Featuring the tag line: “Your perfect work partner has arrived,” the Pro seems to be Samsung’s attempt at cornering the lucrative business market, a market that has long been the natural habitat of R.I.M’s Blackberry series of phones.

Blackberry currently holds a 22.3% market share with Android leading the way with 45.2% of the UK market (comparatively, Apple takes 18.3%). With the launch of the Pro, it seems that Android are looking to eat in to the Blackberry’s share.

Having shown the Galaxy Pro to a number of my friends and family, the first comment it gets is “Oh, it looks just like a Blackberry.” And it does, the Pro’s full Qwerty keyboard echoes one of the Blackberry’s most defining characteristics, and its sleek design is another characteristic one associates with the Blackberry.

But how does the Pro stack up against one of the most ubiquitous smartphones of them all?

I asked Blackberry users what they most loved about their phones – who better to tell me what Blackberry does best than the users themselves. Then I compared these key features to those of the Android handset to see how the two stacked up.

“Having my emails sent straight to me!”

One of the Blackberry’s key selling points is it’s ‘Push’ email service which ‘pushes’ the message straight to the handset as soon as it arrives in the email inbox, instead of waiting for the handset to sync with the email service. This is an incredibly valuable tool for any work environment, as there is very little time spent waiting for the emails to catch up with the senders.

The Samsung Galaxy Pro also utilises push email (just like most Android handsets) but also takes advantage of a specific GMail application, which allows you to synchronise your entire GMail account with your phone – keeping, for example, your labelling system, allowing superb cross-device usage.

“Having a keypad instead of a touch screen” – “Also QWERTY keyboard is easy!”

The Blackberry is well known for it’s full Qwerty keypad, almost the signature feature of the handset. The keypad is often seen as easier to use, especially when writing longer messages and emails. The Blackberry Torch, unlike a lot of its predecessors, features not only a Qwerty keyboard, but a touch screen too – just like the Galaxy Pro.

The Pro’s keyboard is in fact slightly bigger than the Torch, but does lose out on screen size. The Pro features at 2.8” touch screen, while the Torch boasts, a 3.2” screen, which slides upwards to unveil the keypad.

While this decreased screen size does cause some issues (some apps such as Tweedeck and the BBC news app attempt to rotate to full a portrait screen) the inclusion of a full Qwerty keypad is a great addition, perfect for those wanting the Android OS without wanting to lose the hardware they are accustomed to.

“BBM for sure”

Blackberry Messenger, or BBM, is another of the Blackberry’s key features. The instant messaging service is especially popular with younger users, perhaps utilising the popularity of the likes of MSN messenger and Facebook chat.

There are a plethora of apps out there that are designed at a cross platform version of BBM, but non, at least in my experience, that have taken off in quite the same way.

Although the Android handset does feature the likes of PingChat and WhatsApp, it wont be until BBM finally comes to Android that Blackberry’s dominance in that area will truly be under threat.

It seems then that Android handsets are rapidly mimicking the features that separate the Blackberry from the rest of the smartphones on offer. Although the Pro is the only handset with the full Qwerty keyboard currently, it must be only a matter of time before other similar Android devices enter the market, and, if they feature a bigger, more user friendly screen, they will be even more successful than the Pro.

Unfortunately it would appear that RIM is heading down the slippery slope to failure, and with that in mind, it would seem that Android and the Samsung Galaxy Pro are in the perfect position to catch those left behind by the Blackberry’s eventual demise.

Having bought the the tickets just two days previously, I didn’t have long to wait to see arguably Britain’s biggest pop act, and stood, with a capacity crowd of 85,000, to see one of the most talked about shows of the year.

The concert started with a set from the multiple Brit and Grammy award winners the Pet Shop Boys who warmed up the crowd nicely. The duo played a selection from their new album and their energetic performance had even those who wouldn’t have been born during the band’s pomp dancing to their big hits.

The ubiquitous Its A Sin and West End Girls were accompanied by a psychedelic light show and four well rehearsed dancers, as well as exciting the audience by turning the cameras and flashing (sometimes literally) them up on the big screen.

It was then not at all long until the main event, and, after a synchronised countdown, Take That emerged.

Take That Entry (video)

Progress started with a bit of a Circus reprise with Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark performing a variety of the hits from the circus tour; starting with Rule the World and ending with Shine. The boys took the time to have a little chat with the crowd, thanking them for coming and promising a great show. As it was Wembley, Mark led the crowd with a rendition of God Save The Queen before Shine, with the band disappearing through the big screen, before Robbie Williams leapt out.

Immediately the pace and the temperature rose (literally) with flames leaping out of the stage in front of the seventeen time Brit Award winner.

Williams started with Let Me Entertain You before launching into a collection of his solo hits – including my personal favourite, Come Undone. Williams gave a vertiable tour de force, showcasing all the key assets that a performer should – often appearing more rock star than pop star. Indeed he mimicked one of the best rock stars of all time, copying Freddie Mercury’s famous Live Aid catcalls, as well as paying tribute to Galsto hit Beyonce.

Williams possess great skill with the microphone, not only while singing, but also in conversation with his audience. When he speaks, you often feel like he’s looking directly at you. That said, with no other men within a couple of metres from me, I was head and shoulders taller than those in my immediate vicinity, so you never know, maybe he was looking at me.

His solo set finished with his immortal hit Angels before he was joined onstage with the other four. The five blended some of the songs of their latest album with those from their early years – almost seamlessly switching from a very stripped down performance (the five, a piano and a guitar) to a far grander spectacle.

Once again Take That’s army of backing dancers took to the stage – army is a fitting word here as the dancers paraded across the stage dressed as militarised chess pieces. Captained by Howard and Jason, the two sides squared up to one another before the captains proceeded to have a dance off – to Robbie’s experimental, Rudebox.

Although this all sounds breathtaking, the best was yet to come – the boys released their pet monster (apparently nicknamed Om) into the fray, using him to build up to the grand finale.

Om

The entire experience was extraordinary. Not only was it weird effectively standing on the pitch at Wembley stadium, but I was in the presence of one of the most successful boy bands ever, and all though they are not my usual tipple, they were fantastic. Overall, my third favourite live act – after Macca and Jay-Z, and it is no great shame to come in just behind those two.

Unfortunately the tour has finished now, but should they ever tour again, I implore you to do what ever it takes to go – and take me with you!!

The Samsung Mobilers are a group of young(ish) technology addicts from all over the country (and indeed, the world) recruited by Samsung to help promote all of their impressive range of mobile products.

Last year a good friend of mine, Matt Green, was a member of the very first batch of Mobilers. He had a great time doing the ‘missions‘ and got given some great gadgets – so when given to chance to apply, I didn’t have to think twice!

So, last Thursday evening, Matt, myself and two of our friends pitched up at Samsung HQ (a little late) honestly no knowing what to expect.

We entered during a presentation of some of Samsung’s latest projects, including the very impressive Samsung Galaxy Pro – one of which we were then given!! Granted, there was one very agreeable string attached – we had to use our new handsets to complete this year’s missions. Something I think I can safely say we were all looking forward to.

A little chat later and it was time to head home, after checking out some of Samsung’s delightfully futuristic fridges, and some 3DTV, oh, and getting caught in the rain…

The very next day the mobilers recieved their mission – and it will be appearing on these pages very soon.

Thanks to Samsung for this great opportunity, and good luck to all the Mobilers!!

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known around the world simply as Ronaldo, made a 15 minute cameo appearance in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly win over Romania. Seemingly almost an international testimonial, Ronaldo played at walking pace – with no signs of the lighting pace and quick feet he was blessed with.

Obviously over weight, Ronaldo lasted no longer than fifteen minutes, but still had a handful of chances to score – scooping one hideously over the bar, and having Romanian keeper Tatarusanu save a tame effort. It was obvious, however, how much of a predator in the box Ronaldo used to be, doing well to find himself unmarked in the box, and beating the offside trap – his goal scoring instinct still sharp but let down by his failing body.

There was clearly a celebratory feel in the stadium, with each fluffed chance being greated by laughter and that unmistakable Ronaldo smile – the adulation from the fans was epitomised by a huge banner unfurled over the stands, Ronaldo clearly still the hero in Brazil. The question is, does Brazil currently have a striker worthy of filling Ronaldo’s golden boots?

The Brazilian scored nearly 250 goals in his eighteen year club career, as well as 62 goals for his country. Alongside holding the record for the most World Cup goals, Ronaldo won dozens of individual awards,including the prestigious Ballon D’or on two occasions.

It is fitting that a player of Ronaldo’s magnitude has played for so many of the biggest clubs in the world. Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid helped propel Ronaldo to super stardom, he became one of the brightest lights in Real Madrid’s galaticos, playing alongside such footballing luminaries as Raul, Figo and Zidane.

However, by the time he joined AC Milan, Ronaldo’s star was beginning to wane. Dogged by various health issues throughout his career, Ronaldo had his promising start at Milan torn away by a serious knee injury, ending his term at the club. Despite recovering enough to sign for Brazilian team Corinthians, Ronaldo never really shook off the effects of the many injuries he had sustained throughout his career.

Ronaldo went on to score 18 goals in 31 appearences for Corinthians, before retiring in 2011 after the team’s elimination from the Copa Libertadores.

For Brazil to have a special farewell match for Ronaldo proves just how special a player he has been, especially when you consider the calibre of players he has played alongside.

Ronaldo is truely one of the all time greats, to be talked of in the same breath as the likes of Pele and Maradonna – he is one of the best players never to win a Champions League, the top scorer ever in the World Cup and the scorer of some simply amazing goals. Today we have Messi, we have Cristiano Ronaldo, we have Rooney, but there is no one in the world who can score goals like Ronaldo – he will be sorely missed, and loved by football fans forever more.

Watch Ronaldo’s farewell appearance

Ronaldo Homage

The Ten O’Clock Live team consists of Channel Four ever present Jimmy Carr, TV critic turned television personality in his own right Charlie Brooker, Peep show co-star and regular panel show guest David Mitchell and radio six music’s Lauren Laverne.

The team tackles the big news stories of the week through a combination of interviews, skits, prerecorded segments and Brooker’s Screenwipe-esque rants.

This week’s episode dealt with the News of the World phone hacking scandal, French Burka bans and the Grand National.

Alongside this, there was a high profile interview with Tessa Jowell, as well as a spirited debate over the banking crisis.

All in all the show has a lot of potential, although not quite the Daily Show (as many thought it could be), Ten O’Clock Live is still a spirited, humorous look at the news, a light hearted alternative to the likes of Question Time and News Night.

Still very early on in it’s life span, Ten O’Clock Live has a couple of minor kinks to work out. Mitchell had a couple of issues keeping control over this week’s debate, and Carr’s costumed performances leave something to be desired.

However, this does not stunt a very competent performance, and a great attempt at bringing the important news stories to a new audience. This is a show that could have a very good life span, and it is a pleasure to watch such an original show featuring some of the best in British broadcasting.

And there’s never anything wrong with having Lauren Laverne on TV…

The singer-turned-reality-TV-star-turned-x-factor-judge has returned to the airwaves of the nation, this time with out her selection of backing dancers/band mates.

Scherzinger is another in a long line of female, RnB soloists (Rihanna, Jessie J, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Britney, Beyonce etc. etc. etc.) so an individual stamp on records is a much needed commodity if you’re trying to sell in an already over saturated market (Think Rihanna’s Barbados lilt, or Gaga’s sheer lunacy).

Unfortunately for the former pussycat doll, Killer Love falls short of the mark. ‘Right There’ sounds like its fresh from the Rihanna reject pile, and most of the other tracks have been produced into yet another batch of anonymous pop.

Even ‘Power’s Out’, a slower number featuring pop heavy weight Sting, does not strike the right key – Scherzinger sounds vacuous and the songs suffer as a result.

Poison is perhaps the stand out track, sounding like something from the days of the Pussycat Dolls, it’s a case of Scherzinger sticking to what she knows best.

If this was your regular debut album then it would be all right – but this isn’t, we already know Scherzinger can sing, there was no need for such a ‘safe’ album; she needed to take a few risks and make something a bit more cutting edge.

The main reason for the first past the post system is the fact that it generally means the constituency will have strong links with its MP, as one party will usually get a majority. However, this system also means that a party can win an election even if they get a minority of votes, as seats in the commons are based on constituencies rather than the total number of votes.

This is the Referendum broadcast in support of the First Past the Post system, No For AV.

The Alternative Vote is being billed as a fairer vote – where a candidate needs to secure 50% of the votes in order to win an election. Each voter gets to rank candidates in order of preference, then, if no candidate gets 50%, then the second and third choices are taken into consideration. The votes for the least popular candidate are removed from the election. Then, the second choice votes of the people who voted for the lowest placed candidates are taken into account.

This process is repeated until one party has 50% of the vote.

The voters don’t have to rank all candidates, only those that they support.

This will mean that candidates will have to work harder to get the votes as they’ll have to work harder to get to that all important 50%. Although the criticisms are that it could mean the second choice votes could swing the votes, meaning that those who got the majority of the first round of votes won’t necessarily win.

This is the Referendum broadcast in support of the Alternative Vote, Yes For AV.

Personally, I will be voting Yes for AV – it’ll make our votes stronger, and more important – democracy is based on freedom of speech, and this is our chance to make our voices louder.

You can find out more on YES TO AV, NO TO AV and The Electoral Commission.

Parkinson had a rare quality. He managed the get his guests to reveal their true characters, including the audience, so that it felt like you were having a chat with David Beckham over a couple of pints at the pub.

These days, chat shows feel like they have to be a chat show plus something else. People like Paul O’Grady and Graham Norton have great guests on, and ask some really good questions – but then there are the random side shows that get added to the programs, linked with some obscure reason: “Hey its National Sirloin Steak day, so James May is going to ride the mechanical bull!”

Piers Morgan actually has come up with a decent interview show – Life Stories is quite a good watch, and he often gets good guests (I actually enjoyed the Cliff Richard one the most!) – however, he only ever gets one guest at a time!!

The thing is, for the most part, the calibre of the guest means that they will want to be focussed on for the entire show – something that they wouldn’t get from a Norton show, for example.

That was the glory of Parkinson – for example, he got Hugh Lawrie and George Michael on the same show; these are two global stars, sharing the same spotlight.

And I think that is the beauty of Parkinson – at times he didn’t need to do anything, the guests interviewed each other!

I’d love for ‘them’ (who ever ‘they’ are) to bring back Parky for one more episode, maybe at Christmas. He’d blow the ratings out of the water, then the tv executives would see that there is a market for a straight down the line, quality, chat show.

Started watching I am legend, wasn’t really in the mood for it. Watching studio sixty on the sunset strip now.

I wish we had a program like studio sixty on British tv. Both the real and the fictional one.

Also, I wanna watch the west wing episode where bartlett destroys the radio dj who wouldn’t stand up…

That said, I wish we had a UK version of the west wing. Closest we have is the thick of it, I guess, which isn’t really the same.

And yes, minister I suppose, back in the day. It seems we can only do political satire, not drama.

Spooks, I am told, was a good British drama. It seems good British programming only comes from the beeb.

And channel 4 occasionally. Otherwise its just American imports.

At this point, I decided to get out of bed and write a blog post; this won’t be a long one (as its 1:20am) but I really wanted to write now, while the thoughts were still fresh in my head.

Television is something that has grown in importance to me while I’ve been at university. Granted, most of the television I watch is through DVD boxsets, personal favourites of mine being Studio 60, The West Wing, Band of Brothers, Life On Mars, Ashes to Ashes and Arrested Development. I have also recently started watching Mad Men, the Pacific and the Sopranos.

I think the important thing to notice here is that these shows are either American, or from the BBC. The American television scene, to an outsider such as myself, seems to be pretty much like its movie scene – big budget block busters like the West Wing rule over there – drama is their forte.

Over here, however, there seems to be a distinct lack of good drama – the BBC has produced some exceptional dramas (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Spooks etc.) on far less of a budget as their American counterparts. The BBC survives off the license fees, so it must take immense talent to create television like that on a comparative shoe string budget.

Then why can’t the likes of ITV, Channel 4 etc. create the same standard of television, or rather why can’t other companies produce that kind of television for them. The Inbetweeners was great on Four, but Friday Night Dinner never really hit the right note for me, and Campus debuted tonight to fairly disappointing reviews (according to twitter).

Either way, these aren’t dramas!! In my (vastly uneducated in this area) opinion, drama is the life blood of television. I hope that British television makers step away from dodgey comedies, soaps and reality tv and move back towards dramas. Until then, I shall rely on the BBC and America.

Below is the opening to the first episode of Studio 60, where the then producer breaks into his own show to complain about the state of television in America, it kind of sums up how I feel. Enjoy, and check out the series if you ever get the chance.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip – Opening Speech

Neeson plays Dr. Martin Harris, a scientist visiting Berlin for a highly important Biochemistry summit.

Shortly after arriving, Harris is involved in an accident, receiving a blow to the head, causing him to enter a coma and awaken four days later with amnesia.

Harris begins to piece together his memory but, when he returns to his hotel, there is an imposter in his place, someone that even his wife (Mad Men’s January Jones) believes to be the real Martin Harris.

Things go from bad to worse for Neeson’s character, as he is pursued across the city by a team of men intent on taking his life. Harris enlists the help of illegal immigrant Gina (Diane Kruger), and former East German spy Ernst Jurgen (Bruno Ganz) as he attempts to seize back his identity.

The film is a textbook thriller, with a plot that twists and turns superbly. This, combined with the pace of the film, prevents the audience from knowing what may be in store for the characters in the next scene, let alone at the end of the film.

The film is let down, however, by a lack of big set piece moments; a car chase through the streets of Berlin doesn’t really have that little bit extra that really makes you fear for the character, and the ending is abrupt, leaving more than a few questions unanswered.

As a leading man, Neeson carries the role well, stepping back in the the character set that made Taken such a smash. He is abley assisted by the likes of Ganz who brings an air of black humour to the film.

Overall Unknown is an enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours, but is in no way a classic. Perhaps it is best to wait for it to be relegated to the ‘two for £20’ section in HMV, after it’s DVD release.