Sony Ericsson headed in a new exciting direction

So I just finished with a web conference with Sony Ericsson and they intend to make some moves in the future. Across the board they are working towards making mobile more fun with all of their lines, they are also starting a new line that combines the best of everything they have to offer from all of their existing lines and calling it XPERIA.

Some really good new from the web conference is that they are going to be putting more effort into the North American market and as such, you can expect to start seeing more handsets from Sony Ericsson that support a large number of NAM bands including more devices with NAM HSDPA bands. Sadly though, they are sticking with the model where they sell directly to carriers and let them sell the product, so you probably won’t be able to get unlocked versions of these devices directly from SE.

Now for the XPERIA X1 news because I know that’s what you are all really interested in. First off, it does support video conferencing, its one of the only handsets that was just announced that has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack instead of a proprietary SE jack, but they don’t know what the battery life of the device will be yet since they are still toying with the software (likely for optimization). The X1 runs Windows Mobile 6 and all of the apps that come with it, so, it should be a great device for both the media/communication fanatic as well as the professional businessman. However, just because they released a smartphone running Windows Mobile does not mean they are moving away from the Symbian OS, Other than the handset and company news, they also mentioned a couple of new modems for you notebook, they both appear to be ExpressCard/34 and they are the EC400 and EC400gOverall it was a very good conference and they seem to be changing their game plan up a bit for the better. I also have a video that I am uploading now of what I believe is the XPERIA X1 commercial.

they are just adding some new fronts.

via PhoneMag

Nuvifone by Garmin: hands-on at MWC

If there was one phone Vincent was particularly looking forward to seeing at the Mobile World Congress, it’s Garmin’s nuvifone. Remember, this is the handset that takes Garmin’s GPS sat-nav know-how and slaps it into a 3.5-inch touchscreen fronted HSDPA smartphone, complete with WiFi and an OS described as “effortless”. Well, he’s got his wish - we’ll have hands-on video of the nuvifone later on today, but for now enjoy these exclusive photos.

via Phone Mag

Vodafone & Orange to share UK cellphone mast sites

It’s not quite as exciting as collaborating on space cellphones, but Vodafone and Orange’s deal to share mobile phone mast sites in the UK will probably have more day-to-day impact on users than NASA’s venture. The two companies will still maintain separate networks and even use separate equipment, only they will both site it at the same mast rather than use different locations as has been the arrangement up until now. According to Vodafone, the deal will lead to up to a 15-percent reduction in mast sites within the first two years, around 3,000 in total.

The arrangement echoes a similar, but more in-depth collaboration between T-Mobile UK and 3 UK back in December 2007, where the two carriers agreed to combine their 3G access points so as to improve network coverage for both companies. Vodafone and Orange, however, will remain independently responsible for the quality and maintenance of their own networks and equipment.

Couple-IT concept re-invents the wheel: unfortunately pick rubbish wheel

Alloy, a UK-based industrial design firm, have seemingly reinvented the Palm Foleo, only with the added frustration of trying to get your mobile carrier to give you a duplicate SIM card.
Echoing Palm’s noble sentiments about having a compact cellphone for calls, SMS/MMS messaging and basic information access, together with a companion device for more in-depth messaging and internet browsing, the Couple-IT concept comprises a clamshell, dual-touchscreen cellphone and ultracompact-laptop-sized smartphone. Each is envisaged as having a SIM, and the information stored on both is automatically synchronised via the cellular network.

“Couple-IT shows what can be achieved when the user’s experience and network
relationship is managed in a more holistic way involving different device form
factors for different tasks and situations, with a very high level of
intelligent synchronisation of personal data across the devices” Gus Desbarats,
Chairman, Alloy

Don’t get me wrong, I quite recognise the value in having devices that suit their purpose and usage environment rather than one catch-all smartphone that never quite succeeds at anything, but right now that means either a relatively dumb companion device like the Palm Foleo was ending up looking like, or an ultraportable laptop that, well, exists in plenty of forms and doesn’t really need Alloy to concept it up. So this whole Couple-IT ends up being an exercise in preaching “intelligent synchronisation”, and if there’s anybody out there who didn’t know that current data migration tools are somewhat lacking in finesse, then perhaps you should send Alloy a dollar for educating you.

[via core77]

Motorola Unveils New Additions to ROKR Family

New ROKR E8 Takes You from Talk to Music in One Touch Using Motorola ModeShift Technology

Motorola, Inc. today expanded its ROKR family of music products with the introduction of the ROKR E8 mobile device, the EQ5 and EQ7 wireless speaker systems and new stereo headsets at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8545, Central Hall). This new generation of ROKR products offers consumers a complete music ecosystem that can help them enjoy their favorite tunes while on the go.

“ROKR E8 is a no compromises device – it’s both an MP3 player that makes great phone calls and a mobile phone with tremendous audio capabilities. With our unique ModeShift technology, we’re dispelling the myth that mobile phones with music features are inferior to stand-alone audio devices,” stated Stu Reed, president, Motorola Mobile Devices. “Rounding out our ROKR portfolio, our new music accessories provide consumers with a number of ways to enjoy their music.”

Summary of key features in ROKR E8:

• ModeShift technology transforms the device from phone to music player with the touch of a button
• Innovative haptics technology provides tactile response when a virtual key is pressed
• FastScroll navigation wheel allows for scrolling through thousands of songs with the slide of a thumb
• Patented CrystalTalk™ technology delivers outstanding call clarity even in noisy environments
• Windows™ Media Player™ 11 compatibility enables easy transfer of tunes from the PC to the device
  

Motorola designed ROKR E8 to deliver an uncompromised consumer experience for music or talk. Using breakthrough ModeShift technology from Motorola, the quad-band GPRS/EDGE device presents users with only the controls they need, at the time they need them, instantly transforming from music player to phone with the touch of a button.

When powered off, the surface of ROKR E8 is smooth, with no visible keys. Power on the device and it presents a virtual numbered keypad on the front surface. With one “press” of the virtual music key, the phone keypad disappears and control keys for the music player – play, pause, fast forward and rewind – appear in its place.

Yet, ROKR E8 is more than just a “touch”-operated device. Using innovative vibrating haptics technology, the device provides the tactile feedback consumers expect from a traditional keypad, providing confirmation they have pressed a virtual key.

ROKR E8 also marks the debut of the new FastScroll navigaton wheel from Motorola, a variable-speed touch control that lets consumers easily scroll through all of the content stored on the device. With a gentle slide of the thumb, the wheel quickly scrolls through your music (music mode), contacts (phone mode), calendar (phone mode), or multimedia (imaging mode) content.
Information is easily viewed on the landscape 2.0” QVGA display.In music mode, ROKR E8 delivers great sound through a three-dimensional stereo feature that enhances two-channel audio and an on-board equalizer. Music can be enjoyed on the built-in speaker, with a compatible Bluetooth® enabled stereo headset¹, or through a wired headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack.

ROKR E8 also helps consumers discover new music with a built-in FM radio and support for Song ID2 .

The 2GB internal memory can store up to 1,500 songs3, and the external memory is expandable up to 4GB with an optional microSD card. Music transfers quickly with USB 2.0. The device is compatible with Windows Media Player 11 on the PC, which also provides access to more than 200 online music stores.

In phone mode, ROKR E8 provides outstanding voice quality using Motorola CrystalTalk technology. The powerful device can receive calls while downloading or playing music, text messaging2, surfing the Web2 or taking pictures. Quality construction and materials help make ROKR E8 durable and reliable, and a high gloss front, aluminum soft touch back, spun metal side keys and engraved banding offer the modern style expected from Motorola.

Motorola EQ5 and EQ7: Wireless Speakers for Music and Calls

The Motorola EQ5 and EQ7 are the first wireless speakers from Motorola that provide mobility for both music and speakerphone calls. With rich, stereo sound and elegant style, both portable speakers can easily connect with almost any MP3 player, PC or mobile phone through wireless Bluetooth technology (including A2DP Bluetooth profile) or a wired 3.5 mm jack.

The Motorola EQ5 Portable Wireless Speaker is a sleek and stylish pocket-sized device with a convenient kickstand for standing upright and a rechargeable battery4 to play music or take calls with wireless freedom.



The Motorola EQ7 Wireless Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker is a state-of-the-art sound system that includes cutting-edge audio technology by JBL®. The high-end stereo speakers provide deep rich bass and smooth response, making even the most dynamic of songs sound clean and robust.
The speakers also include a built-in microphone and integrated controls that make it easy to switch between music and speakerphone mode with the touch of a button.



Stereo Bluetooth Accessories: Wireless Music On the Go
The wireless music experience has been enhanced with the Motorola S9-HD, an upgraded version of the award-winning ROKR S9. This improved headset adds surround sound with SRS WOW HD™ technology, while reducing ambient noise and providing more comfort with redesigned ear buds.

The Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset gives wired music devices a wireless option. With stereo Bluetooth technology, this affordable and lightweight clip-on pendant and headset provides wireless connections to Bluetooth enabled phone while staying simultaneously connected to streaming music or FM radio.



Wired Accessories: Mobile Music, In Style
Motorola is also launching several new wired companion products to satisfy any style and add comfort, design and incredible sound to your mobile music experience.

EH70 Stereo Headset – A premium in-ear stereo headset with an acoustic design that delivers rich sound quality with full-range frequency response and low distortion. Outstanding microphone performance helps calls sound great and noise isolation helps minimize background clamor. Replaceable ear tips offer a comfortable in-ear fit and additional sound clarity.



EH50 Stereo Headset – Ergonomically designed to keep up with active lifestyles5, the EH50 features proprietary TrueComfort™ design, with flexible ear hooks for a secure, comfortable fit.
The EH50 sounds as good as it looks with a full-range enhanced frequency response, low distortion as well as an unobtrusive ear bud design and discreet, lightweight, enhanced microphone for calls.


EH25 Stereo Headset – Creates a fashion statement among wired headphones with four available colors, exceptional sound quality, a compact carry case and a discreet microphone for taking calls. EH20 Stereo Headset – A wired headset that offers great bass response, stylish design and a customizable fit at an affordable price.


Availability ROKR E8 is expected to be available in Q1 2008. The Motorola EQ5, EQ7 and new wired and wireless accessories are expected to be available in Q2 2008.

For more information, please visit www.motorola.com/.

Source: Motorola press release

GPS spreading from cars to mobile phones

After replacing paper maps for millions of drivers, GPS technology is now being put into mobile phones and was one of the most-hyped developments at this week's Mobile World Congress.

The biggest handset manufacturers and GPS (global positioning system) specialists have begun building handsets with personal navigation software, planning routes and guiding pedestrians with detailed digital maps.

Advertising for GPS in phones, long-awaited by the industry, was everywhere at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, one of the industry's biggest trade shows.

The leading maker of GPS devices, US-based Garmin, is betting on increased demand and it showcased its first mobile phone at this week's event, which finished Thursday.

"We believe in the development of personal navigation," said development director for the company, Mark Perini.

Called the "Nuvifone," the Garmin device resembles the Apple iPhone, using touchscreen technology for navigation. It will also include a camera and MP3 music player.

The device is set to be launched in the third quarter of the year and will be aimed at the top-end of the market. A partnership agreement has been signed with Google to include some of the Internet giant's services.

After bringing out a GPS-enabled phone last year, Finnish handset maker Nokia is now counting on a new range with sat-nav and personal mapping to drive sales.

Nokia cites a study by British research institute Canalys which found that 60 percent of users would appreciate the function on their mobile phones.

The Finnish group, the biggest handset maker in the world, plans to sell 35 million GPS phones in 2008 and presented the 6210 Navigator this week.

The main brake on development might be the price, however.

GPS-enabled phones start at about 450 euros (650 dollars), then there is the added cost of a subscription to the GPS service.

Like Garmin, Nokia is working on a phone that would allow a user to tag photos with their geographic coordinates, allowing them to position the photos on a map on social networking sites.
South Korean electronics maker Samsung, the second-biggest manufacturer in the world after overtaking US rival Motorola last year, also launched its first GPS phone.

The aim is to "widen the integration of GPS on about 80 percent of our smart phones," said marketing director for Samsung France, Jean-Philippe Illarine, referring to the top-end phones produced by the group.

Japanese-Swedish group Sony Ericsson launched its X1 smart phone, the top product of a new range called "Xperia," which will integrate GPS functionality.

Only South Korea's LG and Motorola have so far not joined the bandwagon.

LG is following a strategy of producing phones with the emphasis on ease of use while the future of Motorola is highly uncertain after the group said it was considering breaking itself up.

Motorola announced at the end of last month that it might separate its mobile devices division from its other businesses to enhance shareholder value.

AFP

Review: Sony Ericsson K770i

Here we go with another new phone from Sony Ericsson. The K770i is a tri-band handset with 3G. It has a neat candybar design and is distinctly mid-range. My review sample came with a 3 SIM and was coloured a rather nice ‘exclusive to 3' purple. Sony Ericsson wants the shade called ‘Ultra Violet'. Think Ribena and you'll have the idea.


Other operators have this phone too, and there are other colours available: Black (that'll be ‘Soft Black' according to Sony Ericsson), brown (‘Truffle Brown'), silver (‘Sandy Beige') and orange (‘Henna Bronze'). The phone is available for various prices, including nothing at all, depending on the contract you choose.

This is quite a neat looking mobile. Sony Ericsson has kept things simple on the design front. The number pad on my purple sample was coloured silver and made a nice visual contrast. The keys are fairly narrow, but wide, and I found them responsive.

Above the keys there are no less than six shortcut buttons. The softkeys have beneath them the Sony Ericsson Back and Clear keys. Embedded between the right side pair and butting up to the right edge of the front fascia is a teeny shortcuts button.

Press it and a My Shortcuts menu pops up offering access to key features of the phone such as a switcher between running apps, alerts, the Web browser, and a set of shortcuts for you to configure. This is a familiar feature on Sony Ericsson handsets, and I maintain that it is one of the best methods on any mobile for getting around the handset quickly.

There is another button mirroring this one on the left edge of the phone. It was programmed on my handset to take you to 3's MusicStore. No doubt it is programmed differently when the mobile is bought from other operators.

The navigation key has a couple of hidden gems too. Tap its ‘up' edge and a file viewer opens, while hitting its central select button when you are on the main screen opens up the phone's icon driven main menu.

The screen itself is a little disappointing. It is clear and bright enough, and its 240 x 320 pixels and 262 thousand colours are standard fare. But it is a bit squeezed, measuring just 1.8 inches corner to corner and offering a visible viewing area I measured at 29mm wide and 38mm tall.

The K770i shades under the magic 100g weight mark, coming in at 95g, and it is pocket friendly being just 14mm thick, 105mm tall and 47mm wide.

Source: Trusted Reviews