Posted by Pagnell
Jeez, all those Orange pics look damn awful. I'm sure glad I moved to O2.
Posted by adamfield
I just got one on Vodafone. However, it seems to be a sim free handset as it has no operator branding whatsoever
Posted by Nemesis24
Supposing if u install a new firmware (when i comes out) on a orange branded phone will the new firmware replace the icons and stuff?
Posted by SCL411
Hi all,
First post here!
I got my Orange branded k750i a few days ago, but am contemplating sending it back. It's not as nice to look at as the unbranded version. It also only came with 1 game installed (tennis) and not the jet fighter one - not that that's too important. It's missing the world clock as well, which I believe is a pre-loaded utility on the unbranded one.
Why on earth do operators muck about with what is one of the best looking, nicest to use o/systems? It does nothing but detract from a fine product.
A question to a couple of other members here:-
Regarding the unbranded O2 and Vodafone units, did you get these direct from O2 and Voda or did you go to a third party like Phones4u?
Posted by Tr3v
I've got an orange k750i, you can download the fighter game from here:
http://maestro.intramail.ru/files/java/index.php?name=A
It's called "AeroMission3D_K700F"
Saves buying it from SE for £4.50!
Posted by cloysterpete5
It's much better to buy a contract with a third party (I used dialaphone for an unbranded O2 contract), you then get a cheaper handset, no branding plus a more stable phone as it has not been messed around with by the networks in anyway. I can see no reason why anyone would ever deal direct with the networks, plus if you use a highstreet prescence like carphone or phones4u then it's just as easy to return the unit if something screws up.
Posted by SCL411
Thanks for the link!
I'm just about to get in touch with Orange to arrange sending it back - just hope they can stop my PAC number transfer!
Posted by Phantasm4489
The orange branding isnt that bad and at least they didnt lock out any of the major functionality.
Heres a pic of my phone (not a default theme though) taken with my digital camera:
Posted by darrengf
To be honest. Orange Branding on the K750i is not bad at all.
Yes the Icons are different, but if you look at the Samsung D500 you will notice that the main menu on that phone shares 6 of the same icons as the K750i. I think Orange are just changing the Icons so customers who stay with them are able to use the phone and reconise the same icons no matter who makes it?
This is the only thing that Orange have changed, other wise the phone is untouched. You can do anything with the phone, the phone isnt locked for mp3s and you can fully change what ever you want on how you want to use GPRS.
The pictures are dreadful i have to admit, but i dont care. I got lots of memory and i can just put more pictures on, you get one game on the phone (Tennis) but ive got loads for the K700 that work on the K750 any way. The world clock is missing, but you can download this free from the SE wap site, and theres a link in the phone to do this.
It isnt perfect, but at least i now get to fully control my shortcuts (So Orange does listen to customers) (More than Voda with the MP3's)
The phone doest look great in black and the Orange badge does finsih it of in my eyes, but hey we are all different.
Posted by FuricTrax
@Nemesis24
Because the phone is branded then the possibility of using the official update service I think would only ever flash with new branded firmware. This was at least the case with the K700i and I'm sure others would agree.
However there are other non-official ways of flashing such branded phones with unbranded firmware. There is plenty of information regarding this process for the K700 and older phones. K750i I believe is yet untested?
@darrengf
Agree regarding the Orange icons. Some Nokias are similar also. It makes for a seamless experience for all Orange customers no matter what brand of phone they have.
Posted by KrisUK
I don't get why networks have to interfere with the firmware. Why not take a page from O2s book and just put a start up logo and possibly even lock the phone.
At the end of the day, it just starts to put customers off to revert to SIM free phones.
Posted by darrengf
The networks mess around with the phone so they can say no matter which orange phone in the future it will have easy access menus.
Lots of customers want simplicity and not something different.
eg Nokia, People buy nokias for the ease of use of menus, 95% of Nokia phones have the same menus, so when the customer updates to a new Nokia, the battle of understanding your phone is half way there.
Switch to a SE or Samsung, and guess what, cusotmer gets confused doesnt use half of the functions of the phone and will prob go back to a Nokia in the end.
This is where the networks step in. So we have Nokia, SE and Samsung. 3 Very different phones, but with simular icons in the menu. Customer is comfortable with the phone, ok the phones will do different things but the customer is happy to go wandering in the menus, why because it isnt to much of a difference to what they see in the first place.
Good Customer Stratergy, Customer thinking and guess what the customer is happy and will buy another phone with the same network because he or she knows what they are getting.
My Mum is 64, I changed her from a Nokia to a Samsung, took me a while to learn her the menus but it the end she know uses Wap, MMS, SMS, Camera and even phone. I then showed her my new k750i. Her words oh the icons are like mine. So already shes happy with the phone and not frightend to use it, even tho its a different brand and look.
It doesnt bother me, I just like a phone to do what the manufacture intended it to, so Orange have changed the icons, but I still have a fully functional phone. Orange dont lock anything on the phone, they just change the icons to the generic Orange all phones have now.
A bit long winded but got there in the end. And she has a samsung (before any body starts) as it looked nice and fits in her handbag pocket!! lol
[ This Message was edited by: darrengf on 2005-06-06 23:08 ]
Posted by eeperman
Does the Orange branded K750i have a feature like my Nokia 6310i (soon to be retired) which lets you know via an icon if you have an answerphone message waiting? I find the O2 habit of ringing or texting you to be quite intrusive.
I am in the unusual position of having used an O2 K750i for a few days, but am returning it and getting an Orange one instead. When I called Orange to get my PAC code they offered me such a good deal that I had to take it. I found the O2 menus to be crisp and clear and easy to use whereas the Orange menus look slightly dated. However, if the functionality is retained then I don't think its a deal-breaker.
[ This Message was edited by: eeperman on 2005-06-06 23:26 ]
Posted by darrengf
Orange and T-mobile uses the same way to show you a answer phone message.
02 and Voda uses a different voice mail system which sms you or rings you.
No matter what Orange handset you buy you will always get the Voice mail icon.
Posted by eeperman
Excellent - I prefer the Orange system. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet with the crappier icons. It beggars belief that a company would put so much time and effort into messing around with a tried and tested sytem that another (arguably more qualified) company have put in place. I hope that some of this discontent is filtering back to Orange as apart from this I have no problem at all with them.
Posted by darrengf
things do get filtered back to Orange and i do know All the networks look at this site.
At least Orange mainly listen to there cusotmers, K700i and more customer complained about not able toset own shortcuts.
Now with the K750i you can
Posted by kaiesha
Gutted ;( I can't believe the second rate graphics they've used on the K750. Mines due tomorrow but I'm thinking of cancelling it and ordering from 02
Can anyone confirm that an Orange sim will work in an 02 K750?
Posted by itstomhi
I can't confirm about O2 being unlocked, but I don't see what you do if it is. Do you have a orange sim card that you want to keep? Then what do you do with the o2 sim card?
I must be a bit stupid! But surely you don't want to be paying 2 contracts?
[ This Message was edited by: itstomhi on 2005-06-07 12:44 ]
Posted by kidscruff
Meh, the Orange branding isn't too bad... and considering it's heavily subsidised, do you really want to pay an extra £300 for a sim-free version, just for prettier icons?
Don't get me wrong, as I do prefer the original icons:
the orange icons are all similar colours, and to me are indistinguishable from each other at a quick glance... the original icons are colour coded, so I can quickly identify (red = phonebook), etc...
Posted by kaiesha
itstomhi - Reason I ask is because when I've finished with the phone my wife has my hand-me-downs. She just puts her orange sim card in there and gets to keep her number and contract.
She had her first phone about six years ago, when Orange were doing a pay up front deal, whereas you pay about £90, you get the phone (which was a Nokia 3310 at the time) and for that you also get all your line rental. All you pay for is your calls so she only ever gets a bill of about £4 - £6 a month.
No worries I think I'll order the 02 and get it unlocked in 12 months.
Posted by Pagnell
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You don't have to pay £300 for a sim free model to get prettier icons, you just go with O2 model instead. Other than an installed optional theme, a GPRS O2 icon in the menu and a few animated screensavers, it is exactly the same as a sim free model anyway. Which is more than can be said for the f*cked up Orange K750i - my cousin has it and it looks dreadful.
Posted by four
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Well, my dad says 02 K750 came unlocked, and my 02 K700 did come unlocked, so I would say yes it does.
Posted by fatreg
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O2 Cs or Orange CS.
hmmmmmm tough choice!
fatreg
Posted by KrisUK
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That's definately not the reason. I have dozens of mobile phones pass through my hands and the only differences between the branded and unbranded models are the appearance of the menus are changed and maybe a couple of features changed. They don't use a standard icon for say the messages menu or change the menu to resemble all of their phones. Not even close. Go use a branded Nokia and then a branded Sony Ericsson and tell me how the branding makes the transition between the two easy....
Posted by kaiesha
I can confirm my orange sim works in my new 02 K750, not sure if it's fully unlocked, not had chance to have a good luck before I put it on it's intial charge
Posted by Pagnell
It will work fully. I have tested my O2 K750i with my work Vodacrap sim and the wap/gprs works fine too after the provider settings are entered. I put the poor phone out of it's misery though and put the O2 sim back in and deleted the Vodacrap settings - I swear I heard it let out a sigh of relief
Posted by Deano1889
Is there any way to get the official SE menu? I hate the Orange icons!!
Regards
Deano
Posted by FuricTrax
Probably only when someone works out how to flash it with unbranded firmware using something like Davinci, or TotalMultiServer or whatever they're called.
Posted by FuricTrax
Just noticed this thread about the Orange menus after updating the K750i on the update service.
http://www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=95022
Seems the menus have changed back to the standard SE ones
[ This Message was edited by: FuricTrax on 2005-06-13 21:34 ]
Posted by darrengf
If you update your phone, they are removed and you just get the normal K750 Generic Icons. They look very nice just lets hope they stay that way!!
Posted by FuricTrax
Excellent.
I just had a look on the K750 support page and can't see anything about the Update Service on it except for some driver download?
Does the software for updating the phone come on a CD or something?
I'm gettin mine when my contract runs out at the end of this month.
Posted by darrengf
http://www.sonyericsson.com/s[....]5_7&zone=ps&lm=ps1_1&pid=10242
This is the website to update.
You do get a cd in the pack wih thedrivers to use on the computer. However you still need to download some on the internet to
Posted by FuricTrax
Interesting if you go here it isn't on there :S
http://www.sonyericsson.com/s[....]1_5&zone=ps&lm=ps1_1&pid=10242
Seems it is only available on global support at the moment. If u go to the support page from the K750i product page from the UK the link isn't there. They must be in the process of updating it!!
[ This Message was edited by: FuricTrax on 2005-06-13 22:31 ]
Posted by eeperman
I can't get it to work....
The update program downloads, then autoruns. It seems to analyse the phone, download some stuff and then it asks me to turn off the phone and reconnect while holding down "c". The phone springs into life, my PC makes the Windows Device Connected sound and absolutely nothing happens.
The update progress bar remains totally static. I have run both modes, automatic and recovery and neither work.
Incidentally, does this update fix the standby crash? I have had my phone for one day and it has crashed twice.
Posted by thegetti
The same happenes to me
Posted by Tr3v
I've finally got mine to work, it was a bit of a ba$tard though! you need to install the flash drivers and the usb drivers. if you search on this site you can get a link to them, cheers to the guys who posted them! would still be swearing at the phone now without your help! phone is now upgraded anyhoo and no problems noticed so far, will keep you informed. leaving it on tonight will be the big test.
Posted by eeperman
I've got the USB drivers installed, but where do I find the Flash drivers?
Posted by whodoneit
I'm thinking of getting this phone, by the look of those orange icons... im going for o2 thank you very much
Posted by thegetti
It came up about the Flash Drive thingy and insalled BEFORE i had the driver.
Whats it going to be called so i can update the driver
Posted by FuricTrax
@whodoneit
The new firmware flash seems to put the standard SE icons on Orange branded phones. So no realy need to move to O2.
Posted by thegetti
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Can anyone help. I try going through the Device Manager but cant see anything about a Flash drive
Posted by eeperman
Right, finally got this sorted....
While it updates I'll fill the rest of you in. As I understand it the appropriate USB drivers come on the disk or you can download them from any of the SE support pages. What you need is the USB update drivers. They are NOT on the global support page which has the link to the update. Instead they are on the UK support page (under drivers) which DOES NOT have the link to the update. Confused? So was I.
Anyway, get the driver and unzip it. Then go to Control Panel--->System--->Device Manager. Disconnect your phone, turn it off and plug it into the USB cable while holding down "c". Briefly, a yellow question mark with FLASH Drivers will appear. Right click on it, select properties and Driver. Update the driver with the ones you downloaded.
Now go back to the global support page and run the update manager.
When I did it, it tried to tell me it couldn't find the USB cable so I ran the Update Manager in Recovery mode. Only do this if you previously got as far as the system freezing when you plugged the phone in - I think that means that all the necessary software is already on your phone.
Good luck...
Posted by eeperman
Bugger, it didn't work. Gonna try and uninstall the whole lot and start again...
Posted by thegetti
Ok i got it working. New FW installed
Posted by eeperman
Also got it working. My God, its beautiful...
Everything seems a bit faster and I will let you know if it solves the standby crash. I'm off for some well earned shut eye...
Thanks to everyone who helped with their posts.
Posted by thegetti
What are the changes/improvements?
I see the menu is faster and has the SE icons now. Also the noise the camera makes when you auto focus is now different
Posted by eeperman
Not too sure. The camera seems crisper and makes a new noise. Menus are much faster. Thats about it. Hopefully the standby crash problem ahs been fixed.
But its one in the eye for all those people who take the piss out of the orange branding.
Now you can have Orange customer service and an unbranded(ish) phone. I'm as happy as a dog with two tails...especially as I nearly left Orange in favour of O2.
Posted by thegetti
Im loving the new icons. Far better than the Orange ones. So really the only branding left is the Orange logo on the actual phone?
The other things like Startup Animation can be changed.
Im hoping the camera is better. In some pics the left side could look a little blurry
Posted by Residentevil
The orange colour is just so seventies.
Posted by barryn1970
I get to the "download PC client" bit on the website and... nothing happens. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? I'm dying to install the update.
Thanks to everyone who's already helped in this thread.
