Sanyo Katana Eclipse from Sprint has Lighting Effects

Sanyo today unveiled the Sanyo Katana Eclipse, its first multimedia phone to combine unique lighting effects with Sprint's Mobile Broadband Network. The Katana Eclipse's unique illumination capabilities let users assign lighting effects to specific callers, alerts and messages. It offers advanced features including live and on-demand TV, over-the-air song downloads, integrated GPS navigation, web browsing, and gaming. The microSDHC memory slot supports cards up to 8GB to hold songs, pictures, video, and contact back-up. Additional features include a built-in speakerphone, stereo Bluetooth technology, external music navigation controls and an internal antenna.

Released for Sprint, the Katana Eclipse has unique illumination capabilities to allow users to assign lighting effects to specific callers, alerts and messages. The Katana Eclipse features advanced functions such as live and on-demand TV, over-the-air song downloads, integrated GPS navigation, web browsing, and gaming. The microSDHC memory slot supports cards up to 8GB to hold songs, pictures, video, and contact back-up. Additional features include a integrated speakerphone, stereo Bluetooth technology and external music navigation controls.

Sanyo Katana Eclipse Features

* Assign unique lighting effects to callers, messages and alerts - 40 different effects to choose from with 7 LED color options
* External music controls for MP3 / AAC / AAC+ music file playback
* Built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with digital zoom supports PictBridge with optional USB cable
* Camcorder captures up to 2 hour videos on the included microSD card
* An optional GPS service, Sprint Navigation lets users get spoken and visual turn-by-turn directions with full-color moving maps
* An optional GPS service from Sprint that allows users to locate their loved ones from the phone or the web
* With Wireless Backup enabled, the Katana Eclipse automatically stores a backup of the Contacts to a secure location on the Sprint website

Sony Ericsson TM506 HSDPA Phone Launched for T-Mobile

T-Mobile today announced the Sony Ericsson TM506, a compact and stylish clamshell phone designed fThe TM506 was created for consumers who want to express their personal style. Its compact design fits into any pocket, purse or briefcase. Users can choose between Chrome with Amber or Emerald highlights with a sleek ebony gloss. An outer display lets users glance at the caller ID without having to open the phone. Users can capture photos or video clips with its 2.0-megapixel camera with My Album, slide show and video blogging capability. Music listeners can store tracks and share music using the removable Memory Stick Micro (M2). Stereo Bluetooth connectivity allows handsfree calls and music streaming. The TM506 has 3G download speeds for faster access to media and content viewing. They can keep up with news and weather with customizable web feeds. A built-in GPS with Telenav lets travelers know their location. Customers can send pictures, videos, IM notes and email to their contacts directly from the home screen. "The Sony Ericsson TM506 is a compelling, feature-rich phone with a vibrant display that our customers will enjoy using to connect with the important people in their lives," said Cole Brodman, Chief Technology and Innovation Cfficer of T-Mobile. The Sony Ericsson TM506 will be available in early September at T-Mobile stores and online.

Palm Treo Pro Unveiled to Battle BlackBerry

Palm today unveiled the Treo Pro, a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional smartphone with email, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, to compete for business users against rivals such The Treo Pro's thin design offers a high-resolution color touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard with a removable battery for up to five hours of talk time. Users can quickly respond to business and personal email, access the web, stay on top of appointments and contacts, and use Wi-Fi or GPS on the go. It delivers increased security, easier device management and access to information on corporate networks. The Treo Pro uses the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform for features such as: - One-touch Wi-Fi button for fast connections (802.11b/g) - Screen enhancements to search the web directly from the Today screen - Ringer switch silences the device immediately - Screen saver lets users know at a glance, without turning on the device, what time it is and whether they've missed a call or have a new message - New voicemail indicator flashes to let users know that a voicemail is waiting - Dedicated email and calendar buttons for one-button access With the Treo Pro, businesses can quickly and easily deploy a secure and low-cost infrastructure for their mobile workforce including: - Microsoft Direct Push Technology to connection to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 or 2007 gives users up-to-date email, contacts and calendars - Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 to deliver increased security, easier smartphone management, and access to information on the corporate network - Thousands of applications available for Windows Mobile to extend mobility beyond email to optimize business processes - World phone with high-speed UMTS/HSDPA network capabilities, ideal for companies with an international work force - Integrated GPS to access maps, turn-by-turn directions and point-of-interest (POI) searches - Familiar Windows experience let users browse the web with built-in Internet Explorer Mobile; open, view, and edit Word and Excel compatible files; review PowerPoint presentations and PDF files; and open ZIP files remotely "Everything about Treo Pro - from the hardware design to the packaging and accessories - embodies the elegant and simplified end-to-end experience that our customers expect from Palm," said Ed Colligan, Palm CEO. The Palm Treo Pro will be available in September in Europe through Vodafone and O2, and in Australia through Telstra. It will be available in the United States in the fall for a suggested retail price of $549. The U.S. version is unlocked and unsubsidized.

The Palm Treo Pro has a thin sleek design with a high-resolution color touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard. A removable battery provides for up to five hours of talk time. Consumers can quickly reply to email, surf the web, make appointments and contacts, and use Wi-Fi or GPS on the go. The Treo Pro delivers increased security, easier device management and access to information on corporate networks. One-touch Wi-Fi button let users easily access fast connections (802.11b/g). Screen enhancements let users search the web directly from the Today screen. When users are in a meeting, a ringer switch can silence the Treo Pro immediately while screensavers lets users know at a glance, without turning on the device, what time it is and whether they've missed a call or have a new message.

Palm Treo Pro Features

* Microsoft Direct Push Technology to connection to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 or 2007 gives users up-to-date email, contacts and calendars
* Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 to deliver increased security, easier smartphone management, and access to information on the corporate network
* Thousands of applications available for Windows Mobile to extend mobility beyond email to optimize business processes
* World phone with high-speed UMTS/HSDPA network capabilities, ideal for companies with an international work force
* Integrated GPS to access maps, turn-by-turn directions and point-of-interest (POI) searches
* Familiar Windows experience let users browse the web with built-in Internet Explorer Mobile; open, view, and edit Word and Excel compatible files; review PowerPoint presentations and PDF files; and open ZIP files remotely

Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte Luxury Phone Made from Carbon Fiber

Nokia today introduced its 8800 Carbon Arte, a premium mobile phone engineered from carbon fiber, Keeping with the Nokia 8800 Arte range, the 8800 Carbon Arte has a minimalistic and seamless surfaces, slide mechanism and lightweight feel. Crafted from an ultra light and strong material, it reflects 3D patterns, a modern feel and unique tones, textures and sculpted shapes. The 8800 Carbon Arte offers the unique tap-for-time feature. Consumers can tap the steel surface below the display twice and a clock appears on the screen. Background images organically change during the day, giving a unique appearance to the display. The turn-to-mute silencing mechanism lets users silence incoming calls in a discrete manner by turning the phone over, screen-side down. In addition to 3G capabilities, the 8800 Carbon Arte has a 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera, high-quality audio, and a vivid OLED screen. Nokia's anti-fingerprint coating reduces smudges on metal and glass and unsightly outer seams are hidden by a unique all-in-one micro-USB connector. The Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte will be available in the 3rd quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of $1,600 USD (EUR 1,100). It comes with accessories such as a Bluetooth touch-sensitive volume control headset, a desk stand and a leather carrying case. Keeping with the Nokia 8800 Arte range, the Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte offers a minimalistic surface, slide mechanism and lightweight feel. Made from carbon fiber, an ultra light and strong material, it reflects 3D patterns. The modern feel has unique tones, textures and sculpted shapes. The 8800 Carbon Arte provides a unique tap-for-time feature, allowing users to tap the steel surface below the screen twice for a clock appears. Background images organically change during the day, giving a unique appearance to the display. The turn-to-mute silencing mechanism lets users silence incoming calls in a discrete manner by turning the phone over, screen-side down. The 8800 Carbon Arte features a 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera, high-quality audio, vivid OLED screen, and 3G capabilities. Nokia's anti-fingerprint coating reduces smudges on metal and glass and unsightly outer seams are hidden by a unique all-in-one micro-USB connector.

Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte Features

* Premium craftsmanship featuring a fluid opening mechanism that slides open gracefully to reveal a polished keymat within, then slides closed smoothly for a poised and confident feel in the hand

* An ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness of the display according to the surroundings and the turn-to-mute feature lets users gracefully silence alarms and incoming calls with a simple turn of the device

* Geared for performance with an OLED display, 3.2-megapixel auto focus-camera, 3G connectivity, and 4GB internal memory for photos, videos and music

* Visuals from renowned designer Fritz Fitzke, inspired by nature with life, are complemented by compositions from master producers Kruder & Dorfmeister, creating a unique music experience

BlackBerry Bold Coming to AT&T Mid-September

The BlackBerry Bold will be coming to North America within the month now that RIM (Research In MoThe Bold is RIM's first major BlackBerry model in more than a year. It offers twice the screen resolution of current BlackBerry models. The Bold matches the resolution, but not the size, of the screen on Apple's iPhone, which has emerged as a competitor in the smartphone market. AT&T said it will be the exclusive U.S. carrier for the Bold, as it is for the iPhone. Reports expect AT&T to start selling it mid-September and Rogers in Canada to release it late-August. Some stores in Canada have already unveiled store models and fliers. RIM had announced a summer release for the Bold, but issues with chips and battery life caused a delay. It unveiled the Bold in Chile on July 22 and in Germany on Aug. 6. The Bold features a glossy metallic frame with corporate Wi-Fi capabilities, 3G high-speed access and Bluetooth connectivity. Similar to the Curve, it integrates a horizontal screen above a trackball and a keyboard with one letter per key. The BlackBerry Bold (9000) is RIM's slickest, speediest, most powerful and most connected BlackBerry to date. Offering high-speed mobile Internet access using tri-band HSDPA networks, Wi-Fi and integrated GPS, the Bold also has twice the screen resolution (480 x 320 px) of the current BlackBerry Curve model, making for a very sharp display. Powered by a 624 MHz mobile processor and support for tri-band HSDPA and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g) networks, the Bold makes short work of downloading email attachments, streaming video or rendering webpages. It also includes 128 MB flash memory plus 1 GB on-board storage memory. A microSD/SDHC memory card slot is accessible from a side door. The Bold features a 2.0-megapixel camera with video recording capability, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom. The media player displays pictures and slideshows, plays movies in full screen mode, and manages the music collection.

RIM BlackBerry Bold (9000) Features

* With email, phone, IM and the Internet, it connects users with an integrated organizer and 2.0-megapixel camera with video recording
* With the BlackBerry Bold smartphone's 624-MHz processor and HSDPA network, users can multitask and prioritize with access to voice and data services at the same time
* Enjoy premier image and video viewing, build playlists of favorite songs and organize media files - even using BlackBerry Media Sync to transfer desktop iTunes music files to the smartphone
* With built-in GPS capabilities, and BlackBerry Maps, get turn-by-turn directions, to pinpoint locations
* Lower cellular costs and get service in areas where cellular network coverage may be limited or unavailable, with BlackBerry data services over Wi-Fi networks
* Improved screen is designed to deliver color and clarity that exceed expectations

Samsung E200 Eco Phone Made from Bioplastics

Samsung introduced the E200 Eco, a phone made from bioplastics - materiThe E200 Eco's entire case is bioplastic. It has a 1.3-megapixel camera, video messaging capabilities and an MP3 player. The handset will be available in Europe next month but does not yet have an American release date. Samsung announced the W510 and F268 in June, two handsets that were produced using techniques that eliminate harmful materials like lead, cadmium and mercury. The F268 and E200 Eco devices and their chargers were also free of a common flame retardant that can harm the environment. The F268 had an alarm "feature" that reminds users to unplug their chargers when the phone is fully charged. NEC introduced a bioplastic phone in Japan in 2006, and has been using plant-derived materials in its LaVie laptop line since 2004. Samsung said it has been testing bioplastics for other product lines, but has no firm plans to expand their use.

LG Vu CU920 TV Phone

Somebody gonna choose smartphone as their favourite. Another else will choose this TV phone for multimedia needed. This LG Vu CU920 will give you TV performance via AT&T TV service. Elegantly and simply designed, the LG Vu CU920 for AT&T features a stunning 3-inch touchscreen that will give you excellent viewing for the TV show, which allows you to watch TV-quality programming from Comedy Central, ESPN, Fox, NBC, and more.
The Vu CU920 even comes with a TV antenna that can be extended for optimal TV reception. This quad-band GSM phone also runs on AT&T’s dual-band HSDPA/UMTS high-speed 3G network, making it easy to download music purchased from AT&T Mobile Music’s partners Napster and eMusic.

Specifications
* Speed dial (8 entries, plus 1 voicemail default)
* Speaker-independent voice commands
* Voice memo recording
* 11 unique ringtones with vibrate and silent modes; real music ringtone support
* Flight mode for listening to music and watching video with the phone functionality turned off
* USB charging via computer and mass storage capabilities
* Java 2.0 support for downloadable applications and games
* PIM tools: Calendar, alarm clock, notepad, calculator, tip calculator, world clock, tasks, stopwatch, unit converter
* Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)

Verizon Wireless Offers Visual Voice Mail

Verizon Wireless today introduced Visual Voice Mail, an application that manages voice mail on phones. Available initially on the LG Voyager, users can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without listening to prior messages or voice instructions, making it a more effective way to manage and respond to messages. Visual Voice Mail lists voice mail messages with date and time of receipt and message duration. When a caller leaves a new voice mail, it pops up, alerting users of the new message. From the display, customers can call back, reply, forward, add to contacts, and archive message (to internal or external memory). Users can store 40 messages for 40 days, double the storage and retention time of Basic Voice Mail. In addition, they can create up to 10 greetings, 20 distribution lists and 50 distribution members to receive messages. "Voice mail plays a large role in how customers conduct business," said Mike Willsey, Director for Marketing of Verizon Wireless. "With Visual Voice Mail, we're able to offer customers more options to help them better prioritize voice mail messages." Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access, per line, plus airtime or megabyte charges and messaging fees, depending on the plan. Customers should take their LG Voyager to a Verizon Wireless store to receive the free software update. Visual Voice Mail will be offered on additional devices in the coming months. Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG Voyager is the first handset with both interactive touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. Sporting a large external touch-screen, the Voyager opens laterally to reveal a full QWERTY keypad, giving customers a choice on how they access the phone's features. The innovative LG Voyager comes packed with services including full VCAST-capabilities such as VCAST Mobile TV, VCAST Music, with the ability to play MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC files, and VCAST Video. These capabilities, coupled with high-speed wireless broadband access, make downloading music on-the-go quick and easy. The Voyager takes users where they want to go with a music player, dual speakers for stereo sound, Bluetooth, and a 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder.

LG Voyager Features
* Large 2.81-inch external touch screen with VibeTouch technology for tactile feedback
QWERTY keyboard with large, widely spaced keys for easy messaging
* Watch full-length broadband quality shows with phone open or closed
* Retractable TV antenna for enhanced TV reception
* HTML web browsing with touch navigation and bookmarks
* Integrated 2.0-megapixel autofocus camera with landscape viewfinder usage for a real camera feel, external display for self-portraits, Image Editor with zoom, rotate, and crop, and customizable brightness, white balance, shutter sound, color effects, night mode, photometry, self-timer, and autofocus
* Expandable microSD memory port with 8 GB support

Nokia 5610 XpressMusic Music Phone Launched for T-Mobile

T-Mobile today launched the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic, a compact slider with external music contrThe 5610 XpressMusic is designed with a slider key to access music with a flick of the thumb. Aluminum side panels accent the high-gloss finish and large 2.2-inch, 16.7 million color display. It also features a high-quality 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus and dual LED flash. The 5610 XpressMusic delivers clear sound quality, up to 22 hours of music playback and a memory capacity for up to 3,000 songs on an optional 4GB microSD card. "Music is one of many entertainment experiences Nokia offers consumers," said Frank Vium, Vice President of Sales, Nokia USA. "Now with the addition of the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic phone, music lovers have even more choices." The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic comes with a wired stereo headset, a USB cable for side-loading music and a 2GB memory card. It comes in two color options: black with red accents and white with silver side accents. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic comes ready to rock with an iconic Music Slider key making music easy to access with a flick of the thumb. Aluminum side panels accent the all-black high gloss finish and large 2.2-inch, 16 million color display of the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic offers crystal clear sound and up to 22 hours of music playback and memory with capacity for 3,000 songs on an optional 4 GB microSD card. More than just a phone and music player, the Nokia 5610 XpressMusic features a high-quality 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and dual LED flash. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic uses 3G technology, making downloads, web-browsing and video calls faster and easier.

Nokia 5610 XpressMusic Features

* Capture every moment with the 3.2-megapixel camera and 8x digital zoom with dual LED flash. Video call in QCIF
* Watch videos on the beautiful 2.2-inch screen in 16.7 million colors at 30 fps and enjoy video play back in near DVD quality
* Music slider for instant access to music for up to 22 hours of music playback with headset or listen with absolute clarity of sound thanks to the dedicated audio chip
* Store up to 3000 favorite tunes with expandable memory

Nokia 3610 Fold Compact Entry-Level Phone Introduced

Nokia today introduced the Nokia 3610 Fold, a new compact quad-band clamshell with everything peoplThe 3610 Fold has a smooth back design for an understated elegance. Its ergonomic shape, when opened, makes for a natural alignment to the face. It has a spacious keypad for comfortable text messaging and usability. With a 1.3-megapixel camera and 6x digital zoom, the 3610 Fold captures high-quality photos. Its bright 2.0-inch screen displays pictures, messages and web pages in up to 262K-colors while the external display indicates incoming calls, messages or an analogue clock. It support optional microSD cards of up to 4GB in size. The Nokia 3610 Fold starts shipping in the third quarter of 2008 for an estimated retail price of $185 (EUR 125). The Nokia 3610 Fold is designed with usability in mind. Its ergonomic shape provides a natural alignment to the face. Spacious keys allow for comfortable text messaging, while smooth back offers an understated elegance. The integrated 1.3-megapixel camera has a 6x digital zoom to capture high-quality photos. Its vivid 2.0-inch LCD displays pictures, messages and web pages in up to 262K-colors. The external LCD indicates incoming calls, messages or an analogue clock. It support optional microSD cards of up to 4GB in size.

Nokia 3610 Fold Features

* Unique style and progressive contemporary design with elegant analog clock
* Capture moments using the integrated 1.3-megapixel camera with 6x zoom
* Built-in Music Player supports MP3, AAC, eAAC+ and WMA file formats
* Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth version 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
* With 30MB of internal memory and a microSD slot for optional cards of up to 4GB in size, there is plenty of room for favorite photos, videos and music