Microsoft shafts HTC phone users

Stumbling phone OS vendor Microsoft has decided that users of Windows Mobile 6.X devices, including HTC's just-launched HD2, will not be allowed to upgrade to its Windows 7 Phone OS. This news will miff owners of HTC's highly-praised HD2 touchscreen smartphone, particularly since the HD2 meets many of the criteria laid down in Microsoft's 'Chassis 1' specifications.

Via The Inquirer

Europeans abroad can cap mobile Internet charges - Commission

Customers to be given the option to set cash limit on their roaming bills before they travel. Europeans surfing the internet via mobile phone elsewhere in the 27-nation bloc will be able to cap their charges by fixing a cash limit before they travel, the European Commission announced Monday. The scheme is aimed at avoid "bill shocks at the end of the month," said commission telecoms spokesman Jonathan Todd.

Via Total Telecom

Orange and T-Mobile cleared for mobile merger by EU

The European Union has ruled the merger between Orange and T-Mobile in the UK can go ahead - with some conditions. The tie-up between the two would create the biggest mobile network provider in the UK with 28 million customers. The European Commission said certain steps must be taken to protect the UK's smallest network operator, 3.

Via BBC News

O2 Introduces Light Mobile Broadband Package

Amongst the other updates O2 has made to its price list over the past few days is one which is likely to attract quite a lot of publicity, it is giving away mobile broadband for 90 days. Arguably, there are a few strings attached like the fact that there is a 1GB data usage coupled with an 18 month contract. The modem provided is the popular Huawei E169. That said, O2 has sweetened the deal by throwing in unlimited WiFi courtesy of the Cloud, free modem worth £20 plus home broadband for only £5 extra per month.

Via IT Pro Portal

1 In 3 Use Cell Phones To Access News

About 60% of Americans use a combination of online and offline sources to track the news each day; cell phones are grabbing a growing share. In recent years Americans have frequently changed the ways they get their news and, increasingly they are using their mobile phones to obtain news, according to a study released Monday by the Pew Research Center.

Via Information Week

Blackberrys add 10 days extra work each year

According to research millions of Brits find it impossible to switch off and keep their work devices on even when they're not in the office. The study found that a fifth of UK workers keep their phones on over the weekend. But even more - 24 per cent - complain they feel stressed because they are always on call.

Via The Telegraph