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All posts tagged "vodafone"


Sunday, February 8, 2009

Vodafone and 3 Set to Merge In Australia

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC News" @ 07:42 PM

http://www.australianit.news.com.au...5-15306,00.html

"Tough economic times have triggered an upheaval in Australia's $13 billion a year mobile sector with its number three and four players Vodafone Australia and Hutchison "3" forced into merger... The new group, to be named VHA Pty Ltd, will have more than 6 million customers and sell products and services under the Vodafone brand. The deal also appears to signal the death knell of the 3 brand in Australia with Vodafone being earmarked as the new venture's main brand."

Uncertain times have forced Australia's third and fourth largest carriers, Vodafone and 3, into merger. The two operate in all major centres and select rural areas across the country, and currently carry many of HTC's and Samsung's Windows Mobile devices, including the Touch Diamond, Touch Pro, Omnia, i600, and i780. It's expected that once the merger is complete, all products and services will sell under the Vodafone brand, with pricing expected to change in an attempt to take aim at Australia's second largest carrier, Optus.


Monday, November 17, 2008

HP Voice Messenger Smartphone Coming to Vodafone

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "Smartphone News" @ 10:50 AM

http://www.vodafonebusinessshop.co....enger-3080.html

"Those two HP iPAQ handsets we served up a few weeks back have now touched down on the Vodafone website. You can't buy them just yet, but you can at least have a snoop around the handsets and check out the specs. The HP Voice Messenger and the HP Data Messenger are now online and you can get your name down to be informed when they're ready to buy."

If any of our readers out there happen to be on the Vodafone network in the UK, we have some great news for you. Sometime soon you will be able to pick up HP's latest Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard handset, the HP Voice Messenger. This Smartphone features a BlackBerry like 20-key keyboard, 3.1MP camera, voice activated dialing, microSD expansion slot (up to 8GB) as well as quad-band GSM, HSDPA, and Bluetooth connectivity.

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  • Source: CoolSmartphone.com


Friday, October 3, 2008

HP Silver is not Vaporware After All!

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "Smartphone News" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/...ne-in-the-wild/

"After missing its July release target by a country mile, we'd thought the Silver may have been canned -- but nope, she's alive and well, strutting her stuff for a few privileged hands around the world. The HSDPA 7.2Mbps handset with GPS and WiFi takes the original candybar Pearl's wildly successful format and applies a hearty dose of Windows Mobile Standard -- not a concept that's going to appeal to everyone, but for the S740 shoppers of the world, a totally viable alternative. So we know Vodafone has a keen eye on releasing this; anyone else?"

It is nice to see that the HP Silver is still alive and kicking. Unfortunately there is no word on when, if ever, we will see this device on the western side of the pond. Also for those paying attention, yes that is a HTC Faraday running Windows Mobile 6.1 on the left of the HP Silver. It is nice to see the HTC Faraday still getting a little bit of love after all these years.


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

MobileBurn Reviews the Samsung SGH-i620 Smartphone

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "Smartphone News" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=4528

"Our friends at Samsung were kind enough to slip us a bright white SGH-i620 while we were visiting them at the 2008 CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas. This particular i620 was built for Vodafone Italy, and sports the company's "mail & call" logo on its side. The i620 is similar to Samsung's other i6xx series messaging devices, such as the i617 BlackJack II, and runs the same Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard edition operating system. It is a tri-band GSM/EDGE cellphone that can get HSDPA 3G data speeds on 2100MHz networks, such as those in Europe."


[Photo courtesy of MobileBurn]

Michael Oryl from MobileBurn brings us another review of the Samsung i620 Windows Mobile Smartphone. Similar to the i640v that we posted on earlier, this particular device is also on the Vodafone network. It looks like Vodafone is the hip network to be on at the moment. Once again, this is another device that I wish they would bring over to North America. My original Samsung Blackjack is starting to feel a bit dated and all of this Samsung i6xx news is really making me get the "I need a new phone" bug. Guess it's time to start Smartphone shopping again!


Engadget Mobile's Hands-on with the Samsung i640v

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "Smartphone News" @ 12:01 AM

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/...-samsung-i640v/

"Windows Mobile Standard devices are a whole heck of a lot more refined now than they were in the early days, aren't they? Manufacturers have figured out what form factors seem to work best, the quality of the hardware has improved by leaps and bounds (though it admittedly can't ever really be good enough), and the handsets continue to find ways to squeeze blood out of the WinMo 6 stone by way of new capabilities and new skins. The i640v from Samsung -- a Vodafone exclusive for the moment, hence the "v" -- represents the pinnacle of everything Samsung has learned about making these non-touchscreen smartphones over the last several years, and we can honestly say it's one of the most refined and most attractive Windows Mobile phones we've ever used, period. Samsung, T-Mobile, AT&T -- we implore you, bring a version of this to the States, preferably one with 3G that we can use, k? Thanks!"


[Photo courtesy of Engadget Mobile]

Chris Ziegler from Engadget Mobile was lucky enough to have a little hands-on time with the Vodafone's Samsung i640v. This is one slick looking handset. Tiny, compact, shiny and it even includes the same scroll wheel as found on the Samsung Blackjack II. All I can say is that I wholeheartedly agree with Chris — this is one device that I would love to see here in the States. I envy all of our readers that are on the Vodafone network!


Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Samsungs i620 Slider Coming to Vodafone UK

Posted by Mike Temporale in "HARDWARE" @ 05:30 AM

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Samsung-i620-Arrives-at-Vodafone-UK-60232.shtml

Back at the end of May we showed you the new Samsung i620 Slider. There was a fair amount of mixed thoughts on it. Some of you didn't like the sliding keyboard, and some didn't like silver finish. Well, it looks like some of you got your wish. The i620 has appeared on the Vodafone UK web site and is listed as "coming soon". The picture on their site shows a black i620 - no silver for Vodafone UK!

User submitted image

Unfortunately, it's expected that this model will be tri-band only. However, it does have WiFi, Bluetooth, HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS, and measures in at just 113mm x 59mm x 11.8mm and only weighs 95 grams. If Samsung can manage to get a Quad band version out, then I will add this to my must have device list. Ah, who am I kidding; I'll suffer with just a tri-band device. :mrgreen:


Wednesday, May 30, 2007

A Couple Vodafone Networks Get the HTC Vox

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 03:00 PM

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/28/a-couple-vodafone-networks-get-the-htc-vox/

"For fans of Windows Mobile's Smartphone (or "Standard," if you prefer) variant, the Vox pretty much represents the pinnacle of the platform's evolution. HTC's always been good at letting users of its devices have their cake and eat it too -- the Vox is no exception, rocking a numeric keypad up top and a slide-out QWERTY for when the texting starts to get intense. Unfortunately, the phone is still a bit scarce, so there's nothing like news of its release somewhere in the world to perk us up a smidge."

User submitted image

Even though it won't be a 3G device I still think I want one of these. The form factor intrigues me. It is not too unlike my Cingular 8525 which doesn't work as well as a one handed device. The Vox, I think, will.


Thursday, March 22, 2007

Vodafone v1210 Windows Mobile Smartphone Review

Posted by Jerry Raia in "ARTICLE" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=7091

"Vodafone New Zealand has been supporting Windows Mobile devices, Pocket PC and Smartphones, on its voice and data cellular network. But unlike the European Vodafone operations, the Vodafone VPA series didn't arrive in New Zealand until now. For years Vodafone New Zealand users have been able to purchase i-mate branded Windows Mobile devices from Vodafone stores and it is only now that a Vodafone-branded Windows Mobile device arrives here. This honour goes to the Vodafone 1210, a budget Windows Mobile Smartphone designed and manufactured by ASUS."

User submitted image

Maybe because it is a "budget" Smartphone they released it with WM5. WM6 is right around the corner! I don't quite get why but in any case here is a review of the device for your consideration.


Sunday, October 22, 2006

FCC Clears AsusTek 3G Smartphone as the Vodafone VDA IV, First Smartphone to Come Pre-Loaded with Opera Browser

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 09:30 AM

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/22/vodafone-vda-iv-passes-through-fcc/

"At first blush you might think that this slick little number is an HTC vintage, but you'd be wrong. ASUSTeK has a new model due soon in Europe, the VDA IV, a very decent looking Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone device featuring UMTS, tri-band GSM, 128MB flash memory, 64MB SDARM, a 2.2-inch QVGA display, microSD slot, Bluetooth 1.2, USB 1.1 (uhh, ok), 3.5mm headphone jack (huzzah!), 1100mAh battery, and a diminutive 110 x 47 x 18mm body (4.3 x 1.85 x 0.7-inch). We can handle it. The FCC, as always, has the full rundown."

User submitted image

The FCC has cleared the AsusTek Smartphone (FCC ID MSQ-1210) and this time the interesting documents like the photos and the user manual are available for public viewing. They can be viewed over here. The unique thing about this Smartphone is that this is the first Windows Mobile Smartphone to come pre-loaded with the Opera browser. 8O This 3G Smartphone is a Tri-Band GSM unit supporting the European 900/1800/1900 frequencies and the WCDMA 2100 frequency. Read on for more pictures.
User submitted image
Figure 1: Another proof of Opera replacing the Microsoft pocket IE. This screen shot is from the user manual.

User submitted image
Figure 2: The unit has the typical candy bar styling that has now been made popular by HTC devices.


Saturday, September 16, 2006

Vodafone to Offer HTC Devices in Japan

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.htc.com/03-press-060914a.htm

"High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) CEO Peter Chou and Vodafone KK President and Representative Executive Officer Masayoshi Son signed a strategic collaboration agreement under which both parties will collaborate to develop and sell 3G PDA Phones in Japan. With this partnership, HTC, the world's leading provider of Microsoft� Windows Mobile� devices, will utilize its global experience to expand both companies' customer base and market share in Japan. By selling highly advanced 3G PDA Phones manufactured by HTC, Vodafone will gain a stronger foothold in the Japanese market."

There's no talk about what device Vodafone is going to release or if it's a Pocket PC or Smartphone based handset. The import thing is that this could help the adoption of Windows Mobile in the Japanese market. 8)

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  • Source: Pocket PC Thoughts


Saturday, July 8, 2006

Vodafone Germany to Launch the HTC Star Trek as Qtek 8500

Posted by Kris Kumar in "NEWS" @ 05:55 AM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3162

"In addition to the VPA compact III announcement, Vodafone Germany also announced today to release the Qtek 8500 HTC Star Trek or as it is called now "STRTrk") this summer. HTC's first clamshell Windows Mobile Smartphone (see my previous review of the Qtek 8500 here) is sporting quad-band GSM, GPRS and EDGE, communicates in short-range via Bluetooth (but misses IrDA), weights only 99 grams with battery and touts a breath-taking 16mm with a build-in 1.3-megapixel camera and dedicated music control buttons. It's powered by Microsoft's latest Windows Mobile 5.0 and running with a TI OMAP CPU at 200 MHz, has 64 MB RAM and 64 MB ROM. The main 2.2" TFT LCD with LED backlight gives you crystal clear, crisp and vibrant image and colors. The secondary 1.2" TFT LCD on the front cover keeps you always informed of the time and date, identity of callers and what music is playing. Vodafone Germany plans to release it during August and with a 24 month contract it will retail for 169,50 Euro. Without a contract it will costs 599,50 Euro."

User submitted image

Vodafone Germany is the first carrier to announce the launch of the HTC STRTrk on its network. Let's hope that the US carriers will follow with similar announcements. ;-) Some might argue that the slim and QWERTY Smartphones, the Q and the i320, have changed the Smartphone market. I think there is still a huge potential for a slim non-QWERTY clam-shell Smartphone.


Monday, March 13, 2006

Verizon Asks Vodafone To Sell Back Stake

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 07:00 AM

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2006-03-12T130245Z_01_L12754500_RTRIDST_0_TELECOMS-VODAFONE-VERIZON.XML

"U.S. telecom giant Verizon Communications has made an informal approach to Vodafone Group Plc about buying the latter's 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless for about $40 billion, British newspaper the Business reported on Sunday. "We have made our interest in acquiring Vodafone's stake in Verizon Wireless clear," a Verizon source told the paper. "The ball is now in Vodafone's court." Verizon is under pressure to consolidate control of Verizon Wireless in the wake of AT&T's planned acquisition of BellSouth, which will give AT&T complete control of top U.S. wireless company Cingular Wireless."

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  • Source: PhoneScoop.com


Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Vodafone Testing Their v1240 and v1640

Posted by Jerry Raia in "HARDWARE" @ 04:00 PM

http://www.coolsmartphone.com/news2111.html

"These two handsets are familiar to us already on many different networks, however we have it on very good authority that Vodafone are ready to release these in the UK. The HTC Universal (aka o2 XDA Exec / SPV M5000 etc) will be called the Vodafone v1640 a - that's the one with the keyboard. The HTC Tornado (iMate SP5) will be called the Vodafone v1240 - that's the phone-shaped one and yes, it's got the WiFi too."

User submitted image

The picture quality is nothing to cheer about but notice the v1240 has a silver keypad. Think it looks better than the black one? I prefer the black one myself.


Thursday, April 21, 2005

Motorola Confirms MPx220 on Vodafone & Virgin Mobile

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 11:00 AM

http://www.modaco.com/index.php?showtopic=205348

We found this on Modaco. Now our friends across the Atlantic can share the joy :)

User submitted image

"Dear Customer, Thank you for contacting Motorola. In response to your query, the MPX220 is in shipping to Virgin Mobile and Vodafone stores and should be released for sale within the next few weeks."


Wednesday, February 9, 2005

Vodafone Germany to Release the Motorola MPx220

Posted by Jerry Raia in "NEWS" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.ppcw.net/?itemid=2233

"According to the German online magazine heise.de, Vodafone Germany is ready to release the Motorola MPx220 Windows Mobile Smartphone during February this year. Without a contract it should be available for around 470 Euro. Wow, good news for Windows Mobile lovers; after the successful T-Mobile SDA-line launch and o2's announcement to release the MPx220 (wonder when it will happens), now Vodafone Germany joins the Smartphone hype with the MPx220! :-) Germany becomes Smartphone paradise. ;-)"

I have to give it to Vodafone. They were smart and waited until North America finished beta testing the MPx220 for Motorola before unleashing it on their unsuspecting customers. It is good when this Smartphone thing spreads though. I have to ask, how do you say "Can you hear me now?" in German? 8)


Monday, February 9, 2004

Vodafone Reportedly To Offer $40 billion for AT&T Wireless

Posted by Jason Dunn in "NEWS" @ 09:22 PM

http://www.mobilepipeline.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17602477

"British wireless operator Vodafone is seriously considering making a $40 billion cash offer to acquire AT&T Wireless, the British newspaper The Telegraph reported Monday. The newspaper quoted an unnamed Vodafone director in its Sunday editions saying the chances were about 55 percent that Vodafone would go ahead with the offer.

"I don't think we'll decide till the last possible moment," the newspaper quoted one Vodafone director as saying. "I would say the odds are 55 per cent in favor of us going ahead." A spokesman for Vodafone was quoted by the newspaper Monday as saying only that the company was exploring all options in regard to the acquisition of the U.S. carrier."

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  • Source: Clay Johnson


Saturday, January 31, 2004

The Future According to Vodafone

Posted by David McNamee in "SITES & RESOURCES" @ 05:30 PM

http://www.vodafone.com/flash/futures/

Vodafone has posted an interesting web page with concept devices of the future. Everything revolves around wireless data and messaging. Interestingly, there isn't a mobile phone to be seen! Do you think the mobile phone as we know it will one day be extinct?

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  • Source: Peter Foot


Sunday, January 11, 2004

Verizon, Vodafone Bring Transatlantic SMS

Posted by David McNamee in "NEWS" @ 06:27 PM

http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?id=753

Verizon Wireless is working to allow their US-based subscribers to exchange text messages with subscribers on Vodafone's European network. According to Phone Scoop, the service, "is available immediately for the UK, and will be expanded in early 2004 to include Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden."


Thursday, December 11, 2003

Vodafone Challenges You

Posted by Andy Sjostrom in "DEVELOPER" @ 02:36 AM

http://mobileoffice.vodafone.com/mobileofficeroot/enuk/business_channels/35_microsoft/10_developercontest/p_ms_developercontest.jsp

Vodafone has launched a developer competition which includes a $5,000 award, a round trip travel to the Microsoft Mobile Developer Conference in Spring 2004 and a test network access available for 90 days intended for development and test during the competition. From a technical perspective, the heart of the competition is Visual Studio .NET and the SMS driven Vodafone SMS Web Service. I am looking forward to seeing some inspiring ideas taking shape! Come up with your own idea, check out the registration agreement, register and join!

"We are seeking developer applications that demonstrate excellence in programming and showcase the use of mobile Web services using Microsoft's Visual Studio.NET and Vodafone SMS Web services. This contest is designed to focus on the integration of mobile Web services into applications that span across PCs and mobile devices. We challenge developers to create exciting and innovative applications using multiple Web services, including Vodafone SMS, show strong customer value, and leverage multiple devices and form factors."


Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Details on Microsoft, Vodafone Alliance

Posted by Robert Levy in "NEWS" @ 12:07 AM

http://www.sdtimes.com/news/091/emb1.htm

A while back, we talked about an alliance being formed between Microsoft and Vodafone to come up with a standardized set of APIs for mobile web services. These mobile web services are tools that developers can leverage to connect desktop PCs and mobile phones together for things such as billing and text messaging. I just came across an article in this week's SD Times newspaper which talks more about this and what it means. Fortunately, SD Times archives all of their articles online so you all can check it out here.

"Microsoft Corp. and Vodafone Group Services Ltd. in late October published a technical road map detailing their plans to expose mobile services to desktop applications. The outline, which according to Microsoft has generated interest from an unspecified list of major industry players, also is being viewed by one analyst as a potential cash cow for what already is one of the world�s richest companies.

Nick Jones, a vice president in Gartner Inc.�s research group, believes that on its face, there�s value in such a proposal. �People are trying to push mobile phones into being more of a general business accessory. That means that the mobile network is already charging people for things other than phone calls. So if we have a secure connection between a PC and mobile network, then suddenly the PC can make charges to somebody�s mobile phone bill. So it would be useful for Windows PCs to access network services and create apps that deal with mobile devices more easily.�"


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