Erictric

Vodafone UK iPhone Pre-Orders Exceed 50,000

While the Nexus One is seemingly having a tough time in today’s extremely competitive mobile market, Apple and Vodafone UK seem to be having no problems whatsoever. That’s because what’s being sold is the iPhone, one of the world’s most popular phones.

Ewan from Mobile Industry Review reports that according to Vodafone UK PR, pre-orders for the iPhone on the English network have exceeded that of 50,000. It’s an impressive number, and even more impressive is that fact they the company will be delivering all 50,000 on the day the phone makes a debut on Vodafone UK’s network — which happens to be today.  More »

German Finds Evidence of 8GB iPhone 3GS

Long have the cheapos of the world sought out an 8GB model of the iPhone 3GS, and for the most part, their hopes have been shattered by more expensive iPhones. But a piece of evidence discovered by a German indicates that an iPhone 3GS in an 8GB variation may be imminent.

User “.david” in the apfeltalk forums reports that he was shipped an ordered 8GB iPhone 3G — but despite the fact he received what he was looking for, the packaging indicated otherwise. Noted on the label: “iPhone 3GS v2.2 ,8GB”.

Now, we’re thinking this was either some sort of mis-type, or it may be the actual packaging for a potential 8GB variation of the 3GS. Either way, it’s certainly interesting — and as always, we’ll let you make up your mind.

[ via Gizmodo ]

China Unicom Reports Over 300,000 iPhone Sales

It’s been a couple of months since the iPhone has made its debut in China, and we’re learning that the device is beginning to pick up the pace. China Unicom and Tech.QQ reports they have sold over 300,000 units — effectively tripling the 100,000 units-to-be-sold milestone — which was reported back on December 9th, 2009.

In these few weeks since December 9th, China Unicom has sold over 200,000 iPhone — but why the huge spike out of the blue? It’s likely attributed to the recent major advertising campaign for the iPhone in China, which involved a roadshow bundled in with an iPhone education program.

We can only assume things get better from here, but of course, only time will tell.

[ source: Tech.QQ ]

O2 Invests Millions Into Improving London Mobile Service Area

It’s without any doubt that if you speak to a Londoner with an iPhone on O2’s network — they’re probably not happy. It’s a scene that’s nearly mirrored here in the US, when speaking of New Yorkers and their iPhone’s on AT&T’s network. We’re learning today however that O2 is investing millions of Pounds (English currency) into improving their London service area — so as to cope with the high demand of data usage — particularly on iPhones.

Reportedly, roughly 30 million pounds ($47.9 million USD) will be pumped into O2’s London network in the form of roughly 200 mobile base stations. The carrier is working with Nokia Siemens to better prepare the network, and is in talks with both Research in Motion and Apple to “help identify data-intensive applications,” according to Kelly Hodgkins of BGR.

Ustream Announces High Quality Live Broadcasting App for iPhone 3GS

Earlier this month, we reported that a Ustream live broadcasting application survived the Apple App Store review process and officially became available for the iPhone. Today, Ustream contacted Erictric to inform us of a new high quality [HQ] live broadcasting application for the iPhone 3GS currently under beta testing. According to Ustream Marketing Analyst Jennifer Chan, the new Ustream HQ app utilizes “better and faster encoding processes” to allow users to stream content in a 640×480 resolution and up to 30 fps [frames per second].

At the moment, we do not have a public release date available. However, we have reached out to Ustream to find out more about the availability of the app. We’ll update as soon as we receive more information. In the meantime, you can check out Ustream current applications for mobile devices at Ustream.tv/Mobile.

Update: Ustream has not set an official public release date yet. Although, you can request a beta version of the app by sending an email to beta@ustream.tv.

More Apple Propaganda: 12 Apps of Christmas

We’ll be honest — we love Apple. Often, we poke fun at the company or criticize them heavily, but Apple certainly does have a very comfortable place in our technology-fueled hearts. And while I’m on the subject that is Apple — we simply have to show you their Holiday-themed “There’s an app for that” TV spot.

We forewarn you; it’s incredible cheesy, and I wish the all-knowing [familiar] voice would at least “go with the flow,” or at least the melody. Video after that article break. More »

Apple iPhone 2G and 3G Now Able To Capture Video With Newly Approved App

Laan Labs, a company composed of two brother developers, has released a new application which allows for video capture on Apple’s iPhone 2G and 3G models — which surprisingly has been approved by Apple for the iTunes App Store.

Aptly named: iVideoCamera, the application allows users of 2G and 3G iPhones to capture video, and upload it to Facebook, Vimeo, and of course — YouTube. Perhaps what’s most attractive about the application is that it only costs $0.99 (iTunes link).

But if video is that only thing holding 2G and 3G owners from moving to the 3GS, this application probably won’t make things all that peachy for you. You see, the application only records in 160 x 213 resolution, and only 3 frames per second. That’s less like video, and more like slide show compared to the iPhone 3GS, which records at 640 x 480 standard definition at 30 frames per second. Additionally, iVideoCamera only records up to one minute clips.

Now we know why Apple had no problems approving the app, but kudos to the developers — it’s certainly a start.

[ via The Apple Blog ]

iPhone 3GS to Make Debut on Tesco Mobile Network December 14

It was in late November when we reported on the announcement that the iPhone would be making a debut on one of the top retailer’s mobile networks in Great Britain; Tesco. We’re learning that Apple’s iPhone 3GS will finally be arriving on Tesco Mobile on Monday, December 14th.

So, what sort of plans can we expect to see? First, subscribers can expect to receive one year of 3G web access, along with BT Openzone Wi-Fi access gratis if signed up with the pay-as-you-go and one-year commitments. Users who sign their mobile lives away for two years can expect two years of web access free, which is a fantastic deal. More »

Newest DROID Television Ad Asks: Should a Phone Be Pretty?

Just a few days after we first announced that Verizon was playing nice with AT&T and vice-versa for the holidays, a new DROID ad comes out. If you haven’t caught the flow by now, that means that any other smartphone that isn’t the DROID sucks. Of course, you might have guessed that the iPhone is the DROID’s target. The ad asks: “Should a phone be pretty?”

The video was uploaded to YouTube on November 30th, and already has accrued over 58,000 views. Check it out after the article break. More »