Well, as long as you're a pre-pay (pay as you go) user anyway. The info doesn't seem to have made it onto Vodafone's web site yet, but as from 1st June, pre-pay users in the UK will be charged £2/MB for mobile data rather than the current £7.30/MB. It's not exactly flat rate, but it's a step in the right direction for those of us that don't want to go on contract.
In How To Build Your Own Web Home Page Ewan describes how you can create a custom start page for your phone's web browser. Intended for novices this feature explains the basics of page construction and how to get the page set up on your phone.
PalmInfoCenter is reporting that Palm has announced and is working on a new Linux based mobile platform. The new platform was announced at a Palm Analyst meeting and is described as a new foundation for Palm. The new platform will compete with Symbian OS, although Palm has said they will not be licensing the platform.
In this in-depth editorial feature Krisse asks whether non-portable game systems are doomed? Home consoles and home computers have played such a big part in the history of gaming, it seems inconceivable that they would ever disappear. But is gaming about to become 100% mobile?
It's all very well Apple announcing 100 million iPods sold since the first player hit the market in late 2001, but when you compare it to the mobile arena, where over 80 million smartphone devices with music and video capability were sold in the last tweleve months, you realise that while it might have the zeitgeist, the iPod is quite clearly no longer the top selling family of music devices.
Thanks to Darla for the scoop on the new version of PC Suite, available now, with selective content restoring, full Windows Vista support and firmware update notifications.
Although not Symbian-specific, AAS audio podcast 19 is well worth a listen, if only because Ewan managed to catch Jeff Hawkins (the guy behind the PalmPilot, Handspring Treo, etc.) and talks to him about his theories on how the brain works and how this can be applied to mobile computing.
Google has rolled out a new version of its mobile optimized search site, including a simpler interface, new result page layouts, location awareness, quick links to build a mobile customized homepage and easy access to Gmail mobile. In your smartphone's web browser, type google.com/m
In advance of my upcoming N95 camera review, and following on from our N95 part 1 (Navigation) and N95 part 2 (Music) reviews, here's a taster gallery, with assorted wildlife and domestic pets(!), courtesy of Rafe. Each image can be clicked through to show the full 5 megapixel image.
This weeks Carnival of the Mobilists, number 67, is at Wap Review. There's the usual round up of writing on mobile from around the web ranging from opinion and musings to reviews of games and services.
The 2007 edition of Orange Partner Camp will shortly take place in Cape Canaveral, Florida (16th - 18th April). The event brings together Orange and a range of industry sponsors (including Symbian, UIQ and Nokia) to create a unique event. Read on for more.
At the recent CTIA event the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced that the core specifcation for Bluetooth 2.1 will soon be made available to vendors. Devices using the new specification are already being demoed and commercial availability will follow shortly. Bluetooth 2.1 allows for easier pairing of devices (including a provision to use NFC), uses less power and is more secure.
The BBC has announced plan to begin a 12 month trial to syndicate its TV channels over 3G mobile phone networks in the UK with operators 3, Orange and Vodafone. A number of radio channels will also be available. Separately the BBC has also announced an enhanced version of the BBC Mobile site.
AAS friends and accessory specialists Proporta have asked for help with a poll that they're running. Check out their voting page, essentially to tell them which of the two case styles you prefer (in general) - don't be put off by the specific device shown in the pictures, by the way. There's a good travel pack up for grabs for 5 lucky voters.
You probably didn't make CTIA 2007 and the Symbian-sponsored Smartphone Summit, but don't worry - Symbian CEO Nigel Clifford's keynote and various interviews are all online for viewing at your convenience. Video quality isn't perfect, but still well worth a look.
