Mobile Fun Blog

How to upgrade your phone to Windows Mobile 6.5

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Earlier this month, Microsoft released a new version of their mobile phone operating system – Windows Mobile 6.5. Unlike most updates though, not every0ne will be able to upgrade their phone to run this new software as it requires certain hardware features in order for it to work.

If you’ve got a Windows Phone and are looking to upgrade to the latest version, this post should tell you what you need to do to upgrade the software on your phone.

Can You Upgrade?

For most people, the answer unfortunately will be no as the number of handsets that can support Windows Mobile 6.5 is very limited. There are a couple of things that you’ll need to check to see if your handset is one of the lucky ones.

Firstly, you’ll need to know what version of Windows your phone is currently running. To find out you’ll need to access the settings window on your phone.

• Press ‘Start’
• Press ‘Settings’
• Click on the ‘System’ Tab
• Click on the ‘Information’ or ‘About’ icon

The window that appears will then give you information about your phone and the software that it’s running. Compare your software version to the ones listed in the chart below to see if the upgrade is available.

Windows Mobile 6.5 - Can you upgrade?

One thing that is worth mentioning here, is that if you’ve previously upgraded from 6.0 to 6.1 then you won’t be able to upgrade again to 6.5 as your phone will lack the hardware that’s needed for Windows Mobile 6.5.

So how do you upgrade?

To upgrade your phone you’ll need to download the software from either your network or handset manufacturers website. Unfortunately though, not all manufacturers and networks are that fast at releasing the software, so you may have to wait a while for the software you need to be released.

Currently, updates have been released for the following handsets:

• HTC Touch Pro 2 (Download Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Touch Pro2 from htc.com)
• HTC Snap (Download Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Snap from htc.com)
• HTC Touch Diamond2 (Download Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Diamond2 from htc.com)

Updates are due shortly for the following handsets:

• Samsung Omnia II
• T-Mobile MDA V & Vario V  - Check the T-Mobile site for updates
• Vodafone Touch Pro2 – Check the Vodafone site for updates

I’ll add to this list as and when updates become available. If you have a network variation of one of the phones listed above you will need to wait for your network to release their version of the software before you update as the generic HTC Touch Pro2 version, for example, won’t work on the T-Mobile MDA V or Vodafone Touch Pro2 – even though they are the same handset.

Before you begin the update process we strongly recommend that you back up all data stored on your phone and remove the memory card. Once you’ve downloaded the software, plug your phone into your PC and launch active sync/mobile device manager. The phone should then begin the update process and can take up to an hour to complete.

If you’ve found an update for a UK handset that isn’t listed here, let me know using the comments form below and I’ll get the post updated.

Mobile Fun’s Hot Handsets – September Update

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

We’ve just update our list of the 10 most popular handsets in September.  The thing that makes our top 10 handset list different from other retailers, is that ours is not based on handset sales, but the number of our customers that use a particular phone, accessory sales and visitors to our website over the last month.

N97 Vs Tocco Lite - Which is number 1?

September has been a relatively busy month for new releases and two of the biggest handsets launched were from Nokia – the E55 and the 3720 Classic but can either of them make the top ten?

To see which are the most popular handsets in the UK right now, or to see if your phone makes our top ten, head over to our Hot Handsets page.

Release Date Calendar updated for October

Monday, October 5th, 2009

It’s the start of a new month, so I’ve just updated our release dates calendar to show the main handsets due out in the run up to Christmas.

September saw the release of a few new handsets and quite a few announcements from most of the big manufacturers. October looks like it’s going to be a busy month, with everyone trying to get their phones up ready for the Christmas rush.

Nokia

Nokia N900

Nokia will be expanding their N-Series range with the, N97 Mini and the N900. The N900 runs a completely new operating system and is Nokia’s latest attempt to conquer the touchscreen market.

We also have a provisional release date for the new XSeries handsets – the X3 and X6.

View all Nokia release dates

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson Satio

Sony Ericsson’s Entertainment Unlimited range is getting closer to launch. The  Satio (previously known as the Idou), Yari and the Aino are all slated for release very soon. Each handset focuses on music, gaming or imaging.

The Sony Ericsson Pureness is also due to make an appearance shortly. It’s an unusual looking phone that has a transparent screen and is focused more on style than features.

View all Sony Ericsson Release Dates

Samsung

Samsung Omnia II

Samsung’s 12 megapixel cameraphone, the Pixon12 although delayed is expected very soon, along with a new range of touchscreen handsets. More handsets will join the Omnia family – the most exciting is the Omnia II along with a new range of low end smart phones – the Genio Pro and the Genio TXT.

View all Samsung Release Dates.

Palm

Palm Pre

Palm have put a lot into the Palm Pre, it’s doing well in America, and it’s new operating system is said to be one to rival that on the iPhone.
See the latest Palm Pre release information.

HTC

HTC Tattoo

Since the launch of the Hero, HTC have been a bit quiet, but following the announcement that Microsoft will be releasing their new phone operating system on October 6th, HTC revealed the Touch2 would be the first Windows Phone.  The HTC HD2 has also now been confirmed as being released and it really is a multimedia beast. The second Android phone branded as HTC is also due to make an appearance – the HTC Tattoo.
See the latest HTC release information.

Nokia N97 vs Nokia N97 Mini

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Earlier this month, the Nokia N97 Mini was announced and as the name suggests its a smaller version of the Nokia N97, but it’s not just the size of the phone that’s different. The internal memory has been reduced to 8GB from 32GB, the keyboard layout is slightly different, the screen is slightly smaller and the battery won’t last you quite as long. Other than that though, most other features are the same.

The fact that Nokia have named two phones N97 is bound to cause confusion – especially when you’re looking for accessories for your phone. Before you order any accessories for your phone, you should double check to make sure you’re ordering the right accessory for the right phone.

The quickest and easiest way to figure out which phone you’ve got is to look at the keyboard on your phone.  The N97 has a D-pad on the left of the keyboard to move the cursor around with, whereas the N97 Mini has 4 arrow keys on the bottom right corner instead.

Nokia N97 Mini

Accessories such as Chargers, Bluetooth Headsets, Car kits, memory cards will all work regardless of which N97 you have, but N97 Cases and N97 Mini Cases are significantly different as the phones are different sizes.

To give you a clearer idea on what the differences are between the two phones, I’ve listed the key features of each handset below.

Features	Nokia N97 Mini	Nokia N97
Size	113 x 53 x 14	117 x 55 x 16
Weight	138g	150g
Memory Card	up to 16GB	up to 16GB
Screen Size	3.2″	3.5″
Screen Pixels	360 x 640	360 x 640
Camera	5MP	5MP
Bluetooth
Radio
MP3 Player
Handsfree Kit	3.5mm Audio Jack	3.5mm Audio Jack
Internal Memory	8GB	32GB
Music Playback (hrs)	32	40
Talk Time (hrs)	7	9.5
Standby (hrs)	320	432

Once you’ve determined which handset you’ve got, head over to the main site and take a look at all of our N97 Accessories or N97 Mini Accessories.

Nokia 3720 Classic vs Samsung Solid Extreme

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Nokia’s latest rugged handset, the 3720 Classic, was released yesterday and up until now Samsung & Sonim have been leading the way with tough phones that can withstand some pretty extreme conditions. Nokia (as always) have been a little bit slow in releasing a rugged phone as both Samsung and Sonim have been producing phones with certified IP ratings for well over a year now. While the Nokia 3720 Classic isn’t the most durable handset out there, it does seem to measure up well against the competition. On paper, it’s closest competitor is the Samsung B2100 Solid Extreme so I thought I’d put the two side by side to see just what the differences are between them.

Nokia 3720 Classic Vs Samsung B2100 Slide

I’m not going to be putting them through their paces and test out just how much the phones can take in this post as I’m not allowed to destroy our stock(!), but I will run through the key differences between them and some of their main features. (more…)

Release Date Calendar Updated for September

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

It’s the start of a new month, so I’ve just updated our release dates calendar to show the main handsets due out in the next 3 months.

August saw the release of some key handsets – the BlackBerry 8520, Nokia E52  and the latest Android handset – the Samsung Galaxy.  September is promising to be a busy month with at least 9 new  handsets scheduled for release, with another 19 planned for October.

Nokia

Nokia E55

Nokia will be adding to their E-Series range with the, Nokia E55 their latest messaging phone with a new ‘Half-qwerty’ keypad. The Nokia 3720 is a rugged handset that has been designed to take on the Samsung Solid and JCB Toughphone.

We also have a provisional release date for the Nokia N97 Mini, E72, N900 and the new XSeries handsets, the X3 and X6.

View all Nokia release dates

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson C901

Sony Ericsson’s Entertainment Unlimited range has been delayed again, but the release of thef the Satio (previously known as the Idou), Yari and the Aino is getting closer. Each handset focuses on music, gaming or imaging.

The Sony Ericsson C901 will be joining the Cyber-shot family along with the environmentally friendly Sony Ericsson C901 Greenheart; a handset made from eco friendly materials designed to help preserve the environment and reduce pollution.

View all Sony Ericsson Release Dates

Samsung

Samsung Pixon12

Samsung’s 12 megapixel cameraphone, the Pixon12 although delayed is expected very soon, along with a new range of touchscreen handsets. More handsets will join the Omnia family, and a couple of cheaper touch screen handsets are also expected

View all Samsung Release Dates.

Palm

Palm Pre

Palm have put a lot into the Palm Pre, it’s doing well in America, and it’s new operating system is said to be one to rival that on the iPhone. See the latest Palm Pre release information.

HTC

HTC Touch2

Since the launch of the Hero, HTC have been a bit quiet, but following the announcement that Microsoft will be releasing their new phone operating system on October 6th, HTC revealed the Touch2 would be the first Windows Phone. See the latest HTC release information.

Samsung Galaxy i7500 Now in Stock!

Friday, August 28th, 2009

This is the first Android handset by Samsung. Named Samsung Galaxy, the handset features rich connectivity, a slim 11.9mm waistline and the latest reincarnation of the Android OS.

Samsung Galaxy is equipped with a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen of HVGA resolution. The device runs on the latest 1.5 version of the Andorid OS and is equipped with a 5 megapixel autofocus camera.

Samsung Galaxy i7500

Samsung Galaxy Main Features:

• 3.2″ AMOLED Touch screen
• 8GB Internal Memory
• Supports 16GB micro SD HC memory cards
• 5 MP Camera
• Wi-Fi & HSDPA
• Android OS
• GPS
• 3.5mm Headphone socket
• Support for GMail, Google Maps & Google Docs

Initial stock is limited so order your Samsung Galaxy now for immediate despatch.

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Now in Stock!

Friday, August 28th, 2009

The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is the latest touch screen handset from Nokia and is in stock and ready for immediate dispatch.

The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is the ‘baby brother’ to the popular Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and packs in a 3.2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi,  MP3 / Video player and has expandable memory.

The 5530 is smaller and lighter than the 5800 but still boasts a 2.9 inch touch and is every bit as easy to use as the 5800 XpressMusic.

Nokia 5530 Xpress Music

Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Main Features:

• 2.9″ Touch screen
• Built in stereo speakers
• Supports 16GB micro SD HC memory cards
• 3.2 MP Camera
• Wi-Fi
• Handwriting Recognition
• FM Radio
• 3.5mm Headphone socket
• Facebook Support

The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic runs on the latest Symbian operating system and has touch sensitive controls for answering and ending calls. The home screen can be customised to provide quick and easy access to applications such as contacts, messaging & facebook.

Initial stock is limited so order your Nokia 5530 XpressMusic now for immediate despatch.

LG Crystal Now in Stock!

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

The LG GD900 Crystal is the latest touch screen handset from LG and is in stock and ready for immediate dispatch.

The LG Crystal builds on the success of the LG Arena, packing in all of the same great features, but with the addition of a slide down transparent keypad for those who prefer the more traditional way of entering text.

LG GD900 Crystal

LG Crystal Main Features:

• 3″ High Resolution touch screen
• Transparent, touch sensitive keypad
• Supports 16GB micro SD HC memory cards
• 8 MP Camera
• HSDPA (7.2 Mbps) & Wi-Fi
• Handwriting Recognition
• HD Video Recording
• 1.5GB Internal Memory
• Gesture Control

The LG Crystal runs on the latest S-Class operating system, with separate home screens for contacts, media and widgets. The most interesting feature is of course the keypad which is completely see through. You can use it to dial your numbers and enter text as normal, but it can also be used for handwriting recognition and to act as a mouse pad when you’re using the internet on the phone.

Initial stock of the LG Crystal are limited, so order yours now and you’ll get it tomorrow.

A guide to choosing the best Toughphone

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

Recently we’ve started to see more and more rugged phones make their way onto the shelves.  The first to launch was the JCB Toughphone in early 2008. The promotional videos from JCB showed the phone being thrown into cement mixers, driven over by diggers and then washed down with a pressure washer. Surprisingly it still worked for calls – something that your everyday phone can’t do.

While rugged handsets aren’t anything new, manufacturers all seem to be making more of an effort to produce something that is near indestructible. Since the JCB Toughphone was launched, Nokia, Samsung, Land Rover and Sonim have all released tough durable handsets, they all look different and the price of the handsets varies considerably.

Rugged Handsets from Nokia, Samsung & Sonim

Getting the right phone for your needs is vital – particularly if you need a phone that can take more abuse than normal. The last thing you’ll want to do is have to replace it a few months down the line because it wasn’t quite strong enough. Currently there are 6 rugged phones available, but what’s the difference between them, what are IP ratings and more importantly, which should you go for?

This guide should hopefully make deciding which one to go for a little bit easier.

(more…)