2 iPhone users at the 7,500 hotspots serviced by Cloud in the UK. Those hotspots will certainly come in handy when trapesing through O2's EDGE-deficient network -- only 30% of the country will be covered by launch time. Of course, if you aren't keen on Visual Voicemail or Apple's blessing, there are certainly plenty of unlocked iPhones to be had between now and launch.

[Thanks, Josh for the O2 link]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewseuropeiphoneo2Tue, 18 Sep 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 store down, iPhone launch imminent]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/o2-store-down-iphone-launch-imminent/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/o2-store-down-iphone-launch-imminent/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/18/o2-store-down-iphone-launch-imminent/#commentsFiled under: O2, Apple

We don't pay too close attention to how frequently the O2 online store goes down; hell, we only pay attention to the Apple store's ups and downs because every time Apple takes it offline we get about a hundred tips letting us know. But tonight the store-down moment goes to O2, which supposedly pretty much has the lock on the iPhone (pun not intended) in the UK. Check back here shortly, we'll have all the live coverage you could possibly need (and then some).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphonestoreTue, 18 Sep 2007 04:13:00 EST