The UnityRemote app is designed to turn the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad into a universal remote control and the latest 1.6 version focuses on further enhancing the applications unique features as well as delivering a whole new range of innovative elements that make this ultimate home accessory slicker and sharper than ever before.

The app’s ‘favourites’ function  which allows users to list their most watched TV channels under a ‘favourite’ icon on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad screen has been updated to save users even more time. TV addicts can now add an unlimited amount of favourites, instead of the previous nine. With just one single tap of an icon on their Apple device, users can seamlessly flick between channels.

GEAR4’s engineering team have been busy ensuring that UnityRemote works as effectively as possible with all home electronic devices, both new and old. Having heavily optimised the app, memory usage has been minimised to make reaction times faster overall. Changing between the TV and CD player, or other devices, is both quicker and easier.

Thanks to a new and improved user interface on the app, customising key icons with images from personal digital photo collections couldn’t be simpler.

Most of those affected were said to be in the M4 corridor to the West of London, resulting in a flurry of irate calls (by land line I imagine) to local radio stations and plenty of activity via the social networking sites.

Vodafone were quick to issue a brief statement which said:

“We had a break in last night at one of our technical facilities which resulted in damage done to some of our equipment. We are working quickly to restore these and will be back to normal as soon as we can.”

The company said that the there had been no impact on the security of customer’s private  information.

Vodafone refused to speculate on whether the break-in could be linked to several high-profile controversies involving the company.

It was recently the subject of protests over claims that the firm was let off paying part of an outstanding UK tax bill.

Vodafone was also criticised for shutting down its phone network in Egypt during the recent pro-democracy protests, although the company said it was obliged to comply with local laws.

Designed and developed by an in-house team using the Guardian’s content API, the new Guardian App for iPhone and iPod touch showcases news, comment, features, photo galleries and multimedia, including guardian.co.uk’s award-winning video for the first time.

Brand new sport features will enable users to track their favourite football teams, receive goal alerts and follow minute-by-minute matches with automatic updates. News and politics live blogs have also been re-designed to provide the best user experience for guardian.co.uk’s acclaimed rolling coverage.

The update demonstrates clearly how our user expectations have grown during the last twelve months and also give an indication of how mobile applications have integrated themselves into our daily routine.

The people at the Guardian have taken on board feedback from users of the original Guardian app during the last year and have developed the product as a direct result of such feedback, creating what they believe to be a standard setting application within the industry.

The latest version of the Guardian app features:

• Award-winning Guardian video, available over 3G and Wi-Fi
• Live football scores and goal alerts by team or match
• Automatic updates for live blogs, including minute-by-minute sport coverage
• Integrated reader comments underneath stories
• Brand new homepage design including multimedia carousel
• Enhanced trending topics and most-viewed stories
• Landscape reading mode
• A brand new search facility, across the guardian.co.uk archive

Original most popular features retained:

• Customisable homepage and the ability to ‘favourite’ sections and contributors for quick access to relevant articles
• Comprehensive offline browsing mode with the ability to save articles and read them later
• Superb picture galleries, allowing the user to flip through all the latest images, covering everything from news and sport to fashion and wildlife
• Access to guardian.co.uk’s audio and podcasts

The new Guardian app is available to download from the iPhone app store and will cost £2.99 for six months or £3.99 for a year. The app is ad funded in the USA where it is avaiolable as a free download.

On Christmas Day, tens of thousands of mobile hand sets were activated by Tesco Mobile with the Apple iPhone proving the most popular gift for customers.

The new products and services offered by the company ensured double digit airtime growth in every quarter of 2010, showing that Tesco are listening to what people want from their mobile and making it available.

It is still the only network to offer the iPhone on a 12 month contract for consumers and now has a comprehensive selection of smartphones in its range including the iPhone 4 and newest Blackberry models.

Customer numbers grew by 25% in 2010 as Tesco Mobile saw the network move into the contract market bringing more choice for consumers with the launch of 12 month contracts as well as market leading 24 month options.

Tesco Mobile continues to innovate in the mobile tariff space, recently launching two new deals aimed at the youth market, offering low cost monthly contracts with a high end handset and unlimited social networking.

The mobile operator is a joint venture between Tesco and O2 which utilises the O2 network and therefore provides first class national coverage for both voice and data, a choice factor for consumers which is becoming increasingly more vital as the uptake of mobile data rapidly increases.

Growth of the Tesco Mobile network has also been fuelled by the roll out of Tesco Phone Shops and there are now almost 200 Phone Shops across the UK providing Tesco shoppers with convenient access to a comprehensive range of Tesco Mobile phones, mobiles for other major networks, accessories, broadband services, landlines, top up and Tesco international calling card.

The retailer has just launched its first standalone Phone Shop in Bristol allowing customers on the high street to benefit from Tesco Phone Shop value and have access to the Tesco Mobile brand.Tesco Phone Shops have also seen growth internationally across the Tesco estate and there are now Phone Shops in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Turkey and South Korea.

Lance Batchelor, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Mobile and Tesco Telecoms said;

“Tesco Mobile is well on its way to becoming the number one MVNO in the UK.  It is continuing to grow its Pay as you go and Pay Monthly base in a declining market space which highlights the network’s appeal to our mobile savvy nation.

We have a unique position in the mobile market place because we are able to reward customers in hundreds of ways through Clubcard.  We’re focused on giving consumers real and valuable rewards that encourage their loyalty and help them get the best value from their provider.

The rapid expansion of the network of Tesco Phone Shops in 2010 has enabled us to deliver service and value through telecoms retailing to millions of Tesco Shoppers and has brought Tesco Mobile as a network to the attention of consumers.”

One key influence in how mobile advertising developed is the boom in mobile phone uptake over the past 20 years. The wide availability of the mobile phone has changed society and the way we use the technology over time has also undergone a transformation. Initially, mobile phones allowed us to call friends more easily and relatively quickly. This simple function was added to when we started using the phone to send text messages. Soon, handsets were coming with cameras and music players built in. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology soon made sure that most new phones could not only transfer files between each other but also to and from the Internet. This has led, inevitably, to the development of smartphones; the mobile phone technology equivalent of the Swiss army knife, in that these devices can seemingly do everything we need and much more besides.

It is not just the development of mobile phone technology that has made society more mobile. Nowadays, our jobs are increasingly flexible and take us away from the office more regularly. Technological advances in other areas, such as the iPad and the increasing trend for computer users to choose portable laptop personal computers over traditional desktop PCs, means that fewer employees are in jobs conducted in splendid isolation. Mobile technology has created a whole raft of ways for advertisers to contact potential clients and the few mobile advertising companies in existence are quickly moving to exploit this new territory.

Mobile advertising involves, as the name suggests, targeted adverts that take advantage of how increasing numbers of people are using mobile devices to keep in contact with the World. Due to the fact that many people now check their mobile devices frequently throughout the course of the day, this presents advertisers with the technological knowhow and the ability to ensure their advertisements achieve great saturation within their intended market. This, in turn, leads to higher rates of conversion into customers.

This is one of the key benefits of mobile advertising, but it is by no means its single benefit. The ability to target specific markets for an advertisement campaign is beneficial in achieving a better conversion rate from your advert, but it also allows you to open a dialogue with your target customer. Furthermore, your customers can select the kind of information that they would like to receive from you, whether it is in the form of an email or text message. This gives the customer a feeling of control over the information they receive.

Another benefit is that a business has complete control over the messages it sends to customers. Therefore, these messages can be personalised and up to date to reflect real life happenings and changes in the World. This is particularly beneficial when major sporting events are taking place, such as the Olympics or World Cup, when a timely, relevant targeted advert sent to clients at the right time tap in to the feelings of a nation and result in far greater conversion rates than would otherwise be the case.

Linked in with this is the notion of immediacy. Unlike traditional advertisements, where a company would pay for space in a newspaper or magazine, wait for it to be published and then hope custom would come in over the next few weeks or so, mobile marketing is immediate. The real-time nature of mobile technology means that not only can you design and implement your campaign quickly, but that you can have the campaign go live and start receiving enquiries and new orders with equal rapidity.

A key benefit for businesses, large or small, is that mobile advertising has the ability to track customer responses to your advertisements. You can track the effectiveness of your campaign and if it is not having the desired effect, you can easily change it to try and remedy the situation. This will in turn mean there is much less chance of an advert failing to be productive, which is more cost-effective for businesses in the long term.

One other benefit mobile advertising companies have is being able to advise and guide a new business owner in the area. They can advise you if your campaign is best used as part of a targeted iPhone advertising campaign, or whether it is best used across all formats of smartphones, or another format altogether. For example, if you are marketing an iPhone app, then there is little point in sending an advertisement out to smartphone users using Android for example. Mobile advertising companies can help businesses target their ideal customer base for maximum return on their investment.

The biggest benefit to business of mobile advertisement is the level of investment. Since mobile advertising is so adaptable, targeted, specific and innovative, all companies ranging from the smallest private business to the largest multi-national conglomerates can use this technology at a level they can afford. In marketing terms, it is a level playing field where any business, regardless of its size and advertising budget, can have a real impact on its sales without the need for spending vast sums on booking key, expensive and often ineffective advertising slots on television or in other forms of media.

Mobile marketing is of great benefit to businesses of all sizes. It provides them with the best possible way to contact their potential customers in the most appropriate and effective way, and it is by far the best method available to turn a potential client into a paying one.

ZOMM

Awarded with the Best Innovation at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year the ‘wireless leash’ for mobile phones called a ZOMM is now available to buy in the UK:

Invented by a mother of three Laurie Penix and husband Henry the ZOMM prevents users from losing or misplacing their mobile phone by vibrating, flashing and sounding an alarm every time users walk away from their phone and reach a set distance.

ZOMM is slightly larger than a 50p coin and is designed to be attached to key-rings. In addition to this, ZOMM also features call notification, works as a fully functional speakerphone and a personal safety device. ZOMM is the ultimate, multi-functional accessory for any Bluetooth-enabled phone.

With call notification, ZOMM will flash, vibrate and sound an alert for incoming calls when the phone is out of sight – in a purse or bag. The speakerphone features a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone that allows users to answer calls with their ZOMM with just one press of a button. To send calls to voicemail, users simply press the multifunction button on the ZOMM twice.

As a personal safety device and only one press of a button, ZOMM enables users to sound a panic alarm deterring ‘would be’ attackers and notifying others nearby that they are in distress. By continuing to hold the multifunction button through the alarm, ZOMM will call local emergency assistance from anywhere in the world.

Henry Penix, CEO and co-founder of ZOMM comments, “Everyone can relate to either losing or forgetting their mobile phone, so we created ZOMM to help prevent people from experiencing the exasperating and expensive process of getting a replacement. And it’s not just the phone – it’s the pictures, contacts and other personal information that’s so important.”

Laurie Penix, ZOMM‘s co-founder said; “ZOMM not only protects a mobile phone and the personal information kept on that device, but it can also help keep you and your family safe. With kids in school, it gives me peace of mind to know they have a panic alarm that will deter a would-be attacker, and the ability to call for emergency assistance in any situation.”

Key features:

• ‘wireless leash’ helps prevent mobile phone loss
• fully functional speakerphone with a noise-cancelling microphone
• personal safety device
• customisable distance for the ‘wireless leash’ so users can chose to be alerted from 9m to 20m away from their mobile phones
• ability to mute the ringer and other sounds on the mobile phone using the ZOMM
• ability to adjust the ZOMM volume from the user’s phone
• customable emergency number for ZOMM to dial
• re-chargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to three days with normal usage before needing to be recharged with the included micro USB wall charger
• comes with a micro USB cord that connects to any computer for charging the battery, activation and firmware updates, and an optional belt clip for additional functionality

Henry Penix, CEO of ZOMM added, “Purchasing individual products to match each of the key features the ZOMM provides would cost more than £125 plus monthly fees; ZOMM wraps everything into one sleek device for £79.99 with no monthly fees. This makes ZOMM the must-have gift this Christmas for anyone who owns a mobile phone.”

binatone iHome Phone

As one of the world’s leading consumer electronics companies, Binatone are about to revolutionise the way that we use technology in the home, launching the first ever Android based home phone – the iHomePhone.

Available in store in November, customers can comfortably browse the net, listen to music, chat to family and friends and even download apps all through their home phone, which includes Wi-Fi functionality.

The iHomePhone is a sleek and stylish device designed to be all things to all men, by offering a DECT digital cordless phone, internet browser, full colour touch screen and Android OS, the Wi-Fi phone boasts a whole host of features that allow people to watch videos, listen to music, look at photos, chat with friends, shop online and even read eBooks.

With up to eight hours talk time, 80 hours standby, the iHomePhone includes a handsfree speakerphone, digital answering machine and a ‘contacts manager’ which holds 300 contact numbers. Personal emails can also be accessed using the ‘email client function’ and for those needing a little help with organisation, there’s a clock, alarm and calendar feature.

With prices starting at £99.99 for a single handset the Binatone iHomePhone is set to be the ‘must-have’ gadget for UK homes in 2011.

Products and features:
• DECT digital cordless phone
• Wi-Fi connection (802.11 b/g) (Wi-Fi broadband with router required)
• Android operating system with internet browser
• 2.8” / 7.1cm diagonal touchscreen (320 x 240 pixels)
• Handsfree speakerphone
• Digital Answering Machine
• Call waiting caller ID
• Built-in stereo speakers in docking station
• Auto-rotate landscape / portrait orientation
• Memory card: Micro SD
• Up to 8 hours talk time and up to 80 hours standby

Built-in applications:
• Internet browser (HTML, WAP)
• YouTube video player
• Contacts manager (300 entries for phonebook, e-mail)
• E-mail client
• Music player (MP3)
• Picture Viewer (JPEG)
• Alarm/ Clock/ Calendar
• Widgets and RSS feeds (Weather, News, Sport, Finance)
• Internet radio

ghostly image

As Halloween approaches it seems appropriate that the people over at Tesco Telecoms have released details of their latest research that suggests that as many as one in three of us have noticed spooky goings-on in photos and video clips taken on our mobiles.

Thankfully I am not among the legions of mobile owners that have experienced this phenomenon, but Tesco believe the spine chillingly high number of people that have is down to the growing popularity of Smartphones which have high quality cameras and offer the user instant access to e mail and internet.

Research revealed that 78% of those who had experienced capturing these weird and wonderful images found that having a Smartphone had made it easier for them to collect unexpected images on the spur of the moment.

To back up the claims Paranormal Research UK, leading investigator Phil Hayes confirmed that they had seen a 70% increase in paranormal evidence captured by Smartphone cameras or videos.

The research group attributed this rise with the fact that people carry their phones with them everywhere they go, making it easier to record those eerie moments. They also confirmed that submitting evidence has become faster, as the email and social network function on internet-enabled Smartphones, allows material to be shared easily.

It seems us Brits are pretty open minded about the paranormal with more than half the population believing in ghosts and poltergeists.

And despite one in five admitting that if faced with a ghost they would run away, over half of Brits said they would bravely stay put and try and capture the sighting with whatever technology they have to hand.

An incredible 60% of those researched had either experienced for themselves or knew someone who had experienced paranormal activity, with one in two admitting to getting a shiver down the spine when entering a certain room.

Some of the scariest incidences reported included objects moving by themselves, transparent figures floating across the room and ghostly cackling coming from nowhere.

Lance Batchelor, CEO of Tesco Telecoms and Tesco Mobile commented:

“Halloween is the perfect time of year to keep an eye out for the ghostly and ghoulish. We’d recommend those brave enough to capture any spooky sightings should MMS or email their pics to Paranormal Research UK for investigation.
Keep your camera phone on the highest quality resolution setting and use the recorder to capture the noise of any spectral sounds.”

Top five most believed-in paranormals:
1.    Ghosts
2.    Aliens
3.    UFOs
4.    Past lives
5.    Out of body experiences

Tesco announced that pre-orders for the new N8 would be taken from October 15th up until midnight on October 21st.

As well as offering market beating prices on Nokia N8 Pay As You Go deals Tesco Telecoms have also announced some killer deals on contract options.

There are savings to be made by pre-ordering the new device through Tesco who are offering a reduced rate of £25 per month on Vodafone or O2, once again with 1,000 clubcard points.

Once the coveted handset has hit the shelves on 22nd October , customers on Tesco Mobile, O2 and Vodafone can grab a free Nokia N8 for just £30 a month at Tesco.  Customers get 1,000 Clubcard points on sign up which no doubt will help with the Christmas shopping. Tesco Mobile’s 24 month N8 tariff includes 750 minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data.

Lance Batchelor, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Telecoms and Tesco Mobile said;

“The Nokia N8 is one of the most highly anticipated mobile launches of this year, with both the industry and consumers awaiting its arrival with baited breath. We’re thrilled to be once again able to offer consumers the best choice and some of the cheapest deals on the market. The Nokia N8 looks set to be the most popular gift this Christmas and our great range of Pay As You Go and contract deals offer something to suit every budget and need. I’m also sure that hardcore tech fans will be pleased to hear about our pre-order deal, which means they no longer need to camp outside the store in the rain to be the first to get their new phone!”

Cricket T20 fever - screenshot

Spreading the rage that both Cricket T20fever and Warchess have created within the gaming community further, UTV Indiagames has now created versions of the games for the recently launched Nokia N8.

Cricket fans can now play the high-end versions of UTV Indiagames’ flagship game Cricket T20fever as well as Warchess on their own devices, making it a feature packed game for all gaming fans.

With the Cricket T20fever ranking among the top games for Nokia’s Ovi Store, the game is now being made available for the smartphone along with Warchess, which was recently launched for the Ovi Store.

Integrated with 3D graphics along with realistic animations and powered by UTV Indiagames proprietary “ICE 3D” cross-platform engine, Cricket T20fever lets gamers play an entire league match series with their favorite world teams, leading them to win the tournament. The game has various modes to choose from including the popular T20 format, One-day matches, Tournament mode and introducing a new PowerPlay mode.

WarChess is a 3D interpretation of the game of chess, with original innovative fantasy chess pieces, captivating visual effects and animations to visualize the battle of the chess pieces. Combining powerful 3D graphics, animated battle sequences, multiple levels of difficulty, and multiple themes, the game delivers the ultimate interactive chess experience. It also includes a classic board style 2d mode with different themes to choose from.

Vishal Gondal, CEO, UTV Indiagames, said, “Both Cricket T20fever and Warchess have been extremely popular with the gamers and have received a phenomenal response on the Ovi Store as well. Gauging this trend, we decided to extend both the games on the new Symbiam platform. This launch reiterates our commitment to provide the best of games to all available digital platforms.”