They may not sell many cellphones outside Japan, but considering how well-respected Panasonic's Lumix camera range is around the world, a "Lumix phone" would actually do very well. Given the OS matches up to the phone's awesome-sounding specs, of course.
Weirdly, Panasonic's already announced specs for the phone prior to a launch event they're holding next Tuesday in Japan. The phone will edge out Nokia's N8 by one megapixel, supposedly having a 13MP CMOS sensor and their Mobile VenusEngine image processing technology, usually seen in their camera range.
A 3.3-inch display with a WVGA resolution, Wi-Fi, DLNA support and the usual features will also be included in this camphone, which is said to weigh 146g and measures 116 x 52 x 17.7mm.
This is seriously great news for people who don't cart around a compact camera plus their phone. I adore the several Lumix models I've owned over the years, and know plenty of others who swear by them too—but let's hope Panasonic gets it right with a western-release and OS which the hardware deserves. [Panasonic via Panasonic release and MobileCrunch]