AD-HSM10: tiny Bluetooth headset

Add Tech has announced a tiny Bluetooth headset AD-HSM10. The company says this is the world smallest and lightest headset. If it’s not so (a number of such solutions is already on the market), the AD-HSM10 belongs to the most compact class. Measuring 23x22x31.5 mm it weighs 5 g. It ensures up to 100 hours standby and up to 3 hours of talk time. The device is available in Titan and silver colors. The AD-HSM10 will come out in Japan late in January 2008 with the price tag of 8980 Yen (about $78).

ModBook shipments start on January 8

We’ve got the info that the shipments of Axiotron ModBook Tablet PC start very soon. The fact is confirmed by an e-mail to users, who made a preorder for this device. The ModBook was announced at Macworld 2007 in January and positioned as the world first Tablet PC based on Mac OS X. After the announcement the sales had been suspended a number of times, and now they will eventually take place on January 8, 2008.

The specifications of the ModBook have somewhat changed. The device is powered by Mac OS X – 10.5 Leonard (the latest OS version), 2.2 GHz processor, Intel GMA X3100 graphical adapter. It is equipped with a GPS-receiver in the standard configuration (earlier it was optional for $99). In addition you can order a version with up to 4 GB RAM and up to 570 GB onboard.

RIM to refresh design of BlackBerry smartphones?

RIM has filled a patent for new keyboard design, which can be applied in new BlackBerry smartphones. It is peculiar for the form of the buttons, which are set at an angle. RIM believes this design ensures more convenient text input. In addition these buttons can be used for the screen keyboard. Probably next year we’ll see new BlackBerry models with the new keyboard and the touch-sensitive display. Besides they will be equipped with the scroll like LG Shine.

Elite Motorola RAZR2 V8 in diamonds

Amosu Luxury Phones has introduced Motorola RAZR V8 Luxury Diamond Edition for the Christmas holidays. This exclusive phone is coated with 412 5.9-carat-diamonds, it is supplied with “Concierge” international service. There are just 5 diamond RAZR2 V8 released. As for the price tag, the source hasn’t unveiled it so far. I’d remind you that Motorola RAZR2 V8 is a slim clamshell for GSM networks. It features two QVGA displays, a 2-megapixel camera, 2GB of onboard memory and Bluetooth interface.

SE patent for a waterproofcasing

Sony Ericsson has got the patent for a waterproof mobile phone housing. It’s not just waterproof, the phone is capable of “underwater image capturing”, which is the very name of the recently filled patent. Thus the new housing would protect the phone from water and the phone won’t have water problems. The description mentions two modules, which make parts of the waterproof housing. There is a special camera window and external camera buttons.

Asus M930 communicator, details

We’ve mentioned that Asus planned to release its new M930 communicator in Nokia E80 Communicator style. This time the French-language GPS&Co has posted pictures and specs of it. The new product is made in a clamshell form-factor and equipped with a numeric and a QWERTY-keyboard and two displays. The M930 opens at 90 and 180 degrees. At the picture we see that the internal display is of small size and has enough empty space around it, so we don’t know whether the final version would look this way. Supposedly, the European sales will start in 1Q 2008.

The specs of Asus M930:

• Network - GSM/GPRS/EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz), UMTS (2100 MHz) HSDPA up to 3.6 Mbps
• CPU - Marvel PXA270M 520 MHz
• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
• Wi-Fi b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, MiniUSB 1.1
• Slot fo MicroSDHC

Goldstriker International added gold to Nokia 8800 Arte

Goldstriker International, the company tuning consumer electronics to luxury class, has extended its portfolio with a 24-carat gold plated phone – Nokia 8800 Arte. The price tag for the golden Nokia 8800 Arte makes up 749.95 pound sterling or 1489.7 US dollars. It will come out late in January 2008.

I’d remind you that the premium class Nokia 8800 Arte was introduced in mid November. It is packed in a sliding form made of polished steel and glass. The shell the shell has a special anti-fingerprints coating. The phone features 3G support, a 2” OLED 240x320 pixels display, a 3.2-megapixel camera with 8x zoom and Bluetooth interface.

Samsung SGH-I640V WM-smartphone from Vodafone

We’ve already mentioned Samsung SGH-I640V smartphone, when it was approved by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This time the device is said to come out from Vodafone. The operator’s site has posted the description and pictures of it. This is a slider equipped with a sliding QWERTY-keyboard.

Samsung SGH-I640V is based on Windows Mobile 6 Standard, works in GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA networks. It features 2 cameras (a 2-megapixel for snapping pictures and a frontal one for video telephony), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and a microSD slot. The maximum battery life in talk mode is 6 hours and in standby mode – up to 380 hours. Measuring 95x61x16 mm it weighs 126 g. Vodafone hasn’t specified the release date of Samsung SGH-I640.

BenQ Joybook Q41 with additional display

BenQ has announced the release of Joybook Q41. The notebook is equipped with a 14.1” widescreen display and a 2.5” additional display on the top of the cover. The Joybook Q41 is based on Intel Core 2 Duo processor working on Windows Vista OS (with SideShow). Thus the additional display can give us all the essential info we need without opening up – media player, images, games, RSS-feed. The business users can quickly access calendar events, contacts, e-mail and presentations.

The maker hints at its exclusive technology UltraVivid with DBEFTM (Display Brilliance Enhancement Film). It ensures high brightness and high definition. As for the wireless opportunities the Joybook Q41 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The price for the new model isn’t yet disclosed.

ASUS P550: GPS-communicator with big screen

ASUS has officially announced the P550 communicator. This is a candy bar model without a keyboard and a big 3.5” display. It is powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional. According to the manufacturer, ASUS P550 is good for mobile professionals, users who need to work in move. They can be always connected and the big display enables convenient document handling.

The specs of ASUS P550:

• Standards - GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 MHz
• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Display – 3.5” touchscreen (240x320 pixels, 65K colros)
• CPU - Marvel PXA270M, 520 MHz
• 256 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM
• miniSD-slot (SDHC)
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), USB 1.1, Bluetooth 2.0
• Built-in GPS-receiver (SiRF Star III), (TMC-module, optional)
• 2-mehgapixel camera
• Battery – Li-Ion 1530 mAh
• Standby time – up to 350 hours
• Talk time – up to 5 hours
• Dimensions – 121x70x16.5 mm
• Weight - 188 g
• Colors - silver

Early live pics of Nokia N96 smartphone

At our English-language forum you can see live pics of a new Nokia smartphone marked N96. It looks like Nokia N81, though the form is close to Nokia N95: the numeric keyboard sliding from the bottom and the panel sliding from the top (it is empty on the photo, so we don’t know its destination, probably it carries sensor media player buttons). Taking into account the pictures, Nokia N96 is powered by S60 3rd Edition FP2 (Symbian OS 9.5), the platform hasn’t been announced yet. The rear panel hides a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and dual LED flash. The source hasn’t provided more details about the specs or the release date.

SKY IM-S300 romantic handset

Pantech has introduced its Romantic Wave Slim Phone (SKY IM-S300) in Korea. Its design features smooth curve lines. The device is packed in a slider form-factor with the numeric keyboard, equipped with a 2.2” display, a 1.3-megapixel camera, an integrated MP3-player and e-dictionary. SKY IM-S300 is already available in Korea at 400000 Won (about €297).

Motorola Z8 for Ferrari fans

Motorola Z12 handset with Kodak 5-megapixel camera

The Chinese-language IT168 has posted a picture of a new Motorola’s mobile phone with a 5-megapixel camera by Kodak. According to the source, this is a slider called X PIXL Z12. The new model has been already mentioned as a part of Motorola 2008 roadmap. The company has really reamed up with Kodak to add a 5-megapixel camera with xenon flash. We don’t know for sure whether the photo was true or it was just a presentation based image. At least, we have a slight imagination of Motorola Z12 phone.

Tablet PC: Amtek iTablet T221

Amtek has introduced a Tablet PC – iTablet T221. It is equipped with a 12.1” touch-sensitive display and has no keyboard. The source emphasizes a tactile display feedback. The iTablet T221 is based on Intel Core Duo processor with lower power consumption and Windows Vista inside. The price tag is $2237.

The specs of Amtek iTablet T221:

• Operating system - Windows Vista
• CPU - Intel Core Duo U2500 1.2 GHz
• Chipset - Intel 945GM +ICH7-M
• Graphics - Intel GMA 950
• Display – 12.1” touchscreen, 1024x768 pixels
• Up to 2 GB DDR2 533/667 RAM
• 60-GB HDD
• Wi-Fi module Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 ABG
• Ethernet 10/100/1000

Sony’s successor to mylo Wi-Fi communicator

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Sony mylo 2 mobile device. This is an heir of Sony mylo released in the middle of the last year. This device is equipped with a sliding QWERTY-keyboard and meant for instant messaging and working in computer networks. Sony mylo supports Wi-Fi (802.11b), but no cell networks.

Sony mylo 2 recently approved by the FCC has the same form-factor, but slightly different shape. We can judge just by the scheme, the FCC site hasn’t posted pictures of it. The device features an integrated camera and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g support. Well, we have to wait for more details (or the leakage from the FCC site).

Live pictures of Android proto

Gizmodo has posted a “live” picture of a mobile device prototype based on Google Android platform. This is a candy bar device with a landscape oriented display and a QWERTY-keyboard. Its design resembles HTC smartphones (it might be designed by this very company) or SDK Android emulator. This is an early proto, so the final version might look other way. The device is quick fast and lightweight on this stage: it works faster than the desktop emulator, says the source.

The first Android devices are said to come out in the second half of 2008. Probably we’ll see among them the final version of this proto.

Toshiba Portege G910 and G920: info from FCC

Some info and pictures of Toshiba Portege G910 and G920 communicators have leaked to the Internet from the FCC materials. The products feature a side opening mechanism, a 3” touchscreen WVGA display and a QWERTY-keyboard.

The Portege G910 and G920 are based on Windows Mobile 6 Professional and work under GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSDPA networks. There is also a Bluetooth 2.0 interface, a Wi-Fi b/g module, a 2-megapixel camera and a frontal camera for video calls, and a Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery, says the source. On the top cover we see a navigation wheel, call buttons and a small display.

Details on Sony Ericsson Z660i clamshell

We’ve recently mentioned that Sony Ericsson is rumored to prepare an ultra slim clamshell Z660i. In addition the source shared a possible design. Now we have more details about the new product. Firstly, the “live” picture is very like the image. Secondly, Sony Ericsson Z660i is based on A200 platform, supports 3G networks (HSDPA included), a 2-megapixel camera and an FM-radio. These are preliminary details, the company hasn’t yet made an official confirmation.

Bluebird Pidion BM-350 communicator

Bluebird soft has introduced Pidion BM-350 communicator powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional. This is “all-in-one” device supporting 3G networks, GPS-navigation and wireless connectivity and packed in a compact shell. However there is no info on the price.

The specs of Bluebird Pidion BM-350:

• Cell standards - GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS/HSDPA 2100 MHz
• CPU - Intel Bulverde PXA270 520 MHz
• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Display – 2.8” touchscreen 240x320 pixels
• 64/128 MB RAM, 128/256 MB ROM
• Built-in GPS-receiver on SiRF III
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0
• USB 2.0
• FM-radio
• Dimensions – 114x61x14.9 mm
• Weight - 120 g (with the battery)
• Standby time – up to 200 hours
• Talk time – up to 360 minutes

MetroPCS offers Samsung R410 QWERTY-handset

The American operator MetroPCS has launched Samsung R410 mobile phone. The company’s site has posted some info about it. This is a side slider with two keyboards: a numeric and a QWERTY. The latter is highly appropriate for SMS-messaging. Taking into account the rest features we have a simple phone – a VGA camera and Bluetooth support. Samsung R410 is listed for $199 and available in Red and Black colors.

Samsung SCH-U940: a side QWERTY slider for the US

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has certified Samsung SCH-U940 mobile device. At the same time the FCC site doesn’t have full info about it. However the Phonearena with the reference to reliable sources reported that the device is a modification of Samsung SGH-F700 for the US market and will be sold by Verizon. In this case the model will work in CDMA EV-DO networks. Like the European version the U940 is packed in a side slider form: it is equipped with a 3.2” touchscreen and a sliding QWERTY-keyboard. It also features a 2-megapixel camera, 150 MB of memory onboard, a microSD slot and Bluetooth support (with stereo profile).

Record high sales of LG Viewty in Europe

LG Electronics has announced that LG-KU990 Viewty showed record high sales (310,000 units) since its launch on the European market. The European sales started in November 2007. According to LG, daily sales in Europe (the UK, France and Germany) were 6300 units. So LG Viewty record outpaced that of LG Chocolate and LG Shine. The company expects the Viewty to succeed on other market – the company has just launched shipments to Asia and Middle East.

I’d remind you that the official announcement of LG-KU990 Viewty was late in August 2007. This is a successor to LG Prada – equipped with a big touchscreen and has no buttons. At the same time the device stands out for a high quality camera – 5-megapixel with xenon flash and Schneider-Kreuznach lens.

Motorola A1600: new Linux-smartphone with touch sensitive display

Some Chinese source has posted info and a picture of Motorola A1600 smartphone (MOTOMING 2). I’d remind you that another Linux-powered smartphone with the touch-sensitive display Motorola A1200 (MOTOMING) hit the Chinese stores last March and got high popularity. Probably Motorola A1600 will follow the steps of the predecessor. The new model features enhanced specs – a faster processor being one of them. The official announcement of the MOTOMING 2 might take place in February 2007 at 3GSM Congress.

The short specs of Motorola A1600 (MOTOMING 2):

• Networks - GSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Linux operating system
• 3.2-megapixel camera with auto focus and LED-flash
• Wi-Fi
• AGPS
• 3 preinstalled games
• Thickness – 17.5 mm

Opera Mobile 9 to come out in first half 2008

We’ve got info that new Opera Mobile version number 9 to be preinstalled on WM-devices will come out in the first half of 2008, and Symbian UIQ smartphones with it will shipped later.

I’d remind you that Opera Mobile 9 was announced at World GSM Congress back in February 2007. The company expects to release versions for all main mobile platforms. The ninth version features “intelligent zoom”, widget support and advanced functionality with Ajax and Web 2.0. You can download the current version of Opera mobile here.

Samsung SCH-S269: simple CDMA phone for mass market

Samsung Electronics pays great attention to the low-end market and it has rolled out a CDMA phone SCH-S269 for such densely populated countries as India and China. This is a candy bar with enhanced functionality – a color display, an FM-radio, calendar and track lost/ stolen phone function and so on.

The main technical specs of Samsung S269:

• CDMA networks
• Dimensions: 106x47x14 mm
• Weight: 71 g
• Display – 65K color
• Memory: 1MB
• Messages: SMS, SOS
• Stereo FM receiver
• Mobile Tracker function
• Sound: speaker phone, polyphonic ring tones, voice notes
• Misc: measure converter, world time, calculator, stopwatch, timer, organizer

Ultra mobile clamshell by Sony Ericsson?

Sony Ericsson is rumored to release its first slim clamshell. It will be called Z660i. The phone will be just 14 mm thick, reports the source. It features UMTS support, a 2-megapixel camera and A200 platform. Probably the announcement of Sony Ericsson Z660i will take place today (no official confirmation). Meanwhile a SE fan has offered his version of this ultra mobile clamshell.

Mixed Metal handset from Vertu Constellation series

Vertu has introduced a new version of the Constellation phone called Mixed Metall. The shell is coated with stainless steel with golden parts. The navigation pad, side buttons, speaker grates and screws are made of 18-carat yellow gold. It comes with the ceramic keyboard and the rear panel covered with black leather. In addition Vertu released a Constellation version of satin steel and burgundy colored leather coat.

I’d remind you that Vertu Constellation handsets debuted in fall 2006. These are candy bar phones equipped with 208x208 pixel displays and sapphire glass. Vertu Constellation works in GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, supports Bluetooth 2.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces, and lacks a camera.

Inexpensive fashion phone Sagem my220x

Sagem has unveiled its new product – the my220x mobile phone. Like its predecessor my150x the new device features compact size and light weight – mere 10 mm (thick) and 65 g. In all, we can call Sagem my220x an inexpensive fashion phone. Golden slim edges and golden navigation wheel add some elegancy to it. At the same time the phone has quite standard specs – GSM networks, a 65K color display and hands-free support. Sagem my220x lasts for 180 minutes in talk mode and 240 hours standby. Argos offers the device for 12.49 pound sterling (about 25 USD) and Woolworths – for 14.99 pound sterling (about 30 USD).

15 million LG Chocolate phones sold worldwide

LG Electronics has reported that LG Chocolate became the first Korean phone with world sales exceeding 15 million units. In mid April the device was launched in 100 countries and broke a 10-millionth mark. Despite of the total sales slowdown LG Chocolate enjoyed increasing demand in Japan, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. According to LG the demand was encouraged by the price, set at $200 in 3Q 2007. The company expects to reach 20 million sales of the Chocolate.

I’d remind you that LG Chocolate (LG KG800) debuted on the Korean market in November 2005 and in Europe in March 2006. This is a stylish music slider featuring touch sensitive buttons with red backlight.

HTC Neon approved by FCC

The FCC site has posted documents on a new HTC device mentioned as NEON100. Taking into account the scheme, the product is a version of HTC Touch. Most likely the modification is designed for Japan’s operator NTT DoCoMo. However tests report about WCDMA Band V (850 MHz), mainly used in North America, while Band VI is effective in Japan. The FCC site has unfortunately no manuals or pictures, so we can’t resume the specs. So let’s wait for the official announcement of HTC Neon or another info leakage.

Dell Tablet PC to be introduced on December 11

Dell is rumored to showcase its Tablet PC Latitude XT on December 11. According to Engadget reported that the info leaked from reliable sources. I’d remind you that the rumors of a new Latitude Tablet PC popped up this spring. The Latitude XT in the transformer form is equipped with a QWERTY-keyboard and a touch-sensitive display. You can revolve the display and put it on the keyboard and use the device as an ordinary Tablet PC. Dell hasn’t yet made any official reports on the release date of the Latitude XT. Anyway we’ll have to wait a short while.

Rumors: Dell smartphone to come put early in 2008

The Gizmodo with the reference to the Forbes reported that Dell is working on a smartphone. The device will be made by the Taiwan-based Quanta. Dell has been rumored long ago to enter the smartphone market after leaving the PDA market. According to the Forbes, the first Dell smartphone will be launched early in 2008. It features an MP3/video player and Internet access. Unfortunately the company hasn’t unveiled more details. Probably the Dell smartphone will be introduced at Mobile World Congress (known earlier as 3GSM World Congress) in Barcelona next February.

LG-LB3300 music phone

LG Electronics announced today a new music phone called “Rhapsody in Music Phone” and marked as LG-LB3300. This is a slider with a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth technology and terrestrial DMB support.

The short technical specs of LG-LB3300:

• Networks: CDMA
• Dimensions: 103x48x14.7 mm
• Display: 2”, TFT, 262K colors
• Camera: 2-megapixel
• MP3-player
• Memory: 1 GB onboard, microSD cards (up to 4 GB)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v 2.0/2.0+EDR, USB 2.0

MOTO Z6c dual-mode slider for Verizon Wireless

Motorola has announced the release of its MOTO Z6c world edition in the US from Verizon Wireless. The device is packed in a slider form. We’ve already mentioned it in our news block: the phone was certified by the FCC late in November. MOTO Z6c is already available online and it will come to Verizon Wireless stores on December 12. The price tag makes up $179.99 (with the 50% discount and on a 2-year service plan).

The specs of MOTO Z6c:

• Networks - CDMA/1xRTT/EV–DO, GSM
• Display – 2” QVGA, 65K colors
• Camera - 2-megapixel
• Bluetooth interface
• microSD-slot (up to 4 GB cards)
• Battery – Li-Ion 940 mAh
• Talk time – up to 295 minutes
• Standby time – up to 375 hours
• Dimensions – 106.7x45.7x16.3 mm
• Weight - 105 g

Samsung SPH-i325 WM-smartphone

Some info leaked to the Internet about a new smartphone Samsung SPH-i325 “Ace” powered by Windows Mobile 6 Standard. It is a successor to Samsung SGH-i320 introduced in 2006. The SPH-i325 is designed for American operator Sprint. And it is said to get the FCC approval.

The device is made as a candy bar equipped with a landscape QVGA-display and an integrated QWERTY-keyboard. According to the FCC site, the SPH-i325 features a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth interface and a microSD-slot, GSM 900/1800 MHz and CDMA EV-DO networks. It is scheduled for 1Q 2008, however the info isn’t officially confirmed.

Nokia 6263 clamshell for American T-Mobile

Nokia has announced a new mobile phone Nokia 6263 for the American operator T-Mobile. This is a mid-range clamshell for 2G/3G networks. This August the device got the approval of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC). However Nokia 6263 doesn’t support GPS, which is contradictory to the previous data. Currently the phone is available in T-Mobile stores and online.

The specs of Nokia 6263:

• Networks - GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA 850/2100 Mhz
• Series 40 platform
• Main display – 2.2” (240x320 pixels, 16M colors)
• External display – 1.36” (128x160 pixels, 256K colors)
• Camera - 2-megapixel 8x digital zoom
• Frontal CIF-camera
• Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP (stereo profile)
• Mini-USB connector
• Built-in player (MP3, MP4, AAC, eAAC+, MS-Windows Media Audio)
• 30 MB onboard memory
• microSD-slot
• FM-radio
• Battery - 1020 mAh
• Talk time – up to 3.3 hours (WCDMA), up to 6.3 hours (GSM)
• Standby time – up to 11 days
• Dimensions – 94x48x23 mm
• Weight - 105 g

Neonode to debut at CES

Neonode expects to participate at CES for the first time, the event will take place in Las Vegas, January 7-10, 2008. The company will exhibit its N2 mobile phone and new concepts. Neonode believes that CES is a good opportunity to showcase company’s new products and strengthen its position on the world market. At CES Neonode will hold a press conference to unveil its plans for the future and introduce new developments.

I’d remind you that Neonode N2 was released in the middle of 2007 in Europe. The device features compact size and light weight, a 2” touchscreen display and has no buttons. It works in GSM networks. According to Neonode the phone will come to several more countries by the end of 2007 – beginning on 2008.

HOP1900 Graffiti: a simple CDMA phone

Hop-on has announced the release of a low-end phone HOP1900 Graffiti. The phone is meant for children, teenagers and travelers, says the company. This is a good solution for those who need an inexpensive handset, which can just call and is free from additional functions. However HOP1900 even lacks the display. On the other side the phone is available for $50 without signing a service contract. If you are an environment defender you’ll be pleased to know the phone is the subject to recycling. It will come to the markets of North and South America, Australia and Asia.

The specs of HOP1900 Graffiti:

• Networks - CDMA 1900 MHz
• Phone book for 100 entries
• 12 ringtones
• GPS-module (optional)
• Li-Ion 720 mAh battery
• Talk time - 3 hours
• Standby time - 240 hours
• Dimensions – 112x46x17 mm