Samsung Soul, the last of the the Ultra Edition phones

Samsung have launched the new Samsung Soul, a new mobile phone from the company that actually has a name, rather than an awkward array of seemingly arbitrary letters and numbers (who could forget the charmingly-named Samsung SGH-P310 for example?!). Samsung chose the name Soul as it stands for "Spirit Of ULtra" (yes, really!), and it apparently "honours the completion of its exclusive 'Ultra Edition' series." Not entirely sure why "soul" denotes the end of something, but it does imply that this will be the last in the extremely successful and highly-rated Ultra Edition range of phones, thereby paving the way for an ever better crop of phones from Samsung for the rest of the year

The Soul is Samsung's new flagship phone, meaning it's a high-end monster packed full of features. Better still, continuing Samsung's recent theme, these aren't just gimmicks - each feature is designed to work and work really well, rather than just acting as padding for the spec list.
More pics and full details of the Samsung Soul after the jump.
Overview of the Samsung Soul mobile phone

So what do you get with a Samsung flagship phone? Well, no flag, but you do get the following rather tasty array of features:

* 5 megapixel camera
* Power LED Flash
* Face detection, image stabilizer and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for enhanced picture quality
* 7.2 Mbps HSPDA connectivity
* New "Magical Touch by DaCP" user interface
* Slide form factor
* 12.9mm thin
* Bluetooth 2.0
* MP3 player with Bang & Olufson Digital ICE Power amp and headset

A few features of note here. Firstly, the camera. Not only 5 megapixels, but a wide range of advanced features to help you get the best picture of your subject. Secondly, not just HSDPA, but HSPDA running at a superb 7.2Mbps (if your network supports it of course, and dependent on contention ratios). Thirdly, an MP3 player that gives great sound thanks to a Bang & Olufson amplifier.

Finally, the somewhat oddly-named "Magical Touch by DaCP" user interface. What be this, you ask? It's a new interface whereby the navigation indicators on the keypad change according to the feature you're using. Select the camera, for example, and the icons on the keypad change to reflect camera-specific options (see pic below). DaCP, in case you were wondering, stands for Dynamic Adaptive Control Pad, and as you might guess, it is, in reality, a small OLED screen that adapts to the requirements of the selected feature. Nice touch, though.

It's a shame the Samsung Soul will the see the end of the Ultra Range. There were some great phones in that range, stylish, fully-featured, and even several "world's thinnest" phones. Still, with Samsung on a bit of a roll at the moment, having overtaken Motorola to second spot, I'm guessing the replacement range (Son of Ultra - Hmmm, SoUL II - perhaps?!) will be better still, with some rather tasty new phones to watch out for.

The Samsung Soul is out now across Europe, and will be released in other markets throughout 2008.

More details of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Smartphone

Now here's a phone that's had me all excited ever since it was first announced at the Mobile World Congress back in February. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is a smartphone set to challenge the mighty Nokia E90. If looks are anything to go by, the XPERIA wins hands down, but as with any smartphone, it's not the looks that matter, it's the features and how easy they are to use.

Sony Ericsson are keeping tight lipped about the applications on offer with the XPERIA X1 for the moment, but they have released a set of specifications for the phone, if it's incomplete.

Full spec of the XPERIA X1 after the jump.

The first thing to note is that the XPERIA X1 is absed on Widows Mobile 6.1, which marks a departure for Sony Ericsson phones as they've never used Windows Mobile before. This brings greater synchronization with the desktop (at least if you have a Windows-based PC, anyway), but at the cost of the dreadful Mobile Internet Explorer.

Sony Ericsson have also been shouting loudly about the new User Interface of the XPERIA X1, which they see as capable fo taking on the iPhone. The X1's UI is controllable trough a 3" VGA touchscreen that can support 65,536 colours. The UI uses what Sony Ericsson call Panels, which are distinct blocks of functionality that the user can move around the screen at will.

According to Rikko Sakaguchi, Sony Ericsson's Head of Portfolio and Propositions, "No two individuals have the same tastes and desires. Sony Ericsson's XPERIA™ X1 has been developed to ensure that mobile web communication and multimedia entertainment can be tailored, putting the individual at the heart of the mobile experience in a uniquely personal way."

Applications can be built around panel technology, and Sony Ericsson will be working with both operators and application developers to create nifty new panels once the XPERIA X1 has been launched.

Speaking of which, despite rumours that it wouldn't be released until 2009, Sony Ericsson have said that the XPERIA X1 release date will be the second half of 2008. Which is just as well, really, as apart from its flashy interface, the X1 is competing feature for feature with the Nokia E90, and that's been out for over six months now. By the time the X1 is released, there should be a new E90 about to be released, so Sony Ericsson need to get a move on if the X1 is to compete effectively.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Specification

And so what of the X1's specs then? Welll, they're not fully fleshed out yet, but here are what Sony Ericsson are aiming to cram into the X1:
Camera

* Camera - 3.2 megapixel
* Video recording
* Photo light
* Digital zoom - 3x
* Auto focus

Entertainment

* 3D games
* Video viewing
* Video streaming
* Java
* Radio - FM radio RDS

Communication

* Video calling
* Vibrating Alert
* Speakerphone
* Polyphonic ringtones

Music

* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
* Windows Media® Player Mobile
* PlayNow™
* Music tones
* Media Player

Connectivity

* aGPS
* WLAN
* USB support
* USB mass storage
* Synchronisation
* Modem
* Bluetooth™ technology

Design

* XPERIA™ panels
* Optical joystick navigation
* Picture wallpaper
* Navigation key

Internet

* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* RSS feeds

Messaging

* Exchange ActiveSync®
* Text messaging (SMS)
* Predictive text input
* Picture messaging (MMS)
* Email

Organiser

* Touch-screen
* Tasks
* Phone book
* Notes
* Handwriting recognition
* Flight mode
* Document readers
* Document editors
* Calendar
* Calculator
* Alarm clock

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is looking good. It's got all the features you'd want, and looks great, too. Can't wait to see it in the flesh!

Black Edition Nokia N82 to be Released by Orange UK

The UK network - Orange have now officially announced that they will be stocking the new Nokia N82 Black edition, after lots of rumours and guessing whether the black N82 would be released in the UK the network has now added the handset to their Coming Soon page.

The Nokia N82 Black offers exactly the same great features, design and technology as the current Titanium edition Nokia N82, but replaces the existing casing with a gloss black finish.

The Nokia N82 mobile phone is an excellent travelling companion. It’s one of Nokia’s entertaining Nseries smart phones, which means the sleek handset is officially described as a ‘multimedia computer’… and that’s a well-fitting description.

This is a phone that’ll take you to your destination - and then it’ll help you record your journey. Thanks to a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with xenon flash and Carl Zeiss optics, you’ll be able to take photographs in most conditions. You’ll also be able to record video clips, storing them all on the phone’s expandable memory.

The Nokia N82 has built-in GPS as well, offering Nokia’s own map software for route planning. Plus you’ll find internet browsing and email, a music player and an FM radio, along with Bluetooth, 3G and WiFi connectivity. Enjoy your travels - with the Nokia N82.

U900 Soul by Samsung Goes SIM Free - Samsung SGH U900 Soul

The latest addition to the Ultra Range of Samsung phones is the new U900 Soul, after being released on O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile contract deals the Samsung Soul was then launched on Pay As You Go before today being made available as a SIM Free phone.

This is great news for anyone wanting to buy a Samsung U900 Soul but does not want to be tied to a network with network locks, they can simply buy the handset and insert their existing SIM card to retain their current mobile number and account details.

The Samsung U900 Soul is the ultimate handset from the Ultra Edition range. It blends design and technology, creating a fashionable phone that’s also well-featured.

It’s a stunning-looking sliderphone, encased in its tough metallic casing the pictures you see online don’t really do it justice. It’s technologically advanced too. The 5 megapixel camera has features such as face detection, image stabiliser and Wide Dynamic Range. There’s also a secondary camera for making 3G video calls.

The icons on the touch-sensitive navigation panel change intuitively according to the functions you’re using. This makes it very easy to select items from the phone’s menu. For example, when using the 5 megapixel camera, you’ll be able to control zoom and brightness from the touch-sensitive panel. There’s also a standard slide out keypad.

The Samsung Soul has 3G and HSDPA for high speed downloads and web access. There’s a built-in FM radio and an MP3 music player that boasts a digital power amp designed by Bang and Olufsen.

HTC Touch White Released UK - White P3450 Edition Touch By HTC

A new white edition of the HTC Touch has today been launched on Orange in the UK, offering exactly the same great design, technology and features as the original P3450 Touch this new model comes in an iPod-esc minimalist white coloured casing.

Let your fingers guide you with the HTC Touch White™, the world’s first phone to feature intuitive touch screen technology.
Surf the web with Internet Explorer®, send and receive email from accounts like Hotmail® and Yahoo!®. Chat on Messenger and send photos to your own web space through Windows Live™.

Optimised for entertainment, the HTC Touch lets you enjoy your favourite music and movie clips through the integrated media suite. You also have the versatility to upload, store and share your media files with microSD™ removable memory.

With Windows Mobile® 6, the White HTC Touch also provides instant access to your Outlook® email and the most popular Microsoft® Office applications.

Feel the difference with intuitive TouchFLO™ screen technology for finger and stylus input.

Simple user interface for quick dialing, navigation and launching applications. Surf the web with ease on the large 2.8” touch screen with Internet Explorer®.

Enjoy music and movie clips with HTC’s Audio Manager and Windows Media® Player. Chat on Messenger, send and receive Hotmail® and send photos to Windows Live™ Spaces.

Kf510 by LG Now on Virgin Mobile - LG KF510 Grey Edition

The Grey edition LG KF510 has now been released on Virgin Mobile in the UK, after launching on O2, Orange and T-Mobile earlier today the KF510 now has more tariff options than ever before. There are further plans to make the handset available on Pay As You Go but we will keep you updated if and when this happens.

The LG KF510 mobile phone is slim and fashionable, yet it’s also surprisingly tough. This slide-open handset is coated in a metallic shade of Sunset Red, with an animated user interface adding to its design-conscious appearance. Its strength comes from a metal body and a tempered glass display screen… despite being less than 11mm thick.

Touch-controlled navigation makes it easy for you to use the phone’s functions, while a wealth of multimedia options makes the LG KF510 fun to own. There’s an MP3 player with expandable memory and a 3 megapixel auto-focus camera with shake-reducing image stabilisation. In addition, there’s web browsing and an email program that’ll display most popular types of attached documents. The LG KF510 is certainly a distinctive fashion phone - and it’s packed with features to make sure it stays in style.

Z780 by Sony Ericsson Release Announced - Sony Z780

Meet the new Sony Ericsson Z780, an affordable clamshell with some impressive features.
Not only does the Sony Ericsson Z780 offer full web connectivity but will also get you from A to B with turn by turn directions using its integrated GPS receiver with A-GPS support and Geotagging software.

Weight: 100g
Talktime: 9.5 h
Standby time: 350 hrs
Dimensions: 92 x 49 x 16 mm
Not only can you receive your emails on the go, keeping you in constant contact with the office but your phone will even let you know when the next service station is coming up.
Courtesy of HSDPA (3G) high speed connections, breaking news and selected web feeds are received promptly by your phone to keep you fully updated with what’s going on.
The web browser itself comes preloaded with a password manager and SSL support for added protection and basic peace of mind.
Get the most out of your MP3 Player and FM Radio with the ability to identify your favourite tracks that you just can’t quite remember the artist or title of with TrackID music recogntion software.
Snap pictures with the phone’s 2 mega pixel camera and record video clips and then upload to your own personal blogsite direct from your phone using the blogging tool available.
Available in a choice of either Grand Onyx or Amethyst Silver, the Sony Ericsson Z780 allows you to manage photos, videos and music with the Media Manager software, transfering to and from your phone as required.
Not only this but the Sony Ericsson Z780 supports video calling, includes the presence of stereo bluetooth and has a 35MB internal memory that can be expanded using microSD card expansion.

G502 by Sony Ericsson Release Announced - Sony G502

Seen here in Champagne Black, the Sony Ericsson G502 is also available in Brilliant Hazel.
A smart looking candybar with all the trimmings, the Sony Ericsson G502 is great for both business and personal use alike.

Aimed at web users, the Sony Ericsson G502 is HSDPA (3.5G) enabled, with GPRS and EDGE technology.
A Quad Band GSM phone with Tri Band UMTS support, the Sony Ericsson G502 weighs just 83.5g and includes the presence of bluetooth wireless with A2DP stereo support and the option to expand upon the exisiting 32MB internal memory.
Surfing the web couldn’t be safer with the preloaded password manager and SSL support plus you can get the latest news updates direct to your phone with RSS feeds as well as your emails with Push email.
Capture pictures using the 2 mega pixel camera, share them on your own personal blogsite updated directly from your phone with the help of picture blogging software or print directly to a printer without the need for picture editing software.
Store details of up to a 1000 contacts in the phonebook and enjoy the benefits of full PIM functionality. Listen to your favourite music or tune into your local radio station and identify tracks using onboard recognition software.
Google Maps will help you find your way and you can easily setup email accounts using the email wizard. Delivering straightforward thinking, the Sony Ericsson G502 is more than just a well equipped web phone.

Red Edition SGH B300 from Samsung Release Announced UK

After the blue edition of the new Samsung B300 was announced earler a new B300 in Red has now also joined the waiting list.

The Samsung B300 Red offers exactly the same technology, features and design as the blue version but offers a seductive red exterior casing. A Dual Band GSM 900 / 1800 phone with GPRS support, the Samsung B300 may not be equipped with a mp3 player but it does nonetheless support MP3 ringtones and will get you connected with your favourite radio station with its FM Radio.

Weight: 78g
Talktime: 3 h
Standby time: 8 days
Dimensions: 87 x 45 x 20 mm
Get online with the WAP Browser, check your emails, find out what’s on in your area or play your favourite JAVA supported games when waiting in queue’s or for your train home from work or college.
The Samsung B300 is aimed at keeping the cost of buying a mobile phone to a minimum without compromising on design.
Having achieved just that, the Samsung SGH-B300 is as such a fashionable looking clamshell that offers key high quality features that wont empty out your wallet.
Navigate the user friendly menu on the phones basic but decent sized 1.5 inch 128 x 128 pixel display and keep in touch with friends and family via text messaging.
Weighing in a 78g, the Samsung B300 is not only compact but lightweight as well and will easily fit in a pocket or purse.
Another plus of the Samsung B300 is its battery life with 3 hours of talktime and as much as 8 days on standby but probably the biggest selling point of this phone has to be its looks.

Samsung SGH B300 in Blue Announced for Release UK

The new Samsung B300 Blue Edition has now been officially announced for release in the UK, the Samsung B300 Blue is aimed at keeping the cost of buying a mobile phone to a minimum without compromising on design.

Weight: 78g
Talktime: 3 h
Standby time: 8 days
Dimensions: 87 x 45 x 20 mm
Having achieved just that, the Blue Samsung SGH-B300 is as such a fashionable looking clamshell that offers key high quality features that wont empty out your wallet.
A Dual Band GSM 900 / 1800 phone with GPRS support, the Samsung B300 Blue may not be equipped with a mp3 player but it does nonetheless support MP3 ringtones and will get you connected with your favourite radio station with its FM Radio.
Get online with the WAP Browser, check your emails, find out what’s on in your area or play your favourite JAVA supported games when waiting in queue’s or for your train home from work or college.
Navigate the user friendly menu on the phones basic but decent sized 1.5 inch 128 x 128 pixel display and keep in touch with friends and family via text messaging.
Weighing in a 78g, the Samsung B300 Blue is not only compact but lightweight as well and will easily fit in a pocket or purse.
Another plus of the Blue Samsung B300 is its battery life with 3 hours of talktime and as much as 8 days on standby but probably the biggest selling point of this phone has to be its looks.

Blue edition 5320 from Nokia Release Announced - Nokia 5320 UK

After earler reporting that a new Red ediiton of hte 5320 Xpress Music phone was to be released we can now confirm that there is also to be a Blue Nokia 5320, much in line with the current Xpress Music phone colour schemes of the 5310 and 5610 models.

Weight: 90g
Talktime: 3.5 h
Standby time: 250 h
Dimensions: 108 x 46 x 15 mm
A 3G smartphone, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone is fully loaded.
Equipped with everything from a voice controlled music player using ‘Nokia Say and Play’ and FM stereo radio with RDS to a 3.5mm audio output jack and dedicated media keys, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone is a major competitor amongst music phones.
Capable of delivering as much as 24hours of continuous music playback one starts to wonder about the memory capacity.
But Nokia, true to form have taken care of this providing a 140MB internal memory and optional microSD expansion taking total memory capacity up to as much as 8GB.
With Media management software, photos, videos and music can be transferred to and from your phone over a USB connection as and when required plus you can share files with friends using the stereo supported bluetooth.
The 2 mega pixel camera is accompanied by 320 x 240 pixel video resolution taking 15fps and they’ve included a secondary videocall camera just for good measure.
With a choice of Blue or Red accents on a Black exterior, the Nokia 5320 is certainly impressive in its abilities.
The 2″ display offers a QVGA resolution, HSDPA ensures high speed internet downloads and when it comes to gaming, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic supports N-Gage gaming and includes dedicated gaming keys.
Other features of the Nokia 5320 include Push Email, Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Yahoo Go! & Yahoo Messenger, Visual Radio and Active Standby Screen.
You’d think with all this technology onboard, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone comes with a hefty price tag, but it doesn’t! So it gets even better.

Nokia 5320 Xpress Music Red Edition Announced for Release

The Nokia Xpress Music range of phones has had a new model announced for release, a 3G smartphone, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone is fully loaded.

Equipped with everything from a voice controlled music player using ‘Nokia Say and Play’ and FM stereo radio with RDS to a 3.5mm audio output jack and dedicated media keys, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone is a major competitor amongst music phones.
Capable of delivering as much as 24hours of continuous music playback one starts to wonder about the memory capacity.
But Nokia, true to form have taken care of this providing a 140MB internal memory and optional microSD expansion taking total memory capacity up to as much as 8GB.
With Media management software, photos, videos and music can be transferred to and from your phone over a USB connection as and when required plus you can share files with friends using the stereo supported bluetooth.
The 2 mega pixel camera is accompanied by 320 x 240 pixel video resolution taking 15fps and they’ve included a secondary videocall camera just for good measure.
With a choice of Blue or Red accents on a Black exterior, the Nokia 5320 is certainly impressive in its abilities.
The 2″ display offers a QVGA resolution, HSDPA ensures high speed internet downloads and when it comes to gaming, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic supports N-Gage gaming and includes dedicated gaming keys.
Other features of the Nokia 5320 include Push Email, Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Yahoo Go! & Yahoo Messenger, Visual Radio and Active Standby Screen.
You’d think with all this technology onboard, the Nokia 5320 XpressMusic phone comes with a hefty price tag, but it doesn’t! So it gets even better.

LG Viewty Black is Joined by Purple and Silver Editions - LG Viewty

he best selling Viewty by LG has now been joined by two new additions to the LG KU990 Viewty range, the purple and silver editions.

These two new versions offer exactly the same great design, features and technology as the original Black Viewty but come in two different coloured casings reflecting their model names:

LG Viewty Purple & LG Viewty Silver



There is also rumours of a forth edition to join the Viewty range shortly - the LG KU990 Viewty Pink, a handset that will definitely whet the appetite of fashion led females.

The LG Viewty has come on the market and means business. Packed full of the very best in high end features such as the 5.1 MP camera, awesome video at 120 frames per second, 3G, touch screen etc, this device is for those of you who love to impress and use your phones the best of its ability. Not only will it leave you feeling all tingly with excitement but is also sure not to disappoint.

5 Megapixel camera
In the race of the 5MP cameras LG have really thought long and hard about making this device one of the top runners. With the manual focus, the Schneider Kreuznach lends, Xenon flash, advanced imaging functions and awesome video record and play functionality with 120 frames per second you could easily forget that it is a camera on a phone.

Music player
This music player allows you the freedom to download and organise great sounding music right onto your phone. It supports many different formats, including MP3, AAC, WMA, WMV and AMR. Not only that but when you have uploaded all your favourite tunes you can scan through for both the albums and artists.

3G
If you are looking for the fastest phone in the west you will definitely need to pay close attention to the LG Viewty. With 3G broadband data capabilities you can roam around the internet without a care in the world whilst laughing at the days you made a cup of tea while waiting for your mobile phone to load up a new internet page.

USB Stick Modem from T-Mobile Free - New Web’n'Walk USB Modem

A new USB Stick Modem has been lauched by T-Mobile int he UK for fast mobile broadband, this new stick device compliments the existing USB Dongle but offers fast broadband service without the wires.


Simply plug the T-Mobile web’n'walk stick into the USB port on your laptop and away you go - you’re connected to the T-Mobile mobile broadband network. No phone required!
# Compatible - with both Macs and PCs
# Easy set up and installation - simply plug into a USB port to get quick, hassle-free mobile broadband
# Versatile - it’s great for on the move, at home or wherever you might be
# Super fast - the stick supports high speed downloads & uploads (HSDPA/HSUPA)
# Future proof - so you won’t have to replace or upgrade it anytime soon

There are two monthly mobile broadband plans to choose from:
Web’n'walk Plus

Perfect for web browsing, accessing emails, downloading files and audio/ video streaming (excludes internet calling services like Skype) and no matter how much you surf, your monthly cost is fixed. With a 3Gb fair use policy amount.
Web’n'walk Max

All the same benefits of web’n'walk Plus but you can use internet calling services like Skype. No matter how much you surf, your monthly cost is fixed. With a 10Gb fair use policy amount.

KF600 by LG Now on Pay As You Go T-Mobile - LG KF600 UK

he new KF600 from LG has now been made available as a Pay As You Go phone on T-Mobile, after launching on O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile contract tariffs and then on Orange pay as you go this new network prepay release is good news for consumers as the LG KF600 is £30.00 cheaper on T-Mobile pay as you go compared with Orange.

Featuring an innovative design with a sleek exterior. The LG KF600 is sleek and discreet with its semi-reflective dual screen and black crystal finish.

Convenient Image Capturing
The LG KF600 will enable you to easily capture an image and record a video through the InteractPad with it’s 3 mega-pixel camera which has auto focus functionality.

Intuitive Music Control
The KF600 has a built-in MP3 player so you can play all your favourite music. It also makes cueing to a spot in any song much easier, simply drag your finger across the InteractPad.

Nokia N82 Now with Free Gifts

The new Nokia N82 has now been made available with a selection of free gifts when you buy the handset on selected contract deals, these free gifts include Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, iPod Touch and Free Laptops!

Some of the gifts are despatched with your mobile phone so there is no need to send in claim forms, simply check the retailers T&C’s to see when you can get your hands on a Free Nokia N82 with a fantastic free gift.

The Nokia N82 is the latest addition to the NSeries range. The N82 sports a top quality 5.0 megapixel camera, with autofocus, Xenon flash and Carl Zeiss Lens. The N82 has a QVGA TFT screen supporting up to 16 million colours which doubles as the camera viewfinder. The Nokia N82 is a 3G phone, compatible with HSDPA mobile broadband. There is also support for WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.0 which allows for wireless streaming of music with a compatible Bluetooth headset. There is also a built in GPS chip which works with the supplied Nokia Maps application. The N82 is a solid handset, with a well balanced feel in the hand.

The Nokia N82 is a top quality camera phone, with a 5.0 megapixel camera, auto focus, Carl Zeiss Lens and Xenon flash. Camera load time is much quicker than other camera phones in its market sector, and image capture provides crisp, clean shots. Browsing through gallery is snappy and quick, and pictures can be viewed in landscape mode by tilting the phone on its side, thanks to the built in motion sensor application. The motion sensor works in most applications, such as web browser or gallery, but does not work in the main menu view.

Aimed at technology stylists, The N82 is designed for users who like their handsets to look good, whilst at the same time having a handset that supports all the latest features. And the N82 doesn’t disappoint. As well as a top of the range camera, the Nokia N82 supports WiFi and Bluetooth for data transfer and connectivity, plus 3G and Mobile Broadband for fast download speeds

The Nokia N82 is equipped with a GPS chip, and also supports A-GPS. Location pick up within the supplied Nokia Maps application is very fast, average time is under 10 seconds.

The handset has a built in MP3 player, and has stereo speakers which give excellent playback and clear sound quality. The N82 runs on S60 firmware. This means as well as the long list of features offered by the N82, you can add additional functionality by adding third party applications. The phone is designed with a chrome style faceplate and a smart plastic design shell, which feels good in the hand and is well balanced.

Overall the Nokia N82 is a top quality handset and an excellent addition to the NSeries range. Once again Nokia have raised the standard by which other phones are judged.

Sony K660 Blue Black Edition on T-Mobile - Sony Ericsson K660

The new ‘Blue / Black’ version of the Sony K660 has today been released on T-Mobile, the K660 is already available in both ‘Lime / White’ and ‘Wine / Black’ so this new colour variant makes for a welcome addition.

The first colour refers to the band across the front of the phone just underneath the main display, this also dictates the colour of the original menu selection options which can be changed in the profiles section.

Get online and let the news and entertainment you want come to you. One-press Web shortcuts to favourite Web sites, fast access - the K660i has it all.

News Updates On Your Screen
Access the latest news directly from the Sony K660i Blue Black screen. The RSS desktop widgets are always on display, bringing the news straight to your phone.

Horizontal Web Browsing
Browse the Web in landscape mode, and enjoy the convenience of the keypad Web shortcuts. Zoom, home, favourites and text input are right under your thumb.

Find Your Way
Write where you are and where you’re going, and the Sony Ericsson K660i Blue Black will take you there. To complete the K660i Web experience, your phone has maps and navigation services.

HSDPA - Serious Download Speed
Enjoy the mobile Internet at broadband-like speed in your phone. Download large files and email attachments in a snap. Get Web sites and news feeds to your screen in seconds. HSDPA takes 3G a step further.
Highlights

With non-stop internet access, you’ll always know what’s going on, plus you’ll have these brilliant features wherever you go:

* Built-in HSDPA modem
Easy to install - ‘Plug’n'Play’ - for the fastest mobile broadband around
* Horizontal or vertical browsing
Enjoy the convenience of the keypad web shortcuts. Zoom, home, favourites and text input are right under your thumb.
* Mobile Jukebox
Download your favourite tracks straight to your phone and PC for just £1.
* 2 mega pixel camera
Built-in camera with viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interactionwith imaging & messaging features.

Blackberry Pearl 8110 Launches on T-Mobile - 8110 Pearl

The new Blackberry 8110 has been available in pink for some time but today the latest Blackberry pearl is now available in blue / black on T-Mobile contract deals.

The BlackBerry 8110 smartphone is a surprisingly bright handset… in every way. As you’d expect from a BlackBerry, it’ll handle your email without any hassle. Whether you’re using it for work or for personal messages, you’ll be kept informed as soon as a new email arrives. Composing messages is also easy, thanks to the clever ‘half-QWERTY’ keypad that keeps the phone slim yet perfectly usable.

Of course, there’s more to life than work - and there’s more to the 8110 BlackBerry as well. You can update your Facebook profile, send instant messages, listen to music and watch movie clips. There’s a camera for photos and videos, along with an expandable memory for storage. Picking a BlackBerry has always helped you to stay organised. Picking the BlackBerry 8110 helps you have fun, too.

Red edition Sony W580 Announced - Sony Ericsson W580i Red

A new Red version of the Sony Ericsson W580i has been announced for release by Orange in the UK, following on from the success of the Sony W580 Walkman range that now includes Pink, Black, White and Grey editions the new Red W580i is sure to melt the hearts of those firey red phone lovers.

The Sony W580i is a sleek, slim, street-style slider phone, camera and portable music device. Tempting to touch, designed to impress.

Complete Music Kit
In the Sony Ericsson W580i kit, you get a stereo headset and everything you need to get your music from your computer to your phone. Connect, choose and transfer.

Shake To Shuffle - Shake Control
It’s all in your moves. With Shake control, a song from your playlist is chosen randomly at the flick of your wrist.

Music Recognition
What’s that sound? Just record a few seconds of music and TrackID (powered by Gracenote Mobile MusicID) returns the song name, artist and album to your phone within seconds.

Integrated Camera
Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features.

TyTN 2 from HTC Goes SIM Free - HTC TyTN II UK

TyTN 2 from HTC Goes SIM Free - HTC TyTN II UK
The new HTC TyTN II (2) has now been made available as a SIM free handset, this is good news for consumers not wishing to sign up to a lengthy contract deal as they can now purchase the TyTN 2 outright and simply insert their existing SIM card as the phone is unlocked to all UK networks.

More powerful than any mobile communications device you’ve seen before, the HTC TyTN II takes global connectivity to the next level.

Staying connected means staying ahead. The TyTN II supports the full spectrum of network standards, guaranteeing that you will stay in touch ANYWHERE in the world. With an internet connection via 3.5G HSDPA that is nine times faster than 3G, using the TyTN II to download files and surf the Web is a breeze.

Communicating on the go is easier than ever with an innovative, ergonomic LCD design that positions the touch screen perfectly for reading and creating e-mails, using applications, or even just playing games.

Important information is just a glance away with HTC Home, which displays a big clock and provides live weather updates, access to a quick application launcher and one touch ring settings, easy photo dialing, and more.

With a complete suite of Microsoft® Office Mobile applications, including Outlook Mobile, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint® Mobile, being out of the office doesn’t have to mean you’re out of the loop. Always ready for business - and pleasure - the HTC TyTN II makes sure you are too.

The First Pictures of the iPAQ Mobile Messenger (Updated)

The First Pictures of the iPAQ Mobile Messenger (Updated)

HP said it intends to release later this year a cellular-wireless handheld called the iPAQ Mobile Messenger. Now, several images have been given to Brighthand of this upcoming device.

According to the source of these pictures, this device will be part of the hw6500 series.

The pictures match the few details HP has released on its upcoming cellular-wireless Pocket PC, including the presence of a built-in keyboard.

HP iPAQ hw6500In addition, the images give a few additional details on the hw6500, like the fact that it will have a built-in camera with some form of flash.

Apparently this Pocket PC will also include a swappable battery.

This will be the first Pocket PC with a square (240 by 240 pixel) screen. Support for square screens was specifically added to Windows Mobile 2003 SE to make adding built-in keyboards easier.
Multiple Memory Card Slots

Update: An SD memory card slot clearly appears on one side of the hw6500. According to MobileTechReview, the other slot on the right side of this device will be for miniSD cards.

HP iPAQ hw6500 This site also says that this handheld will run Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition on a 520 MHz processor.
It will have Bluetooth short-range wireless networking, but not Wi-Fi. It will also support GSM/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) wireless networks.

The hw6500 will reportedly be available sometime in the second half of this year.

iPAQabilities.com is reporting that this model will have a have a 1.3 mega-pixel camera, a 1,200 mAh swappable battery, and a flipcover.
What HP Says

HP hasn't officially released many details of the iPAQ Mobile Messenger, but it did say that it will offer both voice and data. It will run on GSM/GPRS wireless networks, and support EDGE, a wireless networking standard that can provide average speeds of 100 kbps to 130 kbps.

This handheld will include a GPS receiver and Good Technology's GoodLink software, which will keep the device wirelessly connected with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange, as well as other critical enterprise information.

HP says it will demonstrate a prototype of the iPAQ Mobile Messenger at the 3GSM World Congress, going on February 14 - 17 in Cannes, France.
Related Links

O2 drops the iPhone

ust when you thought the Apple iPhone hype had died down, we have surprising news that there are no more 8GB iPhones on sale in the UK. Carphone Warehouse has completely run out of stock, all online stores are telling their affiliates not to promote it anymore (no point, really, as there aren't any to sell!), O2 only have a few more left in their stores, and no more additional stock is expected. What's going on? Is this the end of the iPhone in the UK?...

The answer is both yes and no. Yes in that the current 8GB iPhone has now gone; and no, in that the current 16GB model is still available. Of more interest is the number of rumours that are circulating that suggest that a new 3G iPhone is on its way, possibly as soon as June. A 3G iPhone is an absolute necessity if Apple is to keep the momentum with the iPhone going. It's current success rests largely on its fantastic interface (as well as the hysterical hype surrounding the device), but that will only be a novelty for so long.

Every other mobile phone that's been released in the past year has sported a touchscreen, and it won't be long before the other manufacturers are able to get the software right so that the overall user experience matches that of the iPhone. When this happens, the iPhone's poor feature set will make it look outdated almost overnight, and with no other model to fall back on, Apple's foray inot the mobile phone market could well be brief.
Make way for the 3G iPhone

Fortunately, they know this, too, and so a 3G iPhone is definitely on its way; the only question is when. Apparently development has already been accelerated to meet the needs of us fortunate Europeans, who see 3G as a necessity for mobile Web browsing, simply because, well, it is! Also, we have almost ubiquitous 3G network coverage, so a high-tech phone without 3G is like a Bugatti Veyron running on coal!

One of the reasons 3G wasn't included in the initial iPhone was its effect on battery power. A 3G radio is necessarily heavier on battery consumption than a 2G radio, and so Apple made the decision to go with 2G as the 3" touchscreen already draws significant power from the battery, meaning that battery life would have plummeted. Some reports suggest that Apple hope to get round this for the new 3G iPhone by equipping the touchscreen with OLED rather than the current LCD technology. However, OLED is not a cheap technology, so it remains to be seen what price-point the new 3G iPhone will be set at.

All is expected to be revealed in June, apparently, when the new Apple iPhone OS 2.0 also debuts as well as Apple's online App Store. As ever we'll keep you updated of any more breaking news in the meantime.

Windows Mobile 6 Professional in pictures

So Smartphone Edition's successor, Windows Mobile 6 Standard, is really only half of the story behind the launch of Microsoft's tweaked mobile platform next week. Well, technically, it's a third of the story if you count Classic, which we don't -- Classic is to Pocket PC what Standard is to Smartphone, and it's not the phoneless Pocket PCs that get our hearts pounding these days (our apologies, Axim). Instead,

it's Professional that's the real prize here, filling Pocket PC Phone Edition's shoes. Revolutionary it ain't, but for folks who love (or own and merely tolerate) Windows Mobile devices, this sucker's fresh look makes it the new king of the hill on the Microsoft side of the fence. Enjoy the eye candy!

Sony Ericsson G502 and Z780 with HSDPA and aGPS

Sony Ericsson have launched two new phones, and for once, they're not CyberShot or Walkman phones! The Sony Ericsson G502 (above) and Z780 are low to mid-range phones that are similar to the Nokia 5320 and 5220 in that they bring super-fast HSDPA connectivity down to an affordable level. Although both phones are different in appearance, they're very similar underneath, offering 2 megapixel camera, MP3 player, HSDPA and Google maps already installed.

The Z780 is the slightly more advanced model, though, in that it comes with aGPS, letting you navigate easily across Google Maps (either road view or satellite view). It also comes with a weather application that takes advantage of the high speed Internet connectivity and built-in GPS to tell you what the weather will be like in your area for the next three days.

Neither model will set the world on fire, but in terms of good quality phones with a good range of quality features, all for an affordable price, they'll be hard to beat. With the addition of HSDPA, they're also another indication of how the mobile Web is steadily coming of age.

More details and pictures of the Sony Ericsson G502 and Z780 after the jump.
Sony Ericsson Z780 and G502

From the press release:

Sony Ericsson today introduced two new HSDPA phones into its line-up; each clearly designed to take its range of 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.

"These two phones are quite distinct, yet both have the potential to introduce more users to the world of web on your mobile," said Martin Winkler, director of global marketing and head of multimedia web at Sony Ericsson. "Being able to check your email whenever you like or surf the web when on-the-move should not just be the preserve of professionals. The Z780 and the G502 will appeal to anyone juggling a busy life"

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. This means that more users can now benefit from faster browsing and downloading capabilities in a phone that has a feature-set that is impressive and incredibly easy to use – perfect for those who want to stay in control of their lives.
In touch, on the move

Both the Z780 and the G502 come with the latest version of Google™ Maps for Mobile. This application allows you to view high quality maps that give you a satellite view of the local area and view listings of the restaurants and hotels, complete with any reviews or ratings available. 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. Google™ Maps for Mobile then enables you to receive turn-by-turn directions that help you to find your way without complication.

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

Sony Ericsson Z780 mobile phone, closed
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. If you use one particular website more than others, you can select an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed that will give you 1-click access directly to this page from your phone’s desktop. 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 UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver. The Sony Ericsson Z780 release date is scheduled for Q2 2008.

The G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel. The Sony Ericsson G502 release date is scheduled for Q2 2008.

Nokia 5320 offers HSDPA and N-Gage at bargain price

Nokia have announced the new Nokia 5320 and 5220 Xpress Music phones. The Nokia Xpress Music range has traditionally been pitched at the lower end of the market, and the new 5320 and 5220 are no exception, selling for between 160 - 220 Euros. What is exceptional, though, is the quality of the features that Nokia has been good enough to squeeze into them. Not only do you get a dedicated music device with 3.5" headphone jack and dedicated audio chip for superior sound quality, but with the 5320, you also get HSDPA for super-fast downloads of your music direct to the phone.

As if all that wasn't enough, you can also install the N-Gage platform to take advantage of the new range of games that Nokia are selling under the N-Gage brand, and storage of up to 8GB.

More details of the Nokia 5320 and 5220 mobile phones after the jump.

Nokia 5320 Xpress Music mobile phone

One thing that hits you when you look at this phone is, well, the looks! For a low to mid-range phone, it looks great, both in blue (top) or red (above), and with all the features it's got, I think it'll fly off the shelves. Another thing I love about is the little features that Nokia have added. For example, it has a nifty "Play and Say" feature, that lets you speak the name of the tune you want to listen to, and the 5320 will play it for you - just like magic (gasp!). Completely pointless, of course, but kids and gadget-freaks on a budget will love it.

From the press release:

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 release date is expected to be the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 220 EUR before taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 5220 Xpress Music mobile phone

The Nokia 5220 isn't quite as high-specced as its older brother (no HSDPA, for example), but it, too, has a few novelties up its sleeve. Firstly, as should be obvious from the pic, it's not exactly symmetrical! Apparently, this is a feature, and to be fair, it does make the phone stand out from other candybar designs. Secondly, it's got a lanyard! Yes, I had no idea what a landyard was, either (way to go with the marketing there, Nokia!), but apparently, it's just a bit of string that can tether the device, so you can hang it round your neck...or something (somehow, that doesn't seem quite right!). Actually, if you look at the asymmetrical part of the phone at the bottom, you should see the hole through which the string can be pushed, so you really can wear this thing as a necklace! Seems odd to me, but who am I to question great design?!

The Nokia 5220 XpressMusic device offers instant access to music on-the-go with a unique, asymmetrical design. Featured for the first time on a Nokia XpressMusic device, a built-in lanyard makes the device easy to carry anywhere. Additional features of the Nokia 5220 XpressMusic include up to 24 hours playback time, dedicated XpressMusic keys and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Nokia 5220 XpressMusic release date is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 160 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

Both handsets are compatible with the recently launched Nokia Music Store and offer easy music side-loading. With Nokia Music Store, consumers can choose from more than 2 million tracks from both major and independent labels; international and local artists and simply browse, download, stream and sync either to a PC or side-load directly to a mobile device.

Samsung Soul, the last of the the Ultra Edition phones

Samsung have launched the new Samsung Soul, a new mobile phone from the company that actually has a name, rather than an awkward array of seemingly arbitrary letters and numbers (who could forget the charmingly-named Samsung SGH-P310 for example?!). Samsung chose the name Soul as it stands for "Spirit Of ULtra" (yes, really!), and it apparently "honours the completion of its exclusive 'Ultra Edition' series." Not entirely sure why "soul" denotes the end of something, but it does imply that this will be the last in the extremely successful and highly-rated Ultra Edition range of phones, thereby paving the way for an ever better crop of phones from Samsung for the rest of the year

The Soul is Samsung's new flagship phone, meaning it's a high-end monster packed full of features. Better still, continuing Samsung's recent theme, these aren't just gimmicks - each feature is designed to work and work really well, rather than just acting as padding for the spec list.
More pics and full details of the Samsung Soul after the jump.
Overview of the Samsung Soul mobile phone

So what do you get with a Samsung flagship phone? Well, no flag, but you do get the following rather tasty array of features:

* 5 megapixel camera
* Power LED Flash
* Face detection, image stabilizer and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for enhanced picture quality
* 7.2 Mbps HSPDA connectivity
* New "Magical Touch by DaCP" user interface
* Slide form factor
* 12.9mm thin
* Bluetooth 2.0
* MP3 player with Bang & Olufson Digital ICE Power amp and headset

A few features of note here. Firstly, the camera. Not only 5 megapixels, but a wide range of advanced features to help you get the best picture of your subject. Secondly, not just HSDPA, but HSPDA running at a superb 7.2Mbps (if your network supports it of course, and dependent on contention ratios). Thirdly, an MP3 player that gives great sound thanks to a Bang & Olufson amplifier.

Finally, the somewhat oddly-named "Magical Touch by DaCP" user interface. What be this, you ask? It's a new interface whereby the navigation indicators on the keypad change according to the feature you're using. Select the camera, for example, and the icons on the keypad change to reflect camera-specific options (see pic below). DaCP, in case you were wondering, stands for Dynamic Adaptive Control Pad, and as you might guess, it is, in reality, a small OLED screen that adapts to the requirements of the selected feature. Nice touch, though.

It's a shame the Samsung Soul will the see the end of the Ultra Range. There were some great phones in that range, stylish, fully-featured, and even several "world's thinnest" phones. Still, with Samsung on a bit of a roll at the moment, having overtaken Motorola to second spot, I'm guessing the replacement range (Son of Ultra - Hmmm, SoUL II - perhaps?!) will be better still, with some rather tasty new phones to watch out for.

The Samsung Soul is out now across Europe, and will be released in other markets throughout 2008.

New LG-KF700, a touchscreen phone for touchscreen haters

LG have launched the new LG-KF700, a new touchscreen mobile phone that comes with no less than three different input methods. In case the touchscreen wasn't enough for you, you can also use an alphanumeric keypad or a shortcut dial. Which, if you think about it, is a bit odd. If the touchscreen is up to scratch, you shouldn't need the other two forms of input. It's like adding a high-tech Tiptronic gearbox to a car, and then bolting on both a manual and an automatic gearbox just for good measure!

LG's reasoning is that not everyone likes a touchscreen. We realize that touchscreens are a wonderful advancement, but they are not the solution for every problem or every user," said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "We looked beyond just touch when designing the LG-KF700 and studied how people actually use their phones. The LG-KF700's three separate input methods provide unmatched convenience and mean that users don't have to give up anything to gain a touchscreen."

But surely the idea of a touchscreen is that you give up the older forms of input becaus ethe newer one (the touchscreen) is actually much better? In other words, you're not actually giving anything up, you're gaining an enhanced experience. Just ask an iPhone owner. No matter what you think of the Jesus Phone, its touchscreen interface is almost universally loved (at least for standard numeric input and menu navigation).

Forgive me for being cynical, but this seems a bit like a tacit admission by LG that its toucshcreens aren't all that good, and are a bit, well clunky.

But enough of the cynicism. More details of the LG-KF700 after the jump.
The LGKF700 touchscreen phone in detail

From the press release:

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.

“LG has already established itself as a leader in phones with touch technology with Chocolate, the Prada Phone by LG and Viewty, and the LG-KF700 continues this legacy,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “We realize that touchscreens are a wonderful advancement, but they are not the solution for every problem or every user. We looked beyond just touch when designing the LG-KF700 and studied how people actually use their phones. The LG-KF700’s three separate input methods provide unmatched convenience and mean that users don’t have to give up anything to gain a touchscreen.”
The LG-KF700's three input features

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.

Together, the LG-KF700’s input methods become even more powerful. When browsing the internet on the wide touchscreen, the shortcut dial zooms in and out on websites. When sending text messages, the alpha-numeric keypad provides all of the letters, while frequently used symbols are readily available on the touchscreen. These symbols change based on users text messaging habits.
Web browsing on the LG-KF700

One of the LG-KF700’s powerful multimedia features is a full featured Web browser that provides full access to Google Search, Blogs, Gmail, Maps and Youtube. Support for HSDPA 3G networks* makes web browsing extremely fast and makes other features like video telephony possible. Other features include an MP3 player, MPEG4 video player, 3.0-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

All of the phone’s multimedia features are packed into a slim and stylish package with a clean, minimalist look. The LG-KF700 is available in black and silver versions, as well as a black version with chrome accents.

LG first announced the LG-KF700 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where it met an enthusiastic reception. The phone is now available in Europe and will become available in other markets in the following months.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 preview

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 is one of the most-anticipated new smartphones to come from Sony Ericsson in years. Previous smartphones from the company focused on their P-range, with the P900 and its successors perhaps the most well-known. Although these have always been well-regarded, I've also found them a bit too fiddly to use. You either had to rely on stylus-based hand-writing recognition, which only recognized a single character at a time, or a keyboard so small only a 5 year old child could use.

The Xperia X1 changes all that, as it comes with a slide out keyboard similar to other manufacturers' smartphones (such as HTC's range or the Nokia E90). Better still, Sony Ericsson have had the good sense of stuffing the X1 with every conceivable feature they could think of!
Read on for a sneak preview of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 in action.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 smarpthone preview

From the outside, the Xperia X1 is a great looking smartphone, with a huge display and just a few buttons on the bottom. OK, so it's not as aesethically pure as the iPhone, in that it's not all touch-screen controlled, but the beauty of this design is that the buttons enable you to access often-used features with just one click no matter where you are in the X1's menuing system, one of the buttons is a touch-sensitive mouse, you get the added advantage of a physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out from underneath the phone, and you still get the benefits of a touchscreen as well, as the X1 also offers this as a feature (pause for breath!)
So, yeh, I like the Xperia's physical form a lot.
User Interface

One of the key features that Sony Ericsson are shouting loudly about the Xperia X1 is its use of Panels. These are new user interface elements that act as individual windows onto specific apps. You can think of them as dynamic thumbnails onto the apps underneath them. For example, you get a dedicated Google Panel that lets you search from within it, and a FaceBook panel showing your personal newfeed that's dynamically updated as your friends change their status or post on each others' walls.

The aquarium panel is a great new feature. Different aspects of the phone are represented by different coloured fish that move about in their panel. For example one fish will change colour if you have voicemail, while another changes colour for email, etc. This is a really novel and fun new way of interacting with the user. It can't be too long before someone develops a panel that recognizes not only a caller, but also the tone of the voice from their voice-mail, and represents them in a panel using a cartoon avatar. Picture a horse braying angrily, for example, if your wife's left a nagging voicemail, or a puzzled donkey if your bloke's phoned you asking what he did with the car keys for the 16th time in a week!

Sony Ericsson want developers to create third party Panels for Xperia X1 users, so expect many other services to appear over time, giving the X1 even more appeal.
Xperia X1's key features

I've already mentioned that Sony Ericsson have stuffed the X1 full with features, and I wasn't joking! Just check out this spec:

* Quad band HSDPA/HSUPA
* WiFi
* Bluetooth
* aGPS
* 3.2 Megapixel Camera
* Qualcomm MSM7200A CPU, 528Mhz
* 800x480 Touchscreen
* MicroSD
* MiniUSB
* 3.5mm headset jack
* 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
* 145 grams
* 1500 mAH Battery

All this on a gloriously crisp 800x480 touchscreen. Superfast downloads with HSDPA, glorious screen and great keyboard - mobile Web surfing should be a dream (although you will have to put up with Mobile Internet Explorer, as the X1 is uses Windows Mobile underneath).

As far as battery life goes, Sony Ericsson claim you'll be able to get an unbelievable 6 hours of talk time or browsing time from it, which is unheard of for a phone with this amount of power.
Summary

This little glimpse into the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 has hopefully given you a taste for what's to come. You can find out more over at WMExperts, who have tonnes of great pics of the X1, plus answers to some key questions from eager fans. The Xperia X1 is designed to be a world phone, and Sony Ericsson are apparently hoping it'll sell strongly in the US in particular. Expect it some time close to Christmas 2008, so better get saving now!