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Samsung builds a better, smaller 4GB DIMM
2007-04-24 00:00:00
OCZ may have recently laid claim to the title of some of the world's fastest RAM, but Samsung seems to have found room to do a little boasting of its own, trotting out its first 4GB DDR2 DIMM based on WSP (or wafer-level-processed stacked package) technology. According to the company, that process not only makes the module smaller, but faster and more energy efficient as well. Not so clear, unfortunately, is what effect the seemingly cure-all technology will have on pricing or availability, with no word on either from Samsung as of yet.[Via PCLaunches.com]
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Sony Ericsson launches four Spider-Man-branded handsets
2007-04-24 00:00:00
While Spidey has definitely seen face time on handsets before, it's usually been in the form of a snap-on faceplate, but it sounds like Sony Ericsson is taking this Spider-Man 3 thing pretty seriously. Reportedly, we can expect to see a Spider-Man-approved K800i, K750i, K550i and K610i here before long, and SE already has a bevy of minisites, games, and hints of the movie all across its web portals. Furthermore, the "special edition" handsets should come pre-loaded with a trio of "exclusive Spider-Man wallpapers" along with a web-slinging screensaver to boot. To top it off, you can definitely enhance your level of geekness by carrying the mobile in a Spidey-clad hard case (complete with wrist strap, even). No word on when these will hit the mainstream, but judging by the sheer amount advertising going on at SE, we can't imagine it being too far off.
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LG gets ready to rumble live mobile TV
2007-04-24 00:00:00
LG is prepped to do for live TV what the Rumble Pak did for game controllers. That's right, LG is partnered with MBC (think NBC, with an "M") to deliver what they've dubbed "3D broadcast technology" in S.Korea. No, we're not talking about TV mapped along the ol' X,Y, and Z axes. Instead, the duo is hawking two dimensions of image and a third D of haptic feedback. By using "control signaling technology," broadcasters can rattle your phone just as the ball is buried in the net during the latest World Cup qualifier. They can even flash LEDs in sync with the ensuing melee of drunken fisticuffs. Best of all (we think this is good news), the technology is not limited to S.Korea this time; it's patented in 20 countries and is "applicable to all mobile broadcast methods" including DMB (of course), MediaFlo, DVB-H, and presumably any annoyingly late-to-the-game version of mobile DTV the ATSC folks might spew forth. [Via Telecoms Korea]
More About: Mobile , Live , Gets , Mobi , Ready

Microsoft explains removal of Bluetooth DUN
2007-04-24 00:00:00
Something that has probably caused quite a few Windows Mobile 5 customers to vent some rage lately was the removal of Bluetooth dial-up networking from AKU3. Why did Micro soft do it? According to a blog entry over at Microsoft's Developer Network, the dirty deed centered around Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS (think "wireless router" capability for your WM5 handset) which is technically superior for a handful of reasons. Translaton: Ole' Soft ie doesn't want all those spiffy WM handsets from becoming Bluetooth-centric access points to newer 2.5G and 3G wireless data networks. Fair enough; Bluetooth's peak data rates don't stand a chance against the best that HSDPA can throw at it, but still, old-fashioned dialup has its place. The good news here? Microsoft has heard the pleas of DUN-less users everywhere and plans to bring back the profile in a future Windows Mobile 6 AKU. Little consolation for the moment, but thanks to the vibrant hack community, we imagine most ...
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Meizu updates miniOne: clearly, it's no iPhone clone
2007-04-24 00:00:00
With high hopes of putting some litigation distance between it and Apple, Meizu just released these updated renderings of their M8 / miniOne. Still no actual product shots though we hear that a prototype is floating around Meizu offices somewhere in China. So what say you -- is this change enough to keep Apple's lawyers at bay? [Via MeizuMe]
More About: Iphone , Updates , Clone , Update , Early

Canada to get coolest looking Motorola KRZR yet
2007-04-23 00:00:00
Cooler than the KRZR Fire? Yeah, we'd say so, if for no other reason than the fact that buyers do some good with their purchase of this one. According to Motorola 's own site, the (PRODUCT) RED-branded KRZR K1 will be launching in Cana da , though no details are given as to what carrier might be getting it. Seeing how this is a K1, the GSM variant, we're going to go ahead and take an educated guess that it'll find its way to either Rogers or Fido. Look for it to hit shelves "soon" -- in the meantime, we'll be pestering AT&T and T-Mobile to pick 'er up, too.
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HTC reveals official Windows Mobile 6 upgrade plans
2007-04-22 00:00:00
It seems HTC has finally gotten all of its leaves in a pile by releasing the much anticipated Windows Mobile 6 upgrade roadmap; while this news isn't a surprise, it's always reassuring to hear it straight from the manufacturer. Starting in April (the clock is ticking HTC) the updates will begin rolling out on HTC's European site for your downloading pleasure (link below). The list includes the HTC Advantage, HTC TyTn, HTC S620, HTC P3300, and the HTC 4350. All of you folks rolling with carrier-branded handsets will have to wait until June, and to make it a bit more unbearable, no operators or devices are specifically mentioned. HTC's rationale in choosing these handsets over others in their portfolio -- in case you are screaming "why not me?" -- is that devices with a focus on messaging will most benefit from the upgrade. Maybe it's just us, but aren't all of HTC's handsets focused on messaging? We will be bringing you a blow by blow as these things land, so if you ...
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Samsung's SCH-B710 with picture-in-picture DMB
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Picture-in-picture functionality on a phone is certainly not without precedent -- on Korean handsets, anyway -- but that doesn't mean we have to understand it. Watching even a single show on screen the size of a thumb remains a tough sell in many parts of the world, let alone two shows side by side. Alas, this game plan must be working out alright for LG and Samsung since they keep pumping out handsets that rock the feature. Latest is the SCH-B710 from Samsung, a rather portly-looking pivot phone with a pair of DMB tuners and the aforementioned picture-in-picture functionality for individuals afflicted with particularly brutal forms of ADD. Thanks to Anycall branding, we know this one'll stay well within Korean borders, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the form factor head elsewhere by a different model number.
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Nokia N95 sees crippling by UK carriers
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Are you one of those Windows Mobile handset VoIP hackboys / hackgirls (wireless Skype, anyone)? How about that voice minute-less wireless VoIP on that Orange or Vodafone Nokia N95 handset? Wait, let's go back a bit -- right back to that Nokia S60 flagship handset in Europe. It appears that Vodafone and Orange in the UK have removed an important feature from carrier-branded N95s there. In what can be considered one extreme example of handset crippling, the two carriers have apparently stripped the N95 on store shelves of is VoIP capability in an attempt to preserve voice revenue. The solution -- as always with GSM carriers -- is to buy the more expensive, unlocked N95 and install your Symbian VoIP client of choice. Did we say we can't stand carrier-branded madness like this?
More About: Carriers , Carr , Arri , Nokia N95

Zepto's Znote 6625WD does DX10, HSDPA, and HD DVD
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Considering that Zepto isn't exactly "the name" in full-blown gaming laptops, we certainly hope this one won't turn out like ones prior, but the Znote 6625WD purportedly packs a plethora of lavish innards if it proves legitimate. The 15.4-inch machine is based around Intel's Santa Rosa, er, Centrino Pro platform, and sports a WSXGA resolution, Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce Go 8600 graphics card, DirectX 10 support, an optional HD DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g/n, HSDPA compatibility, and to top things off, an HDMI output. The company will supposedly be taking customized orders in May to satisfy your wildest dreams, and while the bottom-end of the bunch could land at around "$1,100 to $1,200," we imagine that some of the aforementioned luxuries will ratchet that right on up.[Via Laptopical]
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Lost islanders snag an iPhone before the street date?
2007-04-22 00:00:00
If you're one of the many former Lost fans whose interest slowly faded after the show became predominantly filled with mind-numbing flashbacks, all while the writers attempted to string us all along until the next commercial break, we're right there with you -- but for the folks still hangin' in there to catch the 10PM broadcasts, last night's episode was a treat. Thanks to the wonders of DVR, an eagle-eyed viewer noticed that the "satellite phone" discovered on the island seemed a bit too modern for the circumstances, and upon closer review, an actual iPhone was unearthed. Hidden beneath a makeshift enclosure sat an iPhone interface, complete with an OS X Home icon, which leads us to wonder if the entire show isn't based in the future. Regardless, the islanders no longer have reason to whine about being stranded, as we're fairly confident there would be quite a manhunt going on if they offered up the pre-release iPhone in exchange for a boat ride home.[Via TUAW]
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Panasonic's 103-inch plasma reviewed
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Panasonic's TH-103FP9 103-inch plasma may have been dethroned at CES this year by Sharp, but it is still the king in our hearts, at least untill Sharp starts shipping its 108-inch LCD, that is. TrustedReviews had a chance to review the massive TV, and after the three-hour install by the crack specialty team -- including the use of an interior crane that we'd also like to get a look at -- they were very impressed with the picture quality. They were amazed that a TV this large didn't sacrifice contrast or color, and in fact, the only thing they could complain about was how bad it made some content look after enjoying 1080p in all its glory. Of course, they didn't like the $70,000 MSRP, but we suppose that is the price you have pay to watch a 103-inch screen in a well lit room. [Via Digital Media Thoughts]
More About: Plasma , Panasonic , View , Inch

ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT snapped in the wild
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Shortly after going from codenames to a more retail-friendly tiltling scheme, ATI's midrange RV630, er, HD 2600 XT has already been acquired, photographed, and slapped into one lucky PC overseas. According to the author, the card sports 256MB of GDDR4 RAM, and even more impressive, doesn't require any sort of external power connector to suck down the respectable 80-watts of power required for usage. It also appears to have a single-slot cooler and a hefty heatsink, not to mention a snazzy flame job that any true geek should adore. Let's face it, you're after the pics, so feel free to click on through for a few more shots and screengrabs from the installation. [Warning: Read link requires registration][Via Inquirer]
More About: Wild , Snap , Radeon

Samsung prepping Q1 Ultra for May
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Alrighty, we've got ourselves a release window for the Q1 Ultra ; Samsung 's busting this thing out in May, which means we have about a month to figure out if we're willing to sacrifice the slickness of the onscreen keyboard foisted upon us by 1st generation UMPCs with the actual convenience of being able to type. While that added width might look a tad frumpy, what's clear is that the specs and connectivity here are enough to melt the hardest of hearts -- for instance, that 1024 x 600 LED backlit LCD isn't going to hurt anyone's feelings. As it so happens, May will mark the one year anniversary of the Q1, oh how time flies when you're stuck in unproductive tablet / handheld limbo.
More About: Ping , Prep

Intel's 2008 vs 2007 Mobile Internet Devices
2007-04-22 00:00:00
We've seen 'em before, but seeing Intel's Mobile Internet Device s (MIDs) side-by-size definitely brings a strong visual to their Ultra Mobile strategy. As you've probably already guessed, that's their codenamed, "Menlow" reference design on the left which some OEM will surely pickup in the 2008 timeframe. And yeah, it's an honest to goodness functioning device already shown-off during their MID platform's unveiling. On the right, the lowly-by-comparison "McCaslin" class device due later this year.
More About: Mobile Internet

Alltel rolls out Samsung "Wafer" and "Snap"
2007-04-22 00:00:00
We recall (vaguely) a time when CDMA phones were notoriously clunky compared to their GSM brethren; they were thick, built like tanks, and frequently sported aerial antennas flying shamelessly beyond the hinge. Well, yeah, those days are long gone. Exhibit A: the Samsung SCH-r510 "Wafer" candybar, just introduced by Alltel , clocking in at a ridiculous 8.4 millimeters thick. For the record, that's a solid half millimeter thinner than the A727 being passed around at CES this year, a phone allegedly destined for AT&T that's still nowhere in sight. Besides EV-DO, features include a 1.3 megapixel cam and the soothing knowledge that your carrying the thinnest durned cellphone your Alltel dollars can buy. On the low end, the SCH-u340 "Snap " (known simply as the u340 on Verizon) keeps it simple, offering a monochrome external display and nothing more than 1xRTT to speed those bits along. Look for the Wafer for $70 after rebates and the Snap for $10 -- both on contr...
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Hands-on with the Samsung SGH-P310
2007-04-22 00:00:00
Without having used them, we've always assumed that Samsung 's so-called "credit card phones" -- the SGH-P310 and the P300 before it -- were novelties more than they were usable phones. After all, the shape is a bit strange to be holding to your head, and the sheer level of miniaturization going on here leads one to figure that they're skimping on features. We recently had a crack at a P310, and while we're still not sure we'd carry it around as our primary mobile, we found ourselves pleasantly surprised with its performance. The keypad is totally usable (though the nondescript, circular d-pad takes a little getting used to), voice quality and reception both seemed good, and the display is fantastic. The UI is typical Samsung fare -- nothing special there -- but what really struck us was how solidly the phone seemed to be built. Though you obviously wouldn't actually put the phone in your wallet as you would a credit card, it almost seems sturdy enough to do just that...
More About: Hands , Hand , Hands On

Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold is the real deal
2007-04-20 00:00:00
It seems pretty un-Nokia to us for official variants of one of its phones to hit retail shops before we hear an announcement out of Espoo, but it appears that's exactly what has happened here. The 8800 Sirocco Gold is, as one might expect, merely a gold-hued version of its 8800 Sirocco, combining almost-Vertu style and craftsmanship, almost-Vertu pricing, and a shiny yellow case for those times when neither silver nor black sufficiently express its owner's "my phone's more expensive than yours" attitude. Look for it to hit "select markets" (which we think excludes the US on account of the lack of GSM 850) bundled with a matching headset and desk stand for €1000 (about $1,355).
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Could this be the Sony Ericsson P700i?
2007-04-20 00:00:00
Alright, we're really shrugging our collective shoulders at this one. Apparently the render pictured here is the Sony Ericsson P700i, but we were under the impression it was the M610i (we peeped an XML doc on SE's site that seemed to imply the M610i was "real"). Sony Ericsson's "P" series handsets have always been touch screen, UIQ affairs -- think P800, P900, P910, P990 -- so this is throwing us for a bit of a loop. Whatever the case may be, the specs we're seeing include a 2.6 inch QVGA screen, 3.2 megapixel shooter, 3G, Bluetooth, WiFi, and that rocker-style QWERTY keyboard.  
More About: This , Sony-Ericsson

Nokia releases widget platform for S60
2007-04-20 00:00:00
If you're a fan of Apple's Widget s and Microsoft's Gadgets, Nokia 's software engineers hear you. Nokia's Symbian-based S60 platform now has support for dashboard-like widgets thanks to the recent introduction of its "Web Run-Time" tools for web developer types. Nokia is claiming its S60 widgetry to be a first for a mobile platform, although Microsoft may be readying the same concept for Windows Mobile 6. So, if you're ready to stock up that slicker-than-slick N73, just remember that you're going to need Nokia's S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 to get those new widgets -- then let the WeatherBugging begin.[Via Mobilewhack]
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Porsche Cayenne cellphone speeds right by the trademark police
2007-04-20 00:00:00
We've seen automakers galore slap their logos and color schemes onto modern day handsets, but what would the world of exotic mobiles be without a Porsche in the mix? Apparently, a Hong Kong manufacturer has taken the duty upon itself, as the presumably unlicensed Porsche Cayenne cellphone is now showing up on overseas streets with a full automotive makeover. Externally, you'll find smooth lines and Porsche-brandings, while a two-megapixel camera graces the hood and a color screen (shown after the jump) sits atop the guages. Although actual specs can't be confirmed, we're hearing that it purs along on dualband GSM, supports microSD flash cards, and plays nice with MP3 / MP4 files. Of course, we aren't expecting the quality of this sub-$200 handset to even come close to that found on your average Porsche, but we'd suggest snapping one up on the double before impending legal action dries up the supply. [Via Textually]
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LG's Prada, now with DMB TV
2007-04-18 00:00:00
We heard it was coming, now sure enough LG announces their DMB-packin' Prada phone looking every bit like that hasty mockup we rendered back in January. Besides a big floppy antenna to snag digital TV from the air, the new LG-SB310/LB3100 packs the same 3-inch touchscreen we know and love(ish) as well as the original's 2 megapixel camera and 12-mm thinness so in-ness these days. Yup, S.Korea first as these DMB handsets tend to go.
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Nokia to start selling WiMAX phones in 2008?
2007-04-18 00:00:00
With Sprint's 4G commitment to WiMAX and the support of handset vendors Motorola and Samsung, Nokia wants a piece of the action, too. After all, the world's largest handset manufacturer needs to... well, remain the world's largest. Anyhoo, those Finns have said that it intends to sell "mobile devices using WiMAX Internet technology" as early as 2008. Do we see a heated battle between Nokia and Motorola on the WiMAX handset front next year? Sprint's announcement of a national 4G WiMAX network should be producing fruit by then, we think, so the more manufacturers want to get in on the action (Samsung included), the merrier.
More About: Selling , Phones , Start , Star

Fujitsu intros P70WN, P50WN convertible tablets
2007-04-18 00:00:00
Fujitsu seems to be keeping up a steady pace with its convertible tablet PCs these days, introducing another pair of new ultralight models for those willing to accept a few trade-offs in favor of portability. The processor looks to be the biggest difference between the two models here, with the P70WN packing a Core Solo U1400 processor and the P50WN opting for a Celeron M443 instead. Otherwise, each will give you the same 8.9-inch touchscreen with a 1280x768 resolution, and between 60 and 80GB of hard drive space, with the whole thing barely weighing you down at about 2.2 pounds. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing or availability, although we suspect it'll be spending some time in Japan before the rest of us can get our hands on it.
More About: Fujitsu , Tabl , Fuji , Convert , Tablet

Xbox 360 Laptop mk2
2007-04-18 00:00:00
Behold, the Xbox 360 Laptop mk2! It may look a bit like its first generation sibling, but don't be fooled. This Xbox laptop is a bit thinner, significantly lighter, and has some essential upgrades if you're gonna build one yourself. You are going to build one, aren't you? Because that's the best part about it -- we're going to show you how to make one of your own in the coming weeks with a three part How-To series. We'll describe, in detail, the steps necessary to fab an Xbox laptop, and if you're extra nice we'll even provide some original technical files and drawings.  
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NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS reviewed
2007-04-18 00:00:00
NVIDIA's GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card has been attracting a fair bit of interest with its relatively low price tag and promised performance gains, but we're guessing most of you aren't just going to go on NVIDIA's word to make your purchase decision. Helping out in that respect, the folks at PC Perspective have put the card through the usual battery of tests to see just how well it stacks up. While they certainly welcomed the $199-229 price tag, they were somewhat let down by the card's performance, with it getting out-performed in some cases by ATI's comparatively priced X1950 Pro. That said, the 8600 GTS does still have the edge when it comes to DirectX 10 support, which they say should be enough to at least garner it some consideration from budget-minded gamers.  
More About: View , Geforce

iPhone cases (not clones) already in China
2007-04-18 00:00:00
No, those aren't iPhone clones... they are however the first of many iPhone accessories to come. Presumably without any help from Apple -- armed only with official specs and photographs taken from every conceivable angle found clogging the Intertubes -- industrious Chinese manufacturers are already churning out iPhone cases. These two were spotted at the Hong Kong Electronics and Components Fair looking for distribution. What better way to protect your cardboard cutout until late June? Hotly anticipated would be an understatement.[Via Akihabara News]
More About: China , Iphone , Clone , Read , Case

This Nokia N95 is listening
2007-04-17 00:00:00
So we get the Big Brother / CIA / James Bond appeal of a phone that sends all ambient audio, phone calls, and text messages to a third party; we really do. What we can't fathom, though, is what circumstance would lead to you giving a frickin' N95 to someone you're trying to spy on. If you're trying to spy on them, that presumably means that you're not on the best of terms -- and frankly, if we got a $1,000 handset from an enemy of ours with no strings attached, we'd be just a tad suspect of the device. Anyhoo, if you've got money to burn and privacy to violate, this Nokia N95 specially equipped with "Interceptor Software" will keep you in the loop on any form of communication its user engages in. Oh, and at £2,300 (about $4,560), you'd better really need to eavesdrop.[Via SCI FI Tech]
More About: List , This , Listen , Listening

Intel's MID UMPCs: So long XP/Vista, hello Linux
2007-04-17 00:00:00
Big news on the UMPC front this morning folks. Looks like Intel is shedding the Origami gorilla (read: Microsoft) as they prep a Linux -based platform to compete with Vista and XP-based UMPCs. Intel will unveil their new MID (Mobile Internet Device) platform at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing later this week. Unfortunately for their marketing department, they've already posted the slides. Unlike UMPCs which target mobile professionals, MIDs will target "consumers and prosumers" and feature a range of screen sizes from 4.5 to 6-inches with resolutions from 800 x 480 to 1024 x 600. Yup, these are the same devices we spotted under the in-house name of McCaslin sporting Intel's codenamed "Stealey" class of dual-core, battery-friendly processors. Intel's reference designs run a tweaked, 500MB version of China's RedFlag MIDINUX which boots in about 18 seconds (less than 5 seconds from standby) to a mix of open-source and proprietary code including Google Maps a...
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Nokia's 6120 Classic: thin HSDPA is (finally) in
2007-04-17 00:00:00
Great googlie mooglie, what's this? Can it really be a 15-millimeter thin candybar from Nokia, the makers of those chunky multimedia computers? Ok, it's not as thin as their N76 but let's give 'em some credit here for trying. Having fermented in the rumor mill for a few weeks, we now have ourselves a fully mature Nokia 6120 Class ic running S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 1 over quad-band GSM and WCDMA/HSDPA 850/2100. The handset packs a 2-inch QVGA display, A2DP stereo Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, a 2 megapixel camera with flash, and MicroSD slot to store your media. A pre-tax, pre-contract price of €260/$352 will get you up close and personal when these hit sometime before June lets out. Check all the pics in the gallery below. Sorry, only a tiny backside pic for now; Nokia's being a bit shy 'bout their junk. [Via Ring Nokia]
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