Monthly Archives: March 2009

Android me up please

Daniel Sung recently wrote for the shiny shiny Tech Digest blog, asking why no mobile phone manufacturers are rolling out handsets using Google’s Android operating system. I did try and comment, but their blog system never seems to work for me, so I thought I’d add some content to mine instead.

Daniel gave reference to the HTC G1 and G2 available through T-Mobile and Vodafone respectively which are the most likely handsets you’re going to have if Android is going to be your operating system.  The other (unlikely) contender is the almost promising Australian-made Kogan Agora.

Is Kogan still on track to release the Agora handsets?  I checked the other day and their website seems devoid of any information of it.
Also, the Agora looks quite shocking compared to most of the other handsets out there – even Blackberry’s seem to have a better design.

In my mind, the worst thing HTC are doing is making each Android handset (Dream, Dream2/Magic) exclusive to a specific service provider.  I’m not going to up sticks with my network just because of a new handset (although I’m tempted as Orange are dragging their feet with offering a cost effective happy-happy, always on mobile Internet tariff) so it means I need to do some dodgy unlocking if I want to get on board.

If Android is going to take off, it needs to be available cross-network.

Buy Fairtrade and make a difference

There’s no denying how fast the Fairtrade effort has built up momentum to become a household name.  Now some of the most common store bought items such as tea and coffee, chocolate and fruits can be found with Fairtrade alternatives.

Two billion people – a third of humanity – still survive on less than $2 a day. Unfair trade rules keep them in poverty, but they face the global challenges of food shortages and climate change too. Fairtrade is a people’s movement for change that aims to tip the balance of trade in favour of poor producers. We all need Fairtrade more than ever and we all have the power to create positive change for people and planet.

Fairtrade is much more than just food stuffs though, with an incredible range of Fair Trade bags, jewellery and homewares all readily available online.  Some of the products make fantastic gifts too, like the Elephant dung coaster set or cotton brown business card holder.

By shopping with retailers like The Fair Trade Store, you really are helping to make a difference.

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