Latest Mobile Phones

Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou)

2009-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

Introduction

Sony Ericsson have long ago shown that they are not afraid of any challenge, producing handsets that have claimed a top spot on the market. There are still plenty of fans from those good old days that would love to see another market-leading device thrown their way.

A look at what's between the XPERIA X1 and the Satio is enough to tell you what Sony Ericsson have been up to for the past year. A top-dog Cybershot (C905) and an all-round Walkman (W995) were both compelling enough but none would be trusted to top the portfolio of a company that used to call the shots at the forefront of mobile technology.

So, Sony Ericsson might have been busy cutting costs, fueling the hype behind their new wave gadgets (Satio, Aino and Rachael) or experimenting with Symbian and Android. But there's little doubt about their full-time job. The Satio is a lot more than its mouthwatering features, full touchscreen debuting Symbian S60 or its 12 megapixel camera. It may be too much to say that all the company's hopes lie with the Satio but the burden on its shoulders is disproportionate compared to any other flagship device we can think of.

Sony Ericsson Satio official photos

This review, by the way, is coming after a massive spoiler. But the good thing is we know the Satio is all geared and ready to face some serious challenges. An industry leading cameraphone, or top-of-the-line smartphone, the Satio has a clear view of its goal. But you can be certain that its path forward will not be covered in rose petals. Sony Ericsson are in dire need of fresh devices (and cash) and the Satio should not be anything but a bestseller. When you're trying to turn your fortunes around, you have very little room for error.

Key features

3.5" 16M-color resistive touchscreen of 640 x 360 pixel resolution
12 megapixel state-of-the-art autofocus camera
LED and xenon flash, active lens cover
VGA@30fps video recording
Symbian OS 9.4 with S60 5th edition UI, spiced up with a home-brewed homescreen and media menu
ARM Cortex-A8 600 MHz CPU, PowerVR SGX dedicated graphics accelerator and 256 MB of RAM
Quad-band GSM support
3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 3.6 Mbps support
Wi-Fi and GPS with A-GPS
microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
Built-in accelerometer
TV out
Stereo FM Radio
USB and stereo Bluetooth v2.0
Web browser has full Flash support
Preinstalled Wisepilot navigation software
Office document viewer

Main disadvantages

Xenon flash is not adequately powerful
The S60 5th edition UI isn't to the best in class standards
No 3.5mm audio jack or a standard USB port
No DivX or XviD support out-of-the-box
No smart or voice dialing
Playing flash videos in the browser easily depletes the available RAM
No office document editing (without a paid upgrade)
No stereo speakers
No digital compass (magnetometer)

There's very little to complain about looking at the list above, but the difference between a moderately successful handset and a blockbuster depends on all the performance you can squeeze out of those features. And with the Symbian S60 touch reincarnation hardly the most heralded OS on the market, the job gets even more complicated.

Sony Ericsson Satio at ours

The competition is at an all-time high in the premium segment, Sony Ericsson won't enter the battle unarmed. The sleek Satio knows it has a trick or two up its sleeves and is eager to show the world its worth. And here we are revealing those secrets for you, starting with the design and handling on the next page.

LG GW620 Preview

2009-12-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

LG´s first Android

Introduction and Design:

Android took off with rather faltering steps in the beginning and there was nothing really interesting about the OS for several months following the market release of the T-Mobile G1. Today, however, it´s all the rage. Its open source nature attracts many manufacturers and application developers, more and more carriers add Android handsets to their product catalogues and certainly, LG knows better than failing to jump on the bandwagon, be it with certain delay as it is. The first Android cell phone of the company is called the LG GW620 (also known as the Eve) and sports personalized S-CLASS interface.

The LG GW620 is equipped with a full QWERTY keyboardThe LG GW620 is equipped with full QWERTY keyboard with buttons that are large enough. The presence of such a comfortable tool for text entry is cool, but has led to an increased thickness and the phone looks bulky.


The QWERTY keyboard

The handset comes with 3-inch display with HVGA resolution and support for 262k colors. The LG GW620 is the second cell Android phone featuring resistive screen, with the HTC Tattoo being the first. Frankly, we are disappointed, because screens utilizing the mentioned technology simply don’t offer the same sensitivity as their capacitive counterparts.


The 3-inch display and the buttons below it

Both buttons below the phone display (one takes you to the home screen, the other one step back into menus) are touch-sensitive (capacitive) with the “menu” button nestled in between. The LG GW620 features standard ports only – microUSB for charging and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Apple Iphone 3GS: Same Look New Feel

2009-12-09T23:19:00.000-08:00

Introduction

The Apple iPhone 3GS is probably not the next revolutionary iPhone as you might have expected it. But the performance boost, the sharper camera with video and the purportedly improved battery life certainly make of the current iPhone (3GS or whatever it is called this year) a much more balanced smartphone, one that you could probably wave in front your geeky friends more proudly. Well, you'd still get the chilling disapproving look, but at least you won't feel as embarrassed as you used to.

The truth about the iPhone is this - perhaps about 20 million people around the globe are quoted as having given in to the iPhone temptation ever since the frenzy started. Now, 2 years later, the rest of the modern world is already sick to death of hearing all about it.

Once ground-breaking, but still as controversial and inspiring as ever, the iPhone lineup has just received its latest offspring. Meet the iPhone 3GS, where "S" can mean a lot of things, but without a doubt covers all that's needed for "Speed".

Using last year's design but boasting some extra powerful hardware, the iPhone 3GS is supposed to, and indeed is, running up to 2 times better than what Apple have offered us so far. This speed boost doesn't bring substantial new capabilities to the table. Instead it's more like the hardware catching up with what we can still call one of the most advanced and user-friendly touch user interfaces to-date (in the realm of GSM mobile phones, of course).

While the iPhone 3GS and the 3G are most obviously cut from the same cloth, you'd be glad to know that there are some differentiating factors that can perhaps be worth your cash:

iPhone 3GS advantages over iPhone 3G:

A faster 600MHz CPU and double the RAM at 256MB
Noticeably faster performance
Faster network speeds of HSDPA 7.2Mbps
3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with VGA@30fps video recording, touch focus with subject tracking, macro mode from as close as 10 cm
Double the storage space - 3GS is selling in 16GB and 32GB versions
Digital compass with automatic map orientation in Maps app
Better audio quality (as recorded and analyzed in our office)
Louder loudspeaker results (with performance gains primarily in music playback)
Purportedly better battery life
Oleophobic display coating supposed to make fingerprints easier to clean
Voice Control, speaker independent. Can be use to call a phone number, play music by song/album/artist name, shuffle music
Built-in support for Nike+ jogging system
TV-out outputs 480p instead 480i resolution
Text-to-speech feature called VoiceOver is included in the new Accessibility menu
System-wide Screen Zoom is also included in the Accessibility menu

Main disadvantages of iPhone 3GS (OS disadvantages not counted here):

The new iPhone 3GS lacks the same novelty factor as its predecessors - the lack of design changes is a turn-down
3 megapixel camera with limited feature set hardly cuts it for a high-end device
There's still no flash or hardware shutter key for the camera
Despite the upgrade, battery life is still generally poor (2-year old iPhone 2G are still doing way better)
No videocalls functionality
No FM radio
No stereo speakers (or are we pushing it too far already?)

Since the iPhone 3GS is the first iPhone to come with the iPhone OS 3.0 factory preinstalled, we'll most definitely have a detailed look in this review at the changes it brings about - no matter that iPhone 2G and 3G have both received the update for free.

The Apple iPhone 3GS

Where it stands today, the iPhone OS 3.0 is much more mature version of itself back in the day. Honestly, when we look at where it's at now, we can only be amazed how limited in features it was when it all started a couple of years ago.

Apple iPhone 3GS held in hand

LG Pop GD510 Preview

2009-12-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

Introduction and design:

One of the saddest things that have happened this year is the untimely death of the King of pop, Michael Jackson. The queen Madonna, however, seems better than ever and goes on with that she does best, bringing joy to her fans around the world. Well, the LG Pop GD510 is anything to do with them, really, aside from its name that reminds us of the pop culture and its focus of mass entertainment. Yes, this is a feature phone aimed at the mainstream market, equipped with 3-inch touch sensitive screen and WQVGA native resolution, utilizing resistive technology.
The handset doesn’t come with any awe-inspiring features, but we need to point out that the prototype did manage to impress us with something…

We are talking about looks here. The LG is advertising the Pop GD510 as the smallest device to come with 3-inch display ever and this is not empty talk indeed. Its compact size allows it to fit into anyone´s pocket and its attractive look and body made from lapped, shiny aluminium will certainly appeal to quite a few people.The button on the front side changes its color depending on what you do – it is red when it serves to close a menu or green – to open the call register. The LG Pop GD510 is equipped with microUSB port to charge and connect it to a computer.

The button on the front

One of the coolest extra features of the handset is that you can actually mount a solar panel on it. Unlike the Samsung Blue Earth, the panels are sold separately as additional accessory that anyone concerned about nature can easily buy it. The manufacturer also promises a box made from recycled materials and highly energy efficient charger. Removing the back panel reveals the connectors located next to the microSD slot, designed for the solar panel.


The back of the LG Pop GD510

As a whole, the outer appearance of the LG Pop GD510 did manage to steal our hearts. Congratulations to the manufacturer for its success in integrating a 3-inch screen into a body with such a remarkably compact size.

Nokia N900 review: A new hope

2009-12-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

Introduction

It's crystal clear by now that the Nokia N900 has almost nothing to do with the traditional Nseries values. The full QWERTY side-slider may look similar to its double-digit mates but the Maemo experience is completely different. However, the N900 is not there for the mere sake of difference - a tablet and a phone, it tries to get the best of both worlds. These are worlds though where Nokia feels at home.

The internet tablet genes are strong in the Nokia N900 so connectivity and web-browsing are its greatest virtues. The large high-res display and great typing skills are the right kind of backup but we've seen plenty of similar packages already. We told you though - the N900 is different. It's a Maemo-powered phone with Mozilla browsing and all-you-can-eat connectivity. Call it good news, call it a good start or just call it good. Let's see if it calls back.

Key features

3.5" 16M-color resistive touchscreen of WVGA (800 x 480 pixel) resolution
Maemo 5 OS
State-of-the-art Mozilla-based web browser with Adobe Flash 9.4 support
Slide-out three-row full QWERTY keyboard
ARM Cortex A8 600MHz CPU, PowerVR SGX graphics accelerator; 256 MB of RAM
Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G support
5 MP autofocus camera with dual-LED flash and active camera lens cover
WVGA (848 x 480 pixels) video recording @ 24fps
10 Mbps HSDPA and 2 Mbps HSUPA support
Wi-Fi and GPS with A-GPS
32GB onboard storage
DivX and XviD video playback
Foldable kickstand
microSD card slot with microSDHC support
Built-in accelerometer
Proximity sensor
3.5 mm audio jack and TV-out
FM Radio receiver, FM transmitter
microUSB port (charging) and stereo Bluetooth v2.1
Solid audio quality
Kinetic scrolling
Contacts integration of Skype, Google Talk and other VoIP services
Great build quality

Main disadvantages

Large and heavy
UI only works in landscape mode (for now)
No smart and voice dialing
Outdated camera interface and features
No preinstalled voice-guided SatNav application
No voice recorder, no MMS, and no handwriting recognition
No FM radio application (despite that the hardware's there)
Limited third-party software availabilty
Limited 3G support in the US (no AT&T)

2009-12-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

Introduction

The Samsung S7070 Diva is a style-conscious phone with a fairly standard front but with a very distinct 3D quilted pattern shape on the back panel. It marks the start of a new product family of female oriented style-driven phones in Samsung portfolio. The signature back pattern is complemented by the diamond back key dead center below the display.

The phone has been obviously designed with young women in mind and offers Facebook and MySpace integration and other social network applications. Other features such as the stereo FM radio and a 3 MP fixed-focus camera with smile shot and up to ISO 800 sensitivity will keep active young people entertained all day long.

Samsung S7070 Diva at a glance

General: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz, GPRS/EDGE class 12
Form factor: Touchscreen bar, no keypad
Dimensions: 101.0 x 54.8 x 13.4 mm, 94 g
Display: 2.8-inch resistive TFT touchscreen, QVGA resolution (240 x 320 pixels)
Platform: Latest TouchWiz UI
Memory: 40MB, Non-hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
Camera: 3 megapixel fixed focus camera with Smile shot, face detection, blink detection, Beauty Effect and Lomo Effect
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, USB v.2.0
Misc: Accelerometer sensor for turn to mute, FM radio with RDS and broadcast recording, DNSe sound effect, Gesture lock, Pop-up SNS for Facebook, MySpace and Twitter integration, Wish list
Battery: 960 mAh battery

The Samsung S7070 is certainly not your ordinary handset. The pearly white paint job and the 3D quilted back are two things that do a lot to set it apart - not to mention the gem-inspired Back key below the screen. It's certainly a treat for the ladies - an attempt to liven up things in the lower range of the touchscreen market.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

2009-12-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

The official announcement of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 was preceded by a long succession of unofficial snapshots and information leaks. The manufacturer, however, decided to finally unveil the new Xperia at the beginning of November. The massive interest the handset enjoys can be easily explained away. First off, it´s Sony Ericsson´s first Android-based cell phone. Second, it´s equipped with absolutely huge, 4-inch screen and all-powerful 1GHz Snapdragon chipset. Third, it sports a personalized Android interface aimed at seamless integration of popular social networks and services and apparently, the X10 has a lot to offer to eager fans of online socializing. Now, let´s take a closer (but still, preliminary) look at this Android.

Design:
We are pleasantly surprised at the overall size of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. Despite its gigantic 4-inch display, the handset is not notably larger or bulkier than the iPhone. Typically of Sony Ericsson, the design is far from simple and clean. There are three buttons on the front side, respectively one for Android menu, one that takes you to the home screen and one to go back into menus. There are hidden LED indicators on either side of the Home button that lend color and shine to the overall look. The back is rounded and feels comfy in your hand, plus it sports a matt finish that is relatively good at what it´s supposed to do, i.e. prevent the phone from accidentally slip out of your hand.

Samsung Omnia II

2009-12-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

Product summary

The good: The Samsung Omnia II boasts a spacious and sharp AMOLED touch screen. Samsung's TouchWiz 2.0 user interface gives the Omnia II great customization options and is easy to use. The Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone also has advanced multimedia features, Wi-Fi, 3G support, Bluetooth, and GPS.

The bad: Omnia II is a bit bulky; Swype keyboard takes some acclimation; can occasionally be sluggish.

The bottom line: While not the most powerful smartphone on the market, the Samsung Omnia II features an improved user interface and a richer multimedia experience to make it a worthy upgrade over its predecessor and one of the best Windows Mobile devices on the market.