The mobile version of Windows (Windows Mobile) had long been a neglected MS property. Before the iPhone launch in 2007, smartphones were a small segment dominated by Palm, Nokia (running the Symbian OS), and RIM’s Blackberry. Windows, while occupying the dominant position as the OS of choice among PC users, was too underpowered, too overwhelming to be suitable for mobile use.

The launch of the iPhone changed the smartphone market almost overnight. Within five quarters, Apple was able to sell over 6M iPhones, a number that would touch 37M in the first quarter of 2012 alone. Google soon jumped into the fray following its acquisition of the Android OS in 2005. Within a span of two years, Palm was pushed out of the smartphone market (after it was purchased by HP in April 2008), and Nokia was an irrelevant bit player with a line of mobile phones that couldn’t compete with Apple and Google’s offerings. Soon, the race for the smartphone market was reduced to three horses: Apple, Google’s Android OS, and Blackberry.

Time for a change from Windows Mobile

As it watched its OS share being gobbled up by Apple and Android, Redmond swung into action. The older Windows OS for phones (originally called ‘Windows Mobile’) was overhauled completely and an entirely new operating system was built from the ground up using an advanced UI originally developed for the Microsoft ZuneHD, called the ‘Metro UI’. The end result of this endeavor was Windows Phone 7.

The new version of Windows Mobile

This new version of Windows mobile was finally launched on Feb 15, 2010 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. At launch, it had little hardware support from phone manufacturers. However, that changed following the inking of a new partnership between Nokia and Microsoft which made Windows Phone the main OS powering all Nokia smartphones. This, a slew of new phones from HTC, Samsung, LG, etc. and a major updated – titled ‘Windows Phone 7.5’ – soon made this new OS a force to be reckoned with in the smartphone market.

Next time we will look at why Windows Mobile and Business Users are a match made in heaven.

We visited the trade only day of the Gadget Show 2012 today at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

We’re always keeping our eyes open for great products which could benefit our customers and their employees and the Gadget Show always manages to throw up some interesting concepts and ideas.

Today we we’re really impressed by Native Union and their product range, especially the POP Phone. The POP Phone essentially is a wired handset receiver that plugs into your existing smartphone to allow you to speak through the receiver to reduce the potential effects of radiation.

Reduced radiation risks with the POP Phone

Native Union claims its POP Phone can reduce radiation by 99% which makes the product a compelling purchase for both business users and consumers who are worrying about any alleged side effects from smartphone use

Not only is the POP Phone aimed at the health risk aspect of using a smartphone, its a stylish and contemporary fashion accessory which is being increasing used by some of the worlds most iconic celebrities.

The POP Phone handset is fitted with a 3.5mm jack which is compatible with the iPhone, the HTC Titan with Windows Phone and many Android manufactured smartphones. The POP Phone also works with the iPad and your PC giving you a better experience when using VOIP technology such as Skype or Apples FaceTime.

Where do I get a POP Phone from?

For more information on the POP Phone and the rest of the Native Union product range visit Native Union or contact us if your a business customer.

HTC has launched the HTC One X, their hero superphone

The HTC One X is an incredible superphone. The large screen and the powerful quad-core processor make it perfect for gaming, watching videos and surfing the net. And the advanced camera technology with HTC ImageSenseTM goes beyond point and shoot, allowing you to take amazing pictures in any conditions. You have a true digital camera on the HTC One X. Beats AudioTM integration provides an advanced audio experience whatever you are listening to and there is even 25GB free Cloud storage via Dropbox. With the capability to wirelessly share anything from your phone and view it on your TV the HTC One X the most advanced smartphone yet.

HTC One X feature benefits

1. Amazing camera technology with HTC ImageSense^TM that goes beyond point and shoot, allowing you to take amazing pictures in any conditions. You can instantly capture shots without delay, take excellent photos in low light and take multiple shots with continuous shooting. You can even snap a picture while shooting HD video
2. Unrivalled quad-core performance for seamless multi-tasking and a super quick response when gaming, surfing the web and downloading videos
3. Beats Audio^TM for authentic studio sound provides an enhanced experience, whether you are listening to YouTube, Netflix, downloaded music or a movie
4. Have all your files, music and photos with you when you’re on the go with 25GB free Cloud storage with Dropbox
5. HTC Media Link HD allows connects your superphone with your TV. A simple three finger swipe lets you push content, such as a movie, from your phone on your TV. You can even multi-task by taking a call or reading email at the same time

HTC One X for Business

With quad-core processing, a large on board memory and email integration, business users will be lining up to have a HTC One X. Also with the HTC Media Link HD, businesses will be able to connect their HTC One X to a HD TV to project pictures, applications and internet browsing.

Get a HTC One X for your business now by contact us now on 0845 263 6943

The Lync 2010 mobile app for Windows Phone extends the power of Lync to your mobile device including stunning presence availability, instant messaging (IM), audio conferencing and calling features from a single, easy to use interface.

Some of the key features of the Lync 2010 mobile app for Windows Phone;

• View all of your fellow employees and Lync contacts availability and choose the best way to communicate – selecting either an instant message (IM), phone call or email.
• Connect to Lync conference calls instantly
• Use your Enterprise Voice (Lync ID) number for making and receiving calls, so you can connect to others using a single consistent identity
• Lync 2010 for Windows Phone provides transport layer security (TLS) and perimeter/internal network protection without requiring a VPN, so your communications experience is safer no matter where you are or what network you use.

We at Fusion Mobile have been keenly awaiting the release of the Lync 2010 mobile app so we can extend our Lync 2010 online solution out to our employees Windows Phone smartphones.

With the new Lync 2010 mobile app we will be able to see our employees presence status to see if they are busy in a meeting, on do not disturb, available or off work. Also the instant messaging app will cut down on needless phone calls, texts and emails when a simple instant message will get the answers we want free of charge through our business smartphone data plan.

Download the Lync 2010 mobile app for Windows Phone

If you’re a business and want to understand more about the benefits of a Windows Phone smartphone and the Lync 2010 mobile app for Windows Phone contact Fusion Mobile now, the leading independent UK business communications provider.

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS), a GOLD Level Microsoft Solutions Partner and a leading provider of IT solutions to SMEs, has joined Fusion Mobile’s Windows Phone partner programme. The partnership provides the midlands based systems integrator with opportunities around the integration, security and on-going support of mobile handsets.

CBS compliments Fusion’s recently announced national partnership with HSO Enterprise Solutions, providing the mobile voice and data specialist with a regional footprint. The addition of airtime and mobile handsets creates new opportunities to extract further value from existing relationships by providing additional value add services, unlocking previously untapped recurring monthly revenues.

“Systems integrators inevitably find themselves drawn in to the issues and problems customers’ encounter, when trying to deploy new handsets in to the business, even if they weren’t involved in their acquisition, and this can create all sorts of headaches,” said Stuart Cordingley, head of channel at Fusion Mobile. “With our help CBS is now able to position itself as a viable and knowledgeable provider of mobile solutions, helping to create new discussions and tap previously untapped opportunities to generate new revenue streams.”

Julian Shaw, director at Computerworld Business Solutions said: “We have been looking to enhance our device management offering for some time. Having tried in the past to create ties with other mobile phone operators, without success, it was decided we needed to find a partner who could help us realise our joined-up mobile vision.”

“From our first discussion, Fusion Mobile demonstrated they understood what was needed to achieve success making them a perfect fit for our business. Signing up to their partner programme means we can build even stronger, and more entrenched relationships with our customer base.

For further information about Computerworld Business Solutions visit www.cbs.cc

The new Xbox companion app available on the Windows Phone Marketplace allows you to connect your Windows Phone wirelessly to your Xbox to take control of your Xbox console for interacting with music, videos, tv on demand and games.

Windows Phone also delivers a fantastic experience to business users with access to Outlook email, contacts and calendar via Microsoft Exchange Server and SharePoint. With the new Lync mobile app for Windows Phone due imminently then Windows Phone should be on your list for your next handset upgrade.

Speak to Fusion Mobile today about Windows Phone for your business.

Fusion Mobile, a specialist in mobile voice and data, today announced that it is launching a channel programme and has unveiled HSO Enterprise Solutions Limited, a division of the HSO Group as its first partner. The strategic partnership will add Windows Phone to the HSO proposition and move them a step closer to closing the loop on their ERP solutions.

Fusion’s partner programme allows systems integrators and IT Resellers to significantly enhance their proposition through the addition of mobile. Fusion will initially focus on specialist IT resellers whose emphasis is on the complete Microsoft value stack, and is aiming to recruit 30 new partners over the next twelve months.

Benefits include an end-to-end Windows Phone proposition, a virtual mobile sales force, dedicated account management and marketing support, as well as recurring revenues based on a percentage of the customers spend over the contracts lifetime.

“We know that customers are looking for converged solutions, improved efficiencies and productivity by utilising better processes and uses of technology,” said Stuart Cordingley, head of Channel at Fusion Mobile. “With that in mind we have developed a programme that helps our partners to stimulate new mobility conversations, and in turn to create additional, and recurring, revenue opportunities.”

Tim Ford, managing director at HSO said: “In today’s challenging and rapidly moving markets, we understand that organisations need agility. Dynamics AX is already recognised as one of the most agile and flexible of ERP systems available, but our partnership with Fusion Mobile now gives our customers easy access to their business performance information anywhere in the world. Having real time access to information and processes will accelerate business performance like never before.”

About Fusion Mobile

As a leading independent provider of mobile voice and data solutions to the IT reseller community, Fusion Mobile is the partner of choice for enterprise class mobile enablement programmes.
Strategic partnerships with Orange, Vodafone, HTC and Microsoft enable Fusion Mobile to offer a full end-to-end service based on the right network, the right tariff and the right devices, whilst providing IT resellers with a measurable service driven solution.
Fusion operates a recurring revenue business model for all its partners ensuring long-term sustainability. Through their dedication to the customer experience and focused service driven managed service level agreements, Fusion Mobile customer and business partner satisfaction is of the highest calibre.
Further information is available here: http://www.fusionmobile.co.uk/

About HSO

HSO was established in 1989. Since then it has delivered more than 1,000 successful implementations and established itself as a trusted provider of industry-focused ERP software that helps customers improve business performance. HSO believes in the power of Microsoft Dynamics AX to reliably support your business. The unique project approach of HSO, called Excellerate, is based on more than 25 years’ experience, and its predictability enables the company to deliver fixed price projects. HSO is headquartered in the Netherlands (Veenendaal) and the Group employs over 250 employees across sites in Europe, North America and Asia.
HSO has been a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner since 2002, and in 2010 the company was awarded ’Microsoft Dynamics Reseller of the Year’ for Western Europe and ’Most customer-focused Microsoft Partner’. HSO is also a member of Microsoft’s ’Inner Circle’, an elite group limited to the top 1% of all Microsoft partners worldwide.

More information can be found at: www.hso.com

At Nokia world 2011, Nokia announced their first Windows Phone devices from the Nokia Lumia range. The Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 710.

Nokia and Microsoft announced earlier on this year their strategic relationship and with the world of telecoms and IT converging, the collaboration of this huge brands should lead to some market leading innovation.

The Nokia Lumia 800 is believed to be released in the UK on 16th November. If your interested in finding out more about Windows Phone and the Nokia Lumia, contact Fusion Mobile now on 0845 263 6943

Vodafone UK has reported a 2.1% rise in service revenues for the first half of the year, helping boost the firm’s income by 5.6%. The results mark the company’s sixth straight quarter of revenue growth.

Figures released by Vodafone Group today (8 November) for the first six months ending 30 September, show segment revenue in the UK was almost £2.7bn in the first half, compared with £2.6bn last year.

Income figures (EBITDA) were up from £599m to £633m year on year, resulting in a 35% increase in adjusted operating profits from £137m to £185m compared with the six months ending 30 September 2010.

Vodafone Group attributed the growth in service revenues to ‘an increase in enterprise and data revenue as well as good net customer additions and some price increases in consumer contract and prepaid’.

Average revenue per user (ARPU) across both contract and pay-as-you-go was £21.50 in the three months to 30 September, up from £20.80 in the previous quarter and £21.20 in the same period last year.

Customer figures for Vodafone’s second quarter of the year show a 17% customer churn in contract customers, while prepaid was at 55.4%, making a total annualised customer churn of 35.4%.

The company gained 81,000 net customers between 1 July and 30 September, rising from 19,006,000 to 19,331,000 subscribers. Prepaid now makes up 48% of its business. 182,000 new contract customers signed up during the three months to end of September, while 101,000 prepay customers left compared with a 345,000 loss in the previous quarter and 159,000 in the same period in 2010.

Service revenues for Vodafone’s second quarter were up 2.5% as a result to £1.26bn from £1.23bn year on year. Voice was down to £611m from £642m, but messaging, data and fixed lines all increased from the same period last year.

Vodafone said growth was impacted by Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) cuts, which took effect on 1 April. Service revenue growth would have been 6.3% without the impacts of MTRs. However, data revenues grew by 20.4% in the first half thanks to a higher penetration of smartphones being sold with data bundles. It also says it has offset drops with investment in customer acquisition and retention.

Overall, group revenue was up 4.1% to £23.5bn for the first six months.

Group chief executive Vittorio Colao said: ‘We are gaining share in most of our major markets through our focus on superior quality and an improved customer experience.

‘Although we are mindful of the uncertain economic outlook, we are confident that we have the right strategy to continue to perform consistently through top line growth, cost efficiency, investment and cash generation.

source: www.mobiletoday.co.uk

O2 has posted revenue losses of 5.2 per cent year on year to £4.42 billion
for the third quarter of 2011 and also saw overall ARPU drop by 6.7 per cent in
the same period.

Contract churn for the period remained flat year on year at 1.1 per cent,
while overall churn for the first nine months of the year was up by 0.4 per
cent year on year to sit at 3 per cent.

Mobile voice traffic was also down – by 11 per cent in the quarter, mainly
driven by a lower prepay customer base according to the company.

It was also bad news on the total ARPU front, which fell by 6.7 per cent
year on year for the quarter, however O2 said had termination cuts not been
enforced, this would have only fallen by 2.8 per cent.

Voice ARPU was the biggest faller – dropping 16.3 per cent in Q3 but data
ARPU grew by 7.9 per cent in over the quarter – up by 5.4 per cent in Q2 2011.

Despite the drop in revenues and ARPU O2′s mobile customer base reached
22.2 million at the end of the third quarter – an increase of 1 per cent year
on year.

This was mainly driven by the contract segment which now accounts for 48 per
cent O2′s total customer base. Contract mobile net additions reached 91,000 in
Q3, bringing total contract adds for the first nine months of the year to
266,000.

There was also an increase in smartphone demand – smartphone penetration
increased to 36 per cent and smartphone sales accounted for nearly 90 per cent
of all sales and upgrades in Q3 according to the operator