News

Next Google phone confirmed by Motorola

It was just a rumour a week ago but the Motorola device know to us thus far as the Shadow has now been confirmed to be launched as the next Google phone, perhaps the Nexus Two?

The Motorola Shadow

According to Mobile Choice:

Motorola’s CEO Sanjay Jha has taken the bull by the horns and come out to confirm that they are working on a Google phone after all. He said that Motorola will be releasing the new design this year.

Further, the similarities continue because the Motorola-derived Nexus phone, "will be sold directly to consumers", just like Google’s Nexus One. Frustratingly, Jha failed to give us any further details about the new design, when the phone will be officially announced or even if the Shadow is, in fact, the designated handset, according to The Street website.

The design of the Shadow is quite similar to the Milestone released last year. The keyboard and slider mechanism looking almost identical, it’s going to be bigger than the Milestone though, having a 4.3″ display.

Motorola Milestone (Nexus Two) specification:

• OperatingSystem: Google Android 2.1
• RAM: 256 MiB
• ROM: 512 MiB
• Display: 4.3″ Colour transflective TFT , 16777216 scales
• Display Resolution: 480 x 854
• Video out
• Audio Output: 3.5mm
• Cellular-Networks: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS850, UMTS1900, UMTS2100
• Cellular-Data-Links: CSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS
• microSD, microSDHC, TransFlash, SDIO
• USB 2.0 client, 480Mbit/s
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Wireless+LAN: 802.11b, 802.11g
• FM radio (87.5-108MHz) with RDS
• Built-in GPS module
• Main_Camera: 8 MP
• Built-in Flash: mobile light (LED)
• Built-in-accelerometer

Posted by: Matt

LG GT540 to Launch With Android

LG are set to lauch their next Android driven handset in the shape of the LG GT540. The GT540 will be a value priced Android handset driven towards social networking with built in features like Bebo, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google Talk.

LG GT540

Specification wise the GT540 will have a 320*480 touch screen, accelerometer, 3 MP camera with autofocus, FM radio, MP3 Player and MicroSD support for up to 32GB’s.

Coming in black, white and pink they are scheduled to arrive in stores in April of this year.

This comes not long after the release of the LG GW620 which we are still trying to get our hands on for review. Any company out there who has one, can we have it for review?

Posted by: John McKenzie

HTC Says Windows Mobile and Android both to stay

HTC’s CEO Peter Chou yesterday said, when delivering the company’s Q4 2009 figures, that even with a 30% year on year sales rise caused by the Nexus One they would be sticking with the Windows Mobile Operating System as part of their portfolio.

“We continue to believe both Windows Mobile and Android offer unique experiences to different consumer segments in their respective ecosystems”

This news came on the same day that we posted news of the HTC Diamond 3 and will I’m sure it will prove to be music to WinMo users ears.

Speaking directly about the partnership with the Google Brand Chou said:

“Our partnership with Google on the Nexus One shows our strength in innovation. It’s very good for our brand”

The data released by HTC shows that they shipped a staggering 11.7 million mobile phones in 2009 without breaking it down by phone or by operating system.

Looking back at the history of HTC and seeing how they have developed from a company who manufactured devices only for other company’s / carriers under the name Hong Kong and Taiwan Computer Corp. into a market leader under the brand name HTC (no abbreviation) and their own mobile’s makes for really interesting reading. Have a look at a profile on the company if you have some time.

Posted by: John

Nokia X6 – Comes With(out) Music

For those of you that wanted the Nokia X6 but just found it a little bit out of your price range then this post will come (maybe) as great news.

Nokia have now confirmed that they will be releasing a Pink on White, Black on Black and Yellow on White X6 without the “Comes With Music” subscription.

Excluding the fact that it has no “Comes With Music”, the biggest difference from the original X6 is the size of the internal memory. The Original X6 came with 32GB and the new version comes with just 16GB (massive drop).

Original X6 in the Blue on Black Colour Variant

Not to fret over the memory size though as it’s expected there will be a significant price drop when it’s released later this quarter with the WH-500 headphones instead of the WH-701 headphones that came with the original X6.

This new variant of this Nokia favourite will also feature the new Ovi Maps with free drive and walk voice guided navigation as well as the Michelin and Lonely Planet guides.

Matt has already played with the original X6 so why not have a look at the Unboxing Video before making your mind up

Posted by: John McKenzie

GSmart announces Android device

Being the clever clogs that I am, anyone that caught the Mobiletech Addicts special podcast at the beginning of the year may recall that I predicted that we would see Gigabyte G-Smart release some Android powered devices this year. Well sooner than expected we’ve already seen an announcement from Gigabyte about exactly that! 🙂

The G-Smart Android Phone

The Gigabyte Android smartphone doesn’t have a name yet, but it’s part of the GSmart series – which, until now, included only Windows Mobile devices.

The new handset runs Android 1.6 (!), has a trackball and measures 103 x 54 x 13.4mm

G-Smart android phone specification:

• GSM / GPRS / EDGE connectivity
• 2.8 QVGA touchscreen display
• Trackball
• G-sensor (accelerometer)
• Wi-Fi
• GPS
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• 2MP autofocus camera
• Qualcomm ESM7225 528 MHz CPU
• 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM
• MicroSD card support
• 1500 mAh battery

We’ve reviewed most of G-Smart’s handsets in the past so I hope to be able to get my hands on one of these for review soon too! 🙂

Shame it’s only Android 1.6 though!

Posted by: Matt

HTC Diamond 3 AKA HTC Obsession

wmpoweruser.com have today published the specs of the HTC Obsession. The device is rumoured to be sporting a 3.7 AMOLED screen and will be coming to AT&T and T-Mobile in the USA later this year. Lets hope the UK follows shortly.

HTC

They have also been told that the device may ship as early as June 2010 which would be nice, if true, as it is allegedly going to be released with Windows Mobile 7!

Here’s a quick run down of the believed specs:

• CPU: Qualcomm QSD8250 1GHz
• GSM HSDPA
• Device Size: 112 x 56 x 11.7 mm
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 512MB/512MB
• Internal Storage: 4GB
• External Storage: MicroSD (up to 32GB)
• Screen Size/Type: 3.7-inch capacitive AMOLED “Multitouch Supported”
• Camera: 5.0 Megapixel AF with flash; HD 720p video@ 25fps
• Video Support: Windows Media Video (WMV), MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) H.264, DVR-MS4
• Audio Support: Windows Media Audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC-LC), FairPlay DRM, MP3 (.mp3)
• Battery:  Removable 1230 mAh
• Talk Time: Up to 10 hours
• Standby Time: 240 hours
• Internet Use: 6 hours (3G), 7.5 hours (WiFi)
• Video Playback: 7 hours
• Audio Playback: 24 hours

Sounds pretty sweet doesn’t it? Fingers crossed HTC or Microsoft will have further news at Mobile World Congress next month.

Posted By: James

Microsoft posts Windows Mobile 6.5 SDK by mistake!

This is definitely one of those oops moments! Apparently Microsoft published the Windows Mobile 6.5 SDK (software developers kit) on their site late on Friday.

Windows Mobile developers quickly noticed the SDK and several developers got their hands on it quickly before Microsoft pulled it off the site. The SDK includes several tool, emulator and widgets for Windows Mobile 6.5.3, the next version of the OS, 6.6 is thought to be announced in February at MWC.

On Monday, a spokeswoman with Microsoft’s public relations agency confirmed that it had been posted inadvertently. "While the SDK was not announced or promoted, it was discovered and generated questions from the community," she said. "To provide the best experience possible for Windows phone developers, the SDK will be reposted once final testing has been conducted."

Posted by: Matt

Motorola files case against Blackberry owners, RIM

Motorola has asked US regulators to ban Research in Motion (RIM), the Canadian firm behind the Blackberry, from importing its products into the US.

VS

The phone company claims that the Blackberry maker has been illegally using its wi-fi related technology.

A court case is already pending in the US but Motorola has accused RIM of "delaying tactics".

Motorola has lodged its complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in the hope of a quicker result.

"Motorola has no choice but to file a complaint with the ITC to halt RIM’s continued infringement" said Motorola’s legal representative, Jonathan Meyer.

The ITC typically takes about a month to decide whether to launch an investigation, which takes 12 to 14 months to complete. It can’t award damages but it can stop products from being shipped into the US.

The complaint stems from the two companies failing to renew a cross-licensing agreement.

"These patented technologies are important to Motorola as they allow for more comprehensive connectivity, a better user experience and lower product costs," Motorola said in its statement.

Can you imagine the uproar in the USA if RIM were stopped from importing BlackBerry devices?

Even if it did happen, which I’m sure it wont, I cant see BlackBerry users switching over to Motorola devices, that’s for sure.

Comments on the forum please.

Posted by: James

Sony Ericsson Vivaz announced

Sony Ericsson VivazT, announced today, follows on from the Xperia X10 announced in November 2009, and is the second phone in the new family of communication entertainment phones coming to market in the first half of 2010. Sony Ericsson VivazT will come to market in Q1 2010.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz

With Sony Ericsson VivazT communication truly becomes entertainment with high quality HD video allowing consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features.

Capture – record spontaneous moments and memories in HD quality and crisp high resolution for a real-life video experience. The dedicated video key allows consumers to shoot video instantly with continuous auto focus for the perfect film every time.

View – review video content in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen

Share – upload via Wi-Fi onto YouTubeT and Picasa in high resolution while still using other features on the handset

The open platform also allows users to personalise their entertainment experience by downloading great applications through PlayNowT and the SymbianT Developer Community.

“User-generated content, especially video, is exploding on the web,” said Lennard Hoornik, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. “With Sony Ericsson VivazT, we have created a mobile phone that makes it easy to catch life in high quality video and upload that self expression onto the web to share with the world. Sony Ericsson VivazT offers beauty inside and out with an open and intuitive user experience allowing consumers to capture, view and share their lives and spontaneity in HD quality.”

Sony Ericsson VivazT features the new design philosophy ‘human curvature’, first introduced with the Xperia X10, which will become a consistent feature of Sony Ericsson’s portfolio going forward. Designed to mirror the shape of the human body, and at the same time delivering a precise and compelling phone interaction, Sony Ericsson VivazT is instantly recognisable.

Sony Ericsson VivazT

· HD video – produce and broadcast your best experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features

· Social networking – easy access to social networks such as FacebookT and Twitter

· 8.1 megapixel camera – capture life’s moments in high quality

· Face and smile detection – a perfect picture every time

· Sony Ericsson Media Player

Sony Ericsson VivazT supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100 and EDGE 850/900/1800/1900.

Sony Ericsson VivazT will be available in selected markets from Q1 in the colours Moon Silver, Cosmic Black, Galaxy Blue and Venus Ruby.

Looks pretty sweet to me! We will be itching to get a review device as soon as we can.

Head on over to the Sony Ericsson website for a few more details and a short video.

Posted by: James

HTC Espresso

The HTC Espresso is one of those devices that is a bit of a mystery at the moment but is expected to be officially announced by HTC at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month.

Although specs for the device are not confirmed we believe it will be be an Android handset possibly with a QWERTY keyboard. What we have seen this week though is the UI and it looks pretty special.

mobilementalism.com have this week posted some photos of the Espresso ROM running on a HTC G1.

HTC Espresso ROM on HTC G1

As you can see above, this new UI, that will sit on top of Android 2.1, has moved on from the “Sense” UI that was seen on the HTC Hero and then on the HD2. It’s more like TouchFlo 3D than Sense if you ask me.

HTC Espresso Menu

The menu also has been reworked with each icon sitting in a nice transparent square. Plus there are a few new icons such as “IM” and “HTC News”. I am pretty sure they were not on the Hero or HD2. It certainly looks nice but as we all know, things are quite prone to changing before an official release so we will have to wait and see how close these images are to the final product.

Posted by: James