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News - In the World of Communications nothing stands still and keeping up to date with the latest news affecting SME businesses is not easy. Our news pages are updated regularly and through our relationships with both the leading communications companies and the regulatory bodies we are able to select the most relevant news for you.

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Crystal Ball launches Mobile Monitor as stand alone product 07/09/2010
Crystal Ball’s Mobile Monitor app has now been launched as a stand alone product in addition to being offered as a bolt on with Mobile Track.

Mobile Monitor gives full sight records of all sent, received and missed calls, and the full content of all sent and received texts. All this information can be viewed in real time and on demand, and is all time and date stamped. Mobile Monitor also provides detailed management reports in either Excel or PDF format, with the ability to filter the data.

Mobile Monitor is now available as a stand alone product from just £2.77 per month, or as a bolt on to Mobile Track. Users need to ensure they have a data bundle with their airtime contracts, alongside a supported handset, which does not need to have a GPS receiver.

Mobile Monitor is an over the air download app, currently compatible with Windows 6.1 and 6.5 professional and Blackberry OS 5.0 based handsets. It will also be compatible with Symbian operated handsets in a matter of weeks, which will extensively broaden the range further. The Android platform will be added to the range in Q4 along with Blackberry OS 6.0, which will include the eagerly anticipated Blackberry Torch.

Crystal Ball managing director, Raj Singh, said: “The people that I’ve shown this to have just been blown away by it. In fact I’ve heard it said that this is the best business app on the market. It hasn’t just got the X factor, it’s got the wow factor too, particularly when it’s being demonstrated.”

Huawei launches first affordable Android 2.2 smartphone with Google 07/09/2010
Huawei, a provider of next generation telecommunications networks, has unveiled two new products in its Huawei Device portfolio. IDEOS, recommended price between £99 and £129, is the world’s first affordable smartphone powered by Android 2.2. The new smartphone, which will be released across Europe, Asia-Pacific North America and Latin America, redefines the entry level concept by combining full feature performance with high quality hardware and software and an affordable price concept.

The ergonomically designed IDEOS provides a variety of ways to access the internet, boasting downlink speeds of more than 7.2Mbps and offering 3G + WiFi dual network support. The device also doubles as a Wi-Fi router for up to eight devices at a time, making IDEOS an all in one solution for a range of wireless connectivity options.

Available in a range of colours, the IDEOS not only runs faster, but also supports functions such as, voice dialling, voice navigation, and the ability to run applications off the SD card. With more than 70,000 applications available in the Android Market, IDEOS provides a wide range of communication, entertainment, and business management applications.

Kevin Tao, CEO of Huawei Device, said: “ The popularity of the smartphone is one of the key tools bringing people into the ‘Golden Age of Mobile Broadband,’ which is linked to Google’s mobile internet strategy. We are proud to have already achieved our goal from early 2010 of developing a US$150 smartphone, with a great user experience. The IDEOS is an affordable option, designed to lower the barriers to entry to allow easy mobile Internet access.”

During the past seven years, Huawei Device has expanded into key international markets, and IDEOS continues the momentum of Huawei’s business growth, which has seen partnerships established with 45 of the world's top 50 telecom operators.

The E5S, also officially launched in the UK today, is Huawei’s upgrade to its next-generation mobile broadband device, the E5 which recently won the Macworld Awards 2010 ‘Best iPad accessory’. Huawei has developed the E5S with new user-friendly features including a simple one-touch Wi-Fi activation and connection coupled with a wider Wi-Fi range. The E5S also has an upgraded OLED display while benefitting from a longer battery life. The recommended price is between £39 and £69 for pay as you go customers.

Huawei Device’s Android and wireless mobile broadband offerings are performing well in the global market, with today’s UK product launches coming after Device’s shipment volume hit over 90 million units in 2009 globally with revenues of more than 5 billion USD. ABI Research named Huawei first in the mobile broadband device market for the third consecutive year.

“The E5S is the next generation in mobile broadband solutions for both business people and consumers wanting high-speed wireless connectivity, anytime, anywhere,” says Nicola Philbin, Huawei Device GM for the UK and Ireland.

“Both operators and end-users demand a superior mobile broadband experience, and we are always looking to improve our product offering. The E5S is the result of this commitment, and we’re confident that it is the ideal device for those looking for an innovative wireless product that really stands out from the competition”. IDEOS will be available in mid-October 2010.

The E5S is currently commercially available.

Spin3 launches games as native android apps 07/09/2010
Provider of full service mobile gambling solutions Spin3, powered by Microgaming, has announced that its award winning games are available as native Android applications for the first time.

Analyst house Gartner predicts Android will increase its market share to 14% of the global smartphone market in 2012, surpassing Windows Mobile, Blackberry and iPhone smartphone devices. Android is the operating system behind some of the market’s most popular mobile phones including the Google Nexus One, HTC Desire and Motorola Droid.

Spin3’s games have been developed to work across all versions of Android, enabling its clients to bring its cutting-edge games to the growing number of customers using Android powered devices. Blackjack is now available as a native Android app, and will soon be followed by the Spin³’s entire, award-winning games portfolio.

“The buzz around Android is staggering,” said Matti Zinder, head of Spin3. “The phones and experience is comparable to that of the iPhone, and the platform is rapidly growing in popularity with developers and consumers. Our games will work on any Android phone and will be future-proofed to support all upcoming versions of the operating system. Android has more momentum than any other platform and is driving the increased sales of smartphones.”

Zinder continued: “We are committed to developing the most advanced games for the best and most popular platforms in the market. That is why we were the first to launch play-for-real games for the Apple iPhone, and now we have developed our games as native apps for Android powered devices. We’re really pleased with how we’ve adapted some of our most popular games, and are sure our clients’ mobile customers will enjoy them too.”

All Slots Mobile Casino will be the first client to launch the games as both play-for-fun and play-for-real native apps. The games can be downloaded for free from the Android Market by searching for All Slots Mobile Casino. The native Android apps will be rolled out to other Spin3 clients in the coming weeks.

David Brickman, VP Player Affairs at All Slots Casino, added: "Our strong partnership with Spin3 enables us to offer our customers the most dynamic and entertaining casino games on the market’s latest platforms. It’s a winning combination that has helped us grow our customer base and mobile casino business. A successful mobile casino business needs to support Android – and we are delighted to be able to meet this demand.”

Mobile gambling booms thanks to China 06/09/2010
Mobile lotteries in emerging markets dominate short term growth while deregulation of remote gambling also key to future expansion.

A new report published by Juniper Research has found that a combination of mobile casino, lottery and betting service launches in major emerging markets lead by China allied to liberalisation of remote gambling legislation across the US and Europe will see the scale of annual wagers on mobile gambling exceed $48 billion by 2015.

The report studies gambling services on a country by country basis. It finds that, in recent years, the Japan Racing Association’s iPAT service had been responsible for the bulk of global mobile gambling transactions, with casino and betting services in the UK accounting for much of the remainder.

However, the sharp surge in adoption of the mobile lottery service launched by VODone will help propel China into third place in terms of mobile gambling transactions.

Meanwhile, the US market is also poised to see the introduction of its first mobile lottery services. According to report author Dr Windsor Holden: “State lottery providers are anxious to explore new distribution channels, with US lottery sales from traditional outlets in decline. The upshot is that several lotteries are in the latter stages of discussion with mobile technology providers with a view to launching mobile lottery services in 2011.”

In addition, the report observes that impending legislative changes in the US may herald an opportunity for mobile casino operators in the medium term.

Other findings from the Mobile Gambling Markets report include: End users have eschewed multiplayer mobile gambling apps, preferring to multitask while playing ‘snacking’ applications; While Apple has begun to permit gambling apps to be sold via the App Store, the majority of service providers are opting for a brower-based approach.

Broadband Britain’s wasted millions 06/09/2010
A new study published by O2 suggests that millions of broadband users in the UK are wasting money by buying broadband services based on speeds instead of needs.

The study of over 2,000 consumers found that while the average UK consumer pays for a package of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) per month, the vast majority of people only require an 8Mbps package for the services they use. This means that UK broadband users could be wasting over £700 million every year on speeds they simply do not need. (nb or over £58 million per month or £2.1 million per day)

When asked for their top three most frequent uses of broadband, people’s online activities largely require low bandwidth. For example: 77% people responded that they use broadband for emailing; 74% for general webpage browsing; 51% for paying bills and banking; and 35% for social networking.

On the other hand, services that require high bandwidth and more expensive packages are used much less frequently: only 18% of people use broadband for streaming multi-media content (e.g. watching BBC iPlayer, listening to online radio); 5% download music; and 3% download films.

Felix Geyr, head of O2 Home and Broadband, said: “62% of broadband consumers in our survey would prefer their ISP to provide packages based around their specific needs. Therefore, our industry needs to tailor its services to people’s needs, help consumers understand exactly what they should be buying and avoid marketing based solely on speed.

“It would be much more transparent if we took the same ‘a la carte’ approach offered to customers buying digital TV packages, where people can opt in to obtain more expensive services like film and sport.”

Sebastien Lahtinen, co-founder of thinkbroadband.com, commented: “This research clearly highlights the need for the industry as a whole to re-think they way it sells broadband. Consumers need to be educated about what kind of service they need to cover their daily usage and the industry needs to help them to make informed choices. Whilst some users will want the fastest possible package, others may find they can save money by picking a package that is more suitable to their specific needs."

These findings coincide with next week’s launch of O2’s new broadband packages which are tailored to consumers’ daily consumption needs rather than headline download speeds. For example, ‘The Basics’ is perfect for email and general browsing users, whereas ‘The Works’ is suitable for the heaviest data users who download films and play connected gaming.

O2 is also launching a market leading Home Phone line rental at £7.50 a month. The deal means broadband and home phone packages will start at £15.50 per month. For the first time customers will also be able to choose from a 12 month contract or rolling one month contract which gives them absolute control over their broadband account. In addition, thanks to O2’s unique Happiness Guarantee, customers will continue to be able to cancel their contract for up to 30 days after signing up if they are not satisfied.

Orange and T-Mobile open networks for 30 million users 06/09/2010
Everything Everywhere, the UK’s biggest communications company, has announced the first consumer benefit of the merger between Orange and T-Mobile, opening up its two mobile networks to customers of both brands. Available to almost half of the UK population, the move marks the start of the single, biggest improvement of network coverage since the birth of mobile.

From 5 October, 30 million customers, the combined customer base of Orange and T-Mobile in the UK, will be offered the opportunity to access both networks, enabling them to make calls and send texts in more places in the UK for no extra cost.

Tom Alexander, CEO of Everything Everywhere, the company that runs Orange and T-Mobile, said: “This is the beginning of an ambitious plan to give our customers instant access to whatever they want, wherever they are; instant access to everything everywhere.

“From next month, we will give almost half of the British population the opportunity to use their phones in more places than ever before. As well as continuing to benefit from their existing network, Orange customers will be able to make calls and send texts on the T-Mobile network and T-Mobile customers will be able to do the same using the Orange network. This is the first major consumer benefit of the merger between Orange and T-Mobile, and it delivers an unrivalled and unique experience that no other operator can offer.

“Until now, the industry has been working in a single network environment. We have a vision of a ‘multinet’ world where the consumer will be able to access what they want, when they want, at the touch of a button. It will all be possible due to a complex system of interweaving multiple networks, bringing mobile, WiFi and fixed technologies together to act as a super network.” Customers who sign up for access to both networks will benefit free of charge, with no changes to their existing tariffs or call or text charges. Once registered, should a customer lose signal on their existing network, they will then automatically pick up the signal from the other network where it is available, meaning that they can make and receive calls and texts in more places than ever before.

Everything Everywhere’s ambition is to provide all Orange and T-Mobile customers with the best network experience in the UK, with the best network capacity, reach, speeds and coverage available.

Next year customers can expect benefits such as automatically switching to whichever of the two networks has the strongest signal while they’re mid-call, and enhanced data and internet coverage. Everything Everywhere Limited is the company running two of the UK’s most famous brands – T-Mobile (UK) and Orange (UK). Owned jointly by Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom respectively, Everything Everywhere Limited is the UK’s biggest communications company, with a combined customer base of over 30 million people and 700 retail stores across the country.

CTA appoints new sales director 03/09/2010
Cellular Trade Accessories, the Aylesbury-based handsfree car kits and accessories wholesaler, has appointed Adrian James as its new sales director.

James has extensive experience in the industry, having held senior positions with a number of high profile companies, including OEM sales director at Autoleads and sales director at the Chameleon Group.

During his time at Autoleads, James was an expert panellist for the Federation of Communication Services, and was jointly responsible for the implementation of changes to the MPT1362 code of practice to allow and recommend the use of audio mute leads.

His remit is to regenerate the company’s sales structure, building on CTA’s reputation for product knowledge and customer service, and broaden the product portfolio.

On announcing the appointment, Richard Ackroyd, CTA’s managing director, said: "I have known Adrian James for many years and I am delighted he has taken this opportunity to join the company. With his knowledge of the industry, vast experience, network of contacts and all-round enthusiasm and drive, he is the man to move our business forward."

James commented: "Having been a supplier to the company for a long time I know CTA have an enviable reputation within the industry. I am very excited about my new role and look forward to cementing our relationship with existing customers and developing solid, mutually rewarding business with new customers and suppliers."

Nokia completes acquisition of Motally 03/09/2010
Nokia has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Motally, initially announced on 20 August 2010.

Motally's mobile analytics service enables developers and publishers to optimise the development of their mobile applications through increased understanding of how users engage. The service offering is planned to be adapted for Qt, Symbian, MeeGo and Java developers.

Motally was founded in 2008 in San Francisco and has patent-pending technology to ensure accurate data collection and analytic reporting for publishers' mobile sites.

OnAir goes live with EgyptAir 03/09/2010
OnAir, provider of inflight communications, has launched full Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir inflight passenger communications services on the first of EgyptAir’s fleet of twin aisle Airbus 330-300 aircraft, with more scheduled to be equipped in coming months. The aircraft operates to London.

EgyptAir customers will be able to stay connected inflight using their own mobile phones or smartphones. Customers will also be able to access the internet just as they do on the ground by connecting their laptops wirelessly.

In providing both GSM and GPRS as well as WiFi internet, OnAir enables EgyptAir’s customers to have available to them the broadest range of inflight connectivity options available anywhere in the world today, enabling them for example to surf the Internet, check the weather forecast at destination, buy theatre tickets, or make arrangements for transport from their airport to their place of residence, all as well as checking in with colleagues or putting in a goodnight call to a loved one.

EgyptAir Airlines chairman and CEO, Captain Alaa Ashour, said: “Today, we are providing EgyptAir customers with the latest services and greater choices. OnAir inflight connectivity helps us further differentiate our offering, and enables our customers not only to stay in touch but to access online services as they travel.”

“We’re delighted to be helping provide EgyptAir customers from today with a full range of connectivity services as they travel, services that travellers are increasingly expecting to have at their disposal. Within two to three years, we’re convinced that all airlines will demand this level of onboard mobile communications,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO at OnAir.

Napster selects Accedo for music services on Samsung Apps 03/09/2010
Accedo Broadband, provider of app stores and applications for IPTV and connected TV, today announced that Napster, the pioneer of digital music, selected Accedo to help develop, test and launch its Napster application for the Samsung Apps.

“Napster is a leader in music streaming services, and their service is perfectly suited for enjoyment on TV,” commented Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo Broadband. “We are thrilled to launch the Napster application for Samsung’s latest Connected TV platform. We believe music is one of the most attractive non-video applications for the TV experience in the living room.”

“With their expertise and experience in the TV apps industry, Accedo was a logical choice when we decided to launch TV applications” commented James Mitchell, Napster senior vice president and chief technology officer. “Their pragmatic approach and dedication to deadlines made it possible for us launch a high quality application in a very short time.” The Napster application is now available on select 2010 Samsung TVs 40-inches and above, as well as select 2010 Blu-ray players and Blu-ray home theater systems on the Samsung Apps platform. A Napster subscription is required, but those customers new to Napster can sign up for a free 14-day trial to experience the service in their living room and on their Web browser.

From Generation X to Y and Z 02/09/2010
Robert May, Managing Director at IT solutions consultancy ramsac, says that understanding new ways of working is vital to any enterprise

‘If Facebook were a country, it would now be the third largest country in the world’. That astonishing fact was recently upheld across the media as an indication of the way in which (the so-called) ‘Generation Y’ is already changing the way in which the world interacts. It is a strong indication that we are witnessing a noticeable shift in the way in which the future workforce wants to communicate, and consequently will have a huge impact in the way future business leaders will want to do business.

Seismic changes in the way we do business are nothing new. In much the same way that previous generations adopted the telephone, television and computers, the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow will be looking to use the tools they know best to solve problems – and they will be looking towards potential employers to ensure they have these in their arsenal when they enter the business world.

A good example of how things are already moving is email. The ubiquitous communications tool of the last decade or so has become a staple portal for the sharing of letters, memos, documents and files – largely replacing a sizable percentage of reliance on postal services, fax machines and even telephones. However, to many graduates email is already out of date, with Instant Messaging applications making it seem slow and inefficient – especially in a fast moving and time sensitive environment.

Similarly, the huge increases in mobile data usage in the last few years show that the Smartphone is rapidly overtaking traditional Internet access as the web portal of choice. Generation Y has fully embraced the use of mobile devices and school-leavers and graduates will be eager to transfer their Smartphone prowess to the world of business, along with their peers.

So where does this leave the business leaders of today? All businesses should be aware of the wealth of talent entering the workplace each year, and smart businesses leaders will recognise that it is important to embrace new ideas to attract fresh talent. The soon to arrive influx of graduates and school leavers, hungry to cut their teeth in the world of business, will often expect more than basic IT in their new career. Lightweight laptops/netbooks and Smartphones are integral to the personal lives of Generation Y, so they will expect business to equip them with similar tools if their position requires them to think and act on their feet to benefit the organisation.

The clues can be found from all our own experiences within the business world during the last 10, 20 or 30 years. The pace of change in the workplace, thanks to technology, has been astounding. From the computers, phone systems and fax machines of the 1980s through to the mass adoption of the Internet and email in the 1990s and the explosion of communications options during the last 10 years, the modern workplace is a very different one to that of the previous generations. Undoubtedly there had been reluctance to adopt even the simplest IT by some quarters upon its introduction. Today, as always, there is hesitancy from some business leaders to make the investment (and a sometimes fundamental mindset shift) needed to embrace new ways of working, but any tool which gives an organisation an edge over its competition will always find favour with anyone with the vision to fully capitalise on it.

Savvy businesses realise they can significantly improve productivity, increase their profile and raise the bar for customer service (as well as opening the door for new business opportunities), by having a well managed, proactive and rapidly reactive work force. What could be more helpful to the spirit of entrepreneurship than arming fresh talent with the relevant tools they need to help your business continue to thrive in a changing environment?

The simple truth is that business, like all aspects of society, is constantly evolving and so are the young breed of up-and-coming professionals who play a large part in keeping industry and commerce relevant and profitable. A firm understanding of the benefits of change is an important one for all business leaders who want to continue to thrive. The older generation may be confounded by some of the ideas that come from Generation Y, but they represent the upcoming market as well as future employees, so it is vital to accept new ways of working and ensure your business is blooming for the inevitable rise of Generation Z!

Jabra introduces three new products 02/09/2010
Jabra has announced three new products, bringing the company’s expertise in sound quality, comfort and design to the corded headset market. The Jabra Chill and Rhythm are now available at retail stores nationwide with a third product, the Jabra Active, to be released later this year.

As the adoption of multimedia phones, including the iPhone and other smartphones, continues to rise, the demand for corded stereo products designed for both listening to media and talking on the phone has increased. Created by GN Netcom the Jabra Chill, Rhythm and Active are designed with users’ needs in mind, whether they are always on the go, listening to music or engaging in athletic activities. With a user friendly design, the new portfolio focuses on sound quality and an ergonomical design that follows the contours of the ear for a perfect look and fit.

With a secure, comfortable fit, Jabra Chill is perfect for listening to music and talking on the go. Jabra Chill is the first corded headset on the market featuring Jabra Ultimate-fit Eargels, ear gels that both stay securely in the ear and deliver a great sound experience. The headset seamlessly connects to smartphones, including the iPhone and Blackberry devices, and features a microphone with an easy to use button to answer and end calls.

The Jabra Rhythm features premium stereo sound, noise isolating ear buds and microphone wind noise reduction technology, so rich, vibrant music and clear, crisp calls are assured with Jabra Rhythm. This new stereo headset is designed to ergonomically fit ears, so it not only meets the delicate curve of ears, it looks stylish too.

With Jabra Active, athletes and active users will be able to listen to music and train hard without worrying about adjusting their ear buds. Ergonomically designed for sports, the Jabra Active features Jabra Active Eargels, which are sweat and water resistant ear buds that securely and comfortably lock into the ear so they won’t fall out. The headset offers superior sound quality, microphone wind noise reduction and comes with a neat carrying case making it easily portable.

The Jabra Chill, Rhythm and Active all include a unified control box that allows users easily skip tracks and answer calls from the microphone so there is no need to fidget with your iPhone or mobile device. The devices all feature a 3.5mm gold-plated plug, ideal for the transmission of premium music quality that works with industry standard smartphones, including the iPhone.

Mobile app barcoo brings consumers transparency while shopping 02/09/2010
The mobile application barcoo has been launched in the UK. The free app enables consumers to scan the barcode printed on each package right at the store and immediately see independently retrieved information regarding each product.

Now, consumers in the UK can access extensive and independently retrieved product information. The app barcoo, available for free download, enables mobile phones to scan barcodes that are usually printed on each packaging and will display testing and customer reviews, sustainability information, price comparison and ecological footprint information. When scanning food items it will also display nutritional information including a traffic light indicating dietary fitness. In addition it will also display what stores in the local area carry the product.

Currently barcoo offers product information regarding food items, cosmetics, electronics as well as media products such as CDs, DVDs and books.

barcoo integrates functionality for mobile social shopping. Consumers can recommend a product to their friends or advise against it. To reach them, the app uses Facebook among other channels. In addition, barcoo users can contribute their own information by entering nutritional values, adding comments or uploading images to products.

barcoo is available for many mobile phones and smart phones, but for the time being will launch for iPhone, Android powered devices and for the Samsung Wave with the bada operating system. To download simply visit your respective app store on your device. In a few weeks barcoo will also be offered in the Nokia Ovi store.

barcoo is one of the most used apps in Germany. To date, more than a million users have downloaded the app to their phones, more than half of them to their iPhones. With several million monthly scans they are busy informing themselves about food ingredients, reading tests reports about electronics or comparing prices.

CEO Benjamin Thym, said: "barcoo's success in Germany demonstrates us that consumers appreciate having the opportunity to inform themselves right during shopping. We are happy to finally bring this level of transparency to our British neighbours."

Mainline offers dealers a converged bonus 02/09/2010
Orange mobile phone distributor Mainline Digital Communications is offering a converged bonus for all new connections in September, giving its dealers yet another opportunity chance to boost revenues.

For every business connection to any new mobile broadband and talk plan in unison during September, dealers will earn an extra £20 on top of all the usual bonuses and commissions, plus the revenue share for the duration of the contract.

“This bonus gives dealers the chance to earn additional revenue and maximise sales,” commented Gail Hollinshead, Mainline’s director of dealer sales. “The beauty of this incentive is that it gives the end customer the complete mobile package when they connect to Orange. They get a fantastic value for money talk plan for voice, texts, flexible extras and a great mobile broadband package so they can take the office with them wherever they go. With such a good offers available to our dealers, the plans sell themselves.”

Talk plans include Business Everywhere Unlimited and Business Everywhere World Traveller.

“Mainline is always looking at ways to help its dealers grow their businesses and incentives like this one certainly lend a helping hand,” concluded Hollinshead.

New iPhone app brings photography to your pocket 02/09/2010
The Foto News Now iPhone app is the latest brand to be launched by Archant Imaging, the publishers of Professional Photographer, Photography Monthly, BPI, Which Digital Camera and Turning Pro magazines, giving photographers everywhere the world of photography at their fingertips. Taking the best content from both Professional Photographer and Photography Monthly’s websites, Foto News Now gives you instant access to indispensable information, including event and exhibition guides, competitions, galleries, videos, podcasts, inspirational interviews with outstanding, world renowned photographers, practical advice plus expert tips and techniques, all packed into an iPhone app which is easy to use, fast to load and quick to respond. Foto News Now is a specifically designed and tailored app for photographers everywhere, and at every level, to enjoy. All of the content is updated every day, throughout the day, to ensure a fantastic user experience. Whatever kind of photographer you are, whether you are a professional, enthusiast or beginner, you will find it inspirational, entertaining and informative, and an essential addition to your app library.

Sony Ericsson Elm tops new Green Chart from O2 02/09/2010
The Sony Ericsson Elm phone has been named the most sustainable handset on the market. The UK’s first sustainable rating system for mobile phones, O2’s Eco rating, awarded the Sony Ericsson Elm phone 4.3 out of five for its green credentials.

Amongst 65 mobile phones, from six manufacturers, the Sony Ericsson Elm phone was measured for its environmental impact, how it helps people lead more sustainable lives and Sony Ericsson’s ethical performance as a manufacturer. In total five of the top 10 mobile phones in the rating were designed by Sony Ericsson (some key manufacturers have not allowed O2 to include them in the Green Rating scheme).

“Sony Ericsson is committed to delivering products with the best possible environmental performance in the industry,” said Mats Pellbäck Scharp, head of corporate sustainability at Sony Ericsson. “That’s why we’re pleased the Sony Ericsson Elm phone has been rated the most sustainable mobile phone in the industry. We fully support the new O2 Eco rating system - through initiatives such as this, consumers have the information they need to make informed green choices.”

The Sony Ericsson Elm phone is part of Sony Ericsson’s GreenHeart range of mobile phones and accessories. The GreenHeart portfolio spearheads Sony Ericsson’s commitment to making a real and substantive impact to green innovation, which will see benefits brought to the environment, consumers and mobile operators. The GreenHeart strategy will eventually see the greening of the manufacturer’s entire portfolio, as announced in June 2009.

By 2015 Sony Ericsson is committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 20% and greenhouse emissions by 15% from its mobile phone’s full product lifecycle. Sony Ericsson’s commitment to sustainability has also seen the mobile phone manufacturer join forces with an alliance of public interest organisations to persuade the European Parliament to ban the use of hazardous substances in consumer electronics from 2015 onwards.

Samsung launches Galaxy Tab powered by Android 02/09/2010
Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000). Powered by the Android Operating System 2.2, the Galaxy Tab is the first of the company’s tablet devices, representing a new category of mobile products for Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab brings together all of Samsung’s leading innovations to provide users with more capabilities while on the move. Consumers are able to experience PC-like web browsing and enjoy all forms of multimedia content on the perfectly sized seven inch display, wherever they go. Moreover, users can continuously communicate via email, voice and video call, SMS, MMS or social network with the optimised user interface.

“Samsung recognises the tremendous growth potential in this newly created market and we believe that the Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a unique and open proposition to market. There is a new and emerging consumer demand that Samsung can satisfy since mobile is in our DNA. This demand continues to grow and develop as users tap its limitless potential,” said Simon Stanford, head of mobile, Samsung UK and Ireland.

“The Samsung Galaxy Tab has been designed to enable consumers to maximise their online experience wherever that may be. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is pushing the market in new directions and Samsung believes this is only the beginning of its innovations as pioneers in smart media devices.”

As a new category of device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab brings a wealth of mobile experiences. Its seven inch TFT-LCD display delivers exciting mobile experience for watching films, viewing pictures, e-reading or sharing documents. In design, its light (380g) build provides perfect portability, with its svelte dimensions making it easy to grip and use. Supporting the latest Adobe Flash Player 10.1, the Samsung Galaxy Tab fully supports swift, seamless viewing of every single page of the web.

The Readers Hub, Samsung’s unique e-reading application, provides easy access to a vast digital library, from classical literature to the latest bestsellers and reference materials. At the same time, Samsung unveils Media Hub, a gateway to a world of films and videos, and Music Hub, an application giving access to a wide range of music tunes.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab has made rich communication truly mobile; it presents a level of converged technology that moves beyond mobile or PC to an entirely new category. Users have new powers to consume, create and communicate from wherever they are.

With 3G HSUPA connectivity, 802.11n WiFi, and Bluetooth 3.0, the Samsung Galaxy Tab enhances users’ mobile communication on a whole new level. Video conferencing and push email on the display make communication more smooth and efficient. For voice telephony, the Samsung Galaxy Tab turns out to be a good speakerphone on the desk, or a mobile phone on the move via Bluetooth headset.

Powered by a Cortex A8 1.0GHz application processor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is designed to deliver high performance whenever and wherever you are. At the same time, HD video content is supported by a wide range of multimedia formats (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, H.263, H.264 and more) which maximises the joy of entertainment.

While a front facing camera allows for face to face video telephony over 3G, a rear facing camera captures still images and video that you can edit, upload and share, all without any hassle.

The Galaxy Tab will start selling in October in the majority of Vodafone’s European markets and through several partner networks, as well as in a number of other Vodafone markets worldwide.

South West Comms gives Bideford College access to Interactive Learning 01/09/2010
South West Communications Group has recently been awarded a sizable contract to provide a wireless, ICT-rich environment that could be a blueprint for schools and colleges in the future.

The Exeter-based communications specialist has designed an Alcatel-Lucent multi-media network for voice, data, video, CCTV and digital signage for Bideford College. The network comprises a local area network and a wide-ranging WiFi solution.

South West Communications Group’s specialist engineering team has already begun the installation process at the College’s brand new £44 million building that is set to be completed before the start of the new academic year.

The new wired data network will connect all 200-plus staff and more than 1,600 students with access to full multi-media content, such as video streaming and audio visual presentations, providing the latest tools for interactive, modern-day teaching and learning.

However, it is the campus-wide wireless WiFi solution that will give the students the ability to roam the site, both inside the building and outside in its grounds, giving them access to College resources from laptops and mobile-enabled WiFi devices, such as iPhones and iPads.

The solution also provides a new Alcatel-Lucent IP telephone system, which will use the new data network to connect to the 180 telephone extensions within the college, to take advantage of cost savings and the streamlined working practices associated with IP technology.

South West Communications Group sales director Sarah Flowers said: “This project represents an innovative approach into the provision of data in schools and colleges. It also provides a blueprint for educational establishments in the implementation of data, voice, digital signage and video, including streaming media across entire college campuses. We are proud to be involved with Bideford College and its vision to become the ‘School of the Future’.”

Mike Newby MBE, Bideford College’s project co-ordinator, said “Having looked in depth at the range of technologies available to meet with Bideford College’s aspirations for site-wide access and connectivity, it was identified that not only did South West Communications Group provide a system that met with the intent but that, as a company, they showed the ability to listen to the customer’s requirements.

“They ably demonstrated that the systems could achieve sufficient resilience and capacity to allow all projected use, and more, within budgetary constraints. The knowledge and customer awareness of the on-site installation and technical team, along with the off-site project management team, have been a creditable asset to the way in which the systems have been bedded in at the College.”

UK apps studio bags a million iPhone downloads 01/09/2010
iPhone games developer Neon Play has hit over a million iPhone downloads for its first two games with Golf Putt Pro achieving a staggering 250,000 downloads in just one day, pushing it to number two in the UK and US iPhone free download charts.

It is the second time Cirencester-based Neon Play has had a top ten hit despite massive US competition. Its first game Flick Football and Flick Football Lite, launched in the summer has over 700,000 downloads and reached number eight in the charts.

The US currently dominates the iPhone app market with eight of the top 10 games being from US studios but CEO Oli Christie thinks that there is an opportunity to establish the UK as a centre for app development, with Government support of course.

“The US is dominating the app economy but UK studios such as ours have a great opportunity to break-up this early monopoly through simple, creative, addictive games,” said Christie. "It's already a $250 million a month market and the US is getting most of that. Why is the UK so slow to react and why is the government so resistant to this industry? This could be massive for the UK, generating millions in tax but the industry needs a helping hand to compete on a level playing field.”

Neon Play is launching two more games in September - Hotshot Pool and Paper Glider – and has a number of apps it is developing for well known brands and celebs in the coming months.

China Mobile and Huawei complete China’s First 10G GPON live test 01/09/2010
Huawei, provider of next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, recently announced that it has completed China’s first 10 Gigabit passive optical network (10 GPON) full-service test with China Mobile over a live network. This test demonstrated that Huawei’s 10G GPON solution is both backward and forward compatible, and is capable of supporting any service and any scenario.

GPON (Gigabit PON) is an evolution of the BPON (broadband PON) standard. It supports higher rates, enhanced security, and choice of Layer 2 protocol (ATM, GEM, Ethernet).

Huawei created a 10G GPON network environment after upgrading a live GPON network of Zhejiang Mobile, a subsidiary of China Mobile. The 10G GPON network was then tested using ITU-T G.987-compliant test schemes, which verified 10G GPON’s support for diverse services, such as internet data, IMS-based voice, IPTV, E1 leased line, Ethernet leased line, video conferencing, and WLAN backhaul. Following the completion of this test, the 10G GPON network environment has continued to service users over the live network, with the aim to further test 10G GPON stability and support for full-service operations.

You Yiyong, president of Access Network, Huawei, said: “We are honoured to have collaborated with China Mobile in completing the 10G GPON full-service test, the first of its kind in China. As part of Huawei’s All-IP convergence strategy, our 10G GPON solution will enable operators to simplify their networks, improve broadband efficiency, and meet the requirement of full-service access. We will continue our teamwork with carriers to advance the progression and commercialisation of the 10G GPON industry chain.”

GN Netcom appoints two national Jabra sales managers 01/09/2010
GN Netcom, provider of headsets, has appointed two national sales managers within its UK national sales division. Alan Quinlan and Robert Stockford will focus on driving sales for the company’s Jabra-branded headset solutions and developing Jabra’s existing and new customer and partner base.

Quinlan joins the corporate channel team and will draw on over 20 years experience in sales gained at IT and telecoms giants including BT, Applegarth and Opal Solutions. He is tasked with identifying and implementing a series of new initiatives to grow and provide continued support to Jabra’s corporate channel partners.

Stockford will work with the reseller channel, ensuring the right partner mix to drive market share. Previously Stockford worked at Xerox for five years as a UK sales manager and led his reseller team to unprecedented success including a 29% revenue increase in just two years. Prior to this, he spent over 10 years working at companies including Fujitsu-Siemens, Trend Micro and ComputaCenter.

Both Stockford and Quinlan will report into Andrew Doyle, Jabra sales director at GN Netcom, and lead their own teams of field agents, desk side support staff and sales account managers.

Doyle said: “The appointment of two highly experienced sales managers significantly strengthens our team, providing us with the ideal platform to continue to build lasting relationships with customers and our reseller partners.

“The quality of GN Netcom’s Jabra headsets, coupled with Rob’s channel experience and Alan’s extensive knowledge of the VoIP and unified communications markets, will ensure our partner resellers gain maximum advantage and our customers benefit from the very best experience and service.”

HSC appoints new head of finance 01/09/2010
Mobile distributor, HSC, has appointed Andrew Dinnivan as the new head of finance for the business. Dinnivan, who has 16 years experience in corporate finance, starts at HSC on Tuesday 31 August.

Dinnivan is being bought in to the new role to oversee all aspects of HSC finance, including the payment of dealer commissions, revenue share and all associated processes.

He will report to central Carphone Warehouse Finance in its Acton HQ, as well as to head of HSC, Bob Sweetlove. Dinnivan will be based with the HSC team at the distribution centre in Poole, Dorset.

Sweetlove commented on his latest team member: “Dinnivan brings years of experience, professionalism and a keen finance brain into HSC, but crucially also has the personal skills key to ensure our employees and customers get the support they need from finance.

“He will be tasked with ensuring that all of our finance processes provide the highest levels of service to our dealers at all times, focusing on paying commissions accurately on time, every time, dealing with commission queries in a clear and transparent manner and ensuring that the growing revenue share element is paid in a consistent and clear way,” continued Sweetlove.

Dinnivan is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and has a BA Hons Degree in Business Studies.

He comes to HSC following five years at Barclays Bank, where his latest role was Finance Business Partner for Barclays Group Finance. Prior to that, he spent eight years at Liverpool Victoria, where he carried out a wide range of roles gaining experience across all key accounting disciplines working within Corporate Finance and in key commercial areas including Marketing and Sales and General Insurance. Before that, he spent three years at BDO Stoy Hayward, where his experience ranged from Company Audit to Accounts preparation, and VAT & Income Tax Returns.

Outside of work, Dinnivan is Chair of Finance Governors at his local school. He enjoys cycling, running and spending time with his wife and three sons.

 
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