Omio News Blog

CES 2012: BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Previewed, Coming 17th Feb 2012

At the Consumer Electronics Show yesterday, Canada’s Research In Motion allowed attendees to get their hands on the long awaited OS update to the BlackBerry PlayBook to the show, and gave it a street date of Feb 17 2012.  The 7” tablet was praised for its high spec hardware on release but criticized for the startling omission of a native email, contacts or calendar app, relying instead on third party solutions, or via a tethered BlackBerry handset.

RIM’s President and Co-CEO Mike Lazardis highlighted a number of productivity features that will appeal its core users. He announced that the 2.0 update would include a native unified inbox, pulling together email and social messaging alerts, as has become familiar with BlackBerry’s dedicated user-base the world over.  Additional features for email include ‘tabbed email’ allowing users to write one email whilst referencing another, advanced inbox support for multiple accounts and out-of-office controls, and full rich-text email support for control over fonts and layouts. The calendar app is an expanded version of the mobile app that allows people to see how busy their day is depending on the size of the date, useful for identifying your busy spots at a glance. Native BBM is notable by its omission however, and has been further pushed back.

If this all sounds a bit too much ‘book’ and not enough ‘play’, RIM offered the BlackBerry Video Storefront, a media portal for TV and Film downloads, whilst BlackBerry Remote allows the use of a tethered handset as, you guessed it, a remote, handy for when the PlayBook is plugged into an HDTV via HDMI.

Since its much-hyped launch early in 2011, the PlayBook has never managed to meet the expectation of hype with convincing sales figures.  Estimates put the number between 500,000-700,000 units, which makes the PlayBook a minor player next to Android tablets and the iPad. Substantial price cuts did help increase sales last year, although the effect was something more of a trickle than a flow. Its unlikely that this update will turn charming yet diminutive PlayBook into a market leader, but existing users will be pleased to see they’re loyalty rewarded with a fresh OS update and features that, whilst welcome, should really have been there at launch.

See the full press release after the break, and check out Omio’s deals page for great offers on BlackBerry handsets and the PlayBook.

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Neato Robotics XV-15 Automated Vacuum Cleaner Review

Regardless of your degree of fondness for expending elbow grease, the prospect of a minion to do the cleaning around the house is just too good to pass up.

The simple – yet very necessary – chore of tidying the home has certainly come a long way from getting out a pan and brush for the living room carpet, followed by a quick dust round to finish and putting your feet up in front of the telly.

Now the market is flooded with über-vacuums that harness the power of cyclones – hoovers that glide around the home with the speed and finesse of an Olympic figure skater, and even the humble dust bag for capturing waste is nearly a thing of the past.

All of this new found convenience does come at a bit of a price, though. At the top of the household gadget tree is the Neato XV-15, a robotic vacuum cleaner that promises to make the task of keeping a clean house easier, quicker and more convenient.

Whilst the prospect of a automated buddy to clean up around the house sounds like the preserve of The Jetsons, the Neato XV-15 is not needlessly complicated, proving most impressive as a true labour-saving device.

With its low profile, grey hue and bright orange accents, the XV-15 looks more like a child’s toy than a cleaning device ripped from a Utopian future. But the magic really starts once it gets going…

The hefty little bread-bin-on-wheels takes very little effort to set up, simply requiring a lift out of the packaging and being nestled against its charging base station to get the battery juiced up.

A couple of hours later – confirmed by a healthy glow on the LED screen and a green light around the ‘start’ button – and the Neato is ready to strut its stuff. A quick press of the eye-catching power key and the XV-15 springs to life, quickly darting and bounding around the living room like an excited puppy.

The first surprise is the volume of the noise emanating from this tiny contraption. It sounds every bit as serious about the task at hand as a traditional vacuum, and even on an initial pass it happily sucked up plenty of dirt and debris across carpet, lino and wooden floors alike.

The fun comes from watching it methodically plan its way around the room, using sensors placed atop the device to ‘map’ its way and ensuring that a route is drawn out to cover a surprising amount of ground in a linear fashion.

The design of the XV-15 with a rounded rear and boxy, buffered front makes short work of bay windows, deftly manoeuvring around chairs and gliding under tables, bumping gently and rerouting itself regularly rather than seeming too self-aware…however, boundary markers can cleverly be stuck along skirting boards and prevent it from wandering too far.

The Neato is just as entertaining to watch navigate its way across your domicile as it is convenient to have, although you might find yourself shouting “you missed a bit!” as you wonder just how its robot brain has planned its way across the kitchen…only for it to go back and finish the job.

Thick wheels enable the XV-15 to turn quickly and dodge obstacles, as well as offer more clearance on shaggier surfaces to keep it cleaning in all conditions.

It did come up a cropper a couple of times – mainly getting stuck on a couple of protruding table legs and getting a little lost when moving furniture in an already-scanned room.  But it seems to make short work of cosy rooms and wide expanses alike.

The Neato’s dust tray is admittedly small compared to uprights, but is a cinch to remove and empty, whilst the cleaning mechanism tends not to get clogged up with loose bits of carpet and dirt…which is nice.

Touches like automatic charging – it leisurely parks up alongside its base unit (pictured above) when running low – and the ability to schedule cleans at certain times of day make this a perfect accessory for the elderly and busy folks alike, definitely working best in more sparse surroundings (with less opportunities to get snagged on furniture) than a crowded living space.

With its low clearance to get under beds and tables, super-powerful suction and ease of use, the Neato XV-15 goes beyond gimmicky gadget to be a great accessory around the home…but the price is certainly a factor.

With the Neato retailing for £399.99 (although that does include the charging unit) and cleaning filters at £15 each, the XV-15 is not the cheapest method of sprucing up a home by any means…

However, for keeping floors clean with minimal fuss, effort and excellent results, the XV-15 is an amazing device and – whilst not a shiny metallic spacesuit or roast dinner in pill form – is a great step towards a future with robots in our homes!

Mobile Phone Review Round Up: Vodafone 555 Blue, Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, HTC Evo 3D, BlackBerry Bold 9900, Samsung Galaxy Pro, Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro

TechRadar

Vodafone 555 Blue review

Verdict

Perfect for those who want a nice-looking handset and minimal networking capabilities without any contract commitment – plus love to spend as much time as possible on Facebook. For those looking for a more media-based experience, however, you won’t find it with the Vodafone 555 Blue.

In today’s smartphone-enlightened times, we’re expecting more even for the price. Unless your three favourite things are Facebook, phoning and texting, you’ll want more from your handset.

- Check out all Vodafone 555 Blue deals at OMIO today!

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini review

Verdict

We’re pleasantly surprised at how usable and responsive the Xperia Mini is. The 1GHz processor means web pages are drawn and scrolled pretty quickly, while gaming and app performance is also good.

The user interface customisations are really nice as well, with Sony Ericsson’s sweeping visual changes bringing the best out of Android – and adding in plenty of new usability and social options.

In terms of value for money, it’s a decent option. The 3" screen is a little limiting if you’re into mobile media and gaming, but the phone itself is a glitch-free, user-friendly little marvel you won’t end up hating.

There are more capable Android phones available for less money, but none that are as pocketable and enjoyable to use as the Xperia Mini.

- Check out all Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini deals at OMIO today!

HTC Evo 3D review

Verdict

It depends how you look at the HTC Evo 3G when deciding on a rating; in a vacuum it’s a tremendous phone with a cool extra 3D element. It’s pricey, sure, but it’s only the same price as the iPhone 4, and on some contracts, a bit cheaper than that.

But then you notice the HTC Sensation, which in every way is its superior (except for maybe battery life) – thinner, lighter, more stylish, brighter screen… the list goes on.

With that in mind, and HTC’s reticence to give us any indication of how to use the 3D for gaming or movies, plus the higher cost, we’ll have to say we’re hugely disappointed with the Evo 3D. If HTC decides to bless us with decent content via Watch or a download 3D games, we’ll bump it up a star or so – but if that never happens, this phone will fall quickly into the ‘cool, but not much point’ category.

If you’re desperate for a 3D phone, check out the LG Optimus 3D – and it’s been a long time since we’ve recommended an LG over an HTC phone.

- Check out all the HTC Evo 3D deals at OMIO today!

Cnet.co.uk

BlackBerry Bold 9900 review

Conclusion
The Bold 9900 is likely to have plenty of appeal among existing BlackBerry fans. It’s undoubtedly one of the best phones RIM has made, thanks to its robust design, speedy processor and fast OS. Essentially, it’s a quicker and more refined version of what has gone before and, for many BlackBerry fans, that will be enough.

But the 9900 just isn’t that exciting compared to similarly priced Android handsets or the iPhone 4. Its text-heavy menus are likely to be a turn-off for those not used to the BlackBerry OS, and its so-so camera and small screen mean it’s no multimedia star. The lack of compelling content in the app store is also a downer. Overall, you get the sense that RIM is preaching to the converted with the Bold 9900.

- Check out all the BlackBerry Bold 9900 deals at OMIO today!

Samsung Galaxy Pro review

Conclusion
While the Samsung Galaxy Pro’s keyboard is a joy to use, the rest of the phone feels like an exercise in compromise. The low-resolution screen makes small text almost unreadable, and the handset’s overall performance is anything but sprightly.

Arguably, the most successful Android Qwerty phone is the Facebook-focused HTC ChaCha. The ChaCha offers better software, looks and build quality than the Galaxy Pro. It’s also more expensive, but the additional cash is worth it if you’re absolutely hell-bent on having the BlackBerry feel with your Android phone.

If you’re shopping on a budget and still crave those lovely buttons, then the Galaxy Pro is one of your best options, but we’d recommend you seriously consider jumping fully into the realm of the touchscreen. Even physical buttons aren’t enough to justify the concessions you’re forced to make with a phone like the Galaxy Pro.

- Check out all Samsung Galaxy Pro deals at OMIO today!

Pocket-Lint

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro review

Verdict
Sony Ericsson has done a good job with the Mini Pro. The company has clearly gone and learnt some pretty serious lessons from mistakes made with prior hardware releases. Just about every single niggle and problem the old Xperia range had has now been cleared up and Sony Ericsson now finally has a few decent handsets to be proud of.

Those in the market for something affordable, fun and QWERTY-packing can’t go wrong with the Mini Pro, it performed admirably in day-to-day Android tasks. We can’t help but feel, however, that Sony Ericsson now has too many value-orientated handsets in its lineup. Short of wanting a physical keyboard, it is difficult to know why exactly you would choose the Xperia Mini Pro over any of the other similarly performing and priced Android offerings. The handset feels slightly like part of a larger, feature phone family rather than something unique. We think that if Sony Ericsson had really devoted lots of time to the Mini, it could have been a really brilliant and affordable piece of hardware.

The Mini Pro comes so close to being one of the best affordable Android phones out there. It’s a shame then that it falls short in the materials and design department. Things are just the wrong side of plasticky and the handset itself needs to go on a bit of a diet in order to feel like it is truly mini.

Faults aside though, the keyboard is great and those in need of a device with a proper physical input could do a lot worse than the Xperia Mini Pro.

- Check out all Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro deals at OMIO today!

BlackBerry Bold 9900 review

Verdict
The best BlackBerry Bold ever? Perhaps it is. The core features of BlackBerry are still compelling, the keyboard will let you skip over keys rattling out messages, with a rock of the thumb here and a glancing prod there, in ways that only BlackBerry users understand.

The addition of a touchscreen does make a difference, but the overall experience isn’t a huge evolution from BB6. Whilst BB7 is familiar, there isn’t much here that really drives things forward into the competitive arena. The camera results are behind the rivals, the app offering still has holes in it and sometimes the touch response slopes off. It isn’t a multimedia timewaster in the way that the latest phone from Samsung or HTC is, it’s core offering is communication, in which it mostly excels, but it’s in the extras where it doesn’t make huge progress.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is a device that will appeal greatly to die hard BlackBerry fans, returning the Bold to a premium look and a size that makes a little more sense than the 9700 models. Business users will find themselves with a more interactive device and a better browsing experience, but outside of keyboard and email experience, consumers may find they get a lot more smartphone for their money elsewhere.

- Check out all the BlackBerry Bold 9900 deals at OMIO today!

Reghardware

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900

Verdict
The Bold 9900 is a very fast, very capable BlackBerry, but it’s essentially still the same device that RIM has been selling for years, with a few improvements to keep it up to date. If you like BlackBerry handsets, you’ll love it, but it’s unlikely to win over many new fans.

- Check out all the BlackBerry Bold 9900 deals at OMIO today!

Stuff

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Review

Verdict

Powerful, slim and great to use, the Bold 9900 is outstanding, with touchscreen and QWERTY working together well

- Check out all the BlackBerry Bold 9900 deals at OMIO today!

HTC ChaCha salsa’s its way on to Three

The Android-powered HTC ChaCha phone has arrived on Three, with deep social networking integration and a dedicated Facebook button for quick and easy uploading of photos, videos, sharing music and checking-in to various places.

HTC’s ChaCha provides the best of both worlds for the fast fingered Facebook lovers, with a QWERTY keyboard for text, emailing, chatting with and a multi-touch 2.6-inch touch screen plus 5-megapixel camera to boot.

The mobile has also been pimped up since the handset was announced at Mobile World Congress this year, as the ChaCha now has a 800Mhz CPU from the 600Mhz mobile launched in February.

The HTC ChaCha is available from just £20 a month, whilst for £29 a month on The One Plan you can get all-you-can-eat data, 2,000 any network minutes, 5,000 Three-to-Three minutes and 5,000 texts.

Check out all of the HTC ChaCha deals today on OMIO.

Apple’s new iOS announced

Apple’s iOS 5 update to their iPhone operating system has been launched at their developers conference, with Twitter integration, iMessage, notification center, newsstand, iCloud and arrives later on this year.

Twitter is now built in to the platform and directly into the Photos, Camera, Safari, YouTube and Maps apps. iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices running iOS 5 can tweet straight from these twitter enabled pieces of software.

The iCloud is an internet service from Apple with 5GB of storage space that seamlessly and automatically keeps all of the mail, contacts, calendars, photos, apps, books, music up-to-date across devices without ever having to connect to a computer.

Apple’s new iMessage is set to rival BlackBerrry messenger, with a single app that allows sending of text messages, photos and videos between iOS run devices.

There is also a new notification center, which offers a much easier way to view and manage notifications in one place without any interruption – amongst 200 new features appearing in iOS 5.

Missing from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this year was a new iPhone, as for the past four years there has always been a new model brought to the event.

Check out all of the iPhone deals at OMIO today!

Mobile Phone Review Round Up: HTC Sensation, LG Optimus Black, HTC HD7, HTC Wildfire S

In a new feature on Omio, we are rounding up all the mobile phone reviews over the past week from the major UK tech titles, in order to bring you an all- inclusive and encompassing view of the opinions of the various handsets reviewed.

TechRadar

HTC Sensation review

Verdict:

Whether it’s just that we’re getting spoilt by the quality of the HTC range or that the brand simply can’t innovate at the electric pace it managed when it made Android smartphones good enough for the masses, the HTC Sensation doesn’t get our pulses racing like other models in its range have.

HTC Watch needs to a larger range of movies and TV shows before we can even begin to assess whether it’s going to take off or not – and the price seems a little high at this early stage.

We love the Sense UI still, and the ‘Unlock Ring’ is a cool addition to the party – we still want the notifications to be more interactive, but overall it’s still a neat idea.

The design of the phone is different and, in our eyes, pretty premium with the metallic feel and steel grill – the weight feels solid in the hand and the screen size is impressive and sharp.

It’s still not one of HTC’s best, but one we’d definitely recommend over a number of other phones in the marketplace and if you’re an HTC fan or just looking to get one of the cutting-edge dual core devices, we suggest you seriously think about the HTC Sensation.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

LG Optimus Black review

Verdict:

If you’re both a fan of the black bar aesthetic that seems to be the current go-to design of smartphones, and a fan of lightweight machinery that does exactly what it ought to, then the LG Optimus Black will suit you great.

While its only truly outstanding feature is the NOVA display screen, it performs well enough in other areas to stand as a competitor to the Apple iPhone 4 for those who prefer Android phones.

– Sign up for LG Optimus Black release information on OMIO. –

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Cnet

HTC Sensation review

Verdict:

The HTC Sensation looks unassuming, but its hefty aluminium case, hugely powerful processor and fabulously whizzy, customisable software make it feel like a giant among smart phones.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

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Trusted Reviews

Samsung Galaxy Mini review

Verdict:

It has all the core specs of a top-notch Android phone, with Wi-Fi, GPS and high-speed HSPA on-board, but the 240×320 pixel screen ensures the Galaxy Mini isn’t as desirable as some alternatives. Last year, we’d have given this phone a warm welcome but competition in this budget Android sector is simply too savage.

– View Samsung Galaxy Mini deals on OMIO. –

HTC HD7 review

Verdict:

The HD7 is one of the better looking large screen smartphones and feels speedy to use. We also like the modern looking and straight forward Windows Phone OS. However, the phone feels a bit like a missed opportunity, because what could have been a great entertainment device, is hampered by its disappointing screen and below par battery life.

– View HTC HD7 deals on OMIO. –

Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830 review

Verdict:

The Samsung Galaxy Ace isn’t as spectacular as its name suggests but it is a competent budget smartphone. As ever, the Orange San Francisco makes for a compelling alternative thanks to its larger, higher resolution screen, but the Ace has a nicer design, faster processor and better camera.

– View Samsung Galaxy Ace deals on OMIO. –

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Reg Hardware

HTC Sensation dual core Android smartphone

Verdict:

Another quality handset from HTC and this is the hero of the bunch, with a fast dual core processor, the latest Sense user interface goodies, Android 2.3 and, for once, the company manages to build a half-decent camera.

– View HTC Sensation deals on OMIO. –

Samsung Solid Immerse rugged phone

Verdict:

If you’re out in the wilds, or even working on a building site, it’s good to know your phone can take a few knocks or a drop in water. Just don’t push it too hard as the Samsung Solid Immerse appears tougher than tests suggest it actually is, but you can’t knock the battery life.

HTC Wildfire S Android smartphone

Verdict:

It’s not top of the range but then it’s not meant to be, and the HTC Wildfire S makes some very reasonable compromises between flash and cash. It’s not that cheap though, and there are a few rival Android handsets offering a similar performance and features that cost less. But it’s still a solidly capable little device, with plenty to entice the Android newbie or smart phone fan on a budget, and who’s not in too much of a hurry.

– View HTC Wildfire S deals on OMIO. –

Orange offers iPad 2 and iPhone 4 for just £99

Orange has starting selling the iPad 2 and iPhone 4 on an even more subsidised ‘combined’ cost, whilst also offering a combined tariff – for both of those Apple products to share, at £65 a month.

The fruit flavoured and coloured network is carrying the 32GB version of iPhone 4, combined with the 16GB iPad 2 for £179; Apple’s 32GB iPad 2 and iPhone 4 costs £229, with the 32GB iPhone and the 64GB iPad has the princely sum attached of £299.

Going down the scale of capacity and costs is the Apple 16GB iPhone 4 paired up with the 32GB iPad 2 at 149 of your English pounds, where the 64GB iPad 2 and 16GB iPhone 4 costs £229.

Part and parcel of these combi deas is that costly £65 monthly contract, which does have an unlimited BT OpenZone websurfing package, an unlimited text message allowance but only a 2GB mobile broadband bundle and 600 anytime minutes.

Check out all the Orange deals at OMIO!

T-Mobile launches 3 £10 PAYG tariffs, with extra benefits

T-Mobile has introduced three more prepay contracts, where a £10 top up gives you more for your money’s worth – only for the following month.

First off is the ‘text plan’, where topping up this pay as you go tariff by £10 this month, gives you unlimited text messages next month. This is along with being able to use 100 text message right away, and of course, the tenner too.

The second new T-Mobile tariff falls under the name of ‘talk plan’. This comes with 100 free minutes to any landline or mobile phone numbers for the following month, if a £10 top-up is added to the account; which also provides 25 minutes to use straight away.

Lastly and by no means least, is the ‘international plan’ that offers a whole hour to call overseas and to 60 different countries, next month. This is the same as the other two, where £10 needs to be added for this to be made available.

These three new plans came in to effect today, for new and existing T-Mobile customers – who said Everything can’t be Everywhere. 

Check out all the T-Mobile deals at OMIO!

Video Footage Of Upcoming BlackBerry Curve ‘Apollo’ Leaked

Video of the rumoured, yet still unannounced follow up to RIM’s wildly successful Curve 3G, currently being touted as the Curve 9370 ‘Apollo’, has leaked online courtesy of Vietnamese blog tinhte.vn via our friends at electricpig.co.uk.  See the video below, and a run down of what to expect from the newest BlackBerry handset.

What is apparent from the video is the new bodyshape, a smooth more rounded back, and tapered at the top and bottom, which makes the handset feel even thinner than its actual 11mm.  The 3.5 headphone socket has moved to the top, and the side has a volume rocker, camera button and a tiny tiny standby button.  Feel free to ogle it above in all its YouTube glory.

Whilst our Vietnamese is admittedly, um, non existent, an internet translation of the accompanying article does reveal some more interesting tech specs:

The camera has been improved to 5MP, with an LED flash to capture all of those late night/low light moments.  There is also a front facing VGA camera included.  The screen has also been given a pixel bump in line with the higher end BlackBerry models, up to 480 x 360 pixels, from 320 x 240.

The Curve Apollo runs the latest version of BlackBerry OS, version 6.1, and appears to run along smoothly thanks to double the memory (512mb) and a speed bump in the form of an 800MHz Marvell ‘Tavor’ processor.

Fingers crossed that RIM are slightly more cool about early footage of their handsets getting online than Apple were with the iPhone 4.  Lets just hope our guys in Vietnam doesn’t get some steel capped boots knocking at the door any time soon!

Stay posted to Omio for any more official details.  In the meantime, feel free to sign up for alerts on Omio’s deals page, so that the moment we get any indication of pricing or availability for the BlackBerry Curve ‘Apollo’, we’ll let you know!

Android Gaming Arrives On The Big Screen With EVO 2 Console

The latest Android games on your telly could quite possibly become a reality, thanks to the new EVO 2 console from hardware maker Envizions. At a cost of $250 the device will be pretty meaty, including a TV remote, EVO game controller and an HDMI cable for high-def support.

Specifications include a Samsung 1.2 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and a modified version of the Android 2.2 operating system, and is scheduled for an Autumn 2011 launch.

Whilst doubling as a media centre and data storage system, the EVO 2 tries to one-up the 360′s ‘Live’ service by giving players the chance to earn actual points to purchase free Android games with ‘EVO tokens’, whilst save storage will the handled in the infamous cloud.

Despite a pledge to jump on the motion-controlling bandwagon with waggle support in the fourth quarter of this year, the Android-equipped device will also be open source, with developers already able to both create new titles on a Software Development Kit (subject to an annual fee of $149), as well as the ability to port over their existing lineup to the fledgling platform.

As if the EVO 2 didn’t have enough buzzword bullet points in its press release, the console will be the first to have major decisions surrounding its creation ‘crowd sourced’, enabling people to assist in the trajectory of development from hardware colourways to package designs, and even launch territories via the usual social networking portals.

Fair enough, why spend millions of dollars on research and development strategies for your new console when excitable children will do it all for free?

Nevertheless, the absence of touchscreen support in the above mockup (currently a mobile gaming mainstay), and the lack of must-play titles at launch and a hefty price point ($50 less than an Xbox 360 and $100 more than Nintendo’s Wii) could work against the EVO 2 at this point…but perhaps the desire to play Android favourites and access media on the big screen could be too strong to turn down.

Source: Joystiq