Levi Phone Exclusive to Orange

ModeLabs Group, designer of made-to-measure mobile phones and telecom distributor, announces an exclusive agreement to market a new Levi’s® 3G/Edge mobile with Orange France.

Distributed by Orange's packs, the Levi’s® 3G/Edge mobile will benefit from extensive distribution. Due to be launched in April, the new mobile will only be available from France Telecom shops and other usual Orange outlets.

Engraved with the famous Levi Strauss logo, this model is the only mobile on the market that combines a metal and soft touch finishing. The new model embodies the spirit of the brand, while offering a range of multimedia functions: 3G/Edge technology, stereo Bluetooth™, USB 2.0 port, modem, slot micro SD, FM radio, 2-megapixel camera with digital zoom, audio player (MP3), video recorder and player, e-mail, and so on. With its ultra-compact slider design, the mobile fits even the tightest pockets.

The Levi’s® 3G/Edge will appeal to young Orange customers, who are attracted by fashionable accessories and multimedia services.

The launch also sees the release of a new range of universal accessories, from the Bluetooth™ headset, to wrist straps, necklets and different colours of denim and leather pouches.
With its latest Levi’s® mobile, ModeLabs Group has again demonstrated its capacity to adapt to the needs and the demands of operators by designing and developing a high-tech product that fits in perfectly with the range of 3G/Edge mobiles. The product is being launched as part of the exclusive licensing contract concluded in 2006 with Levi’s® and further extends the range of Levi’s® mobile phones.

eBay Now Available On Orange

Orange announced it will provide the eBay online auction service on a range of Orange Signature devices. The eBay application will allow Orange customers to manage bids and view new listings via the Signature Homescreen.

Orange Signature devices are designed to give simple and instant Homescreen access to multimedia applications and represent 70% of all new handsets from Orange. In the case of eBay, Orange customers will have fast access to their ‘watching’ and ‘bidding’ lists to ensure they don’t miss out when on the move. In the future, Signature devices will further simplify the auction process, sending outbid alerts and other updates directly to customers.

“eBay is one of the first jointly branded services we are introducing to Orange’s Signature application suite, joining leading services such as Orange TV, Orange MusicStore and Orange Photo ”, said Olaf Swantee, EVP of Orange’s global mobile operations. “We are making applications immediate and accessible to help customers get more from their mobile phones. For instance, Orange eBay users now have the split-second control required to beat their bidding competitors on the move.”

Orange’s co-branded applications will increasingly be supported by the recently launched Signature Accelerator programme, which is designed to speed the development and testing of applications across all key mobile platforms in the Signature range. This results in the introduction of tightly integrated, intuitive and innovative applications, brought to the customer faster.

Orange Offering Free or Discounted Music to Customers In Exchange for Ad Exposure

Orange today announced the launch of a new advertisement-supported content trial on its mobile internet platform, Orange World. The move will see 800,000 of Orange’s 15.6 million mobile customers given the option to download a variety of music content, from four different genres (Urban, Pop, Rock, Dance) to their mobile handsets for free, or a discounted rate, making it the largest trial of its kind in the UK.

Ad-funded content offers new ways of reaching audiences and the potential to generate new business models within the industry. Beginning this week, the trial will last three months and will allow brands to have their advertising banners promoted prominently during the content purchase process as customers download music, offering them a unique opportunity to interact with a captive audience on their mobile phone.

Mobile advertising company ScreenTonic are managing and delivering the ads for the trial, and have already signed up a number of advertisers to the trial including Paramount Pictures and Ford. Orange customers taking part in the trial will be able to download music either for free, for half or full price. Orange will make over 500 music tracks available on the service.

Orange First to Market with the New HTC Shift

Orange announced the launch of the HTC Shift. Exclusive to Orange, the Shift packs the punch of a laptop in a smaller, lighter form factor, with full mobile data connectivity. It perfectly blends style with functionality, boasting a seven inch touch screen that smoothly slides and tilts to the perfect viewing angle, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard.

The always-on “mob-top” is the perfect accessory for those that want to both work and play. Users can easily switch between Microsoft Windows Mobile and the fuller Microsoft Windows Vista mode, at the touch of a button. Customers can always be contactable thanks to a long battery life and innovative technology which enables users to preview their text messages, emails, calendar and contacts as well as providing alerts and reminders when new items arrive – even if the Shift is not switched on.

Supporting both 3G/3G+ and Wi-Fi connectivity, a first for any Ultra Mobile PC, the Shift can seamlessly move between networks, ensuring customers can access internet and emails whether at home, in work or out and about.

Customers who are constantly on the move can maximise their time as the Shift comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office in Vista mode enabling users to download, view and edit their Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint documents.

The Shift comes with a massive 30GB hard-drive, so that as well as being able to surf the web, customers can store all their photos, music and videos to help pass the time away from work.

For extra security the Shift has a built-in fingerprint sensor, meaning that your contacts, content and emails are kept safe.

The HTC Shift will be available to buy online at Orange.co.uk, and in selected Orange retail stores throughout the UK from the end of February. The Shift will be priced at £999 with a data tariff.

Snoop Dog features in Orange Adverts

The colourful career of Snoop Dogg has taken on a new and Orange hue.

The rapper, producer and occasional actor - among various roles on the big screen, he has played Huggy Bear in the 2004 remake of Starsky and Hutch, as well as a crippled police informer in 2001's Training Day, alongside Denzel Washington - has taken part in a new cinema advert for the multinational mobile phone company Orange.

It depicts the star in a studio recording a new track before being interrupted by two executives from the mobile phone giant.

The ad, which is to be shown in cinemas, is part of an ongoing series of similar ads which are intended to remind cinemagoers to turn their phones off before the film starts, with the tag line "Don't let a mobile phone ruin your movie. Please turn it off."

The advert can be watched here

Source

Setanta Sports on Orange

Orange has agreed a deal with Setanta Sports to stream Setanta Sports 1 , Setanta Sports 2 and Setanta Gold on Orange Mobile.

This makes Orange the only UK operator to show coverage of every Setanta premiership football game on their network and Orange claim to be the only operator to show every premiership football match.

However, the service doesn't stop there as the channels also show Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Blue Square Premier football matches. The sport isnt limited to football either as the channels show the Magners Rugby League and PGA Golf.

The setanta package will be available to Orange 3G Customers for £5 a month.

World's First Ever Solar-Powered Bluetooth Headset

Orange has announced that it is selling the world’s first ever solar-powered Bluetooth headset.

The Iqua 603 SUN is a power saving solution for mobile phone users which means they can now talk without worrying about battery life. The Iqua 603 SUN from Orange allows greater mobile phone freedom. The headset gives unlimited operating time anywhere where the solar cells of the headset can catch direct sunlight.

This headset also allows people to answer, end and redial a call, as well as use the voice dialling function to switch a call between the phone and the headset – all using just a single button.

Even in darkness people can talk on a fully charged headset for up to nine hours at a time, or leave it on standby for up to 200 hours. Indirect sunlight will increase talk time up to 12 hours.

The Iqua 603 SUN is exclusive to Orange for three months and costs just £49.99. The handsets are available from Orange shops, online from http://www.orangeaccessories.co.uk/ or by calling 0800 079 2000.

LG’s Shine gets pretty in pink, exclusively with Orange

One of this year’s most iconic and fashionable phones, the LG Shine, has had a make-over for the Autumn/Winter season. LG Electronics and Orange announce the availability of a new version of the phenomenally successful Black Label Series handset, the LG Shine - the LG Shine ‘Pink’.

Boasting the same amazing features as the original LG Shine handset, the full metal bodied jacket has been transformed into a sophisticated hot pink and will be made available exclusively through Orange. The LG Shine ‘Pink’ is the perfect accessory, effortlessly combining feminine style with substance. This super-slim handset is the ultimate multitasker, providing a compact mirror, camera and address book all in one. Perfect for those who like to travel light when they’re out on the town! Never compromising looks for features, the LG Shine Pink’s innovative technology includes the LCD mirror on the front which magically transforms into a high-quality colour screen when the phone is activated, expandable memory (microSD card), MP3 player, Bluetooth and a premium autofocus 2 mega-pixel camera by Schneider-KREUZNACH.

With over 3 million sales worldwide, the LG Shine, LG’s most successful handset to date, has stormed the global market with its stunning looks and high technical specification. Available in over 40 countries, it has boosted LG’s presence in the ever-competitive mobile fashion market, helping establish it as a leading global mobile manufacturer. The LG Shine Pink is exclusive to Orange and comes free on all 12 and 18 month contracts over £30 or £99.99 on Pay As You Go. The phone is available only from Orange shops, Orange telesales (0800 079 2000) or www.orange.co.uk from the end of September.

Orange Announce New 3G HSDPA and Exclusive Handsets for Christmas 2007

Orange unveiled its line up of exclusive mobile handsets available for Christmas 2007. New must-have devices in popular shades of pink, autumn/winter 07’s hottest colour, purple, sleek classic red, as well as stylish and traditional black and silver, mean that there is a handset to everyone’s taste in Orange’s Christmas range.

The new line up of exclusive handsets available to Pay As You Go and Pay Monthly customers from Orange stores and online via Orange.co.uk, includes a great selection from major brands Sony Ericsson, Samsung and LG, as well as the first device released from Orange’s own label handsets ‘Berlin’. The most varied ever range, priced from £49.99 to 199.99 (for PAYG customers) not only includes a number of exclusive pink devices but other carefully selected phones in sophisticated hues with unisex appeal.

Exclusive to Orange, the red Sony Ericsson W910i Walkman phone is hotly tipped to be a Christmas best seller - attractive to both men and women looking for a high spec device with stylish good looks. It is made for entertainment, perfect for music, video, web access and 3D games and includes SensMe™ so you can select music by your mood.

Full Story Here

Footballer Gets Own 3G Mobile TV Channel

Orange announced the launch of Frank TV, a mobile channel dedicated to England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard. Frank TV will be available exclusively to the 1.3 million Orange 3G customers on its mobile phone TV service - Orange TV, and will be up alongside other Orange mobile TV channels including BBC, Channel 4, Sky and FHM.
Frank TV features never-before-seen footage from Frank’s video diaries which he filmed over the past two seasons, giving exclusive behind the scenes access to Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea training ground, Frank’s house, pets and much more. There are also special guest interviews with Frank Lampard senior, Jamie Redknapp and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Jake Redford, Head of Mobile TV, Orange UK said: “We are delighted to launch a dedicated channel to arguably one of the most committed and professional midfielders in world football. Frank TV makes for great bite-size viewing and provides our mobile TV viewers unique insight to the life behind the footballer”.

Full Story Here

Orange Expands Business Everywhere Range with 3G Modem and Datacards

Orange announced the extension of its Business Everywhere range of connectivity solutions to include a 3G+ (HSDPA) USB modem and two PC datacards, with innovative signalling technology for improved connection speeds and performance. The Orange iCON2 USB modem and GT 3G+ Triband/GT MAX PC datacards give Business Everywhere customers a significantly improved experience when accessing the internet, email and corporate VPNs whilst on the move.

The combination of Orange's high speed 3G+, 3G and EDGE networks, coupled with innovative new Advanced Radio Technology (ART) signalling technology from Option, ensures faster connectivity, less interference and a more reliable signal for customers who are working on the move.

The iCON2 is a pocket-sized USB modem which can be connected directly into any laptop or desktop PC USB port, without the need for a cable. The GT MAX data card fits any PCMCIA-enabled laptop and boasts the added advantage of an innovative new antenna. Its retractable design means it fits inside the PC card slot so can be easily packed away in transit

.All three devices are also based on a common technology platform, enabling Orange to bring Option's latest solutions to market rapidly.

Full Story Here

ITN On brings Bollywood Stars to Mobile

ITN On is launching a new made for mobile programme called Bollywood Insider. The programme, the first of its kind on mobile, will form part of ITN’s made for mobile news channel currently available on 3, Vodafone Live, Orange and Virgin Mobile.

Initially a weekly show, Bollywood Insider is a two minute round up of the hottest stories and the latest promos with interviews from India’s cinema and music scene hosted by Bollywood expert Suzi Mann. Suzi is a well known Bollywood actress and presents a weekly music show on the UK’s leading commercial Asian radio station, Sunrise Radio.

ITN On Managing Director, Nicholas Wheeler said: “Our research shows that the UK Asian market is underserved. ITN On has a sophisticated production unit, with advanced mobile production skills so expect a raft of new ideas on similar themes. Suzi is a real talent and her experience in the market is already proving invaluable.”

ITN On recently launched a range of bespoke news, sports and entertainment video content on the UK’s first advertising funded service on network operator 3.

Orange Report Looks At Mobile Useage

Orange announced the launch of the Orange Digital Media Index, a detailed report examining trends in Orange customers’ consumption of digital media. The Index looks at usage patterns across the full range of Orange’s entertainment and communications services, including home broadband, text and picture messaging, and mobile internet.

The first Digital Media Index reveals that mobile internet services are playing an increasingly important role in customers’ lives – mobile gaming, the Live World Cup Cricket channel and movie trailers for the year’s blockbusters have all proved extremely popular.


Key findings from the Digital Media Index include:

The “Atari generation” is the major force behind mobile gaming, with almost a quarter of a million mobile games downloaded each month
Live sporting events will play a key part in the success of mobile TV, with the Live Cricket World Cup taking the largest audience share for the quarter
Annual events such as the BAFTA’s and Oscar season lead to a huge upswing in movie clips access
Texting is more popular than ever with over 870 million messages sent in Q1 by Orange customers alone
Orange World, the mobile internet portal, now attracts more than 2m unique visitors each month – more than half the number of monthly visitors to Orange.co.uk, one of the country’s most popular websites

Full News Story Here

BBC Announces 3G Mobile Syndication Trial

The BBC announced, at the Broadcast Mobile TV Congress, the start of a trial to syndicate a range of its television channels and radio networks via 3G to mobile phones with mobile operators Orange, Vodafone and 3.

The trial, which will last up to 12 months, will allow subscribers to Orange, Vodafone and 3's TV packages to watch BBC One, BBC News 24 and BBC Three (with the exception of some sport and acquired programmes) streamed on their mobiles.
They will also be able to listen to up to eight BBC radio stations including Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, 6 Music, BBC 7 and Asian Network. The trial will start within the month.
Ashley Highfield, BBC Director of Future Media and Technology, said: "By making a range of television channels and radio networks available to 3G mobile phone subscribers, we hope to test, not only the effectiveness of 3G as a means of distribution, but also how audiences respond to the BBC's linear services on their mobiles.
"The findings, combined with quantitative and qualitative consumer research, will inform the BBC's future mobile strategy."

Full News Story Here