Nokia Erdos with OLED display enters 8800 series

There are good phones and there are bad phones. And there also are expensive ones for no reasonable feature that would make sense in a mobile phone. That’s what I though about Nokia 8800 series when it came out in early December last year, had its season’s shopping craze and then, sort of, forgotten, because crisis has broke out. And now, would you believe, there is a new 8800 series entrant. Only rumored and not confirmed in any way Nokia Erdos seems to me so far that it follows its predecessors right by their footsteps, but is it?

At the moment I am not prepared to compare Erdos with anything we have in upcoming list for rest of the year. Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is probably going to cost roughly the same money as Erdos, but it is a highly poised multimedia and messaging smartphone while Erdos is said to come with Symbian S60. Yes, designer’s work stands up. The whole body is crafted out of a single piece of metal (116.9 x 50.3 x 15 mm), smart keyboard rises up a bit for more comfortable typing position when the front panel slides down, 2.4 inch 320 x 240 OLED display is hidden under glass that isn’t transparent when display is not active. And while we are on features, camera has 5 MP, Carl Zeiss lens, autofocus, dual LED flash and video recording. Connectivity has tri-band GSM, dual-band WCDMA at its disposal, Wi-Fi and A-GPS.

Well, unlike previous 8800 series, Nokia Erdos is nice to look at, has a very progressive OLED display and, I’m guessing, will sell exactly as good as before because it’s a niche thing. Have to warn you though, Erdos hasn’t been confirmed by Nokia so farm but as far as we know it will be soon – sales start in October.

NovoThink Solar Surge charger for iPhones and iPods

We got used to see solar chargers appearing all around especially before summer. We’ve seen and reviewed a good slag of them. Mostly, solar chargers require a bit of compromise in day-to-day usage – freedom they offer can be bogged down by taking care of them like leaving the thing in the sun and carrying extra weight. Anyway, here is a one more solar power gadget, the one for iPhone and iPod this time.

NovoThink, the company which designed and is selling Solar Surge solar charger for iPhone/iPod has done an amazing thing. First, NovoThink has approved their solar cell case at Apple, which means it will actually work. Second, it’s specs are really impressive. Solar panel distributes 5.5V at 100 mAh if there is no clouds whatsoever, then, after two hours you will have 30 minutes talk time on 3G and double that on 2G. Solar Surge inbuilt battery is 20% bigger than the iPhone’s and can be charged via USB 2.0 while synchronizing data. Approximate dimensions are: 4.9" x 2.7" x 0.9", weight is 7 oz. In addition you can choose from a vast variety of colors. The only problem about the Surge I can imagine is that high temperatures may cause problems for lithium ion batteries which is kind of worrying if it’s meant to stay in the sun.

Crysis on iPhone thanks to OTOY and AMD next-gen GPU

This isn't a prank really. Crysis on iPhone does mean exactly the same game by which performance gamers have been measuring desktop abilities for the last couple of years now and a standard Apple smartphone. We don't even say you'll need a latest iPhone 3GS or even 3.0 firmware to pull that out. All you need is an OTOY 780KB app and that's it. But there sure is a lot behind the scenes in which we are also interested, so let's have a look at how on Earth it is possible.

Hardcore desktop 3D gaming on a smartphone has a lot to do with AMD's recently unveiled next-gen GPUs. Features like DirectX 11 support and 2.5 teraFLOPS floating point made OTOY think of using these enormous powers for "remote" gaming. Yep, no foolies, you haven't seriously suggested that someone shoved an AMD GPU into a poor iPhone, right? Game rendering is done on OTOY servers and then pushed to the phone. The above named name app copes only with I/O. And it's not just Crysis I should say. Demos of GTA 4, WOW and Bioshock have already been qualified as gameable.

Basically, the idea is great, especially for MMO games. The trouble is though, how are they going to license remote gaming? Because the end result is almost as a good as a purchased version of the game delivers.

New at Verizon Wireless,Samsung Rogue and Samsung Intesity

Verizon Wireless has announced availability of two new Samsung messaging phones. The cheaper model is Samsung Intensity. This one is a straight forward messenger with a sliding side full QWERTY, 1.3 megapixel cam, web and IM capabilities and 29.99 bucks on the tag. The other one, Samsung Rogue, is a whole different mobile phone however. The only thing it has in common with Intensity is a keyboard. Everything else is from a completely different division.

First and the best thing about Rogue is its AMOLED display. A 3.1 inch WVGA touchscreen promises to deliver state-of-art image and blazing response time. Good job Rouge has VCAST video on demand support, video recording and editing features. MicroSD slot limited to 16GB and 3.0 camera seem a bit yesterday, but who wants pictures on the go in hi-res anyway. I have mentioned above messaging trend of both, so AMOLED display, QWERTY and camera, all come on purpose of social networking. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other widgets are on their place in Rogue.

Price is (just) 99.99 USD.

Verizon launches HTC Touch Pro2 QWERTY smartphone

Verizon Wireless has officially launched its version of the HTC Touch Pro2 business smartphone, a device that has recently been unveiled for T-Mobile USA and Sprint. The Verizon version is a world-roaming capable device that works on both Verizon's 3G CDMA based network as well as on the GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and 2100MHz UMTS 3G networks used throughout the world. The device's signature features are its large slide-out QWERTY keyboard and its 3.6-inch, tilting WVGA (800 x 480 pixel) resistive touchscreen display - all of which are put to good use by Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system.

Like most recent HTC touchscreen smartphones, the Touch Pro2 features the company's TouchFLO 3D user interface extensions for Windows Mobile, which make the OS much more intuitive to use and easier to control with a finger - instead of relying on a stylus. The Touch Pro2 also comes equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, built-in WiFi capabilities, and an advanced speakerphone system with noise canceling technology.

As is standard for Windows Mobile these days, the Touch Pro2 supports a lot of high-end messaging functionality. Threaded SMS is built into the OS, as is full support for Microsoft Exchange push email, contacts, appointments, and tasks. HTC has added more than a few updates to the OS, however. The contacts system, for example, now provides a single screen access point to not only a contact's call history, but also to messages and email, Facebook status, and Flickr photos.

The Touch Pro2 for Verizon comes equipped with full Bluetooth wireless support - including stereo headphones - and is said to get up to 5.3 hours of CDMA talk time, or 13.5 days of CDMA standby time, from its massive 1500mAh battery. Its microSDHC(INFO) card slot allows users to add up to 16GB of additional storage to the phone (card not included). All of that potential storage goes nicely with the built-in music player and the Touch Pro2's 3.5mm stereo headphone port.

Verizon is offering the HTC Touch Pro2 for US$199 with a new 2 year agreement, after a $100 rebate that comes in the form of a debit card. The smartphone will be available for purchase online starting Friday, September 11.

Nokia 7705 Twist coming to Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless have announced the impending availability of the new Nokia 7705 Twist, a feature phone with a very unusual square form factor that swivels. This interesting looking phone opens up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard for efficiently tackling messaging tasks.

The Nokia Twist is a 3G capable device that sports a 2.4-inch QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) display that can render up to 262,000 different color shades. It weighs about 98g (3.4oz) and is 69mm (2.71in) square in size. Bluetooth support for headsets and stereo headphones is also on-board, but those that prefer to use wired headsets and headphones will have to get by with a 2.5mm port.

Notable features on the 7705 Twist include a 3 megapixel camera that can record video, and built-in photo editing software. Nokia's Habitat mode homescreen keeps the Twist's user close in touch with those contacts that are used the most, pushing contact photos up on the homescreen in a very intuitive way that makes keeping in touch very easy. The Twist also comes complete with support for Verizon services like VZ Navigator, V CAST Music with Rhapsody, Visual Voice Mail, and even corporate email support.

Nokia claims that the Twist's battery will be good for up to 4.5 hours of talk time or up to 13 days of standby time. The Twist comes in a black color scheme and includes both a black and a purple user changeable rear cover in the box. The phone costs US$99 with a 2-year agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate. The Nokia 7705 Twist will be available online on Sunday, September 13, and in stores on September 21.

Motorola announces CLIQ, its first Android smartphone

T-Mobile and Motorola have announced the Motorola CLIQ, a social-networking oriented sliding full-QWERTY smartphone powered by the Android mobile operating system.

The device features high-speed 3G and WiFi data connectivity, a 5.0 megapixel camera with 24 frames per second video recording, and a customized user interface called MOTOBLUR. The device also features a 3.5mm audio port, but more details have not yet been announced. Like most Android devices on the market, the CLIQ features a HVGA (320 x 640 pixel) touchscreen display. In the case of the CLIQ, the display measures 3.1 inches across the diagonal.

MOTOBLUR gives prime real estate on the homescreen to a variety of social networking applications. The UI is able to sync emails, contacts, and photos from social networks, corporate email, and Gmail into a single, relevant homescreen portal.

Users can update their status message for a variety of social networking sites at the same time or choose which specific service to update. MOTOBLUR enables users to quickly view and respond to their friends' messages, as well. Caller ID is even integrated to allow users to see someone's status updates with their photo when they call. Motorola has even included a widget to allow users to view and respond to private messages in multiple social platforms, whether in Twitter, Facebook email, or elsewhere.

Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha said that the company would unveil a second device in coming weeks and plans to announce "many more" devices that utilize MOTOBLUR through 2010. The company will launch a global version of the CLIQ smartphone, called the Motorola DEXT, with Orange UK, Telefonica, and America Movil.

The Motorola CLIQ will be available in two colors, white and titanium, in time for the holidays, according to a manufacturer's estimate. No pricing information has been revealed at this time.

Nokia X3 to give you new musical sensations

If you have been waiting for a new Nokia eye catcher, it seems to be your day as new Nokia slide phone is announced. Dubbed the Nokia X3, this innovative gadget features a slender and trendy design that offers some exquisite music capacities. This magnificent gadget makes it possible for its users to download or find a favorite tune from the millions pre-loaded songs.

This cool looking slider features the 16 GB of storage so you can easily play whatever music you like on the go. The Nokia X3 offers 3, 2 mega pixel camera that seems to be good enough to take high quality images along with some memorable video clips. The 2, 2 inches screen of the Nokia X3 sports home screen feature for you to keep track of data you might be in need of.

The Nokia X3 has stereo speakers while the 16 GB is accessible via its hot-swappable micro SD card (not included). This hands-free looker also offers Bluetooth 2,1 connectivity and USB 2, 0. It seems to be good for those who are fond of socializing as you can use features like e-mailing and instant messages, Nokia Chat and other trendy clients.

In order to listen to your preferable music you might use the traditional 3, 5 mm jack or follow FM radio via stereo speakers. There are also some games pre-loaded including Guitar Rock Tour, Rally Stars, Snake 3 and other amazing games. Nokia Maps include A-GPS navigation while thanks to OVi Store you might download applications, videos or games of your choice.

The Nokia X3 boasts up to 26 hours of high quality music playback, 7, 5 hours of talk time or up to 380 hours of standby time. It measures 96 x 49, 3 x 14, 1 mm and weighs 103 grams. This marvelous slider sports 262 colors and takes pictures with 4x zoom while video is recorded at QVGA quality offering 30 frames per second. The Nokia X3 is expected to hit the market with a sticker price tag of 163 USD.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is official

Previously we where speaking of a 8 megapixel camera, 1GHz processor and Android 2.0 for the smartphone’s operating system. Things have changed. Camera pixel density was mistaken at the rate of .1, so its 8.1 Mpix XPERIA X2 will have. Processor speed is not confirmed by SE at the moment but it will any time soon. The biggest change for now is a switch to Windows Mobile 6.5. X2 was said to have an active UI and panels for better user experience.

That’s all info available at the moment, we are waiting for an official press release any time soon.

Nokia introduces 6750 Mural color illuminating clamshell phone

Nokia and AT&T have announced the Nokia Mural, a unique and attractive clamshell phone with covers that illuminate with color to show phone notifications. On the outside of the device, an external display shows important information such as battery life, network connection, and the time. Whipping the folding Mural open, a 2.2-inch QVGA display that compliments the device's curved and ergonomic design is revealed.

The device takes photos and video with its 2.0 megapixel camera, and can send your newly created works to friends and family via multimedia messages or email that is powered by high speed 3G HSDPA data connectivity. The phone has dedicated external music player controls and also includes a microSD memory card slot to store your favorite tunes, photos, and videos. The phone also comes equipped with AT&T services like Mobile Music, Navigator, and Video Share.

The Nokia Mural will be available on September 6 in AT&T retail stores and online for $49.99 with a two-year customer agreement and mail-in rebate.

LG and Vodafone announce GM750 Windows Mobile 6.5-powered touchscreen phone

LG Electronics and Vodafone have announced the LG GM750, a Windows Mobile 6.5-powered smartphone, and the first to feature Microsoft's new mobile OS in Europe. The phone features WiFi connectivity, built-in GPS technology, and a 5.0 megapixel camera.

With a minimalistic three-button front face design, the 3.0-inch touchscreen display is prominently visible. The sides of the device feature several more buttons and covered ports, like a microSD card slot and a dedicated camera key.

The GM750 utilizes Windows Mobile 6.5's upgraded interface fused with LG's S-Class UI. Users can take advantage of custom themes and widgets that the new Windows Mobile OS provides access to and they can download new third-party applications from Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The device also features Microsoft's new My Phone service which lets users save and sync data securely online over-the-air, like images taken with the phone's 5.0 megapixel camera.

The LG GM750 will be available on October 6 in Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, France, and the U.K. No word yet on pricing.

Sprint launches HTC Hero, its first Android smartphone

Sprint and HTC announced that a Sprint version of the HTC Hero Android smartphone will be available for purchase on October 11 of this year. The HTC Hero was originally released as a GSM and UMTS device, but the Sprint 3G CDMA version gets a look of its own - even though it maintains the same HTC Sense-based user interface, with its 7 sliding home panels and slick Facebook and Twitter integration.

This is an important step for Android, since it marks only the second carrier in the U.S. to offer an Android-based smartphone. This is in spite of the fact that Sprint is a charter member of the Open Handset Alliance(INFO), the group that backs the open source smartphone OS.

Among the HTC Hero's many features are the large, half-VGA resolution capacitive touchscreen display, its 5 megapixel autofocus camera, and its trackball controller for those rare times when you just don't wish to use a finger - even though the touchscreen has a fingerprint resistant coating. The Hero also features a real 3.5mm stereo headphone port and a microSDHC(INFO) memory card slot that allows for up to an additional 32GB of storage space.

Bluetooth 2.0 with stereo support is also on-board, as is a suite of Sprint's services that includes Sprint TV and NFL Mobile Live. Visual voicemail and GPS navigation are supported on the Hero, as well.

One aspect of the Hero's Sense UI that is sure to garner attention is its multi-touch support, which offers gestures like pinching and stretching for zoom control in its full HTML capable web browser. Full support for email is available, including Exchange Activesync, which includes calendar and contact synchronization. The Hero is also the first Sprint device to sport HTC's GPS-powered Footprints system.

The HTC Hero on Sprint costs US$179.99 with 2 year contract, after a $50 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. The phone requires an plan with unlimited data, which starts at $69.99 per month with 450 minutes of talk time included.

Sony Ericsson unveils Xperia Pureness with see-through display

Sony Ericsson unveiled the Xperia Pureness, a feature phone that demonstrates new concepts in the mobile phone form factor.

The Pureness features a transparent display that can be seen from both sides of the device. It also has a blank keypad that reveals itself when the phone is activated.

Sony Ericsson says more details on the Xperia Pureness will be announced in November when the device is launched in select cities globally.

U.S. Cellular launches LG Bliss touchscreen feature phone

U.S. Cellular and LG Electronics have announced the LG Bliss, an affordable touchscreen feature phone that includes a 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth capability.

A 3.0-inch touchscreen display supports an on-screen full QWERTY keyboard, which should make messaging family and friends easy. The phone features a full HTML browser and email client, for checking favorite web sites and keeping in touch with colleagues.

Bluetooth support will let users take advantage of hands-free headsets and wireless stereo headphones. Users can save their music collections on microSD cards and manage playlists with the Bliss's music player. They can jump to the phone's camera application to snap photos and shoot video, as well. GPS technology is also included for U.S. Cellular's Your Navigator, which provides directions and turn-by-turn navigation.

The LG Bliss is currently available in white with an orange back or black with a green back for $79.95 after a two-year customer agreement and mail-in rebate.

Facebook version 3.0 now available for iPhone

The newest version of Facebook's iPhone application, version 3.0, is now available in the App Store.

Landscape mode has been added to the application so that you can browse the popular social networking application in any orientation. Users can also "like" posts and photos and can see the News Feed, just like on the Facebook web page. It's also easier than ever to see friends' friends and mutual friends, and to search for new people.

To take advantage of the iPhone 3Gs' video recording functionality, videos and photos can be easily uploaded from the iPhone and users now have complete photo management access.

Users can view and RSVP for upcoming events and see their favorite friends' birthdays. They can also easily change and post updates to their Facebook fan and business pages.

Of course, the application has also been improved by fixing general bug issues as well. Version 3.0 of the Facebook iPhone application is available from App Store for free.

Samsung launches S3650 Corby touchscreen cell phone for social networking teens

Samsung has launched the S3650 Corby, an affordable touchscreen handset designed for teen mobile users. The Corby has a contoured design and comes in yellow, white, orange, and pink with additional interchangeable and fashionable back covers available.

The device is built on Samsung's finger-friendly Touchwiz user interface. TouchWiz should look sharp on the Corby's 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen display, which also includes haptic feedback. Users can download new widgets for the user interface through Samsung's online store with the phone's GSM/EDGE data connectivity. Through Samsung's Social Networking Service, users can update their status across their favorite social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Users can also upload content, like photos and videos created with the Corby's 2.0 megapixel camera, to YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and even Photobucket. Music collections can be saved onto microSD(INFO) cards. The Corby offers Bluetooth headsets support, as well.

The Samsung S3650 Corby will be available in a handful of colors Europe later this month for 150 EUR (US$214).