LG Prada dipped in gold

LG's Prada fashion handset is definitely a looker, but when you dip it in 24 karat gold, the desirability level shoots through the roof. That's exactly what LG has done with this cellphone, retaining all the internal features such as the included Web browser, email client, and MP3 player. In order to pick up this drool-worthy handset , you will need to fork out $989. As to whether such a price makes it worth a purchase or not, that remains to be seen. I suppose beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and if you think it is worth the price, then go ahead and place your order.
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Nokia wants ban on Qualcomm chips

Nokia has demanded that the US International Trade Commission ban imports of selected 3G cellular chipsets from Qualcomm, claiming that up to five Nokia patents have been violated. Apparently Nokia mentions that certain Qualcomm cellular chipsets that are supports EVDO and HSDPA were hurting Nokia's business since they copy techniques that made Nokia increase the level of power efficiency in its own chipsets, hence chipping away whatever advantage it has in the US. Looks like Qualcomm is currently going through some rough times.
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Nokia 6555 oozes with elegance

Nokia brings some timeless elegance with the Nokia 6555, featuring a smooth-back fold design and an original analog timepiece. It is the first WCDMA handset of its kind to feature such a design, and will be made available to consumers sometime next month for approximately 200 Euros before taxes or subsidies. Some of the features include a QVGA LCD display that handles up to 16 million colors at 240 x 320 resolution, a camera with 6x zoom, and a self-portrait function for the more narcissistic among us. 30MB of internal memory is complemented by a microSD memory card slot for further expansion.
- Original smooth-back design
- Elegant external analog timepiece display
- Brilliant 16 million color display
- Video sharing
- WCDMA and quadband GSM functionality.

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BlackBerry gets own dock

BlackBerry owners definitely do not have the same luxury as iPod owners when it comes to the choice of third party accessories, but it is nice to see the Berry Buddy that compliments the BlackBerry Pearl very nicely. When connected, your Pearl will be charged in order to prep itself for the next day's use. It looks extremely sleek and comes in a similar color as the Pearl, although the glossy surface it comes in will probably be a prime candidate for fingerprint magnets.
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Samsung SGH-F210 spotted

The Samsung SGH-F210 will most probably fool most people into thinking that this is an MP3 player in the first place, and they aren't too far from the truth. Only when it folds open like a fan is the numeric keypad revealed. It is amazing to note that the 87.7mm x 30.9mm x 20.4mm form factor is capable of squeezing in Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, a 2 megapixel camera, a 1.46" 262k color TFT LCD display, and 3D sound effects for enhanced audio. Just in case the 1GB internal memory is not enough (which it most certainly isn't in this day and age), there is always the microSD memory card slot. Supported audio formats include MP3, AAC/AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA. Pricing and availability details are currently unknown. I would suggest those with larger fingers to avoid this when it comes out as typing can be quite a pain.
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SoftBank announces Toshiba 912T

SoftBank has just released the Toshiba 912T cellphone that strangely enough, comes with an extendable antenna. I thought those became extinct early decade as handsets started eschewing antennas in favor of internal ones. Nevertheless, the 912T is a rather large clamshell, measuring 104mm x 50mm x 17mm and weighs 136 grams. Features include a 2.8" QVGA 260k color LCD display, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, and a microSD memory card slot. In addition, you get to surf the Internet at HSDPA speeds and with such a large display, surely you won't need to visit the optometrist anytime soon. If you're living in Japan and want to pick up the 912T, you can choose from 7 colors (silver, black, white, blue, plum, champagne and green) - there's bound to be something for everyone.
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Casio hits 5 megapixels with phone

Looks like the megapixel race for top cellphone models currently stands at 5 megapixels, and the Casio EXILIM W53CA is the latest to join the club. This clamshell cellphone features a 5.1 megapixel camera with autofocus, an electronic dictionary function, image stabilization technology, and a microSD memory card slot to store all your favorite memories. Too bad this CDMA 1X WIN handset will be launched in Korea and remain an exclusive there. Pricing details have yet to be determined, but it will come in red, black, and silver colors.
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NTT DoCoMo rolls out pink SH903iTV

Sharp's SH903iTV will be available from NTT DoCoMo in a color that hopefully, will appeal to the ladies - pink. This rectangular handset supports 1Seg for mobile TV as long as you remain within the network coverage area. The SH903iTV comes with a high resolution Aquos LCD panel which is a given considering the amount of TV you're going to watch on it. Needless to say, instead of rotating the handset sideways to catch a TV program, you can always swivel the LCD display instead to a horizontal position. I love how the time is displayed in the LED panel up front, adding a touch of subtle elegance. One thing's for sure - the exterior of the SH903iTV is a guaranteed fingerprint magnet.

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Samsung to release SGH-i570

Looks like Samsung has taken the Windows Mobile-powered SGH-i620 and worked on it to run Symbian 9.1 instead. This is where the SGH-i570 comes in, featuring a QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, HSDPA, EDGE, and Bluetooth connectivity, 160MB of internal memory, a microSD memory card slot, a VGA camera in front and a 2 megapixel camera behind, all packed into a slim slider form factor that measures a mere 16mm thick. I hope the battery life on such a device will be able to hold out as more and more people take advantage of WiFi connectivity in their smartphones.

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NEC N704iµ has unique design

NEC has lifted the veil off its N704iµ handset, touted to be the slimmest clamshell WCDMA cellphone in the world. Measurements stand at 10cm x 5cm x 1cm and it tips the scales at 90 grams. It might be rather large compared to other handsets, but it boasts a stereoscopic fascia that certainly adds to the sex appeal of this handset. Standby time is rated at 690 hours while talktime and video calling time stands at 200 minutes and 135 minutes respectively, although those quoted figures will probably be lower in real life usage. A 240 x 345 pixel LCD display graces the handset, while a VGA camera is located in front for video calls and a 1.3 megapixel camera behind for impromptu snapshots. Ultra thin speakers and a microSD memory card slot rounds off the list of features. NEC will release the N704iµ in Japan at the moment, with no word on making it available elsewhere at the moment.
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Concept phones from AU

AU of Japan, the second largest operator in the Land of the Rising Sun, has just unveiled a bunch of concept phone designs. Being the first company to introduce sweet looking handsets in the market there, AU has since come a long way, always careful to strike a balance between form and function in their offerings. Some of these concepts come with a brush drawing displayed in the background of the user interface which is guaranteed to announce its Japanese ancestry at first glance. Will we ever see these concepts made available on store shelves? That question can only be answered by the top brass at AU, and a positive remark would make the world a better place. Call me shallow, but I want something that I use everyday to look good and perform even better.
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Motorola puts WiFi in RIZR Z3

This has been a long time in coming, but Motorola has finally made the move to include WiFi connectivity into its RIZR Z3 cellphone that will probably be released sometime early 2008. This new and improved Z3 will use the same 2 megapixel camera while retaining the Bluetooth connection and microSD memory card slot. The inclusion of a WiFi chipset makes it easy to update the handset over an Internet connection. Motorola has decided to part ways with its Synergy interface, and use the Linux-based JUIX interface in lieu. The JUIX interface is expected make networking over local wireless and EDGE a cinch. The RIZR Z3 at this point in time is unlocked, but chances are it could end up on T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home plan sometime down the road.
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Sony Ericsson unveils SO903iTV

Sony is well known for their BRAVIA line of LCD TVs, so it is no surprise they decided to include technology from the BRAVIA line into the Sony Ericsson SO903iTV cellphone. This large clamshell handset supports mobile TV that looks just brilliant on the 3" WQVGA TFT widescreen display, thanks to the Mobile BRAVIA engine embedded within. Interestingly enough, the display can be folded over a full 360 degrees, snapping back into the casing just like a tablet PC. A 2GB memory card also lets you store your TV shows if you have no time to sneak a peek during the corporate boardroom meeting. Pricing details are currently unknown for this gargantuan (relatively speaking) phone.
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Samsung SGH-P520 looks like Prada

Looks like imitation is still the best form of flattery as Samsung's SGH-P520 resembles the LG Prada in the looks department. This triband GSM/EDGE cellphone comes without a keypad, although it remains to be seen whether the display is touchscreen capable (which it most probably is - how else are you going to navigate your way through considering there are only answer buttons at the bottom?). Crammed inside this 8.9mm thin handset includes a 3 megapixel camera, 50MB of internal memory, a microSD memory card slot, and WiFi connectivity. Pricing and availability details are currently unknown.
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Cect K898 from China slides open

The Cect K898 cellphone from China is certainly very different from other standard clamshell or candybar handsets, as it takes the sliding form factor with a twistable camera module thrown into the mix. This will most probably be a 3G-enabled handset as there is a secondary camera which is used for video calls. Looks like cellphone manufacturers are learning fast and getting the game together, and while their hardware might almost be up to par with the established players, they still have a long way to go when it comes to the user interface which is by far less satisfactory, and convoluted even.

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NEC concept handsets

I love concept phones as they do not have the problem of trying to accomodate what the current laws of physics and science dictate. In fact, concepts help the designers go wild with their imagination, and it is exactly that which brought about beautiful looking creations we see today such as the Audi TT and even certain cellphones. NEC has given their engineers a chance to loosen up by creating some pretty zany concept cellphones that come in all sorts of shapes, color, and sizes. More pictures are available in the photo gallery.
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Samsung looks into UCC

User Created Content, or UCC, seems to be the next big thing these days. Citizen journalism is also on the rise, especially in lesser known and Third World countries. It is no wonder then that Samsung has conjured up the SCH-B750 cellphone that is capable of shooting videos which require no editing before being uploaded to various sites such as YouTube for the whole world to see. This clamshell handset comes with a 2.2" rotating display, a 3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, TV out, DMB functionality, a built-in audio/video player, and a microSD memory card slot for expansion options. There is no word on pricing and availability, but it will probably remain in Korea at the moment.

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Nokia to release Transformers N93i

Too bad this special edition won't come with the ability to turn into a robot whenever you're bored at your desk. Scheduled to be released in Q3 this year at a yet undisclosed price, this special edition Transformers N93i will come with the exact specifications as the vanilla version, save for the special edition packaging and pre-loaded content from the Transformers movie as well as games. It would've been a marketing coup of sorts if this handset could actually turn into a miniature robot for the big boys to keep themselves entertained under the table while attenting a corporate meeting.

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Vertu Ascent Ti phone approved by FCC

The almighty FCC has just stamped their seal of approval on the Vertu Ascent Ti cellphone. This quad-band GSM handset also works with 3G/UMTS networks, and will bring even more class to what is already a high end handset. I question the choice of a joystick for navigation purposes, but hopefully it is made of sterner stuff than cheap plastic. Features include a 3 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, video capture capability, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 and MIDI support, along with a host of useful applications such as a to-do list, a calendar, a stopwatch, a currency converter, and even real-time flight information. Pricing details are unknown, and it is probably going to be the antonym of cheap.

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New Chocolate looks sweeter

The original LG Chococlate handset clearly took the world by storm with its revolutionary design, and sparked off a slew of other touch sensitive designs. Despite its beautiful form factor, time dictates that all things of beauty eventually end up as the past, which is why there is a new LG Chocolate phone that will be released this July 9 in Black Cherry and Blue Mint colors. These will be slimmer and sleeker compared to the original Chocolate, boasting a vibrating touch keypad and a special Nav Wheel with Trace Motion Lighting. The best part is, it costs a mere $99 with a 2-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate from Verizon. You can bet your bottom dollar it functions just fine as a decent MP3 player for your travels.

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AT&T now carries Samsung SGH-A437

For those who did not jump onto the AT&T iPhone bandwagon last week (and saved themselves $600 in the process), there is a new handset available in the form of the Samsung SGH-A437. This slim clamshell looks as pretty fragile as if it was made from cheap plastics, and comes with equally cheap features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a paltry VGA camera, and speakerphone functionality. The Samsung SGH-A437 is available in red, slate, and gold colors and will cost $69 including service. Looks like the perfect student phone as well as those who are picking up their first handset.

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