DROID by Motorola
The DROID By Motorola smartphone will make its UK debut on December 7. The mobile device is the first to be powered by Android 2.0, the open source operating system from software company Android Inc. The smartphone allows for high-speed web browsing, voice-activated Google search, customizable large screen and has access to thousands of Android applications and widgets. DROID is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available, according to Motorola. It has a multi-window HTML browser, 3.7” high-resolution screen, the ability to run multiple applications (unlike the iPhone), a 5 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and DVD-quality video capture and playback. The phone comes with a 16GB memory card. Because Android Inc. was once owned by Google and only recently sold to the Open Handset Alliance, it is designed to work well with Gmail, Google Maps and other Google applications.
Price $199.99; £TBC
Contact droiddoes.com
Smartnav Mobile on iPhone and Blackberry
Trafficmaster has brought out its Smartnav Mobile software for the iPhone, Blackberry and other leading smartphones including those from Nokia. The software was previously only available on the Windows 6.1-based GPS mobiles, but now compatibility has been extended to include a far wider range of devices. Smartnav Mobile can be downloaded to a compatible device, and provides satellite navigation and live traffic information, as well as 24-hour support from Trafficmaster’s Personal Assistant teams. The software makes use of real-time traffic data and road speed records to issue alternative routes when conditions change.
Price £3.99 per month or £24.99 per year. Personal Assistant calls are charged at premium rate and networks will vary. According to Smartnav, PA calls typically last for 40 seconds, costing less than 60p.
Contact trafficmaster.co.uk/mobile
Scosche IDR650m earphones
Scosche Industries has launched the IDR650m – its flagship model of in-ear earphones. Designed by audio enthusiasts, the audiophile-grade earphones are compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPod shuffle (Gen 3), iPod touch (Gen 2), iPod nano (Gen 4), iPod classic (120 GB) and Mac computers purchased after Oct 2008.The single and dual flanged silicone ear buds provide noise isolation and come in small, medium and large sizes. They come with Scosche’s tapLINE control technology which allows users to play, pause, adjust volume and skip tracks a control located on the cord. There is also an integrated microphone for hands free conversations, voice command and for recording voice memos on supported iPod and iPhone models.
Price £59.95
Contact scosche.com
Orange aims new laptops at SMEs
Orange has announced two new ‘Connected Laptops’ aimed at SME customers wishing to access the internet on the move – the Asus 1005HGO and the Compaq CQ61. The Asus laptop, with embedded SIM card and exclusive to Orange, has a webcam and features a compact 10.1” screen. The Compaq CQ61 with Orange’s e1752 dongle comes with Windows 7 Home Premium and a 15.6” screen. It also has a web cam and DVD player. A number of different contracts are available to SME customers. Orange is also introducing two new dongles to its range. The Orange e1752 dongle will be provided inclusively with a selection of Orange’s mobile broadband packages. The Option 515M will come with a free 8GB Micro SD memory card.
Price Both laptops £25 to £35 per month depending on download limit, 18- or 24-month contract
Contact shop.orange.co.uk
Coming soon
ASUS Eee PC 1201N – Out January
ASUS’s high performance multimedia netbook, the Eee PC 1201N, will be released in the UK next month. The netbook has an Intel Atom 330 dual core processor and an NVIDIA ION graphics processor giving it more muscle than previous netbooks. The Eee PC 1201N also has a full-sized ergonomic chiclet keyboard and comes with a total of 750GB of “hybrid” storage, consisting of 250GB on the inbuilt hard drive and 500GB of online ASUS WebStorage space. It has a 12.1" high definition screen, Windows 7 and inbuilt wifi and Bluetooth.
Price £399
Contact asus.com
By Andrew Gough