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

10 gold Zune from Microsoft and Goods

Microsoft together with Goods has introduced Zune 8GB (8 GB flash ROM) and Zune 80GB (80GB HDD) in golden shell. They will be released in limited edition: only 10 devices. The ales start next Saturday in Seattle. We have no info on the price, but it will be definitely high – just 10 Zune players in gold.

I’d remind you that Zune players of the second generation debuted this November. The new lineup contains an 80GB HDD version (108.2x61.1x12.9 mm, 3.2” display), a 4 and 8 GB flash versions (91.5x41.4x8.5 mm, 1.8” display). The new Zunes are equipped with the Zune Pad.

Live pics of Motorola Q9 Wi-Fi

The Boy Genius Report has posted some info and the photo gallery on a new smartphone – Motorola Q9 with Wi-Fi. The device is packed in the traditional form-factor for the series: a candy bar with a landscape display and an integrated QWERTY-keyboard. Unlike the previous model it has silver chrome edges. The device can work in 3G 850/1900 MHz and supports HSDPA. The main distinction is Wi-Fi onboard.

New Creative ZEN with 32GB onboard

Creative has announced the release of a new ZEN player with 32GB flash ROM onboard. It expands the lineup currently consisting of 4, 8 and 16-GB models. According to the manufacturer the new version can store up to 8000 tracks in MP3, WMA and AAC, up to 110 hours of video or thousands of pictures. At the same time the player has kept its design and key features – this is a compact (credit-card-sized) device equipped with a 2.5” display.

The specs of Creative ZEN 32GB:

• 32 GB flash ROM
• Display – 2.5” (320x240 pixels, 16.7M colors)
• Video formats - MJPEG, WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4/5 and XviD
• Audio formats - MP3, WMA, AAC (.m4a), WAV (ADPCM), Audible 2, 3, 4
• Images - JPEG (BMP/GIF/PNG/TIFF)
• FM-radio (32 stations)
• Voice recorder
• USB 2.0 interface
• SD storage cards
• Built-in Li-Ion battery
• Up to 30 hours audio playback
• Up to 5 hours video playback
• Dimensions – 83x55x11.3 mm
• Weight - 65 g

Creative Zen 32-GB will come to the stores in Singapore, company’s sale centers and online stores in mid December. The price tag will make up 549 Singapore dollars (about USD380). The source hasn’t mentioned the availability date on other markets.