The technology to watch in 2010

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Business Link have put together a list of the top ten technologies that are set to be big this year. 

No real surprise to be honest, we would expect you either know about these or are indeed utilising most of them already, but the masses are expected to adopt them over the next 12 months.

Operating systems

Windows 7 is a more credible option for businesses than Vista, delivering better performance and security, and improved backwards software compatibility through its XP mode. And Apple’s Mac OS X Snow Leopard has made improvements for businesses with built-in support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. Both operating systems are strong contenders for businesses looking to upgrade in 2010.

Small business servers

Centralised data storage simplifies data backups and provides easier access to shared files, both in-office and remotely. Servers also keep mail, contacts and calendars synchronised. In the past the complexities and costs of deploying servers has been prohibitive for some, but hardware and software makers now have tailored offerings which make the server proposition stronger for small businesses.

Cloud computing

Many online software services and tools are reaching maturity in terms of quality, reliability and security, making them increasingly viable options for businesses. Cloud services can reduce costs and often increase functionality; for example, cloud sales software or data backup services can be accessed anywhere and regularly upgraded by the service provider with new updates and features.

Smart phones

The past three years has seen great innovation in the mobile industry. Phones can do all sorts, from rich email and web access to running specialist sales, project management or other business-focussed applications. Even mobile payment services are emerging which enable secure remote credit card payments. Phones are small but smart, and you might be amazed by what businesses can do with them.

Mobile internet

First the ‘usb dongle’ provided mobile internet almost anywhere. Now you can buy notebook computers with built-in dongles and subscribe to mobile internet services for a monthly fee. For those who work remotely such services could be invaluable for keeping in touch and productive on the go.

Location

The surge in smart phones and clever applications, and the growth in wireless and mobile internet, is enabling the next big thing: location-based search. You can put your business “on the map” with services such as Google Local Business, so that customers searching for products and services with location-aware devices can more easily find you. In essence, it brings online advertising into the real, local world.

Green

Companies could capitalise on emerging technologies (such as smart phones or tablets) to encourage a paperless office, or provide tele or video conferencing to minimise travel. Then there are green gadgets; for example, devices which allow companies to monitor and control energy usage. IT departments are increasingly looking for ways to go green, and the tech industries are not far behind with solutions.

Tablet computers

Techies are hailing 2010 as the year of the ‘tablet’ or ’slate’ computer. How useful these devices become to businesses remains to be seen, but tech companies are creating tablets which do things like integrate with exchange email and calendars, and deliver specialist business applications and news. Such devices could be particularly useful to those working remotely, from stock managers to market researchers.

Online

These days you can use technology and the web to expand your online presence far beyond websites and email marketing. Computer software and online services make it easy to create and publish content, from videos and audio to rich written documents. For example, you can record video, edit it and publish it online, all within hours. Such capabilities mean businesses can rethink and enhance the ways they communicate. The growth of social and business networking sites has also created new places to promote your messages, whether they be video, audio, news, tweets, flyers or special offers.

SOURCE: Business Link

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Posted by Jon

Innovation and Competitive Advantage in the Smartphone Industry

Thursday, January 28, 2010

BU_LogoWe hear the word innovation all the time, it has become a figure of speech now, but it is not surprising with the likes of the new iPad!

Based in Bournemouth, we work closely with the University and employ the services of some of the brightest students to bring you the latest smartphones and technology news.

In the final year of their course one student has as a result of their work at Clove, decided to investigate innovation and competitive advantage in the Smartphone industry, in fact their dissertation title is as follows:

"Does innovation provide competitive advantage to manufacturers of smartphones, with particular focus on HTC."HTC_LogoAs part of the investigation, there is the need to collect primary data, and we hoped that as smartphone and technology fans you could assist in providing some of that data.

There is a short survey that will take no longer than 5 minutes to complete and would really help in providing quality feedback to produce the final paper.

If you are willing to participate, just click HERE, or follow the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/smartphoneinnovation

All being well, in a few months time we will be able to provide a full copy of the report and you will be able to read for yourself whether innovation actually brings competitive advantage to the manufacturers of smartphones!

Please Note:  This study is not financed by nor is it to be used for professional purposes by Clove Technology or HTC.

 

 

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Posted by Clove

A decade of PDAs and Smartphones

Monday, January 11, 2010

We have been dealing with PDAs and Smartphones for some 18 years now at Clove, but when it comes to comprehensive product knowledge reviews and industry know how there is one man that comes to mind, Shaun McGill, the freelance writer and editor of www.pda247.com

In his time as a reviewer and smartphone enthusiast there isn’t much he hasn’t reviewed, played with or come to learn about and using all such knowledge he has put together a comprehensive set of thoughts and ramblings about the last 10 years and what is to come.

Titled a decade of PDAs and Smartphones you can sit down with a cup of tea and reminisce and perhaps comment on what he has to say…do you conclude with his thoughts?

We hope you enjoy what he has to say as much as we have.

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Posted by Jon

Exclusive interview with Blackberry on the new Blackberry Bold 9700

Thursday, November 19, 2009

You must see pretty much every new phone on the market. What would you say really makes the new Blackberry Bold 9700 stand out?

The Bold 9700 is an all-in-one package – there’s no need to take anything else with you on the go. It’s a phone, address book and calendar to keep you organized; it’s a camera and media player to keep you entertained; it has instant email, all the major social networking applications, instant messenger, games and endless applications for just about anything you need. There’s no need to carry multiple gadgets with you when you can do everything with this one.

Why should Blackberry users who have quite recently upgraded to the Blackberry Bold 1 or the Blackberry Storm consider upgrading to the Blackberry 9700?

Each BlackBerry device works the same way – the software remains constant on every piece of hardware that we have, so switching between BlackBerry devices is simple. The users already know the interface and know how to enjoy all the features BlackBerry has to offer. The benefit of the new BlackBerry Bold 2 over the earlier versions of the Bold and Storm is the new, small sleek size and design, along with the brand-new optical track-pad navigation system, giving the outer shell of the powerful Blackberry solution an overhaul in style.

For users running older versions of Blackberry, is now the time to upgrade?

As mentioned earlier, once you’re a BlackBerry user, it’s easy to switch between devices because the operating system looks and feels the same across all BlackBerry devices. Now is the time to upgrade if the user is looking for more powerful features on a BlackBerry, such as a speedy 3G processor, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, 3.2MP camera with auto-focus and 5x zoom, and a sleek new outer design.

Quite a few people moved from using Blackberry to the iPhone does the Blackberry Bold 9700 have the features to win them back?

This is a bit of a leading question, I’m not sure its factual because we don’t actually see a lot of BlackBerry users moving to the iPhone We see feature phone users moving to Smartphones and choosing usually an iPhone or BlackBerry, but not actively moving off BlackBerry to iPhone.

With the Blackberry 9700 we have created a market leading phone with all the features that Blackberry users love. We’ve kept the consistency with other Blackberry models for our existing user base whilst adding a large number of features all packaged in a beautifully sleek design to win new users and existing users looking to upgrade. One of the key reasons why Blackberry users love Blackberry devices is that they are amazing for email and all these benefits carry over for users who enjoy using social media applications. Coupled with its highly intuitive user interface, market leading performance and multi tasking abilities we believe the Bold 9700 really stands out in the market.

Blackberry has always had its reputation for business users and email. How does the Blackberry Bold 2 stack up against other leading phones for consumer features like its camera, video and social media apps?

BlackBerry’s solution is not comparable to any other smartphone. The way it allows users to simultaneously use applications is unique. Other smartphones make you open and close apps before moving onto the next one. But with BlackBerry, you are able to run all your social networking apps like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc in the background while using the media player, games, etc. Then when you get a new message on one of them, you are instantly notified and you can check this without having to log back into the application. BlackBerry is the ultimate device for multi-tasking.

For those of us who have never owned a Blackberry what would say are the top 5 reasons they should consider the Blackberry 9700?

1) Powerful email, messaging and social networking solution – you are never out of touch no matter what your messaging tool of choice may be!
2) Beautiful, sleek and durable designs, including half-VGA high-resolution screens and full keypads
3) Long-lasting battery life – do more with your device for longer without having to stop and charge it up
4) Multimedia – music and video player built-in that syncs your favourite music and videos using popular programs like Windows Media player and iTunes, plus a great camera so you can share your photos however you like, via MMS, Email, Facebook, etc.
5) A strong fast processor and 3G speeds making browsing the internet easy and fast

When is the Blackberry Bold 9700 going to be available for the UK market?

Blackberry Bold 9700 is available now in the UK. You can buy your Blackberry Bold 2 now from Clove Technology

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Posted by Stephen

BlackBerry Bold 9700 review – Boldly going where no RIM has been before

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Article reproduced with the permission of T3

RIM has decided to update both its flagship devices at the same time, so following the Storm 2, we’re now treated to the Blackberry Bold 9700 – Watch the T3 BlackBerry Bold 9700 video.

The keyboard is the most noticeable difference between this and the original version, with 6mm less room to work with.

The result is keys which are a lot closer together than the paddle like buttons on the first Bold, but at the same time they’ve been re-modelled to keep the supreme typing ability of the first.

The design also now apes that of the Storm, with a lock and mute key sitting flush with the body at the top of the phone, rather than a big chrome button.

BlackBerry 9700 is a lot sleeker and more stylish than the previous Bold 9000, even down to making the chrome band around the edge more understated.

But it’s not all about the aesthetic changes – the Blackberry Bold 9700 has a lot more going on under the hood.

Souped-up innards

The processor has been souped up to 624MHz, and boy, can you feel it working. Where other BlackBerrys have struggled with more high end media tasks, such as displaying the thumbnail images of your recent snaps, this new Blackberry Bold 2 sprints through the task with ease.

The OS has been re-booted as well – BB OS 5.0 is all change for the regular BlackBerry user, with better designed menus and easier to find elements – for instance music and video are now grouped together in one place rather than the Music application swanning off on its own, making out it’s more important than video playback.

But this OS update hasn’t really affected the main core of the new Blackberry Bold 2, with messaging still as seamless as ever to set up. Simply enter in your Enterprise details to get push email from your company, or if you’re a webmail person you only have to put in your name and password to begin receiving updates.

Tapping out messages is a pleasant experience too, with the newly remodelled keys neither too firm or too soft and clicky (we’re wondering if they were designed by a blonde girl and some bears). While we’re not BlackBerry addicts, we were able to get a reasonable level of accuracy fairly soon after picking up the phone.

We’ll be honest and say we still prefer the keyboard on the original Bold, but this is a very good second best.

Multimedia maestro

Media playback is becoming ever more important to RIM, with the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack testament to that fact.

Video is stunning on the upgraded HVGA screen, packing 480 x 320 pixels resolution into the 2.4-inch display. While this may be a little small for watching feature length films, it’s perfectly acceptable to while away those boring minutes when the train is once again late.

Music is a similar experience – it’s got all the bits you’d need from a mobile phone MP3 player (although the Blackberry Bold 9700 can also playback AAC+ and WMA too). There’s album art, the normal set of navigation keys and the option to put any song into a playlist from the ‘Now Playing’ screen.

Browsing bugs

One big let down, as has been the case with so many BlackBerries in the past; the internet browser is poor, with a slow experience coupled with very low range of technologies supported (such as flash). We’d have hoped for something like tabbed browsing but instead we’re forced to resort to downloading trusty Opera instead.

But the biggest change of them all is the battery life improvement, with nearly 1.5 days of normal usage (push email, Wi-Fi running all the time) at a stretch. But it basically spells the end of having cart around a spare battery or charger in case of a juice-less situation, which is going to be a big selling point for BlackBerry lovers.

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Posted by Stephen

Police Forces to use Smartphones

Monday, October 19, 2009

A BBC News article has stated that Police forces across the UK are beginning to adopt smartphones.

According to the report, most forces across the UK will have adopted the smartphone in some shape or form by March 2010.

Costing on average £270 per officer, the technology provides up to 30 minutes of extra policing time per day, allowing officers to spend more time doing frontline duties, as opposed to paperwork.

The government has provided £80m of funding for the scheme, which we are sure you will agree is very worthwhile.

"Our officers were spending almost half their time, 46%, actually in police buildings," Inspector Jim Hitch of Bedfordshire Police told the BBC News.

Since the introduction of the phones he says the figure has fallen to 36%.

If you would like to read more about this then check out the BBC ARTICLE HERE

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Posted by Jon

David Potter, the founder of the Palmtop retires

Monday, September 21, 2009

images

David Potter, the founder of Psion and many would suggest, the inspiration behind the whole palmtop market has stepped down from his role as chairman of the company. John Hawkins formally takes over today, having served on Psion’s board of directors since 2002.

David Potter, started Psion (Which had a really interesting logo as the symbols above the name, represent parts of the letters themselves) PSION was said to stand for Potters Scientific Instruments or Nothing.

Psion began life as a software company in 1980 and developed both the operating systems which started with EPOC and went on to produce a range of innovative handheld devices that became a worldwide success. The Series 3 was a massive turning point in design and gained a huge popularity around the world including a large number of famous people. The Series 3a still has its place in the British Science Museum and won many design awards.

The 5mx that followed again allowed Psion to remain at the forefront  of the handheld market, but an aborted joint venture with Motorola for a smartphone was to change the direction of Psion and take them away from handheld devices to the great disappointment of many users. Such was the following that we still supply  re-manufactured devices to a few ardent users around the world.

There were many, inc some Psion executives, who, after the decision was made that felt Psion could have gone on to produce another world beating device, but the cost of design and manufacture meant the risk was felt to be too high. It would have been great to see inside Psion design studios at the end to gain an insight into what may have been.

The Psion EPOC OS went on the become Symbian which was eventually purchased by Nokia and used on all their smartphones.

Psion has been closely linked with Clove Technology and was the reason we succeeded in the early years of our business.

There has never really been a true successor to the Psion 5mx, an opportunity still exists then….. over to you Psion?

Potter said in 2007 that the "genes of Psion software" were in many of the smartphones available on the market today. "That’s the high ground it has, and that’s its success."

A personal thank you to David for all your innovation, it is a shame there are not more UK entrepreneurs that can bring this level of technical ability and design together to create a world leading product. I am sure a lot of us would have liked to see Psion still dominating the Smartphone market.

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Posted by Chris

HTC Hero Training Guide Part Seven

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Yesterday we provided you with Part Six of the most complete training guide for the HTC Hero.  We can today offer part seven for download.

 

Download Part Seven Here

 

If you missed earlier parts:

Download Part One Here 

Download Part Two Here

Download Part Three Here

Download Part Four Here

Download Part Five Here

Download Part Six Here

The full training guide will be available for download from http://blog.clove.co.uk tomorrow.

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Posted by Clove

Micro USB – The new standard

Saturday, July 18, 2009

There has  been increasing dissatisfaction over recent years at mobile phone manufacturers using a whole host of different power adaptors. 

Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung are famous for such, using their own proprietary connections.

In terms of smartphones, Mini USB had pretty much become the standard.

Well, the situation is now changing.  10 of the biggest manufacturers have confirmed that from 2010 they will begin using one common adaptor, the Micro USB connection. 

It will mean that you will have to buy all the micro USB accessories, but over time, it should mean that you have to buy less power cables, car chargers and cradles thanks to this agreement.

The 10 companies include, Samsung, Nokia, Apple, LG and Sony Ericsson.

This has come about as a result of consumer and EU pressure, especially surrounding the tons of waste generated each year with new and or un needed chargers.

Will the likes of HTC, Acer and others take it on?  Only time will tell, but pressure is likely to force them to do so.

Source: Telegraph

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Posted by Jon

How many smartphones and PDA’s?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Shaun over at PDA 247 got us thinking about the number of smartphones.

He asked How many smartphones have you owned in your life.

We thought this posed a really interesting topic.  Most of us here at Clove are quite reserved in the number of handsets we get through, but some of our customers certainly go through a few.

So how many have you owned to date?

Leave your comments below.

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Posted by Jon

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