Jesse D. Lewin

Accessories

Accessories By Jesse D. Lewin

KYE Systems' SlimStar 820 Solargizer Unique keyboard

When your keyboard is called the KYE Systems SlimStar 820 Solargizer Unique you probably have no freaking clue what you're in for. And frankly, we don't. So far as we can tell, this is a wireless Vista keyboard with solar cells to recharge without the need for constant plugging back in. But we could be completely wrong, this thing hasn't even been announced yet.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Wearables

Wearables By Jesse D. Lewin

Icuiti's latest: the VR920 headset

It looks a lot like Icuiti's current model AV230 headset from what we can tell, but this latest version, the VR920 (not to be confused with their DV920), has not only the head tracking and audio of its successor, but apparently adds mic input as well. The sound you just heard was a hundred thousand WoW playing Ventrilo users pulling out their cards. Sorry, not yet folks, this is just initial info.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Jurors use cellphones, give convicted murder a second chance at freedom

We've covered the social impact of cellphone use before, whether it be affecting the sanctity of the Mexican church or the movie theater or the roulette table. However, the convicted killer in Texas who is seeking a retrial because his jurors used their cellphones shortly after rendering judgment (allegedly to call family members) really takes the cake. Eleven out of the 12 jurors used their cellphones, and their bills have been subpoenaed. Maybe we've seen too much Law & Order lately, but it seems pretty clear that a personal communication device capable of private conversations and discreet text messaging would fly in the face of the concept of a sequestered jury. UPDATE: OK, we weren't clear enough about what happened. The jurors used their cellphones while in the deliberation room, before returning their verdict. The judge then questioned the 11 jurors who had used their phones. This series of events still begs the question, why was a sequestered jury allowed access to the outside world via their cellphones? [via Textually.org]

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Siemens SX2 takes keypad design to strange and terrifying retro place

It has been said that those in abusive relationships visit that abuse on others, and we think perhaps the kids in the Siemens design department were spanked a bit too often. Remember the SX1, with its fantastic menu system, camera... and absurd keypad? Well this may or may not be the new SX2, and honestly we aren't concerned with those details. The keypad seems to find its roots on old rotary telephones, with all the numbers aligned sequentially around the edge of the handset. While we're certain it will include a number of wicked awesome features, the excitement surrounding retraining our thumbs around yet another ludicrous keypad design is sort of nonexistent.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Finnish Mobile TV launches with 500 person test

Seems like just a few days ago we mentioned the deployment of visual radio in Finland, something the Nokia 7710 is apt for utilizing. Now, in partnership with Nokia, MTV, and the Finnish Broadcasting Company, Sonera and Elisa (two Finnish carriers) are deploying 7710s equipped to pickup mobile TV broadcasts. 500 users will use realtime TV and radio programs to test both the technical back-end as well as the end user experience. The lucky Finns will be able to watch MTV, CNN, BBC World, and Eurosport, in addition to whatever they watch on domestic Finnish television. These aggressive mobile applications do leave us wondering, however. How much longer can Nokia claim fuel cell technology to be immature if they expect their customers to walk around watching Pimp My Ride with Xzibit and Moneyline with Lou Dobbs?

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

LG VX9800 granted FCC approval

Amidst all the CeBIT announcements, there can be a tendency to let some of the smaller news slide. One such bit is the FCC approval of LG's upcoming VX9800. While details are extremely sparse at the moment, the dual-band CDMA cellphone does apparently feature a hinge along the left side of the handset, to reveal a possible QWERTY keyboard. Needless to say, we are stoked for further details.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Reviews

Reviews By Jesse D. Lewin

K750i camera quality almost sells winter vacation in Czech Republic

Sony Ericsson's K750c/K750i is certainly one of our favorite up-and-comers since its announcement a few weeks back, particularly for its 2 megapixel camera with auto focus. However, you may be wondering, "Did I stumble onto Autoblog? Why am I looking at the business end of this silly Swedish sedan?" The unfortunate rhyme in the previous sentence should not keep you from drooling over the quality of this handset's immaculate photo quality. Check out Slashphone for a few more images of a random street scene in the Czech Republic.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

DoCoMo launches relatively average N700i and P700i, complete with Mickey Mouse for the 'dirty youth'

The N700i and P700i FOMA handsets were announced today (though shipping March 11th), as DoCoMo continues to work their magic across the Pacific. Both phones feature a similar baseline feature set we've mentioned in the past: 2-inch 24-bit displays, 1 megapixel cameras, miniSD memory slots, and of course all of these abilities are supported by mammoth batteries (350-430 hour standby, 140 minute talk, and 90 minute video call time). Features particular to the P700i include Kirari-mail (translation please?) which displays LED patterns coded to messages including particular emoticons, as well as the G-GUIDE software for accessing TV schedule codes for programming video recorders. Antibacterial body jackets and pre-installed Disney character illustrations make the N700i the favorite in what we're glad to term the 'dirty youth' market.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Nokia and HP go live with Visual Radio in Finland

Now for all the services in Japan that we want in our phones, Finland still has a few tricks up her sleeve. Finnish radio station Kiss FM is the world's first station to use Nokia and HP's new Visual Radio system, which is being pitched as an opportunity for radio listeners to interact and provide feedback to the station. The system, which we've covered previously, streams information on the currently playing track, including album and tour information, straight to your cellphone (your Nokia cellphone, natch), and will also allow listeners to interact through competitions, audience polls, and live ticket purchasing options. It's nice to know that the Finns will be able to reject the latest Britney single quickly and easily, FM seems to destined to remain a wasteland over here in the States for years and years to come. Anyway, Nokia's 7710, 3230, and 6230i are the only handsets compatible with Visual Radio, though there's already some chatter about integrating all of this with car stereos.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Advertisers finally able to market using cameraphones, search for civilization continues

While Paris Hilton's photos have made it abundantly clear why we like cameras in our phones, the Man has stumbled onto the one other usage of cameraphones that garners attention. Following a trend set by Qwest, Toyota, and Kodak, Pontiac has launched their "Catch a G6" contest, with $1M going to the winning picture of Oprah's favorite giveaway auto. According to the USA Today, cameraphones have reached a critical mass wherein they can be used by advertisers. We sure are glad nothing else has reached such a stage of blatant commercialization. Of course now that we've said it, our designer toaster will burn Jiff peanut butter logos into our bread within the year. [Via picturephoning.com]

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

LG F7200 is granted FCC approval

LG has gained FCC approval for their upcoming F7200. At this point there's very little data on the phone (a great departure from the multiple announcements made earlier this week). What is known is that the 850/1900 dual band handset will most likely place it under the thumb of Cingular, and feature WAP, java, and a color LCD in what appears to be a slider form factor.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Big Tech

Big Tech By Jesse D. Lewin

Nokia takes a timeout from developing cellphones with flammable materials

Nokia has announced they're dropping fuel cell development for a few years, citing the immaturity of fuel cell technology for mobile devices. Now if you've kept up with us, you'll remember that it was only last September when Nokia announced a fuel cell Bluetooth headset. Now at first this may seem like a story of Nokia backing off because of some lack of corporate commitment or desire to serve their customers. However, when you take into account that the flammable methanol in fuel cells will keep users of fuel cell cellphones off of airplanes, it becomes clear that this may be a smart step, as Nokia doesn't have quite a lot of pull with the FAA. Also, lest we forget, Nokia has also got a track record with flammable cellphones. [Via TechDirt]

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

News

News By Jesse D. Lewin

Nokia, Sony Ericsson leave Microsoft out in the cold on portable audio

We were certainly in the eye of the storm yesterday, and now as we pick through the rubble for our car keys, little bits of intrigue keep cropping up. Between the two major music handsets announced, the Nokia 6230i and the Sony Ericsson W800i, both phones support MP3/AAC file formats (and the 6230i also adds M4A). Sounds perfectly normal right? Wait, you say something's missing? Where is my WMA support? What about my massive library of superior audio files, courtesy of Windows' fantasmical digital audio application? Looks like those iPod-toting Microsoft employees will be taking their tunes all over campus, while Mr. Gates will be carrying his Rio and a phone. [Thanks Eric]

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Lenovo P930 runs Series 60 with pen input and GPS

Lenovo announced on Wednesday an enticing smartphone in the P930. The clamshell design sports pen (which is rare in a flipphone), a 1.3 megapixel digital camera with built-in flash, self-timer, continuous shooting, night shot, digital zoom, and video capture. The P930 also supports Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF file formats, though tightening up a preso on your phone can't be easy (even with a stylus). GPS navigation and streaming TV access are also included, as well as Bluetooth, miniUSB, Infrared, and the IGRS standard for automatic device discovery and connection. The bad news: we're pretty sure this one is for China-only.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Siemens mobile design contest winner confuses ASL speakers

Call it a wild coincidence, but things like this have probably got a lot to do with the Siemens Mobile group potentially being up for auction. There's nothing that inspires confidence in your team quite like farming out the inspiration for your products to dodgy students in the form of the "Siemens Design Challenge." The contest yielded some hilarious highlights, such a cellphone shaped like a small mammal and another that's operated while wearing it like a mask. Finally, the winning design (pictured at the right) does show some promise (remind you of anything?), though Bluetooth headsets make holding a hand to our heads seem a bit silly.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Cellphone calls on Airbus, drunk dialing continues to know no bounds

Airbus SAS announced Tuesday that their super-jumbo model jet, the A380, would have the option of voice and data systems to support passenger cellphones and laptops. The addition of this equipment may increase the time needed to certify the 21st century Spruce Moose that is the A380, also the service will become a revenue opportunity for the helpless air travel industry with international calling costing upwards of $2.00 per minute, according to the systems provider OnAir. Perhaps more important however are the social implications. Etiquette is a big part of cellphone usage, and knowing when to take a call, when to put your handset on vibrate, and when to just dump people to voicemail is critical. If airline passengers are able to use their cellphones in the next couple years, we had better learn to put off those 45 minute "So what are you doing?" calls.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Philips 3GSM lineup pack serious features into little pockets

OK, we were a little slower on the uptake with this one, but Philips introduced five new cellphones on Monday, adding to the our ever-growing list. Unfortunately most of these are intended exclusively for the European market, but that doesn't mean we can't stare and dream. Read on for a full roundup with lots of purdy pics:

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Mobile By Jesse D. Lewin

Motorola pushing Push-to-View

Motorola announced on Monday at 3GSM that they will begin to offer Push-to-View over Cellular (PoC) cellphones. Similar to LG's PTV announcement from last week, this will be a part of a larger Push-to-Share set of applications to allow customers to share captured media content easily. While most of these services exist in one form or another already (MMS), Motorola wants to give customers access to these capabilities at the push of a button. This development, while certainly useful, feels more like a workaround in order to avoid a larger issue of unintuitive cellphone software.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Reviews

Reviews By Jesse D. Lewin

i-mate JAM review

With the metric ton of 3GSM yesterday and Windows Mobile 2005 around the corner, a Windows Mobile 2004 device doesn't exactly float to the top of the stack. Thankfully we've got good friends who have spent some quality time with what sounds like the finest i-mate yet. The Jam packs a 2.8 inch 240x320 display, 1.3 megapixel camera, a proper SD slot, and all of this almost fits underneath a business card! Check out the rest of the in-depth review (though you may want to fix yourself a sandwich first), as the Jam looks like the most refined device of its kind.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Digital television on Nokia 7710, can't hide from Seinfeld reruns

Some things need to be experienced in person in order to be truly appreciated. Watching digital television on a handheld device is one of those things. Nonetheless, these pictures of television broadcast on the Nokia 7710 (which we've covered previously) are exciting, though they probably don't provide the same punch as watching The Venture Brothers on our own private phone.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

News

News By Jesse D. Lewin

Panasonic SA7 and SA6 sport sporty designs

The next steps in Panasonic's attempted domination of 3GSM are the SA7 and SA6. We've picked up on a pattern in this team of phones, as the SA7 features the same 2 megapixel camera, 2.5 inch display, and longer battery life as the MX7. The SA6 therefore carries the 1.3 megapixel camera and 2.2 inch display as the MX6. This pair seems to only set itself apart with a unique design intended for an active lifestyle.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Samsung D720 Series 60 smartphone slides in silver

Samsung hasn't made much noise this morning, but the new D720 smartphone will command respect in due time. First and foremost, this clean slider tips the scales at 110 grams and will be powered by the Symbian Series 60 operating system. Triband and GPRS Class 10, MP3/AAC/AAC+ music playback, a 1 megapixel camera and a 176 x 208 pixel display at 262k will make this one of the sweetest Samsung's yet.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Graphic performance on LG's SV360 pushes the polygon envelope

Amongst the day's new phones, one puts all others to shame in terms of graphics horsepower. The new SV360 by LG boasts an accelerator chip capable of displaying 1 million polygons per second, around 5 times faster than anything else out there (and with what appears to be Gran Turismo 1). Not only that, but motion sensors built into the handset will allow users to control their games simply by moving their handset in physical space. The gaming experience is displayed on a 2.2 inch LCD built into a mini laptop design. With the graphic performance and motion sensors, what else will keep from people playing Dance Dance Revolution on the subway?

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

Smartphones By Jesse D. Lewin

Nokia throws down three 6's at 3GSM

The press conference has just started, and our friends at Phone Scoop have already posted the skinny on Nokia's new handsets. First off is the smallest Series 60 smartphone yet, the 6682. This beauty features a 1.3 megapixel camera, LED flash, and a 262k color display. The tiny handset also includes Push to Talk, an MMC slot, and EDGE/GPRS all rolled nice and tight. The 6682 is slated for the second quarter. Next up is the 6680, which builds upon the 6682 by adding WCDMA and swapping push-to-talk for a secondary VGA camera to support video calls. The active slide cover for the primary camera will automatically switch between cameras during video calls. The 6680 should drop next month. Finally Nokia has announced the 6101, a clamshell with Xpress audio messaging, color primary and sub displays, a VGA camera, and push-to-talk. This tri-band beauty will come in EU and US frequency flavors in the second quarter.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More

News

News By Jesse D. Lewin

Panasonic MX series feature increased battery life, same blinding displays

Next on the list (it's really more like a roster) of Panasonic's new phones are the MX6 and MX7. These two are designed around endurance, as they feature almost twice the battery life of the VS series phones (which will mean more after exact battery life is determined). The same 1.3 and 2 megapixel cameras and 2.2 and 2.5 displays exist in these two clamshells, and their industrial design is almost identical.

By Jesse D. Lewin Read More