Motorola's got another Q in the queue in the form of the new Napolean world phone. It's a CDMA smartphone for Verizon that does double duty with GSM, so you can use it pretty much anywhere. It also includes Wi-Fi if you're not feeling like using its EV-DO Revision A or EDGE data, runs Windows Mobile 6.1, and includes a fingerprint scanner and a 2-megapixel camera with flash. It sounds like a great phone for world travelers, but probably overkill for anyone else. [BGR]

The Price: Around $500—official price not announced yet.

The Verdict: It's good, but it's not $500 good, esp without a qwerty.

The E66 is the first number-pad cellphone I've used in 3 years that I wasn't afraid of. Calls on the phone are loud and clear both directions. Its thin form factor and grippy textured back make it enjoyable to hold and you can perform a decent amount of functions without sliding up the top. It has tons of features and it doesn't half-ass any of them. Like the N95, it's got a decent flash camera that takes sharp pictures and video, and has options comparable to most point-and-shoots. The Wi-Fi and 3G load fast in the browser, and GPS found my position when I was outside. (It didn't locate me inside, though, like some phones with assisted GPS.) OTA app downloading was painless and so was setting up my Gmail account.

Still, I have some beefs. Symbian doesn't feel very fast. Like many S60 devices, apps and options are buried deep in menus. The phone is too quick to auto-rotate between portrait and landscape modes, a feature that seemed pointless given the cramped real estate of the E66's 2.4" screen. Also, though there are third-party browsing options available that are probably much better, Nokia's built-in S60 browser sucks, plain and simple. It loads non-optimized pages in actual size so it's hard to navigate the screen, only allows for one page to be open at a time, and sorely needs touchscreen functions provided by other modern smartphone browsers.

I hate to mention it, but there's a touchscreen phone coming out in a few days on the same network that costs $300 less. This is the problem with a lot of unsubsidized phones. [Product Page]

The company is also looking to build on its lineup of GSM phones with the tri-band HOP1803 and the dual-band HOP1810. Another notable release comes in the form of the HOP1808, which will feature dual SIM card slots for frequent travelers. Apparently, it will be similar to the HOP 1809, but it will lack 3G and add an FM radio tuner. Details are scarce at this point, but we do know that all the phones will be available in North and South America when released.

Press Release:

Hop-on Launches Six New GSM and 3G Phones Into the Market

The 'Anti iPhone' has brothers and sisters

IRVINE, Calif., June 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Hop-on, Inc.

(Pink Sheets: HPNN) announced today that it will introduce 6 new phones for distribution worldwide. Hop-on's new HOP1800 Series phones will range from a $125 PDA phone to the world's lowest cost phone for $10 in the US. These phones are built using high quality standards of components and manufacturing.

Peter Michaels, President and CEO of Hop-on stated, "Our new series of 1800 phones will debut into all markets worldwide. We will have market presence throughout the globe with our high-end technology PDA phone to our low end phone that is, well, that is really just a phone. Since the announcement of our $10USD 'Anti iPhone', we have had inquiries from distributors and carriers from over 30 countries."

Hop-on's new series includes the HOP1801 Smart Phone. This particular phone will be the lowest cost Smart Phone on the market. The HOP1803 is an Ultra Low Price GSM Tri band phone, and the HOP1805 is an Ultra Low Price cell phone for emerging markets. And the HOP1810 GSM Dual Band Camera Phone. All four phones will be available for distribution in North and South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, supporting English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and more upon request. Available in North and South America are the HOP1808 Dual Sim Mobile Phone with Camera, Supported MP4/SMS/MMS/GPRS/WAP/FM Stereo with Bluetooth optional. The HOP1809 3G mobile phone with Camera, supported MP4 /MMS/ STK/ JAVA/ BREW/ SMS and Bluetooth. And finally the HOP1800, the Lowest Cost mobile phone in the world. This simple phone is a GSM Dual band with no display that features a Braille keypad.

Michaels further stated, "Since Apple is launching their new 3G iPhone next Monday, maybe I can talk to Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and see if he'll buy our $10 phone and include it as a give away in their packaging. This way, if you drop your 3G iPhone in the water, you can use the backup to call Apple for anther $500 phone. They can call it the Back-up iPhone! Seriously, the launch of our new phones is an exciting time for Hop-on; we will penetrate the market worldwide in all price points. We look forward to this next phase of our new innovative phones."

[Hop-on]

The 1800 comes in two models, a dual-band 850/1900MHz and the 900/1800MHz for Europe and Asia, and works worldwide. A Hop-On press release promises local SIM card compatibility for more than 40 domestic wireless carriers. Both phones feature a talk time of up to 4 hours with 150 hours of standby time. Trash can not included, so please recycle. Hop-On even encourages the practice by offering a $5 rebate on returned phones. [Press release via Slashphone]

Yes, I said "punch a hole." The SIMable card lies flat against the SIM, and you first have to perform the following surgical procedure. At least the hole-puncher comes free with the £16.99 chip:

For certain 3G phones including the 8GB Nokia N95, Nokia E51, Sony Ericsson W200 and others to maintain "full 3G functionality," you will have to make an addition cut to the card itself:It's not clear if SIMable is shipping to the US, though there's no reason to believe it wouldn't work here. There's also no mention of Apple's iPhone on the site, although the Inquirer mentions it in the first paragraph of their own writeup. Hopefully SIMable is just getting around to that, after testing on 70 or so other, more popular phones.

Update: Corrections were made to the post following some clarifying comments (thanks!). As far as this being a copy of other products, that may very well be the case, although SIMable maintains that it is not:

NOTE - SIMable is not linked in any way to other similar products and enables full 3G functionality. We include a free customised cutting press ruling out any messing around with scissors.

GSM is the most widely used mobile standard—210 countries—and by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US. What's groovy about GSM is that any device that'll take a SIM card—"subscriber identity module" is a chip that identifies you to the network and allows you to get on—can get you on a local network. Hence the market for "unlocked" phones that aren't tied to any carrier, which you can just pop an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card in. It's also AT&T's response to Verizon's open initiative: GSM networks are technically already open.

CDMA is a competing voice-and-data standard that is smaller in distribution—but highly prevalent in Korea, Japan, South America and the US, on the networks of Verizon Wireless and Sprint (including MVNOs such as Helio and Virgin Mobile). CDMA is actually more efficient in terms of the way it uses channels, but it doesn't have GSM's "open" advantage of SIM card swapping. (This is why you can't take your iPhone to Verizon.)

2G refers to any second-generation networks—like CDMA and GSM/GPRS—that are digital, and not analog (which would be 1G). It's mostly for voice, but there's some slow data, too. (Remember WAP?)

2.5G are data upgrades to 2G networks that allow for faster data transfer. EDGE is the best known, used by T-Mobile and AT&T (and the bane of iPhone owners everywhere) and a transitional tech to 3G. Still pretty pokey, topping out at 200kbps downstream real world. Verizon and Sprint have a 2.5G technology called 1XRTT.

3G Now we're talkin'. Third generation is what we finally call "mobile broadband," with the potential for early DSL-like speeds. In the US, this involves two standards: the CDMA-based EV-DO for Verizon and Sprint, and HSPA for AT&T (running now) and T-Mobile (coming this year). Japan, parts of Asia and Europe also make use of W-CDMA. Despite the name, it's actually a GSM technology developed by NTT DoCoMo. For Americans this doesn't matter and only confuses things, so forgetaboutit.

HSPA High-Speed Packet Access is the umbrella term for two complementary GSM technologies, HSDPA and HSUPA, with the D and U standing for "downlink" and "uplink" respectively. Currently HSDPA can pull down info at speeds up to 14.4Mbps, but in the US it's more like 3.6, and only under amazing conditions. AT&T plans to hit 7.2 later this year. HSUPA is an add-on to HSDPA, rolling out in the US this year, which can transmit data at up to 5.7 Mbps, up from 384Kbps.

EV-DO is CDMA's 3G data service, used by Sprint and Verizon. There are different revisions, called Revs. The latest, Rev. A, is capable of 3.1Mbps downstream and 1.8Mbps up in ideal conditions. Though its specs are not as hot as HSPA, it is the most robust and widespread 3G network currently in the US.

4G is the near future of wireless data, with download speeds equivalent to or faster than most US broadband networks.

WiMax is 4G ultra-high-speed mobile broadband developed by Intel, Motorola and Samsung. In the US, Sprint is the only carrier planning to deploy it nationwide. WiMax promises incredible long range and connectivity on par with what you can get at home—think of it as Wi-Fi on 'roids. It was supposed to roll out hard this year, but Sprint has been having a lot of internal problems, necessitating cash injections from partners like Intel. Consequently, you probably won't see WiMax till '09 or '10.

LTE Long-Term Evolution is the other major 4G ultra-high-speed mobile data dealio. It's a GSM-based technology, and quickly emerging as the dominant next-gen standard, in part thanks to WiMax's stupor and Verizon's adoption of it. Though Verizon and AT&T have competing formats currently (CDMA and GSM respectively), both pledge to roll out LTE in the US. Verizon will do this as an overlay to its current network, meaning both CDMA phones and new LTE devices will work throughout the footprint. You'll start seeing LTE in the US in 2010 with mass coverage by 2012.

We skipped over some acronyms, and sped past others, but this should be all you really need to know to navigate Giz's mobile device coverage, so do yourself a favor and bookmark it.

Do you want Giz Explains to clear up any areas of overwhelming confusion? If so, fire a message to our Tips line with the subject "Giz Explains," and we'll see what we can do.

Pretty sweet, even if the GSM range is only 800/1900MHz. (Most countries use the 900/1800Mhz bands, says Wikipedia.) The Windows Mobile 6.1 phone looks like the Blackjack, but has a different keyboard. It has a 1.3MP camera, RSS reader preloaded, can be used as a USB EVDO modem and has A2DP stereo Bluetooth streaming. UPDATE: Here's a full review by Laptop Mag. They wish it had Wi-Fi and GPS, but find it to be worthy of a 3.5/5 rating.

Samsung ACE BASICS: Form factor: Ultra-thin candy bar form factor with QWERTY keyboard and internal antenna; 5-way navigation button and thumb wheel for one-handed operation Dimensions: 4.65" x 2.32" x 0.46" Weight: 3.9 ounces Operating System: Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition Power: Qualcomm MSM6500 chipset Memory: 64 MB of RAM; 128 MB of ROM Digital Quad-band: CDMA (800/1900Mhz)/EVDO; GSM (900/1800Mhz)/GPRS Data: EV-DO (Rev. 0 and 1XRTT); GPRS outside North America Web Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer Mobile Battery Specifications: 1300 mAH (standard); 1800 mAH (optional) Talk time: Up to approximately 4.3 hours continuous digital talk time with standard battery Large, full-color screen: Vibrant 2.3" TFT display with 65K colors and 320 x 240 resolution FEATURES: International Voice and Data Capabilities: Travel around the world and stay connected with this versatile device. The Samsung ACE is a quad-band device that operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network in the U.S. and is capable of voice and data roaming in North America on CDMA networks and internationally on GSM/GPRS networks where Sprint has roaming agreements. A complete list of countries where service is available can be found at www.sprint.com/international. Unlocked SIM Card: A Sprint-provided SIM card is provided pre-installed in the device for customers who wish to utilize Sprint International Roaming Services (special activation required) while traveling abroad. Customers may also take advantage of the unlocked SIM which allows the device to accept an in-market international carrier's SIM for voice and data services. Windows Mobile 6: Delivers fewer clicks for email management and set-up, support for rich HTML email, a genuine Microsoft Office Mobile experience and increased security; all for meeting the needs of work and life on the go in a single device. Sprint Mobile Broadband with Power Vision: Experience EV-DO Rev. 0 data speeds averaging up to 400-700 kbps and peak speeds up to 2.0 Mbps when accessing Sprint Power Vision services and content. This device is backwards compatible to 1XRTT technology in areas where EV-DO is not yet available. Supported Power Vision applications include: Sprint TVSM: See and hear your favorite news, sports, weather and more with rich, clear visual quality and crisp sound that downloads at Broadband-like speeds. On-Demand: Retrieve customized, up-to-date web content such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information with the push of a button. Available only from Sprint. Downloadable Applications: Includes the Sprint Software Store provided by Handmark , an on-device software catalog enabling wireless downloads on-the-go. Customers can find, download and buy software, games, ring tones, graphics and other Windows Mobile applications simply and securely. Additional titles are available from the desktop PC at http://softwarestore.sprint.com Wireless Email: Send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts. Get wireless email access to popular commercial POP3 and IMAP accounts. Users can also set up wireless access to Microsoft Outlook email with a direct connection to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. Microsoft ActiveSync: ActiveSync technology offers one of the best PC to mobile device sync experiences, making it easier to configure with faster data transfer and sync accuracy. File Viewer: File Viewer allows viewing of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents Text Messaging Enabled: Send and receive Text Messages across the room or across the country. Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology (v.2.0 with stereo support): When used with your Sprint PCS Phone and compatible Bluetooth-enabled accessories, Bluetooth allows fast, secure transmission without cables or wires, even though the two devices are not in line-of- sight. Compatible Bluetooth-enabled wireless accessories sold separately. Micro SD Expansion Slot: Add memory and selected peripherals, transfer music, photos, and video from your desktop, or load additional games and applications. Cards up to 2GB are supported. 1.3 Megapixel Camera/Camcorder: 2.0 MP camera with 5X digital zoom, auto focus and video capture with sound. Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 Mobile: With Windows Media Player 10 Mobile you can play music, videos, and more on your device, and it works seamlessly with Windows Media Player 10 on your Windows-based computer. Phone as Modem: Take advantage of Sprint Mobile Broadband on your laptop by using your smart device as a wireless modem (USB cable included). Requires appropriate service plan. Built-In speakerphone: Hands-free operation made easy with dedicated speakerphone button RSS Reader: An RSS ("Really Simple Syndication") reader is a software application that resides on your device and obtains syndicated Web content such as news headlines, and blogs from different locations and displays them to you in an easy-to-view stream.

• The brushed steel finish wasn't shabby.
• Keyboard play was nice, even if clicks weren't as satisfying as those on a gummy Hiptop QWERTY.
• The demo only went as far as the 3D skin; anything beyond that plunged you into the depths of typical Windows Mobile-ness.
• The API for the 3D tile UI will be opened later on.
• Those icons are like the mini windows you'd see when switching windows in Vista or OS X's Expose. But on this tiny high res screen, they're impossible to read.
• The screen is not exactly brilliant, but I believe the Sony Ericsson booth could have all its phones brightness turned down to extend battery life on the busy show floor.
• It's cool, but because of the underlying OS, I wouldn't call it a killer of anything, let alone an iPhone.

GSM 850/900/1800/1900
GPRS + EDGE + WiFi
240x320 pixels, 262k color screen
2 megapixels
105x45x16mm
105 grams approx
Bluetooth
microSD memory card
Polyphonic ringtones
Java
3-7 hours' talk time
8-16 days' standby

Motorola's CEO, Greg Brown, who took over the company's handset division last month, has a lot of work to do, it seems. [Mobile Gazette]

Staying connected: compact Nokia N78 puts online communities in the palm of the hand Fully-featured multimedia computer optimized for sharing music, images and 'new discoveries' Mobile World Congress 2008, Barcelona, Spain/Espoo, Finland - Nokia today introduced the Nokia N78, a multimedia computer that combines music, navigation and photography with the benefits of mobility. The Nokia N78 is designed to take advantage of the new suite of Nokia services, including the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps, and Share on Ovi - a new online service that enables consumers to share their personal media. The Nokia N78 is expected to start shipping during the second quarter of 2008, with an estimated retail price of approximately 350 euros, before taxes. The Nokia N78 packs a powerful range of technologies, including integrated A-GPS, with free Nokia Maps, WLAN and high-speed HSPDA 3G connectivity, a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, and support for microSD memory card, currently available at up to 8 GB, to store favourite music and media. The novelties of the N78 are geotagging of photos and an integrated FM transmitter that allows music to be played on any FM radio, in a car or at home. "The Nokia N78 truly lives up to the Nseries promise of delivering unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences with the very latest technologies and services," says Jonas Geust, who oversees Nokia's Nseries devices. "The Nokia N78 empowers people to explore their passions, enjoy their favourite music and share their experiences with others and is set to continue the range of well-balanced Nseries devices such as the successful Nokia N73." Search, snap, tag and share Taking advantage of its integrated A-GPS functionality and 3.2 megapixel camera, the Nokia N78 introduces the increasingly popular online practice of geotagging' to a Nokia device. The Nokia N78 automatically tags images with capture location metadata, making it possible to view the capture location on a map either on the device itself, or online. With its high-speed internet connectivity, over WLAN or HSDPA, uploading photos and videos to online communities like Share on Ovi, Flickr or YouTube is a single key stroke away. Music remains a core feature of the Nokia N78 and Nokia's range of Nseries multimedia computers. In addition to the up to 8GB of memory, internal speakers and support for standard 3.5mm headphones, the N78 also comes with Nokia Internet Radio, giving instant access to thousands of radio stations around the world.

Stay on the map with the Nokia 6210 Navigator

New converged device with integrated compass offers easy navigation for drivers and pedestrians

Nokia today introduced the new Nokia 6210 Navigator, the company's first GPS-enabled mobile device with an integrated compass for pedestrian guidance. The Nokia 6210 Navigator comes with Nokia Maps 2.0, also announced today, and includes full voice and visual turn by turn guidance at no extra cost. The Nokia 6210 Navigator is estimated to start shipping in the third quarter of 2008 in select markets with an estimated retail price of EUR 300, before taxes and subsidies.

Combined with an 'accelerometer' which measures changes in direction and orientation, the built-in compass makes it easy to follow the map when strolling about on foot. When turning the device, the map automatically maintains its orientation. The integrated Nokia Maps 2.0 application will plot the quickest route to the desired destination and illustrate it on the map. Thanks to high-speed 3.5G connectivity, detailed information about each point of interest, like the phone number or web address is a click away.

"The personal navigation market is expanding rapidly and mobile phone navigation is its fastest growing area. According to recent market research by Canalys, over 60% of mobile phone users are keen to have navigation on their phones," says Markku Suomi, the head of Nokia's Connect device category. "The Nokia 6210 Navigator offers the next generation in mobile navigation to a broad consumer base. Mobile phone users around the world will be able to enjoy the benefits of navigation with a device that not only navigates, but also communicates."

Car navigation is also simple with the pre-installed one-touch navigation, full voice guidance and self-mount car kit of the Nokia 6210 Navigator. If the user makes a wrong turn, the device will automatically calculate a new route.

The Nokia 6210 Navigator supports assisted GPS (A-GPS), which enables the GPS receiver to acquire the satellites in just seconds. The device is ready for use out of the box, even without a SIM-card. Local maps are pre-loaded on the 1GB memory card of the Nokia 6210 Navigator and map updates are included in the sales price. For an additional fee, users can purchase multimedia city guides from premium content providers via Nokia Maps application and download additional map areas for free via Nokia Map Loader at maps.nokia.com.

Browsing the Internet and using instant messaging, email and widgets is fast with the high speed 3.5G HSDPA technology on the Nokia 6210 Navigator. The device also features a 3.2 megapixel camera, MP3 player and stereo FM radio. The Nokia 6210 Navigator is based on S60 software, allowing users to download and use thousands of new applications in addition to the ones already found on the device.

Nokia 6220 classic: redefining the definition of 'share' Converged device offers excellent imaging capabilities, navigation and advanced sharing features At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Nokia introduced the Nokia 6220 classic, a full-featured device that combines a 5 megapixel camera with A-GPS functionality to give new meaning to the phrase "to share". High quality images and videos can be snapped, tagged, edited and shared online, phone-to-phone or even viewed on a television. The Nokia 6220 classic is expected to start shipping in the 3rd quarter of 2008 in selected markets with an estimated retail price of 325 euros, before taxes and subsidies. The highlight of the Nokia 6220 classic is its 5 megapixel camera with Xenon flash and Carl Zeiss optics - on par with many single purpose digital cameras on the market today. With its high-speed HSDPA connection updating blogs or uploading photos and videos to favorite sharing sites like Share on Ovi or Flickr can be done right from the Nokia 6220 classic. A-GPS functionality allows photos to be 'geotagged' - making them easier to search and share. Images can also be viewed on a television screen with the integrated TV-out feature, sent from phone to phone via wireless Bluetooth connection, or viewed in full color on the phone's large 2.2 inch display. "The Nokia 6220 classic will help web 2.0 novices and experienced bloggers snap, save and share pictures and videos easily. Saving, tagging and uploading pictures can now be done on the phone, seconds after the picture has been taken," says John Barry, Director, Connect devices, Nokia. "The Nokia 6220 classic, with its 5 megapixel camera, auto focus and xenon flash is a credible and reasonably priced alternative to single- purpose digital cameras and has the added benefit of A-GPS for location tagging, Nokia Maps and possibility to upgrade to full navigation." The Nokia 6220 classic comes loaded with the new Nokia Maps 2.0 application which helps consumers find the best routes or explore any city for new restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and other points of interest. The pre-loaded WidSets service brings web content directly to the device via mini-applications called widgets, providing quick and easy access to news updates, games and web communities. As a full- featured converged device, the Nokia 6220 classic also includes internet browser, email, music player, FM radio with RDS and up to 8 GB of memory. In addition to its imaging capabilities, the Nokia 6220 classic enables Adaptive Multi Rate - Wideband speech coding technology, giving a more natural sound to human voice in phone calls. It helps when having a conversation in a noisy environment such as in traffic or public place.

110 x 45 x 15 mm
GSM 900/1800 and GSM 850/1900
Weight 80g
Up to approximately 590 minutes of talk time and 465 hours of standby time
128x128 65K CSTN display screen for an enhanced viewing experience
Clear communication even in noisy environments with CrystalTalk technology
One key access to SMS
500 internal phonebook and 750 SMS inbox storage for messages and phone numbers
Built-in FM radio with stereo support and enhanced FM radio user interface
Messaging via SMS and iTAP™ predictive text entry
Access to 40 downloadable iMelody ringtones
USB 1.1 for charging
Office-quality speakerphone
Rich applications such as 3 pre-loaded games, currency converter and calendar
Sleek licorice and sterling blue candy bar form factor
Chrome navigation wheel
Features 7 African languages for all menu content
Hinglish predictive text for writing combined Hindi and English text messages
70 KB on-board user memory

114 x 43 x 14mm
GSM 900/1800 and GSM 850/1900
Weight 85g
590 minutes of talk time
465 hours of standby time
Large B&W 128x128 display screen provides enhanced viewing experience
CrystalTalk technology
Built-in FM radio with stereo support and enhanced FM radio user interface
200 internal phonebook and 60 SMS inbox storage
iTAP™ predictive text entry for messaging
Optimized ringtones and access to 10 downloadable iMelody ringtones
Office-quality speakerphone
3 pre-loaded games, currency converter and calendar
Chrome navigation
modified ribbed key design
7 African languages on all menu content
Hinglish predictive text for writing combined Hindi and English text messages
20 KB on-board user memory
USB 1.1 for charging

[Motorola]

Key features
* Size: 108 x 58.3 x 15.7 mm
* Weight: 122 g
* Connectivity: GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
* Operating system: Windows Mobile 6(R) Professional
* Display: 2.8-inch QVGA flat touchscreen
* Camera: 2 megapixel with macro focus
* Internal memory: 256 MB flash, 128 MB RAM
* Removable memory: microSDTM slot
* Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR
* GPS: GPS
* Interface: HTC ExtUSBTM (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 Full-Speed)
* Battery: 1100 mAh
* Talk time: GSM: up to 350 minutes
* Standby time: GSM: up to 240 hours
* Chipset: TI OMAP 850, 200MHz

Cellphone provider Orange will be launching the P3470 in Europe next month in the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands, for 449€, or $652. [Mobile Tech Review]

The G700 gets a 3.2MP cam. The phones have a 2.4-inch screen, which has been seen in a photo being manipulated via finger, but there is a stylus for more precision, too. Doesn't look like these support multitouch, but it's nice seeing. The G900 looks a lot better than the G700 (below).

Sony Ericsson takes touchscreen mainstream with two phones set to simplify your life
10 February 2008
The new G700 and G900 phones are designed to give back time. They place personal organiser features and easy finger-touch control within familiar form factors.

Barcelona, Spain - 10th February 2008 - Sony Ericsson today launched a new generation of phone: Touchscreen organisers with a broad appeal. The G700 and G900 phones are essential tools designed to organise the lives of all those with busy schedules to juggle, both at home and at work.

The G700 is here to help you live your life to the full. This personal organiser in-your-pocket keeps your contacts, calendars, notes, pictures and favourite Web sites all in one place and just a fingertip away. Touch and go.
The G900 has all the functions of the G700 with the added features of a unique new 5.0 megapixel Touch Auto Focus camera, touch photo album and editor. Perfect for those looking for a one-touch media experience combined with their organiser.
"Sony Ericsson is delivering touchscreen and innovative organiser capabilities to a wide audience without compromising on the size or shape of the phone. Both the G700 and G900 have regular keyboards and are no larger than a regular phone." says Martin Winkler, Director Global Marketing and Head of Multimedia Web at Sony Ericsson. "These phones are ideal for users that are only interested in making their lives simpler. It's not about technology for the sake of it."

Sony Ericsson G700 phone

One-touch full organiser functions
Touch controlled Notes application - write and draw your memo's
Large 2.4" display with unique single touch control menu
3,2 megapixel camera
Compact size
Calendar is King
Access your calendar, reach family and friends and scribble and save your notes on your phone. With the G700, you can jot down a note on the screen with a stylus, just as you would with a pen on paper, and save it on your phone's desktop to remind you - just as you'd stick a note on the fridge. You can even draw a map to the local shop or doodle personal notes to send them to your loved ones! Holding everything that is important to you wherever you go, the G700 is the most natural way to manage life. There's no longer a need to have your home calendar separate from work - it works with you, the way you do.

Intuitively simple
With the G700 you can enjoy touchscreen text input, Web surfing, calendar and phone navigation. Want to contact someone at home? Just touch the relevant name in your phonebook and all of the various contact options will appear onscreen. It's instantly intuitive messaging. You can even browse your photo album using the tip of your finger. The G700 also has dedicated keys for messaging, notes and a key lock on the side of the phone. All it takes is one press to unlock.

Sony Ericsson G900 phone

One touch media experience
5.0 megapixel camera with touch Auto focus and Multi-shot function
One- touch media and organiser menu
Large 2.4" display with single touch control menu
Wi-Fi™ for high speed data transfer and internet browsing
Print-quality photos to keep
The G900's 5.0 megapixel camera lets you take print-quality photos and share them with friends and family straight away.

Frame your shot and decide where you want to focus the camera by simply touching the screen. Also, with Camera Multi-Shot, hold down the camera key and take as many pictures as you like. Great for taking photos of your kids as they dash around the garden! Scroll through all of the photos on your phone with touch control and even edit them there with the Touch photo album and editor.

Stay mobile
Got a moment to surf? Access your favourite Web pages when you're in a Wi-Fi™ hotspot and view them on the large 2.4" display. Use the stylus or your finger to zoom-in or pan around the page. When you've barely got a moment to spare, get RSS feeds direct to your phone for the latest updates; news, football scores or whatever you are in to.

Organize with a personal touch
Touch, type or write... Everything comes naturally with the G900. Organise your schedule, touch and tap to make calls and jot down notes before you forget it. The G900 works your way to let you get more into your day. It's the power of personal touch.

The G700 will launch in Silk Bronze and the G900 will launch in Dark Red and Dark Brown. Both are UMTS 2100 and GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 phones that will be available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

The frequencies it works on: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 or UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz or UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz).

I'm not sure I can get over the Windows Mobile heart of this phone. The first error message I see will ruin it for me.

Sony Ericsson marks the launch of its new brand XPERIA™ with the unveiling of the XPERIA™ X1 10 February 2008

The world of our consumers and customers is changing. To meet the growing need for mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment, Sony Ericsson introduces XPERIA™. With this new brand Sony Ericsson will position itself at the forefront of mobile convergence.

Barcelona, Spain - 10th February 2008 -Today marked the launch of XPERIATM and a new era in mobile communications with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a stand-out, arc slider phone from Sony Ericsson designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The XPERIATM X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile® inside, the XPERIA™ X1 lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your favourite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move. Access a world of experiences simply by touching the XPERIA™ panel on the screen.

"XPERIA™ represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience," said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. "This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence."

"Our vision for the XPERIA™ X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design," said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. "XPERIA™ is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience - anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone."

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - energised communication, the premium experience.

* Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication
* Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
* XPERIA™ panels - arrange as you want for easy access
* Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display
* Windows Mobile® capabilities

XPERIA™ panel interface - experiences just the way you want them
Enjoy access to different experiences - Web, multimedia, applications - from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation - the choice is yours
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your
phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design - makes it stand out
The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience - performance on the move
With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X1 will be available in selected markets from the second half of 2008.

Legal Information
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences; type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2007.
The Liquid Identity logo, XPERIA, the XPERIA logo and PlayNow are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
Microsoft, Windows, PowerPoint, Windows Media, Windows Mobile, Office, ActiveSync and Internet Explorer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Bluetooth is a trademark or registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Subject to change without prior notice.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications was established as a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London. The company serves the worldwide communications market with innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards, and it has R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China, India and America. Sony Ericsson is the title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year. For more information, please visit www.sonyericsson.com

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - At a Glance

Camera

* Auto focus
* 3.2 megapixel camera
* Photo light
* Video recording

Music

* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
* Media player
* Music tones
* PlayNow™
* Windows Media Player Mobile
* 3D games
* FM radio
* Java
* Video streaming
* Video viewing

Internet

* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging

* Polyphonic ringtones
* Speakerphone
* Vibrating alert
* Video calling
* Email
* Picture messaging (MMS)
* Predictive text input
* Text messaging (SMS)

Design

* XPERIA™ panels
* Optical joystick navigation
* Navigation key
* Picture wallpaper
* Touch navigation

Organiser

* Alarm clock
* Calculator
* Calendar
* Document editors
* Document readers
* Flight mode
* Handwriting recognition
* Notes
* Phone book
* Tasks
* Touchscreen

Connectivity

* aGPS
* Bluetooth™ technology
* Modem
* Synchronization
* USB support
* WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System

* Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
* Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* Windows Media™ Player Mobile
* Windows Live™
* Exchange ActiveSync®
* Voice control
* Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

* Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
* Weight: 145 grams

Available colours

* Black
* Silver
* Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
* Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
* Size: 3 inches

Memory

* Phone memory: up to 400 MB
* microSD™ memory card support

Availability and versions
Networks

* GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz

The rumor also claims that the i900 will include high-speed data via UTMS and HSDPA 7.2 mbps as well as quad-band GSM, Bluetooth 2.0, a 5 megapixel camera, FM radio, 8GB of internal memory, and microSD expansion. Again, these kinds of rumors are a dime a dozen, so take it with a grain of salt. [kataweb via Slashphone]

The Price: The Zoombak for pets is a steep $200, with water-resistant pouch; the one for cars costs $250, because of the installation kit. On top of that, there's a service charge of $10 per month—looking at the price, there's no forgetting that this device is, essentially, a little cellphone.

The Verdict: I don't have a dog, so I tested it on my in-laws. The thing is small and light, and it really, really works. I activated one of them, set a safety zone perimeter using my address plus 1/2 mile, then handed it over to my father-in-law. After a short while, I got a text message naming the closest street intersection to where he was. (This can also come in the form of an email; it's your call.)

The messages didn't start coming right when he crossed the invisible threshold, but the data seemed to be timely: throughout the day I periodically got new updates as to his whereabouts. At one point, when my father-in-law was sitting not far away, I got a text that he was at some address I didn't recognize. Then I looked at the map and realized it was, indeed, the closest intersection to my house, even though it was just through a patch of woods, and outside our development. If I were really looking for him, he probably wouldn't have been hard to find.

There are some things to keep in mind: as with any other cellphone, it's got a battery that needs recharging. This one lasts up to 5 days or 150 location requests, so keep it charged and put it on your pets (or in-laws) when they're out the door. Also, the web interface is in need of some improvements, but those are easily tweaked and I know Zoombak is adding additional features even now, so I'm not worried. It's a good start; if you're really worried about a wayward pet or other family member, check it out. [Zoombak]

If that wasn't interesting enough, the press release states that the phone "will have the ability to become the world's first handheld slot machine, bingo, video poker or black jack device"—although details are scarce on how that sort of functionality might work. No matter how you look at it, a dual-mode GSM/CDMA gambling smartphone aimed at the US market is a little on the weird side. Still, the product should be available now— somewhere for some unknown price. [Product Page via SlipperyBrick via Crunchgear]

Even if you are a special breed of moron when it comes to safeguarding your gadgets, you can rest easy knowing you have a 3-year unconditional warranty. Too bad they couldn't make it look any better. Hit the link for more info and vids from the tour. [Sonim via Cnet via Wired]

Currently, Vanu is looking to expand their business outside of Texas with 200 towers set to go up in Alaska. They have also announced a prototype of a "femtocell" device —a base station of sorts for a single house or office. The plan is to use the device with the 700-MHz spectrum band that is coming up for auction from the FCC in January 2008. [Wired]

Other features include: a 2.0 megapixel camera, 2.8" touch sensitive TFT-LCD display, 256MB/64MB ROM memory, MP3 and MPEG4 player, WCDMA modem, Bluetooth, and video call capabilities. Two models will be available the "Dragonfly" and "OMAP' with the latter having a faster CPU and tri-band network support instead of quad-band. Naturally, no pricing information has been released, which is just as well seeing as how this product is unlikely to make its way to the states anytime soon. Bummer. [TechFaith via TFOT]