Mobile Phone

Lost phones turn up usually down back of sofa 1.3 million

2010-02-20T11:59:00.001-08:00

It has been reported that more than half of all mobile phones that are reported lost or stolen eventually turn up down the back of s sofa.

That’s according to the UK Home Office, the reason the question was asked was initially that 1.3 million handsets that are reported as being either lost or stolen didn’t appear in official crime figures, and now we know why because most of them turn up safe and sound and unharmed.

The figures were in response to schemes to reduce mobile phone crime, which include a tag which will bleep if your handset is more than a few meters away from you and another system which works by requesting a PIN when the SIM is changed.

Astonishingly 228 mobile phones are reported stolen every hour here in the UK, which equates to around 2 million phones each year. Home Office statistics show the number being 700,000 so that’s why the question was asked what has happened to the other 1.3 million. It is also worth bearing in mind that the 228 per hour is based on Insurance claims and the 700,000 are thefts recorded by the police. Therefore it could be that some are claiming without reporting to the police. Source - reghardware.co.uk

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1.3 million phones found down back of the sofa in UK

2010-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

More than half of mobiles reported stolen in the UK later turn up down the back of the sofa or somewhere similar, according to the UK Home Office.

Last week we asked the Home Office what happens to the 1.3 million handsets that they had told us were reported stolen, but don't appear in the official crime figures. Now we know - they turn up later, safe and sound.

The figures came in response to our coverage of the latest schemes to reduce mobile-phone crime, which were sponsored by The Technology Strategy Board*. They included a tag which bleeps if your handset is more than a few meters away, and a system that requests a PIN when the SIM is changed.

Those ideas were promoted with the information that 228 phones are reported stolen every hour in the UK, which adds up to around 2m phones every year. But Home Office statistics put the number of handsets stolen at 700,000, so we lodged a question about what happens to the other 1.3m handsets, but didn't get a reply in time for publication.

Well - now we know, apparently every year 1.3 million people in the UK report their phone stolen, then find it down the back of the sofa the following day.

There is an alternative explanation of course: the 228-per-hour is based on insurance claims, while 700,000 thefts are recorded by the police. It occurs to us that some people might be claiming for phones without reporting them stolen: perhaps even because they weren't stolen. That's not the kind of crime that tags, PINs or any other technological developments can solve.

They also wouldn't help with "mobile phone identity fraud", which the same promotion told us had "risen by 74% in the first half of 2009". We weren't at all clear what that entailed, except that no-one was dressing up as an iPhone.

We've now been advised that this crime involves people buying phone contracts under false names, thus getting the subsidised handset and not paying the monthly fee.

So it seems that the majority of mobile phone crime involves insurance fraud and people nicking stuff from shops, neither of which is going to be solved by the technology presented, and sponsored, by the HM Government. ®

* Which is, in turn, funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

UK ISP TalkTalk Preps Quad Play Broadband, TV, Phone and Mobile Bundle

2010-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Broadband provider TalkTalk ( AOL UK, Opal ) UK looks set to go head to head with Virgin Media later this year when it launches a mobile phone service to complement existing broadband and phone bundles. The ISP has also made no secret of the fact that it plans to launch a broadband TV ( IPTV ) service, based off the forthcoming Project Canvas, which would turn it into a quad-play provider.

The Mobile Today report hints that plans for the future are most likely to surface after TalkTalk has completed the demerger from its parent The Carphone Warehouse on 29th March 2010. TalkTalk certainly has a strong enough customer to entice, at last count it was home to an impressive 4,155,000 broadband subscribers.

It's far too early to speculate on what kind of mobile products might be offered, although we do know a little more about their TV ambitions. Project Canvas, which hopes to create a standards based open environment for broadband connected digital television (DTV) receivers, will be the basis for their TV offering.

Project Canvas will make for a good standards based platform and allow IPTV services, such as the BBC's iPlayer, to be viewed via TV sets. However to compete with Virgin Media or Sky Broadband it will need a set of commercial channels too, which could be difficult when their major competitors already have the lion’s share of content agreements.

Latest Nokia Software Updater Requirements

2010-01-21T01:59:00.001-08:00

Nokia recently released the updated version of their "Nokia Software Updater" (NSU) application that is used by different Nokia phones to install latest Firmware changes pushed across the world by Nokia. Apart from having a better USB support, the latest NSU now supports Windows 7 operating system. You can use the NSU in the same way you used it on your XP or Vista based PC/Laptop/Netbook. Make sure your battery is fully charged while you are updating your Nokia with the NSU. High speed Internet connection is preferred. Compatible USB port and cables that came with the Nokia phone. Some times the NSU will fail to detect your phone on Windows 7 but try again and it will certainly detect the phone. While the updation process is in progress you will see that your PC Suite shuts down and there is a notification saying that your phone is disconnected, don't worry thats normal. Let the process happen on its own and make sure that you always take back-up of your data before updating your phone to latest firmware. NSU might run on MAC and Linux running Windows emulators but this is not tested so better you don't screw up your phone. You can download the latest version of the Nokia Software Updater here .

Vodafone iPhone 3GS in stock now at Mobiles.co.uk!

2010-01-21T01:44:00.001-08:00

Today’s the day all you Vodafone fans have been waiting for! The Apple iPhone 3GS officially goes on sale on Vodafone today and we’ve got them in stock ready for instant despatch at Mobiles.co.uk. With Vodafone slightly slower off the mark than Orange, who’ve been enjoying Apple’s flagship device for over two months, and of course O2 who have carried the device since its launch back in June, was it really worth the wait? Have Vodafone broken the mould or is it just a case of me too? Read on and we’ll take a closer look.

On first inspection, Vodafone’s iPhone offering appears almost identical to its rivals. You’ll find the usual selection of 18 and 24 month contracts ranging from £30 to £45 per month. Vodafone have followed in Orange’s footsteps, offering a £30 per month 24 month contract but have also decided not to offer the £75 per month tariff offered by O2 and Orange. This ommision aside, its very much like for like with pricing and you can expect to pay for the phone on anything lower than a £45 per month 24 month contract. So this begs the question why Vodafone? Why was it worth those two extra agonising months? One Word; Texts. Since the iPhone first launched in the UK, punters have been crying out for more than the rather paltry 500 texts offered by O2 and now Orange. With Vodafone, your prayers have been answered with selected tariffs offering 3000 texts per month!

That’s right, sign up for a £35+ 18 month or any 24 month tariff and you’ll be rewarded with 3000 texts per month which quite simply dwarves what’s on offer elsewhere. If you’re a heavy texter and have been holding off on taking the plunge with the iPhone, you’ve now got no excuses. Elsewhere, Vodafone get one up on Orange by upping the monthly data allowance from 750MB to 1GB a month but as this is strictly speaking a fair usage policy rather than a cap, the differences are fairly minor.

As for the phone itself, it’s pretty much business as usual for the iPhone 3GS. The best-in-class 3.5 inch touchscreen with multi-touch technology is complimented by a 3.0 Megapixel camera with video capture and editing, GPS with a built in digital compass for more accuracy, voice control, HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity. Not to mention the all conquering app store that offers over 100,000 ways to enhance and customise your iPhone. With three networks now to choose from, there’s never been a better time to join the iPhone revolution. Click here to check out deals on all 3 networks for both the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 3GS.

Palm Pre to get video capture and Flash support!

2010-01-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

CES is an important event for Palm fans. Last year, we saw the grand unveiling of the Palm Pre, the device that revitalised the ailing company and instilled renewed hope that Palm could turn things around. This year, along with two revamped models of the Palm Pre and Pixi which are set to launch exclusively on American carrier Verizon, Palm revealed what existing Pre owners have to look forward to in the coming months.

The first big announcement was in the apps department, something that at present the Pre is under performing in. Well, that could all be set to change as the Palm Pre now supports 3D gaming and our lucky friends across the pond can now choose from a selection of excellent titles including Need for Speed and the Sims. Here in the UK we’ll need to show a little patience as, due to the fact that we can’t currently pay for apps, the 3D games aren’t currently available as all carry a charge (around $9.99). However, with the full app catalog expected to launch in Europe in March, we shouldn’t have to wait too long.

The second and perhaps more exciting piece of news is concerning the upcoming Web OS update to version 1.4. Expected to launch in February, version 1.4 of WebOS finally enables video capture in the Pre, ticking off one of the major gripes with the device. Whilst is has been possible to enable video capture thanks to the homebrew community, the official version will bring a much more polished user experience and finally bring the phone on a level playing field with its major rivals. Not content with simply catching up with its competitors, Palm plans to go one better and edge ahead with the inclusion Flash 10.1 support in the Pre’s web browser. What this means is that online flash content such as embedded video and music plus flash games will now be fully accessible on the Pre. Expected to launch in the app catalog in Beta soon, the full version will be installed automatically in WebOS 1.4.

Here in the UK we’ve recently been treated to a software upgrade to version 1.3.5 which improves battery life, allows you to download multiple apps at once and pause downloads, improves the calendar and implements various other tweaks and bug fixes. Whilst we were a bit slow to get the upgrade to 1.3.5, here’s hoping we’re treated to the 1.4 WebOS update as soon as it becomes available. Keep an eye on the blog and we’ll keep you updated on all things Palm Pre.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz (Kurara U5) Gets Official

2010-01-21T00:26:00.001-08:00

The much awaited Sony Ericsson Vivaz (aka Kurara U5) is finally official. This high-end smartphone is likely to be released in the next few months, however, the price remains unknown at the moment. To refresh your memory, the Vivaz boasts a 3.5-inch full touchscreen display, an 8.1MP autofocus camera, GPS, WiFi, HSDPA, HD video recording (720p), a 3.5mm headset jack and runs on the Symbian S60 operating system.

Microsoft Zune Phone Rumors

2010-01-21T00:22:00.001-08:00

Word has it that Microsoft will launch the Zune phone later this year. Jefferies analyst, Katherine Egbert, states that Microsoft will be debuting its own phone sometime in the next 2 months, probably at Mobile World Congress (MWC) or CTIA in Las Vegas. She also believes that the Zune Phone will feature a 5MP camera and 720P video support. Stay tuned for more updates. [Digital Daily]

More Info About LG GW620 Android Smartphone

2010-01-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

LG will launch its InTouch Max GW620 Android smartphone in UK, which will be offered by T-Mobile and Virgin Media. The LG InTouch Max boasts a 5-line QWERTY and touchscreen keyboard, a Social Networking Manager built-in application (Linkbook), and Auto Face-tagging, which automatically recognizes your friend’s face on a tagged photo. The Face-to-Action feature allows you to call, SMS, MMS or join your friend’s social networking site simply by touching their face in a picture. The LG InTouch Max also has a 5-megapixel camera, a 3-inch touchscreen display, and a 1500mAh battery. [Slashphone]

Notebook Lenovo IdeaPad U1 combines a notebook and lightweight Tablet PC

2010-01-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

The company introduced a hybrid notebook Lenovo IdeaPad U1 with removable screen. Design IdeaPad U1 combines two devices in one, and each of them set their own processor and operating system. A full-featured notebook and a removable plate can work together or independently.

11.6-inch IdeaPad U1 in the red colors of a size smaller than a conventional paper notebook, and the weight of the model is 1.72 kg. You can remove the display, turning the traditional notebook into a lightweight 700-gram tablet with a touch MultiTouch-display. In the "laptop» U1 works with Intel Core 2 Duo processor running Windows 7, while the detachable display has its own ARM-processor and the original operating system Skylight.

IdeaPad U1 - is two devices in a single package that can fully synchronize their work and jointly edit documents, use the resources of the battery module and 3G. The model is implemented technology Hybrid Switch, allows you to quickly switch between two different platforms. For example, the user can continue browsing the website from the same point by unplugging the display.

As in notebook mode or in tablet mode, IdeaPad U1 provides over 5 hours of battery life when viewing Web sites with 3G-connection and up to 60 hours of standby time. In addition, IdeaPad U1 is equipped with a built-in video camera, microphone and two speakers with the function of an echo.

2010-01-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

According to The Korea Herald, MOTOROI smartphone from Motorola will not only Korean but also in other markets too. Recall, this model was introduced in South Korea, the operator SK Telecom recently. MOTOROI like a Chinese Motorola XT701, but has more advanced features. MOTOROI equipped with 3.7-inch touch screen, 8 GB internal memory, 8-megapixel camera, HDMI port and a receiver for digital broadcasting T-DMB. Not to mention the support of Wi-Fi, HSDPA and GPS. This smartphone runs on the operating system Android 2.0.

It is believed that the code name for version MOTOROI for the international market - Motorola Sholes Tablet. It is not clear whether this name is stored in a commercial. With regard to the issue on the world market, then Volochatyuk Rick (Rick Wolochatiuk), president of Motorola Korea, said that this smartphone will be released in other countries. A Bae Dong-Joon (Bae Joon-dong), vice-president of SK Telecom, mentioned the issue MOTOROI in the U.S. in March.

2010-01-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

The website includes Bluetooth SIG, dealing with certification of Bluetooth devices has information on the new mobile phone manufacturing Chinese company Huawei - T552.

This phone is a piece with the support of the three GSM bands (900/1800/1900 MHz) and two bands (1900/2000 MHz), the Chinese standard, third-generation TD-SCDMA. Make this model is positioned as a phone - "serednyachok" in a segment of Hi-End devices with greater functionality, including the availability of touch-sensitive controls, voice, support SMS and MMS messaging, MP3/MP4 player, web browser, Java applications, and streaming multimedia content. In addition to the T552 is also a place of Bluetooth technology, a microSD slot for memory cards and internal memory capacity of up to 2 GB built-in camera and receive signals of mobile TV standard CMMB.

Samsung Omnia 2 I8000

2009-12-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

At Best Mobile Contracts we compare Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 contracts from all the major online retailers. So if you are looking for a Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 on Vodafone, Orange, O2, Tmobile, 3 or Virgin Mobile, we are sure that we can help. Below are the best Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 contract deals that we could find. Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 deals on pay as you go can be found below the Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 contract offers. To refine your search further, please use the quick search on the right. Find the cheapest Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 deals today!

HTC HD2

2009-12-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

At Best Mobile Contracts we compare HTC HD2 contracts from all the major online retailers. So if you are looking for a HTC HD2 on Vodafone, Orange, O2, Tmobile, 3 or Virgin Mobile, we are sure that we can help. Below are the best HTC HD2 contract deals that we could find. HTC HD2 deals on pay as you go can be found below the HTC HD2 contract offers. To refine your search further, please use the quick search on the right. Find the cheapest HTC HD2 deals today!

Nokia N97

2009-12-10T08:30:00.001-08:00

At Best Mobile Contracts we compare Nokia N97 contracts from all the major online retailers. So if you are looking for a Nokia N97 on Vodafone, Orange, O2, Tmobile, 3 or Virgin Mobile, we are sure that we can help. Below are the best Nokia N97 contract deals that we could find. Nokia N97 deals on pay as you go can be found below the Nokia N97 contract offers. To refine your search further, please use the quick search on the right. Find the cheapest Nokia N97 deals today!

pushes new email, contacts, and calendar

2009-11-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Mobile Me is a service that pushes new email, contacts, and calendar events over the air to all your devices. So your iPhone, Mac, and PC stay in perfect sync. No docking required. And that’s just one of many ways MobileMe simplifies your life.

Motorola Cell Phones

2009-11-14T09:44:00.001-08:00

Mostly Motorola cell phones design shapes are consist of attractive flip designs. All most all Motorola mobile phones providing superior call quality as well as sophisticated cell phone features. The more popular Motorola cell phone models are Motorola Krzr cell phone, Motorola c139 mobile, Motorola razr v300, Motorola L-Series Like; Motorola L2, L6 and Motorola L7 phones.

Samsung Cell Phones

2009-11-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

Samsung is well recognizable brand in electronic products due to their latest technologies and trustworthy design structures. In cell phone industry Samsung also has good status. The famous Samsung cell phones are Samsung D830 mobile phones, Samsung E909 cell phones and Samsung A707 cell phones.

Sony Ericcson Cell Phones

2009-11-14T09:42:00.003-08:00

Sony Ericcson cell phones are fine recognized over the world due to their high class graphics and outstanding sound quality. The famous Sony Ericcson mobile phones models are Sony Ericcson K610i cell phone, Sony Ericcson S-Series, Sony Ericcson Z-Series and recently launched Sony Ericcson W-Series.

LG Cell Phones

2009-11-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

LG also well-known as LG; which is continuously providing most recent electronic devices all over the world. LG cell phones have good marketing worth due to their attractive design shapes and fashionable styles. The more stylish LG cell phones are LG cg225 cell phone, LG VX8100 cell phone and LG PM225 mobile.

Nokia Cell Phones

2009-11-14T09:41:00.001-08:00

Nokia cell phones are good recognized all over the world due to their heavy-duty design shape and advance cellular technologies. Nokia has introduced many cellular devices; lately they have launched Nokia N-Series cell phones such as; Nokia N70 cell phone, Nokia N80 mobile phone, Nokia N93 cell phones and economical Nokia N95. Additionally, all Nokia phones have essential cellular features and provide good call class.

Cell Phone Brands

2009-11-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

The cell phone works without wire on the basis of latest cellular technologies like; GSM, FDMA, CDMA, and GPRS technologies. All over the world-celebrated cell phone brands are endlessly providing newest and stylish cell phones for improving people’s life styles and communication power. Much trendier mobile phone companies are Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericcson, Samsung, LG and some others. All of these companies’ cellular phones have hard design structure and shapes. Which feel comfy to hold in hand and easy to adjust in pocket and bag.