2008/09/19

Blackberry Bold

Initial thoughts: -

* It's bigger than the Curve (but not much).

* It looks more metallic, but sort of feels 'plastic'.

* Screen slight bigger, but looks much better.

* Keyboard flatter than Curve, but just as easy to type.

As to functionality that will have to wait until Orange do some magic.

SonyEricsson Xperia X1

SonyEricsson are holding a launch event in the Truman Buildings in Brick Lane tonight (19/09/08).

It's been delayed for some time, but the wait is now over. Their first Windows Mobile device - which is meant to be highly customisable.

Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom

Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom: "General Condition 14.7"

Ofcom has conducted an investigation into whether communications providers comply with General Condition 14.7 which states they must implement a dispute resolution process and belong to an independent dispute resolution scheme. Prior to the investigation Ofcom found that there had been complaints against various providers and they had not joined a relevant scheme. Ofcom are now satisfied that these providers have met their obligations.

Ofcom has approved two independent dispute resolution schemes, the Office of Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communication and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).

Any provider of PECS (public electronic communications services) found not to be compliant can be issued a notice by Ofocm (under section 94 of the Communications Act 2003) and failing to act can mean a fine of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of the company.

2008/09/16

Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom

Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom

Ofcom has published two statements following consultations which will amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act such that short range devices and various satellite services will become license exempt.

Ofcom also also making mobiles used in airplanes license exempt (the airplane operator having licensed the mobile service).

These should allow Ultra Wide Band and other short range services to operate.

FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle

FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle

Kangaroo is the joint venture by BBC Worldwide, Ch4 and ITV to put their video archives online. It'll be run by Ashley Highfield (who used to run BBC Online). They expect to have 10,000 hours of content, 75% which will be free (with advertising).

VirginMedia, BSkyB have complained to the Competition Commission that they will have an unfair advantage in the UK IPTV space. Time Warner and Disney have also voiced concerns. BT have also now joined in the backlash.

Kangaroo would have a huge competitive advantage as they would control a huge amount of content (especially with Auntie on board), but they would also be able to offer compelling content.

The UK infrastructure just needs to be able to keep up to support IPTV services - and that's probably one of the big issues, Sky/O2/Orange and other broadband network all must be considering high speed broadband services into the home (maybe via fibre) and the only way to justify investment is to kaunch their own IPTV services. Kangaroo has the ability for the services to flop before they even launch unless they can get access to Kangaroo's content.