Xperia X1 Coming Oct 13th?

According to Mobifrance the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will be available to Europe on Oct 13th 2008. Costing around 700 Euros before subsidies it is aimed mainly at the high end market. This is keeping in-line with Ewan from SMSTextNews stating the Xperia is coming to 3 towards the end of the year and Sony Ericsson themselves stating a 4Q 08 release date.

Will this turn around Sony Ericsson's recent poor results? Let's hope so, here's hoping they don't follow in the way of Motorola on redesigning the wheel (RAZR in their case) a zillion times! To be honest that's what seems to be coming out of the Sony Ericsson factory these days, just a bundle of similar handsets that appeal to the low end and middle markets, it's not going to cut it, Nokia own that sector.

Lesson here is to innovate and come out with something new that will sell to the masses, please stop churning out handsets one after the other.

Samsung INNOV8 i8150

I previously posted the Rumour about this model and some leaked shots of it, but now it's been confirmed - it's called the INNOV8 i8510 (read that innovate i8510).
From the looks of it most of the previously listed features are there and some new features like it's DLNA compatible, has Divx, H.264 and WMA support and includes DNSe (Digital Natural Sound Engine) and HSDPA support for 7.2Mbps.
Reading the Korean press release ( I know Korean - yeah shit damn!) it's been chosen by Samsung to be the official phone in celebration of Samsung sponsoring the World Cyber Games 2008.



Release date is expected to be August 25th!

Mobifrance's Concept Phone Design

To commemorate the French Independence day, Mobifrance has designed this concept phone based on the aesthetics of the Eiffel Tower. Sporting high end features such as 7.2 Megapixel camera (why 7.2) and O.L.E.D screen, stereo speakers on each side and a large screen capable of playing multimedia and browsing the internet with ease.



It's a great concept phone and some of the features are great, like the O.L.E.D screen! Personally I'm thinking the design of the phone isn't going to be very practical, a chunky bottom and a slender top just doesn't seem practical to me. You could have many things lodged in between the bottom area.

via [Tuvie]

Samsung Instinct Get's Reviewed

Ed Hardy from Bighthand reviews the Samsung Instinct, Samsung's new range of touch-screen based handsets with large screens and minimal buttons.
It's not a high end device so don't expect too much from it, it should appeal to those who want a touch-screen handset but not an iPhone.

There's a lot to like in the Samsung Instinct. It's nice looking, easy to control with either a fingertip or your voice, and offers some great features, like email with easy text input, streaming TV, music player with gigabytes of storage, and more...the fact that the Instinct sells for significantly less than Apple's smartphone -- $130 vs. $200 -- certainly helps it compete.

For those who are dedicated to Sprint and are looking to upgrade their run-of-the-mill phone to something that can do much more, the Instinct is worth a look.

Read the full article on Brighthands web page.

Nokia 8800 Arte Sapphire Gets Pimped

The Nokia 8800 Arte Sapphire is about to get pimped! Knalihs Arthem, a Swiss luxury designer and jeweller will pimp 20 of these Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte phones. Each phone will have 1000 diamonds encrusted on it with the option of having other modifications added, i.e. your name, initials, logo etc, whatever takes your fancy.

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte, a harmony of sensual and sensory experience.
Each detail reflecting the creative inspiration behind this modern masterpiece. Limited Edition, only 20 will be created worldwide.

• Tap into your senses - A light tap reveals the time, a simple turn facedown sliences the ring, while an effortless slide on the top of the bluetooth headset adjusts the volume.
• The living light - The ambient light sensor responds according to its surroundings. The living wall paper continues to glow and grow intuitively.
• Defining Luxury - Enjoy exclusive video ringing tone composed by master producers Kruder and Dorfmeister with visuals by Frtiz Fitzke.

via [Slashphone]

Samsung Instinct vs LG Dare vs iPhone 3G

A fight of the touch-screens! Only pictures.







via [EngadgetMobile]

Samsung i8510 [Rumour]

This isn't concrete but it sure is exciting looking at the specs. The Samsung i8510 looks like a monster of a device with high end features like 8 Mega pixel camera with Xenon flash, up to 16GB internal memory, 120fps video qvga (presuming it's video recording capability) and Divx Support all running on S60 OS.

Sounds pretty sweet! Full specifications below:

• 8 mega pixel cameras + xeon flash
• 16 gb memory (will be 8)
• Wifi HSDPA Gps
• 3d chip (full 3d games)
• DivX, support
• 120 fps video qvga
• g 2.8 inch displays 16 million colours
• Symban S60 ,
• TV on the way out
• Optical mouse ( I780 I900)
• 1200 mAh bt
• 106.5 x 53.9 x 16.9 mm

via [esato] [mobile-review]

Sony Ericsson W902 (Patti) Pics

That Arabian forum (SE4M) has once again got the scoop on the latest Sony Ericsson handset. The previously code named "Patti" has now been revealed to be a new Walkman Series - W902.
Looking at the pictures you can spot the 5 Mega-Pixel Camera, with LED flash and will include Auto Focus I presume.

Being a Walkman Series it obviously will have dedicated music buttons, which are this time located on the side of the device. The big question is what's new? Perhaps a 3.5mm headphone jack instead of the propriety connection that comes with all Sony Ericsson handsets would be nice.

iPhone 3G Unboxing Video

Enjoy!

iPhone 3G Unboxing!!!

That Boy Genius gone done it again! Unboxing of the new iPhone 3G! Damn! How?

via [BoyGeniusReport]

iPhone 3G Pre Order Now!

Just got the latest e-mail from O2 on the iPhone 3G availability - pre order now! Yes, O2 are taking pre-orders and say if successful and in stock will deliver by 11th July.

What's most interesting about this is the fact the handset will be delivered to your home, does this mean you can activate it at home, or will it come activated from O2?

Whatever the outcome, I'm off to pre-order mine!



EDIT: Upon attempting to pre-order, I have the following problem, looks like O2 can't cope with? Typical.

Basic Tab Concept Phone

Another concept design, this time by Jaren Goh and something different in terms of looks and features, none of which have been stated, the aim was to design a handset which would blend into current fashion and everyday life.

Not relying on high end features or ground breaking technology this is much on the side of lifestyle.

The heart of the design for this mobile phone does not lie on the technological advances it had in it. It was designed to complement our fashion and the way we dress and not to evoke too much technological gadget traits. On the front lies a lush wide black screen and nothing else to steal anything away. It resides on a metal slab to add volume and a premium touch to it. A better way to show how this design correlates to fashion is the camera tab on the back. Instead of having it looking like camera shutter or lens cover. It was designed using features found on handbags and fashion accessories that is so everlasting.

With a blend of sophistication and style it is a great concept not evoking too many eye catching features which would make it stand out. I personally think it looks pretty futuristic and cutting edge.



via [Yanko Design]

iPhone 3G Guided Tour

Want more in depth informatiion about the upcoming iPhone 3G? Head on over to the Apple website. Simple, nice!

Russian Olympic Team Gets Gold

The Olympics in Beijing haven't even started yet but already the Russian Olympic team has gold! Surely a scandal of sorts! Well not quite!

Samsung will be releasing a special Gold plated Samsung D780 DuoS Gold Plated Edition in time to utilize the Olympics in China! This will be the Official Russian Team Phone.
There is no pricing details but we do know the featured specifications for it:

• 2 SIM card slots,
• 2 megapixel camera,
• 2.1-inch QVGA screen,
• Bluetooth support,
• FM Radio,
• microSD memory card slot
• 1200 mAh battery

Will this be the only gold the Russians get at the Olympics? I highly doubt it, expect them to get tons of it!

via [intomobile]

Sony Ericsson Video Phone Concept

This nice little concept of a Sony Ericsson handset aimed at better User Friendly design and video playback looks intriguing. Slightly fat in my opinion and also not the most stylish of concepts, but it does have some nice features both design and function wise.



Sporting a hinged design for video playback and internet browsing similar to that of a desktop experience with touch-screen and handwriting recognition. It's not going to win any awards for design but as a concept for multimedia and web browsing I can see a positive for it.



via [Tuvie]

Sony Ericsson C905 Review

The guys over at Phone Arena have just published their review on the Sony Ericsson C905. As we all know the C905 is one sexy monster, sporting lovely curves with a black and metallic look and a massive 8 Megapixel camera! But that's not all it has, it's one of the few non-smartphone handsets on the market which includes WiFi and is DLNA certified, it also has GPS included, a must in any modern day handset it seems.

The release date is predicted to be 4Q 08.

To read the full review on the C905, you can head on over to the Phone Arena page.

Fit Wireless Cellphone Concept

In the days of Touch Screen and Voice dial it can be easy to forget about those less unfortunate, such as the blind and the deaf who may want to use mobiles too! The elderly cna also find it difficult to use modern handsets, they can find them confusing and too technical.
The SENS phone concept aids the visually impaired and blind, the Fit Wireless Cellphone designed by Jongmu Lee helps the issue with the elderly. Designed with a central movable console which can be moved up and down to select, highlight, and change menus, settings, speed dial, and many other functions. Not only is this concept a useful one for the elderly, but it also has some serious design features. A big touchsreen (ala the iPhone) makes this device a great one for your grandparents! You won't be ashamed of them showing of their old bricks anymore! In fact you might be envious!



via [Tuvie]

Nokia Shape Shifter Concept

Rune Larsen has designed a revolutionary concept phone, one which reacts physically to the needs of the user. The design consists of a two layered plastic, where one would morph into shapes needed to operate the handset (i.e. keyboard appears when you enter a text field).
This concept is a great idea, one which would get rid of the full qwerty keyboard and the slider qwerty keyboard, thus making devices smaller, and also having proper feedback than touch screen's could provide.



via [Tech Blog] [Tuvie]

Sony Ericsson W890 Scirocco Edition

The Volkswagen Accessories shop is offering a Special Limited Edition Sony Ericsson W890 - Scirocoo Edition. This is going to appeal to current owners of the VW Scirocco and potential buyers. Of course we all know the VW Scirocco is a car and this branded W890 is going to be a great matching accessory for it.
The handset comes with some extra content and of course VW Scirocco branding:

• Front face in white
• Software with various Scirocco recordings
  
• Java racing game from the mission Scirocco pre-installed

Apart from that, there isn't anything else that is different about it. Even still, this is a seriously sexy handset.

via [UESB]

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Review - by BGR

Well finally the awaited review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 is here. The Boy Genius gives a decent review on many features. So how does it fair? Well most of it seems to be positive, call quality, screen, build quality and data connectivity seem to be satisfactory enough. He does have gripes about the keyboard and the lack of tactile feedback.

So, it pains us to report, that at least with our particular unit, the keyboard wasn’t great. It didn’t take time to get used to it, it just didnt perform like the way we had hoped. The reason is because the keys almost are completely flush with the case and don’t give good tactile feedback when pressed. Odly enough, the spacebar was actually ok. It faired the best out of all of them. We understand why there really is no travel in the keys — there is a huge sliding mechanism right over them — but we would have liked to see a little more feedback when typing.

Head on over to the BGR post to read the full review and express your opinions.