Apple's iPhone functioning with Vodafone?

Here's an interesting one. While just about every citizen in Europe twiddles their thumbs and awaits an iPhone announcement for their side of the pond, more than a few impatient souls have been looking for ways to utilize the device in their homeland right away.

Most recently, however, is an intriguing report that a US-sourced iPhone is functioning fine (save for the lack of visual voicemail) on Vodafone after a user swapped an AT&T SIM card into an O2 XDA, had the carrier add it to his current contract, and then stuffed the now-Vodafone-compliant AT&T SIM back into the iPhone. Interestingly, hordes of IRC participants are balking at the story, suggesting that SIM numbers are network specific and that Vodafone should not have been able to pull off the aforementioned feat of magic. Hmm, we wonder if Vodafone's bubbling excitement to get ahold of Apple's handset could have anything to do with it?

iPhone gets 29 new shades from Colorware

Walk into an Apple or AT&T store, walk out with an iPhone in whatever color you like: that is, if you like black, silver, and chrome.Which is why, as usual, we're stoked that Culorware's on the case (literally), offering up another 29 shades for your Apple phone. The price: $150 if you send yours in, or $650 / $750 if you buy a 4GB / 8GB new from them.

Nokia announces 6275i handset for Cricket

Leap Wireless and Nokia have collaborated to bring the Nokia 6275i candybar handset for Cricket customers. The 6275i will feature the same user-friendly menu structure that all Nokia phones boast, animated wallpapers, screensavers, and even picture-enabled caller ID. Other functions you get the with 6275i include a 2 megapixel camera with zoom and flash capability, a built-in FM radio, MP3 playback, and 21MB of internal memory. Connectivity options include infrared, Bluetooth, or USB. Interested parties will be able to pick up the Nokia 6275i handset from Cricket for $199.99 apiece.

Engadget Mobile

Bell Canada has finally shipped HTC's beastiest, beast as the HTC 6800.This is, of course, the same goods shipped by both Sprint (branded as Mogul), Telus (as P4000), and the oft-promised Verizon VX6800, but unlike Telus, it rocks WIndows Mobile 6, not 5. This'll go out the door from a Bell shop for as little as CAN $199 -- that is, if you're crazy enough to commit for 3 years -- with a minimum monthly package purchase. This is hands-down Bell's best Pocket PC offering, so if you've been dawdling and contemplating stepping up to Windows Mobile, now's the time.

Cect K898 Slider Phone Twist Like Camcorder

China phone manufacturer Cect is adding a clever touch to its slider phone Cect K898.

Works like the Nokia NSeries camcorder phone, the Cect K898 is in sliding form factor instead but has a twistable camera module as well. Other than the main camera, a secondary camera for video calls is available when the movable camera is placed in its original position.

Samsung launches Gold-plated phone for Olympics

Samsung Electronics Co. unveils a special 18-carat gold-plated mobile phone in in commemoration of next year's Olympics in Beijing.

"The sleek-looking phone, dubbed the P318, is mostly deep black in color, with the gold placed in the trim along the sides and covering the bottom half of its back.

A price or launch date has yet to be set, Samsung spokeswoman Lee Soo-jeong said.

This is going to be strictly sold and launched to the Chinese market," she said. "It's basically a phone to commemorate and celebrate the Beijing Olympics."

Motorola i290 unveiled

Looks like we have shots of the Motorola i290 for all and sundry to see. This is an iDEN phone, and that means it will be available from Sprint if it ever makes it Stateside.

While most of the photos feature Telus of Canada, that doesn't mean it won't make it here. The Motorola i290 will come with most of the advantages of an iDEN handset in a tiny and sexy body, where the same cannot be said for other iDEN handsets. Other information concerning its specifications include a tiny color display, a USB port, and a headphone jack. Strange to see that no camera has been packaged into the phone, whereby that feature has been taken for granted by many people these days.

Blackberry 8820 arrives…But in the UK?

It's like the girl that lets you buy her drinks all night, but doesn't actually want to give you her number. The BlackBerry 8820 is apparently here, but only in the UK?

According to a press release, the 8820, packed with all the goodies you've expected, including GPS, expandable MicroSD (eventually up to 32GB!!), and the ever-coveted Wi-Fi, is official. However, all links point to the other side of the pond. What gives? We'll update as soon as we know more! Full press release is after the jump!

Connext PSP Phone Concept flexes and reconfigures keyboard

Now this is one cool concept. The touch-sensitive keyboard/keypad on this flexy, bendy PSP Phone concept, from Connext, is actually a pair of touch-displays that reconfigure according to what feature is being used. And, with a bendable form-factor, the phone could serve as a high-tech bracelet, albeit an extremely bulky one.

But, as concepts go, this is just a cool idea - there is very little possibility of seeing this thing in action anytime soon.

Nokia makes finding yourself faster with new A-GPS service

This Assisted GPS (A-GPS) service helps Nokia Maps users find their current locations faster and get to their desired locations quicker using their Nokia mobile device with built-in GPS. Nokia intends to equip all of its future devices that have built-in GPS with this service. The first devices to use this service are the Nokia 6110 Navigator, which has begun shipping in select markets, and the most recent software release of the Nokia N95 multimedia computer.


Current owners of the Nokia N95 can take advantage of this service by using the Nokia Software Updater. http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate This will update the firmware on the device to the latest version.

This service has the ability to reduce the time a connected mobile device with built in GPS needs to find its current position, known as time to first fix (TTFF) for most geographical locations worldwide. The reduced fix times can increase and improve the usability for all Nokia location-based experiences.

The service operates in tandem with a technical framework that allows third parties, such as service providers, to provide their own regional A-GPS services, making fix times even faster in certain areas- to the benefit of their subscribers.

The Nokia Software Updater is a free PC application that enables people to update the device software on compatible Nokia devices. The Nokia Software Updater is available in almost 40 different languages. The link to Nokia Software Updater is also available in the most recent versions of Nokia PC Suite software. Nokia Software updater has been used over two million times to update Nokia devices since it was introduced almost one year ago.

Samsung SGH-E236

We have saw the FCC approval of Samsung SGH-E236 3 months back. Here is the first photo of the music phone.

With a MP3/AAC music player, Samsung SGH-E236 is a clamshell music phone targetting at low end market. It has only a 128 x 160 display screen and a 0.3 megapixel camera. A ring of speaker-like design is below the external display screen and music buttons. It might still be a good deal after all, microSD card slot is included so that you are not limited by the file storage space.

LG Muziq Available at Sprint for US

The LG Muziq slim clamshell phone is now available at Sprint at $99.99 after $50 rebate and 2 years service plan.

Announced last month, LG Muziq is the successor of the LG Fusic designed for music lover. A 0.61-inch thick clamshell with bright 128 x 160 pixel external TFT and touch-sensitive music controls with vibration-feedback, the MUZIQ boasts access to the Sprint Music Store via the carrier's high-speed mobile broadband. The phone will only has a 1.3 megapixel camera, all displays on a 176 x 220 screen.

Sprint Unveiled Sanyo Katana DLX and Katana II

Sprint and SANYO today announced the availability of the Sprint Power Vision Phone KATANA DLX by SANYO.
Operating on the Sprint Mobile Broadband network, Katana DLX by SANYO provides easy access to Sprint's exclusive multimedia content, including the Sprint Music Store. The Sprint Vision Phone Katana II by SANYO offers more total download capacity (21MB) than its very popular predecessor, Katana by SANYO, which debuted last year. This improvement significantly increases the device's capacity for games, ring tones, applications and more. Katana II by SANYO runs on the Sprint Vision network and features a VGA camera, voice SMS and Sprint Mobile Email allowing users to access their email from popular providers simply by entering their username and password with no downloads required.

Both devices retain the thin profile introduced on the original Katana phone updated with a new luxurious finish. Katana DLX by SANYO is available in Platinum Ice, Champagne and Pink Satin. Katana II by SANYO is available in Cosmic Black, Pink Fascination and Midnight Steel.
Features shared by both Katana II by SANYO and Katana DLX by SANYO include power save mode, phone as modem, Bluetooth wireless technology, wireless backup for easily restoring contact information if the phone is ever lost, stolen or damaged and a large QVGA main display. Both devices are GPS-enabled supporting Sprint Navigation, powered by TeleNav, with turn-by-turn driving directions and more than 10 million business listings.

Katana DLX by SANYO offers a 1.3 MP camera and a microSD card slot that supports 4GB microSDHC cards that can hold up to 4,000 songs.

Both Katana DLX by SANYO and Katana II by SANYO are available in all Sprint retail channels including www.Sprint.com. Katana II by SANYO is priced at $49.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and $50 mail-in rebate. Katana DLX by SANYO is priced at $129.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and a $50 mail-in rebate. Standard Vision rates apply for music and other content downloads.

The Transformers Mobile Phone Concept

We are knew that Korean gets all the coolest and newest phone first, now they got the best concept phone!

Samsung SCH-B710 DMB Phone Available in Korea

Announced in April, the new Samsung SCH-B710 DMB Phone is able to receive media broadcast from both S-DMB and T-DMB network, making it usable with more service provider. See photo inside.

The Samsung SCH-B710 DMB Phone also features PIP (Picture In Picture) function to let you watch 2 channels at the same time. Other features include the 2.2-inch 3D video screen, 1.3 megapixel camera, bluetooth and swivelable body design. It is selling at around 650 USD in Korea.

Samsung SCH-i760 Spotted on Verizon Wireless Website

While Samsung SCH-i760 pocket pc phone got FCC approved in April, the upcoming Windows Mobile smartphone is now spotted on Verizon Wireless website. The Samsung SCH-i760 operates Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 allowing easy access to Microsoft Windows programs such as Word, Excel and even PowerPoint. This device is designed with a simple horizontal slide that reveals a full QWERTY keyboard. In addition, the SCH-i760 features a 1.3 megapixel camera and camcorder, MP3 player, as well as landscape and portrait display, WiFi capabilities and stylus pen.

LG Shine comes in Titanium Black

Following the phenomenal success of the first LG Shine handset within the Black Label Series, LG Electronics today unveils a striking addition to the LG Shine, the LG Shine ‘Titanium Black’. Boasting the same amazing features as the original LG Shine handset, the full metal bodied jacket has received a makeover, turning it a dark and sophisticated metallic grey.
Taking influence from futuristic trends, the LG Shine ‘Titanium Black’ presents a handset with a mature and refined finish. Edgier than black and more chic than silver, LG Shine ‘Titanium Black’ combines the best of both looks and will allow both men and women to shine. Those who loved LG Shine the first time around will be clamouring to get their hands on this new addition to the range, confirming LG as style leaders.
A fully metal bodied super-slim handset, the LG Shine launched in the UK market in February 2007. The sleek design defies its high-tech functionality which includes a 2 mega-pixel camera by Schneider Kreuznach. Access to LG Shine’s menu system is by an easy-to-use multi-function scroll wheel and on board software includes a comprehensive music player (with MP3 WAV and AAC++), GPRS and EDGE network compatibility and Bluetooth.

LG Shine ‘Titanium Black’ will be launched in the UK, France, Netherlands and Austria. It will be available in major mobile dealerships from the end of July.

Upcoming Samsung i620 Slider Phone on Vodafone UK!

Powered by the Windows Mobile 6, the Samsung i620 is a fashion slider smartphone with built in QWERTY keyboard. The upcoming smartphone is now listed on Coming Soon page of Vodafone UK website. You can also sign up for notification email on the site if you are UK Vodafone subscribers.

While there isn't official specification available yet, here is some of the information from the previous leaked. The Samsung SGH-i620 smartphone will support HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS data connection, has a 65k colors TFT display screen with QVGA (320 x 240 resolution). It will comes in more than 1 color scheme and at least in black and white skin. Read the unconfirmed specification below.

Specifications:
- Network: GSM Triband (900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz)
- HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS
- Size: 113 x 59 x 11.8 mm
- Weight: 95 grams
- OS: Windows Mobile 6 Standard
- Camera: 2 megapixel camera with flash
- Secondary video call camera
- microSD card slot
- Bluetooth
- WiFi

Samsung SGH-C450 Basic Phone

For those who just need to text and make calls, Samsung SGH-C450 is a low end phone for you.

Samsung C450 outfitted in two-tone color, and featuring a flex-touch wave-pattern keypad. At 14.9 mm, the handset is thinner than others in its class, keeping a slim, modular line throughout. Designed for simplicity, style and a price that doesn’t hurt the pocketbook.

Specifications:
- Dual-band (900/1800 MHz) / GPRS Class 10
- Dimensions: 103.5 x 44.5 x 14.9 mm, 72g
- Battery: Battery time (800mAh)
- Talktime Talk Time: Up to 200 Minutes
- Standby Standby Time: Up to 3 Hours
- Display: 65536 Color CSTN Screen (128x128, 1.52”)
- Camera VGA Camera
- Audio 16 Poly ringtone
- Other Features Speakerphone
- FM Radio
- Mobile Tracker
- WAP 2.0
- End-user memory 2MB