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Opera Mini 5 available in Beta on Android Market!

Opera are synonymous with mobile web browsers. The Norwegian outfit are the major player when it comes to third party web browsers, currently powering millions of phones across the globe. The reason? Opera brings with it several enhancements over a standard web browser, the main advantage being speed. The ability to load pages super quick is achieved by compressing web pages by up to 90% for even faster load times whilst this compression occurs on a remote server saving your phone from any unecessary processing. All very well and good, but what if you’ve got an Android smartphone? Well, don’t fret, Opera Mini 5 is now available in Beta for Android. Available to download from Opera’s site and found in the Android Market app store, Opera Mini 5 comes with all the usual goodies - the aforementioned speed, tabbed browsing, password managers, bookmarks and speed dial. It’s easy to see why Opera is the browser of choice for so many mobile users. Opera Mini 5 Beta for Android follows hot on the heels of its Windows Mobile variation which was rolled out last week. And, with Opera also beavering away on an Opera browser for the iPhone and nearly ready to be submitted to Apple for approval (though it’s anyone’s guess if Apple will give it the go ahead), it might not be too long before we see an Opera browser on every smartphone operating system. If you’ve got an Android phone and want to check out the Opera Mini 5 Beta in the Android Market. Not got an Android phone but want one? Then check out our range of Android powered mobile phones here.

HTC Tattoo to get Android 2.1!

Got yourself a shiny new HTC Tattoo? Jealous of the updated versions of Android found on the likes of the Motorola Milestone and Google Nexus One? Well, don’t be, because HTC have confirmed that v2.1 is coming to to a Tattoo near you in the not too distant future. The HTC Tattoo is the perfect device for those who want to get on the Android ladder. Boasting a cute and compact form factor, 2.8 inch touchscreen and smooth curved edges, the Tattoo is loaded with high end features, from HSDPA and Wi-Fi, to GPS and social networking integration. Best of all, despite these high end features, the Tattoo doesn’t have a matching price tag. This budget Android smartphone is designed to bring Google’s OS to the masses and can be picked up on a £20 per month tariff with 200 minutes, unlimited texts and 10 months half price. The catch? Well, the Tattoo has been left by the way side to an extent, stuck on version 1.6 of Google’s Android OS which is currently up to version 2.1 in other phones. But, HTC have confirmed that a planned software update will bring the Tattoo up to speed and bring with it the likes of Google Earth for Android and Gesture Search for Android. HTC have confirmed that they are currently working on the upgrade for the Tattoo to combine Android v2.1 with HTC’s own Sense UI and whilst they wouldn’t give away any concrete dates, they have simply stated that they “expect to have the upgrade finished and ready to go soon“. Keep an eye on the blog for more information as and when we get it. Source.

Samsung explain Super AMOLED technology!

One of the stars of last months Mobile World Congress was undoubtedly the Samsung Wave, the super slim touchscreen phone that looks destined to bring smartphones to the masses. And without doubt, the standout feature was of course the amazing Super AMOLED display which was hands down the best screen we’ve ever seen on a mobile phone. But just what is it that makes this new Super AMOLED technology so super? Well, Samsung are on hand to educate us, kindly releasing the following video explaining the virtues of Super AMOLED over traditional AMOLED and TFT displays. Check it out for yourselves below and take our word for it that the Samsung Wave looks even better in the flesh. Samsung’s first SUPER AMOLED phone is set to launch in April which is only a matter of weeks away. Click here to register for updates and keep an eye on the blog for more information as soon as we get it.

Bluetooth 4.0 expected by Christmas 2010

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) have announced that the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 standard will start to be implemented before the end of the year, with devices likely to be available in time for Christmas. Th current version seen in many smartphones and wireless headsets is 2.1, however v4.0 is already on the horizon and will bring benefits such as a low power mode which will help decrease battery drain Low Power demands can now be implemented in a whole range of new devices; the current Bluetooth standard requires AAA battery power or more, where as the up coming v4.0 will easily run off a watch battery. Version 4.0 also builds upon the increased data capabilities of build 3.0, by allowing equipped devices to connect to Wi-Fi networks at speeds up to 25Mbits per second. Although we will be seeing a massive improvement in power consumption, v4.0 Bluetooth will still use roughly the same amount as v3.0 when data is streamed continuously. Check back for updates on when Bluetooth version 4 is likely to be making an appearance and what handsets will be sporting this refreshed version.