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Archive for June, 2009
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
  Back in April, HTC announced their intention to release their newest Smartphone in the form of the HTC Snap. The Snap comes with a functional QWERTY keyboard—something we haven’t seen in HTC models since the days of the T-Mobile Dash. And based on this design, it seems that HTC has given high priority to mobile messaging on this one.
Optimized for Email
Everyone receives a reasonable amount of SPAM in their Emails on a daily basis. In fact, it is likely that the most important messages we actually need come from just four or five people. This is why HTC has included a new feature called Inner Circle in the HTC Snap. This program allows you to prioritize your Emails such that you’ll only be getting the most important ones. With a press of a button, Inner Circle will bring you directly to a special inbox that contains Emails from a pre-selected group of people. Time to say goodbye to junk mail.
Moreover, the HTC Snap will also automatically synchronize your Outlook contacts, tasks, and calendar via the Exchange Server. To ensure real-time delivery of Emails, this Smartphone also has Microsoft’s Direct Push Technology. The HTC Snap also has support for IMAP and POP3 Email accounts. The sizable domed keys of the QWERTY keyboard allows for quicker and easier typing.
Beyond Messaging
Staying in line with the HTC Touch Series, the HTC Snap will also run Windows Mobile (v6.1 on this one). This Smartphone will work with Bluetooth 2.0 and has a 256MB ROM and a 192MB RAM. It comes with a 2-Megapixel camera and a 2.4-inch display screen with a 320 x 240 resolution displaying 65K colours. Other notable features include Wi-Fi capability and GPS support. The HTC Snap is set for release this May and will have a lunch price of around £250.
Tags: HTC-Snap
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Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
 Together with the Toshiba TG01, the Acer F1 is one of the few Smartphones that will feature Qualcomm’s highly rated processor, the Snapdragon. This has sent ripples across techie communities around the world as some believe that the Snapdragon is a game changer in terms of multimedia capabilities. Reports also say that the Acer F1 will also be using the Acer Shell UI 2.0, which was developed in-house, and partner it with Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6.5, the same OS used by the HTC Touch Pro 2. With so much under the hood, let’s take a look at what features the Acer F1 has and see if it’s really going to be able to make use of all these technologically advanced elements.
Advanced Graphics
Aside from the previously discussed features of the Acer F1 that gives it so much potential, another thing worth mentioning is Acer’s intention to integrate the Snapdragon’s technology with ATI graphics to guarantee an unmatched multimedia experience. Because of this, the Acer F1 will be able to play high-definition videos. This means you can now watch your favourite TV shows on the Acer F1 in full hi-def. Not bad, right?
Photos, Video and Music
With a 5-Megapixel camera, the Acer F1 will be able to produce high quality photos. The camera also has an autofocus feature and a built-in LED flash. With camera of this calibre, video capture should also be of similar standards and could be at around 30fps. Aside from an FM radio, the Acer F1 will surely come with a functional music player. However, you’ll need to buy an adaptor if you’d like to plug in your standard headset on the 2.5mm ear jack.
All in all, it seems that the advanced engine of the Acer F1 is going to be put to good use. It is rumoured to have a launch price of around £500 once it is released in September.
Acer F1 Links:
Tags: Acer-F1
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Monday, June 29th, 2009
 Outstanding music playing capabilities, extensive communication features, browsing and email-enabled, multimedia….what more could you possibly want in a mobile phone? If you are on the lookout for a device that offers a broad range of features then the Nokia 5730 XpressMusic might just be the phone for you.
The LG KT770 or the Samsung Omnia HD is a good choice but if your life revolves around music, the Nokia 5730 has considerable edge over the two. Nokia pulled all the stops when it comes to the music playing features of this model. There are music keys but even trendier is the fact that access to music is also voice activated. Audio quality is excellent and battery capacity affords you long hours of listening pleasure.
 The phone is equipped with a “Comes with Music” device which allows unlimited access to the Nokia Store music catalogue. You can download your favorite tunes on your phone as well as your computer. With Nokia Music for PC you can synchronize your mobile playlists and efficiently manage your library. It also has the convenient Rip n’ Go feature which allows you to rip CDs right to your phone.
You can take photos with the phone’s 3.2 megapixel camera equipped with Carl Zeiss lens. The camera has digital zoom and autofocus functions as well as an LED flash so you get good quality images. You can chat, visit social networking sites and send text messages easily with the slide out QWERTY keyboard. This keyboard sports gaming keys as Nokia provided N-Gage capability on this phone so you can play online games with your friends.
Navigation is also covered on this model what with its integrated A-GPS that is pre-loaded with Nokia maps. The 5730 is a quad-band phone and also has support for HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth, EDGE and GPRS among others. The unit is expected to cost around 230 euros once it becomes available for purchase.
Tags: Nokia-5730-XpressMusic
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Monday, June 29th, 2009
The LG GW520 has just been announced and although the company hasn’t yet disclosed a specific release date or price, I’m already looking forward to giving it a try.
There are three things that I definitely like about this device. First, it is social networking focused. Second, I like the entertaining yet also practical Live Square and third, I like the fact that the LG GW520 is also a potentially decent work phone.
The LG GW520 is being pushed as a social networking phone where you get immediate alerts as to the current activities of your online friends. LG claims that the LG GW520, along with the LG GT505, is the first to offer push capability for social networking. Further, you can also update your own pages, share your status, activities and pictures whilst on the move.
The Live Square feature is a clever addition. At the onset, it may seem like a rather indulgent feature but it actually does have a purpose. Live Square allows users to assign animated characters to their contacts which they can access directly on the homescreen. If you need to call, text or interact with someone, all you have to do is push a button. These characters serve to alert you of any incoming calls or messages as well, and since you have dedicated an avatar to each contact, you immediately identify which of your numerous friends is trying to get hold of you.
I also like that the LG GW520 is sufficient for work tasks. Push e-mail is enabled on this phone and to help users keep track of their lives, you can maintain separate accounts for personal and business mail. Other productivity tools include voice memo and did I mention the LG Gw520 comes with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard? The keyboard makes the device look similar to the LG KF900 Prada although I think the GW520 gets more points for style.
LG GW520 Links:
Tags: LG-GW520
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Monday, June 29th, 2009
 T-Mobile UK will soon be offering a new mobile phone with a resistive display and multimedia features. Like other companies, T-Mobile is now tapping into the mobile phone industry in Mainland China as it commissions the Chinese company ZTE to produce the new T-Mobile Vairy Touch. The T-Mobile Vairy Touch would be equipped with a touchscreen interface, but won’t be as expensive as other touchscreen mobile phones.
The Vairy takes flight
Though the T-Mobile Vairy Touch is not a smart phone, it has been equipped with an interface that resembles those of smart phones. Just think of a downgraded Apple iPhone. The T-Mobile Vairy Touch features GSM and GPRS, working with the following frequencies: 900 & 1800. The T-Mobile Vairy Touch has also been equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth™ capabilities and it even has FM radio capability. It appears that the T-Mobile Vairy Touch is imitating the features of older mobile phones as well, such as the Sony Ericsson K750i.
Getting technical
 The T-Mobile Vairy Touch can be used for up to 180 hours when fully charged, and can await your touch with a standby time of 180 hours as well. Other PrePay handsets would soon be offered in the UK, so you’d be able to choose the best mobile phone for you. It should be noted that T-Mobile would be releasing the Mobile Vairy Touch in its PrePay line of phones. T-Mobile would be releasing the T-Mobile Vairy Touch in an effort to raise the bar regarding prepaid phones. People won’t have to settle for low-tech mobile handsets when they want a prepaid mobile phone.
The maker: ZTE
If you’re worried about the manufacturer, don’t. ZTE was said to have been working hard these past few years and would soon emerge as part of the top 5 mobile phone industrialists this 2009. The buzzwords for the synergy between ZTE and T-Mobile are “affordability” and “sophistication”. T-Mobile is currently offering this mobile phone for £59.99.
T-Mobile Vairy Touch Links:
Tags: TMobile-Vairy-Touch
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Sunday, June 28th, 2009
After months of anticipation, T-Mobile has finally decided to release the successor of the well-admired Smartphone that is the T-Mobile MDA Compact IV. Set to hit stores by late May, users just can’t wait for the launch of the T-Mobile MDA Compact V. At such an early point some critics are already claiming that this is T-Mobile’s best Smartphone to date. Let’s see what the telecom giant has in store for us.
Looks a Bit Familiar?
 The sleek and stylish design of the Compact V is accentuated by its 3.2-inch colour display that dominates the front of the Smartphone. If you think that you’ve already seen an exact replica of this mobile before, then you’re actually on to something. The truth is that the Compact V is actually the same as the HTC Touch Diamond2, except for a few minor differences in design.
This means users should expect pretty much the same features as with HTC’s powerful Smartphone. Then again this is not at all a bad thing as the Touch Diamond2 packs in a whole lot of impressive features. Aside from the aptly sized screen that’s able to display an 800 x 400-pixel resolution, the Compact V also comes equipped with top of the line specifications for Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and HSDPA technologies.
A fact worth considering is T-Mobile’s promise of a free upgrade of its operating system once it is released by Microsoft some time this year. The Compact V currently runs with Windows Mobile 6.1 and T-Mobile guarantees that users should be able to update to the 6.5 version without a hitch.
The T-Mobile Touch
Instead of becoming a clone, T-Mobile added its signature own touch to the Touch Diamond2 to make the Compact V stand out. The familiar T-Mobile “sushi bar” navigator in the home screen allows users to access the most important applications with one click. The ever-present custom widgets are also a welcome addition as they also allow quick access to popular social networking websites such as Facebook or MySpace, among other things.
Tags: TM, TMobile-MDA-Compact-V
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Sunday, June 28th, 2009
The long wait is over as the Apple iPhone 3G S was recently launched and iPhone loyalists can expect the phone at stores by June 19. The price is pegged at around £274.
With those price tags, many iPhone users are wondering if it is worth it to upgrade. As I understand it, the iPhone 3G S features three major enhancements – faster performance, longer-lasting battery and a higher capacity camera, 3MP to be exact.
I say purchasing the latest from Apple is worth every pound on account of the multitude of applications incorporated into the device. The three mentioned above are impressive but there are other features that make the iPhone the “It” mobile of the moment. I particularly like the built-in Nike + iPod support so that you can now integrate your workout sessions into your mobile device. Apple iPhone 3G S Links:
The stocks application should be of good use to executives as they can obtain the latest stock market information through the phone. The iPhone 3G S also comes with an “intelligent” keyboard. The landscape view is best for users who prefer more typing room but the great thing about this keyboard is that it adapts to whichever application is currently in use. For instance, when you are using the calendar, the keyboard shows you a time wheel which is more convenient than typing in the dates and times yourself.
A digital compass further enhances the GPS function and should adequately complement the Google Maps application. Additionally, you can use your iPhone 3G S as a modem if it is your preference to surf the Net with your laptop.
These are just some of the exciting features that you can find on this version of the iPhone. I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface, really. I dare say the Palm Pre is in for some tough competition or perhaps we shall see another round of the iPhone versus the Blackberry Storm.
Tags: Apple-iPhone-3G-S
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009
 Set to be launched together with the Sony Ericsson Yari come Q4 of 2009, the new Sony Ericsson Aino will have an estimated launch price of around £300. Although it may come with quite a price tag, most believe that this is actually a bargain for such a promising mobile. Aside from having tons of notable and unique features (i.e. ability to control the PS3 remotely), the Aino also packs in a lot of swagger in its style.
Great Display
The Aino comes with a neat 3-inch colour display, but its WQVGA 432 x 240-pixel resolution may raise some eyebrows. I don’t think we’ve seen such a peculiar choice of display, in terms of pixel count at least, since the Samsung F480 a few years back.
Nonetheless, the picture quality of the 3-inch display borders on terrific and you can still expect to have an excellent video-viewing experience on the Aino.
Limited Touch
 The fact that the front panel of the Sony Ericsson Aino is dominated by the screen—with very little buttons—makes it seem like a full touch device. However, the truth is that the touch function of the Aino is only limited to Media Mode. Sony Ericsson makes use of capacitive technology to make it easier for thumb clicking. The aptly sized icons in the multimedia menu also make the touch functions of the Aino much better.
Button Up
Opening the slider will reveal a cluster of keys and dials that makes the Aino quite a lengthy handset.
Although the End and Call keys may be crammed between a number of soft keys and the C button, they are still sizable enough to locate and press—even without looking. However, pressing on some of the buttons proved to be quite tricky as they were a bit on the stiff side. Nonetheless, Sony Ericsson is sure to make some improvements before they release the handset to the public.
Sony Ericsson Aino Links:
Tags: SonyEricsson-Aino
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009
 Samsung seems to be on a roll these days, coming up with excellent phones during past year or so. After the Samsung Tocco Lite and Omnia HD, here comes yet another potential hit from the Korean mobile giant. The Samsung Pixon 12 boasts of a 12MP snapper. The camera feature alone presents exciting possibilities for mobile phone users.
It’s true that megapixels alone isn’t a guarantee that your device will yield great results but naturally, because this is a Samsung device, the Pixon 12 comes with a host of innovations that ensure you take excellent quality images. First, the camera’s hardware boasts of a 28 millimeter wide-angle lens, impressive Xenon flash and an LED flash.
 The camera also showcases touch auto-focus tracking, Smart Auto mode and face detection technologies. Touch auto-focus allows users to select an area of an image as the focal point. The phone locks into this central area even as you move your device about. Smart Auto tells the phone to adjust settings in accordance with ambient conditions such as background and lighting quality. Detection also includes smile and blink recognition so you don’t have to worry about taking bad portrait photos.
Apart from taking still photos, the Pixon 12 also has video recording functions capturing clips at 30fps. The device is an excellent social networking tool as it allows you to share your pictures with your contacts in Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Friendster and so on.
And in case you were wondering if you’ll be able to get any assistance with work on this mobile, the answer is yes. The Pixon 12 is 3G enabled plus it features a WAP browser for premium Internet surfing. E-mail is also available. There are also productivity tools such as voice memo, voice dial, document viewer and organiser amongst others. If you are excited about getting the Pixon 12, have no fear, the device will be available for purchase this June.
Tags: Samsung-Pixon-12
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Friday, June 26th, 2009
The LG GT505 has been launched and although there aren’t very many details about this model, we get a preview of what we can look forward to with this device. The LG GT505 focuses heavily on social networking allowing users to optimise interactions with the online communities that they belong to.
With this phone you can update your status message, make changes to your profile page and upload images. The push technology incorporated into the phone is especially convenient as you get immediate notification of your contacts’ activities – something that isn’t currently offered by any other phone, according to LG executives.
This device appears to be targeted towards mass market consumers and for a mid-range phone, it does offer quite a decent functionality set. Its camera is of particular interest as the LG GT505 is equipped with a 5 megapixel snapper with autofocus. Even some high end smartphones only come with a 3 megapixel camera.
LG fitted the phone with a GPS system and the unit comes with a month’s free trial of WisePilot so that the LG GT505 is also optimised for navigation. WisePilot comes with voice instructions and full colour 3D mapping to make it easy for users to follow directions and pinpoint locations.
The LG GT505 looks promising as a fun mobile if you are into social networks however, it also has potential as a work phone. You get SMS, MMS and push e-mail via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync as your messaging options. The LG GT505 comes with 3G support offering speeds of up to 3.6Mbps. It has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity as well. Apart from these, there are also organisational tools that you can make use of.
The LG GT505 is rather lacklustre when compared with the Viewty Smart, but then again, that mobile is designed for an entirely different set of users. Along with the LG GW520, the LG GT505 is slated for release this June.
Tags: LG-GT505
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