Gizmodo: handset

Art Lebedev Develops WiMax, Tri-Band GSM Handset

Sean Fallon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EDT

Earlier this month Russian carrier Scartel partnered with Samsung to bring a WiMax network to around 20 million potential customers in Moscow and St. Petersburg. They have big plans on expanding that network throughout the country, so it only made sense to turn to Russia's premier design team at Art Lebedev to develop a flagship headset to take advantage of the WiMax rollout. What they have come up with is a hot looking WiMax, Wi-Fi and triple-band GSM capable handset with a 850 x 480 screen (most likely touch), dual cameras, a five-position joystick and a microSD slot. Again, this device is only in the design stage and there is no word on what OS it will run, but things are definitely looking good for Russian mobile users so far.

[Art Lebedev via Pocket-Lint and Unstrung]

Possible LG Prada II Photo Leaked

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:48:00 EDT

A few months ago a rumor floated around that LG was planning a second coming of the Prada phone with features like a 3-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera, a front mounted camera for video calling, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, a full HTML browser, microSDHC, and a slide-out QWERTY. Obviously, we can't confirm any of that information by this grainy photo—but it does back up the QWERTY keyboard, which keeps the rumors on track at least. It also doesn't do anything to discredit a possible 4Q release date. [BGR]

Give a Bluetooth Handgun Handset a Shot

Christopher Mascari — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EDT

Got an unused airsoft gun from your guns are cool teenage years? Why not transform it into a Bluetooth handset that you'll probably still never use. A user at Instructables did just that by rewiring an older Jabber handset inside an airsoft gun. Even though it's probably the biggest and most absurd Bluetooth handset, the workings of it are pretty cool. The trigger has been wired as the call button, the barrel as the speaker and the grip as the mic making it perfect for taking calls with the wife when she finds out you stole her Bluetooth handset and put it into a gun. Hit the jump to see iPhone lovers' reactions to such a Bluetooth device called iGiveUp.

[Instructables]

LG Decoy Comes With Removable Bluetooth Headphone, Will Drop June 16

Elaine Chow — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Verizon subscribers and slider phone fans can look forward to the new LG Decoy which, after a slight delay, is now set to launch on June 16. The phone is a CDMA dual band, with a QVGA 240 x 320 pixel display and a 2.0 megapixel camera. It supports video and mp3 playback and has an expandable microSD slot. The Decoy also comes with a built-in removable Bluetooth earpiece, so you're less likely to lose your BT headphone and risk not looking like a douche. Just kidding. It'll cost $349 for full retail, $249 with a 1 year contract and $179 with a 2 year contract. [Phone Arena]

LG Prada II Cellphone Details Leaked

Haroon Malik — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EDT

According to a leaked specifications list, LG has a Prada II handset in the works, and it sounds like it will be packing quite a punch. The details that have been leaked suggest the cellphone will have a 3-inch (400x240) WQVGA touchscreen, 5MP camera, front mounted camera for video calling, Wi-Fi connectivity, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, USB 2.0, Full HTML browser, FM radio, TV-out, microSDHC support and—we just can't believe it until we see it— a full, slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

LG will be working on all the decent phone features, while Prada will be putting together crap themes, annoying ringtones and other stuff to ensure the handset is just a little rubbish. The LG Prada successor is expected to launch in Q4, 2008. We're excited. [Eprice via Unwired View]

OpenMoko Neo Freerunner Pricing Details Surface

Haroon Malik — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The OpenMoko Neo Freerunner has been in the making since before the Jurassic period, but it looks like official word has now been released regarding the final pricing details. The Linux based cellphone will retail at $399 for a single unit and $3690 for a pack containing ten handsets.

Currently, the OpenMoko fellows have received back their first production verification test devices and they are busy making the necessary tweaks to the hardware / software. As for a release date, we've been promised more details concerning distribution will be forthcoming in the "next few days." I'm kinda itching to try one of these out, but it looks like we'll all be waiting a little bit longer. We'll keep you posted on any developments. [OpenMoko]

Cool G108 Watch Phone Won't Make You Cool

Haroon Malik — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:24:00 EDT

It's sad but true; wearing a watch phone isn't going to make you cool, not unless your name begins in "Dick" and ends in "Tracy." Nevertheless, the crew at Cool have put together the G108 watch phone to try and sway you. The G108 has a round face and a clamshell design; under the watch-face hood you'll get a 1.5-inch, 256k color display (128 x 60), circular RAZR-esque keypad and a 1.3MP camera.

If you'd feel like a bit of an idiot talking into your watch while making calls, Bluetooth functionality will allow you to hook up a headset to ease the embarrassment, (a little.) The cellphone itself is GSM quadband capable, has a built in media player and supports a media card so you can load up your tunes and snaps on removable media. Alternatively, you could purchase, oh, you know, a cellphone and watch as two independent items. Hey, we're just putting the idea out there. [Slashphone]

Sony Ericsson Paris Image Leaked; Face Job Works Wonders

Haroon Malik — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT

The last time we caught Sony Ericsson's Paris on the tubes it looked a little chunkier, but now the aesthetics have been immensley improved. For the proof, check out the image above. USEB has run a complete rundown of the expected specifications, so jump in for the best of what they found.

Along with what we have already heard, the cellphone will now carry an alleged QWERTY keypad with multifunction keys, a metal construction, sliding lens cover for the 5MP camera, Bluetooth 2.0, 3G capability, UIQ 3.3 touchscreen WQVGA display, Google Maps and Wayfinder 7.0 support, as well as the excellent Mobile Opera 9.5 web browser. If all that holds to be true, this looks to be shaping up very nicely indeed.

On a side note, the source, USEB, tends to be so accurate with their Sony Ericcson-related information/leaks, word has it they know about SE products before the R&D department does. Weird. [USEB]

World's Largest Cellphone is a Day Late, Misses Joke Deadline

Haroon Malik — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:35:00 EDT

Mr Tan from Songyuan city, China, claims to have built the world's largest cellphone. The cellphone stands 3-ft high and weighs in at 48lbs and is 620 times bigger than his own, normal-sized cellphone, which he used as a model for the gigantic, pointless and generally fantastic handset.

Yeah, we know—"video or it didn't happen," right? Well, we're working on it. Jeez, give us a break guys, Mr T smashed up our offices and the cleanup is immense. Nevertheless, the mammoth mobile totes a working internet connection of sorts and an onboard camera, but it completely lacks a battery, as Mr Tan couldn't build one large enough—what a slacker. The humango-handset relies on a mains outlet for power, and a local journalist verified its functional state by sending SMS messages and making a call.

The project took him 6-months to complete, and his wife was said to be livid with the racket he was making whilst putting it all together. Mind you, if our partners were busy constructing the BFG's cellphone, and they carelessly omitted the vibration function, we wouldn't be best pleased either. [Ananova via textually]

AT&T LG Vu Specs, Images Leaked

Haroon Malik — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EDT

The chaps at Phone Arena have managed to gain some leaked press shots of AT&T's LG Vu, and it is looking tastier than before. The Vu will come in two primary versions; the CU915 will lack a mobile TV antenna, whilst the CU920 will be supplied with mobile TV antenna, which will support AT&T's new, streaming TV service. Checkout the gallery for some more great shots, then jump for the specs.

The features the handsets will share include a 3-inch WQVGA 262K color touchscreen, 2MP camera with autofocus, HTML web browser, HSDPA connectivity, 120MB internal memory, USB mass storage mode, and up to 4GB microSD card support. Standing in at 4.25"H x 2.16"W x 0.51"D, the LG Vu is slightly on the larger side, but we can look past its inherent big bones to the 1000mAh battery, which will supply up to 3-hours of talk time. The Vu is set to go on show at CTIA, which gets underway on April 1st, or is that whole event just a well planned joke? Oh, we just can't tell. Now, hit up the link to get your eyeballs filled to the brim with Vu goodness [Phone Arena]

Helio Ocean 2 Hits FCC, First Impression is Same-Old Same-Old

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EDT

The FCC has just leaked this image of Helio's Ocean 2. How do we know that? Well, it's carrying an OZ2 model and OZ was the alternative moniker of the original Helio Ocean. We can't tell much else from the drawing, such as whether the Mark 2 Ocean will have the dual slider of its older brother, but we can see the body design will remain true to the original. However, having been overly impressed by the original, we're sure this baby is going to kick ass whenever it does land. [FCC via Crunch Gear]

Meizu M8 MiniOne UI Tweaked, Again

Haroon Malik — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EDT

A whole week almost elapsed without there being any rework to Meizu's M8 MiniOne UI, which is so shocking, I almost fell of my chair. Thankfully, it was not to be, as some new images are making the rounds on the old tubes.
Update: Apparently, this is just a mockup by the guys at CNMO and not at all a UI refresh. Dammit.

The chaps at Cnmo have managed to grab pictures showing an all black M8 MiniOne cellphone and UI, which we think looks particularly hot. Unfortunately, we're not sure if the images are official, as there isn't anything confirming their validity up at Meizu Forum, but if they are accurate, it's a step in the right direction. Anything that distances the M8 MiniOne from the difficult-to-shake iPhone roots has to be a move in the right direction, or at least we would think so. Grab a batch load of UI eye candy by hitting the link. [Cnmo via PMP Today]

Nokia N95 8GB Gets Official US Release, Ships With Six Months Free Navigation

Haroon Malik — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:03:12 EDT

We heard of Nokia N95 8GB availability on US shores a little while back, but it now looks officially official, all with proper HSDPA connectivity under its hood. The feature packed handset has impressed us no end, and Nokia know how to sweeten us up, as the N95 8GB will be shipping with six months free voice-directed navigation, which is usually a premium service. Still, the $749 price tag is a little on the heavy side, even if it is an awesome piece of gadgetry. Catch the PR release after the jump.

Nokia N95 8GB Navigates to a Store Near You
Power-packed multimedia computer ships with six months of free navigation
in the United States

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The wait is over
— the Nokia N95 8GB has arrived on American shores. Packed with portable
entertainment features and high-speed HSDPA connectivity on 850/1900 MHz
networks in the Americas, the Nokia N95 8GB is now shipping to select
locations across the United States — and with six months of free
navigation service included with Nokia Maps.

The new Nokia N95 8GB brings the worlds of mobility and entertainment
together with its stunning 2.8 inch QVGA screen with support for up to 16
million colors, eight gigabytes of built-in memory, Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
for improved location access, and enhanced battery power. Nokia N95 8GB
owners in the US can also enjoy the benefits of free turn-by-turn
directions and voice guidance in Nokia Maps for six months.

"We're excited to now offer this all-in-one powerhouse of a multimedia
computer in the United States," said Bill Plummer, vice president, Nokia
Americas. "With the added ultra-fast connectivity of HSDPA, the Nokia N95
8GB delivers on the promise of a multimedia computer in one sleek and
compact package."

This attractive package boasts one of the industry's strongest feature
sets — in addition to eight gigabytes of built-in memory, the Nokia N95
8GB includes a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, built-in A-GPS,
Wi-Fi, HSDPA and an innovative two-way slide for easy access to both
telephony and multimedia functions. The sleek gloss black N95 8GB has a
luminous 2.8" (240 x 320) QVGA display, so watching videos, browsing the
Internet or viewing maps is a real pleasure. With its expanded memory, the
N95 8GB offers up to 20 hours of video* or up to 6000 songs**.

Now with A-GPS, Nokia N95 8GB owners can quickly navigate to their
locations using Nokia Maps faster and access maps for over 150 countries,
including a selection of preloaded US state maps. The Nokia N95 8GB will
also support Nokia Share Online 3.0, available via Nokia Download!,
enabling users to upload photos and videos with just one click straight to
Share on Ovi, Flickr or Vox.

At an estimated price of $749, the Nokia N95 8GB will be available
through Nokia Nseries retailers across the United States, such as the Nokia
Flagship stores in New York City and Chicago, as well as many online
e-tailers.

* Capacity based on H.264 750-Kbps video at 320 x 249 resolution,
combined with 128- Kbps audio. Capacity is half of this with H.264 1.5
Mbps video at 640 x 480 resolution, combined with 128-Kbps audio (near
DVD quality).
** Capacity based on 3 minutes, 45 seconds per song with 48 Kbps eAAC+
(M4A) encoding on the Nokia Music Manager

Notes to Editors

For full technical specifications, visit http://www.nseries.com/N958GB
For high res images, visit http://www.nokia.com/press/photos and select the
product model from the devices list.

About Nokia Nseries

Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia computers that
delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest
technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries
products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access
information and to capture and share pictures and videos, on the go at any
time.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and
growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia
makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences
in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business
mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions
and services for communications networks.

SOURCE Nokia

LG Touch Web Cellphone Has 3-inch 800 x 480 Screen, Full Browser

Haroon Malik — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:32:05 EDT

LG are sending some serious touchscreen love to South Korea, all in the form of the Touch Web cellphone, a.k.a. LG-LH2300. The touchscreen wonder has a 3-inch display, with a staggering 800 x 480 resolution, as well as a 3MP camera with AF, MicroSD memory slot and a full internet browser, which has incorporated hot keys and a jog wheel for scrolling. The widescreen toting cellphone is expected to retail for 700,000 KRW ($693,) when it begins to ship this April. At present, the device is a South Korea exclusive and there is no word on a Stateside release as yet, but honestly, we wouldn't hold our breath. [Aving]

earch Icon providing direct access to main portals, Internet hot key and jog wheel.

Samsung 8MP Cellphone Module is World's Slimmest

Haroon Malik — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:55:00 EDT

Good news for those who rely on their cellphones for their photo- taking needs; Samsung has just unveiled the world's slimmest 8MP CMOS, which measures a diminutive, 28mm × 15.3mm × 8.5mm. The semiconductor was designed specifically for cellphones, and it will push handsets beyond their current 5MP restraints. [Ed: 5MP as the limit in slimmer phones.] The new module, which is 10% more compact than current solutions, will have an ISO 1600 sensitivity, anti-shake capability, face detection technology, 1-cm macro and an automated shoot mode that is activated by silly, smiling faces.

We're guessing the technology for the smile shutter is what we have seen previously in some of the Cyber-shot range. All in all, it's great news for high end photography on your cellphone and as the advanced CMOS sensors will go into mass production in Q3/4 this year, we won't have to wait too long either. [Samsung]

Meizu MiniOne UI Updated

Haroon Malik — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Meizu's CEO, Jack Wong has just posted a whole bunch of new images, all showing a tweaked UI for the hotly anticipated iPhone-esque cellphone. It is not a massive rework of what we have already been shown, but the pictures showing a new color scheme and number pad should keep the fanboys happy, even if the iPhone reference has incensed them with rage. On a side note, Meizu's MiniOne is a bit iPhoneish, no? Jump for a ton of visual eye candy. [Meizu Forum; Thanks, Alvin]

Plug It Phone Charm Contains Cunningly Disguised Data Cable

Haroon Malik — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:05:00 EDT

If you thought the phrase "useful phone charm" was inherently oxymoronic, please meet Plug It's phone charm offering. It looks like a hunk of plastic junk, until you split it open to reveal a complete data cable.

As you can generally charge your phone via your data cable, the Plug It phone charm is fantastically useful. Retailing at only €7.95 ($12), most of the major phone brands are supported, excluding Sony Ericsson, who will be getting some USB charm love in the coming months. The Plug It charms are available in various colors and designs, and whatever you do, avoid the awful company website like the plague. (Either that or be forced to listen to their theme tune; #Plug it in, plug it in, baby!# My ears feel abused.) [Product Page]

Sprint Mogul ROM Update to Bring GPS, Rev. A Functionality?

Haroon Malik — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EDT

According to WMExperts, the Sprint Mogul is to get a ROM update that will enable GPS and EVDO Rev. A functionality. The update is expected to land on Monday (03/10/08), and will supposedly fix Bluetooth issues some users have been experiencing, too. We'll keep you posted on any developments. [WMExperts via BGR]

Xperia X1 Delayed Till 2009?

Haroon Malik — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST

We brought you news that Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile smartphone would ship mid 2008, however, the guys at Sony Ericsson Blog have spotted an official Sony Ericsson webpage showing the expected release date as 10/02/2009.

Considering Sony Ericsson Blog are as reliable as a really reliable source, and that they have pointed us in the direction of an official webpage backing their claim, this looks to be solid. If true, the wow factor of the Xperia X1 just may fade a little; who knows what we may see by 2009? We'll bring you any updates as we receive them, but a delay would surely suck big time for those awaiting the Windows Mobile 6.1 running, dual touch and QWERTY sliding, sexy beast that is the Xperia X1. [Sony Ericsson via Sony Ericsson Blog]

Panasonic Viera Phone Brings Quality TV Viewing to Your Handset

Haroon Malik — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:49:00 EST

The P950iTV cellphone, which will be a Japan-only release, is the first Panasonic handset to carry the Viera branding. The TV-centric features will include a 3.5-inch 262k color display (854 x 480!); video playback at 30 fps, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, TV and audio out ports, as well as more traditional features, including HSDPA connectivity, 2MP camera and SDHC memory slot. We sure would like to tune into Futurama on the P50iTV, but as ever, the Japanese have all the great gadget fun. [Trusted Reviews via Ubergizmo]