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Orange UK announces iPad Wi-Fi + 3G data plan pricing for UK
They may have a hung parliament in the UK, but at least they know what to do about iPad data plan pricing. Fast on the heels of Apple's announcement of iPad availability in a number of international locales, we've heard from Orange UK about what they'll be charging iPad Wi-Fi + 3G owners for data plans in the UK. First and foremost is a "pay for what you use" data plan charging 5p per MB of usage each month up to £40 per month (about US$60 at current rates, a little bit more than the $29.95 "unlimited" plan available in the States). The small print says that this plan is subject to fair usage, meaning that you're limited to 750 MB of usage on that plan -- in other words, you'll never get to that £40 maximum. If you crave additional data, Orange has four optional bundles, all with an maximum allowed data consumption. The best plan appears to be the iPad Monthly 25, providing 10 GB of 3G data consumption plus unlimited browsing at BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots for £25 per month. A copy of the Orange UK pricing chart follows this post; click the Read More link below to view it. Thanks to Joe for the tip!
'Black' HTC Desire comes to Orange UK, sells out in a flash
We'll be perfectly honest with you: we're not seeing what's "black" about the front of the Desire that Orange UK is now selling, but it insists that the phone is indeed devoid of color; we suspect they're actually just referring to the back, for which the description seems more accurate -- but that would make it no different than any other Desire being sold around the world. What does that mean? Basically, we think it means these guys need to get their eyesight checked. Spec-wise, this is the same Desire you'll find elsewhere... if you can find it, that is -- it sold out in short order on Orange's site since its launch a few days ago, no doubt a side effect of the customer euphoria caused by the realization that they can get a 1GHz Snapdragon running Android 2.1 with Sense on a WVGA display for free on contract. In the meantime, you might want to sniff around stores. Update: Turns out the real, actual, live Orange-branded Desire is black, despite the imagery on Orange's site. We're working on pictures -- stay tuned. Thanks, everyone!
iPad will have 'dedicated tariffs' on O2 UK, Orange and Vodafone also doing Western Europe and Australia
A bevy of identically worded UK carrier announcements has emerged in the wake of Apple's statement about the iPad's delayed international release. The good news is that you'll be able to take your pick from O2, Orange or Vodafone, though the bad news, by the sound of their robotic PR, is that there probably won't be too much price differentiation in their eventual offerings. Naturally, we'll have to keep waiting until at least the May 10th pre-order date to find out how much an iPad will set us back with either of them. Concurrent with its UK announcement, Orange has revealed it'll also offer iPad plans in Switzerland, France and Spain, while Vodafone adds Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia. We've also heard from an insider at O2 that the network operator will not itself stock the iPad, with only Apple's retail, web and "authorised dealers" offering the device for purchase. [Thanks, Rob and anonymous O2 tipster]
HTC Desire Black Edition confirmed, coming to Orange UK in late April
Remember that little guy up there? We spotted video of the Black Edition Desire exactly a week ago, but had few details to go with it aside from the fact it existed. Now we have word from Conor Maples, Orange UK's PR guru, saying that the operator will stock not only the standard-issue gunmetal Desire, but also the special Black Edition, which will be exclusive to Orange in the UK. The more familiar model will be arriving on the carrier's shelves some time early next month, with the darker, edgier Desire making a fashionably late entry in the latter part of the month. Screenshot of the relevant tweet after the break. [Image courtesy of AndroidSuomi.fi]
Orange and T-Mobile UK merger approved by EU, forms 29.5 million customer juggernaut
The European Commission has decided it doesn't mind the crass splicing of pink (okay, magenta) and orange, and has therefore provided its tastefully hued green light to the UK merger of the two mobile operators. Once the transaction is completed this Spring, we'll still be looking at two delineated entities on the consumer market, but there'll be one back office and one consolidated network servicing the two brands. That'll remain the case for at least the next 18 months, when the joint venture between Deutsche Telecom and France Telecom, the respective parent companies of T-Mobile and Orange, will likely complete the process by rebranding itself into one entity. The press announcement is littered with vague references to synergy leveraging and value generation, but those all-important questions as to what the new operator will eventually be called and what colors it will sport are left unanswered. All that really matters for now is that the UK has a new market share leader and the mobile space became that little bit less competitive. [Thanks, Mitchel]
Orange UK's HTC Hero gets a minor firmware bump
Want Android 2.1 on your Hero? Of course you do -- but don't look for it from HTC... at least, not yet. It should be available eventually -- and in the meantime, you're obviously welcome to do some digging for a cooked ROM from the good people at xda-developers -- but for now, High Tech Computer is kicking out another Cupcake-based firmware for Hero users on Orange in the UK. Don't expect anything groundbreaking here, but CoolSmartPhone reports that there's at least a new People widget with a 3 x 3 grid, which sounds particularly handy for anyone with nine or fewer friends. If you want it, it's a quick download away -- not as cool as an OTA, of course, but still better than accidentally submerging your phone in boiling water. [Thanks, Anders]
Orange plans to bring 'HD Voice' calls to UK next year
We've had some indication that Orange planned to expand its "HD Voice" technology beyond the hot testbed of Moldova sometime in the coming year, and it looks like the carrier is now starting to get a bit more specific about when the UK will finally have an alternative to standard definition calls. Apparently, Orange will begin trials of the new and improved, 3G-facilitated service early in the new year, and fully roll it out along with a "range of handsets" before the end of the year. Just what can you expect from HD voice? Why, it will make it "sound as if callers are actually in the same room," according to Orange UK chief executive Tom Alexander, who further added that "HD voice really does inject a level of innovation into mobile phone calls," and that "once people have tried it, they won't want to go back." Update: Orange has now pushed out a press release further confirming that trials will begin in the UK early in the new year, with a nationwide rollout due "later in 2010." In related news, DigiTimes is reporting that Foxconn has landed large orders for Android-powered handsets from Orange, although Foxconn itself has issued something of a denial on the matter.
Orange UK's iPhone contract & pay as you go pricing plans detailed
We're just about a week away from the Orange iPhone launch, and if you folks across the pond were wondering what the deal was going to cost you, you now have your answer thanks to a dizzying but thoroughly helpful series of tables that lay out the costs of the phones, plans, and the various accoutrement to be included. Those willing to sign up for 24 months can get an 8GB iPhone 3G for free for a minimum of £29.36 ($48) per month, but step up to the £122.34 ($200) monthly plan with unlimited everything and you'll get a 32GB 3GS gratis. Meanwhile, on a pay as you go plan that same 8GB 3G will cost you £343 ($561), while the 32GB 3GS is a rather more painful £539 ($881 -- haven't you figured out the conversion rate yet?). You know what that means: contract ahoy.
iPhone 3GS coming to Orange UK on November 10
So you've been lusting after that spit-shined touchy-swipey device from Apple, huh? If you're in the UK, come November 10 you'll finally have a choice of iPhone provider (both for 3G and 3GS flavors), with The Guardian confirming the date as Orange's launch of the coveted handset. O2's exclusivity runs out on the ninth of that month, but we shouldn't be too quick to rejoice, as Orange will seek to "add value" rather than undercut O2's pricing. Independent retailers Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U are also expected to stock the iPhone on behalf of Orange, and lest we forget Vodafone will be joining in with its own offering in early 2010. The CEO of 3 has also indicated a strong desire to bring Cupertino's baby onboard, though that's unlikely to happen before the midpoint of next year. So it'll get cheaper, just very... very slowly.
Orange to start UK iPhone sales on November 10
Update: Orange has announced pricing for the iPhone, in a dizzying matrix of subscription & pay-as-you-go plans (Monkey, Dolphin, Canary, Racoon & Camel? Really?) matched with varying purchase costs. All plans include free unlimited WiFi access; wireless data is 250MB/mo on the PAYG plans and 'unlimited' (meaning 750MB/mo) on the subscription plans. Tethering is only available on the subscription plans. The wait for a new carrier for the iPhone in the UK appears to be nearly over. The Times Online out of the UK says Orange will add Apple's thrice-super phone to its stable on November 10, one day after O2's exclusivity for the device ends. Orange announced in late September that it would be carrying the iPhone, though it only said then that it would have the phone later in the year. At least 200,000 people may want to circle the date on their calendars, since at least that many have reportedly pre-registered to buy the phone on the new carrier, despite not knowing how much the phone will cost nor how much the monthly plans will run them. November 10 may be a bittersweet day for Vodafone. While it has announced its own deal to sell the iPhone in the UK starting in 2010, pent up demand from people who want the device but don't want O2 as a carrier may be lost to the new Orange option. Vodafone reports interim results on November 10, though it'll likely face as many questions about the phone it doesn't yet have as it will about its own numbers. O2 will still carry the iPhone, though it's also got its mind on the Palm Pre, which it began offering as a UK-exclusive last week. [via TimesOnline]
LG GD910 Watch Phone review
You're not how much money you have in the bank, you're not the car you drive, you're not the contents of your wallet, you are not your freaking khakis – oh, who are we kidding, if you're reading a site such as this, you're all about your khakis. To sate that "look good, feel good" need in all of us, LG has brought out the ultimate in techie chic: a watchphone. This is not just any watchphone though, this is a £500 ($808) droplet of Orange-tinted exclusivity that straddles your wrist and demands onlookers' attention. Do the consumer in you a favor and come along past the break where we have the full scoop on the GD910. %Gallery-75733%
Vodafone enters UK iPhone war, sales to begin in 2010
Vodafone has announced that they will start selling the iPhone 3G and 3GS in the UK and Ireland in early 2010. This comes just one day after Orange UK revealed its plans to offer the iPhone. Up to this point, O2 has had exclusive rights to the iPhone in the UK. No information on pricing is available at this time. [Via Engadget]
Orange UK getting iPhone 3G and 3GS "later this year"
In yet another "so logical it's gonna happen" rumors-come-true, O2 will no longer enjoy the exclusivity it has enjoyed for two years and Orange UK will begin offering the latest 2 versions of the iPhone "later this year," according to the BBC. O2 will continue selling the iPhone (along with the Palm Pre) and there isn't expected to be much price difference between the two. All of this is occurring while Orange makes plans to merge its network with T-Mobile, which would make it the UK's largest mobile service provider. Here's to competition -- now if we could get some of that sweet choice in the US of A. If you are an Orange customer or potential Orange customer wanting an iPhone, they have a page for you here. Thanks to everyone who sent this in. [via BBC and Engadget]
iPhone 3G and 3GS to be offered by Orange UK -- official
Well well, turns out rumors sometimes do come true. The widely speculated end to O2's exclusivity of the iPhone is now upon us and Orange is the first competitor to throw its hat into the ring. The company has not yet released tariff pricing, but there's a tantalizingly small release window, as availability is promised "later this year." At least there's finally some competition when it comes to the iPhone in the UK, and we can also probably look forward to T-Mobile joining in on the fun. Let the price war begin![Via iPhone Bang; Thanks, Gears]
Motorola DEXT promised to Orange UK in early October, free on contract
While the US release date is still in question, Motorola CLIQ's brother across the pond DEXT has gotten itself an official an early October window from UK's exclusive carrier Orange. Best of all, it's expected to be free for those who commit to a two-year, £34.26 per month ($56.43) contract. With any luck, Americans with a penchant for Android and physical keyboards will get their own "free on contract and launching in October" deal, but we've still got nothing confirmed.
LG GD910 gets UK pricing, arrives August 27
Orange, the exclusive UK carrier for the eagerly anticipated GD910 watch / wrist / just plain cool phone, has this morning announced the date, cost and location of availability. After plenty of talk of meteoric prices, it turns out the GD910 will be even cheaper than we thought, coming in at £500 ($825) on Orange's Pay As You Go service, meaning no contract tie-ins to worry about. Limited time availability and only one device per customer don't suggest an overwhelming amount of stock -- or that the price will hold -- so if you must jump on the cool train, the place to be is the Orange shop at Bond Street Station, London, 9am sharp. If you really can't make it, there will be another limited batch of handsets to be had via the Orange online shop at some point in September -- and we've snagged a video for you as well, just past the break. [Via Slashgear]
LG GD910 used for cringe-worthy demo video call
The LG wristphone has already experienced quite a bit of exposure ahead of its August UK release, but the diligent team at Orange just couldn't leave us without some extra titillation in the shape of a demo video. If you'll excuse the marketing inanity from the two reps, there's a pretty good exhibition of the GD910's video chat capabilities to be seen. Disappointingly, the audio sounds somewhat tinny, there was one glitch in the video stream, and a particularly uncharitable conclusion might be that LG is bringing 90s-era webcam technology to your 21st century wrist. Of course, this is still the phone to use for playing out latent James Bond fantasies, so we're willing to overlook a few foibles if LG is willing to price this device at a point somewhere south of "stratospheric." Mosey on past the break to see the long-awaited hand-mounted communicator in action.[Via Slashgear]
Video: Toshiba TG01 gets UK launch, we handle it again
It may have already been teased, poked and prodded, but the TG01 from Toshiba still insisted on making a big splash on its arrival to the UK and we were only too happy to oblige and join in on its launch event in London. As you should know by now, this is Toshiba's most significant attempt to date at penetrating the consumer smartphone market, and it's coming equipped with a battering ram named Snapdragon. Keep reading for the juicy details on the UI, construction and general feel, as well as a neat stash of images and videos of the phone in action.
Video: Toshiba TG01 officially exclusive to Orange UK
Orange has come out this morning, in advance of the official UK unveiling of the phone, to confirm it will be the exclusive UK carrier of the TG01. We can confirm availability from July 10 (i.e. tomorrow), and the phone can be had for free on a 2-year contract costing £39.15 per month. To figure out if that sort of investment is worth it, we'll have an intrepid reporter stationed at this afternoon's event, who'll be bringing you up-to-the-minute details and imagery of the first Snapdragon handset to hit British shores. You'll find the full PR at the read link, or continue reading for an unshaven Orange rep walking you through the phone's specs.[Via CoolSmartPhone]
HTC Hero spotted on Orange UK website
The HTC Hero has made its first appearance on a UK carrier's website, but finds itself burdened with a teasing "coming soon" badge. Having talked to Orange, we can confirm previous reports that the device will be available for free on some, as yet undetermined but surely eye-gouging, price plans. The company said they are still testing the device and should have pricing information by tomorrow. Expect T-Mobile to quickly follow suit and unveil their Hero by another name (G1 Touch?), also fully subsidized. Both carriers will be offering the graphite edition of the phone, so if you have your heart set on the white Teflon-coated goodness, you may have to go the SIM-free route.
