Friday, September 14, 2007

More Chinese Phones


We have a few Chinese phones or phones that re available in Chine here for you. Take a look and you might get the one you are looking for, so what it it is Chinese. The first in the line is the 14.9mm thick Samsung G608. This one comes loaded with a 5 megapixel camera along with features such as white balance and is great to take pictures.(Read on for details...)

Samsung Brings The WEP500 Bluetooth Headset



Samsung is all ready to ship the smallest Bluetooth headset. Called the WEP500, this tiny headset which is about the size of a U.S. quarter coin and comes in a distinctive circular design. 'This 7.7mm small wonder comes with a jewel-case charger/cradle for both carrying the headset and charging it when not in use.(Read on for details...)News

LG To Launch Two EV-DO Rev.A Handsets


LG Telecom is all set to launch two brand new handsets in Korea. These phones come with CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Rev.A' including high-speed multimedia service. The LG-LH2000) from LG features swing style 2.2-inch LCD, and supports video calling and T-DMB at price of mid-500,000(KRW).(Read on for details...)News

Convertible Bluetooth Headset


Plantronics has introduced a new convertible Bluetooth headset. Call the Voyager 855, this is the first headset than can convert between mono and stereo and also offers noise reduction. A second earpiece on a cable provides full stereo sound for cellphones and other devices that support the A2DP standard for wireless stereo sound. When you detach the cable it becomes a headset on mono and the portability outweighs the passive noise canceling and musical advantages of the stereo attachment.(Read on for details...)News

Palm Announces Treo 500v for Vodafone


In an apparent attempt to get more people hooked on wireless data and related services such as push email, T-Mobile USA has reduced the cost of one of its internet data plans and created a new low-cost plan for BlackBerry users. T-Mobile's unlimited mobile data and WiFi HotSpot plan has been reduced in cost from $29.99 to $19.99. This matches the price of the company's mobile internet data only plan that was offered in years past, yet includes access to any of the over 4,200 T-Mobile HotSpots in the country.
T-Mobile has also announced a new $9.99 BlackBerry Email service option for all RIM BlackBerry devices on its network. This new service, which costs $10 less than the T-Mobile's regular BlackBerry Internet Service, offers users unlimited email but lacks the included web browsing offered by the more expensive service. The announcement was made in conjunction with the launching of three new colors for the BlackBerry Pearl. [via EngadgetMobile]

T-Mobile Cuts Unlimted Data/WiFi and BlackBerry Costs by $10

In an apparent attempt to get more people hooked on wireless data and related services such as push email, T-Mobile USA has reduced the cost of one of its internet data plans and created a new low-cost plan for BlackBerry users. T-Mobile's unlimited mobile data and WiFi HotSpot plan has been reduced in cost from $29.99 to $19.99. This matches the price of the company's mobile internet data only plan that was offered in years past, yet includes access to any of the over 4,200 T-Mobile HotSpots in the country.
T-Mobile has also announced a new $9.99 BlackBerry Email service option for all RIM BlackBerry devices on its network. This new service, which costs $10 less than the T-Mobile's regular BlackBerry Internet Service, offers users unlimited email but lacks the included web browsing offered by the more expensive service. The announcement was made in conjunction with the launching of three new colors for the BlackBerry Pearl. [via EngadgetMobile]

Verizon Introduces LG VX8350 Clamshell


Yesterday Verizon and LG announced the launch of a new LG clamshell, the VX8350. The device supports features such as Bluetooth, 4GB microSD memory cards, and sports a 1.3 megapixel camera - all for a reasonable price. LG and Verizon have launched the pair's latest music phone, the LG VX8350. This mid-level music phone sports external track controls, stereo speakers, and even support for wireless Bluetooth stereo headphones. On top of that, the VX8350 has other media related features like a 1.3 megapixel and support for Verizon's V CAST streaming video and over the air music purchases. The VX8350 is also capable of some fun features like video wallpapers as well as more practical things like a one-touch speakerphone.

Review: Nokia's 6110 Navigator GPS Phone


We first spent time with Nokia's S60 powered 6110 Navigator at 3GSM earlier this year during a test drive around Barcelona. Now that it is available for purchase, Brad gives the GPS powered 6110 slider its own test drive in this hands-on review.

Review: Motorola RAZR2 V9m for Sprint


While we have seen many, many variations of the original Motorola RAZR v3, it is only recently that consumers have been able to get their hands on a truly new series of RAZR devices. The Motorola RAZR2 V9m is one of the new breed, and we put it through its paces in this review. While the RAZR moniker might not demand the respect of users and the press that it once did, it is still one of the most successful lines of mobile devices ever - and certainly is the most successful that Motorola has ever offered. As such, it is no small thing to bestow a new family of devices with the label of RAZR2. That name draws some pretty lofty expectations from most people. But here we have it, the new RAZR2 V9m for Sprint. This new EV-DO feature phone is thin, powerful, and offers a lot of modern day wizardry like streaming TV and touch controls with haptic feedback.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

More On The Google Phone


We have some more stuff for you about the Google phone and these are more exciting pictures. As we had mentioned before, the Google Phone will not be running Windows Mobile. Instead, the operating system will be a like Linux and will be capable of running Java Virtual Machines. All the on-board applications will be Java-based and the user interface is based in Java will feature a search box.(Read on for details...)News

iControl From Timex- For Your iPhone


Here is something new for your iPhone.Luxury watches manufacturer Timex has introduced the iControl line of watches which they claim is iPhone compatible.This feature is even installed on some of the least expensive Timex models that retail for $99,99. One such watch is the Ironman Sleek iControl that costs only $125.(Read on for details...)News

Bluetooth For LG Prada Phone


LG has now introduced a Bluetooth headset for its Prada phone. It quiet good looking and definitely matches the Prada phone. It even comes in a similar box. It is currently available for $80 in Hong Kong. This new accessory will definitely add more to the fashion statement created by the LG Prada phone.(Read on for details...)News

iPhone Selling Like Hotcakes


Apple is once again in a celebration mood and they have every right to do so as they have just announced the sale of its one millionth iPhone. According to CEO Steve Jobs, it took two years for the iPod to achieve this target but the iPhone has done this so fast. If you calculate that in a some what extreme way it would come to 74 days that comes to 1,776 hours = 106,560 minutes.(Read on for details...)News

Verizon Unveils Coupe


Here is a phone for all senior citizens and we feel that its high time that they also a got a phone of their own. It is the Coupe and it was unveiled recently by Verizon Wireless. The Coupe promises to bring some fun into the lives of senior citizens with features such as large keys and a dummy-proof user interface and it will be complemented by new calling plans for those aged 65 and above.(Read on for details...)News

iRing Is Really Cool


This new Bluetooth accessory is really cool and it called the iRing. Calling it a mere accessory will not be right as you can wear this compact gadget which is shaped like a ring on your finger. Sounds really great. It bears the Apple logo and it even glows to probably attract more attention than it can.(Read on for details...)News

Get The Portable Mobile Signal Jammer


There are times when you want to stay a bit aloof and in those moments you don't want to get any calls on your cell. But in spite of that you do get some call or the other. Sometimes you even want your kids to stay away from the phone. For such hours of need, there is a new gadget in town. It is called the portable mobile signal jammer.(Read on for details...)News

Cell Phone Design From Fruits


There are things that inspire us to create and they are all around us. Hong Kong based designer Timo Wong's cellphone idea derives from the organic simplicity of an object used to prevent fruit from bruising. His Cells cell phone concept directly looks like the contours of a typical fruit tray, separating numbers not by lines or scores, but by seamless, curved surface variations.(Read on for details...)News

The iMate Ultimate 8150 Is Here




It is wild and alive, it is the iMate Ultimate 8150 Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone. It comes loaded with features such as a 520Mhz processor, 2.6 inch touchscreen display, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, 256MB ROM/128MB RAM, WiFi, TV-out, FM radio, microSD slot, 2 megapixel camera, and Bluetooth 2.0.(Read on for details...)News

TicTalk Phone For Kids


Isn't it time that kids got their own cell phone? Well, not that time has come and the new TicTalk Phone is here. This phone which is exclusively for kids is web connected and function restricted Its a Pay-as-you-Go GSM/GPRS handset which you need to activate first and which provides 8 hours of talk time per charge. It also comes with parental control.(Read on for details...)News

Sony Ericsson May Launch A Games Phone


This is big news and we hope it is true. After the success of its Cyber Shot and Walkman series, Sony Ericsson might be planning a device based around gaming functions and this is the latest buzz that has been circulating around for years. There is a speculation that the company is working on a PlayStation-branded phone.(Read on for details...)News

Palm Aborts Foleo Mobile Companion


Palm has decided to cancel the Foleo mobile companion product in its current configuration and concentrate on next generation phone platforms. This decision was taken by Palm CEO Ed Colligan recently. The Foleo mobile companion was just not working out and the need for next generation handset is now on the rise.(Read on for details...)News

Nokia 6500 Gets Cloned


This is some new kind of cloning and it is a Chinese one. Even before the original Nokia 6500 comes out, a Chinese manufacturer has managed to make a rip off. The phone even has the metal look of the Nokias original device. Of course, you wont find the powerful 3.2 MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics on this duplicate.(Read on for details...)News

Sennheiser Launches VMX 100 Bluetooth Headset


Sennheiser has launched its VMX-100 range of Bluetooth headsets that feature intelligent sound that promises to improve the quality of mobile phone conversations. Its VoiceMax dual microphone technology and intelligent, adaptive filtering of background noise strives to give unprecedented call quality.(Read on for details...)News

Sagem Porsche P9521 Is Really Big


Don't go by its size, the Sagem Porsche P9521 maybe small in size but it packs in a lot. This phone which weighs 140 grams and has dimensions of 91 x 48 x 18.4 mm, comes with a twistable screen, which can be used as a view finder for the 3 megapixel camera. A finger print scanner can be found below the screen.(Read on for details...)News

HP To Bring Two New Smartphones


HP is once again set to introduce two new smartphones. This time it is the iPAQ 614c and 914c. The iPAQ 614c comes with a traditional numeric keypad and a clever touch-sensitive scroll wheel integrated into it. Other features are a 2.8-inch 240 x 320 touchscreen and a 3-megapixel camera. The iPAQ 914c has a full QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging, a smaller, 2.46-inch touchscreen with the same resolution as the 614c and the same 3-megapixel camera..(Read on for details...)News

Coming Soon - Nokia E51


A new Nokia Eseries phone could be on its way and it is the E51. It runs the S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1. The E51 offers GSM, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA and WiFi data connectivity, has a QVGA screen and a numeric phone keypad. The E51could be a replacement for the Nokia E50 and even the E60.(Read on for details...)News

Samsung Croix Is Here


The iPhone seems to have yet another competitor. This time it is the Samsung Croix which has already won an iF Communication Design Award 2007. We don't have many details till now but we believe that this good looker will capture everyone's attention with its sleek interface. The name, which translates to "Cross" in French..(Read on for details...)News

Apple Launches iPhone Ringtones And iTunes 7.4


Now iPhone owners will be able to create their own ringtones from more than a million songs with the new iPhone Custom ringtones that have been launched by Apple on their new iTunes store. All you need to do is buy a full song first, and then pay $0.99 to choose any 30-second segment of the song as your ringtone.(Read on for details...)News

Motorola Transfomer Phone


The Transformers movie may have come and gone but its effects can be seen till now specially in the Transformer phone from Motorola. Although most Motorola phones are Transformers in way with so many interesting features squeezed in them, this phone is a really a Transformer phone which looks like the Motorola E6.(Read on for details...)News

Five Fun Google Phone Facts


It's the Google phone once again. Yes, the much awaited phone after the iPhone is creating some new news, only this time this news should be taken as a rumor and this in a way leaks out a few secrets on the heavily guarded HTC produced gadget. The Boston Globe has come across some rather interesting and juicy Google Phone details that should satisfy your curiosity until the search engine giant decides to release some sort of official statement.(Read on for details...)News

Google Shows Phone Prototype



We had told you to watch out for the Pantech C180. This is the first dual-sliding phone from AT&T that is a wireless-broadband handset will feature AT&T's Video Share. The C810 will sport HSDPA instead of just UMTS and should be a real competitor in the smartphone market. We have more information on the specs of this phone so here they are.(Read on for details...)News

O2 XDA Denim 3.5G Smartphone Is Here




A new phone has shown up at the FCC. It is the
O2 XDA Denim Smartphone and is new version of
the old O2 Helen. Don't go by the name out here
as this phone has got nothing to do with the
fabric or anything nor does it have a cover in
denim. This one is just a WM6 Smartphone that
comes wth specs such as tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE,
single-band UMTS/HSDPA.


(Read on for details...)



News

Friday, September 7, 2007

Quake Now On S60 OS


Gaming enthusiasts are in for something really exciting. Quake is now up and running on phones that use the S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 operating system and this includes phones like the N95, Nokia 6120 and Nokia 6110. You will need the original Quake datafile along with a ported application engine for this.(Read on for details...)News

Samsung Unveils The i620


Samsung recently unveiled the new i620 phone at the IFA 2007. This good looking, mid-range smartphone is 16mm thick and comes with a 2" 262k color QVGA TFT display at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, a 2 megapixel camera, a QWERTY keyboard, video recording and playback, and 80MB of internal memory with a microSD memory card, and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity that can enable you to enjoy your music over a pair of stereo Bluetooth headphones.(Read on for details...)News

Get A Cool Look With The Spaceship Phone


New, innovative and sometimes bizarre ideas for cellphones seem to be pouring out of China and the latest one will take you to the stars. This is the ZhenZhou VII spaceship phone which is now being sold in Taiwan. This unique phone features a 2 megapixel camera and microSD card slot.The ZhenZhou VII's keypad design is similar to RAZR keypad.(Read on for details...)News

Get An Armband For Your iPhone


NHere is another iPhone accessory that could be a boon for all those who like to listen to music, podcasts or audio books while exercising. Brando has introduced the new iPhone armband and it can be yours for only $14. With this youll be able to carry your shiny device in the gym or when running outside.(Read on for details...)News

Mobiles To Become Digital Wallets


Now your mobile phone will be more than just a phone. Five major mobile phone firms in the UK have switched on a payment system that turns handsets into digital wallets. The service is called PayForIt and is designed for those buying goods and services with a value of up to 10. The mobile industry in the UK hopes it will be used to pay for ringtones, train tickets, parking fees and eventually as a payment system on web shops and sites.(Read on for details...)News

Capcom To Bring Games To N-Gage Platform



Gaming on Nokia N-Gage will soon be getting a Japanese feel to it. Nokia and Capcom will be publishing games on N-Gage, Nokia's next generation mobile gaming platform, in 2008. Capcom is the first Japanese based publisher to show their commitment to N-Gage and this will be their global debut that will usher in a new era for games on mobile devices.(Read on for details...)News

Samsung's Phones Set Records




It is time for Samsung to celebrate and blow the trumpet. This is because three of its phones have set records and have made it to the Guinness Book of Records. According to sources in the company, the Ultra Edition 5.9, which is only 5.9 millimeters thick, or less than 0.2 inches, has been named the world's thinnest phone, while Ultra Edition 8.4 was included in the book as the world's thinnest 3G phone.(Read on for details...)News

Thursday, September 6, 2007

T 650i - The Chinese Wonder From Sony Ericsson





Chinese phones always have something to capture the mind. These handsets are not that great on the looks but have a loads of utility in them. The T 650i is one such phone from Sony Ericsson which is a compact and a 12.5 mm slim phone which is also very good looking. In addition to the attractive appearance, T650i has a built-in 3.2 million pixel AF camera with LED lights, supports A2DP, M2 memory card expansion and FM radio.


(Read on for details...)

LG VX 10000 - Is It A Rumor?



In a recent development a picture of an
unconfirmed LG QWERTY phone has been doing the
rounds and this could be the VX 10000 that was
revealed by the FCC recently. If this is the LG
VX10000 then it looks like the this phone is
having a much larger, wider LCD screen, with a
bigger keyboard design.


(Read on for details...)

Klipsch Brings The Smallest In-Ear Headphones


Klipsch., which is one of the most respected names in the high-end audio department, has just unveiled what they claim is the world's smallest and lightest in-ear earphones. The earphones look quiet revolutionary in their look and design and could be great for you during a workout session. With the name Klipsch you can expect quality and we are sure these earphone will give you more than that.


(Read on for details...)

Sony Ericsson Brings iPod Competitor



Now its the turn of Sony Ericsson to bring out an iPhone Competitor. A phone with a full-frontal touchscreen will be announced in November. Dubbed as both Mooi and K900′ by the buzz iot has created, SEs iPhone is thought to feature a full touchscreen, and it could fall under the Cyber-shot brand. What we would expect is 5 megapixel camera.

(Read on for details...)

Don't Try To Hack The iPhone


Hacking the iPhone is something that everyone cannot do. Don't try it when you really can't do it. A hacker recently wanted to hack the iPhone and just when he thought things were going great, he got the antenna cover off and proceeded to pry off the battery cover and after that iPhone just exploded.

(Read on for details...)

Removable Bluetooth Headset By Samsung

Having a Bluetooth headset can be convenient and also a hassle at the same time. You have to remember to charge and also remember where you kept it. But how about having a phone with an in-built Bluetooth headset. Well, Samsung has done that and has come up with a versatile idea of having a phone with in-built Bluetooth that is a part of the phone.
(Read on for details...)

Motorola to Consider Touch Screens, Wi-Fi for Future Phones

Speaking to investors at a conference yesterday, Motorola CFO Tom Meredith indicated that the company is altering its strategy to regain solid footing in the wireless market. He commented that Motorola has taken note of the iPhone's success in bringing two technologies, the touch screen and Wi-Fi, to market and is considering adding them to future Motorola devices. Another part of its new strategy will have Motorola developing a wide range of devices that will appeal to all people from mass market to enterprise instead of focusing on one stand-out device.

Apple Offers Early Adopters $100 Credit

In an open letter posted on Apple's website, Steve Jobs has announced the company will offer early iPhone adopters a store credit to offset yesterday's drop in price. Buyers who paid full price and are not eligible for price protection will receive $100 in credit at Apple's online store. Details will be announced next week. Although carriers, often drop the price of high-end phones after a few months of sales, the suddenness and steep drop of yesterday's price cut took many owners by surprise, creating a wide-spread negative reaction.

Senators Propose Wireless Consumer Protection Bill

Two senators submitted a bill today that would set federal standards overseeing billing and contracts, and investigate the role handset locking plays in the consumption of wireless goods and services. The bill, called the Cellphone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007, challenges the cellular industry and could place more regulatory control in the hands of individual state governments. One issue the senators hope to tackle is the listing of government taxes and fees on bills that are often other expenses being passed to subscribers. Wireless industry organizations, including the CTIA, denounced the proposal as detrimental to the public.

Virgin Mobile USA Bows First Bluetooth Phone

The Super Slice from UTStarcom is an updated version of the Slice. Along with altered styling, this bar-style phone adds Bluetooth, a VGA camera and Vigin's new user interface. It carries over the speakerphone and access to Virgin's digital content. It will cost $59.99 and should be available at retailers as well as online in mid-September.

ITC to Investigate Nokia 3G Phones

Based on an unfair trade practice complaint from InterDigital, the ITC is going to begin investigating some Nokia 3G handsets for possible patent infringement. The patents in question pertain to WCDMA technology that InterDigital claims to own. Phones that will be investigated include the N75, which is sold in the US. This is separate from the patent cases involving Qualcomm.

AT&T Adds International Calling to Unity Plans

Today AT&T announced that subscribers to its combined wireless and wireline Unity calling plan can get cheaper international calling rates through its Unity Worldwide Calling program. For $4.99 per month, the plan assures subscribers will receive the lowest long distance charges on international calls placed from both their wireless and wired phones. Combined AT&T wireless and local and long distance accounts are required.

HP Refreshes iPAQ Lineup

Hewlett Packard today announced two new Windows Mobile 6 Professional iPAQs, the 910 Business Messenger and 610 Business Navigator. Both share a number of features, including quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band WCDMA/HSDPA 7.2Mbps supporting US 3G networks, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and A-GPS. They also each have 3 Megapixel autofocus cameras and microSD slots for expanding storage. Both will be available in the fourth quarter.


  • iPAQ 910: Resembles a traditional BlackBerry in form and has a full QWERTY keypad. It has a 2.46-inch touch screen and 2.5mm headphone jack.


  • iPAQ 610: A bar-style PDA phone, with a unique touch sensitive scroll wheel built into the numeric keypad. Circling your thumb around the scroll wheel moves the selection around the screen. It has a 2.8-inch display, and can switch between portrait and landscape modes.

Apple Adds Features, Drops Price of iPhone

Apple today announced several additions to the iPhone at an event showcasing the device along side its iPod cousins. Users can now create ringtones from songs they have purchased from the iTunes Music Store. They can select up to 30 seconds of a purchased song to use as a ringtone, however it will cost an additional 99 cents. In an update coming later this month, the iPhone will also get the ability to browse the complete iTunes Music Store, purchase and download tracks right to the phone over Wi-Fi. Tracks will be synced back to computers for playback there as well. Users will be able to do this for free from any open network, or from any Starbucks. Apple also dropped the price of the 8 GB iPhone $200 to $399. The 4 GB model will only be sold while current supplies last.

Palm Cancels Foleo Smartphone Companion

Palm CEO Ed Colligan today announced the company is canceling its Foleo smartphone companion "in its current configuration." Palm has decided to concentrate its efforts on its next generation software platform, the Linux-based system the company has been discussing and developing for some time. Palm wants to present a unified user experience regardless of form factor. When the new platform is finally launched, Palm may decide to resurrect the Foleo running the new OS.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Nokia Flexible LCD 4G Concept Phone


I was reading the September edition of "The Semiconductor Monthly Update Report" by Future Horizon when I stumbled across the winning entry for the Nokia 4G Design Competition. The concept phone below uses a flexible LCD screen. When the phone is closed, it looks like a typical Bluetooth handset. When you push the button in the middle, the phone opens like a Japanese hand fan.

The concept phone features a scrollable and touch-enabled LCD screen. The phone would only have one hardware button and most features can be accessed from the display. The phone can be used as a picture phone, video conference appliance, or Internet navigation unit. However, don't expect the phone anytime soon.

The concept phone was designed by Hugo Danti.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Microsoft Surface Computing



All Things Digital conference Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will unveil Microsoft Surface, the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that will “break down traditional barriers between people and technology”.
A Surface computer is able to recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a dynamic surface that provides interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects.
The new product is aimed directly at hotels, retail establishments, restaurants and public entertainment venues and should be commercially available towards the end of the year.
It’s an interesting product in that it’s completely out of left field. Microsoft gives examples of ordering a beverage during a meal with just the tap of a finger and quickly browsing through music and dragging favorite songs onto a personal playlist by moving a finger across the screen. Build this into a bar and you’d get one-touch beer service although I’m not sure if they’ve found a way to work out when your beer glass is empty so replenishment becomes automatic, maybe in a later version.
The practical uses for Surface at the point of sale are broad. This is touch screen point of sale technology at a new level.
Initial launch partners include Harrah’s Entertainment, Starwood Hotels and T-Mobile.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Hands-on: LG's Sexy Prada Phone



A couple of months before Apple first showed its iPhone prototype, LG and Prada announced the results of their collaboration: the LG Prada phone. This week at 3GSM in Barcelona I took it out for a bit of a test drive. Like the iPhone, the Prada phone sports a large touch sensitive display that covers most of the front of the device. The LG Prada phone's touch screen is based on the same technology that was used for the LG Chocolate's touch controls, which in my experience works much better in this particular application. The biggest benefit to this type of touchscreen has to be the fact that the screen is hard and durable, just as would be any other non-touch sensitive display. On top of that, the display's touch sensitive cover is mounted flush with the body of the device, leaving no nasty corners for dust to accumulate, and allowing users to simply wipe the display off on their pants leg.
That, sadly, is something that they will need to do often since the touch screen handles all input into the phone. There is no slide out keypad or other controls, save a few dedicated buttons on the sides of the phone. Your finger does the walking and controls most every aspect of the phone's user interface. The UI itself reminds me of the Linux based system used in Motorola's A series devices. Vertically oriented tabs run up and down the right edge of the menu, organizing the many options into something more manageable. The UI itself is very stark looking, with most everything being white on black, but it seems effective none the less.
Where the UI breaks down a bit is when the user needs to dial a number or send text in an email or SMS message. The on-screen numeric keypad supports T9 like a normal handset would, but the lack of tactile feedback really limits its effectiveness. It works, as you can see in the sample photos, but it was not exactly optimal.
But with all that said, I still am rather fond of the phone. It is pretty, compact, and very holdable. The UI's interesting little touches, such as being able to drag the standby screen's analog clock around with your fingertip, are quite endearing. It might not be the best choice for an everyday phone for most people, but I think it will certainly find its mark with certain groups of phone buyers.

80 GB PS3 headed to USA


While it's not exactly confirmation of a US-bound 80GB PS3, Sony is providing a glimmer of hope this morning for a beefier domestic release. Satoshi Fukuoka, spokesman for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. said that they are considering the 80 gigger specifically for the US and "other markets." He also shed light on the decision making process which includes the popularity of online gaming coupled with the availability of broadband connectivity. Fine, but considering the dismal performance of Sony's gaming division last quarter, you'd think they'd also be slathering some preferential treatment onto their largest marketplace(s). After all, gamers are nothing if not a fickle bunch and we wouldn't them feeling slighted now would we? Hey Sony, why not drop in a 120GB disk and we'll call it even.

World's highest cellphone call made with a Moto Z8


He did it, British climber Rod Baber made a cell mobile phone (apparently using a MOTORIZR Z8, not a satellite phone) call from the top of Mount Everest. In fact, he made the record breaking call twice: the first to a voice mail account, the other to his wife and children. He even sent a text message to Moto which read, "One small text for man, one giant leap for mobilekind - thanks Motorola." Real cute, Rod. The Motorola sponsored "world record" was made possible by a Chinese mobile base station installed with a line of sight to the north ridge. Officially, the calls were made at 29,035 feet (about 8,848 meters) in temperatures of -22 degress fahrenheit (-30 degrees centigrade) -- so cold that Rod had to tape the batteries to his body just to keep them active. We're not sure where he stored the banana-shaped Z8. Of course, anyone who has ever made a call from a commercial aircraft (hey, it happens) knows that it's really not a record, but who are we to argue with Guinness?

T-Mobile Launches Wing QWERTY Smartphone


T-Mobile officially launched the replacement for their recently discontinued MDA smartphone, the T-Mobile Wing. Built by HTC and based on their Herald reference device, the new T-Mobile Wing comes equipped with quad-band GSM/EDGE support, a 2.8" display, a slide-out, full QWERTY keyboard. It also sports a new trim profile covered in a soft-touch blue paint scheme that matches the default color scheme used in its new Windows Mobile 6 Professional operating system.
While the device is still a bit hefty, at 169g (6.7oz), the form factor is a bit less monoblock in shape. The front and back faces of the Wing have been slightly sculpted in an effort to thin the device out and improve the feel of the phone when held in the user's hand. These changes result in the Wing being about 4mm thinner overall than the MDA it replaces. Another major difference in terms of the form factor is that the QWERTY keyboard now extends out of the right side of the Wing instead of the left side, meaning that the d-pad is now located to the left of the display when the keyboard is in use.
While not a revolutionary upgrade for current MDA users, the T-Mobile My Faves compatible Wing ups the style level a bit and should prove to be a bit more accessible and user friendly as far as the average consumer is concerned. It is available now from T-Mobile for a price of US$299 with a new two year service agreement.
Expect a full review of the T-Mobile Wing from us in the coming weeks