Omio

iPhone 3G Fever Hits eBay

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Not sure what it is about eBay that makes usually sane people lose their damn minds. Perhaps it is the pseudo-gambling nature of the bidding game, constantly trying to outbid and outsmart other wily buyers, whilst at the same time staying within your pre-arranged budget. Which you ignore, the second you are outbid.

The first iPhone 3Gs have been spotted on the famous auction site, and the prices are exactly as mental as one would expect. PCWorld has seen 16GB iPhone 3Gs going for as much as $2,325 (£1,169), with the bidding often sailing above $1,000. The 8GB is not immune to these Zimbabwean levels of hyperinflation, changing hands for around $800 at present.

These are regular iPhones, however. Not encrusted in diamonds, nor can they make you more appealing to the opposite sex. However, there are still plenty of countries where the new iPhone has not been released at all, so the international clamour to secure one is palpable. Greece, for example. No iPhones there yet. How dull their mobile phone blogs must be…

Before you all go off and sell kidneys for an iPhone, do try to look at the small print in these auctions. Many are being touted as unlocked for any network, something which we all know is quite impossible at present, don’t we? Pretty sure that these are the kinds of sellers that don’t do refunds, leaving you with a really expensive paperweight until a unlocking solution is found.

With queues outside the Apple store in New York still forming in the hope of stock replenishments, cyberspace may well be the only place to get an iPhone 3G in the foreseeable future. Having said that, rumours are circulating that redemption may be in sight for UK shoppers. Word is that July 25th will be the day for the iPhone 3G to go back into o2 stores, there is also this page showing which stores have them in stock right now. Go crazy, Omagh!

You could always take the easy way out and sign up for our alerts, let Omio take the strain. We will endeavour to tell you the instant the iPhone 3G, or any phone currently untouchable for that matter, becomes available online. We’re nice like that.

Sony Ericsson Reveals New Walkman Range

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Sure enough, the countdown clock ran out and this morning marked the launch of three new Walkman handsets from Sony Ericsson, each targeting different demographics with clinical precision.

The W302 is an unashamedly entry-level mobile, yet possesses the looks and features one might expect from something a bit more classy. Much was made of the very slight frame of the W302, it being only 10.5mm thick and still complete with all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from a W-series. The aluminium fronted device also sports a 2 megapixel camera, a 512MB memory card and Bluetooth stereo functionality - all pretty impressive given that its the cheapest Walkman phone yet.

The W595 is a nice little slider phone, set to pick up from where the highly successful W580 left off. It has a huge 2.2 inch screen, a 3.2 megapixel camera and comes with a 2GB memory card to plonk your tunes on. From here on in things, get a little ‘Sony’ with some quirky features… The ‘SensMe’ function is an odd little thing that was introduced on the W910i, apparently it is able to automatically sense mood in music tracks allowing them to be sorted accordingly. Cool, and according to this review, works pretty well too!

The ’shake control’ for changing tracks and volume has returned, but it still needs an elastic tether like a child’s mitten to stop me from shaking it under a passing bus. What can I say, I’m an overzealous shaker. Apparently pressing buttons for music navigation is considered retro, but is thankfully still catered for on the W595.

The tech blog speculations were pretty much on the money, as the W302 and W595 were unveiled as expected. The big shock was the new flagship in the Walkman empire - the W902. A luxury handset in every sense of the word, the W902 attempts to reaffirm the Walkman phone as an object of desire in the eyes of the masses.

Loaded with a 5 megapixel camera, amazing sound quality and a gorgeous 2.2″ mineral glass screen, it looks to be a replacement for all your gadget comforts. It comes equipped with an 8GB memory card, and it is shaping up to be the ultimate music phone. Pretty much what the Walkman brand is all about!

All of these phones are slated for a Q4 release, and we are very much looking to getting them in for a quick review. All in all, Sony look to be following the Nokia school of attacking on all fronts. With this line up, it could prove to be a very successful strategy.

Xperia X1 On 3 By Xmas? Xcellent!

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Coming in a close second after a Gregory iPhone cosy on our Xmas wish list is a release date for Sony Ericsson’s smartphone, the Xperia X1.

Tech Digest has slid down our chimney and scoffed our cookies by claiming a November ‘08 release date for our current number one handset.

Apparently it was announced as a winter release on 3, however the X1’s presence on other networks is unknown at present. They even go in enough detail to mention it being on a £30 per month tariff. However, they did also say that it was delayed until 2009 way back in March…

Speculation? Maybe, but they could release the X1 on a tariff of £50 and a monthly punch in the groin and we’d still be queueing like they were giving away chocolate-covered iPhones.

This 3G handset comes with HSDPA, a 3 inch touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera and the gorgeous 3 x 3 ‘panel’ interface seen here. Any excuse to link to that video…

Never underestimate the power of Omio getting results. Last week, it was the Omnia being announced by Samsung after we put some pressure on ‘em, now after reminding Sony they had the Xperia X1, here it is! We do it for you.

Nokia Tube Makes Dark Knight Cameo?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

It seems like the new Nokia touchscreen handset isn’t afraid of the limelight, with a major role in the newest film in the Batman franchise, the Dark Knight.

In one scene, Lucius Fox (played by Morgan Freeman) uses what looks like the Nokia 5800 Tube to perform all manner of cool surveillance-related things, unfortunately the majority of those functions will be confined to the big screen. Don’t want to release any spoilers ahead of release, but suffice to say it looks pretty amazing!

These grainy images from Cellular show the Tube in yet another scene, as we are pretty sure those aren’t Morgan’s dainty fingers…

As for a release date of the real thing, Nokia are definitely planning their assault on the tactile screen market for 2008, so expect some further news regarding this in the coming months. Very exciting gadget news nonetheless, and judging by the rave reviews and No.1 status on IMDB, looks like the movie isn’t too bad either.

iPwned

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Well, the wait is finally over…at least for Mac owners. Yes, finally the iPhone Dev Team have released the Pwnage 2.0 software, allowing all iPhone/iPod Touch owners the best of both worlds, with both the App Store and third party unofficial stuff ready and working on a single handset.

Obviously their servers have gone into complete meltdown, but persevere and the download is well worth it!

There have been reports of slight issues in getting Pwnage to jailbreak handsets, but the majority seem to be enjoying it! Oh, and don’t forget this software isn’t quite ready yet for Windows people, with the Apple version coming out first for once. Also, whilst this program does jailbreak an iPhone 3G, it does not yet unlock it from the network’s clutches like it does with a 1st gen.

Our Apps coverage was delayed a bit due to wanting to try it out on a jailbroken handset, but like their site says, “thanks for waiting!” Expect an explosion of stuff about the weird and wonderful world of the App Store, as well as the lesser known Installer in the coming days!

UPDATE : Okay…the first one wasn’t as stable as everyone hoped, but this new 2.0.1 floating around is said to cure all ills and give your hair more shine and body. Keep you posted…

UPDATE 2: Yeah, it works… No network unlocking for iPhone 3G, no Installer support, and no Intellivision Intelliscreen. We are distraught. Alternative third party app device Cydia does work, and that provides some relief, but a lot of the orginal jailbroken goodness is gone. Perhaps hang on for Installer 2.0?

Apple iPhone 3G Sales Figures Rounded Up?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Seems like Apple has learnt another neat trick from the entertainment industry, aside from selling loads of games via digital downloads.

Their claim to have sold one million iPhone 3Gs during launch weekend is being disputed by Gene Munster, an analyst for leading investment bank Piper Jaffray.

Mr. Munster’s calculations seem to differ wildly from the official figure, a result of his survey of US stores and the number of handsets activated give him a far lower final total…

Apple seems to have counted the iPhones shipped during launch weekend, whilst the actual number of those handsets actually reaching end users is far less. Could retailers be holding stock back to give an impression of exclusivity and generate interest? They wouldn’t….would they?

This is all a bit reminiscent of the classic story of Atari’s E.T. for the 2600. One of the most awful games of all time, they shipped an impressive 4 million to stores, unfortunately 2.5 million were shipped back unsold, and promptly found a more permanent home in a New Mexico landfill. Still, they shipped 4 million!

Okay, that is hardly going to be the final destination for those other iPhones, but how may did Apple actually sell? Piper Jaffray says around 425,000. Not too shabby, but not a nice round number for the media to throw out like a million, is it?

Source: MacWorld

Nokia Plans “Mid-range” Touchscreen Handsets

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Okay, so we all know a little bit about the Nokia Tube. Their first touchscreen device, going up against Apple’s iPhone, or are they? In a statement from Nokia’s head honcho of devices, Kai Oistamo, they will be launching a series of touchscreen handsets in the second half of the year.

However these will be aimed at the ‘volume’ market, as opposed to the luxury sector which is currently sewn up by the pricey iPhone 3G (for now). Oistamo feels that this mid-range market could account for around half of the touchphone industry.

What does this mean? That Nokia are playing the numbers, flooding the market with plenty of quality cheap handsets and subsequently cleaning up. It’s all well and good selling a few million, but when Nokia move in excess of 120 million handsets a quarter, then the mass market approach is far more sensible, and profitable.

It worked as the ubiquity of the N95 8GB drove down prices, and they are looking to do so again with the unbelievably well-specced, aggressively priced 6220 Classic. Everyone has an iPhone, but what if everyone has a Nokia Tube?

Bluetooth Brolly

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Want to make an important phonecall, but it’s raining and your hands are already occupied with an umbrella? Well, here’s the Bluetooth Umbrella! It allows for handsfree calls with your phone, a fancy touch screen for options, and manages to include the unique function of shielding the user from precipitation if and when it occurs. An “umbrella,” if you will.

Bless those industrious boffins, or just Mikhail Stawsky. It was his idea, after all.

Yes, it involves talking into the handle of an umbrella whilst walking around, but that makes me look a bit more sane. Better than looking like one of the Borg with a regular Bluetooth headset, too. Make it so.

Source : Yanko Design

Sony Ericsson To Rewind Walkman Brand?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Seems like Sony Ericsson are trying to make a real go of the Walkman name, with a new site counting down to some big phone news on 22nd July at 1000 CET, and ‘celebrating three years in mobile music’.

There are rumours going around the web regarding which handsets are to be announced, but we at Omio don’t want to spoil the surprise. Plus, if it is those ones, then the news will be pretty exciting…

Looking through their speaker-shaped timeline of the past three years, Sony Ericsson has made some real advancements, including 17 million sold in 2006, and over 50 million altogether by the end of ‘07. When the stats are in front of you in such clear terms, it’s tough to see what Sony’s problem is.

So, in four days and fifteen minutes, there will be a live webcast of…whatever is going to happen, something musical presumably. It will then be followed by a live Q&A. All awfully exciting, and definitely the kind of thing Sony needs to spark up interest.

That, and the Xperia. Sorry.

Metal Gear Sold : We Interrupt This Game For A Word From Our Sponsor…

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (128)

Yes, Metal Gear Solid 4 is an awesome game. Possibly the best game ever in fact. As well as taking overblown action sequences and hifalutin dialogue to unseen levels, this game has a less appealing side effect of delusions of cinematic grandeur - product placement. Lots of product placement.

The power of the Playstation 3 has been harnessed in order to shill all manner of gadgets to their captive audience. From Macbooks and iPods, to Triumph motorcycles, to alarm clocks, the new title really pushes the envelope of selling out. It may add a new level of realism in a graphically amazing title, but it also adds new levels of cynicism as Sony Ericsson manages to shoehorn their new W62S phone into a number of scenes.

Photos (and micro-spoilers) follow…

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