News

Sony Ericsson announce two new handsets

At a press conference at MWC last night Sony Ericsson announces their latest handset, the W995 from the Walkman range and a new handset concept under the name of "Idou" which promises to merge the best of Cyber-shot and Walkman technology in to one fully-featured handset.

Full information can be found in the press releases below:

Sony Ericsson today unveiled the next step in its evolution. The Entertainment Unlimited consumer proposition is the pinnacle of what the company has been working towards since the start of the joint venture in 2001 – the true fusion of communication and entertainment.

Bringing together rich content, unique applications and best in class entertainment experiences, the new consumer proposition is based around three key promises:

1. Uniting best in class entertainment experiences into one offering such as the Walkman™ music experience, the Cyber-shot imaging experience, Java gaming and messaging integrated with services and applications.

2. Broadening entertainment experiences by seamlessly integrating the mobile phone into other devices in the home letting consumers share and enjoy top quality entertainment content through a variety of channels including TV, PC and Hifi systems.

3. Fusing communication with entertainment by removing barriers and offering unlimited sharing opportunities, multiplying the value of people’s entertainment experiences through a host of innovative web applications and Sony Ericsson’s unique Play Now offering.

Sony Ericsson is unveiling the W995 Walkman™ phone at Mobile World Congress offering the most complete communication entertainment package to date. The launch of this phone exemplifies the excellence that Sony Ericsson has achieved in both the music and imaging categories and enables the evolution into Entertainment Unlimited. The company is also showing a mobile phone under the concept name Idou* giving a glimpse of one of a number of projects that will be launched this year under the umbrella of Entertainment Unlimited.

“Entertainment Unlimited lets us reinforce our position as THE communication entertainment brand,” said Lennard Hoornik Head of Global Marketing and Vice President at Sony Ericsson. “Everything that we have done to date has brought us to this point – we created the music phone category in 2005 selling over 100 million Walkman™ phones and we are now ready to unveil the next chapter in the evolution of the company – Entertainment Unlimited – giving consumers unlimited opportunities to share their entertainment experiences.”

Idou encapsulates the future of mobile entertainment in the palm of your hand delivering visual communication like never before.

Capture moments, talk through pictures and share all your experiences like never before with the 12.1 megapixel camera, intuitive touch features and Xenon flash. Tap directly into your favourite videos and tracks with the full-touch media menu and feast your eyes on movies, TV-series and video clips in true 16:9 widescreen format. Based on what will become the Symbian Foundation operating system, thousands of applications are available online letting you install new applications and download exciting content from PlayNow™ to make the Idou truly yours.

Dick Komiyama, President, Sony Ericsson said, "Entertainment Unlimited is at the core of Sony Ericsson’s philosophy, building on the strength of our great entertainment assets such as Walkman and Cyber-shot phones and our unique service and applications integration.  Many of the strategic initiatives we’ve announced in the past year have laid the internal framework to launch this new consumer proposition to the market and Sony Ericsson is now ready to drive the next wave of market development with Entertainment Unlimited."

Keep amused like never before on one powerful video mobile phone; watch news, TV shows or blockbusters in premium video quality or check out the latest videos from YouTube™ using Turbo 3G or Wi-Fi™. Complete with an 8.1megapixel camera and Walkman™ player, with clear audio experience, the W995 Walkman™ is the ultimate mobile phone to keep you entertained when on the bus, lunch break or waiting for a train.

With Media Go™ it’s easy to bring your media with you. This unique Sony application makes its worldwide debut on the W995 Walkman™ and lets you effortlessly and automatically transfer any audio, photos and videos between your phone and computer. You can even find podcasts with exciting content easily from the directory – just two clicks and you’re away, and watch the action in all its glory on the bright clear 2.6” screen.”

“With Media Go™ there’s no need to worry about format, resolution and ‘frame per second’ anymore.” said Alexandre Cardon, Global Marketing Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. “No longer will the video you transferred from your PC to your phone play in low resolution or bad quality. With Media Go™ and the W995 the experience is as good on your phone as it was on your PC.”

“The W995 Walkman™ phone brings together the very best music experiences of any phone, augments this with best in class video and sharing capabilities to offer the most complete communication entertainment package to date.” said Alexandre Cardon. “This powerful mobile phone delivers the best possible video resolution that can fit in your pocket and with enough battery stamina to watch two full length feature films. The W995 also comes complete with the award winning clear audio experience and an 8.1 megapixel camera for the highest quality picture and sound available in a mobile phone.”

More news as we get it.

Posted by: Matt

Samsung Omnia HD at MWC

Our Barcelona correspondent, Jonathan from Clove Technology has barely arrived in Spain, and not even got to the even when he’s already scooped some info.

Looks like Samsung are due to release a fantastic update to their popular Omnia, the Omnia HD. Looks a bit like the Touch HD though doesn’t it? If you are a Windows Mobile fan though, there’s some bad news, the Omnia HD will be a Symbian powered device! 🙁

So we have arrived in the beautiful city of Barcelona, and even before MWC has started there is already indications locally of what is going on. Strolling down La Rambla we couldn’t help but notice this huge advertisement from Samsung:

With a very similar feel to the rumoured Samsung Acme i8910, it seems Samsung have officially branded it the Omnia HD. The specification is still to be confirmed but we should have more information in the next couple of days.

Posted by: Matt

Samsung C6625 Slips Past Us Quietly

Expansys has started accepting pre-orders for the Samsung C6625 even though the South Korean company have yet to officially announce the new Windows Mobile 6.1-powered smartphone.

Samsung C6625

At £249.99 this QWERTY keyboard equipped smartphone will be Triband GSM and have WCDMA and HSDPA connectivity.

Samsung C6625 Specifications:

• 113.6 x 63 x 11.6 mm
• 107.7g
• Battery: Talk Time: 420 mins – Standby Time: 300 hrs – Capacity: 1300 mAh
• 320 x 240 pixels/2.6 inch
• GSM: 900/1800/1900 (Tri-Band)
• WCDMA: 2100 (Single-Band)
• HSDPA (3.6Mbps)
• 2 mega-pixels – 4 x Digital Zoom
• 25fps Video Recording (QVGA)
• Supported formats: MP4, 3GP, H.264 & WMV
• Video Streaming
• Supported formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+ & WMA
• FM Stereo Radio (RDS)
• Windows Media Player Sync
• SMS
• MMS (with video)
• E-mail (POP3, SMTP, IMAP4, MS Exchange)
• Instant Messaging (MSN)
• Memory: 100MB (internal) – microSDHC (external)
• Bluetooth (2.0)
• GPRS Class 32
• HSDPA (3.6 Mbits)
• AGPS
• Remote Lock
• Device and memory card encryption
• Remote Wipe

Admittedly not the best looking or best spec phone on the market but the price will definitely grab the attention of some people.

GIGA-BYTE to launch range of new devices in 2009

Mobile World Congress may well be a week away but already manufacturers are sending out press releases and teasers for new products. GIGA-BYTE is one of the companies to start sending out information about their new GSmart products which will be among the first to include the new version of Windows Mobile – WM6.5.

Mobile World Congress is the biggest annual event of mobile industry; it is also the stage for mobile suppliers to showcase their hard works of the year. Every year, GIGA-BYTE Communications (GBC) will attend the tradeshow and introduce something special to the public, such as the world’s first DVB-T PDA phone – t600, and the world’s first 3.5G DVB-T GPS PDA phone – MS808 that introduced by GBC last year. This year, GBC is also well prepared and will introduce several devices under three major categories: Multimedia, Business and Style.

Multimedia – Entertainment and Quality Life

As the high quality camera PDA phone becomes the trend of the market, GBC will introduce two models under the multimedia series that fulfill the market demand, one will be the MS820 which showcased briefly last year, but has more complete view this year; there will also be another new model with higher specifications. Furthermore, continuing the specialty of GBC, multimedia PDA phone with DVB-T and/or DVB-H will still be one of the focuses at GBC booth this year.

Business – Efficiency and Security

On the other hand, GBC will introduce something very different to what they have before, which will be introduced under the Business categories, and are having more functions to ensure the business operation runs smoother and more secure.

Style – Stylish Design and Great Performance

Finally, the device shown on GBC’s MWC invitation card – GSmart S1200 is under the category of Style. S1200 has chic and stylish design with simple round arc shape; supreme slim feature of approximately 1.1cm height. In addition, the device is wrapped by special coated texture to avoid finger prints on the handset. Despite the good design, the device is consisting quality specification. Windows Mobile Professional 6.1 OS (or update to Windows Mobile 6.5); Qualcomm 7200A (528MHz) processor which empowers S1200 with fast and excellent performance and many useful software such as photo view, multimedia center and etc. “Windows phones let customers access the people and information they care about, wherever they are,” said Todd Peters, corporate vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft Corp. “The new GIGA-BYTE GSmart S1200 and MS820 will help people work more efficiently, surf the Web, and enjoy their favourite movies and music, delivering a truly connected experience.”

Moreover, S1200 will be introduced with new user interface that developed solely by GBC – Smart Zone, which endowed S1200 with fashionable appearance, easy utilization and great performance.

Smart Zone interface: the secret weapon of GBC GSmart phone

Smart Zone user interface is the integrated version of Smart Touch user interface. This new user interface is developed under the concept of ‘Core’- that is, imagine the user is the core of the phone; the efficiency is that all programs are able to be reached within one or two easy steps. Integrating from this concept, Smart Zone is said to be the wisest and most efficient user interface on the present market.

“Since established, GBC has always commits to be ‘the World-Class Brand’, and insists that the perfect quality is the most important base of a sustainable branding.” said Dr. Stanley Jenq, the CEO of GBC. “GSmart is willing to become a code word which combines wisdom, international, vitality and elite. We provide the best products to satisfied consumers’ demands in order to handle business life more efficiency with several of mobile entertainment at anytime, everywhere. High speed network connectivity and endless creativity enable GBC to produce the best and most suitable products that offer users to connect the world without any hassle and delay.” continued by Dr. Jenq.

GBC is always committing to be an active participant in the industry to push the technology integration and fulfills the demands of the market.

Posted by: Matt

O2 Announce Laptop Range

There have been quite a few rumours floating around about this but I’ve just heard from O2 and had it confirmed that as of the 27th February you’ll be able to get laptops from O2!

Official confirmation as well as tariff details and specifications can be found in the information below.

On 27 February we’re launching a range of three Samsung laptops when customers take out mobile broadband. Customers taking out a laptop will get after sale service and a two year warranty included.

The packages combine a stylish Samsung laptop with O2 Mobile Broadband and O2 Home Broadband to make one solution to all our customers’ connection needs.

We’ve built our offer around the five issues we think matter to customers the most, and we’ve called them the 5 S’s. They are style, substance, staying power, service and security. Here’s what we’re doing for each:

• Style – Samsung’s laptops combine great design with stylish looks
• Substance – With strong specifications and great performance, they deliver on functionality
• Staying Power – The solid laptop specifications assure customers that their choice of device will meet their computing needs for years to come, not just months
• Service – We’re offering customers expert sales advice to meet their needs. This includes O2 Laptop Support, O2 Assistant software to allow computers to be fixed remotely and award-winning UK based customer service. We’re also offering a 30-day Happiness Guarantee on all laptops and a two-year warranty included.
• Security – McAfee software to help you feel secure online.

There are two separate packages on offer – here’s what customers can get from Friday 27 February.

And here are the laptops – the Samsung NC10 and the Samsung R510.

We’re releasing the Samsung NC10 as our O2 Mini Laptop, while the Samsung R510 will be released in two versions – the O2 Performance Laptop and O2 Multi-Media Laptop. Here are each machine’s specifications:

Posted by: Matt

LG Arena now official

I’ve just got word from LG that their new handset, the LG Arena, will be launched at MWC next week. We can expect more news and images of the handset then but I’ve just got hold of the official pre-release document which you can see below. I’ve also got hold of a high-res image of the handset (click the thumbnail below). Doesn’t that screen shot remind you of something? Similar to TouchFlo on the original HTC Touch no?

The LG Arena

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announces the launch of its new flagship mobile phone for 2009, LG ARENA (LG-KM900). This fully loaded multimedia phone featuring LG’s new and innovative 3D user interface (UI), will be unveiled for the first time at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

LG ARENA’s groundbreaking 3D UI is specifically designed to be a more fun and engaging gateway to delivering an amazing multimedia experience. A cube-based layout provides four customisable home screens for direct access to all features. Accessing music, movies, pictures and more is now easier than ever, with new and intuitive touch-based 3D menus. The rich 3D graphics bring LG ARENA to life with an enhanced look and also makes navigating through the menus even easier.

“The direct and dynamic UI is unlike anything that has featured on a mobile phone before. The rich 3D graphics, touch sensitivity and dynamic multimedia capabilities, make LG ARENA a truly feature loaded multimedia phone,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.

LG ARENA will feature all new audio and video technologies as LG took great lengths to ensure that it delivers an exhilarating multimedia experience, including features enhanced by Dolby and DivX technologies. LG ARENA will also include improved internet connectivity with HSDPA 7.2 networks, Wi-Fi and A-GPS. LG will release further specifications, features and other surprises during a press conference at Mobile World Congress, February 16^th at 2.00pm (CET).

 

Posted by: Matt

Virgin Mobile USA Release Previously Unknown Kyocera X-tc

Virgin USA have placed the new Kyocera X-TC $100.00 handset on their website and if you are like me then you are probably thinking, what is it? The short answer is "I Don’t really know". All I can tell you about this handset is that it is previously unheard of and that it will feature a QWERTY slide.

Kyocera X-TC

Other than the fact that its a QWERTY slider here is what I know.

KYOCERA X-TC SPECIFICATIONS

• 240×320 QVGA display
• 1.3 Megapixel camera
• Bluetooth V2.0
• Web browser
• Built-in media player with dedicated control keys
• microSD slot for sideloading music track

The X-TC also includes MySpace and Facebook applications preloaded for social networkers.

Posted by: John

LG Arena KM900 Appears

LG look to have another phone hiding in a warehouse in the back of beyond named the LG Arena KM900. This soon to be launched phone has a large touchscreen believed to be 240 x 400 resolution, WiFi, Bluetooth and a 5-megapixel camera with the ability to record HD video.

It also has an integrated GPS and an app for navigation, together with LG’s new “innovative S-Class 3D” GUI that looks more than a little iPhone-esque.

Like most of my recent posts this one has slipped by so fast that we weren’t able to grab any other specification details than those listed above but as soon as we have them you will be first to know.

Posted by: John

Samsung Memoir Launching on T-Mobile USA

Samsung and T-Mobile are set to introduce a touch-screen phone equipped with an 8-megapixel camera into the US market. Called the Memoir, the phone is apparently a US version of the Pixon handset announced for Europe and Asia last year and will sport a Xenon flash, 16x digital zoom, in-built GPS and a virtual full-QWERTY keypad.

Samsung Memoir

Samsung Mobile And T-Mobile USA Introduce Best-in-Class 8-Megapixel Camera Phone

Samsung Memoir™ Captures and Shares High-Quality Images With Advanced Features and Touch Screen

DALLAS & BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) and T-Mobile USA, Inc., today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Memoir™, a full touch-screen mobile phone equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and premium multimedia features, placing it among the highest quality imaging phones available in the U.S.

The Memoir, available exclusively from T-Mobile, is designed to look and feel like a customer’s current point-and-shoot digital camera. The built-in 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, 16x digital zoom and five shooting modes empower customers to capture exceptional photos and videos from their phone — whether they’re on the go, on a vacation or just hanging out around the house.

The touch-screen phone, enabled by Samsung’s TouchWiz™ user interface and powered by T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, makes sharing photos easy. Samsung’s new photo widget allows customers to post images taken with the Memoir directly to their favourite online photo sharing source, such as flickr®, Kodak® Gallery, Photobucket and Snapfish.

“With the 8-megapixel Samsung Memoir, T-Mobile customers can capture and share little slices of life in all their vibrant brilliance,” said Denny Marie Post, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “With the ability to share photos at your fingertips, the Memoir helps make those connections more meaningful by their immediacy.”

The Memoir’s full-touch virtual QWERTY keypad and multiple messaging capabilities, including text, multimedia messaging, instant messaging and e-mail, make staying connected quick and easy while on the go. The Memoir is complete with a music and video player and built-in Assisted GPS navigation, which allows customers to utilize location-based services including turn-by-turn directions. For hands-free use, the Memoir features stereo Bluetooth® technology, speakerphone and voice-activated dialling.

“This is the camera phone that will make people want to leave their digital camera at home,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Mobile. “When you combine the Memoir’s imaging capabilities, customisable menus and music player, not only is it a great phone, but the entertainment possibilities are unlimited.”

T-Mobile’s 3G coverage available in select markets. Samsung Memoir also works on T-Mobile’s 2G network. See coverage maps at T-Mobile.com

Model number: SGH-t929

If you think it looks more like a camera than a phone, you’re right, and it was designed that way according to the Samsung release:

"The Memoir, available exclusively from T-Mobile, is designed to look and feel like a customer’s current point-and-shoot digital camera. The built-in 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, 16x digital zoom and five shooting modes empower customers to capture exceptional photos and videos from their phone."

Samsung Memoir

As a phone, the Memoir will feature text, multimedia messaging, instant messaging and e-mail along with a music and video player and assisted GPS navigation. There’s also stereo Bluetooth, speakerphone and voice-activated dialling functionality for hands-free operation.

If the specs match those released for the Pixon, video will be shot 30 fps (720 x 480) and slow motion playback may also be on the cards.

Samsung Memoir

The Memoir (model number SGH-T929) will be available exclusively from T-Mobile and run on the company’s high-speed 3G network (though it will also work on 2G). No official pricing or release dates have surfaced at this stage.

Posted by: John

[source & story]

ACER DX900 is Official

For some time now there has been much publication of the E-TEN Glofiish DX900.  This is due to be one of the first major, dual sim phones to hit the UK market.

To date however there has been no information on the availability.  Today signifies a change to all this.

Acer, who bough Eten late last year have confirmed that the DX900 will be coming to the UK very soon, as early as the end of February.

The Acer DX900

The final price is still to be confirmed but the ACER DX900 is available for pre-order now – check out the DX900 on the Clove Technology site for information.

Acer DX900 specification:

• Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Samsung S3C 6400 533 MHz Processor
• ROM: 256 MB / RAM: 128 MB
• 2.8" VGA (468×640) colour transflective TFT
• HSDPA / UMTS ( 2100 / 1900 / 850 MHz )
• Quad-Band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
• GSM 900/1800/1900
• microSD
• Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
• WiFi 802.11b, 802.11g
• Embedded SiRF Star III chipset
• Built-in 3.0 mega pixels Auto-Focus CMOS camera, up to 2048 x 1536 resolution
• 0.3 mega pixels Fixed-Focus CMOS camera for conference call usage
• Composite TV out support
• Removable 1530 mAh battery
• 106(L) x 60.5 (W) x 17(H) millimetres
• 147 grams (battery included)

Posted by: Matt