Archive for May 29th, 2008

Well, well, Sony Ericsson or at least someone very close to the Swedish-Japanese company has made the official P5 Paris demo video available on YouTube. What this means is that in the near future — maybe even before June 17th — we may see the Symbian UIQ smartphone finally announced. After all, we saw the leaked pics and we pretty much know all of the specs. It's SE's turn to call the journalists and release the damn thing. ;)


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Sony Ericsson Ducati Z770

Who doesn't love the Italian gusto that goes in to every Ducati motorcycle's design? Ducati exudes a sense of passion and style that bikers the world over envy. There's only the small issue of the higher price point that keeps a Ducati out of practical reach for many.

While a Ducati is pretty much the cheapest way to lay claim to an Italian-made motor vehicle, it's not cheap by any means. But, that doesn't mean that the average Joe-bike-rider can't get their hands on some official Ducati-designed gear on the (relatively) cheap.

The Sony Ericsson Z770 Ducati edition brings the style and feel of Ducati's motoring tradition in a more inexpensive handset. All gussied up in a Ducati-designed red and black paint-job, this Sony Ericsson Z770 flip-phone sports Ducati-branding. The handset comes with an HBH DS-220 based Ducati Bluetooth headset to match the trick color-scheme of the SE Z770.

Unfortunately for Ducati-fans in The States, the Sony Ericsson Z770 only supports tri-band (900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM. But, if tri-band works well in your corner of the world, the SE Z770 should serve up data through its web browser at UMTS/HSDPA speeds.

Sony Ericsson plans to bring the SE Z770's Italian gusto to TIM in June.

[Via: Unwired View]


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Sidekick Gekko Aspen shows user swappable caseIf the Sidekick Gekko/Aspen are on your list of gotta-have HipTop devices, then take a gander at these here leaked user-manual pages. The manual basically confirms some specs that we've been anticipating on the handset, including user-swappable cases - a la Sidekick iD.

The image of the front-face of the Sidekick Gekko gives us a glimpse as to what the next Sidekick look like, but we'll wait for some live shots before we get too excited. The 2-megapixel camera grants images to be saved to either the on-board memory or microSD card. Videos are recorded in .3GP format and can only be saved to the microSD card.

The Sidekick Gekko has been speculated to be a lower-end HipTop to appeal to the Sidekick iD's demographic. If this manual is on point, the Sidekick Gekko could prove to be the Sidekick iD's successor.

[Via: HipTop3]


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Samsung SGH-L870 runs Symbian and S60 with Safari browserThe Samsung SGH-L870 was unveiled, and then announced, as Samsung's first smartphone in their Soul lineup. The super-thin slider is powered by S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 running on top of Symbian v9.3. And, at just 13.5mm thick, the Samsung L870 once again proves that Samsung knows how to pack some serious power in to a stylish-yet-capable package.

But, Symbian and S60 aren't the most interesting aspects of the Samsung L870. Not even the 3.6Mbps HSDPA or 3 megapixel camera highlight the Samsung L870-show. Nope, those are all features that we've seen before in a handful of devices. What does catch our eye is the first-ever instance of Apple's Webkit-based Safari browser being used in a device that's not called the iPhone.

That's right, the super-fast Safari browser that brings full-web browsing in desktop-form to the iPhone will be doing its best to bring all the treats of the interwebs to the sliding 2.4-inch display on the Samsung L870 - with a catch.

The Samsung L870 will only be surfing wireless networks with a tri-band (900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM/EDGE radio and 3.6Mbps on just a single band (2100Mhz) - effectively keeping this Safari-toting badass from making its rounds in the US. Woe is America, with our non-standard GSM frequency support.

Europeans can anticipate to get their hands on this Soul smartphone sometime in August. The rest of the world will be graced by the Samsung L870 after the European launch.

Full press release on the link.

Samsung Introduces L870, a Stylish S60 Device

With a stunning design and open OS, styling and managing life is easier
SEOUL, KOREA – May 28, 2008 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading mobile phone provider, introduced L870, a S60 embedded Smartphone designed for a life-enhancing experience. With an exquisite stainless steel body fully packed with the most-up-to-date OS applications, L870 will upgrade both style and productivity in everyday life.

Like a tailored pair of suit, every millimeter of L870 is carefully custom-designed to match the user's lifestyle. A magnificent stainless steel body softly brushed with elegant hairline pattern, and a 13.5mm trim and sleek outline, will perfectly complement each outfit and style. A minimalistic key pad that appearing when slides up, is deliberately designed to provide enough spaces between each keys to provide convenience.

Leveraging the abilities of S60 platform, L870 brings full connectivity and application that surpass expectations for a handset device. The applications and features of the S60 software are not only easy to learn and use, but also enable maximum productivity. With Full-speed world wide web browser and more than 6,000 open applications are also compatible with L870 to customize the device for each individual's needs.

L870 features many useful Samsung pre-installed applications such as an advanced task manager Checkit, PIMs (Personal information manager) homescreen, Team manager and business card recognition function. With these applications, users will experience superior time and life managing experience than ever.

L870 boasts many other latest applications and interfaces. Creative user interface (UI) featuring three different themes, 2.4-inch QVGA TFT display, a 3-megapixel camera, FM radio with RDS, music player and Bluetooth v.2.0 supports are all embedded within L870 for satisfying visual and audio entertainment needs.

“We are happy to compliment our product portfolio with yet another appealing S60 mobile, Samsung L870 that is fully customized with style, performance and user interface,” states, Jongin Kim, the Vice President of Mobile Communication Division of Samsung Electronics. “With S60, we can successfully deliver the latest mobile technology with fully customizable applications and the intuitive user interfaces.”

Samsung L870 will first be launched in Europe around August, then will continue to be available in all regions where GSM is available.


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Helio Ocean 2Helio's recent price-drop on the Helio Ocean was rumored to be paving the way for the first new handset from the MVNO in quite some time - the Helio Ocean 2. And, seeing as how Helio passed their “OZ2” through the FCC's testing labs, the Helio Ocean 2's launch was all but expected in the near-term.

Unfortunately for Helio customers, the final details on the Helio Ocean 2 are still getting hashed out in the company's R&D labs. But, thanks to a tiny birdy with loose lips (beak?), we've got some juicy specs that could very well make it in to the production version of the Ocean 2.

It seems that Virgin Mobile negotiations aren't the only thing that Helio is keeping themselves busy with. We're hearing that the next-generation Helio Ocean will sport a 3 megapixel camera, 30 fps video recording, 1 GB storage, microSDHC card slot for memory expansion, touch-sensitive directional pad, Flash support, and Computer sync support - all in the familiar dual-sliding form-factor that made the Helio Ocean such a pleasure to use.

We'll keep our ears to the grapevine for more information on the Helio Ocean 2. And, while you're waiting, enjoy the barely visible picture of the Helio Ocean 2. Stay tuned.

[Via: Engadget Mobile]


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As we close in on the June 9 Apple WWDC event in San Francisco, more and more images of the next-generation iPhone are coming to light. So much so that we already know, with a fair degree of certainty, just what kind of aesthetic changes to expect in the 3G iPhone.

There are already confirmed changes to the iPhone's exterior that include more tapered edges, revised docking port connector/speaker area, narrower chrome bezel, and a glossy plastic backing that replaces the Mg-Al cover on the current iPhone.

The latest photos of the next-generation iPhone casing fall in line with mock-ups gleaned from 3G iPhone case molds.

3G iPhone casing

With the month of May nearly done and over with, it's only a matter of a couple weeks before we get to see the 3G iPhone go live.

[Via: AllAboutPhones]


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The HTC Touch Diamond that was recently announced is coming to T-Mobile (EU, not sure about UK or US). I usually don't comment on operators getting a device and slapping their logo on it, but this is a bit different. The T-Mobile version of the Diamond known as the MDA Compact IV (first picture) has soft round edges versus the hard geometric lines we've previously seen. Also new to the lineup is the MDA Vario IV (second picture) which looks like the MDA Compact IV, but it has a slide out QWERTY keyboard.

Both of these devices have the same specifications you're used to already: GPS, HSDPA, HSUPA, 3.2 megapixel camera.

mdatmobdiamond.jpg

mdadiamondkb.jpg

[Via: Mobile Phone Helpdesk]


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SkyFire logo

Skyfire Labs, makers of the desktop-like mobile web browser Skyfire, today announced $13 million in Series B funding which is led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, and also includes previous investors - Matrix Partners and Trinity Ventures. The company will use the money “towards further rollout of its flagship browser” and will add Lightspeed's Jake Seid to its Board of Directors.

Mountain View, California-based Skyfire Labs Inc. was founded in April 2006 and had been in stealth mode under the name DVC Labs until January 2008 when it launched its browser in private beta. To date, they've raised a total of $17.8 million in VC money.

Commenting on the announcement, Skyfire's CEO said: “With these funds, we’re poised to bring Skyfire to a huge number of handsets and launch outside the U.S. Skyfire gives users the freedom to browse whatever they want, and now we have the ability to extend our efforts to get Skyfire on a significant market share of smartphones - giving more people what they hunger for.”


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Russia's largest mobile phone operator Mobile TeleSystems OJSC announced the commercial launch of its 3G network in the country. Saint Petersburg is the first city to get 3G, and the company also announced the “technical readiness” to launch 3G network in Sochi, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. In total, MTS plans to cover more than 10 cities with 3G this year, and up to 40 cities throughout Russia through 2009.

MTS RussiaAlongside the network enhancements, MTS also revealed new 3G services — including video calling and mobile Television, as well as international 3G roaming for travellers to Russia.

Commenting on the announcement, MTS Russia's CEO Mr. Mikhail Shamolin said: “With the launch of 3G networks in major regions of Russia, MTS is starting a new phase in the development of telecommunications in the CIS. We are keen to offer 3G services to our customers, as we see great demand for data and broadband solutions in Russia.”

As a sidenote, MTS also holds 3G licenses in Uzbekistan and Armenia, where the network will be launched as early as 2009. The company plans to invest $1.6 billion in 3G network development over the next three years.


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HAVA Mobile Player for S60If SlingMedia can do it, so can Monsoon Multimedia which just announced HAVA Mobile Player for S60. Earlier we saw their “TV place-shifting video-streaming solution” hitting Nokia Internet Tablets and now it's about time Nokia smartphone owners also take their TV experience with them, no matter where they happen to be.

The HAVA Mobile Player for S60 was designed for seamless integration with Nokia's one-of-a-kind two-way slider multimedia devices allowing viewers to toggle between portrait and full-screen landscape mode at the slide of the screen. Control of the TV viewing experience comes from both channel entries and volume control via the device's physical keys and all other set-top box functions via the application's elegant and intuitive onscreen UI. This way, users can watch live Television, pause, rewind, skip, schedule at-home DVR recordings and control their home Television watching from a world away, just as if they were in front of their Television in their own living room.

The HAVA Mobile Player for S60 works over high-speed 3G and 3.5G (HSDPA) networks, allowing users to view and control their home Television from anywhere. No WiFi compatibility is mentioned, though I guess that will work just as well.

As for the availability, Symbian S60 smartphone owners should look forward toward the end of June 2008 when Moonsoon Multimedia wowed to make the HAVA Mobile Player for S60 available. In the meantime, they’re inviting interested beta testers to contact them at hava-s60 - AT - monsoonmultimedia.com and get an early access to the player (and provide them with some feedback, of course).


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