Casio Reveals 8.1MP Exilim Camera Phone

 Gr8 Pics With CASIO

The 8 megapixel camera phone is getting to be quite popular with Samsung and LG having 2 models each. Now digicam maker, Casio, has joined in with a handset - the W63CA - bearing their Exilim  trademark and showing off an 8.1MP stamp.

The W63CA is a flip phone and according to reports that link to thespecs, it has a large 3-inch swivel display that should work like a Tablet PC’s screen. The display is rather high with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels and 260k colors. The handset seems to be available in an array of funky colors as well and would be equipped with a host of features including face detection, anti shake et al. It seems as though the Casio W63CA has a dual LED flash instead of Xenon. The handset will also support microSD cards for external memory and there’s about 600MB of internal space. 

There’s no pricing yet and though it may never make it here, there’s no harm with a little hoping. With the INNOV8 price tag as high as it is, we could expect a lot higher for this handset. 

Sony Ericsson G900

Neat and sleek design Plenty of office features Good touchscreen-keypad combo 2.4-inch screen Somewhat sluggish Camera isn't that good

View Specifications

It's traditionally believed that smartphones can't be good-looking, or have any appreciable multimedia features. The SE G900 attempts to demolish that myth. Let’s see what this 'hybrid smartphone' can do! 

Design and Build

I like the form factor of the G900. It’s not funky, but it's sleek in a functional sense. To elaborate, it measures 106 x 49 x 13 mm, and weighs 99g. I won’t call it light, but it certainly isn’t a bother to carry around. It also won't produce an embarrassing bulge in your pocket.

There’s a 2.4-inch TFT touchscreen, and a regular keypad. You will also find the regular SE proprietary keys such as the Back and Cancel buttons, and direct-access keys to Notes and Messages. In addition, there’s a responsive five-way navigation pad.

The screen is large enough to put to good use, and the presence of a regular keypad adds to the charm and usability. For instance, messaging is always a pain on a touchscreen, especially when traveling on a bumpy road. It’s for situation like these that a keypad comes in handy. Also it’s a whole lot faster!

The proprietary USB/charging/earphone slot is on the left, right above the missed call/message indicator LED light. Needless to say, a small thing like this can save you a lot of effort – no need to unlock and check for missed calls every now and then.

I don’t particularly like the plastic battery cover. A rubberized finish would have worked. Besides, the color of the cover breaks the uniformity of the shiny black around the camera. The back sports theexternal speaker and the camera (with flash).

I mustn't  forget to mention the keypad lock button that makes life a lot easier, especially when driving.

BlackBerry Bold 9000

 Blak--berry

Elegant and stylish design Decent camera Great sound from the audio player Biz functions work without a hitch DivX, XviD, WMV video file playback Phone mic doesn't work when normal earphones are connected MicroSD card removal is a problem Maps are not preloaded No onboard PDF file reader Battery life is average

In many ways the Blackberry is perhaps the only "locked ecosystem" business model outside Apple's media players that's worked so well. Despite facing a crippling lawsuit only a couple of years ago, RIM has grown from strength to strength and only emerged stronger. The company's choke-hold on the corporate email market is only too visible.

What is it about a BlackBerry phone that makes it so indispensable to business users? In an era of multiple smartphone platforms, how are these phones maintaining their lead? These questions were uppermost in our minds as we set about reviewing the device.

Form Factor
We don’t intend to cover the design aspects in detail as we had done that quite adequately in the preview of the handset. Click here for a more detailed perspective on the form factor. Just to reiterate, though the BlackBerry bold may seem a bit bulky, this won't be an issue for existing users looking to upgrade to the next best thing from RIM. The Bold 9000 offers a sense of elegance and class to the line. 

For starters, the brilliant 480 x 320 pixel resolution screen is great for videos as well as the use of the camera. The keypad may take a little bit of getting used to if you’re transitioning from a normal handset to QWERTY, but it won’t take more than a few minutes. What we really liked is RIM’s decision to go universal with the Bold’s external connectivity options, such as a 3.5mm earphone and standard miniUSB sockets. The Pearl trackball is very handy for navigation.

A shortcut key can be assigned to a specific feature of your choice, and there's a dedicated camera key as well. The device has 1GB internal memory, but supports external memory via microSD cards. One problem is that removing the microSD card is not an easy task. This seems to be the only flaw in the handset’s design – everything else is A-OK. 

Features and Performance
Interface and OS Performance
The Blackberry Bold is the most powerful unit that RIM has shipped yet. It comes with a 624 MHz Marvell processor, 128 MB of RAM forapplication usage, 1GB of onboard storage, and external expansion via a microSD slot. This gives the phone a clear edge over earlier versions.

Multi-tasking was smooth, with multiple applications running. Opening large document and emails was a relatively painless procedure, as the phone was able to process them quickly without issues or slowdowns. 

The only issue we faced was the occasional hangup. In some rare cases, the phone's OS would simply hang with a 523 APP error and it would require us to pull out the battery to restart. That's another issue; we've used hundreds of smartphones in the past but none has been as slow when it comes to bootup time. A startup from a battery pullout can take as long as 2½ minutes.

Once it booted up the phone was thankfully smooth and responsive, and posed no issues. The Bold has received a much-needed UI upgrade from its previous iterations. The new UI looks incredibly sharp and detailed.

Samsung i8510 INNOV8

 Innov Samsung....

Good camera Good audio player 32GB storage capacity Extremely responsive kick slider Optical joystick for navigation Most DivX and XviD files will need to be converted for viewing Low light images are not too great Email accounts need to be set manually  FM radio doesn't have auto scan and store

The integration of a digital camera with a mobile handset is obviously not a new concept but we’ve been stuck with 5 megapixel cameras for quite a while now, so I think it’s about time the tech ante was upped a bit. LG and Samsung are running neck and neck with their 8MP camera phones, but Samsung managed to get to us first with their i8510 INNOV8, and here’s what I have to say. 

Form Factor
There’s no denying the INNOV8 is a good-looking handset, with its large 2.8 inch (240 x 320) TFT display and optical joystick that also works well as a fifth key in the nav-pad. There are some strategically located shortcut keys for all purposes. On one side is a slider switch that allows you to swap between video mode, normal camera, and the gallery. The microSD card slot (in addition to the 16GB of onboard space) is located just below that, followed by a dedicated camera key. 

The volume/zoom keys, 3.5mm earphone socket, and microUSB port for the charger and USB cable are located on the other side. The auto kick slider is extremely smooth and very responsive. The keypad is large and easy to use – ALL keys, including the top row. Flipping over to the camera, the rear of the handset looks like a compact digicam more than a cell phone. What’s disappointing is that the INNOV8 is equipped with an LED flash instead of Xenon. 

Features and Performance
Interface and Navigation
The INNOV8 is yet another instance of Samsung adopting the more popular Symbian Operating System (v9.3) and a Series 60 (rel. 3.2) UI. This will make a switch from Nokia a piece of cake. Although the icons are similar, there are subtle variation. Still, everything will have a familiar look and feel.

Navigation with the optical joystick is convenient. Its sensitivity can be adjusted to your preference. It can also be shut off if you prefer the conventional five-way nav-pad as is. One odd thing about the handset is that if you cut a call it will still show up as a missed call

Samsung Launches New Colorful Smartphone

Colour on Samsung

Samsung has launched another QWERTY keypad equipped Windows Mobile handset (running on the 6.1 professional) Tri Band handset called the C6620. This new slim smart phone is 11.9mm thick with a QVGA display (not a touch screen),Bluetooth, a 2MP camera and 20MB of Internal memory with external support as well. From the reports, it seems like the handset is more of an entry level type smart phone with average capabilities and lacking in features like WLAN and GPS although it’s 3G enabled (with HASDPA).

For the moment the handset has been launched in Italy but it’s possible that the C6620 may just make it to other areas as well. It’s currently priced at Rs. 12, 700 (199 EURO). This handset will be available in 3 colors - Wine Red, Apple Green and Navy Blue, which will help add a touch of funk to the handset’s otherwise quite regular form factor. 

Asus Preparing to Launch Android-based Handset

After the launch of the very first Google Android mobile phone, the T-Mobile G1 by HTC, Motorola was the next to announce that they were also in the process of developing their own handset to run on the same OS. That aside the next in line according to reports, is Asus who is planning to launch an Android-based  handset sometime in the first half of next year. 

There are no specs or designs of the handset yet, but according to the same reports, the company plans to launch the first set of Android-based handsets exclusively in the Taiwanese market and then customize it for other areas.

Nokia Launches N79 in India

Music With Nokia...

Nokia has launched the N79 in India with a special offer of preloaded 'Anthems 1998-2008', a compilation of 19 all-time favorite classic club songs and 17 new age music videos, presented by the Ministry of Sound. 

The Nokia N79 comes with a 4GB microSD card, features an FM transmitter and offers music playback time of up to 30-hours. It is also equipped with AGPS with voice navigation, 10 pre-loaded N-Gage games and a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual LED Flash.

"The Nokia N79 packs cutting-edge technology into a super-sleek, compact design – a characteristic typical of the iconic Nseries," said Devinder Kishore, Director Marketing, Nokia India. "It has been designed for those who want a device that is as appealing as it is powerful. This balance of performance, style and entertainment means that it is a defining step forward from the popular and very successful Nokia N72 and Nokia N73," he further added.

Each Nokia N79 pack comes with two additional interchangeable Xpress-On covers in different colors that have an inbuilt microchip that ensures that when the back cover is changed, the display theme changes automatically to match the color of the cover. These covers are available in five colors - Light Sea Blue, Espresso Brown, Olive Green, White and Coral Red.

The Nokia N79 is priced at Rs. 22,939.

Motorola V9 Ferrari Edition

Vroom..........Wit Moto...

After the Motorola V8 and the V9 Gold edition, I really didn’t expect to see any more of this phone. But guess what, novelty strikes once again, and we have a royal successor to this lineup – the V9 Ferrari edition. It could be a ploy to keep their most celebrated phone in circulation longer than most people tend to remember these days, but let's give it the benefit of the doubt...

I have already done a detailed review of the V8, so it makes little sense to start over. Those who want to know what's common between the two can read the review here. In any case, let’s check what the deal is all about.

Design-wise there’s little change in the way the phone’s been made, what with a stainless steel frame supported by metal, and a chemically hardened glass housing. The battery cover now sports a new design element with a Ferrari theme and logo to complement the look. You will also see the same checkered theme on the face around the second 2-inch (240 x 320) screen. The main screen is still a 2.2-inch TFT and can display up to 256K colors.

The dimensions remain almost the same at 103 x 53 x 13 mm, while the weight is around 125g. A change in the design is the color of the keypad. When lit up it glows a bright Ferrari red – only the Call key retains its green pallor. There’s a sensible dash of red in the grooves all over the phone.

It’s got a slightly updated Linux UI, and an updated browser. To complete the experience the phone comes loaded with Ferrari wallpapers, themes, ringtones and screensavers. The inbuilt user memory is still 45MB, and apart from the 2GB internal storage capacity, the Ferrari edition also has a memory card slot. A very good thing too.

Nokia Unveils The 5800 XpressMusic

Rock On Nokia!!!!!!!!!!

 

Nokia has unveiled its touch-screen smartphone - the 5800 XpressMusic.
 

The 5800 XpressMusic introduces the 'Media Bar', a drop down menu that provides direct access to music and entertainment, including favourite tracks, videos and photos. The Media Bar also offers a direct link to the web and to online sharing. The phone supports Flash content and offers all the music essentials, including a graphic equalizer, 8GB memory for up to 6000 tracks and support for all main digital music formats, a 3.5mm jack and built-in surround sound stereo speakers.

"With the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, we set out to connect people through the one thing we all feel a universal connection to - music," said Jo Harlow, Vice President, Nokia. "The way in which people enjoy music is different around the world. With that in mind, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic gives people the freedom to experience music they love in the way they prefer."
 

Ensuring a seamless music experience, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic also provides easy access to browse and purchase tracks from the Nokia Music Store, where applicable, while the newly updated Nokia Music PC software allows for easy drag-and-drop transfer of songs and management of any music collection.
 
The 'Contacts Bar' lets consumers highlight four favorite contacts on their home-screen and, through a single touch, track a digital history of recent texmesseges , emails, phone  logs, photos and blog updates.
 
"As Nokia's first mass-market device with a touch screen, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic turns a 'user interface' into a 'human interface' by truly putting people first.  For example, we've introduced the Nokia Contacts Bar, which is like a digital RSS feed on your life," said Harlow. "By adding the benefits of touch screen technology to S60, the world's leading smartphone interface, Nokia is taking the familiar and giving it a human touch. We have used touch technology where it really adds value such as the Contacts Bar, Media Bar and clever shortcuts from the homescreen to menu items such as calendar, profiles and clock."
 
The phone features a 3.2-inch widescreen display, a 16 by 9 aspect ratio and 30 frames-per-second playback and recording.
 
Equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, the phone allows images or videos to be shared via online communities, such as Share on Ovi, Flickr, or Facebook. Music playlist song titles can also be shared through  Bluetooth , MMS or online sharing.
 
The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic supports 60 languages worldwide and offers a variety of input methods including a virtual alphanumeric keypad, a virtual computer-style QWERTY keyboard, a pen stylus - and for music enthusiasts, a plectrum.
 
The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic will be available worldwide beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 for an estimated retail price of 279 EUR before taxes and subsidies.

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic featuring Comes With Music will be available early next year. Pricing is unavailable at the moment.

Oddball Mobile Phones - Part II

In this second segment of oddball mobiles I’ve included a couple of suggestions from my dear readers. First of all, I'd like to thank you guys for all the feedback that Part I generated. Secondly, let’s get right down to Part II! And so, here are more oddball mobile designs that might ring a bell – or raise an eyebrow at the very least.

Reliance Watch Phone 

This has got to be one of the most James Bondish gadgets to hit the Indian market. The question though is... did it? I haven’t seen a single one of these in use, nor encountered much hoopla about the device. It seems to have faded into the background. Try walking into a Reliance store and ask for this watch phone, and you'd most likely get nothing but confused looks... and probably a laugh.

Feature-wise this device seems quite loaded. Though there isn’t much information available as to the specs (not even on Reliance’s website), I can deduce that its display was a little larger than 1 inch (no idea about the resolution), with 256K colors. It had a keypad on the strap, an external camera that needed to be plugged in, and a speaker phone. The specs on the site suggest it had a stopwatch, planner, infrared, photo caller ID and polyphonic ring tones as well. Hello, 007!

Nokia 7600

Why Nokia would experiment with a design like this is beyond me. This has to be one of the wackiest handsets I’ve ever seen. I used it a bit when it came out, so I can tell you first-hand that... well, to be honest I’m at a loss for words when it comes to articulating my thoughts.

The 7600 had a display in the center with keys running alongside it. It had a VGA camera on the rear, and offered Infrared, Bluetooth, USB, and GPRS. Perhaps Nokia intended this squarish device to be held ergonomically with both hands. At least, there was no way I could type with one hand. It was feature-rich for its time, but the design was simply baffling. Clearly the folks at Nokia must have been smoking something potent.

Porsche and Sagem Launch New Handset

Drive The Porsche Alongwith Sagem

Another Porsche handset by Sagem has made an appearance and this time the company has decided to go with a more conventional candy bar form factor for the design, but there’s nothing really conventional about the handset on the whole. 

The new Porsche P'9522 handset comes equipped with a plethora ofhigh tech features that include a 2.8 inch mineral glass touch screen. Porsche has again used a single block of aluminum and just like theP'9521, it will also have biometric fingerprint scanner to unlock the phone. Other features will include Wi-Fi connectivity and though it won’t be 3G enabled it will support EDGE and GPRS. The P'9522 will also have microSD memory card support, an integrated GPS chip and a 5MP camera. 

Assembled by hand in Fougeres, France, the P'9522 is expected to be launched at Rs. 39,545 (600 Euros) sometime in the next month, which is relatively lower than what the P'9521 cost at launch. Of course this is not official yet, so stay tuned. 

Considering the price of the previous model and the upgraded features of this one, it looks like the price is short by Rs. 50,000. Let’s hope not.