Samsung SGH-U700 "European Mobile Phone 2007-2008"

Samsung Electronics is proud to announce that the SGH-U700, the slimmest HSDPA mobile phone, has been awarded the ‘European Mobile Phone 2007-2008’ by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The award recognizes excellence in handset design and technology innovation.

Ultra Edition 12.1 SGH-U700 – A stylish HSDPA slider
As a distinguished mobile phone from the Samsung Ultra Edition II lineup, which combines stylish designs with the latest multimedia features, Samsung’s SGH-U700 offers the most advanced up-to-date multimedia technologies with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) at 3.6 Mbps. The U700 also supports video telephony functionality to enhance multimedia features.

The appealing design of Samsung’s Ultra Edition 12.1 (U700) includes a unique and stylish interface for ultimate usability. It also comes with a 3.2-megapixel camera in an ultra slim profile and boasting a 2.2” wide TFT LCD wide screen.

Source : www.3g.co.uk

HTC launches 3G HSDPA TyTN II

HTC Corp unveiled the HTC TyTN II. HTC TyTN II will be launched in partnership with leading operator partners across Europe, as well as direct under the HTC brand, and builds on the success of the award-winning first HTC TyTN (June 2006). Featuring global high speed HSDPA connectivity, in-built GPS for personal navigation and an innovative adjustable screen angle, this device is the ultimate mobile companion.

Source : www.3g.co.uk

BlackBerry Curve 8310 with built-in GPS

Vodafone UK and Research In Motion (RIM) announced the BlackBerry Curve8310 with built-in GPS*. The new smartphone includes Vodafone Sat Nav, a powerful and user friendly navigation application.

The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is a powerful and intuitive smartphone, making it easier for busy people on the move to make calls, email, surf the net, take and send photographs, listen to music, watch videos, and access their organiser, calendar and a range of business and leisure applications. Combining its built-in GPS functionality with Vodafone Sat Nav, the BlackBerry Curve 8310 becomes a powerful all-in-one navigation system packed into a very small and stylish design.

Vodafone Sat Nav, powered by Telmap, helps customers avoid getting stuck in traffic jams with instant access to live traffic alerts; and provides weather updates and a host of other useful information such as restaurant reviews. Customers also can be reassured that they have the most up-to-date maps and directions on their smartphone, as it quickly retrieves information over the Vodafone network refreshing maps every three months.

"With the addition of Vodafone Sat Nav to the popular BlackBerry Curve, we're offering all our customers a feature packed device at a great price, helping them make the most of their working day, wherever they are." comments Kyle Whitehill, Director of the Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone UK

"Vodafone's customers in the UK will benefit greatly from the many features of this new smartphone, including email, multimedia, GPS and more," said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA at RIM. "The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is an ideal tool for users who want to stay connected while juggling their busy work and personal lives."

Customers who purchase the new BlackBerry Curve 8310 will have an exclusive opportunity to enter a draw to win the ride of a lifetime in a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the wheel. In addition the winner will also take a tour the McLaren Technology Centre and be given their own race suit and helmet.

The new BlackBerry Curve 8310 is packed with distinctive BlackBerry smartphone functionality, including comprehensive email capabilities, fast web browsing, and premium phone features, as well as consumer-friendly features such as a built-in 2 megapixel camera, media player and a powerful desktop software suite for managing multimedia content. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles through a wide range of applications, from currency converters and expense managers to fitness guides and games. Vodafone customers can also customise the home menu in order to have easy access to the applications they use most.

Sony Ericsson W910i 3G Phone

Get the full review here.

Diamond-Encrusted, Solid 24k Gold Hearing Aid? Say What?

s if we weren't sick and tired enough of the whole diamond-encrusted solid gold bling craze that's going on right now, this Widex diamond-encrusted solid 24-carat gold hearing aid beats all, giving new meaning to the term "golden ears." You know, we don't even like to use the word "bling." Shit, now we've used it again. Anyway, apparently the proprietors of such a product optimistically hope that hearing-impaired people can be deaf and literally dumb, too. Look at it, festooned with 220 diamonds to be worn by pathetic, cash-soaked and deaf fops with more money than brains. All that's left is to quote the price that some damnfool sucker will pay for this over-the-top golden hearing aid and its controller. It's £25,000, or $49,590 if there are any Americans stupid enough to bite. Please, no. Don't.

Source : gizmodo.com

Plantronics Calisto Pro Can Do Skype, Landline and Cellphone

This Plantronics Calisto Pro set takes your standard Bluetooth headset and adds in landline and Skype dialing, which means you get the big three (Skype, home, cell) all in one dorky-looking device. The base station has a USB connector to hook into your PC for Skype and Yahoo calls, a DECT 6.0 handset to handle landline calls, and the headset to connect to both these plus a cellphone. The price for all this convenience while you work at home in your underpants? $279 starting September.

Source : gizmodo.com

Google's mobile phone in two weeks? Not likely

According to reports out of India, Google is currently in talks with country's first and third largest telecos, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Essar, concerning everyone's favorite mobile rumor: the Google Phone. Based on information coming from Rediff's India Abroad, an exclusive launch -- happening in a highly questionable two weeks -- is being discussed between the companies, and would tie into a simultaneous debut of the Gphone in both the US and Europe, coupled with announcements in India and other parts of the world. The only hurdle, they say, is approval from regulatory agencies (such as the FCC, we would assume). The report goes on to suggest that Google has plans to invest $7-8 billion in its telephony plot, though there has been practically zero confirmation from the company. When asked about the possibility of the Google mobile phone making an appearance soon, a spokesperson for the search-portal-giant said, "We don't comment on market rumour or speculation. However, Google is committed to providing users with access to the world's information, and mobile becomes more important to those efforts every day." So, while you can never, truly rule out a sudden showing of the Gphone, definitely don't go banking on it either.

Source : www.engadget.com

iPhone's latest update improving WiFi and camera?

Despite the fact that we had a bit of trouble with the latest iPhone update, some users are reporting drastically improved WiFi reception and camera performance since installing v1.0.2. Although Apple didn't exactly go into detail about what "bug fixes" were being addressed, a number of posters on various forums are apparently thrilled with the boost in WiFi reception and the "vast improvement in the camera's live video update." Of course, it's very possible that these betterments are simply due to differing circumstances in use before and after the update, so we'll leave it up you: have you noticed any drastic meliorations since the update, or is this stuff just all in our head?

Source : www.engadget.com

Nokia and Matsushita agree on defective battery costs

Sorry, if you came here looking for actual numbers, there aren't any. However, Nokia did announce that Matsushita Battery will be left holding the bag for all "direct costs" related to the overheating Nokia-branded batteries produced by the Japanese manufacturer. Specifically, that includes "logistics costs, call center costs, and replacement battery costs" among others. Notably absent: legal costs.

Source : www.engadget.com

Nokia N95 Voted European Media Phone 2007-2008

Nokia announced the Nokia N95 multimedia computer has been voted 'the European Media Phone of the Year 2007-2008' by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), Europe's leading association for consumer electronics.

Commenting on the award, EISA praised the Nokia N95 as containing "practically every feature one could imagine in a mobile device." Additionally, the award citation of the EISA jury goes on to say: "It's no mere mobile phone and no mere status symbol. Pick up a Nokia N95 and you hold in your hands a state-of-the-art communication tool - the ideal way to remain permanently in touch and on track with the world that surrounds you. "

The judging panel cited Nokia N95 features such as GPS, 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and MPEG4 video capture of up to 30 fps. EISA also highlighted the device's data access of up to 3.5 Mb/s, advanced web browser, Wi-Fi, microSD slot, and audio reproduction of multiple audio formats.

"The Nokia N95 has evidently raised the bar for mobile devices and we are thrilled to receive this accolade from consumer electronics magazines across Europe," said Jonas Geust, head of Nokia Nseries Players Category, Multimedia, Nokia. "This award is an endorsement of the strategy behind Nokia Nseries - to bring to people's hands high performance multimedia computers which make digital convergence a reality."

EISA is a consumer technology awards association, and comprises of nearly 50 prominent Photo, Video, Audio, Home Theater and Mobile Electronics magazines from 18 European countries.

Source : www.3g.co.uk

Thinnest 3G Folder Phone Currently Available in the U.S.

Helio’s portfolio of innovative mobile devices just got thinner with the introduction of Fin by Samsung, the thinnest folder currently available in the U.S.

True to Helio form, Fin’s ultra thin blue-black magnesium body comes packed with Helio’s full line-up of 3G content and services, including MySpace on Helio, GPS-enabled Google Maps™ for mobile, YouTube™, HelioUP for instant upload of photos and video to YouTube™, Flickr and other destinations, plus Helio’s messaging suite which combines Instant Messages, text messages, picture messages and emails in one ultimate inbox.

With Fin, Helio also debuts Garmin Mobile™ for GPS-enabled voice-guided navigation and the addition of customizable RSS feeds to H.O.T. (Helio On Top), letting members sign up for updates on news and information they want delivered to their device home screen, no clicks required.

"Our last device was proof of what Helio is capable of, but we're not resting on our laurels," said Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio. "Less than 90 days later, we're launching the thinnest folders available today in the U.S. Fin is smart, fast and powerful, but thin enough to slip into your pocket without a crease."

Check out its features at www.helio.com

Source : www.3g.co.uk

Nortel Teams With Leading Universities to Drive 4G Mobile Broadband

Nortel is teaming up with leading universities across the globe to develop new innovations that will help meet the growing demand for 4G mobile broadband applications like video, mobile TV and other multimedia services.

Nortel´s collaborative research with universities supports the new era of communications that is characterized by Hyperconnectivity, where everything that can be connected will be connected - encompassing person-to-person communication, person-to-machine and machine-to-machine.

To increase its competitive advantage and foster new 4G mobile broadband technologies, Nortel has expanded its existing long-standing research partnerships with leading universities like the University of Waterloo in Canada, The University of Texas at Austin in the U.S., and National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taiwan. Nortel has also formed new partnerships with Mera Networks in Russia and Technische Universitaet Ilmenau in Germany. Nortel´s investigations with these universities are designed to improve spectral efficiency, and decrease time to market for Nortel´s 4G mobile broadband solutions, which include Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) cellular standards.

"Through these university partnerships Nortel is sharing knowledge and expertise critical to identifying new disruptive technologies that help improve spectrum efficiencies and cost advantages that our service provider customers need," said John Hoadley, leader, 4G Business and Ecosystem Development, Carrier Networks, Nortel. "Nortel is also laying the foundation for a future hyperconnected communication experience, where the number of devices and applications connected to the network will be greater than the number of people using the network."

Nortel is expanding its existing relationship with the University of Waterloo which was announced in 2006 with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nortel is working closely with the Coding and Signal Transmission (CST) group of the University of Waterloo to increase the capacity of the future wireless networks through advanced multi-user transmission techniques. As part of its expanded partnership, Nortel is utilizing Waterloo´s on-campus research facilities to allow students and faculty to test and develop next-generation wireless technologies.

As an affiliate sponsor of The University of Texas at Austin´s Wireless Networking and Communications Group (WNCG), Nortel has been working with the university on the development of advanced 4G mobile broadband technologies, including MIMO-OFDM. MIMO and related advanced antenna technologies will help improve the spectral efficiency, network coverage and capacity of cellular base stations. This empowers service providers to deliver higher speed data applications including mobile video, gaming and other high-speed data transfers. Nortel and UT also have plans to work on advanced multi-user MIMO technologies and relay links to extend the coverage of cellular base stations. The goal is to enable a "true broadband" 4G experience everywhere by blanketing an area with small, relay access nodes, rather than costly base stations, to ensure high-speed, high-bandwidth capabilities.

Nortel announced collaboration with the Graduate Institute of Business Administration and the Electrical Engineering department of NTU on a WiMAX broadband service trial in 2006. The Nortel team is currently working with researchers at NTU on WiMAX proof of concept activities and interoperability testing geared at ensuring an end-to-end ecosystem is in place to support the widespread adoption of WiMAX. The work done with NTU will help to deliver enhanced capabilities over 4G WiMAX such as multimedia video conferencing with voice, video and IM, and location-based applications.

Nortel is also working with Mera Networks, the largest Russian Telecom R&D services provider and Technische Universitaet Ilmenau in Germany to develop advanced combinations of spatial processing and MIMO technologies. These advanced wireless radio techniques will improve network performance and increase capacity by re-using spectrum resources by as much as 4x over conventional systems. This will help improve the end user mobile broadband experience and allow carriers to deliver more high-speed data, including video and other multimedia services, more efficiently.

Nortel invests in approximately 50 technology innovation initiatives with more than 20 major universities and research consortia around the world to help fuel a new era of communications where all things and information are connected to an intelligent, pervasive mobile broadband network.

Source : www.3g.co.uk

Trax 3G Music Phone for A&T

The new ultrathin trax clamshell-shaped mobile handset from LG Electronics MobileComm USA has been introduced by US communications holding company AT&T Inc.

Read more about Trax 3G Music Phone here

New 3G Sony Ericsson K770 Cyber-shot Phone

Sony Ericsson’s new K770 Cyber-shot phone, announced today, is a digital camera, a photo album and an elegant phone all in-one. Still a phone first and foremost, it allows you to send and share your photos as soon as you’ve taken them.

Read More about Sony Ericsson K770 here

Apple Unveils new iMac

The all-new, all-in-one iMac packs a complete, high-performance computer into a beautifully thin design. Available in 20- and 24-inch widescreen models, it includes built-in wireless, Mac OS X, and the new iLife ’08. So within minutes of opening the box, you’ll be doing everything from sharing photos to creating movies to building websites.

Source:- Apple Computers

In case you're wondering, yes, someone got fired for this

Read more from Steve Jobs Diary

World's Slimmest 3G W-CDMA Clamshell Handset

ASIA Japan : NEC announced the launch of the world's slimmest W-CDMA clamshell handset featuring 3G international roaming, on the Japanese market. NTT DoCoMo, Inc introduced the new N704iμ, successor of N703iμ *2, to the market on July 20, 2007.

Realized by NEC's cutting-edge technology, the W-CDMA clamshell handset featuring 3G international roaming is super slim, extra lightweight, weighs a mere 90g, and is only 11.4 mm deep when folded. Despite boasting the world's slimmest body, the phone simultaneously achieves almost one full month of battery life, one of the longest-lasting batteries in the 3G FOMA handset range, making this phone ideal for the regular foreign traveler.

In order to attract new product innovators and users seeking only the most stylish, yet highly functional model, the new handsets adopt a completely unique design, which enables bright and colorful LED display of graphics, letters, and original designs on the top casing of the handset, alerting the user of new calls and messages by an original LED signal. The phone also features a special coating that creates stereoscopic patterns on the flat surface of the handset casing.

The new handsets are based on NEC Electronics' highly-integrated "Medity M1" system LSI chip, and ultra-thin speakers and other small devices from NEC's research laboratories, which were integrated by NEC's proprietary ultra-thin surface mounting technologies.

Source:- www.3g.co.uk

Samsung Announced First GSM 5 Megapixel Camera Phone for Europe

Samsung Electronics announced a sleek new camera phone, the Samsung G600. Housed in a fashionable black two-toned slider shell and equipped with a 5 mega-pixel camera, the Samsung G600 is a fusion of design, photography and the ultimate in phone functionality.


A design icon and high performance camera in one, the Samsung G600 is the latest member of Samsung’s range of handsets and is made to capture quality pictures of priceless moments. At work or at play, consumers can now get creative with various modes such as panoramic or mosaic settings and enjoy the quality of built-in Power LED flash, image stabiliser and image enhancer. No matter where it’s being used, for phone or camera, the Samsung G600 guarantees to make users look and feel great.


Yangkyu Kim, Vice President of Sales Team for Europe and CIS market said “The Samsung G600 is more than a style icon, it comes with a built-in 5 megapixel camera that will help people capture and store their favourite moments. Since the market demand of 5 megapixel camera phone is expected to grow significantly in this year and next few years, we are aiming to capture these market needs starting with G600.”


For a better viewing experience, the Samsung G600 incorporates a 2.2” LCD with 16 million colours, a 5 mega-pixel multi-function imaging system and full Bluetooth v.2 connectivity. This will enable people to view larger pictures and graphics and helps users read text or Web pages in full. What’s more, these features are bundled into a tiny 102 mm by 47.8 mm by 14.9 mm frame.


The Samsung G600 is also equipped with a host of multimedia features designed for those on the go. Music lovers will enjoy the embedded MP3 player, which can be customised to individual tastes and preferences. With improved internet browsing, users will benefit from NetFront Browser v.3.4, which provides PC-like browser capabilities on your mobile.


Samsung has proven camera phone leadership with the launch of series of industry’s first camera phones including the 5 megapixel camera phone (SCH-S250) in 2004, 7 megapixel camera phone (SCH-V770) in 2005, and finally 10 megapixel camera phone (SCH-B600) in 2006 for Korean domestic market.


The Samsung G600 will be available in the major European market from August 2007.

Source :- www.3g.co.uk

BlackBerry Curve Review

The BlackBerry has thrived solely on its slick mobile email and messaging capabilities. But as its latest model, the Curve, suggests, it’s time to embrace the mobile multimedia world it has so far neglected.

Get the full review, photos right here - BlackBerry Curve

New A-GPS Service for Nokia N95 3G Phone

Europe his Assisted GPS (A-GPS) service helps Nokia Maps users find their current locations faster and get to their desired locations quicker using their Nokia mobile device with built-in GPS.

Nokia intends to equip all of its future devices that have built-in GPS with this service. The first devices to use this service are the Nokia 6110 Navigator, which has begun shipping in select markets, and the most recent software release of the Nokia N95 multimedia computer.

Current owners of the Nokia N95 can take advantage of this free* service by using the Nokia Software Updater. http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate This will update the firmware on the device to the latest version.

This service has the ability to reduce the time a connected mobile device with built in GPS needs to find its current position, known as time to first fix (TTFF) for most geographical locations worldwide. The reduced fix times can increase and improve the usability for all Nokia location-based experiences.

"By decreasing the time wasted while you wait for a first fix, we are increasing the enjoyment that Nokia Maps provides," says Ralph Eric Kunz, vice-president, multimedia experiences, Nokia. "Consumers now have the comfort of quick fix times which create a better navigation experience when using Nokia Maps."

The service operates in tandem with a technical framework that allows third parties, such as service providers, to provide their own regional A-GPS services, making fix times even faster in certain areas- to the benefit of their subscribers.

The Nokia Software Updater is a free PC application that enables people to update the device software on compatible Nokia devices. The Nokia Software Updater is available in almost 40 different languages. The link to Nokia Software Updater is also available in the most recent versions of Nokia PC Suite software. Nokia Software updater has been used over two million times to update Nokia devices since it was introduced almost one year ago.

* Assisted GPS (A-GPS) service uses the data network, data fees vary, to check the cost of data transfer services, contact your service provider

Source:- www.3g.co.uk

Sony Ericsson and Orange Reveal Next Phase of their Music Partnership

Sony Ericsson and Orange announce the extension of their hugely successful music partnership, which has seen Orange sell over two million Sony Ericsson Walkman handsets which feature the Orange full track music download service, Orange Music Store, in just over 12 months. The partnership has made Orange the leading provider of Walkman phones across its nine European markets.

The Sony Ericsson Walkman handsets are part of Orange's successful Signature Series, which gives customers one click access to Orange Music Store. Orange users of Sony Ericsson Walkman® handsets consume 50% more music than average music phone customers.

This next phase of the partnership brings about the creation of a range of local music marketing campaigns including the sponsorship of a unique TV, online and mobile content deal, mobileAct Unsigned™. Orange expects to exceed three million Walkman music device sales by end of 2007 and will launch the W660i, W910i and W580i ( inset ) Walkman handsets, which are compatible with its high speed mobile networks (3G, EDGE or HSDPA).

mobileAct Unsigned™ was successfully piloted in Switzerland in 2006 and launches in the UK with Channel 4 in October accompanied by a web site www.mobileact.co.uk. A Swiss launch will follow shortly after with further launches, in France and across the rest of Orange's European footprint, being considered.

The partnership will generate interest in the new Walkman handsets available through Orange and provide exclusive content to drive mobile music uptake. mobileAct Unsigned™ content will be available across the three platforms of TV, online and mobile and a range of local activities such as artist sponsorship and joint advertising campaigns will also take place across Orange's nine European markets.

In the UK, mobileAct Unsigned™ is the first series to appear on both of Channel 4's flagship zones, T4 and 4music. It aims to unearth real talent - young bands that write and perform their own music. The search will be led by a panel of well-known, credible artists and music mentors. The UK winners will be signed to an album deal with a major record label.

Orange and Sony Ericsson began an integrated marketing partnership in March 2006 with a joint nine-month European sponsorship deal with Sony BMG artist Christina Aguilera. The deal gave Orange customers access to exclusive mobile music content, such as track downloads, via the Orange World portal. In France Orange experienced a 300% increase in downloads on Walkman® handsets following the partnership and in the UK the Walkman® W850, W810 and W880 handset have been the top three performers for download numbers.

"Sony Ericsson is extremely excited to be teaming up with Orange to sponsor mobileAct Unsigned™. By working with operator partners to provide users with exciting multimedia content, we bring to life the applications on our phones and encourage people to get the best experience from their phone," said Hervé Fontaine, Vice President, Orange Global Customer Unit, Sony Ericsson,. "With today's announcement Sony Ericsson and Orange have moved beyond just music to offer a highly integrated triple play content package."

Yves Maitre, Senior Vice President of Devices at Orange said "Music is at the heart of Orange's entertainment strategy. Orange has anticipated the fast growth of the music market providing a diverse portfolio of music devices across all segments. Working in close partnership with Sony Ericsson we have together delivered the largest and most successful integrated programme in the industry and anticipate similar success thoughout this year with these Walkman devices and the hugely exciting mobileAct campaign".

Source:- www.3g.co.uk

Nokia N95 and Apple iPhone Raise the Bar for Mobile Multimedia

Strategy Analytics has conducted the first end user evaluation of the much heralded iPhone with its panel of multimedia buyers in Boston, MA.

The latest Wireless Device Laboratory report, "Nokia N95 and Apple iPhone Set New Standards for Multimedia Devices," reveals that although the iPhone has the wow factor and outperforms all other multimedia devices tested, the Nokia N95 likewise provides exceptional multimedia performance in a mobile form.

Paul Brown, Senior Analyst in the User Experience Practice, comments, "The iPhone has raised the bar in terms of navigation, menu logic and overall multimedia consumption experience. Thus, the iPhone generally lives up to its hype!" Brown adds "The Nokia N95 also offers an exceptional multimedia experience with better features than the iPhone, but it suffers from Nokia's traditional lack of industrial design expertise and weak brand image in the US."

David Kerr, Vice President of Strategy Analytics, notes "The iPhone certainly wins on the style/design and wow factor but has notable weaknesses in the telephony icons and second level menu icon clarity."

Kerr adds that key questions remain on the iPhone:
* Can the virtual keypad win over SMS activists?
* Is the lack of video capture a significant factor?
* Does the limited 2 Megapixel camera and lack of image refinement, manipulation tools (zoom, autofocus etc) represent a significant deficit?

About Strategy Analytics:
Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA, and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies.

Source:- www.3g.co.uk