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First "Googlephone" ends up being Samsung's Ultra Edition 13.8 (Z720)
Contrary to previous beliefs, it looks like neither Orange nor HTC will have a part in producing the first "Googlephone," and instead it seems that Samsung is slipping in the back door to steal the limelight. When the Ultra Edition 13.8 (formerly known as the Z720) got official a few days back, we noticed the relatively unexpected suite of Google apps swarming the mobile's innards, and aside from the handset not exactly abiding by the Opera agreement that is supposedly falling into place, it seems a good fit for the first Google-infused mobile. Of course, the programs that come loaded are all available as free downloads on supported handsets, but it seems the European-bound 13.8 will be numero uno in what's likely to be quite a lengthy list of Googled mobiles.
LG rolls out SB190 handset
Looks like Korea's SK Telecom is about to add another LG phone to its lineup, with pics and details of the pearly white SB190 handset recently cropping up online in advance of the launch. This one packs both GPS and DMB mobile TV capabilities into its standard slider form factor, along with a QVGA screen, 1.3 megapixel camera and the usual MP3 and video playback functions. There doesn't appear to be any word on what it'll cost, or any indication when or if it might make its way out of Korea.[Via Akihabara News]
Esquire offers up rumbling, flashing handbag for mobiles
We know, it's a little late for Christmas, but you can bet your bottom dollar that lucky lady of yours is already thinking long and hard about that lovely holiday in February. For the dame who already owns that iPod purse and laptop-toting satchel comes Esquire's latest rumbling handbag made to alert the carrier (and her posse) whenever a phone call comes in. Apparently, the bag sports a built-in battery pack (powered by AAA cells), a vibration function "three times as powerful" as those found within your mobile, flashy LEDs galore, and a few compartments for less important things like wallets and timeless family photos. Notably, the designer does a decent job from keeping this technologically-inclined purse from taking a dive in the fashion department, but as with most luxury bags we've seen these days, expect to pay a hefty premium for those style points whenever this thing lands.
Chess cheater's Bluetooth scheme sniffed out
It's no surprise to hear of someone using mobile / wireless technology to their advantage, and in the latest case of cleverness slapped down by the law, a scandalous Indian chess player was banned for a solid decade in order to "send a message" about how serious they took his act. Umakant Sharma had reportedly logged rating points at an alarming pace in the last 18 months of play, and even qualified for the national championship. But alas, racking up such insane numbers was bound to attract an investigation, and it was discovered that Sharma had been communicating to outside accomplices via a mobile handset and a miniscule Bluetooth earpiece stitched inside a cloth cap, which allowed an external computer to direct his each and every move. While we fully understand the wrongness of such a ploy, we can't deny the humor in envisioning seasoned chess players becoming enraged at their sudden misfortunes, but we'd highly recommend ditching the headgear (and any devious thoughts) before entering a tournament yourself.
Palm Treo hack enables SDHC support on the 700p
Just in case you haven't already told us what shiny new toys you unwrapped this morning, a few clever hackers are giving you one more gift to top things off. While those of you toting the recently-unveiled Palm (sorry, WinMo users) Treo 680 can boast about your "exclusive" SDHC support, we folks using the 700p simply don't have that luxury. If you've been clamoring about getting SDHC support on the 700p, and were let down that the "big patch" didn't include even a whisper about such support coming your way, take heart. Apparently, copying the slot driver from the 680 onto the 700p allows it to use SDHC cards, and while it hasn't been confirmed quite yet, it looks the ole 650 may get a bit of that high capacity lovin' as well. So if Santa wasn't quite as good to you as you thought he'd be, be sure to hit the read link to make even better use of that (presumably costly) SDHC card you (hopefully) just received.[Via Phone News]
Samsung launches SPH-B5800 T-DMB handset with TPEG integration
Although Samsung has already crammed T-DMB support into a plethora of its (sometimes oddly-designed) handsets, the sleek SPH-B5800 gets the honor of being the "world's first" that also integrates TPEG. While we knew the firm was working on the Transport Protocol Experts Group service last year, this phone marks the "first time" users can expect to receive live updates "about traffic, nice restaurants," or other points of interest surrounding them. Reportedly, the phone will receive new information "every five minutes" depending on your location, and will show a route and expected arrival time for any destination that perks the user's interest. On the DMB side, it purportedly sports a "full list of channels" to keep you occupied while cruising in the backseat. Other features on this snazzy slider include a 2-megapixel camera, electronic dictionary, "My Pet" game (long lost Tamagotchi sibling?), file viewer, and support for audio book playback. So if you're anxious to let your phone dictate where you eat for supper, you can snag the SPH-B5800 later this month for around 600,000KRW ($645).[Via AVing]
Sony Ericsson Ai pictures: the non-fuzzy edition
It's practically a foregone conclusion that the first shots of anything these days just have to sport the most atrocious quality possible, as anything better would just ruin the mystique and allure. Running par for the course, the first snapshot we saw of Sony Ericsson's presumably forthcoming "Ai" thinphone looked more like a smattering of pixels than an actual image, but we've now found a few pictures that confirm the general shape, size, and layout. While we're not sure if the firm will stick with the "Ai" moniker, there's word that it could be marketed as a Chocolate-rivaling Walkman (W880i?), but time shall tell. Be sure to hit the read link for a few more shots.
Nokia unveils four new handsets: the 2626, 6086, 6290, and 6300
Since Motorola and RIM already dished out news about their forthcoming mobiles, you knew Nokia would be joining the release party soon. Sure enough, the company has unveiled four new phones today at its annual Capital Market Days in Amsterdam, with one being aimed at the entry-level market and the remaining trio headed to mid-range consumers. The low-end 2626 rocks a few different color motifs, pack an FM tuner, color LCD, and all the bare essentials to keep you connected for €75 ($99). The 6086 houses quad-band GSM connectivity, UMA, a built-in camera, and an oversized keypad while costing €200 ($264). Stepping it a notch is the 6300, which comes in at 13.1-millimeters thin, touts a stainless steel frame (not to mention the "organic curves"), and demands €250 ($329). Last up is the 6290 (€325; $428) smartphone, which "combines the power of the S60 and 3G" in a new, sexy package, and boasts an interactive world travel application as well as "Quick Cover" access keys. While initial spec information is all but nil, we're sure to get plenty of juicy details while we wait for the foursome to launch in "Q1 2007."
Buffalo's WSKP-G brings Skype on-the-go for about $200
Last we spotted a Buffalo Skype handset, it was tethered to a corded keyboard, which made us cry inside. This time though, Buffalo's come out with what we've been seeing more and more of lately: a separate wireless device that can work from any WiFi hotspot. It supports Buffalo's AOSS setup, handles WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols, and apparently lasts without a recharge for 2.5 hours. The WSKP-G should hit Japanese shores next month sometime for ¥24,100 ($204) -- we'd love to see one cross the Pacific in 2007, though we've got no idea if that'll actually happen.[Via Electronista, thanks Jonathan]
Skype launches SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package
While neither of these products are all that new, Skype and Fon hope that when their powers combine, it'll make them more powerful than Optimus Prime. Skype's just announced its "SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package" that merges the SMC WSKP100 handset, Fon's La Fonera router, 500 SkypeOut minutes, and a full year of Skype voicemail, all for $160. That's pretty much a steal right there, given that when sold separately the handset alone would set you back $200. Of course, as of this writing, Skype's site says that the package is out of stock, so maybe if you really want all those items soonish, you might have better luck assembling the pieces on your own. But that sorta defeats the point of the package, now doesn't it?
Verizon in talks to bring YouTube to V CAST, television
Verizon seems to be throwing as many trendy extras as humanly possible into its (oftentimes overpriced) monthly add-on pool, and may now be nearing a deal with the video clip-broadcasting extraordinaire, YouTube. Not long after announcing a simplistic fee-based system to keep your contact list from being destroyed, Verizon Wireless "is in advanced talks" with YouTube in a deal that would bring the zany segments we all love to your very own mobile screen (and television, too). America's second-place carrier is looking to grab an edge in the marketing department as it hopes to "further its efforts to expand into internet and entertainment services." Under the terms being discussed, V CAST users would have access to YouTube videos for a currently undisclosed price, and Verizon reportedly hopes to "offer YouTube videos as an on-demand feature" while watching TV (FiOS anyone?). YouTube isn't selling the rest of its soul without caution, however, as the deal could end up being exclusive in nature, but only for a limited time. We'll keep you posted on how much "America's most reliable wireless network" plans on bumping your already overwhelming monthly bill should this deal go down.
FIC's Linux-based FIC-GTA001 GSM smartphone encourages hacking
Hot on the heels of DrewTech's Linux-powered DashDAQ is FIC's own piece of Linux-based hawtness, the FIC-GTA001 mobile. While the company is already familiar in the world of CDMA, this marks the firm's first endeavor into the realm of GSM smartphones. Sporting a 2.8-inch 640 x 480 resolution touchscreen with "multi-touch gesture recognition," GPS capabilities, dedicated "emergency paging button," and an "iPod-quality MP3 player," the svelte cellphone is primed for homebrew apps thanks to the inclusion of the SDK right in the box. FIC is hoping that adopters will participate in developer communities to craft new and improved applications for the limitless device, and even hopes to enable wireless uploads / downloads of completed files. The device is powered by a Samsung S3C2410 ARM9-based processor, 128MB of internal RAM, and 64MB of flash memory, but unfortunately there's no scheduled release date or expected price for the open-source (and delightfully styled) handset.
MacMice Danger Phone brings the low-cost VoIP via USB
We've seen many a' VoIP handset that takes a design page from cellphone manufacturers and seems to be similarly priced as well. But what about a VoIP phone for the rest of us? MacMice (the same folks who brought us the Danger Mouse) has just released one of the least expensive USB VoIP phones that we've seen, coming in at a nice and cool $30. This little rounded white handset, better known as the Danger Phone, will work with Macs and PCs alike -- so we'll take one for every computer at Engadget HQ, thanks.[Via CrunchGear and MacUser]
D-Link's V-Click: an overpriced, rebadged GSM VoIP phone
D-Link's got a so-called new line-up of dual-mode WiFi VoIP / GSM V-Click phones for ya. The big selling point of course, is the ability to quickly toggle between your tri-band 900/1800/1900MHz GSM/GPRS network or unspecified 802.11 WiFi to make low cost VoIP calls. The magic here is in that "v-click" button along the side which flips the WiFi radio. Once enabled, users can make SIP-based VoIP calls or hit the web over the bundled Opera Mobile browser and 176x220 pixel display. Hmmm, those specs sure smack of that Taiwanese GW1 peeped at CES from Winstron NeWeb Corp and unfurled as the Neuf Twin dual-mode handset already on sale in France. Let's see, same screen, same dimensions, same radios... yup, we're calling it a rebadge. So are you really going to give D-Link $600 for their logo when it drops in Q1 or pick-up an unlocked, €200/$250 Twin sans contract from your friendly electronics importer? Yeah, thought so.
Keyspan Cordless VoIP Phone: soon to be chattin' for $79
It seems like everyone and their sister is coming out with Skype-compatible phones these days. And taking a page out of the handheld barcode scanner design playbook, Keyspan wants a piece of the VoIP pie too. Its new $79 model, imaginatively called the "Cordless VoIP Phone", has 15 hours of talk time, 1200 hours of standby time, USB/AAA power, and it's Mac and PC friendly, a'course. However, Keyspan doesn't list where you can buy this handset, or when it will be available. That aside, if another company (besides FiWin) really wanted to make the real-deal ultimate killer handset, they'd make a phone that was Gizmo/Zfone and Skype-friendly -- we'd definitely be interested. But apparently Skype doesn't like to play nice with SIP phones or any other kind of VoIP, which is a real shame because there's such a great marketing opportunity here -- they could call it SIPpe, like "sippy", as in the cup. Whaddya say?
Nokia handset doubles as a Bluetooth mouse
Even casual readers of this publication know that we're always seeking out ways to add more functionality to our existing gadgets, so when we heard about an innovative modder who was able to turn his Nokia cellphone into a fully-functioning Bluetooth mouse, well, we knew that we were approaching convergence heaven. Inspired by Jani 'Japala' Pönkkö's LogiNoki hack (in which Jani embedded a Nokia LCD into a Logitech G3 mouse), "Pyrofer" decided to forgo the hardware modifications and instead write a Java code and corresponding Windows driver that would allow him to use his 6230i as an impromptu optical input device for when laptop trackpads and control nubbins just don't cut it. Since it's still in development, Pyrofer has yet to release his code to the public, and the Nokiamouse does indeed have some serious drawbacks; most notably, he has to hold the handset a fraction of a millimeter above the mousing surface -- which must contain distinct patterns, so no direct desktop operation -- in order for the camera's CCD to pick up enough usable light. Still, once he develops a proper Bluetooth HID for the phone to work on any BT-enabled notebook (there's also talk of a GPRS connection) -- as well as an interface for mirroring the PC's screen on the Nokia's display -- this sounds like it'll be one sweet project that could see some serious widespread adoption.[Thanks, Mike]
Spansion announces plans for increased handset security
With cellphones becoming more and more computer-like, that invariably means that they're also susceptible to some decidedly computer-like problems; we're talking viruses, DoS attacks, and other headaches. Though far from the first to address the problem, Spansion is promising a new level of security for handsets by implementing security measures directly within the Flash memory subsystem. In addition to warding off threats, Spansion says their system will also enable data recovery, as well as allow for secure mobile financial transactions and access control for things like using a cellphone to open a car door or start a car. A Software Development Kit (SDK) should be available before the end of the year, with the actual security controller available in something called the Spansion Multi Chip Package (MCP) sometime in the first half of 2007. No word yet on any handset manufactures that have signed on to offer the system, however.
FiWIN's FX28S and SS28S, where Skype and SIP coexist
You wouldn't believe it, but somehow FiWin (which is owned by FIC) got Skype and SIP to sit down at the table together and play some Mahjong. It's not really technically all that difficult, but until now we hadn't really seen a Skype / SIP dual-mode VoIP capable handset, so we welcome you, oh pathfinding FX28S and SS28S WiFi phones; otherwise they're just another couple of 802.11b phone devices with a 3.5 hour call life, a USB 1.1 connector, and a weak 1.2-inch 65k color 128 x 95 CSTN display in the the FX28S, and a 1.4-inch monochrome 96 x 65 display in the SS28S.[Thanks, Sam]
Sony Ericsson's W850 Walkman tri-band GSM/UMTS slider
Sony just announced their new W850 Walkman cellphone and this baby's hot. Available in black or white as designs tend to go these days, this tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 slider also delivers UMTS 2100. It comes pre-loaded with the latest Walkman 2.0 player with TrackID allowing you to lookup and identify recorded music samples via the Gracenote Mobile MusicID service. Not only that, but it ships with a 1GB of Memory Strick PRO Duo'in storage (with up to 4GB supported) and features a horizontal mode 2 megapixel shooter with LED light. Rounding out the features are a 2-inch QVGA TFT 260k color display, RDS FM Stereo radio, and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP stereo audio. No price but we can expect these to ship sometime Q3 2006... in Europe. More pics after the break.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Pantech releases PG-6200 securityphone in Taiwan
Pantech has just released a new handset for the security-conscious Taiwanese citizen who also wants some pretty capable multimedia features in his/her cellphone. To keep sensitive data out of the wrong hands, the tri-band PG-6200 features a fingerprint scanner rather curiously placed right above the smudge-prone two megapixel camera lens, along with a music player that handles MP3 and AAC files from either the 20MB internal memory or a microSD card. Other nice touches include Bluetooth (no word on A2DP compatibility, though) and JAVA 2.0 so you can get your Opera Mini-on, along with the obligatory email, SMS, and MMS functionality. [Via textually]
