Omio

Nokia 1650 For £0 At Carphone Warehouse. It’s Free. Seriously.

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 (565)

Yes, it’s true. Only a day after they were selling the Motorola W180 for £2.88, the Carphone Warehouse are giving the Nokia 1650 for absolutely nothing!

Whilst it isn’t quite a scam of Bernard Madoff proportions, there is a catch in that the phone is only free if you purchase £30 of Orange PrePay credit at the same time…

It is a lot more sparse in terms of specs than the Motorola W180, without even a camera to snap your own smug grin at getting such a bargain!

Now there really is no excuse to have a mobile, even if it is a tad stylistically challenged…

Forget ‘Smart,’ Think ‘Cute’ With Motorola Concept Phone!

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 (565)

Instead of looking like a typical sharp edged, minimalist electric shaver like most concept phones, this Motorola handset designed by Joseph Liang goes for the cute factor in spades!

Coming across like an alien/dog hybrid, the super simple concept phone eschews buttons and megapixels, instead offering a very sweet design for style conscious folk, complete with little ‘horns’! Imagine the sales to Japanese schoolgirls of a phone like this…

More super sweet images below!

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Motorola ROKR EM35: Worst. Timing. Ever.

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 (565)

Oh Motorola. If you do insist on launching another ROKR handset, why would you do it on the same day that Nokia decide to release details on their most important device this decade?

Anyway, for a break from the N97 coverage if nothing else, Omio will give the new Motorola ROKR EM35 the column inches it deserves!

That’s just the thing…it seems like a really decent phone! Just their choice of timing to tell the world about it is woeful.

This latest music-driven handset from Motorola comes with a robust media player, access to their online store and patented CrystalTalk technology which makes calls as clear as a bell.

The rotate-y “FastScroll” which we had teething issues with in our ROKR E8 review makes a return, rebuffed and ready to give quick and easy access to your fave tunes.

The 110MB internal memory can be bolstered by anything up to a 32GB microSD card, and the 3.15 megapixel camera has a zoom and can capture both still and moving images.

So, yeah. That’s the Motorola ROKR EM35. We now return you to hour 9 of the interweb’s blanket coverage of the Nokia N97…

Windows Mobile 6.5 ‘Leaked’, Get New Mobile Internet Explorer Now!

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 (565)

Yes, that was Omio’s official entry for the 2008 ‘Misleading Post Title’ awards, and we think that we stand a pretty good chance with that!

Anyway, the leak of the new Windows Mobile 6.5 was not the software itself, rather a couple of appealing ’screenshots’ (courtesy of SmartPhoneFrance). If these were real and not just Bee Movie-inspired fakes, then we would have been a bit impressed!

Whilst these pictures may not be it, Microsoft have certainly been quite vocal in recent days regarding the possibility of an upgrade to their Windows interface for mobile phones, as has Motorola’s CEO. The user experience for the current iteration of Windows Mobile certainly falls behind Apple’s slick iPhone, and they are acting quickly to redress the balance.

What has been released is a demo of the new Internet Explorer for Windows Mobile, and it is pretty impressive stuff! Boasting an experience more in line with desktop web browsing, Mobile 6 offers:

- Automatic layout changes to accommodate a smaller screen (text wrap)

- Richer multimedia experience (Adobe Flash Lite 3.1 for Adobe Flash content)

- Deeper search integration

- Touch and gesture support

It is an emulator, so works on your computer rather than your phone, get it from here.

Good point made in the forums, Internet Explorer 6 for PCs was not fondly regarded by many, and conjuring up thoughts of those times by reusing the name may not be wise…

Source:  MSMobiles

Samsung Topples Motorola To Become No.1 In U.S. Market, Apple Beats BlackBerry In Smartphone Sector

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 (565)

With all the Q3 2008 numbers finally in, it shows some exciting changes in the mobile phone industry!

Whilst overall phone shipments topped out at almost 40 million units over the third quarter, Samsung managed to overtake the inexplicably successful Motorola in the US, becoming the market leader for the first time. A combination of appealing new devices, cut-throat subsidies and shrewd marketing (off the back of a weak Korean currency allowing cheaper shipments) has managed to wrestle the Motorola RAZR’s death-grip on the US, and not a moment too soon!

Equally groundbreaking is that Apple has snatched second in the extremely competitive smartphone sector, overtaking BlackBerry with 17% of the market covered! It wasn’t all bad news for BlackBerry’s creators RIM though, who themselves have increased their share to 15%, from 10.2 in Q3 of 2007.

The losers? Well, all these market share increases make for sombre reading as far as Nokia is concerned, as other manufacturers chomp Pac-Man style into their huge piece of the smartphone pie. Their market share has declined by a small margin, but it comes as little surprise with their far reaching span of handsets for all regions.

With each of the big four manufacturers pretty much in control of their own operating systems (Nokia have Symbian, Apple and RIM devices run on proprietary software and Motorola uses Linux), it will be interesting to see if Android can muscle its way into what will be an increasingly tough area to penetrate.

Perhaps they have already targeted the unsteady one in the pack, with Motorola recently announcing plans to create an Android-powered device. Either way, 2009 will be a very interesting year in the mobile business, and Omio will keep you abreast of any developments!

Source: Information Week

Motorola Looking To Android For Smartphone Salvation?

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 (565)

This rumour can be filed under ‘B’ for ‘blatant,’ as a Motorola job posting shows they are recruiting for a Senior Staff Interaction Designer to work on an Android-based Social Networking SmartPhone.

As a Senior Staff Interaction Designer, you will be responsible for leading and actively participating in the concept, design, documentation and development of user interfaces for our mobile products including our new Android Social Networking SmartPhone. You’ll lead brainstorming and work sessions, usability and innovation reviews and other forums of design development. In addition to your primary responsibility in the delivery of great design, you will also be expected to mentor other designers, bringing your personal strengths to the rest of the team.

Yeah, told you it was blatant. At least there will be other handsets aiding Google’s plans for world domination with Android, and Motorola needs all the help they can get to break the cycle of releasing clamshell handsets until the end of time.

Source: Android Authority

Nokia Top For Research & Development Spending, Where Are The Phones?

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 (565)

Say what you like about Nokia lacking truly eye-catching designs and playing the ‘wait and see’ game as far as touchscreen handsets go, they are still the biggest spenders in the business when it comes to research and development.

On the 2008 Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, Nokia placed fifth amongst companies which hinge on innovation like Microsoft, Pfizer and Toyota with a spend of €5.3 billion.

They were also the highest placed company based in the EU, beating out Volkswagen and even Daimler-Benz.

Comparing phone companies, Nokia left the rest languishing with Samsung in 12th place, Sony at 24th, Motorola 27th, and Ericsson in the 28th position.

We just hope all that money was spent researching the touchscreen N-series handset rumoured set for an ‘08 release, as opposed to wooden phones and touchscreens made of water. Concepts are all well and good, but they need to be innovators as opposed to playing catch-up in aesthetics to whippersnappers like Apple.

Source: Cellular News

LG Posts Positive Q2 Results, Poised To Take No. 3 Spot

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 (565)

Their tagline rings true, as life certainly is good for the Korean electronics manufacturer if recent financial reports are anything to go by.

Despite their other electronic devices performing well, LG’s mobile sector has been particularly buoyant of late. Selling a record 27.7 million mobile phones from April to June, they have attributed their successes to the luxury handsets performing well with the Secret, the Viewty, and even their cut-price contender, the Orsay attracting huge sales. Also, their focus on the emerging sectors of India and South America has proved profitable.

This puts LG in a strong position moving forward, and with a 9.1% market share and over 50 million sold this year alone, many analysts feel that they could overtake the ailing Motorola to become the third largest phone maker. As recently as March, some were speculating as to whether they could overtake Sony Ericsson, and it took place as predicted only last quarter.

LG does recognise the economic downturn will hit them however, predicting a slowdown in sales for the second half of the year, as fewer new models are released. Still, in light of the difficulties faced by their competitors, LG’s optimistic goal of selling 100 million handsets for 2008 is refreshing.

Motorola Presents…the RAZR!

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 (565)

Analysts argue Motorola is in their current predicament due to a heavy reliance on successful designs, running the risk of alienating existing fans who have grown bored, whilst not generating interest in new consumers.

Doing nothing to address this, Motorola have announced the RAZR2 V9x for the US market, with other territories to follow. Mobile Gazette has details on this handset, as well as the original model.

Let’s play a game. You will find details on one here, and the other here. Now open one in each tab, and click between the two. Without the text, could you really tell them apart?

The new V9x does have GPS on the external screen, which makes for a pretty cool little mobile device. Beyond that, there is so little to distinguish from last year’s model.

Now, you could argue the same for the iPhone 3G, but Apple isn’t trying to keep the wolves from the door like Motorola. Plus, they’ve been doing the clamshell since the Startac in 1996. The RAZR managed to capture public attention, and they’ve been riding it ever since.

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New Japanese Handsets To Make You Weep

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 (565)

Just as high quality VGA screens arrive here with the release of the lovely HTC Touch Diamond, Engadget reminds us that Japan will always be light years ahead with Sharp/Willcom’s Summer mobile phone lineup.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Willcom D4, an unassuming little powerhouse that is more PC than PDA. Styled like a creatine-reared Tytn II, the D4 is an ‘ultra mobile’ running Windows Vista on a 5-inch WSVGA (meaning wide and super VGA) touchscreen, with a full slide out keyboard and a 40GB hard drive. So, yeah, it’s boxy but very good. Also makes our excitement at megapixels slightly misplaced.

Oh, and don’t look at the D4 website, this phone is never coming out here and the slickness will only depress you.

The Willcom D3, whilst not as awesome, is still fairly brilliant with the E8-esque morphing buttons and hot pink sliding QWERTY keyboard. The D9 is more of a traditional Japanese phone, a minimalist flip with a huge screen and all manner of quirky features.

It’s only an eleven hour flight…