SE PXi from Bogar Bence – concept phone for lefties

Bogar Bence designer has introduced a concept of SE PXi mobile phone. The developer designed it for convenient use by both lefties and righties. The device is equipped with a 3.3” touchscreen display, which supports automatic screen orientation when rotating. You can control it with the stylus and fingers. In addition the SE PXi features a dual slot, a 5-megapixel Cybershot camera and stereo speakers. For now we have just a concept phone under the Sony Ericsson brand for left-handed users. It’s not clear whether the company plans to launch the device.

Finger-friendly interface for UIQ?

We’ve got out hands on an interesting photo from a presentation. Supposedly, it shows a new user’s interface for UIQ platform codenamed Maria. It seems to be finger-oriented beyond the stylus control. However there is no official info on Maria, so we can judge from the picture.

When the new UIQ version (if exists) will be announced or SE devices based on it will come out is anyone’s guess. The info might be true and the presentation revealed a finger-friendly UIQ interface. At least the company should think over to work in this direction to increase competitiveness of its products: the finger control is already implemented in iPhone and TouchFLO for WM-communicators, let alone upcoming S60 Touch.

Diamond iPhone for the Christmas

Alexander Amosu Luxury Phones has introduced the world first (as it says) diamond iPhone. The device is coated with 420 white, black or rose diamonds – a total of 5.65 carats. There are 3 shell solutions available: steel, 18-carat white or yellow gold.

Apple iPhone Diamond version will be released in limited edition on November 9. The price for the precious device will start from $41000. The iPhone will come with one year free international concierge service. According to Amosu, Apple iPhone in gold and diamonds might be the best Christmas present.

AT&T released Pantech Duo two-way slider

AT&T has reported it started shipments of Pantech Duo communicator in the US. It is equipped with two keyboards: numeric slide down and side slide QWERTY. Powered by Windows Mobile 6 it works in UMTS/HSDPA networks, has a 240x320 pixels display, Bluetooth interface and measures 102x50x21 mm.

The US sales of Pantech Duo have already started, the price being $199.99 on a service plan.

Live pics of Sony Ericsson W890

The SE-center.pl has posted more live pics of Sony Ericsson W890 phone, which is not yet officially introduced. This is a Walkman series product following the W880. According to the source, the W890 comes with a 2” QVGA display, a 3.2-megapixel camera and a frontal camera for video calls (3G support), Bluetooth (A2DP) wireless module and an FM-radio with RDS. There is the support of Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards. These are non-official details, not yet confirmed by the vendor.

iPhone in Canada on December 7?

The info on Apple iPhone coming to Canada via Rogers operator has already popped up in web sources. And now we can come across the following picture:

As you can see, the device is available for preorder, so you can get it on December 7, the official announcement date. The price tag makes up 499 Canadian dollars equivalent to 520 US dollars, on a 3-year service plan. However there is a chance we deal with another fake.

Spy pics of Nokia N82 smartphone

Some spy pics of Nokia N82 smartphone are roaming in the Internet. Rumors about have been circulating the web for a long time, however the official announcement hasn’t taken place so far. It is likely to be set for November 2 (given a vague teaser page at Nokia’s site). There is enough info on the specs, however preliminary one. Nokia N82 is speculated to work in GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSDPA networks and be based on S60 3rd Edition FP1 platform. The smartphone is equipped with a QVGA-display, a 5-megapixel camera with xenon flash and Carl Zeiss lens, an integrated GPS-receiver, an FM-radio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.

Pics of Treo 800w communicator

Some Internet source has posted the picture of an upcoming Treo 800w communicator. However this isn’t either a live pic or an official photo, just an image (not clear enough) giving us the idea of the device. It is powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional OS. Rumors suggest that it will be the first Treo with integrated Wi-Fi. Besides Treo 800w features a 320x320 pixels touchscreen and an integrated GPS-receiver. Reportedly, Sprint operator will release the communicator in 1Q 2008 or later.

RIM to release 3 new series of Blackberry smartphones?

Research In Motion (RIM) is likely to launch 3 new series of Blackberry smartphones 9900, 9300 (9310, 9320, 9330) and 9100 (9110, 9120, 9130). At least the company has registered the following domains in the world wide web:

• blackberry9900.com
• blackberry9100.com
• blackberry9110.com
• blackberry9120.com
• blackberry9130.com
• blackberry9310.com
• blackberry9320.com
• blackberry9330.com

Most of them were registered in October, others somewhat earlier. Currently there are no details on the models specs. However some rumors leak and suggest that the company has an upcoming Blackberry device with a big touchscreen and without the keyboard, which might be one of these smartphones. However we can’t say anything for sure, let’s wait for more details.

Pantech IM-S240K new stylish slider with HSDPA and DMB

Today the South Korean company Pantech announced the sales of its stylish cell phone IM-S240K from SKY operator. This is a slider model supporting high speed data transfer technology HSDPA (up to 7.2 Mbps) and DMB broadcasting.

I’d also note a 2.1” 240x320 pixels LCD, an integrated MP3-player, a 1.3-megapixel camera, e-dictionary, document viewer and the support of WCDMA networking outside Korea.

Pantech IM-S240K will cost about $435 at the start.

Ultimate 9502: i-mate’s Sidekick communicator

i-mate has also announced the Ultimate 9502 communicator. Its design resembles T-Mobile Sidekick: the sliding display reveals the QWERTY-keyboard. The new communicator has similar specs of another recently announced communicator Ultimate 8502, except for the display (2.8”), 3-megapixel camera and bigger size. However the company hasn’t unveiled the release date and the approximate price.

The specs of the Ultimate 9502:

• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Networks - GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 MHz
• CPU - Qualcomm MSM 7200 400 MHz
• Graphical accelerator - nVidia G5500
• Display – 2.8” VGA touchscreen
• 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
• microSD-slot
• 3-megapixel camera with flash
• VGA-camera for video calls
• FM-radio
• Built-in GPS-receiver
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/e/i
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• MiniUSB
• XGA video out
• Dimensions – 116x60x17.8 mm
• Weight - 200 g

i-mate Ultimate 8502 candy bar with QWERTY-keyboard

i-mate has officially announced the Ultimate 8502 communicator. This is a candy bar phone equipped with the QWERTY-keyboard. Powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional it is designed for 2G/3G networks.

The specs of the Ultimate 8502:

• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Networks - GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 MHz
• CPU - Qualcomm MSM 7200 400 MHz
• Graphical accelerator - nVidia G5500
• Display – 2.6” VGA touch screen
• Memory - 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
• microSD-slot
• Camera - 2-megapixel with flash
• VGA-camera for video calls
• FM-radio
• Built-in GPS-receiver
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/e/i
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• MiniUSB
• XGA video out
• Dimensions – 116x55x15 mm
• Weight - 140 g

Live pics of Samsung F110 Adidas

We’ve got our hands on live pics of upcoming Samsung F110 Adidas. There are some preliminary details (but not officially confirmed) – the device comes with a 2” QVGA 260K color display, a 2-megapixel camera, an integrated MP3-player and an FM-radio. Samsung F110 Adidas works in GSM/EDGE networks and can be useful for sportsmen, as it can measure speed, distance, calories, pulse and so on. There are dedicated buttons to activate sport and music functions. The announcement of Samsung F110 Adidas is expected in mid November.

Samsung G800 with 5-Mpx camera goes official

Today Samsung Electronics has unveiled a 5-megapixel handset G800. We’ve mentioned it in news and provided live pics.

In addition to 5-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom and xenon flash it features 3G support and HSDPA technology. The camera functions include face recognition, panoramic and macro modes, new graphical user’s interface draws the G800 closer to digital still cameras.

Samsung G800 is expected to hit the stores (starting from Europe) in November 2007.

Nokia N81 and N81 8GB debuted

Nokia has announced the world shipments of the N81 and N81 8GB smartphones. I’d remind you that the official announcement took place at Go Play event in August. Nokia N81 supports microSD cards, while the N81 8GB features 8 GB of onboard memory. According to the vendor the smartphone is optimized for entertainment (music and games). Nokia N81 and N81 8GB supports music tracks download from Nokia Music Store. In addition there is an access to N-Gage service preview, including demos of EA SPORTS FIFA 07, Asphalt3: Street Rules and Space Impact Light. Later this year the service will be launched, and the full version of N-Gage software for smartphones will be available for download.

The sales of Nokia N81 and N81 8GB have already started on world markets. The price tag for the N81 is €360 and for the N81 8GB - €430 (without taxes and discounts).

Skype phone to be available from 3

A while ago Skype and wireless service provider 3 have been rumored to release a mobile phone. This time the info has been confirmed by an insider source. It says the operator will be selling the first mobile phone by Skype. 3 operates in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Sweden and the US. The devices will be available in these very countries, however the company hasn’t disclosed the release date. Skype spokesman Chaim Haas confirmed that 3 and Skype “are working together on a new product to make Skype completely mobile”. The spokesman declined to provide more details.

Skype VoIP software, which allows users to make free phone calls over the Internet to other Skype users, already works on some phones sold by 3. But the new phone will be manufactured by Skype itself, it will be easier in use than existing mobile phone models that support Skype, the source added. Skype is expected to share its plans about the cooperation with 3 late in October.

Audi mobile device

Audi has created a mobile device proto, which can function as a mobile phone, a media player, a navigator and a dashboard computer. The device supports Wi-Fi and UMTS, has a touchscreen display with handwriting recognition (Latin and Japanese characters).

In addition to traditional phone and player functions, the Audi device can open/close the car, store images taken by car onboard cameras, work as the navigation system and even turn on the car’s heating system before you leave the house (a good thing in cold mornings). The menu is based on the Audi MMI interface. The company hasn’t unveiled when it will launch the series production.

Details on Acer Ferrari 1100

The LaptopLogic has posted some details and pics of Acer Ferrari 1100 notebook, which was announced a month ago. This is another ultra portable “race” notebook. Acer Ferrair 1100 will come to stores late in October. The company hasn’t yet disclosed the price.

The specs of Acer Ferrari 1100:

• Operating system - Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, Windows Vista Business or Windows
• Vista Home Premium
• CPU - AMD Turion 64 X2
• Graphical adapter - ATI Radeon X1250 (up to 960 MB HyperMemory)
• Display – 12.1” WXGA and Acer CrystalBrite coating
• HDD – up to 250 GB
• Optical drive - DVD Super Multi DL with slot boot
• Wireless - Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g
• Two built-in stereo speakers
• Fingerprints scanner
• Weight – under 2 kg

New Xda communicator based on HTC Polaris?

O2 Germany site has posted pictures of an unknown Xda communicator. The picture of it opens when enlarging the photo of an upcoming Xda star. It seems that it leaked accidentally. The device looks like a successor to Xda orbit (HTC Artemis communicator) and O2’s version of HTC Polaris GPS-communicator. The device is powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional in GSM and UMTS networks, supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and has a 3-megapixel camera. Probably the new Xda will have TouchFLO interface (finger input).

We don’t know if it is O2’s version of HTC Polaris or it’s just a mistake to be corrected. Nevertheless the picture exists, which gives us a chance to see a new Xda based on HTC Polaris.

Rumors: HTC to release 50000 handsets on Google OS

An analyst from UBS has confirmed that HTC will release about 50000 handsets powered by an operating system from Google. The rumors on the so-called Gphone have long been roaming in the world web, being even several times cancelled and then resumed. At the same time it’s not yet clear whether the company plans the Google-branded device or just the operating system for different mobile devices.

The UBS man noted that the first batch of Google OS powered handsets isn’t for commercial use, but for developers to demonstrate software capabilities. The commercial shipments will probably take place next year or later. In addition the source said HTC wouldn’t be the only maker of Google OS devices.

Spy pic of Motorola Z10 smartphone

In the Internet you can come across a spy pic and some details on Motorola Z10 smartphone. This is a successor to the Z8 in the same form-factor of the kick slider. Some preliminary info had already popped up in the news. Motorola Z10 is based on Symbian UIQ 3.1 platform and has no touchscreen. It features a 3.2-megapixel camera, 90 MB of onboard memory, a microSD slot and GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA networks. Reportedly, the picture was snapped at Symbian Smartphone Show.

Samsung SGH-i560 GPS-smartphone introduced at Symbian Smartphone Show

Samsung has announced a new smartphone SGH-i560 powered by S60 3rd Edition at Symbian Smartphone Show in London. Samsung SGH-i560 works in GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSDPA 2100 MHz networks. The smartphone holds a GPS-receiver. In addition it comes with a 2.4” 262K colors QVGA display with mirror surface, a 3.2-megapixel camera and Bluetooth (A2DP) interface. The i560 carries 150 MB of memory onboard expandable with microSD cards. The device measures 130x51x16 mm.

The shipments of Samsung SGH-i560 are set for the end of this year. I’d remind you that the company had announced the release of the GPS-smartphone late in September, and now it is preparing another navigation-enabled device – the SGH-i780 communicator based on Windows Mobile 6 Professional.

iPhone sales start in France on November 29

Apple has officially reported that Orange operator will start selling the iPhone in France. The French debut will take place on November 29, 2007. Orange will become the exclusive supplier of the phone in France. I’d remind you that the company scheduled the launch of the iPhone in Germany and the UK for November 9. In Germany Apple will cooperate with T-Mobile and in the UK with O2.

From November 29 on the 8GB iPhone will be available online and in stores of Orange. The price tag is €399.

S60 for touchscreen smartphones announced

It’s been rumored for a while that new generation S60 platform might come out. Eventually Nokia has officially announced that S60 supports touchscreen displays and showed a working prototype of the mobile device at Symbian Smartphone Show. Reportedly, S60 Touch supports both stylus and finger input, and when you touch the screen you feel tactile feedback (pulsation). Nokia notes that the current applications for S60 3rd Edition will work on touch devices, it won’t need any corrections. In addition the new S60 version will have a browser supporting Flash Video.

According to Nokia S60 Touch will be available for mobile vendors next year.

Sanyo W54SA: a TV-slider with VGA

Today the Japanese operator KDDI has unveiled a new Sanyo phone featuring a big 3” widescreen VGA display made under IPS technology (In-Plate Switching). IPS displays stand out for wide viewing angles, high contrast and short matrix feedback.

The W54SA supports digital TV-programs.

The short technical specs of Sanyo W54SA:

• EV-DO Rev.A
• Dimensions: 50x106x18.9 mm
• Weight: 144 g
• Main display: widescreen 3”, IPS, 480x800 pixels
• Camera: 3.18-megapixel with auto focus
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, IrDA (IrSimple)
• microSD cards
• 3D games

Sony Ericsson W54S – a multimedia phone from Japan

Sony Ericsson introduced today a new mobile phone for fall-winter season for KDDI operator.

The device got the name W54S. It comes with a widescreen 2.8 OLED display, a 3.24-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, digital terrestrial TV-programs support and new operator’s music services developed together with Sony.

The short technical specs of Sony Ericsson W54S:

• EV-DO Rev.A
• Dimensions: 50x106x19.1 mm
• Weight: 145 g
• Main display: widescreen 2.8”, OLED, 240x400 pixels
• Main display: LED, 7x7 matrix
• Camera: 3.24-megapixel with auto focus
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (stereo support), IrDA (IrSimple)
• Memory: 800 MB expandable with microSD cards
• 3D games

LG.Philips LCD for mobile devices with 1-mm border

LG.Philips LCD, an innovator in LCD display sphere, has announced a 2.4” amorphous silicon TFT LCD panel with the world thinnest border. With borders measuring just 1-mm it has a 240x320 pixel resolution. At the same time the product is 50% thinner than the existing LCD panels currently produced.

According to LG.Philips LCD, the new product is based on Narow Bezel technology, which combines new process and material technologies designed to ensure that narrow-border panels are equal in quality and reliability to their wider counterparts. The company says that narrower borders are as important as thinner displays. By narrowing the borders the maker can increase display area.

The mass production is expected next year. This technology will be also applied with other display models. LG.Philips LCD will showcase its new LCD panel for mobile phones at FPD International 2007, being held in Japan, from October 24-26, 2007.