HTC Touch enhanced version for Hong Kong

HTC has announced the release of HTC Touch Enhanced Version in Hong Kong. The device is available in 2 new color solutions – Burgundy red and Immaculate White. In addition to refreshed design the new version got larger memory: 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM (the original HTC Touch comes with 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM onboard). HTC notes that since the debut in June HTC Touch has become the best seller in Hong Kong. Due to the everlasting demand the manufacturer decided to launch HTC Touch Enhanced Version.

Haptikos technology by Nokia – hardware keyboards in the past

Reportedly, after 10 years Nokia is almost ready to introduce its new technology Haptikos. It provides more tactile sensation when you touch the screen, not just vibration. Thus while you type you feel the same as when you work with ordinary buttons.

Roope Takala, Senior Program Manager at Nokia’s research labs, has demonstrated the technology on Nokia N770 Internet tablet. He explained that the technology is simple enough, they inserted two small piezo sensor pads under the screen and engineered in a 0.1-mm movement in the screen itself. It took time to fine tune the movement and response to mimic exactly the sensation of pressing a real key. The source said the new Nokia’s smartphones with S60 Touch interface will support Haptikos.

Sony Ericsson K660i Internet phone

Another SE product announced on November 6 is the K660i, an heir of the K610i. This stylish handset is packed in a candy bar form-factor and designed for the young people. The vendor notes that the K660i is optimized for Internet work. It can view web-pages in landscape mode, besides there are dedicated buttons for quick access to the function. There is the support of Google Maps for Mobile. The sales of Sony Ericsson K660i in some market is set for 1Q 2008. The device will be available in 2 bright color solutions: white with green and black with crimson.

The specs of Sony Ericsson K660:

• Networks - GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSDPA 2100 MHz
• Display – 240x320 pixels, 262K colors
• 32 MB of onboard memory
• Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards
• 2-megapixel camera
• Frontal camera for video calls
• Bluetooth (A2DP profile)
• FM-radio with RDS
• Dimensions – 104x47x14.7 mm
• Weight - 95 g

Sony Ericsson W890i: slim Walkman phone

As it was expected Sony Ericsson has made an announcement of several new products on November 6 – the W890i being one of them. This Walkman phone is a successor to the W880i. The device is packed in a 9.9 mm thick metallic shell. It features the following functions: SenseMe (creates playlists based on user’s mood), TrackID (identifies track title and artist’s name), PlayNow service and so on.

The specs of Sony Ericsson W890i:

• Networks - GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and UMTS/HSDPA 2100 MHz
• Display – 240x320 pixels, 262K colors
• 26 MB of onboard memory
• Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards
• 3.2-megapixel camera
• Frontal camera for video calls
• Bluetooth (A2DP profile)
• FM-radio with RDS
• Walkman Player 3.0
• Dimensions – 104x46.5x9.9 mm
• Weight - 78 g

Sony Ericsson W890i will come to several markets in 1Q 2008. It will be available in 3 color solutions: Black, Brown and Silver. In addition Sony Ericsson will release the W898c modification without 3G support for the Chinese market only.

HP iPAQ 610 and 910 to hit stores in 2008 or later

Mike Hockey, HP’s spokesman, has reported approximate release dates of the iPAQ 610 Business Navigator and the iPAQ 910 Business Messenger. The devices were announced early in September and expected to come out during the following months. However the company has recently said the iPAQ 610 will be available in the American stores in 1Q 2008 and the iPAQ 910 – in 2Q 2008.

Both communicators are powered by Windows Mobile 6 Professional and feature similar specs. But they differ in design: the iPAQ 610 is equipped with a numeric keypad with sensor wheel and the iPAQ 910 comes with an integrated QWERTY-keyboard and landscape display. The iPAQ 610 will be available for $600, as for the iPAQ 910, the company hasn’t shared the info.

LG-KS20 launched in Europe

LG Electronics has announced the sales of LG-KS20 communicator in some European countries. The device was introduced at IFA 2007 late in August 2007. The communicator is styled as LG Prada or the iPhone: a big touchscreen LCD and no keyboard. But it lacks a finger-friendly input interface (stylus control). The company hasn’t unveiled the price tag for LG-KS20 in Europe.

The specs of LG-KS20:

• Networks - GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz and WCDMA/HSDPA 2100 MHz
• OS - Windows Mobile 6 Professional
• Display – 2.8” touchscreen 240x320 pixels
• WAP 2.0, Java 2.0
• Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Onboard memory - 128 MB
• MicroSD-slot
• 2-megapixel camera, frontal VGA-camera
• Battery - 1050 mAh
• Talk time – up to 4 hours
• Standby time – up to 400 hours
• Dimensions – 99.8x58x12.8 mm
• Weight - 95 g

Vertu Signature in black and white diamonds

Vertu has released a new handset of its Signature luxury series. This time the product is coated with white gold and black & white diamonds. I’d remind you that the company can boast of several Signature handsets with diamonds (for example, rose diamonds). Vertu Signature Black & White is crafted with 644 brilliant cut white diamonds and 428 brilliant cut black diamonds.

The first Vertu Signature debuted in 2006. Since then the company has offered lots of versions with permanent features and different coating. Vertu Signature works in GSM/GPRS networks, has a sapphire glass display (128x160 pixels, 65K colors) and measures 122x42x15.5 mm.

Concept – iPhone killer by Sony Ericsson

An Esato forum member known as beta-tester has posted his version of a new Sony Ericsson’s smartphone P3i. The idea is that the device works on new interface for UIQ platform (finger-oriented input). We’ve recently written about leaked pictures from the closed presentation probably demonstrating the interface. Sony Ericsson hasn’t made any official confirmation and its fans are creating the iPhone-style concepts.

Sony Ericsson P3i is equipped with a big touchscreen and has no buttons. In addition the device combines advantages of Cyber-shot cameraphones (5-megapixel camera) and Walkman handsets. But I’d remind you this is just a concept. So time will show what will be the real iPhone killer by Sony Ericsson (if exists).

Nokia Music Store launched in the UK

Nokia has launched Nokia Music Store in the US. Reportedly, you can acquire millions of tracks of famous artists from different music labels. On the same account you can access Nokia Music Store from your desktop PC or a smartphone, for example, Nokia N81 or Nokia N95 8GB.

The UK Nokia Music Store offers one track for 80 pence and the album from 8 pound sterling. You can also subscribe to the service for 8 pound sterling. From November 1 on the UK Nokia Music store is available at http://music.nokia.co.uk.

Proto of Sony Ericsson M610i on German eBay

We’ve already mentioned Sony Ericsson M610i communicator known as Lizy. This is an heir of the M600i. In May the US Federal Communications Commission has certified the device. This time the proto of Sony Ericsson M610i is available online at eBay Germany for €1000.

Reported specs of Sony Ericsson M610i:

• GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA (UMTS)
• OS - Symbian (UIQ 3.0)
• Display - touchscreen240x320 pixels, 262K colors
• Onboard memory - 160 MB
• Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards
• Wi-Fi 802.11b, Bluetooth (A2DP), IrDA
• FM-radio with RDS
• Dimensions – 106x55x17 mm
• Weight - 116 g

NTT DoCoMo introduces 23 new models in 905i and 705i series

Today Japan’s mobile service provider NTT DoCoMo introduced 23 models in 905i and 705i series, which will be available in a total of 70 colors.

All ten 905i handsets will feature some advanced and convenient functions, i.e. 3G/GSM roaming, HSDPA, “One-segment” digital TV, GPS navigation, enhanced 2-in-1 service, DCMX (credit card payment system) and iD (credit payment).

The operator notes that the 905i series has upgraded value of the current models. In addition the 905i series is compatible with the new “Area mail” disaster information service aimed to provide people caught in disaster areas with vital information.

The 705i series includes 13 slim handsets with sophisticated design and array of full-spec functions. The series comprises the world’s slimmest clamshell and waterproof handsets and the slimmest “One-segment” models.

The D905i, F905i, N905i, P905i, SH905i, SO905i and N905iμ are scheduled for November 26, 2007. The operator will launch the Cyber-shot SO905iCS, AQUOS SH905iTV and D705iμ, N705iμ, P705iμ, D705i, F705i, L705i, N705i, P705i during January-February 2008. And the NM705i, SH705i, SO705i and PROSOLID μ (P705iCL) should start in February, and the VIERA P905iTV and L705iX – in February-March 2008.

HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion debuted

HP has reported the release of its compact navigator iPAQ 310 Travel Companion. The device was announced early in September. Being the travel companion it has the functions useful while traveling. In particular, in addition to navigation it supports images, video, music and games. HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion is powered by Windows CE 5.0 with HP dedicated interface. The navigator also features a widescreen 4.3” 800x480 touch sensitive display, Centrality Titan (600 MHz) processor, 128 MB RAM, 2 GB ROM (plus microSDHC slot), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, miniUSB jack.

HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion is already commercially available in the US. The company says it meant the navigator and some other devices for the Christmas season. The price tag makes up $449.

Live pics of Nokia 3555 Classic clamshell

A web source has posted pictures and some info on a not yet announced Nokia 3555 Classic. These seem to be the materials from the FCC site. Early info on Nokia 3555 Classic got available in July, when the company’s site published the profile of the phone.

Currently we know that it works in GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and WCDMA 850/1900 MHz, is based on Series 40 platform, supports Bluetooth (A2DP) interface and has a 128x160 pixels display and a microSD slot (the info isn’t officially confirmed).

Picture of the day: LG Touch concept

After the launch of the iPhone many mobile phone makers thought of their best answer. Some vendors have offered finished solutions, for example, we can treat the co-product of LG and Prada as the iPhone competitor. But the South Korean maker is moving ahead – we can see pictures of a new concept phone in the Internet.

As wee see from the pictures, the phone comes with a touchscreen and is motion sensitive – the technology applied in Sony Ericsson W910. I’d note the outstanding design of accessories – the cradle with the touch QWERTY-keyboard…