Posts Tagged “free”
Search warrant withdrawn in purloined iPhone prototype sagaGizmodo editor Jason Chen will get his stuff back. The San Mateo, California, district attorney petitioned for and was granted a withdrawal of the search warrent that his office used to seize a trove of materials from Chen’s home in the purloined–iPhone 4 prototype investigation.…
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Jul
17
2010
 
Do those free bumpers really mean the iPhone 4 is Apple’s Vista? Let’s see..Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s chief operating officer, certainly thought so. So we thought it might be worth a point-by-point comparison Comparisons are odious. That’s why it’s usually journalists and marketing people who indulge in them. So indulge me while I pick some apart. Quoth Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s chief operating officer – the man who makes sure that the money is coming in right, who makes sure that the wheels of the company’s bank accounts are turning fast enough to satisfy shareholders – earlier this week: “One of the things that I want to make sure that you know today is that you’re going to be able to use the Windows Phone 7 and not have to worry about how you’re holding it to make a phone call.” He said it at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference, adding: “It looks like iPhone 4 might be their Vista.” Though Turner wasn’t to know it, Apple was even then preparing its press conference to explain what (if anything) it was going to do about the whole iPhone 4 reception issue. 22 days after the release of the iPhone, Jobs led a press conference explaining that anyone who’d bought an iPhone 4 could have a free “bumper”. (The office joke: 1 day to diagnose the problem, 21 days to prepare and rehearse the presentation.) Those reception problems? Common to all phones, insisted Jobs, who deflected lots of questions in his customary expert way. That leaves the “PR experts” who earlier this week told Cult of Mac that Apple would have to recall the iPhone 4 looking pretty stupid. Because they were stupid. Pause for a moment and remind yourself: on what grounds are items recalled? Oh yes, when they cause injury or death, or pose a hazard to the public. Losing your data reception because you (avoidably) covered the exposed antenna definitely likes in the category that Twitter calls #firstworldproblems. The idea that Apple would recall a device on that basis is simply laughable. In every newsroom, there’s a point early in the day when your news edior asks you what’s going to happen over some scheduled story: on Friday morning (UK time, before Cupertino was yawning and turning the alarm off) I was asked what would come out of the Apple press conference, and I said that Apple would portray problems with antennas as common to the entire industry, that it would offer free bumpers or cash refunds, or a full refund for anyone who wanted them, and that there was no chance of a recall. Do you think I qualify as a PR expert on that basis? But let’s go back to the eminently sane and reasonable Kevin Turner. In his speech, he acknowledged that in the areas both of Vista and mobile phones, Microsoft had a bad patch. He’s happy now to praise Windows 7, and is full of expectation for Windows Phone 7. (Others differ, of course, but we have to wait and see.) However, the idea that the iPhone 4 might be Apple’s “Vista”? Let’s try the comparisons. Vista: fell seriously behind schedule, requiring Jim Allchin to take the project through a “reset“. Vista: dropped much-promised features including WinFS as part of the “reset”. Vista: met enormous resistance from consumers, who couldn’t understand why it looked and ran so differently from its well-received and hugely popular (if insecure) predecessor, Windows XP. Vista: met even greater resistance from Microsoft’s main customers in enterprises, who didn’t like the fact that it didn’t run a lot of the software that ran on Windows XP. Vista: offered substantially greater security and reliability than predecessor. Vista: was the subject of a court battle which exposed internal emails from Microsoft, revealing disquiet inside the company over OEM PCs which described themselves as “Vista-ready” even though they would not be able to run any but the lowest-specified versions of Vista. Vista: Microsoft never “apologised” for Vista, since it didn’t feel the need to. Vista: Wouldn’t run on some Microsoft execs’ machines when they tried to upgrade them. So on balance, is the iPhone 4 really like Vista? It’s hard to overstate how monumental a screwup the development of Vista was. The entire development had to jettison key elements, such as WinFS (for search), and try to focus on getting the operating system out of the door. And as soon as it was released, people started complaining about its weird user interface experience; which led a Chinese Australian to set up a site where people could unload about it. (He was snowed under within days.) It’s still worth looking at that site, and seeing whether the points that people have made there have been fixed in Windows 7. In short, the iPhone 4 antenna issue isn’t Apple’s “Vista moment” – despite what Turner might wish. It’s an annoyance to people who’ve spent that money, but Jobs’s numbers about the low level of returns (1.7%) compared to the 3GS (6%) – which will be pored over by analysts, and will have the force of a financial statement, meaning that if Jobs has fibbed then he’s theoretically liable to be hauled in front of the Securities and Exchange Commission – indicates that unlike Vista, users are actually very happy with it. (That’s also the anecdotal response I’ve had on Twitter.) Sure, you might be annoyed, if you queued overnight or for hours in the baking sun, that the phone isn’t perfect. But there are lots of phones; personally I don’t have an iPhone or an iPad, because presently I think they’re too expensive for what they offer. You could easily choose another. The snark on view on Twitter indicates, to me, a strange sort of envy on the part of many people; a desire to see a company brought down because of its hubris, rather than its failings. Certainly, Apple has never wanted for hubris, but it does try to live up to its own aims. But what about the company that made Vista? There are still challenges ahead for Microsoft: the fact that Google is winning Office customers over to its much cheaper Google Apps products (something that Turner alluded to in his speech – search for the first mention of ‘Google’); the fact that it is only managing to grow its Bing search engine share by spending $1 for every $1 of business it brings in; the fact that Windows Phone 7 remains an unknown quantity which the company has all but staked its reputation in the mobile market on. (Sales of Windows Mobile licences, the previous generation, are dwindling; it would be interesting to see what the licensing revenue is for them. Apparently HTC, once – possibly still – the biggest licensee of Windows Mobile is going to go with Windows Phone 7 – though it seems to be doing rather nicely out of Android at present.) Lastly, the point that so many people overlook about Apple relates to its ambitions for the iPhone. These are rarely stated. When Steve Jobs launched it in 2007, he said the ambition was a 1% share of the entire phone market: “10 million units and we’ll go from there.” That’s not the sort of barnstorming that you expect from most companies; they talk about capturing huge chunks. Apple wasn’t looking to get huge share. But you can bet that, being Apple, the plan was to make a lot more than 1% of the profit out there. Apple doesn’t necessarily want to dominate the market for smartphones (though it would certainly be happy to do that, just like the market for digital music players, where it effectively has a monopoly). It just wants to dominate all the profit. The cost of issuing these free bumpers to iPhone owners is going to be about $50m at the most (assuming 5m buyers and a $10 cost to Apple for the whole transaction.) The issue might have cost it more – but you can bet it’s not going to stop it rolling on. That’s perhaps the only way in which the iPhone 4 is really like Vista: it’s not going to stop the next stage of its ambitions.
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CUPERTINO, California (Reuters) – A defiant Steve Jobs on Friday rejected any suggestion the iPhone 4′s design was flawed, but offered consumers free phone cases to address reception complaints that have hurt Apple Inc’s image and shares. Read Full Story…
Jul
16
2010
Steve Jobs denies Judas Phone antenna problemsPosted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
But fanbois get free bumpersThere’s nothing wrong with the iPhone 4 that isn’t wrong with any other phone, says Steve Jobs. However, because Jobs and company “love our users,” Apple will provide a free case to any Judas Phone owner who wants one.… Read Full Story…
Firm offers free covers to owners and new buyers after signal problems sparked demands for recall Apple’s iPhone 4 conference – as it happened Apple is offering a free rubber “bumper” to owners of the iPhone 4 to head off criticism over problems with its signal reception but dismissed suggestions that the device should be recalled. Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, said the problems had affected only “a small batch” of phones, and that it was due to an “inherent problem” with smartphones. “We’re not perfect,” he said at a press conference at Apple’s HQ in Cupertino, California. “We haven’t figured out a way around the laws of physics yet.” Nevertheless Apple will offer the “bumpers”, which cover the sides of the phone, around the exposed metal antenna which receives the mobile signal. When users have held the phones by the bottom and left sides it has led to a loss of signal. People who have already bought a case are entitled to a free cash refund. Jobs headed off the suggestion that Apple would have to recall the phone, following a media storm which had seen some compare the problems to those faced by Toyota, whose cars suffered problems with the accelerators and brakes. However the iPhone has not met any of the usual criteria for a product recall, such as spontaneously combusting or causing harm through heat or emission. Jobs revealed that Apple has sold 3m of the iPhone 4 since its launch on 24 June. That indicates that the rate of sales has slowed dramatically, after 1.7m were sold in the first three days. But he insisted customer satisfaction was higher than with previous versions: the return rate was just 1.7%, he said, compared to 6% for the previous model, the iPhone 3GS released last summer. The company said it cannot make enough bumpers to satisfy demand, but will keep the offer of the free case open until September. Jobs admitted that there had been complaints about the phone losing signal when held by the left and bottom sides – but said that they were natural for any phone. He acknowledged they were not perfect but insisted that every phone manufacturer had problems with antenna design and interaction with the body’s tendency to absorb the phone signal. Apple’s stock rebounded as Jobs began speaking at 6pm UK time last night. Apple’s share price fell by 4% overnight on Tuesday, knocking $9.9bn (£6.5bn) off the company’s $230bn value, as speculation grew that the phone might have to be recalled. Since the iPhone 4′s launch, there have been many complaints about the way that the signal appears to drop off dramatically when it is held with a hand wrapped around its left and bottom sides (a problem dubbed the “iPhone Death Grip”). Apple this week said that it had made a “simple and surprising” error in the software that displayed the strength of the signal, and on Thursday night issued a software update which changes how many bars are displayed when the signal becomes weaker. The iPhone problems now feature in dozens of jokes. Earlier this week Kevin Turner, the chief operating officer of Microsoft, spoke at a conference about its Windows Phone 7 software. “One of the things that I want to make sure that you know today,” he said, “is that you’re going to be able to use the Windows Phone 7 and not have to worry about how you’re holding it to make a call.”
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Jul
16
2010
HP ‘delays’ Android tablet after death of Windows slatePosted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
OK. webOS. And this time we mean itHP’s Android tablet will not ship before the end of the year as originally planned, according to a report citing “sources in position to know.”…
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Jul
16
2010
Apple offers free iPhone 4 cases to appease usersPosted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
Jul
16
2010
Apple iPhone 4: countdown to the press conferencePosted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
It’s crunch day for Apple and iPhone 4 – what can we expect? Stay with us for coverage throughout the day
11.45am: BBC News: users are reporting new issues with 3GS devices. As the iOS 4.0.1 update has fixed the methods of displaying signal strength in some iPhone 4 devices, it appears that a past update is causing older models to drop calls mysteriously: “At the same time some owners of the iPhone 3GS are reporting that an earlier update to the handset’s operating system made their phone far more likely to drop calls. The dropped calls occur when the phone suddenly reboots during a conversation”. The report doesn’t make clear which software update caused this problem or whether it affects 3G or 4 devices. Plugging one hole as another appears? Have you updated? Let us know below…
11.30am: The clamour for a bigger software update/’iDuct’ tape/anything just cranked up a notch: US Democratic senator Charles E. Schumer has written an open letter to Apple chief Steve Jobs, saying: “I write to express concern regarding the reception problem with the Apple iPhone 4. While I commend Apple’s innovative approach to mobile technology and appreciate its service to millions of iPhone users nationwide, I believe it is incumbent upon Apple to address this flaw in a transparent manner. “[...] The solutions offered to date by Apple for dealing with the so-called ‘death grip’ malfunction—such as holding the device differently, or buying a cover for it—seem to be insufficient. These proposed solutions would unfairly place the burden on consumers for resolving a problem they were not aware of when they purchased their phones. “I also encourage Apple to keep its promise to provide free software updates so that bars displayed accurately reflect signal strength; I further urge Apple to issue a written explanation of the formula it uses to calculate bar strength, so that consumers can once again trust the product that they have invested in.” Who’s your UK political tip for jumping in? Tom Watson MP? Peter Mandelson?
11.20am: So we had a smart pre-emptive move from Apple late last night with the quiet release of the iOS4.0.1 software upgrade. But did it do the trick for you? For some, it appears to have solved the fundamental signalling problem:
But for others, the problem remains:
10.48am: It must have been quite the week at Apple’s Cupertino, California base. iPhone 4 woes have continued, the technology company set to explain all at today’s crunch press conference. The much-maligned device has suffered fundamental problems with its mobile reception – growing uncertainty surrounding a potential recall leading to a dip in Apple’s share price and prompting more speculation over the future of the device. While experts look for a recall of devices, customers clamour for a simple fix. We expect to see one or the other at today’s impromptu press conference. Seeking to gain the initiative, Apple last night released iOS 4.0.1 – a simple fix we’ve all being waiting for? All this and more remains to be seen. Stay with us for comprehensive coverage throughout the day ahead of the embattled technology company’s 6pm summit. Got news? Tip us off.
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What we love and what we hate Things we love
Grown-up festivals The summer season means fun weekends. But we would much rather go to real festivals than London’s Underage one – that’s only cool when you’re 14. BlackBerry hype Everyone who is anyone has got one. People used to ask for your number, then your Facebook name; now it’s all about your BB pin. Friends The most important thing in life – they make you who you are. They love what you love, and hate who you hate. Everyone’s addicted. It’s silly, but you’re laughing with it, rather than at it, like High School Musical. Unlikely to rush out and join a choir though Napping Do it most of the time. We finish something then immediately need a lie down. Nap time should be compulsory at school. Things we hate
Celebrity relatives Who is Pixie Geldof? We despise young people who are famous for nothing. Teen advice No, I’m not pregnant and yes, I know that drugs are very bad. You’re not being completely patronising at all. Connecting with us via txt spk. “R u ok? Nd hlp? Talk to ur doc l8r 4 free advice”. Er, no thanks. Parents on Facebook
We know our constant use of the word “like” is, like, grammatically incorrect and irritating, but we don’t actually care. Skins wannabes No one we know is like a Skins character, and if anyone tried to invite us to a Skins party, we’d run a mile. Teen readers – do you agree with the list? Email us at g2feedback@guardian.co.uk
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Jul
16
2010
Apple spews Judas Phone signal bar ‘fix’ to world+dogPosted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News
iOS 4.0.1
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Default browser, anyone?
Opera has taken the beta tag off the Android incarnation of its low-bandwidth mobile browser, offering an Opera Mini 5.1 that includes a few small improvements over the 5.0 beta.…
Free On-Demand Webcast – Virtualizing the Hard Stuff
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(Source The Register)
Apple shares dip amid iPhone 4 recall uncertainty
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News |
Growing speculation on the future of Apple’s iPhone 4 has hit the company where it hurts – and its reputation is also on the line
Apple shares dived by 4% last night, cutting $9.9bn (£6.5bn) off its $230bn value after speculation grew that the company would have to recall or issue hardware fixes for the new iPhone 4.
The fall follows a report by the independent American testing organisation Consumer Reports which said reception problems meant it could not recommend the device.
Apple was accused of censorship by removing discussions about the negative Consumer Reports evaluation from its official message boards over the weekend, though it seems now to have relented.
A number of PR experts contacted by Cult of Mac blog yesterday said a recall of the iPhone 4 was “inevitable,” comparing the situation to Toyota’s global recall of its hybrid cars earlier this year.
Yet others including Marco Arment, lead developer of Tumblr and Instapaper, say that a wholesale recall would be a step too far, but that Apple needs to “replace, redesign, or relocate the proximity sensor” – which tells the phone when it is close to the user’s head or hand and changes its radio output and screen brightness accordingly.
UK consumer watchdog Which? told the Guardian that although it had done initial tests on the iPhone 4 proximity sensor – finding that the screen is “disabled” the closer to your head the phone is held – it would carry out a “more comprehensive” review of the device in the near future.
Others have suggested that Apple should give owners free rubber “bumpers” – sold for $29 (£25 in the UK) – which fit around the edge of the phone, ostensibly to protect it from damage, but which also cut the signal loss that is at the core of the dispute.
But for Apple to do that would be tantamount to admitting that the device has a design problem, which could open it up to class action lawsuits from aggrieved buyers.
Apple has tended to decline recalling products that have had design issues, preferring to deal on a limited basis where people complain. Earlier this week it quietly announced that it would replace faulty versions of its Time Capsule backup product, after thousands of them failed after just 18 months. When a number of its iBook computers were found to have faulty soldering in 2007 by a Danish consumer investigation, it did not issue a recall.
Apple UK had no comment this morning on whether it will be making any announcements about the iPhone. UK Consumers’ Association magazine Which? said that it intended to test the phone “soon”.
Despite the fall in the technology company’s share price, it remains the largest on the US stock market, ahead of long-term rival Microsoft. And although Consumer Reports did not “recommend” the iPhone 4, other commentators have pointed out that it still ranks it highest among the smartphones it has tested – and that its second-ranked smartphone is the iPhone 3GS, the predecessor to the latest version.
Even with a growing clamour from users and testers who have discovered that the phone’s reception seems to drop off abruptly when they position their hand around the left side, the company has remained almost silent – except for a statement on Friday 2 July, when it put out a “letter” a week after the phone’s release in which it said that the dropoff in reception was due to a “simple and surprising” mistake in every iPhone’s software which meant that it overstated signal strength in weak reception.
Although the launch on 28 June saw 1.7m iPhone 4s sold in the first three days, the most successful yet of the annual refreshments to the model, it has proved to be a continual headache for Apple.
The first issue to appear was the discoloration of the high-quality “retina display“, which appears to be linked to the adhesive used to bond the glass and display together.
But the major woe for consumers has been the signal issues. Testers at Consumer Reports said that holding the iPhone at the bottom left-hand corner causes the signal to decay significantly.
Despite Apple’s low-key suggestion that there is nothing wrong with the phone, it is understood that staff on its warranty service AppleCare have been advising customers to buy a case or hold the phone in a different way.
Consumer Reports has held off recommending the iPhone 4, despite it gaining a higher rating than all other smart phones they have evaluated.
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(Source The Guardian)
Fanbois end Judas Phone ‘Death Grip’ with, um, SIM tape
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News |
Or a shave
Some iPhone 4 buyers have solved the handset’s infamous “Death Grip” reception problems by taping, cutting, shaving, or re-seating its SIM card.…
Free On-Demand Webcast – Virtualizing the Hard Stuff
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(Source The Register)
Ballmer admits mobile failures but promises ‘devices to be proud of’
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News |
Microsoft ‘missed a generation’ on the mobile side, but chief executive Steve Ballmer insists that the company’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 will ‘give you a set of Windows-based devices which people will be proud to carry’
Steve Ballmer has admitted that Microsoft “missed a generation” on the mobile side but insisted that the company’s upcoming Windows Phone 7 – which has garnered “really quite nice reviews” – “give you a set of Windows-based devices which people will be proud to carry at home, and which will really fit and support the kinds of scenarios that enterprise IT is trying to make happen with the phone form factor.”
In his speech to the company’s Worldwide Partner Conference, which brings together companies that sell, develop and use Microsoft products, Ballmer, head of the company for the past 10 years, said that slates devices and mobiles are “certainly an area where, how do I say it, we feel all of the energy and vigor and push that we have ever felt to innovate, to drive hard, to compete.”
But without naming any of the rivals who have overtaken Microsoft’s mobile sales – such as the iPhone, launched in 2007, which Ballmer initially dismissed, or Android, the Linux-based mobile platform from Google which now outsells both Windows Mobile (soon to be superseded by the incompatible Windows Phone) and Apple’s iPhone – Ballmer insisted that Microsoft is focussed on getting the IT functions within organisations to offer Microsoft solutions to staff: “So, I encourage you, and certainly we’re going to reach out vigorously to work together with you, and to drive enterprise IT, as well as the consumer, the people who work for the businesses we serve, they’ve got to come into IT and say, I want a Windows 7 slate. I want a Windows Phone 7. And we’re absolutely hell-bent and determined to drive that volume with IT as well as with the end consumer.”
Ballmer made no mention of the abrupt cancellation last month of the KIN social networking phones, which were meant to be the result of its billion-dollar acquisition of the Danger mobile company.
Now the company has unveiled a number of services to go with Windows Phone – whose release date is still not set. Windows Phone Live, a companion online service, was announced today. Pitched in the same territory as Apple’s paid-for MobileMe, used for over-the-air synchronisation of iPhone contacts and calendars, it is intended to provide remote synchronisation, remote wipe, and a central location for pictures, contacts, calendar and notes within 25GB of storage. But unlike MobileMe, Microsoft will provide the service free to all Windows Phone customers – apparently for the duration of the phone contract.
Beta versions of the Windows Phone development tools were made available: the new API is nearly feature-complete, with updated push notifications and accelerometer interfaces. The Community Technology Preview back in March allowed for feedback from the development community and Microsoft have said it has been “blown away by the early apps”. Pre-productions devices will be shipped later this month to selected developers, as well as deployment and testing labs in major cities. And earlier this week a group of Polish students were the first non-developers to get pre-production Windows Phone devices.
Appreciating that having applications ready for the launch of the devices later this year is essential to success, Microsoft is running a virtual live class for interested developers in the platform.
There are rumours that HTC – which used to be the biggest licensee of Windows Mobile, but has recently turned towards Android – will launch the first Windows Phone 7 handset in the UK, to be called the HTC Gold, though there is no confirmation from mobile networks or from HTC. There are also
“leaks” claiming there will be models called the HTC Mondrian and Mozart, also running Windows Phone 7 on 800 x 480 screens without a QWERTY keyboard, with Internet Explorer Mobile 7.
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(Source The Guardian)
Nokia 1661 for only 99p pay as you go
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News, New Deals, New MobilesNew Mobile & Latest Deal News!
Just 99p with free delivery, offer is subject to buying a £10 top up. Available on a choice of networks; Vodafone, T-Mobile or TalkMobile. Don’t delay as this is likely to sell out very quickly.
The Nokia 1661 is frequently one of our most popular phones. It costs less than £1 (limited stock) and it has some amazing cash back deals on contract too. There are no complicated features, it’s just the thing for people who want to make calls and send a few texts. Even though it’s an entry-level phone it does have a couple of nifty tricks. Such as a speaking alarm clock and a built-in torch. Nothing cutting edge but you will find these to be surprisingly useful features!
The Nokia 1661 has six classic Nokia games pre-loaded, including Snake Xenia, Beach Rally, Bounce and Sudoku. It would be unfair to compare them to the impressive 3D games found on high end phones, but they do have their moments and are just as enjoyable, even on the primitive 1.8 inch screen. There’s also a built-in radio and a basic wired headset is included in the box. What a wonderful little phone it is.
Compare all Nokia 1661 prices
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Sony Ericsson Zylo on The One Plan from 3
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News, New Deals, New MobilesNew Mobile & Latest Deal News!
The Sony Ericsson Zylo is out now on The One Plan from 3. For just £28 per month you get 2000 minutes to any network, virtually unlimited texts and free calls to other phones on the same network. It also comes with 1GB of data per month. Amazing value for money. Other tariffs are available from just £13 per month.
The Sony Ericsson Zylo has social networking at its heart and includes a Walkman player for enhanced audio quality. Facebook and Twitter come pre-loaded to get you to the latest wall updates and tweets quickly and easily. Web browsing with HSPA offers a speedy browsing experience with Google Search to help you find the information you need.
The 3.2 megapixel camera features Photo fix, 2x digital zoom and geo-tagging. You can post your snaps on Picasa and Flickr to share the moment with family and friends. The camera can also capture video clips and the pre-loaded YouTube application allows you to upload your clips or view a huge variety of other videos.
The walkman player features shake control, Clear Stereo and Clear Bass to make the most of your music. Listen to your favourite tracks out loud or enjoy stereo sound on a Bluetooth headset. The internal memory can be expanded up to 16GB so you can carry your music collection with you.
Entertainment options include a FM Radio with RDS, video player and video streaming. All message options are included with SMS, MMS, Email and instant messaging.
Compare all Sony Ericsson Zylo deals
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Mobile provider Giffgaff makes first customer payouts
Posted by CompareMobiles.com in Mobile News |
Giffgaff has rewarded its customers with their first payout – for acting as its sales and technical staff
A new “community-run” mobile phone company, which is offering the chance to earn hundreds of pounds a year by spreading the word about it, has announced its first payments to customers.
One Giffgaff user received £654, and more than 40 others earned at least £200 apiece. Payouts are earned by recruiting and by helping other customers with their technical problems.
Giffgaff, which went live in November as a “sim-only” service (you use your existing handset), is the latest example of a web-based business that gives people the opportunity to make money by, in effect, becoming a salesperson or troubleshooter. The scheme therefore allows the company to save on advertising and call centre costs.
Who’s behind the company?
Giffgaff – an ancient Scottish word that means “mutual giving”, apparently – describes itself as a mobile phone company “where the community is at the heart of it”, and which does things differently to the “faceless” big networks. It is online only, with “no wasteful shops or excessive call centres”.
So some might be surprised to discover Giffgaff is wholly owned by 02 – and runs on its network.
While some potential customers might be disappointed that this isn’t a truly mutual, member-owned organisation, others may feel more comfortable signing up with a company backed by a big name.
Mike Fairman, the chief executive, says that while 02 provided the capital for the business to start up, Giffgaff operates independently, with its own offices and staff. “It’s very much an arms-length arrangement … this is very different from 02.”
The company declined to divulge its customer numbers, but says it has a 6,000-strong online community.
Is it worth signing up as a customer?
If you are looking for a cheap pay-as-you-go service, Giffgaff’s pricing is quite competitive. UK calls are 8p and texts 4p – this matches Asda Mobile’s pricing – with free UK web browsing on your handset until 1 October. After that, mobile internet will be charged at up to 50p a day for most people, says a spokesman. Customers can get free calls to one another.
As the company points out on its website, 02 charges 25p for calls to other networks and 10p for texts.
It is offering a range of “goodybags” – a mix of UK minutes, texts and mobile internet that last for a month.
You can order a free sim card online and top up by card or voucher.
What about those payments to customers?
Promoting the company and helping out other customers in Giffgaff’s online forum earns rewards. Promoting the company could include giving sim cards to friends or even making your own video and putting it on YouTube.
One point equals one pence. Sending your friend an email about Giffgaff would earn you 50p. If you send Giffgaff sims to several people, you get £5 for each one that is activated.
The rewards for helping with customer queries vary depending on criteria, such as how the person who asked the question rated the answer.
How is the money paid?
The points earned are converted into pounds, and the cash paid out twice a year – in June and December. You can have the cash paid into a PayPal account (you can’t have it paid direct into your bank account), get it as airtime credit for your phone, or donate it to Cancer Research, the charity chosen by members.
How much can people make?
Giffgaff claims the amounts people can earn are “limitless”. It says more than 40% of members were rewarded last month. The average user received £14, while 42 people earned more than £200.
One 19-year-old Londoner received £206 for spreading the word among his friends and helping on the community forum. He is putting the cash towards a new laptop for when he starts university in September.
Liam Salomone (pictured), 30, of Northolt, Middlesex, earned £654 for sending emails to contacts, answering queries on the forum, and encouraging friends to sign up.
“It’s much better that a mobile firm pays its customers to market their product than to waste money on advertising,” he says, adding: “I’m saving the money for a trip to South Africa with my mum. We’ve both spoken about visiting there for years, and now we have an opportunity to do it.”
Does anyone else do this sort of thing?
Mobile network 3 runs the “Free Agent” scheme, where £5 is paid into your PayPal account every time a friend with a 3G phone orders a sim from you and tops it up by £10 or more.
You don’t have to be a 3 customer to sign up to the scheme, and the company is offering a number of online tools to help people promote the offer.
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(Source The Guardian)
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