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Telstra rolling out seven Next G phones this month
Australian carrier Telstra's taking the "go big or go home" approach with its latest announcement, dropping no fewer than seven phones this month compatible with its Next G HSPA network -- table scraps for a Japanese carrier, granted, but a bounty by any other standard. Among the phones in the new lineup are the Xenon, Viewty Smart, and the Windows Mobile-powered GM730f from LG (the first version of the GM730 to launch anywhere, interestingly), the Touch Pro2 from HTC, and Sony Ericsson's W508 and W995. All will be available before the month of July draws to a close for prices ranging from AUD $30 (about $24) on contract for the W508 up to a mind-numbing AUD $1,499 (about $1,190) contract-free for the Touch Pro2.
LG Xenon now on sale through AT&T
The better half of LG's one-two combo of new QWERTY devices for AT&T has launched this week, bringing HSDPA, a 2.8-inch (sadly non-OLED) touchscreen, and 2 megapixel cam for under a hundie on contract. Sure, the even lower-cost Neon might look a little cooler than the Xenon, but if you're looking for high-speed data street cred and you bleed Lucky Goldstar, the Xenon's pretty much your only choice of the two. Grab it now in your choice of blue, blue, or blue for $99.99 after rebate.
LG Neon and Xenon hands-on
We suspect both of these devices are going to sell at a brisk clip for AT&T, but interestingly, it was the much lower-end of the two -- the Neon -- that ended up leaving the bigger impression on us. The phone's solid (but light) to the touch, the keyboard is expansive and easy to use (thanks in no small part to its three-row layout as opposed to the Xenon's four), and you get a touchscreen for typing digits so you don't need to do any craziness to dial with the slide closed. Don't get us wrong -- there's nothing wrong with the Xenon, and the bright blue shell ends up being really attractive in the flesh -- but the Neon feels more unique, especially considering its expected ultra-low price tag. Follow the break for video!
LG Xenon, Neon join Samsung Magnet and Impression on AT&T
Outside of the smartphone realm, AT&T's really stepping up its game in the feature phone game, too -- so let's take this clockwise from the top left, shall we? First up, we have the brightly-colored Samsung Magnet, targeted squarely at the teen audience looking for serious texting power in a cheap package. Pricing hasn't been announced, but it should be easy on the wallet; it'll be available in the next few weeks. Next is the Impression -- also from Samsung -- which we'd previously known as the a877, the very first handset to officially launch on a US carrier with a full AMOLED up front. The screen's 3.2 inches of organic touchscreen awesomeness, accompanied by a 3 megapixel cam and a full HTML browser, all launching on April 7 for $199.99 on contract after rebate. Down below, we have the LG Neon -- a phone that's already launched up north on Rogers -- offering a full landscape QWERTY keyboard in addition to a touchscreen display for a low price, thanks in no small part to its lack of 3G data. The launch day hasn't been set for this one, but it'll come shortly. Finally, we have the long-rumored Xenon, featuring 3G, a 2 megapixel cam, QWERTY slide, GPS, and your choice of colors -- black, blue, or red -- all for $99.99 when it launches on April 8.
LG Xenon appears in semi-unflattering photoshoot
LG's Xenon has just shown up over at Smartphone Nation in an impromptu photoshoot, and it's not looking too bad. There's nothing out of the ordinary here -- slideout QWERTY keyboard, resistive touchscreen, 2 megapixel camera -- you get the idea, right? Seems to be expected on or around the month of April on AT&T, and we hear it will come in three colors -- red, black and something else -- and that it'll run somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 after a mail in rebate. Of course, none of that's official yet, so we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? One more shot after the break, hit the read link for the whole set.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Quick note: it's the LG Xenon, not Zenon
We were warned that Best Buy has a nasty habit of spelling phone names incorrectly on its internal documents, and sure enough, someone out there isn't too familiar with element 54. Turns out AT&T's QWERTY slider from LG will in fact be the Xenon, not "Zenon" as we'd seen on the inventory sheets a while back, so apparently the whole trademark thing wasn't a concern as we'd theorized -- it just might get a little confusing for customers trying to learn about phones versus camera flashes when they come into the store, no?
Nokia "Piranha" touch smartphone, others coming to AT&T? (Updated: probably just the E71x)
We've just been graced with a new trunkload of tentative -- very tentative -- release dates on AT&T, and while most of the devices were already rumored for launch, one is definitely sticking out here: the Nokia Piranha. We're assuming that's a codename, but the device is described as a "thin" smartphone with a touchscreen -- which can only mean S60 5th Edition -- and what's more, it's currently slated for a March 24 release. (Updated: see note below.) Speaking of touchscreens, a Samsung Impression touch slider with a 3 megapixel camera is due on March 26, the Propel Pro should hit a bit earlier on March 19, and the LG Xenon -- which is once again being spelled "Xenon" instead of "Zenon," so who knows -- is expected on April 9 with a 3 megapixel cam in tow. Speaking of LG, that Neon we've been hearing about (notice a noble gas theme here?) apparently won't be dropping by until May 9, and it'll only be EDGE, just like its Rogers-based cousin. On Samsung, we've got a device here that's being called the "BJ 2" with a 3 megapixel camera also launching on May 9, which we're assuming is actually the BlackJack 3 or something to that effect seeing how there's been a BlackJack II on the market for a hot minute now. Finally -- drum roll, please -- that AT&T-branded Sony Ericsson C905 we saw a ways back is currently slated to come around on June 9. Let's hope this one doesn't get canceled, eh?[Thanks, Kal]Update: Sadly, AT&T almost certainly screwed up the description of the Piranha -- it's likely just the E71x. We're weeping quietly to ourselves over here. Not to say the E71x won't be a fine phone, but it would've been awfully nice to randomly see a crazy touchphone from Nokia on AT&T out of the blue, wouldn't it?
LG GR500 pictured, sure looks like the AT&T Xenon / Zenon to us
Yep, we think we're starting to see what's going on here. AT&T realized somewhere along the line that its two hottest product trends were full touchscreens and texting-centric devices, and now, we're going to start to see combo units come out in full force. We know we're going to be treated to the a877 from Samsung any day now, and LG's definitely ready to hit back with the Zenon (or Xenon, however those guys decide to spell it) -- thing is, the a877's supposed OLED means the LG entry already has one strike against it by our count. Anyhow, we have another scrap of confirmation in the form of this thumbnail image from YourWirelessSource, which appears to be an unbranded version of the Zenon called out by its model number of GR500. Keep it thin, LG, and we might be able to forgive a non-OLED screen. Maybe. [Thanks, Alex]
Sony Ericsson's C903 Frances gives us a rear view, xenon flash?
We got eyes-on with the C903's other side a couple days ago, so it was only fitting that we throw this up to complete the picture. We have to admit, the blurriness threw us briefly because if you squint hard enough, that 5.0 on the backside can sorta come off like an 8. Of course, that's not the case, but the joy here -- if you take joy in this kind of thing, which we know you do -- is what may be a xenon flash lurking in the rear of the C903 Frances' housing. That's it for new-ness, but maybe more news will trickle before the handset's unveiling.[Via SEMC Blog]
Book details how Sony paid for Xbox 360 dev, let Microsoft borrow its car, acted like a doormat
This year we've seen the PS3's Cell processor pitch in and help break the petaflop barrier, exploit a major security hole in SSL encryption and enable adolescent hijinks on PlayStation Home. Obviously, this is one serious piece of kit. According to The Race For A New Game Machine, written by two of the folks responsible for designing the thing, the Cell (a partnership between Toshiba, Sony and IBM) was the product of a deal that opened the door to IBM selling key parts of the chip to Microsoft before they had even finished building it -- even though this was clearly not part of the plan. Essentially, Sony's R&D money was spent creating a component for their rival, helping the Xbox 360 make its launch date of November 2005, while the PlayStation 3 was pushed back a full year. It seems somewhat fitting that the troubled game system should have such dysfunctional origins, no? [Via PS3 Fanboy]
New book explains how Sony inadvertently helped make Xbox 360
There's one company that's getting rich out of every video game system you buy. IBM chips are at the heart of all three home consoles, from Wii to PS3. While PS3's unique Cell processor is well-known for its supercomputing power, a new book from one of Cell's designers explains how R&D spent on PS3's advanced chip was used in making the Xenon processor for Microsoft's Xbox 360. "The Race for a New Game Machine" from David Shippy and his co-worker Mickie Phipps delves into their time at IBM working on the chips for both of these competing consoles.Sony approached IBM to create the Cell processor in 2001, with plans to target a Christmas 2005 launch for the PS3. Microsoft approached IBM in 2002, and it appears Sony agreed to let Microsoft not only see early prototypes of Cell, but purchase components as well. "All three of the original partners had agreed that IBM would eventually sell the Cell to other clients. But it does not seem to have occurred to Sony that IBM would sell key parts of the Cell before it was complete and to Sony's primary videogame-console competitor. The result was that Sony's R&D money was spent creating a component for Microsoft to use against it," the Wall Street Journal book review summarizes.While the end result for Cell and Xenon are both quite different, it's ironic to think that Sony may have inadvertently aided its primary competitor. Of course, console success stories are always based on quizzacle corporate decisions. Let's not forget that Sony's first console, PlayStation, was originally a collaboration with Nintendo to make an extension to the SNES.[Thanks, DirtyOFries!]
LG "Xenon" to bring high-speed data (and texting) to AT&T?
That Knick isn't even out yet, and it looks like AT&T might already be gearing up to stuff a competitor right alongside it in the lineup. Boy Genius Report is showing a picture (possibly a rendering -- hard to tell) of a reasonably-spec'd QWERTY slider dumbphone from LG dubbed "Xenon" that is claimed to be wrapping up testing as we speak in preparation for a holiday launch. Rumored goodies include dualband HSDPA, a 2.8-inch QVGA display, 3-megapixel cam with VGA video recording, microSD expansion, and WiFi -- so needless to say, we're not really seeing a free-on-contract future for 'er.
Fabled Opus motherboard appears in Xbox 360
Well, what have we here? One of those unicorn-like Opus motherboards? According to an image put forth by one Electric Tuner, that's exactly what we have. If you'll recall, we heard back in February that Microsoft may be utilizing the Opus mobos in order to fit the newer 65 / 90-nanometer CPU / GPU combo into RRoDed Xbox 360s that are just collecting dust in warehouses. Thus, you'll find no dedicated HDMI port here, but it should operate much cooler and in a more reliable fashion than the pre-Falcon rigs. There's no word on how exactly this unit was acquired (a replacement, perhaps?), but you can head on down to the read link for one more picture and a little discussion.[Via Xbox-Scene, thanks Leonardo]
Things may be looking brighter for Nokia N96, Xenon flash in the works?
PhoneMag is reporting on a post at the Esato forums that mentions the N96 may well be getting itself an update before it even hits the shelves -- this is a bit friend of a friend stuff, so please think rumor while reading. Word has it that the lowly LED flash is being replaced with a Xenon number which has some advantages in low-light situations -- such as useful pictures. Of course, there's always a rub, the dual-LED version that's being replaced could have been useful for shooting video and its replacement isn't going to fill that void -- and is a wee bit more power hungry. We guess we won't know 'til Nokia lets us know, but we'll do our best to shake an answer out of them next week in Las Vegas. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on which flash would make you the happiest N96 owner -- or, perhaps we could have both please Nokia?[Via PhoneMag]
Rumor: Next Xbox 360 chipsets are Opus, Valhalla
We know it's a little weird to be pumped for Xbox 360 chipsets, but we here at Joystiq HQ are all pretty excited about "Jasper". When we see each other in the halls we'll often exchange a look and we don't even need to speak it, we just know: It's Jasper. Now, if Jacob Metcalf (the guy who broke the Bungie/Microsoft split story) is right, we'll have to start exchanging an additional two looks for the upcoming "Opus" and "Valhalla".The first, "Opus" is basically a third-generation ("Falcon") board built to fit first generation ("Xenon") cases, primarily for the recycling of red-ringed systems, giving them cooler, more dependable guts (though no HDMI). The second, "Valhalla", is rumored to combine the 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU into one awesome super chip. It would only require one cooling system, meaning Valhalla would be quieter and (one would hope) more dependable. It would also be considerably cheaper.Both chips (again, if Metcalf is on the money) are a ways off, with Opus coming in 2008 or 2009 and Valhalla following a year later. As excited as we are for the new builds (even though our eyes are getting sore from exchanged looks) we'll be happiest if this news means Microsoft won't euthanize the 360 as quickly as its predecessor.
Samsung G800 gets previewed
It wasn't that long ago when the Samsung G800 came into our sights and with features like a 5 megapixel camera, 2.4 inch QVGA display, Bluetooth, Xenon flash, expandable memory via microSDHC, and Triband GSM with HSDPA -- who could forget such a device? Well lucky for us, some colleagues had the chance to play with the device pre-production. Be sure to check out the preview and additional pics in the read link.[Thanks, David]
65nm 360 chips in production 'last two quarters' - 45nm on the way
Though we're pretty confident the Xbox 360 price drop is coming sooner than "this Fall" – more like August 12th, if you want to be specific – we've had the entire Fall season marked on our Microsoft Executive Swimsuit calendar with "65nm chips" reminders. Those weary of the dreaded RROD have been looking forward to the smaller, cooler (and cheaper!) chips being included in the new systems, codenamed Falcon, but the extremely paranoid may want to hold off for the 45nm version. "As 65nm just started production in the last two quarters, you would expect 45nm to [begin production] about 18 months from that timeframe," said the President of Microsoft manufacturing partner, Charted Semiconductor. That means production on those new even smaller and even cooler chips won't begin until late 2008, early 2009. If that's too long to hold off, take comfort in knowing that those 65nm chips have been produced for some time, and should be making their way to retail Xbox 360s soon (astronotip: Fall starts on Sept. 23 this year, so mark your various themed calendars).
Xbox 360 getting 65nm GPU this fall?
While it's hardly a secret that the Xbox 360 will be getting a 65nm CPU upgrade sooner or later, China's Commercial Times (not always the most reliable source) is now reporting that the console's Xenos GPU will also be switching over to the cooler, lower-power chips, supposedly sometime this fall. According to the paper, an "engineering version" of the new and improved 65nm Xenos GPU has already been sent out, with production set to get underway in May, which would certainly seem to make a fall launch a possibility. Unfortunately, there's still no word on a possible disc drive upgrade to go along with these other revisions, which we all know is the real culprit for most of the console's noise problems.[Via Joystiq]
US Army to arm UAVs with xenon-based paralysis inducer
While places like Australia and Raleigh might be flooding certain areas (or in the Aussie's case, the whole continent) with more energy-efficient light, the US Army is looking to counteract those uber-green intentions by busting out a 7.5-million candlepower strobe floodlight system to be used as a "non-lethal crowd-control device." The government has awards Pennsylvania-based Peak Systems a contract to fabricate a modified Maxa Beam searchlight that will be xenon-based, sport strobing capabilities, and will act as an "immobilization system /deterrent device" on large crowds. Furthermore, this behemoth of a flashlight will be flanking an unmanned aerial system, presumably to cruise over a rioting crowd (or platoon of foes) and theoretically flash bomb them until they suffer from "short-term paralysis." While the idea sounds like a logical way to slow down millions of oncoming soldiers whilst at war, what happens with those baddies come over the hill rocking welding masks or ultra-tinted Thump shades? [Via Wired]
Meet Ana, the Xbox 360 hardware scaler
How did Microsoft dodge the scaling issue that has plagued Sony since its launch? Maybe it was the timing -- an HD console in a Standard Def world -- or perhaps it was Ana, the affectionate title for Xbox 360's hardware scaler. Whereas the PlayStation 3 downscales to meet resolution, Ana upscales Xbox 360 titles to 1080p to impressive results, according to Ars Technica's Ben Kuchera. Speaking with Microsoft's Scott Henson, Kuchera learns that Ana was designed at the same time as Xenos, the console's GPU. Though the addition of a PS3 hardware scaler is possible in the future, Xbox Group Product Marketing Manager Aaron Greenberg opines that it would be difficult for Sony to fix the issue with software, leaving first-generation PS3 owners in the cold.However, the truth is, as Kuchera notes, differences between the two console's graphics are minimal to nonexistent. "By [the time PS3 has second-generation titles] we'll have Halo 3," Henson said. "We'll be on the third–generation games. We hope to always be a little bit ahead." When will Sony pull ahead of the Xbox 360, graphically, and to what extent is Ana Microsoft's secret weapon in keeping up?See Also: The second Xbox 360 (with HDMI): introducing "Zephyr" [Thanks, Theo1130; image inspiration]
