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Motorola's Linux-based Ming 2 in Q2
According to Bill Chen, General Manager of Motorola Taiwan's Mobile Device business, the second generation Linux-based Ming handset won't launch until Q2 of 2008. Not February as initially rumored. What's more, the handset will be introduced in high-end and entry-level configurations -- unfortunately, both are GSM/EDGE, not 3G capable. DigiTimes says that Inventec won the manufacturing contract of this MOTO Beijing designed handset. Given the unusual (for MOTO) use of a lower-case vowel in the name, there's a good chance this was never meant for Stateside consumption anyway. Too bad, eh?
Motorola's A1600 MING 2 surfaces
What's that, you say? Reportedly, that picture you see above is the Motorola A1600, which could be the long-awaited successor to the A1200 MING. Granted, we've no proof to go along with it, but the design sure fits the mold. According to Chinese-based eNet, this bugger will sport quad-band GSM connectivity, a 3.2-megapixel camera (with autofocus), WiFi, assisted-GPS, a couple of built-in games, a "talking dictionary" and a Linux-based OS. Interestingly enough, that last tidbit certainly conflicts with other reports we've heard, but we suppose time will tell (look for a February launch) what system really ends up running the MING 2 show.[Via UnwiredView]
The PG2000: Motorola MING-alike for PHS networks
Don't be fooled -- not only is this not a real MING, it's also not a Motorola and you probably won't be able to use it in your neck of the woods. The PG2000 takes come cues from the Moto A1200 but adds PHS support in addition to a dualband GSM radio, making it perfect for the unusual standard that sees some love in Asian nations. Features include a QVGA touchscreen, MMC slot (huh?), 2 megapixel camera, and we're guessing some variant of Linux, just like the real deal. No word on pricing or availability, though it got shown around at the 2007 Taipei Computer Applications Show -- so if you happen to be around Taiwan, you might just get a glimpse of it.[Via Mobilewhack]
Motorola's US-bound MING: JUIX out, Windows Mobile in?
Details are still hazy on what form the MING may take if and when it enjoys an official US launch, but Boy Genius is reporting now that it won't have much in common with its Asian sibling. It looks like the device will mercifully see a 3G upgrade -- advantage, AT&T -- but some might be disappointed to hear that its Linux-based JUIX soul will apparently be tossed out in favor of Windows Mobile. The reason? In its current form, JUIX can't handle the stresses of high-speed data that come with WCDMA, so Windows Mobile has to swoop in and save the day. Still no word on when it may launch, but now that we know it's likely just another somewhat generic Windows Mobile device, our excitement's tempered just a smidge.
Xfire Debate Club: Best and Worst Classes transcript
The transcripts from the sixth Xfire Debate Club ("Best and Worst Classes in WoW") are now available on Xfire's main site. On the main floor, I moderated a debate between such heavy hitters as Wowhead's Skosiris, Curse's Mek and Teza, Ming the rogue, and arena masters Tarde, Nuvas and Tiz. I wasn't able to format the full transcript for WoW Insider, but feel free to visit the link so you can see me ask questions and the panelists ... well, ignore them and keep arguing about the last question, or fight about which arena is the most interesting, or claim that the other panelists will one day be working for them. But it was fun anyway! Xfire also has a transcript from the open debate room, where Xfire users debated the questions themselves. I'd like to thank everyone who came to the debate or proposed questions to ask. I hope to see you all again on Xfire!
Keepin' it real fake, part LI: Motorola MING gets mangled
Pocket a bit shallow to fork out 3 bills for a Motorola MING? No worries, Engadget and the "Motorola Style BrandNew SMART PDA phone" have your six. Sporting cutting-edge technology such as the almost believable MOTO logo on the flip, MP3 ringtones touted as "Very Loud", and "more features that aren't listed yet!!" it defines top of the line. We were surprised to catch this on eBay and not in some high-end cell shop, perhaps because it is only dual band no carrier has jumped at it yet. Don't get us wrong, we just love to tease, and for only 150 dollars, it would be a steal at twice the price, if you got, say, a box of 50.[Thanks, Andrei]
