Nokia Announce Three New Phones

Nokia today unveiled a trio of mobile devices that balance stunning and sophisticated looks with the latest in mobile functionality. All three devices, the Nokia 6600 fold, the Nokia 6600 slide and the Nokia 3600 slide present a smooth, minimalist design and an appealing array of easy-to-use features.

Nokia 6600 fold - Smart and sophisticated looks

With one touch of a button, the elegant Nokia 6600 fold smoothly opens to reveal a stunningly bright 2.13'' OLED screen displaying up to 16 million colors. With its seamless design, the signature "smooth back" of the Nokia 6600 fold creates a comfortable contour when open, and remains subtle and compact when closed. The high-gloss surface of the Nokia 6600 fold comes to life when tapped twice to "wake up" the hidden outer display that reveals time, incoming messages, missed calls and more. A double tap on the Nokia 6600 fold also snoozes alerts and silences or rejects incoming phone calls.

With a set of contemporary mobile features that belie its compact size, the Nokia 6600 fold is proof positive that beauty can be far more than skin deep. 3G technology allows for fast and easy sharing of pictures and videos snapped with the integrated 2 megapixel camera with double LED flash or swift access to Internet services such as Yahoo! Go or Flickr.

The Nokia 6600 fold easily fits into a pocket or a handbag and has an estimated retail price of 275 EUR excluding taxes and subsidies.

Nokia 6600 slide - Compact and balanced

Being one of Nokia's smallest sliders to date, the Nokia 6600 slide stays true to its name as it smoothly glides open in the hand. The appearance of the Nokia 6600 slide with its glossy, high-quality steel covers and aluminium center key constitute both understated elegance as well as visual simplicity. Its well-balanced feature set is created to be exciting and intuitive. Tapping the Nokia 6600 slide twice conveniently indicates time, snoozes, alerts and silences or rejects incoming phone calls.

The 3.2 megapixel camera takes high quality pictures and videos that can be shared with others via Internet services or multimedia message - directly from the photo menu. The large 2.2" QVGA display with 16 million colors also makes it easy to find your way around town, thanks to the integrated Nokia Maps application which can be enhanced with an optional Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W and separate navigation license. The slim, lightweight Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W features an innovative design that takes Bluetooth navigation beyond the car and into the hands of urban trekkers and leisure travelers.

The Nokia 6600 slide has an estimated retail price of 250 EUR excluding taxes and subsidies.

Nokia 3600 slide - Contemporary combination

The Nokia 3600 slide aims to win hearts with a blend of tasteful colors, materials and tactile finishes, and minds with a full range of the latest features. Soft ceramic paint and metal combined with high gloss surfaces and gradated colors to make the Nokia 3600 slide beautiful to both touch and see. The Nokia 3600 slide is equally beautiful to hear as it is the first Nokia product to feature background noise cancellation. With a built-in music player the Nokia 3600 slide offers up to 3000 favorite songs on an optional 4 microSD card.

The small, ergonomically shaped Nokia 3600 slide also delivers a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and 2 LED flash and is excellent for taking pictures or videos, even in dim lighting conditions. The TV-out feature, which conveniently connects the Nokia 3600 slide to most television sets, ensures quick and easy sharing of pictures and videos.

While the beauty of the Nokia 3600 slide will tell the world about its owner, the pre-installed Nokia Maps application with an optional Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W will tell the owner a lot about the world they are in. The Nokia Maps application holds more than 15 million points of interests, including restaurants, shops, hotels and more.

The Nokia 3600 slide has an estimated retail price of 175 EUR excluding taxes and subsidies.

Free "Silverback" mobile phone game

Fauna & Flora International a Wildlife conservation charity has launched a free mobile game called Silverback.

"Silverback" mobile phone game is a fun way to learn about the challenges of gorilla conservation in a conflict zone.

It is easy and FREE to download. During the eight levels of the game, you will grow from a baby to an alpha-male silverback gorilla and face many challenges that real mountain gorillas face in DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.Don't forget to look at the game tips below!

Though it is free, donations from individuals are a crucial source of funding for Fauna & Flora Internation.

If you enjoy "Silverback" and would like to donate £5 or more to FFI, please click here.

LG announced the Secret

LG Electronics announced the global launch of its third LG Black Label Series handset, the LG Secret (KF750).

Boasting style that lasts, the LG Secret has been specifically developed to satisfy the refined tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticatedly designed, yet durable handset. Following the success of its predecessors, the LG Chocolate and the LG Shine, this third model from the LG Black Label Series is as feature rich as it is stylish. At just 11.8mm thick, the LG Secret is the slimmest 5 megapixel camera phone on the market.

Timeless style The LG Secret will always look as new as the day of purchase thanks to the materials used to make it. Its casing of carbon fibre, one of the strongest composite materials used for aircraft and high-performance cars, adds to the handset’s durability. Its tempered glass LCD adds sheen and strength, as well as shielding the phone’s screen, and its neon touch navigation buttons sensitively respond to commands with a luminous blue light.

Timeless memories As well as being the slimmest 5 megapixel camera phone, the LG Secret boasts the ability to take video at 120 frames per second and DivX® certified recording. Timeless moments can be edited with powerful photo and video editing features, including facial editing and SmartLight™, a feature that automatically adjusts the picture’s light settings. Users can also create their own music videos using the phone’s Movie Maker software.

Timeless entertainment The LG Secret’s outstanding entertainment features take advantage of the phone’s touch-screen - users can access five multimedia functions which include music, photos, games, documents, and the FM radio. In addition, users can simultaneously flick through photos on the screen while listening to music. Microsoft documents can be opened easily and the handset is loaded with a Google package that enables the user to surf the Internet, log into Gmail, use Google Maps and watch YouTube videos.

Timeless convenience Using Bluetooth, the LG Secret automatically synchronises with PCs without the need to use USB cables. Images can be viewed both horizontally and vertically using the phone’s auto rotating display, and the screen’s lighting adjusts to ensure that it is always clear. In addition, the phone also comes with Voice Clarity technology that guarantees perfect sound quality in every environment.

After its European launch, the LG Secret will be launched in Asia and South America, followed by the rest of the world. Please visit the LG Secret Microsite at http://secret.lgmobile.com/

Veveo launch mobile Web Video Service for Sony Ericssons

Veveo has launched a new mobile Web video service for Sony Ericsson customers called Vtap to provide access to over 150 million Web videos on the Internet.

With the new offering, users can easily search, view and collect relevant and high quality Web videos from anywhere on the Internet, including popular sites like YouTube, DailyMotion, and MySpace , using their existing data services.
Veveo is the force behind the video-anywhere revolution and the Vtap service, which puts the power of searching, browsing and viewing of Web videos at the fingertips of consumers.

Veveo is actively working with mobile operators, mobile manufacturers, TV providers, consumer electronics manufacturers and content creators to deploy its Vtap solutions and is backed by venture funding from Matrix Partners, Northbridge Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners and OmniCapital Group.

As per this latest announcement, Sony Ericsson video-enabled handsets and Web portal customers are now offered this Web video service from Vtap which been optimized specifically for Sony Ericsson's multimedia handsets and is available immediately for Sony Ericsson Java Platform 8 (JP8) enabled handsets models: Z770i, K850i, W910i, K660i, W890i, Z750i and Sony Ericsson's JP7 models: W880i, K810i, T650i, K530i, W580i, K770i, and W660i. The service will support English, French, Italian, German and Spanish languages.

Vtap is a mobile search service that’s fine-tuned for video but can be used for audio and text as well. The technology provides relevant video results by indexing video metadata, like tags and surrounding text, instead of actual video file innards.

When users start typing search keywords into the query box, the search engine speedily starts returning relevant results based on the letters they have already started typing. This allows users to type in abbreviated search keywords instead of typing a whole word, which makes more sense for mobile users.

Vtap's intuitive browsing automatically groups video results together logically into easy-to-browse folders. This allows users to choose between incremental search and browsing and dynamically created menus to find and enjoy the most relevant video content on their mobile handsets.

Double your iPhone Battery life with the mophie Juice Pack

Mophie has began shippings its Juice Pack, which is a rechargeable lithium polymer battery in the form of a non-slip, soft grip case. The Juice Pack improves standy time by up to 240 hours and talktime by up to 8 Hours.

The Integrated iPhone holder and rechargeable battery also gives your iPhone extra protection

In order to use the Juice pack you simply plug in your iPhone to the fully pre-charged Juice Pack and doubles the time to rock, talk, surf and send!

The Smart Battery Technology instructs the iPhone to always drain out the Juice Pack first so when you're done with Juice Pack, simply detach it and you still have a fully charged iPhone

You can use the iPhone Adaptor or any iPod connector to charge the Juice Pack without your iPhone or with your iPhone simultaneously

Product Specifications

Standby Time - Up to additional 250 hours
Audio Playback - Up to additional 24 hours
Talk Time - Up to additional 8 hours
Video Playback - Up to additional 7 hours
Internet Use - Up to additional 6 hours

To order the Mophie Juice Pack go to http://www.mophie.com/

Sony Erricson Anounces Two Budget HSDPA Phone

Sony Ericsson introduced two new HSDPA phones into its line-up; each clearly designed to take its range web-enabled phones in a different direction, The Z780 expands the company’s range of devices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings the power of the web to a mainstream audience.

G502 (Below)The Z780, a sister product to the recently announced Z770, is set to broaden the range of web-enabled phones into more markets across the globe. It packs tri-band 3G and HSDPA into its stylish clamshell frame, letting you receive email or browse the web at high speed in countries across the world. It also introduces built-in aGPS, giving users the opportunity to carry their navigation solution with them on their phone.

The new G502 is the latest in an established line of classic Sony Ericsson phones that cram a wealth of time-saving features into an affordable, pocket-sized phone.

The G502 is the first such model, however, to feature high-speed HSDPA capability.

In touch, on the move

Z780 (Above)

Both the Z780 and the G502 come with the latest version of Google™ Maps for Mobile. The built-in aGPS functionality of the Z780 means that wherever you are, you’ll always be able to find what you need – whether locating the address of your friend’s party or finding the quickest route to your next meeting.

With the G502, you just enter start and finish locations, and receive point-by-point directions of how to get to your destination. Plugging the GPS Enabler HGE-100 accessory into the phone adds GPS capability here as well, making sure that you need never get lost again.

Easy email, simple setup

Accessing your emails on the Z780 and the G502 couldn’t be more straightforward. An easy-to-follow ‘set-up wizard’ guides you through a series of very easy steps so that your existing webmail account can be directed to your phone. Or if it is push email that you need, then the G502 and Z780 also support Exchange ActiveSync® for your security and complete mobility.

What you want, when you want it

Accessing your favourite websites is now four times faster than with standard 3G (UMTS), thanks to the HSDPA speeds of the Z780 and the G502. What’s more, the pre-loaded weather forecast application on both of these phones allows you to check the weather before you head out, so you’re sure to be prepared for any unexpected rainstorms.

The Z780 is a be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver in selected markets from Q2 2008.

The G502 will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel in selected markets from Q2 2008.

LG Launches Versatile 3G HSDPA LG-KF700

LG Electronics launched its LG-KF700, a new multimedia phone that combines three input methods to create an amazingly intuitive user interface and provides instant access to features.

The LG-KF700 is the first phone to integrate three separate input methods, including a 3-inch touchscreen, alpha-numeric keypad and Shortcut Dial. Each of these input methods is assigned to the tasks at which it is most best suited, creating a user-optimized interface and making all of the phone’s functions and features instantly accessible.

The LG-KF700’s 3-inch full touchscreen provides easy access to features and widgets, an adaptive onscreen interface and a wide aspect ratio that is perfect for watching movies or browsing the internet.

The Shortcut Dial on the back of the phone quickly scrolls through six user-selected features by controlling a virtual dial on screen, eliminating the need to dig through menus. The Shortcut Dial can also be used to zoom in on web pages, scroll through e-mails or adjust volume.

The third input method on the LG-KF700 is its alpha-numeric keypad, a feature that customers asked LG to retain because of its familiarity and because it simplifies the process of making phone calls and is excellent for typing text messages.

Full Story Here

Nokia Unveils Two New XpressMusic Mobile Phones

Nokia introduced two new music-enabled devices as additions to its XpressMusic range. The new Nokia 5320 XpressMusic and Nokia 5220 XpressMusic offer a range of affordable music and entertainment experiences with the most fresh, stylish designs on the market. Both music devices are expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008, with an expected retail price range of 160 to 220 EUR, before taxes and subsidies.

Nokia 5320 XpressMusic (Right of Picture) - Dynamic design, 3G social entertainment package

Featuring a dynamic design with 3G social entertainment capabilities, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic delivers exceptional music and web 2.0 access. With the innovative new voice-controlled Say and Play feature, consumers can merely say the name of a favorite artist or song to automatically play it. Offering an array of additional features, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic device includes dedicated XpressMusic keys, a 3.5mm audio jack, up to 24 hours of playback time, an audio chip for hi-fi sound quality, extendable memory up to 8GB, HS-USB for fast music transfer and HSDPA for fast access to data.

The full featured Internet browser, access to Ovi and Nokia Search 4.1 allow users to find and share media content and information with ease. In addition, dedicated N-Gage gaming keys and landscape view deliver a true gaming experience, while HSDPA provides fast access to N-Gage, which will be available for download. The Nokia 5320 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 220 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

Full Story Here

Nokia Adds Song BMG to its Comes With Music Service

Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone maker, announced that music company Sony BMG had agreed to join Nokia's music service programme, giving Nokia device users access to music published by Sony BMG.

The Nokia Comes With Music programme will give Nokia cellular owners the possibility to download unlimited music from various artists on their mobile phones and computers during the first year they own their Nokia device.

"Sony BMG Music Entertainment has officially joined Nokia Comes With Music, a revolutionary way for people to discover and enjoy music with their Nokia device," Nokia said in a statement.
After the first 12 months, Nokia customers get to keep the music they downloaded and can either buy new music or sign a subscription for unlimited access.

Levi Phone Exclusive to Orange

ModeLabs Group, designer of made-to-measure mobile phones and telecom distributor, announces an exclusive agreement to market a new Levi’s® 3G/Edge mobile with Orange France.

Distributed by Orange's packs, the Levi’s® 3G/Edge mobile will benefit from extensive distribution. Due to be launched in April, the new mobile will only be available from France Telecom shops and other usual Orange outlets.

Engraved with the famous Levi Strauss logo, this model is the only mobile on the market that combines a metal and soft touch finishing. The new model embodies the spirit of the brand, while offering a range of multimedia functions: 3G/Edge technology, stereo Bluetooth™, USB 2.0 port, modem, slot micro SD, FM radio, 2-megapixel camera with digital zoom, audio player (MP3), video recorder and player, e-mail, and so on. With its ultra-compact slider design, the mobile fits even the tightest pockets.

The Levi’s® 3G/Edge will appeal to young Orange customers, who are attracted by fashionable accessories and multimedia services.

The launch also sees the release of a new range of universal accessories, from the Bluetooth™ headset, to wrist straps, necklets and different colours of denim and leather pouches.
With its latest Levi’s® mobile, ModeLabs Group has again demonstrated its capacity to adapt to the needs and the demands of operators by designing and developing a high-tech product that fits in perfectly with the range of 3G/Edge mobiles. The product is being launched as part of the exclusive licensing contract concluded in 2006 with Levi’s® and further extends the range of Levi’s® mobile phones.

Disposable Mobile Phone Launched

Hop-on, Inc. announced that its low end GSM cell phone with no LCD screen is hopping all over the European Markets! Just in the last two weeks of introducing the disposable cell phone, Hop-on has received orders for over 150,000 pieces and more each day. Peter Michaels, President of Hop-on stated, "We are getting so many inquiries about the 'disposable cell phone' in Europe and the Middle East, we will be hiring additional support to meet the market demands. We will not have any manufacturing issues in the low cost 900/1800 MHz phone utilizing both Texas Instruments chip sets and Infineon chip sets as they are proven technology."

Michaels of Hop-on also stated, "This is our biggest opportunity to actually have Hop-on become a household name in the US and throughout Europe. No one sells a new 10 pounds Sterling GSM cell phone. This is a home run for Hop-on. While we are excited about the interest generated in the European Markets, we don't currently have the resources to market our new disposable cell phone in the United States. This will come in time. We want to focus on the European and Middle East markets and then hire the personnel necessary to do it right in America!"

o2 announced mobile broadband

O2 UK today establishes itself as a comprehensive provider of high quality broadband and Internet services in the UK, with the launch of O2 Mobile Broadband.

Designed for fast, easy and reliable Internet connectivity on the move, O2 Mobile Broadband works by simply slotting a small memory stick into the USB port of a notebook computer or PC; customers just “plug-n-play”. With value for money pricing, fast speeds, as well as UK-based after sales service, O2 Mobile Broadband will allow O2 customers to access the internet on a laptop via the O2 mobile network or over 7,500 free Wi-Fi hotspots, anywhere in the UK*, from just £20 a month.

Customers can choose to take out an 18-month price plan for £20 a month with a USB Modem included free of charge, or pay £20 a month for a rolling one-month package plus the one-off cost of the USB Modem (£119.99). Both price plans give customers unlimited** Wi-Fi access and 3GB per month worth of inclusive UK data (on the O2 network). This should be more than enough for the vast majority of customers allowing them, for example, to download 68 music albums a month.

Broadband speeds of up to 1.8 megabits per second, which are equivalent to or faster than the speeds most people experience today on their home broadband, will be the standard across the whole O2 network. From June, O2 will begin increasing this to up to 3.6 megabits per second across the network. Further speed increases will follow in line with technology evolution.

O2 Business Mobile Broadband launches on May 1st 2008.

Wayfinder Search Available on iPod

Wayfinder announces the launch if its award winning Power Search technology on iPhone and iPod touch. The technology allows for searching a multitude of databases through one unified search field allowing millions of iPhone and iPod touch users to access information covering up to 100 million local search records around the world.

A user can enter a phone number, a persons name or a company name and the Wayfinder Power Search application will return relevant search results. Through agreements with several database providers around the world the end-user will receive relevant answers for the specific country where the search is being made, be it the United States, the U.K., France or elsewhere.

The Wayfinder Power Search application also leverages the built-in iPhone Map application, making it easy for subscribers to find the location of the Power Search results quickly. The search engine is based on Tele Atlas digital map data, to which information from a number of other premium databases is added. For a limited time the premium travel content from Wcities will be searchable as well.

MTV Mobile Phone Launched

ModeLabs Group , the customized design manufacturer, announces the commercial launch of the new MTV3.3 mobile on April 23. The first music channel 3G mobile will be accompanied by the MTV SERIES range of limited-time offers from SFR. SFR and MTV with ModeLabs Group have joined forces to create a new mobile offer intended mainly for young users. The offer features four new limited-time plans, with no risk of surcharges, plus exclusive access to all of MTV for this ModeLabs-designed product.
With the MTV 3.3, MTV makes it easier to access the channel's content in mobile mode and is boosting its multi-channel distribution strategy. It is also consolidating its already close relationship with its customers.

Available on April 23 at a price of €49 from all SFR stores and major retail outlets, this red 3G slider mobile is Bluetooth™- enabled, features a 2.2" high-resolution screen, a 2 mega pixel camera and a video/audio player and recorder compatible with AAC and MP3 formats. Embedded MTV content is also available, from videos and logos to exclusive wallpaper, original ringtones created by DJ Cut Killer and the MTV Cribs mobile game. Finally, the HotScan application provides permanent access to MTV news videos.

Especially for mobile music addicts, MTV and SFR stores are also offering a stereo MTV Bluetooth™ kit, also developed by ModeLabs Technologies. This 2-in-1 headset and the MTV3.3 mobile are the perfect combination of elegant design and top-quality sound. Featuring Surround Sound System (SRS) technology, it includes six different music moods: Pop, Rock, Truebass, Jazz, Classic and Basic.

With the launch of a complete mobile telephony offer combining the MTV3.3 mobile and the MTV Bluetooth™ stereo kit, ModeLabs Conception meets the demands of operators aiming at the development of made-to-measure products according to different consumer profiles.

Over 320 Radio Stations on iPhone

FlyTunes have announced a partnership with AccuRadio.com -- the world's leading independent, personalizable, multichannel Internet radio broadcaster --that will bring all 320+ channels of AccuRadio to iPhones and iPod Touchmodels.

Building on its patent-pending "Hurricane" streaming technology,FlyTunes has created a complete AccuRadio mobile radio portal that providesa mobile-friendly user interface, targeted ad delivery, and enhanced QoS(Quality of Service) streaming. AccuRadio, with nearly a half-million listeners per month, is among thetop Internet radio broadcasters in the world. AccuRadio's channels cover asweeping range of musical interests, including rock, pop, jazz, country,classical music, and Broadway.

Today's announcement that AccuRadio is bringing over 320 stations tomillions of iPhone and iPod Touch owners proves that mobile Internet radiois now ready for prime time -- and I expect terrestrial broadcasters tofollow this trend shortly."

The new service is available immediately. iPhone and iPod Touch userscan listen to all of AccuRadio's 320+ channels by visitinghttp://www.accuradio.com/.

Nokia 6212 Announced

Nokia introduced the Nokia 6212 classic featuring integrated Near Field Communication (NFC). The 3G handset allows consumers to conveniently share content, access services and information as well as conduct payments and ticketing with one tap of the device. The Nokia 6212 classic is expected to start shipping in the third quarter of 2008 in select markets in Europe and Asia with an estimated retail price of EUR 200 before taxes and subsidies.

Near Field Communication is designed for intuitive, simple and safe interaction between electronic devices. By tapping an NFC-enabled tag, consumers can receive new content such as weblinks, audio files or contact data directly to their phone.

The Nokia 6212 classic can also be used as a travel ticket or for mobile payments. Travel tickets can be charged over the air, so there is no need to wait at the service counter. Users can store their credit card information on the device and access their account online directly from the handset. Using the Nokia 6212 classic for payment and ticketing purposes requires a service subscription and the installation of an appropriate secure application. Security for transactions is assured as the handset can be set to allow payment only when the user expressly authorizes the transaction via an additional passcode.

The Nokia 6212 classic allows consumers to personalize and edit their own NFC tags, be it for writing calendar entries or setting the alarm clock. The sales pack of the Nokia 6212 classic comes with three sticker tags, one of which opens the NFC introduction in the phone.

The slimline Nokia 6212 classic comes with an extensive set of features such as a 2 megapixel camera, bright 2-inch QVGA display, stereo FM radio and music player supporting multiple formats. An optional microSD memory card of up to 4GB provides ample space for personal content such as images and songs.

New WatchPhone Announced

Van Der Led, a Dutch technology firm, have announced the WM2 Watch Phone.

The phone is a quad-band GSM watch with a 1.3-inch 260k color touchscreen display, stereo Bluetooth, 240-hours of standby-time or 300-minutes talk-time and 1GB of storage.

The phone costs €300 and is available right now.

O2 Introduces New iPhone Offer

O2 announced the launch of a special offer on the 8GB iPhone which can now be purchased for just £169 until 1 June 2008.

The offer is available from tomorrow on all O2 iPhone tariffs and will create additional momentum for what has been O2’s fastest-selling device. The 16GB iPhone remains priced at £329.

Once purchased, customers will continue to be able to choose from one of O2’s three great value iPhone tariffs, starting at £35 per month. Each tariff includes unlimited data browsing and free access to The Cloud’s 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots.

Madonna's First Single From Hard Candy Now Available Exclusively on Vodafone

Vodafone has revealed that the new '4 minutes' single from Madonna is now available to its mobile users.

Vodafone said its customers can purchase the complete track, which is the first single from Madonna's new Hard Candy album, through an exclusive pre-release on the Vodafone live! portal.

It confirmed that users will also be able to download the ringtone and ringding for the single from 24 March.

The album is Madonna's 11th album with Warner Music, which is also working with Vodafone to establish a promotional campaign for the release, to include the Internet, TV, radio, billboards and the press.

Hard Candy will not be on sale until 28 April, but Vodafone is enabling customers to hear one track each day for a week starting 21 April, through its agreement with Warner Music.

Sony Ericsson W380 Review by 3G.co.uk

Sony Ericsson W380 Review by 3G.co.uk

Sony Ericsson has been shipping out Walkman phones left, right and centre in recent months, but it has a been a couple of years since we've seen a clamshell version of the popular music phone range. Available in one of four colours, including the baffling black orange, the W380 is actually a little heavier than it looks, with a degree of thumb pressure needed to flip the phone open. Its shell also feels a little plastic.

Open the phone up to reveal the keypad and a somewhat small screen. All the usual Sony Ericsson controls are found here, including the navigation wheel, back button and cancel button. Under the navigation wheel are three much narrower keys. From left to right they are the internet key, the on/off button and the My shortcuts menu. You need a fairly steady hand to hit these, but the rest of the keys are both large and well spaced out.

Sony Ericsson W380 OLED external screen

While the Sony Ericsson W380 may not be the highest specced of the Walkman range, it does boast some appealing features. Even though it has a slightly plastic shell, we should also mention that on the front of the handset is an OLED screen that switches on and off depending if the handset is in use or not. Underneath the display are three braille-like symbols that are the media player's controls when the clamshell is closed. You can both skip and pause tracks by simply pressing the relevant buttons, which will give a short vibration to acknowledge a response. The OLED screen also displays the time as well as what radio frequency you're listening to.

Full Review With More Photos and Specification Here

EA Announce Two iPhone Games

EA has announced visually rich iPod versions of the hit Hasbro games Scrabble® (in North America only) and Yahtzee® which are now available for purchase from the iTunes Store.

Scrabble

Scrabble, under license from Hasbro in North America only, spells major f-u-n on your iPod! It includes flexible difficulty levels, a built-in word list, dynamic animations, scrolling and full-board views. Use the click-wheel to play alone, challenge the computer in your iPod, or enjoy pass n play with a friend. The game offers tips, like the "Best Word" feature which suggests the optimal word that can be formed with your tiles. Scrabble on the iPod is great fun for all – from wordplay mavens to new Scrabble players.

Yahtzee

Let the good times roll with Yahtzee on iPod! Vivid dice animations, easy score-keeping, multiple game modes, and simple click-wheel controls deliver classic Yahtzee fun. Fans can play solo, against a friend, or against the computer in their iPod. With unlockable difficulty levels, help menus and pop-up hints to explain the basics, Yahtzee on the iPod is perfect for novices as well as experienced players. Enjoy the iPod version of this wildly popular Hasbro family game!

Yahtzee is available worldwide through iTunes. Scrabble is available via iTunes in the United States and Canada only.

All iPod games are available for the iPod nano, iPod classic and fifth-generation iPod and can be sent as a gift using the iTunes gifting feature (www.itunes.com).

EA Announce 5 New Mobile Games

EA Mobile™ announced the availability of five new titles for mobile phones.

The Sims 2 Castaway

EA Mobile invites gamers to get lost on a remote island with The Sims Castaway as they create, customize and guide a Sim to explore, survive and thrive on an uncharted tropical paradise. Vividly rendered lagoons, jungles, beaches and hidden pirate treasures await fans. The goal: provide your Sim with food, make clothing and build shelter. The Sims 2 Castaway continues The Sims franchise tradition of community: avoid isolation and keep your Sim happy by communicating with other inhabitants. With easy, one-button controls to move your Sim and interact with others, The Sims 2 Castaway unveils rich worlds new to The Sims universe!

The Sims Pool

With The Sims Pool, you can customize your Sim characters, and then hit the pool hall to compete against other Sims in exciting 8 or 9-ball action. Pool fans and newcomers can perfect their skills and watch their popularity soar as they sink balls, execute impressive trick shots and pull off slick combos. Advanced pool physics and an easy one-button interface deliver exciting pool fun for everyone.

Monopoly Here & Now

Monopoly Here & Now, developed via the EA and Hasbro, Inc. alliance, updates the world popular board game with a modern twist, allowing players to buy and sell properties like Waikiki Beach, Fenway Park, and more. Using simple controls to roll the dice, move around the properties, and keep score, gamers can buy, sell, and trade as they strive to put the competition out of business to win it all. Offering solo competition against the phone or pass n play with friends, Monopoly Here & Now delivers great fun – anytime and anywhere.

Yahtzee Adventures

Tour the world with Yahtzee Adventures! Play this new version of the treasured Hasbro dice game on your phone. Travel the globe, meet new characters and challenge them to a game, roll the colorful dice and be the first to score a Yahtzee! Enjoy Classic, Duplicate, Rainbow and Battle modes. Pass n Play with your friends, or try your hand at a Yahtzee single-player adventure. Dynamic, exciting gameplay, easy controls, and automatic scorekeeping deliver terrific mobile entertainment for you, your friends and family

Merv Griffin’s Crosswords

Experience all of the fun and excitement of the popular TV show with Merv Griffin’s Crosswords – now mobile. Players can customize an avatar and choose to play in Timed Mode or Casual Mode. In Timed Mode, its a race against the clock to enter answers as fast as possible, with virtual cash and prizes at stake. Or play at leisure with no time limits or opponents in Casual Mode. Simple controls make it easy to buzz in to the board, answer the word hint and complete the Crossword. Merv Griffin’s Crosswords is great fun for all ages and skill levels!

For information on carrier availability and pricing, please visit http://www.eamobile.com/.

Nokia Announce Mobile Games Innovation Challenge

Nokia recently launched the worldwide Mobile Games Innovation Challenge, a unique global competition with 70,000 Eur in prizes, designed to encourage development of innovative game concepts.

Sponsored by Nokia Publishing, the Mobile Games Innovation Challenge invites developers to submit mobile gaming concepts to help drive mobile gaming to the next level, relying on the advanced features and functionalities of N-Gage compatible devices, and Java- or Symbian-based Series 40 or S60 devices from Nokia.

The three most innovative game concepts will be offered Nokia Publishing pre-production contracts, targeting publication of their winning concept on the corresponding Nokia device platform. In addition, the first winner will be awarded 40,000 Eur, the second 20,000 Eur, and the third 10,000 Eur to enable the participant to further develop the concept.

Beginning immediately, developers wishing to compete for the Mobile Games Innovation Challenge can submit their game concepts online at http://developer.n-gage.com/innovation. Contestants are encouraged to enter more than one mobile gaming concept, with the winners to be selected by an external panel of mobile gaming industry experts on the criteria of innovation, fun, feasibility of execution, and market potential.

Gaming concept submissions will continue through August 20, 2008. The winners will be chosen by the external panel of judges and announced during a special award ceremony at the Nokia Games Summit in Rome, Italy, October 29-30, 2008.

Deadline for submission of all applications is August 20, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.

Further information on the registration process, including description of entries and eligibility requirements are available at http://developer.n-gage.com/innovation.

Porsche Luxury Phone Now in White

Porsche have recently announced a white collection of luxury items. The collection includes a pen, lighter, inflatable jacket and more importantly a white version of the P9521 clamshell handset.

The white P9521 is identical to the original black version in terms of functionality. The phone features a finger print sensor (used for security) , a swivel screen , a 3.2 MegaPixel Camera, an Integrated MP3 Player and Bluetooth and Edge Capabilites.

The phone weights 139 grams and measures 91mm x 18.4mm and is made out of solid aluminium block.

The Phone will cost £815.

Hummer Announced the HT2 Mobile Phone

Following the success of the HT1, the ModeLabs Group, announced the design and distribution of the new HT2 HUMMER® mobile phone.

The product is being launched as part of the exclusive licensing contract concluded in February 2007 with HUMMER®, a division of the General Motors Corporation, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers.

Like its predecessor the HT1, the HT2 is inspired by the design and high-end finish of the wheels and grille of the HUMMER®: an off-road vehicle combining power and prestige. While reflecting the spirit of the brand, the new mobile is fully multimedia and can be used in any situation. The HT2 has up to 500 hours of autonomy in stand-by mode, is quad-band (enabling network access in more than 200 countries) and features Dual-SIM* (two lines in a single mobile), a built-in modem, e-mail and a webcam.

More than 50,000 HUMMER® HT1 mobiles have been sold worldwide. Initially distributed in Europe, in particular in France, Spain and the Netherlands, the HT1 went on to score storming successes in Eastern Europe and Latin America. Sales of the HT1 continue to grow following recent releases on markets in Australia, India and North America.

The HUMMER® HT2 will be marketed in Russia in the first quarter of 2008 and in Latin America at the end of the second quarter.

Controversial Tag Heuer Phone Featuring Crocodile Skin

Tag Heuer, the up-market watchmaker, has announced details and pictures of its mobile phone. The phone , called the Meredist, is likely to prove controversial the back of the phone features real crocodile skin.

The phone itself features a 2 Megapixel Camera, a 1.9 inch QVGA display and bluetooth. Like most luxury phones this is not the feature-list you would expect for a phone costing $7000 .

However, we are sure there are a vast majority of people willing to the premium for the prestige the phone will bring.

Surprisingly , the phone appears to be very ugly but that could just our personal opinion.

Samsung J700 Review by 3G.co.uk

Samsung J700 Review by 3G.co.uk

Once upon a time you used to be able to tell the difference between an entry-level handset and a higher specced gizmo without a second glance. Nowadays it's not so easy. The Samsung J700 is the latest handset to cause confusion to the mobile phone spotter. As a sleek slider, the J700 bares a close resemblance to last year's 3G Phone of the Year, the ever-popular Samsung G600. Granted, the five-megapixel camera might be absent, but the Samsung J700 certainly looks like a cracking device, but what's behind the smart exterior?

Samsung J700 - Removing the back

The Samsung J700 looks the part with its two-inch screen, turn-wheel and smooth contours. Unfortunately, our praise was curtailed when faced with removing the back of the handset to insert the SIM card. Trying to slide it off proved to be a frustrating experience - it was nearly 10 minutes before we could even begin testing the phone's capabilities. After checking the manual to see if we were doing something wrong, we discovered it was simply shoddy craftsmanship. Eventually after much prying and a few chipped fingernails, we managed to dislodge the back, allowing us to slide the SIM card under the battery. It's a major irritant when a handset fails such a basic precursor as removing the battery cover.

Determined not to let this episode cloud our judgement for the rest of the review, we took some deep breaths before persevering. Thankfully, the rest of the phone's craftsmanship is of a high quality. The J700's sliding mechanism is smooth and, unlike some other entry-level sliders, the top half of the handset doesn't feel as though it would break off if it received a knock or two. Underneath the front fascia, found under the two-inch screen are a collection of keys and controls, including the turn- wheel.

Full Review With Specification and Many more Pictures Here

LG Iron Man Luxury Phone

LG have announced the Iron Man Phone, which coincides with Paramount Pictures release of the Iron Man Motion Picture. The phone is essentially an LG Shine, however it is no normal LG Shine and is an 18 karat gold slider phone featuring a solid gold back. LG have stated that the phone is worth $2000. However, the phone cannot be bought even if you had this substational wedge of cash.

The only way to aquire the limited edition luxury LG Iron Man Phone is to win one on the Iron Man Website after the 15th April.

http://www.insidethesuit.com/ will be the site which offers consumers the chance to the win phone and will also feature trailers , news and features on the upcoming IronMan film.

Portégé G810 will launch with Windows Mobile 6.1

Toshiba confirmed that its new Portégé G810 Smartphone, which is due to launch in Q2 2008, will support the newly-announced Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system.
The updated software includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and bolstered security safeguards. As Toshiba’s first HSUPA device, with an enhanced user interface and stylish touch screen, a 3 mega pixel camera and GPS receiver on board, the Portégé G810 is a fitting phone for those who like to have it all.

First unveiled in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress 2008, Toshiba’s new Portégé G810 is the ideal device for both professional and everyday mobile users.

The updated version of Windows Mobile software, Windows Mobile 6.1, includes a new home screen that makes the most critical information on the phone available at a glance, and simplified setup that makes it possible to get the phone up and running out of the box in minutes. It also features enhanced web browsing and new tools for email and text management.

With support for both HSDPA and HSUPA, the Portégé G810 can surf the web, download and upload pictures and videos captured on the 3 mega-pixel camera at broadband speeds. The large 2.83” QVGA touch screen and the enhanced user interface make the experience of navigation and access to applications simple and easy.

Toshiba’s stylish new Portégé G810 is scheduled to launch in June 2008.

Samsung Unveils Its First HSUPA Phone : Offering Unparralled Upload Speeds

Samsung Electronics unveiled its first cell phone to support faster upload speeds using HSUPA (high-speed uplink packet access) technololgy.

The SCH-M470 is a slider handset that can upload data at up to 2Mbps when on the HSUPA network.

Conventional 3G offers upload and download speeds of around 384k , while HSDPA (3.5G) enabled download rates to increase to 3.6Mbps and 7.2Mbps. HSUPA which inessentially is 3.5G for uploads increases upload speeeds to 2Mbps.

The means that users spend less time waiting for pictures, video or music attachments on messages to be sent. Samsung stated that it takes only 30 seconds to send a full MP3 , using the new technology.

The phone also features WiFi, Bluetooth and a 2 megapixel camera.

The phone is available South Korea only and costs about 600,000 won (£300).

Nokia Announced N-Gage Launch

Nokia announced the global launch of the Nokia N-Gage mobile games service with more games, additional compatible devices, and an expanded online offering.

Millions of Nokia device owners can now find, try and buy high-quality made-for-mobile games directly from their mobile device. Players can also connect with one another through the N-Gage Arena community. They can meet friends, find others to play multiplayer games, discuss topics on the message boards and via live chat, and participate in tournaments and hosted events.
The N-Gage platform has exclusive titles that are among the most ambitious and graphically rich mobile games ever produced. From strategy and sport to arcade and action, games of all genres are being developed for N-Gage by leading games publishers.

These games will be followed closely by Tetris® and The Sims(TM) 2 Pets by EA Mobile; Block Breaker Deluxe and Dogz by Gameloft; and Snakes Subsonic, Space Impact: Kappa Base and Mile High Pinball by Nokia Publishing.

With the N-Gage application on their device, people can create a Friends List, send and receive private messages, and take part in instant messaging style chat. N-Gage Points can be earned for playing games and participating in community activities.

Moreover, the experience can take place via the N-Gage web portal on the PC. Here players can interact seamlessly with the N-Gage community or purchase new games and download them to their N-Gage compatible devices.

Today's N-Gage compatible devices include: Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8GB, Nokia N82, Nokia N95, and Nokia N95 8GB.

To download the N-Gage application, visit http://www.n-gage.com/ on your mobile device or PC. New games, features and compatible devices will be added regularly. Games are expected to cost between six and ten euros - all of which are free to try before buying.

Charlies Angels Mobile Game !

Ojom has announced a Mobile Game of the classic TV series and now Movie trilogy Charlies Angels.

Game Overview

Play as all three Angels, each with their own unique combat style. Punch, kick and smash your way through 16 levels across four distinctive locations.

Fight the gang leaders, get rid of their henchmen and use any weapon you can lay your hands on to thwart their evil plans.

With jaw-dropping visuals and a pulsating sound-track you’ll soon find yourself lost in the grimy streets of New York, as you step slowly from the shadows and those two guards with their baseball bats patrolling the port will never know what hit them.

Main Features Of The Game

• Experience all the action of the hit movie Charlie’s Angels on your mobile as you smash your way through a multitude of levels across four distinctive locations


• Play as all three Angels, each with their own unique combat style


• Gather information to track down different crime lords and their henchmen before taking on the ultimate “Boss”


• Discover and master each Angel's special attack moves and utilise hidden weapons to defeat the gangsters

LG to unveil new Black Label Mobile

LG Electronics announced the global launch of the third LG Black Label Series handset. Successes of the LG Chocolate and LG Shine, the two predecessors of the LG Black Label Series models, together with globally renowned The PRADA Phone by LG, have affirmed LG as a leading design innovator in the mobile industry.

The design heritage of the LG Black Label Series will continue on to the third handset boasting its smart technology with the latest and sophisticated features including the slimmest 5MP camera.

Similar to the previous LG Black Label Series handsets, the latest model also carries a product concept derived from today¡¯s trend leaders. This new concept of ¡®Style that Lasts¡¯ reflects the timeless and elegant design of the phone enhanced by stylish materials such as carbon fiber and tempered glass.

The phone will be unveiled on April 24th starting from Europe and on to the rest of the world, and the product name of the third LG Black Label Series model will be revealed at the official launch.

Velocity Mobile Announce Two New Windows Mobile Phones

Velocity Mobile, a collaboration between one of the world’s largest notebook computer manufacturers and a team of veteran wireless designers and engineers, announced that it is showcasing its first Microsoft Windows Mobile phones at CTIA Wireless 2008.

With an emphasis on ease-of-use, sleek and attractive design, and high-end features, Velocity Mobile aims to shift the way people view and use smartphones, combining Western design philosophy and Eastern manufacturing efficiencies to bring no-compromise experiences and value to consumers.

The first Velocity Mobile smartphones, the Velocity 103 and Velocity 111, are currently being demonstrated at CTIA Wireless 2008 (Meeting Room MR 191).

Featuring Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1, high-resolution screens, ample memory and much more, Velocity Mobile’s first devices significantly raise the bar for smartphones in their class.

Specifications of the Velocity 103 include:

· Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
· Qualcomm Mobile Station Modem™ (MSM™) MSM7201™ chipset
· GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
· UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850, 1900 (1700), 2100
· 640x480 VGA touch screen
· 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM
· Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11b/g WiFi, GPS
· 2.0 megapixel camera, 0.3 megapixel videoconferencing camera
· TV/VGA out
· MicroSD expansion slot

Specifications of the Velocity 111 include:

· Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
· Qualcomm MSM7201™ chipset
· QWERTY keyboard
· GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
· UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850, 1900 (1700), 2100
· 320x240 QVGA touch screen
· 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM
· Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11b/g WiFi, GPS
· 2.0 megapixel camera, 0.3 megapixel videoconferencing camera
· TV/VGA out
· MicroSD expansion slot

The Velocity 103 will be available in Q2 2008 and the Velocity 111 will be available in Q3 2008, both in unlocked configurations.

GoldStriker Announce Limited Edition Nightfire iPhone

Goldstriker, the serial phone customisers, have announced a new luxury iPhone customisation.

The Nightfire iPhone features 24 carat gold iPhone together with luxury grain leather.

The Nightfire will be flagship handset of Goldstrikers ShSh ! leather collection.

The phone cost £900 and only 250 will be made . The phone will be available towards the end of April 2008.

Dolby Digital On Your Mobile

At the 2008 Mobile World Congress, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. demonstrated technologies that elevate the mobile entertainment experience by improving the sound and performance of mobile phones and portable media players.

Dolby showed Dolby Mobile, an audio processing technology platform that brings rich, vibrant surround sound to music, movies, and television programs on mobile phones and portable media players.

Dolby also showed aacPlus, a high-quality, highly efficient audio compression format designed for download, streaming, and broadcast applications on mobile phones.

"Entertainment can sound better on mobile phones and portable media players," said Francois Modarresse, Vice President of Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "We developed Dolby Mobile to help create products that stir the senses and excite people's imaginations so the industry can deliver on the promise of mobile entertainment."

Dolby recently announced an agreement with NTT DoCoMo and Sharp to offer two mobile phones with Dolby Mobile technology, the FOMA SH905i and FOMA SH905iTV, which are now available to customers in Japan.

To make its technologies more broadly available, the company announced an agreement with RMI Corporation to implement Dolby Mobile on the RMI Alchemy platform for portable media player applications.

At Mobile World Congress, Dolby also demonstrated a prototype device with Dolby Mobile built on Texas Instruments' popular OMAP platform.

It also came to light that Dolby have made an agreement with Nokia to pre-build Dolby Mobile into a new version of the N95 8GB.

eBay Now Available On Orange

Orange announced it will provide the eBay online auction service on a range of Orange Signature devices. The eBay application will allow Orange customers to manage bids and view new listings via the Signature Homescreen.

Orange Signature devices are designed to give simple and instant Homescreen access to multimedia applications and represent 70% of all new handsets from Orange. In the case of eBay, Orange customers will have fast access to their ‘watching’ and ‘bidding’ lists to ensure they don’t miss out when on the move. In the future, Signature devices will further simplify the auction process, sending outbid alerts and other updates directly to customers.

“eBay is one of the first jointly branded services we are introducing to Orange’s Signature application suite, joining leading services such as Orange TV, Orange MusicStore and Orange Photo ”, said Olaf Swantee, EVP of Orange’s global mobile operations. “We are making applications immediate and accessible to help customers get more from their mobile phones. For instance, Orange eBay users now have the split-second control required to beat their bidding competitors on the move.”

Orange’s co-branded applications will increasingly be supported by the recently launched Signature Accelerator programme, which is designed to speed the development and testing of applications across all key mobile platforms in the Signature range. This results in the introduction of tightly integrated, intuitive and innovative applications, brought to the customer faster.

Microsoft Announce New Version Of Mobile Internet Explorer and Windows Mobile 6,1

Windows Mobile is improving smartphones to better meet people's rapidly expanding work and personal needs. At CTIA Wireless 2008, Microsoft unveiled the newest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which adds desktop-grade Web browsing to Windows Mobile phones. In addition, Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.1, an update for its Windows Mobile software that includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security safeguards.

The new version of Internet Explorer Mobile adds the ability to easily view full-screen Web pages and multimedia on the Web with a smartphone.

By taking advantage of Internet Explorer 6 technologies and supporting established and upcoming industry standards such as H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, the updated Internet Explorer Mobile gives people a rich mobile Internet experience. The update will be available to mobile phone partners in the third quarter of 2008, with the first Windows Mobile phones using the new version expected to be available by the end of 2008.

Windows Mobile 6.1