O2 announces London trial of 4G network

O2 has announced that it is trialling next-gen mobile 4G LTE technology in London.

The mobile network is trialling the high speed network solution ahead of the expected national launch of 4G in 2013.

40 masts have been erected across 40 square kilometres so that O2 can test 4G in the capital, using the 2.6GHz spectrum.

Coming soon

The technology is already widespread in the US, and will bring not only faster speeds whilst on the move, but also a slew of new handsets to take advantage of it.

The likes of ARM's CEO Warren East has already insisted that he believes that 4G will usher in the next generation of mobiles – which he labelled superphones – taking advantage of more data availability.

Trials across the country are being conducted by several of the major telecommunications players, including BT and Orange, and O2 has an existing trial in Slough.

TechRadar's Future Publishing stablemate Gizmodo UK is the exclusive media partner for O2's trial and is offering readers the chance to win a place on the trial.

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Prototype BlackBerry London with BBX OS spied

RIM's first smartphone to run the new BBX operating system, will be called the BlackBerry London and will be slimmer than the iPhone 4S according to reports.

The Verge is showing an image of a touchscreen device (pictured right) with a 3.7-inch touchscreen, bookended by two silver metal strips, that looks nothing like any BlackBerry device we've ever seen.

The London, which is by no means official and may just be a prototype, will reportedly arrive carrying RIM's BBX operating system, which derives from the QNX software developed for the PlayBook tablet.

Stand-up and be counted

Also on-board, allegedly, is a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of memory. There's also an 8-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Verge's report also says that the device can apparently stand-up on one of its sides, while BGR reports that this device will replace the now scrapped Colt as RIM's first BBX handset.

The device could be launched in the second or third quarter of 2012. Could the 'London', which also looks an awful lot like the Nokia N8, be RIM's path back to the big-time?

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Google launches Chrome Zone in London store

Google has launched a 'shop-within-a-shop' at the flagship Currys and PC World superstore in London's Tottenham Court Road in order to sell its Chromebooks.

The Chrome Zone has been daubed with a primary Google-style brush, and will look to explain the cloud OS notebooks to the general public.

The only notebook on offer will, of course, be the Samsung Chromebook, with Acer's version yet to launch in this country, despite being badged as 'coming soon' since the launch in June.

Great deal of thought

"We've put a great deal of thought into the design of this Chrome Zone," said Arvind Desikan, head of consumer marketing for Google in the UK and Ireland.

"Chromebooks are the perfect notebook computers for people who live on the web, and offer a faster, safer and more secure online experience, without all the time-consuming and confusing maintenance required by typical computers."

Mark Slater, category director at Dixons Retail, said: "Initial customer response to the launch of Samsung's Chromebook has been excellent and we are expecting a lot of customer interest and excitement now it is in-store.

"It's the most revolutionary laptop on the market and as the leading electrical retailer in the UK we are thrilled that our flagship store has UK exclusivity to showcase this new technology to our customers.

"We have dedicated staff who have been specifically trained in using the Chromebook to demonstrate all its unique benefits and features to customers."

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120 London Underground stations to get Wi-Fi hotspots

Thanks, Olympics!Mobile computing News By Kate Solomon March 25th | Tell us what you think [ 1 comments ]

Tweet Underground Wi-Fi incoming: it's like we're living in the future

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Transport for London is set to roll out Wi-Fi hotspots to 120 tube stations around London by 2012.

The first phase of the Wi-Fi roll out will see the connection currently used by staff at 16 stations made available for public use.

Londoners can thank the London 2012 Olympics for the increased connectivity on their morning commutes, which includes plans for mobile networks to be taken underground.

Wombling free

A trial is already running at Charing Cross underground station, where BT Wi-Fi is available for passengers waiting on platforms.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to use the Wi-Fi on trains themselves – at least not beyond rolling into and out of stations.

TfL is currently looking for bidders to install the new Wi-Fi services, with the web-connected underground set to debut next summer.

Via Cellular News

Tags: London Underground, Wi-Fi, tube, TFL, OlympicsTweetreddit!Stumbleupon  Your comments (1) Click to add a new commentnitrofan

March 25th

1. Lets put this non story into perspective shall we!

London WiFi coming to 120 stations with .

Stockholm has had Wifi at all stations and on all trains whilst in motion for at least five years to my knowledge!

DONT be fooled into being grateful for the crumbs we are being throw, this merely highlights how poor our service really is!

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Giving London the £50m gift of underground gab

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