Archive for September, 2009

By September 2, 2009 Read More →

The Nokia N97 mini now official

 

Nokia-N97_mini_Cherryblack2_lowres

Nokia has now officially announced the N97 mini at Nokia World 2009, with smaller screen and overall form factor, full-width keyboard (no d-pad) and a focus on social media (‘life casting’). Significantly, they’re also talking about a whole new memory map and kinetic scrolling across the whole interface, all of which is also to come to the N97 itself in October.

Nokia’s press releases:

"Lifecasting (a partnership with Facebook) will premiere on the new Nokia N97 mini, companion to the successful Nokia N97. Designed with a social and style-conscious consumer in mind, the Nokia N97 mini is a smaller mobile computer with stylish stainless steel cues, featuring a tilting 3.2” touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen that makes each Nokia N97 mini as unique as a fingerprint. The Nokia N97 mini delivers a truly personal internet experience in a compact handset based on the iconic design of the Nokia N97.

Lifecasting with Ovi will be available for both the Nokia N97 and Nokia N97 mini via Nokia Beta Labs. The Nokia N97 mini features new software which will be released in October as a free update for the Nokia N97. The new software brings compelling new experiences to both devices, including new homescreen widgets and additional usability improvements including flick scrolling.

The Nokia N97 mini is powered by a new Ovi Maps experience which makes searching, finding and navigating even easier. In addition to global pedestrian navigation, people can access premium content from Lonely Planet, Michelin and Wcities, turning the Nokia N97 mini into the world’s smallest travel companion."

The Nokia N97 mini is expected to begin shipping in October 2009 for an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.  See the video here

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

Nokia X6 launched

 

 

Nokia’s next S60 music device, the X6, has been announced at Nokia World in Stuttgart this morning. It’s going to be marketed as a music phone and the 32GB of storage is going to allow a huge amount of music to be downloaded, and is only available in a Comes with Music variant. But the 16:9 ratio touch-screen (at 3.2 inches in size) is going to be great for video playback and media browsing. More details as we get them.

The Nokia X6 could be seen as the phone that addresses feedback from the 5800 and 5800 Comes with Music editions. From Nokia’s press release:

"Pioneering new ways for the world to experience music, Nokia today announced the launch of the new Nokia X6. Capable of playing up to 35 hours of music, the Nokia X6 is a powerful entertainment device, combining 32GB of on-board memory with a slick 3.2" finger touch interface.

The ultimate device for music lovers and social butterflies, the Nokia X6 has a 16:9 widescreen optimised for photos, videos and browsing. With direct access to Ovi Store, the Nokia X6 is a hive of activity that brings 20 friends and virtual communities, like Facebook, to your homescreen."

The X6 is endowed with a capacitive screen expected to arrive in Q4 2009 for the unlocked price of 459euros.

Check out the video for more. Nokia X6

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 to be announced today

According to our sources, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 will definitely be official by the end of the day. We’re told that there will be some kind of official announcement at IFA at some point.

the X2 will be coming to the first few selected markets early in Q4. We’re in the final stages of talks with the various operators right now and will have more news re: which markets and which operators in the coming weeks.

The handset is the first of our second generation Xperia devices and will be the first to ship with the new Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. It’ll also come packing an 8.1 megapixel camera, a 4Gb micro SD memory card and 13 pre-loaded panels.

x2

The X2 does indeed look like a worthy successor to the popular X1 and naturally we’ll be doing our best to get some hand-on time with the handset as soon as we can!

And just as I am typing this post the press release falls in to my email box:

Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2, a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView provides an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and you can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast-moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp.  “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer, users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call. 

XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

XPERIA™ X2

Live life without boundaries

· Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
· Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet

· Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®

· SlideView – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
· Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
· Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
· Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
· 8.1 megapixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
· Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

 

Any X1 owners out there itching to upgrade?

 

Posted by: Matt

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

Phonearena looks at the Nokia Booklet 3G

nokia-booklet

A netbook that seems to be gaining a lot more attention than most is Nokia’s new Booklet. It’s an impressive little machine and Phonearena have had a chance to sit down and have a look at it. 10.1-inch 1280×720 pixels display, smooth 720p video playback, 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor, 1GB DDR2 533 MHz RAM, 120 GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, 3G modem.

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

HTC Announce the HTC Touch2

Yet another new device announced by HTC, today it’s the HTC Touch2. This one come as a bit of a surprise to be honest! The main highlight is Windows Mobile 6.5 OS (at last).

Touch2_Front_&_Back_&_Right_Blue

Appears to be a good looking handset and one we’ll obviously be trying to get our hands on for review.

 

HTC Touch2 specification:

  • Weight 110g, with battery.
  • 3.2 megapixel camera
  • Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
  • Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz CPU
  • RAM – 256 MB
  • ROM – 512 MB
  • 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
  • Bluetooth 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
  • Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Built in GPS
  • HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0)
  • Battery Standby: Up to 370 hours
  • Battery Talk Time: Up to 440 minutes

 

HTC Corporation today introduced the HTC Touch2™, a compact and stylish smartphone that is one of the first mobile phones to include Microsoft’s new Windows Phone software. Utilizing Windows Mobile 6.5 and new Windows Phone services like My Phone and Windows Marketplace, HTC Touch2 delivers a full touch experience that enables you to do all the things you want on your phone easily. The Touch2 expands HTC’s portfolio of touch-based phones and is focused on delivering an advanced touch experience to a broader group of people.

“The HTC Touch2 delivers a familiar touch experience that millions of people have come to expect and rely on from HTC in their daily lives,” said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation.  “Whether it’s making a call, checking in with a friend or simply responding to an important email, the HTC Touch2 puts you in touch and in control.”

The HTC Touch2 ensures that everything is at your fingertips in a compact design that fits comfortably in your hand.  An advanced smartphone with everything you expect and more, the HTC Touch2 includes a variety of HTC enhancements including TouchFLO, an enhanced user interface that includes integrated weather updates and quick touch access to a variety of the most popular applications.  In addition, the Touch2 includes Google Maps for Mobile, YouTube and more.

As a new Windows phone, the HTC Touch2 showcases the powerful messaging, browsing and productivity capabilities delivered by the new Windows Mobile 6.5.  Offering a best in class e-mail experience complete with the ability to synchronize with Microsoft Exchange, you have the ability to check and manage multiple email accounts.

With the Re-designed Internet Explorer Mobile, the Touch2 accurately displays desktop style Web pages, allowing people to experience content in the way it is meant to be viewed. The HTC Touch2 includes a zoom bar for reflowing text to an optimum size.  In addition, you can pan and zoom to find and enjoy what you are looking for more easily.  Internet Explorer-Mobile also supports Adobe Flash, enabling Flash video content, like YouTube, to be viewed easily.   

With Windows phone you can now easily find and download a wide variety of applications onto the HTC Touch2 via the new Windows Marketplace for Mobile.  Microsoft’s new My Phone service enables you to automatically back up and synch photos, music, contacts and text messages for free from the Touch2 to the web.

Availability

The HTC Touch2 will initially be available to customers on October 6 with broad availability in a variety of European and Asian markets in early Q4 2009.

So what do we all think of this one?

 

 

Posted by: Matt

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

LG GD900 Crystal review

A phone with a transparent keypad, surely not. But yes that’s the major selling point behind LG’s latest creation, the LG GD900 Crystal. The question is though, is it any good or just a selling gimmick?

The LG GD900 Crystal

The LG GD900 Crystal

 

The ten second review:

Device: LG GD900 Crystal

Price: £339.99

Summary: A fun packed feature phone with a crazy transparent keypad.

Best of: HSDPA, WiFi, Easy to use.

Worst of: Keypad/Touchpad, No GPS.

 

What’s in the box?

  • Handset
  • Battery
  • Charger
  • USB Cable
  • Pouch
  • Software
  • Software Install Instructions

 

Have a look at Matt’s LG Crystal unboxing video for more details.

LG GD900 Crystal Specification:

  • Networks: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 HSDPA 850 /2100 HSDPA 900 /2100
  • Dimensions: 105 x 52.5 x 13.5mm   Weight 127 g
  • Display: 3 inch TFT capacitive touch screen 16M colours
  • Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels
  • Device Input: Touch screen & Transparent Keypad
  • Internal Memory: 1.5GB storage (Expandable to 32GB with microSD card slot)
  • Connectivity: GPRS, EDGE, HSCSD, 3G HSDPA 7.2Mbps, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, USB v2.0 microUSB
  • Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
  • Camera: 8MP 3264×2448 pixels
  • Video Capture: D1 720×480@30fps QVGA@15fps QVGA time-lapse slow-mo video capture
  • Video Playback: DivX/XviD Mpeg4 
  • Audio: MP3 AAC AAC+ WMA
  • Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh
    – Stand by Time: Up to 300 hours on 3G
    – Talk Time: Up to 240 mins 3G
  • Misc: TV-out, Picsel Viewer for Word, Excel, Proximity sensor for auto turn-off, Handwriting recognition

General:

The design of the LG Crystal is rather nice. The phone feels fairly heavy in the hand, which I like, and sturdy. The slide out keypad is made from clear plastic and with it “closed” it covers most of the back of the device and gives it a quite unique feeling. Good or bad I’m not really sure but combined with the shiny metal around the edges of the handset it looks pretty nice.

crystal_closed_angled

The LG Crystal

 

The top of the phone contains only a power on/off switch.

LG Crystal Top View

LG Crystal Top View

 

The left hand side has only the USB socket.

crystal_left

LG Crystal left side

 

The right of the device houses an up/down volume rocker and a dedicated camera key.

crystal_right

LG Crystal right side

 

On the front of the handset is the send/end keys and cube menu button at the bottom and at the top is the speaker grill, front facing camera and a proximity sensor.

LG Crystal front view

LG Crystal front view

 

The rear of the phone is flush when closed but when opened it reveals the lens for the 8MP camera and also the flash.

LG Crystal camera

LG Crystal camera

Highlights & Lowlights:

+ HSDPA

+ WiFi

– No GPS

– No 3.5mm Headset Jack

Review:

Clearly the most obvious feature of the LG Crystal is the clear keypad and this is what will attract potential buyers to the device. This is basically another touch screen for the device with numbers etched onto the plastic. Unfortunately I am starting on a bad point as I found the keypad to be way too sensitive. Its so sensitive it cost me £1.50!

The first thing I wanted to test out on the device was the web browser. Now, when the browser opens a small mouse arrow appears on screen. This is controlled by the clear keypad much the same as a touchpad on a laptop. First thoughts were “this seems quite nice” but with seconds I had unintentionally clicked a link on my Orange home page and purchased a calling tone! This is something that has never happened before on any device and it’s clearly down to the fact that the slightest tap on the touchpad acts as a click/select option.

As you can imagine I wasn’t too impressed but it could have been worse. At least I bought Knight Rider and not the Teletubbies!!!

The keypad does however have a couple of cool features. When web browsing you can use pinch-to- zoom like on the iPhone and this works pretty well. The other feature is that you can use the keypad to set up gesture shortcuts.

The LG Crystal runs the S-Class UI that has also appeared on the LG Arena and Viewty devices. I recently reviewed the LG Arena and was fairly impressed with this new UI.

Like the other devices the Crystal has four home screens which can be accessed by a swipe action either on screen or using the keypad. These can be customised and therefore can contain your most used programs/contacts etc.

At the bottom of the screen are four on screen buttons. These are phone, contacts, messaging and a link into the main menu.

The main menu is fairly nice. It consists of four rows of icons that can be swiped left and right to view all the icons on the row. If the phone is turned into landscape mode the icons shrink to show all 32 icons on screen at once.

The screen on the Crystal is very responsive and using the screen was for me a nicer option than using the keypad/touchpad. The best test for this was messaging. Messaging was simple and with me not wanting to use the keypad I had a choice of a standard 12 key on screen keypad or when rotated a full QWERTY option.

Like a few other handsets out there the Crystal also supports handwriting recognition and like those other devices using it takes far too long and it’s not really an option for sending a quick text/email.

Disappointingly the camera and the video capture on the Crystal was not as good as I thought it was going to be. After reviewing the LG Arena a short while ago I presumed the camera on the Crystal would be as good if not better. I took several photos and videos in sunny daylight conditions and although they looked great on the device once on my computer they appeared a little bit grainy, even though I was using the highest settings. Shame.

Listening to music was good though. Using the speaker didn’t sound fantastic like on the Arena, but with the headphones connected it was rocking! The Crystal does not come with a 3.5mm headset jack but at least LG supply a converter with the device so you can use any headphones if the LG ones are not to your liking.

Connectivity is super on the Crystal. Web browsing is as quick as it can be with the options for either using HSDPA or WiFi. Of course Bluetooth is built in, but so is A2DP which will allow you to listen to your music using a Bluetooth headset if preferred.

The other let down for me was the lack of GPS. Google maps come pre-installed on the device but without GPS it will never be spot on.

crystal_angled_left

Conclusion

Overall the LG Crystal does what is says on the box. I strongly believe that that anyone buying this device will soon get bored of the clear keypad/touchpad as in my opinion it’s a bit of a novelty.

If you are a fan of LG phones I would suggest purchasing the Arena or the Viewty and if you are open to other manufactures then go get a Samsung Jet. It does the same job as the Crystal only so much better.

Sorry LG, better luck next time.

 

Review by: James

Posted in: Reviews
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

HTC Touch2 for sale at Clove

FA840C1E-79C7-4064-A5AB-1ADF943EFCCB

You may have already heard, but if you haven’t, HTC have today announced the HTC Touch2.  The upgrade to the original HTC Touch, the Touch2 keeps a similar form factor but comes with some enhancements, most noticeably, Widows Mobile 6.5!

Codenamed HTC Mega, the HTC Touch2 is available for order from Clove today!

Features of HTC Touch2
  • Slim, compact and lightweight
  • Weighs just 110g, with battery.
  • Windows Mobile 6.5 for an improved user experience
  • 3G/HSDPA high speed connectivity
  • Quad Band network connectivity
  • 3.2 megapixel camera
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • On board GPS receiver
  • 2.8" touch screen
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • MicroSDHC Memory Card Slot
Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

Nokia’s Plan Digested and Explained

 

nokia-ppf 

 

Long time Symbian analyst Chris McFann and senior editor at Symbian Freak has published an article that does its best to explain the sometimes confusing direction Nokia is heading and why decisions made nearly 3 years ago have now put them in the position to execute what Nokia hopes will be market dominance and to infect every part of your digital world with the services portal, Ovi.

An enlightening read even if your remotely interested in the mobile landscape and ammo for Nokia fans the world over. Just be sure your drink is ready as the incisive read spreads over two pages.

Symbian Freak

Posted in: Phones
By September 2, 2009 Read More →

Nokia N900 Video Preview

 

nokia-n900-maemo5-1

The Nokia N900 gets previewed by the Italian blog kiamanokia.it. It was about time someone uploaded a real video of the N900 on YouTube with a nice run through of the desktop and browser. Expect more videos and pictures of the N900 tomorrow when Nokia World 2009 starts!

You can find the HQ version here

Via Daily Mobile

Posted in: Phones
By September 1, 2009 Read More →

Got a PS3? You might like this phone!

3877709630_73ac6af77b_m

What are you offering PlayStation3 users in your upcoming range of phones?
Aino is one of the first handsets in Sony Ericsson’s new Communications Entertainment proposition. It offers a unique multimedia experience for all PlayStation3 fans as they can seamlessly access and control their PS3 media content anywhere, anytime using Remote Play.

Remote Play with Aino lets you turn your PS3 on and off, browse and control the XMB and access the internet browser from anywhere in the world. Remote Play also lets you control and access the HD Drive’s media content on PS3 using the built-in WiFi or 3G connections via Aino.

You can also access PlayStation Store via Remote Play or chat with friends via PlayStation Network. It is also possible to buy and download a new game from the Store via Aino so it is ready and waiting for you when you get home.

Posted in: Phones
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