Three UK embrace mobile data and web - General Topics

see
http://www.three.co.uk/xseries.omp
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=35786
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/11/16/3_internet_launch/
A big hooray
Shame about choice of phone's and that none have wifi.
I have been pissed with T-mobile bot allowing many services on web n walk.
3 embracing skype and opening up to data tarrifs.
Thank you. Lets hope you start a trend/price war.
Although I will wait until I see the charges.
Did I read on these same pages yesterday the o2 chairman predicting 3 and virgin would not last. Show them the way to go.
Just need more broadband routers with better igmp support for alll the video streaming,IPTV etc that is gonna be coming.

This all sounds good, and it is very tempting to go with 3, especially with x-series services coming up. Free unlimited international calls (Only to certain countries) aswell, for £15!!
However what I would like to know is, do you have to use 3's phone to get free access to internet, skype, messenger etc. i.e. does 3 load on their own version of these software to access these services? By reading articles, it seems they do, for example, you can only use Yahoo Go and Google to browse or search the internet. Or could you use a PDA phone (say HTC Trinity) with your 3 sim, and open PIE and surf the net for free, use skype or Live Messenger for free?
Ideally, I would like to get my own PDA phone (maybe trinity) to take advantage of these services, but I have a gut feeling it's not as simple as that. It's a shame that there's only two phones they currently offer that support HSDPA, Nokia N73 and SE W950i. I rather have the Trinity

A friend who works for vodafone said that they will be following up with some new data tariffs around January time - fingers crossed, dual sim with web-n-walk doesn't quite cut the mustard for me!

agree with the two posts above, web n walk is great however the t-mobile call reception is terrible in my area. The 3 hansets avaliable are not to my liking. My O2 contract expires in January, at that point i hope i have a decent choice of data plans......

Related

FINAL STRAW with WM - why do we not have this app?

Im sick of the most useful apps being developed for the iPhone only.
Take this app for example
http://www.mobiletechaddicts.com/2008/11/16/tv-plus-sky-remote-for-iphone-updated/
This app would be SO useful to UK WM users. The ability to remote record programs on your Sky+ or Sky+HD box would be extremely useful, yet we are being left out in the cold yet again.
This is seriously the last straw, im almost ready to jump ship next gen of phones.
Does anyone know of a WM equivilant?
darthbane2k said:
Im sick of the most useful apps being developed for the iPhone only.
Take this app for example
http://www.mobiletechaddicts.com/2008/11/16/tv-plus-sky-remote-for-iphone-updated/
This app would be SO useful to UK WM users. The ability to remote record programs on your Sky+ or Sky+HD box would be extremely useful, yet we are being left out in the cold yet again.
This is seriously the last straw, im almost ready to jump ship next gen of phones.
Does anyone know of a WM equivilant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you might have seen on the "application" you linked in your post: it is again not a real application but a web service packed in an executable file for iPhones - something the world really does not need since service providers such as TiVo are launching their own stuff:
http://news.ebrandz.com/miscellaneo...e-for-programming-remotely-for-tv-freaks.html
omg
you want you diamond to be a your sky remote???
ill sell you a sky remote for £10.....better than £400...the cost of a diamond
Junner2003 said:
As you might have seen on the "application" you linked in your post: it is again not a real application but a web service packed in an executable file for iPhones - something the world really does not need since service providers such as TiVo are launching their own stuff:
http://news.ebrandz.com/miscellaneo...e-for-programming-remotely-for-tv-freaks.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not talking about TiVO (which is not available in the UK), im talking specifically about Sky+.
dude you can alwys try slingplayer for slingbox users, duh
dortyboy said:
dude you can alwys try slingplayer for slingbox users, duh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you guys dont get it, this isnt a remote control app nor should I be required to buy a slingbox (expensive). The iphone app is simple, you sign in with your sky account username and password, you pull up a complete TV guide and you set recordings from the app. The app communicates with skys servers which then in turn send a signal to your sky box from wherever you are in the world and your box will record that programme.
Now, granted you can do this from the sky.com website, but typically its one of those sites that just doesnt work in Opera or pocket IE.
Tivo Mobile
Tivo Mobile was released last month but don't know if that helps you.
no hes lives in uk. sky+ is like a uk tivo.
theres an app for iphone that lets you sign into you sky account and record a show from you phone
he want an app that lets him sign into his sky+ account with his mobile
darthbane2k said:
you guys dont get it, this isnt a remote control app nor should I be required to buy a slingbox (expensive). The iphone app is simple, you sign in with your sky account username and password, you pull up a complete TV guide and you set recordings from the app. The app communicates with skys servers which then in turn send a signal to your sky box from wherever you are in the world and your box will record that programme.
Now, granted you can do this from the sky.com website, but typically its one of those sites that just doesnt work in Opera or pocket IE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I got you already in first place! Even the iPhone Application is nothing but a modified webbrowser control, so, basically, you're loading the Sky+ website into your iPhone - and this is why I always wonder then people talk about 'aplication on the iPhone', mostly these are nothing but web services!
Sky+ is promissing and promoting the MOBILE REMOTE RECORDING on their website and I can't believe that OPERA can't view the site properly! You might wanna contact their technical support in order to get it solved!
Actually mate, it is possible to get one of the java apps for the sony phone to work aparently. Though I havent tried it on the diamond, but i did get it working on my wizard.
So, just download one of the sony ericson java remote record apps and install and try. Have a bit of a google.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=680256
You got 2 options to try here,
either just browse to the tv guide page on the sky page as normal, at the top it will give you the option for screen reader version. works a treat, bookmark it to save browsing the horrific sky homepage
you can always 1 up your iPhone freinds, grab skyfire browser, full web browsing including flash. just tried will check if it worked when I get home. Downside is skyfire needs good connection i.e wifi or 3g to work well.
either way less clutter on you phone, rather than the mess of utils you get on iPhone.
hope that helps.
That app has been around for time mate it was a java app and i had it on my symbian phone i think you can get it here they cover all versions
http://anytime.sky.com/mobile.aspx
It seems like owners of WM have to scour the entire globe to find software for their phones. While iPhone owners simply go to the app store and download them all in one place.
RubberDucky451 said:
It seems like owners of WM have to scour the entire globe to find software for their phones. While iPhone owners simply go to the app store and download them all in one place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forget 1 thing:
If you have only 1 single place then this single place will most likely make the decision for you which applications will be available to you and which not - this is (unfortunately) quite common in the Apple Store! I am quite happy that I can different stuff on different places! Often you get your stuff directly from the developer's website where you then find as well support and forums for the particular product.
Now, think about the following: each super market in the world would be Wal-Mart ... go a step further and try to determine what you might find in Wal-Mart if no other stores are around anymore ... go the final step and try to get support from an Wal-Mart employee for the product you bought ... brrrrr!
That java app (which I used to use on an old sony ericsson) does not and will not work on a touch HD with its lack of buttons
Good news http://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/tvguide/tvlistingsalternate works in opera.
Bad news - there is no way to login to your account. opera/sky site simply doesnt remember your credentials :-(
why don't you wait for a dev phone like compulab exeda

real voice over wifi

I many forums, people say that nothing is developed for voip. There are several solutions, but they all channel the voip over the GSM/voice channel (iSkoop, Skype lite). See also: http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Android+VOIP
Obviously we get double charges: 1) we pay the VOIP fee and 2) the minutes.
So my questions:
1) Is there any hardware issue that would compromise voip?
2) If not what is the state of the development? Is there anything in the horizon?
3) Since the market place is not the only way of distributing content for Android, how could TMo/Google avoid independent developer to create a "real" voip application?
4) How hard would it be given what is available in terms of development?
voip
i use skype, and i have found out a way to get around all the fees....
so.. here it is.
setup skype, and i pay yearly, then skype dials the same number ever time, so i put that number in myfavs. ta-da!
I use UMA over wifi. There are two ways of doing it with T-Mo, one is $9.99 for unlimited ([email protected]), and the other way is just making calls while connected to wifi. That way uses your minutes, but doesn't have a monthly fee.
Unfortunately the G1 isn't UMA enabled, so I got a cheap Samsung for UMA calling.
I love the internet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5Igo7brlRo
Release date in May. Cheers everyone, real voice over Wifi is coming!!!!
Since I am at it, here's the link to the company that ported mjsip to android:
http://blog.roychowdhury.org/2008/03/10/we-have-sip-working-on-android/
Cheers
aad4321 said:
will it work over 3g/edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's a very good question. I think the guys in the vid used only wifi (from what they say).
I see one big problem with VOIP over 3G: carriers. They will never want you to use Voip on the go because this would hack their major cash flow (the GSM fees).
For voice over WIFI, that may be less of a problem. If you look at Skype on the iPhone, you can give a call over wifi without using your minutes. In other words, Skype received the blessings from ATT and Apple. Let's hope T-Mo blesses all of us too!

How to disable ceertaiin WM Features

I recently picked up around 50 touch Vivas (Opal) for my business. I am creating some software to run on the WM Platform that will handle the details of my buisness. And my Employees will be running around with these phones using the data network to connect with my server for sales etc. I am using these phones because they are Ideal, Small, and very inexpensive. Additionally they work great with the blue tooth printers that my employees carry around
My Problem....
I wanna disable the Ability to make calls, and surf the web etc and limit there usage to this program and messenger. Any Ideas on how i can go about doing this

[Q] Help me pick a phone. Please.

(long post warning...I'm placing the summary first for those who don't care to read the whole thing)
***
In summary, I want a mobile platform that I can tweak until I get it exactly as I like it; that will sync with Windows desktop and server platforms (this is a strong preference, not a "must"; upon which I own things and don't have to worry about them being stolen or broken; that doesn't tell everyone and their mother where I go and what I'm doing; and on which I can listen to Sirius radio; and to which I can transfer data back and forth via USB without any permission based cloud interface. It must also be compatible with Slingplayer software and I have a strong, strong, preference for a slideout QWERTY keyboard, but I'd sacrifice that if I have to for the above functionalities. I'm currently on ATT, but it doesn't have to be that way
***
I am thinking about purchasing a new phone. But the market is a bit more complicated than when I purchased my current phone (HTC Diamond), so I hope that you guys can give me some advice.
I have been a Windows Mobile user since 5.0. What I loved about WM is that I could come here and read about the various hacks, mods, and custom roms and generally find something to address any problems I had, or find a way to modify the phone to meet my preferences.
I love the mobile version of Office and I use it constantly for work purposes. I especially like being able to sync outlook contacts on both phone and device, and that I can make presentations from the phone, and can open and manipulate Word and Excel.
I was also using SiriusXM 6 by tcbush over on Geekstoolbox to listen to satellite radio. Unfortunately, Sirius has taken down their legacy servers that streamed content to third party providers. So it does not appear that I can listen to satellite radio any longer via my mobile device.
It is this turn of events (Sirius radio) that is my main motivator for seeking a new phone. I could listen to Sirius via the web, but that requires a Flash player and I can't find a version of flash for WM 6.1. I have both Opera Mini and IE. So, if any of you know a way for a WM 6.1 device to listen to Sirius, you will have solved my immediate problem and saved me some money. I would really appreciate that.
But on the larger scale, I know that one day I will have to replace my beloved Diamond. Her slideout QWERTY is starting to jiggle, there are a few scratches on her beautiful face even though she hasn't gone a moment without a case and screen protector. Every now and again her D-Pad loses its way, and I have to reboot. Alas, I fear the end is near. *sigh*
So, in looking over the current landscape, I see three options: iphone, Android, and WM7.
Apple products to me are out for personal preference reasons.
That leaves Android and WM7.
Problem 1:
I enjoyed my prior experience of owning a WM phone supported by a network of generous, friendly developers who found ways that we could modify our phones to our hearts' content. I also like the fact that I own my phone and all its content. Once I install or tweak something, then that's it unless I decide to change it.
But the current market seems to be based on a top-down control model. From what I've read, owning a phone with the current tech is like owning a home on leasehold property or in a HOA: You pay full price for ownership but you do not enjoy the rights of control normally associated with that ownership. It seems that the devices are locked, difficult to unlock, find ways to re-lock, and that a Nanny-server may at times uninstall or disable software that it doesn't like.
I just don't get it. Has the culture embraced a model where a user pays a provider only to be told by that provider what he can and cannot do with the property he has purchased?
Of course, my perception of these issues could be incorrect. I recently went back to school and have unplugged from most external things. I haven't been following the "insider info" on xda for nearly two years. If I'm wrong, please tell me.
Problem 2:
User tracking. Sounds Orwellian.
I get it that the cell provider can locate you. I understand the technology reasonably well for regular Joe, and I understand that the network needs to know where you are. But until recently, the cell provider could not release those records without a warrant or some emergency confirmed by law enforcement like a lost person, etc. I actually worked with Sprint in conjunction with the police to attempt to track a stolen phone. However, it now appears that the manufacturers themselves and many app developers are bypassing the law by tracking users without their consent. Am I right on this?
I've read a number of articles on the Apple and Android tracking problems - generic apps tracking you and reporting your movements to Apple, Google, etc. Apps turning on the mic or camera at intervals and tracking your surroundings or conversations. Route these concerns through the awfulness of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Patriot Act, and the fact that both the post-digital presidential administrations (Bush II and Obama) seem intent on eroding what remains of our privacy, and it makes me uncomfortable. To make it worse, Google and Zuckerburg are both in bed with the Obama administration, and stories of their privacy infractions are epidemic.
Yet none of the progs I use on my WM 6.1 device use tracking (that I know of). So, in a very short time, it appears that the culture of mobile communications has gone from an ownership model with Constitutional protections to a free-for-all where you essentially pay big brother to track you.
I have heard many of my younger friends who have grown up in the big-government era use the default: "If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about." But that's exactly backward. The law presumes your privacy and allows infractions only after due process. The current culture seems to presume lack of privacy, and treat privacy-seekers as an anomaly. And the tech seems to reflect the culture rather than the law.
Am I crazy? Even if I am crazy, is there a way to block this tracking? And, if so, does Android or WM7 better lend itself to blocking this tracking?
Problem 3:
USB data transfer.
WM7 doesn't support smart cards. But, the devices seem to have adequate on-board storage for my needs. However, from what I've read, I'll need to use Zune (on WM7, don't know about Android) to move data back and forth. Is that correct?
I currently use Windows Mobile Device Center to transfer files back and forth via USB or Bluetooth, and I really want to keep that functionality.
Thank you if you have read this far. And, given those criteria, what are my best options?
Droid X2. Get it.
Droid X2
Droid X2. Get it.
+1
Thanks for the responses. I've done a bit of research on the phone you recommended, and some research in general. I really need to spool back up
It looks like there are apps out there like WhisperMonitor that will help with my privacy concerns. Actually, it looks like there are Android Apps to address most of my concerns.
I'll keep researching that to determine how much functionality I'll have to sacrifice. And I appreciate the responses. Love the dual core structure of this phone. From what I've read, the benchmarks don't differ too much from single core phones, but it looks like the dual core really helps with load distribution and multi-tasking.
It will be hard to leave Windows...been with it since it was Pocket PC 2000. But atm, it appears that Android may work best for me.
I agree Droid X2, although VZW is expensive, its the best network
Off the basis of wanting a slide out QWERTY and Windows Phone 7, I would go with the HTC Arrive for Sprint. You still have Windows Phone, you can get Sling Player from the Marketplace, and it has a slide out QWERTY that when it slides out, angles the screen for better typing the way I look at it.
samsung galaxy s2
or atrix
If you QWERTY I'd wait till my4g slide if it launches with s-off. I don't imagine you'd be keeping the os in tact.
The g2 is also a beautiful phone. Amazing specs for the good hardware.
T-Mobile is also cheapest, I find, of the four carriers.
The epic 4g seemed nice. Hummingbird (Samsung 1ghz processor) is very nice and has a great gpu.
If you're looking to use google talk video chat, avoid nvidia tegra 2 chips.
Google's suite of software is pretty sweet. Google docs works nice, and there's an app for that.
As long as you download from android market you're good from malware. (If you do get it from market, google does pull the app from the store AND your phone, that's the only time I heard them doing this, and that was once instance.)
Besides... Supporting your developers is a great thing.
Did I miss anything?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
IMO almost any of the android phones would work for what you have in mind. As you pointed out in your follow up post there are apps out there for your privacy concerns. I've had a Moto Droid and now the HTC Thunderbolt. Both have been synced with my works exchange servers with no issues, google apps work great with Office docs, and the available roms and other customizations are almost endless.
Also, don't get hung up on a QWERTY keyboard. I swore I would never have a phone without one, but now that I do I actually don't really miss it.
Edit:
USB data transfer - very simple to do with android. Install a driver for the phone and then connect to your pc with a USB cable. Your pc will recognize the sdcard as removeable storage. Just select it in My Computer and drag and drop anything you want to move like you would for moving any file around in Windows.

[Q] Is the Nvidia Shield Tablet the right tablet for me?

Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)​
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.
botno4 said:
Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)​
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can meet your needs. You can use Google Voice # and hangouts to make/receive calls. It is a beast at gaming and the nvidia game stream is great, however its huge. In my opinion WAY to big to be used as an everyday phone, and would only allow speak phone calls or through a blue tooth. The call quality is good though.
If you want a tablet I recommend it. However if you want a phone I suggest using a phone.
I would get the tablet then get a Moto G or a Moto E for free and use it as your phone.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.
gerrykv said:
OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GV is google voice? Yes I live in Malta, and thank you I didn't know that.
Is there any other way possible to have voice call / texting possibilities on this tablet?

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