Compensation Discussed for Blackberry Users

Consumer talk has turned to compensation following the Global Blackberry Blackout, but Research In Motion (RIM) have yet to comment on the speculation.

Blackberry's founder Mike Lazaridis has said services are "fully restored" following a three-day global blackout, but with millions of users affected and many turning to twitter to express their anger, is their any way back?

This is the largest crash the firm has ever experienced. Prior to the 2011 problems, the last significant blackout was in 2009.  With no answers as to why the switch failed or why the back up failed to kick in, the next priority is a "root cause analysis" of why there was a core switch failure within RIM's infrastructure.  Although, the server problems are believed to have originated at RIM's UK data centre in Slough.

When questioned on compensation for consumers following three days of disruption, Research In Motion declined to comment.  However, some operators, such as Telefonica owner of the UK's O2, are mulling whether to provide compensation for affected users.

Unsurprisingly, many corporate clients have switched to Apple iPhone after they made a concerted effort to improve its support for secure business email systems. News that couldn’t come at a worst time for RIM, who have been losing market share to Apple over the last few months.  That said; Apple’s newly-released operating system, iOS 5, has been causing problems for some users trying to download it this week!

So after a week of problems for smartphone users worldwide, it seems that all new technology comes with niggles, and unforeseen difficulties – we can either embrace new technology and understand this or stick with the tried and tested “brick” of a model that simply does the basics! 

Problems will always occur, but the test of the supplier is how they recover from them.  For the sake of competition, let’s hope RIM bounces back!

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HTC V’s Apple (with Google’s Help)

HTC have brought a fresh grievance to the ongoing war with Apple, filing their third complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

The Taiwanese smartphone maker claims that Apple's computers and mobile devices infringe patents involving wi-fi capability and processor communication technology.

The legal tussle between HTC and Apple has been a well publiscised one, but they are not the only company going head to head with Apple.  Samsung Electronics, which makes the Galaxy series of smartphones and tablet PCs, has also been fighting a legal battle against Apple.

Both HTC and Samsung use the Android operating system, suggesting that this is becoming more than just a simple disagreement between manufacturers.  There is a suggestion that this is very much a battle between Apple and Android.  Whilst Apple currently has the upper hand, the combined force of Google, HTC and Samsung could be a huge force to be reckoned with…it’s an interesting watch…

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HTC Lose Out in Apple Ruling but Will Appeal

On Friday, the US International Trade Commission ruled that Taiwanese mobile phone company HTC, had infringed two Apple Patents.  Apple had claimed that their smartphone rivals had infringed a total of 10 patents.

The response from HTC has been to state that they will appeal; but if the decision is not overturned it could result in the US banning some HTC imports.  Shares in HTC fell 7% this morning as a result, but the result of the appeal could have much wider implications for the industry.  The findings are only preliminary and are subject to review by the full six-member committee in Washington. A final decision is due on 6 December.

The Taiwanese company is not the only firm wrestling with Apple over the rights to technology, with the US firm also in disputes with South Korea's Samsung and US-based Motorola.

Do you have a smartphone?  Do you browse the internet or check your emails on it?  Have you considered your smartphone security?  Find out more! 

Mobile Radiation Top Ten

A recent report resulted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifying mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans.  This has led to health experts analysing the top 10 smartphones for radiation emissions, and Motorola comes out on top!

A US environmental group has gathered information that concludes Motorola make seven of the top ten mobiles that emit the most radiation.  Top of the pile is the Motorola Bravo, which emits 1.59 watts per kilogram (W/Kg) of radiation.  The measure is defined by the rate at which the body absorbs energy from radio frequency electromagnetic fields produced by mobile phones. 

The Worst Offenders

1. Motorola Bravo (1.59 W/Kg)
2. Motorola Droid (1.58 W/Kg)
3. Palm Pixi (1.56 W/Kg)
4. Blakberry Bold 9700 (1.55 W/Kg)
5. HTC Magic (1.55 W/Kg)

Other Popular Handsets

11. HTC Desire (1.48 W/Kg)

40. Nokia Flair (1.21 W/Kg)

48. Apple iPhone 4 (1.17 W/Kg)

Another Alarming Glitch for the iPhone

Getting back to work after Christmas and New Year is hard enough (speaking from personal experience) however, Apple iPhone users have had more to complain about than the rest of us.

A software glitch affected single alarm settings on the iPhone 4 and earlier models for two days after New Year.  This left many users to oversleep, thus arriving late for work, or missing planes and trains.  Of course, many were able to the then use their mobile technology to blog and tweet their complaints on a social network of choice.

A similar problem hit the iPhone alarm when the clocks went back in November, again causing many users to be late for work or for transport arrangements.  Whilst the glitch has now been solved, commentators remain unimpressed that lessons weren’t learnt from November’s issues.

Top 5 mobiles (27th November 2010)

1.  Apple iPhone 4 16GB

Released June 2010

In short:  “A phone you will both love and hate; most of the main disadvantages are simply passed from one generation to the next but - whatever iPhone you’re coming from - the Number 4 will tick most of your boxes. Upgraders will be used to the shortcomings, and unbiased observers will have less points to complain against.”

2.  Blackberry Torch

Released August 2010

In Short: “RIM always put the business user first and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is no different, it is the usual impressively built gadget, the ultimate email machine. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is meant to appeal to the average Joe while making sure the typical corporate user receives the usual high quality service.”

3.  HTC Desire HD

Released Oct 2010

In short: “The innovative fast boot, the complete connectivity set and solid multimedia capabilities round off a great package. HTC might just have a natural bestseller on their hands.”

4.  Nokia N8

Released Oct 2010

In Short: “The N8 is neither impressively slim, nor delicately crafted. Just the opposite actually – it’s a solid tool, a little rough perhaps, but sturdy and reliable.”

5. HTC Wildfire

Released May 2010

In short:  “The right phone for those who like to always stay in touch. The high-end connectivity is all there, along with solid social network integration and browsing. It seems the display and CPU are the only downgrades from the Desire.”

For more information on any of the phones above, including direct comparisons between them all, please call 0800 092 1471

Source: top10.com and gsmarena.com

Top 5 mobiles (19th November 2010)

1. Apple iPhone 4 16GB

Released June 2010

In short: A phone you will both love and hate; most of the main disadvantages are simply passed from one generation to the next but - whatever iPhone you’re coming from - the Number 4 will tick most of your boxes. Upgraders will be used to the shortcomings, and unbiased observers will have less points to complain against.

2. Nokia N8
Released Oct 2010
In Short: The N8 is neither impressively slim, nor delicately crafted. Just the opposite actually – it’s a solid tool, a little rough perhaps, but sturdy and reliable.

 3. Blackberry Torch
Released August 2010
In Short: RIM always put the business user first and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is no different, it is the usual impressively built gadget, the ultimate email machine. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is meant to appeal to the average Joe while making sure the typical corporate user receives the usual high quality service.

 4. HTC Desire HD
Released Oct 2010
In short: The innovative fast boot, the complete connectivity set and solid multimedia capabilities round off a great package. HTC might just have a natural bestseller on their hands.

  5. HTC Wildfire
Released May 2010
In short: The right phone for those who like to always stay in touch. The high-end connectivity is all there, along with solid social network integration and browsing. It seems the display and CPU are the only downgrades from the Desire.

 For more information on any of the phones above, including direct comparisons between them all, please call 0800 092 1471

source: gsmarena.com

Top 5 Mobiles (3rd November 2010)

1. Apple iPhone 4 16GB

Released June 2010

"A phone you will both love and hate; most of the main disadvantages are simply passed from one generation to the next but - whatever iPhone you’re coming from - the Number 4 will tick most of your boxes. Upgraders will be used to the shortcomings, and unbiased observers will have less points to complain against."

2. Nokia N8
Released Oct 2010


"The N8 is neither impressively slim, nor delicately crafted. Just the opposite actually – it’s a solid tool, a little rough perhaps, but sturdy and reliable."

3. HTC Desire HD
Released Oct 2010


Awaiting review

4. Blackberry Torch
Released August 2010


"RIM always put the business user first and the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is no different, it is the usual impressively built gadget, the ultimate email machine. The BlackBerry Torch 9800 is meant to appeal to the average Joe while making sure the typical corporate user receives the usual high quality service."

5. Samsung 19000 Galaxy S
Released June 2010


"The Samsung I9000 Galaxy S looks and feels quite sturdy. The general ergonomics are perfectly fine. Some users might find it awkward to handle a screen this size, but you know what you are signing up for right from the start. And the screen quality is worth all the fuss, take our word."

For more information on any of the phones above, including direct comparisons between them all, please call 0800 092 1471

source: gsmarena.com