Hard ware information

Iiyama ProLite touchscreen LCD monitors

2008-06-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

Iiyama has announced a new lineup of touch sensitive monitors for desktop computers. The offerings consist of the 15" ProLite T1530SR, the T1730SR, and the T1930SR, all of which connect either through VGA or DVI, and support USB and RS-232 for the touchscreen interface. The new ProLite screens use a 4:3 aspect ratio and come in either a black or white bezel. The 15-inch model supports a typical 1024x768, featuring a 16ms response time, while the 17- and 19-inch versions are rated at 5ms response, with a resolution of 1280x1024. Contrast ratio for the displays is measured at 500:1 for the 15-inch, and 800:1 for the larger models.

The touch-LCDs are advertised as being compatible with both Macintosh and Windows-based systems, an offer a full set of on-screen controls. Iiyama offers the Extensive Touch Utilities to allow for 4-point calibration of the touch area with either nine or 25 point linearization, and the displays can be viewed in either landscape or portrait modes. Prices for the displays sit at £330 ($700US) for the 15-inch model, £350 ($750US) for the 17-inch, and £400 ($850US) for the 19-inch version.

LG LF75 full HD LCD Monitor

2008-06-14T23:15:00.001-07:00

LG will demonstrate next generation 1920 x 1080/60p full HD video content at IFA 2007. LG’s next generation full HD TVs can display 60 frames per second at a 1920 x 1080 resolution. The “p” in 60p stands for progressive scan. These 60p TVs differ from 1920 x 1080/30p TVs that show only 30 frames per second and 1920 x 1080/60i or interlaced TVs that only refresh half the lines of resolution at a time. 60p-capable TVs can display a larger amount of information per second than any other type of televisions. Sixty-frame per second progressive scan technology dramatically reduces moiré effect and image noise, creating sharper images.

The edges of round objects are clearer and free from jaggedness that has sometimes been evident with existing content. Moiré effect is an optical illusion that causes the appearance of lines across an image, degrading video quality and resolution. LG used its LF75 full HD LCD TV, to the test the 60p content; this model is set to be launched globally in this month.

AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR

2008-06-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

AOpen launches miniPC Duo MP965-DR to equip Santa Rosa platform. The third generation miniPC Duo MP965-DR from AOpen adopts the latest Intel GM965+ICH8M chipset. The complete 64 bit-based design combined with Intel Core 2 Duo (Merom) 64 bit central processor and Microsoft Windows Vista 64 bit version operational system allows consumers to experience the truly ultra-high performance of a 64-bit computer system. AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR enables customers who require complex computing and high performance to enjoy the convenience and compact design without sacrificing size for performance and cooling. In addition, AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR supports Intel Turbo Memory technology. Combined with Microsoft Windows Vista ReadyBoost functionality, it can further enhance the performance of system computing.Adopting two, brand new sets of miniCard architecture in expanded interface, new AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR provides customers options such as traditional TV turner, digital TV, Bluetooth modules and wireless network modules.

Press Release:

AOpen launched its latest generation of miniPC -- AOpen miniPC Duo ( model name MP965-DR). Expanding beyond exclusive features from previous generations, such as power saving, whisper-quiet operation and small form factor, the third-generation miniPC adopts a new Intel® GM965+ICH8M chipset and Santa Rosa platform architecture and fully supports the high-performance Notebook central processor with Socket P --Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme (Merom), and duo-core 64 bit processors, such as Intel® Core™ 2 Duo (Merom). The greatly enhanced operational performance enables miniPC to meet the requirements of highly demanding computing environments.

"Now, AOpen's miniPC Duo series has formally entered into a whole new era. With its industry-leading development capabilities in mini PCs, AOpen successfully integrates the most advanced Intel ® Core™ 2 Extreme (Merom) notebook central processors and 64 bit-based Intel® GM965+ICH8M chipset into a compact 1.36 liter package without sacrificing performance and superior cooling features. It allows AOpen miniPC Duo to deliver desktop-like performance," said Tony Yang, AOpen's senior marketing director and spokesman. "Meanwhile, MP965-DR's built-in miniCard interface can effectively solve the peripheral expandability of AOpen miniPC Duo and provide customers more options in peripheral accessories."

New AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR adopts the latest Intel® GM965+ICH8M chipset. The complete 64 bit-based design combined with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo (Merom) 64 bit central processor and Microsoft® Windows Vista™ 64 bit version operational system allows consumers to experience the truly ultra-high performance of a 64-bit computer system. Moreover, AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR provides strong support for advanced Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme (Merom) processors. It enables customers who require complex computing and high performance to enjoy the convenience and compact design of AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR without sacrificing size for performance and cooling. In addition, AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR supports Intel® Turbo Memory technology. Combined with Microsoft® Windows Vista™ ReadyBoost functionality, it can further enhance the performance of system computing.

Adopting two, brand new sets of miniCard architecture in expanded interface, new AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR provides customers options such as traditional TV turner, digital TV, Bluetooth modules and wireless network modules, enhancing the application flexibility of AOpen miniPC Duo. The four USB 2.0 expanded sockets on the front and back panels can satisfy consumers' requirements for connecting common peripheral devices such as keyboards, mouse, MP3 players, and printers. Furthermore, AOpen miniPC Duo MP965-DR has the functionality of TV signal output and 5.1-channel audio output. Combined with 64-bit high performance, it is well qualified to be the digital audio and video hub in every househ

Iogear 3-in-1 Wireless Phaser Presentation Mouse

2008-06-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

Aiming to assist students with the forthcoming semester, Iogear today introduced a 3-in-1 Wireless Phaser Presentation Mouse -GME422RW6. The Iogear 3-in-1 Wireless Phaser Presentation Mouse offers a laser pointer, track ball for wireless use and optical capabilities for desktop computing. Interoperable with PCs and Macs, the unit communicates with a USB receiver up to 30 feet away, ideal for making computer-based presentations in the classroom. Additionally, the track ball on top of the mouse enables it to be used in the palm of one’s hand. On a solid surface, the mouse can switch into optical mode, and operates between 800-1600 dpi to accommodate the user’s preference.

The surface of Iogear GME422RW6 3-in-1 Wireless Phaser Presentation Mouse - is covered with Nano Coating, consisting of a Titanium Dioxide and Silver nano-particle compound that contains antimicrobial properties to prevent bacteria from surviving on the product. The 3-in-1 Wireless Phaser Presentation Mouse is available for approximately $60.

Shuttle XPC SP35P2 Pro

2008-06-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

As well as having room for speedy processors, there are four sockets to accommodate up to a total of eight GB of dual channel mode DDR2-800 RAM. The four SATA2 (with RAID functions) and two external eSATA ports provide for almost limitless hard disk space, and a new mini card slot supports Intel Turbo Memory (Robson) and its faster system boots and application loadings.

This aluminium SFF PC, through its integrated PCI Express X16 slot, supplies all the bandwidth necessary to accommodate the quickest graphics cards and, thereby, run professional graphics applications and complex 3D games.

“The Shuttle XPC Barebone SP35P2 Pro slots seamlessly into Shuttle’s team of exceptionally high performance small form factor PCs,” explains Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. “With the ending ‘PRO’ comes a SFF PC barebone offering a rich equipment package previously not featured in the high performance segment of our product range.”

A fingerprint scanner ensures greater system protection, and system information is easily viewed via the front panel display. There is also the Speed-Link function allowing for the direct transfer of data between two PCs via USB cable, and rapid network connections, at gigabit speed, are achieved through an integrated network chip.

The optimal ICE2 Heatpipe cooling system is, for the first time in this model, expanded to the Northbridge, Southbridge and MOSFET modules, and a separate OASIS Heatpipe cooling system also improves the thermal properties of the most important components.

A particularly efficient, 80 PLUS certified 400-Watt power supply takes care of this black powerhouse, without compromising its performance, and solid capacitors guarantee a longer life for the entire main board.

* Special Pro Features
Fingerprint recognition technology
Speed-Link - easily connect 2 PCs via USB and share data
* Chassis
P2-type aluminum chassis, color: black
storage bays: 1 x 5.25", 3 x 3.5" (2 internal)
stealthed drive doors
dimensions: 32.5 x 22 x 21 cm (LWH)
weight: 4.2 kg net / 6.0 kg gross
* Mainboard
Shuttle FP35, Shuttle form factor, proprietary design for XPC SP35P2 Pro
Chipset: Intel P35 Express (MCH, codename: Bearlake-X) + ICH9R (I/O Conroller Hub)
Solid Capacitors for excellent heat resistance for enhanced system durability
Color slots/connectors design (Power switch, USB, PCIe, PCI)
Dimensions: 20.5 x 28 cm
* Power supply
400 Watt ATX mini PSU, AC input voltage: 100~240V
80 PLUS® certified (80% or greater energy-efficient)
Dimensions: 85(W) x 83(H) x150(D) mm
Connectors: 2x3 pin (CPU power), 2x4 pin (mainboard power)
Active PFC circuit (Power Factor Correction)
* Processor support
Socket 775 supports Single, Dual and Quad Core processors from Intel
with Core technology and 800, 1066 or 1333MHz front side bus:
Supports Core 2 Quad QX6xxx, Core 2 Duo 6xxx/4xxx,
Pentium Dual-Core E2xxx, Celeron 4xx
Designed for the upcoming Intel 45nm Core 2 multi-core processors
Supports Pentium 4/D processors at 800MHz FSB.
Processors with 533MHz FSB are not supported.
Please refer the support list for detailed processor support information.
* Overclocking
CPU frequency, CPU voltage, RAM frequency, RAM voltage
Dynamic Overclock feature:
Easily overclock from 3/5/7/10/15/20% through the BIOS.
* Processor cooling
New Shuttle I.C.E. heat-pipe module (Integrated Cooling Engine)
SilentX Cooling and Noise Reduction Technology
advanced Heatpipe technology, linear fan control.
3 independent cooling areas.
OASIS Cooling Technology: additional fanless heat-pipe design
covering the MOSFET modules (VRM), north- and southbridge
* Memory support
4 x 240 pin slots, supports Dual Channel
supports DDR2-667/800 SDRAM memory
(DDR2-1066 in overclocking mode*)
max. 2 GB per DIMM, up to a total size of 8 GB
* Slots
1x PCI-Express x16 Steckplatz
Supports Dual-slot (double-width) graphics cards
1x PCI 32 bit slot
* 8-channel audio
7.1 channel High Definition Audio with Realtek ALC888 codec
analog: line-out (8-ch), line-in, microphone, CD-in, AUX
digital: optical S/PDIF-in, optical and coaxial S/PDIF-out
* LAN Controller
Marvell 88E8056 Ethernet network controller
With PCI Express interface
IEEE 802.3u 1000Base-T compliant
Supports 10 / 100 / 1.000 MBit/s opteration
Supports Wake-on-LAN
* Firewire Controller
IEEE1394 Firewire controller TI TSB43AB22A
Complies with 1394 OHCI specification revision 1.0
2 Firewire connectors (front and rear)
Supports 400Mb/s, 200Mb/s, 100Mb/s data transfer rate
* Drive connectors
Serial-ATA II, 3 Gb/s (300 MB/s) bandwidth
4x internal (SATA) plus 2x external (eSATA)
Intel Matrix Storage Technology enabled striping and mirroring
Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD on just two or three hard disk drives
Supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ)
1x IDE ATA 100 drives (JMicron JMB368 Controller)
1x floppy disk drive
* Front Panel connectors
Microphone
Headphone (Line-out)
2x USB 2.0
Firewire (Mini 4 pin connector)
Speed-Link button
Fingerprint recognition
Power button
Reset button
Power indicator (blue LED)
HDD indicator (orange LED)
* Back Panel connectors
6x USB 2.0
Firewire (6 pin)
GigaBit LAN (RJ45)
2x External Serial ATA Hotplug (eSATA)
8-ch Audio line-out (2x rear/front, bass/center, surround/back)
Digital Audio S/PDIF: optical in/out, coaxial out
Audio Line-in
Clear CMOS button
Wireless LAN Antenna
* Other connectors
4x USB 2.0 (two sets with 2x5 pins)
4x fan connectors (3x 4 pins, 1x 3 pins)
Headers for PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard
* Accessories
XPC Installation Guide
XPC 32/64bit Driver CDROM for Windows XP/Vista
Data cables: 1x floppy, 1x PATA, 2x SATA (PATA/SATA preinstalled)
Power Cord
Screws, Heatsink Compound
* Conformity
This device is classed as a technical information
equipment (ITE) in class B and is intended for use in
living room and office. The CE-mark approves the
conformity by the EU-guidelines:
- EMV-guideline 89/336/EWG electromagnetic tolerance
- LVD-guideline 73/23/EWG use of electric devices
within certain voltage-limits

Pricing is set at €391 (ex. VAT) which would make it about £320 (inc. VAT) when it launches in October.

See Wider with the Zeiss Ikon SW Superwide Camera

2008-06-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of the Ikon 35mm camera, Zeiss opened its doors, which had been closed since the 1970s, to the camera market. Now Zeiss launches the Ikon SW, a precision camera for the superwide photographers. It takes M mount lenses, in particular the Zeiss Distagon 15mm and Biogon. At the time of the Ikon launch, the question on a digital version was raised. The answer was then: "This may be a future possibility, however we presently cannot comment on any details". That would be quite a challenge in this competitive market...

PRESS SUMMARY
The Zeiss Ikon SW is the 35mm precision camera for uncompromising superwide photographers. Its lens mount takes any lens with M bayonet, in particular the ZEISS high performance superwide- angle lenses Distagon T* 2,8/15mm ZM and the Biogon T* types from the ZEISS ZM range.

An accessory shoe directly above the lens takes the corresponding superwide Viewfinder. A second shoe is built in to take a flash, a bubble level or other accessory.

The electronically controlled metal focal plane shutter offers speeds ranging from 1/2000 sec. – 8 sec. in automatic mode (AE-lock is available) and 1/2000 - 1 sec. + B in manual mode. Fastest flash synchro speed is 1/125 sec.

The Zeiss Ikon SW offers the same extremely high image quality as the known Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera: far above today's digital cameras. It is fully integrated into the Zeiss Ikon system. The Zeiss Ikon SW comes without the complex rangefinder and is therefore considerably more affordable than the rangefinder camera.

The Zeiss Ikon SW will be available as of October 2006.
List price is 799,00 € (without VAT)

LG XPION A10 designer PC

2008-06-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Korean manufacturer are really working hard nowadays to provide us computer with a "different" look, and today again they are proving us that Apple is not the only manufacturer on the market which has taste. Behold the new XPION A10 series which is mainly composed of the PC tower and keyboard (the LX97WH flat screen is sold separately). Available in 3 different colors with the Snow White, Fantasy Red and Silky Black, our A10 are powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo E4400, 2GB of RAM, a GeForce 8500GT with 512MB of VRAM, 320GB of HDD (SATA). The last main point to remember on this A10 series is the 9cm thickness of the case.

Sharp develops world's thinnest mobile LCD screen

2008-06-14T23:09:00.002-07:00

Sharp has successfully developed a 2.2-inch super-thin LCD for mobile devices with a thickness of only 0.68 mm-worlds thinnest. The new Sharp Mobile Advanced Super View LCD with a thickness of only 0.68 mm is based on proprietary Sharp fabrication techniques for thin LCDs, in particular, glass substrate and backlight technologies. This new Mobile Advanced Super View LCD delivers superior image quality approaching that of an LCD TV thanks to a high contrast ratio of 2000:1, wide viewing angle of 176°, and fast response speed of 8 ms, which are among the highest levels in the industry. Mobile devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras are rapidly becoming thinner as manufacturers strive to improve portability and offer consumers more stylish designs. As a result, thinner embedded components such as LCDs are also increasing in demand.

The increase in demand for One-Seg (terrestrial digital broadcast) compatible handsets is leading to demands for greater visibility and higher image quality in displays intended for mobile devices. Sharp Mobile Advanced Super View LCD will be exhibited at FPD International 2007 to be held at Pacifico Yokohama on October 24 to 26.

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT

2008-06-14T23:09:00.001-07:00

The Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT is Specifically developed to answer enthusiast gamers’ demand for high-performing graphics at the $199 to $259 price point, GeForce 8800 GT offers a hyper-reactive, intensely robust gaming experience for the latest next-generation DirectX 10 games, such as Crysis, Hellgate: London, and Gears of War, as well as full support for current DirectX 9 games. The GeForce 8800 GT also marries the best-in-gaming with the best-in-HD. It leverages NVIDIA’s revolutionary second-generation video processing engine to deliver high-quality playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray movies on everyday PCs.

The new programmable video processing engine takes on all of the high definition H.264 video decoding, freeing the CPU to perform other tasks and significantly reducing power consumption, heat, and noise. GeForce 8800 GT-based graphics cards are available now from leading add-in card manufacturers, retailers, and system builders.

ASUS EN8800GT Glaciator Fansink

2008-06-14T23:08:00.001-07:00

Asus has released the newest thermal solution – the Glaciator Fansink; that is incorporated with the EN8800GT TOP/G/HTDP/512M, EN8800GT/G/HTDP/512M, and EN8800GT/G/HTDP/256M graphic cards. The new generation Glaciator Fansink is specially designed to effectively dissipate heat away from the graphics card. Much like the real-life glacial storms, the Glaciator Fansink can quickly transfer heat away from the GPU and lowers the temperature by a whopping 7ºC in comparison to reference design boards. The Asus EN8800GT TOP features overclocking of the stream processors – allowing users to enjoy 10% improvement in gaming experiences. The integrated SmartDoctor feature provides users with the option to overclock the Shader Clock for even better graphical performances.

The Asus EN8800GT Series comes with the exclusive ASUS GamerOSD that unleashes the true power of Asus’ VGA cards. This feature is able to deliver GPU overclocking from onscreen displays during games – allowing users real-time performance upgrades when they require it. Additionally, it also provides users with the option to record live gaming action or live broadcasting over the Internet with ease. The Asus EN8800GT Series will come bundled with the hottest DX10 game, Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts.

Digital Cowboy Notebook Cooler

2008-06-14T23:07:00.002-07:00

Digital Cowboy has launched CRF-102 notebook cooler. The notebook cooler is designed to elevate the notebook at an angle, increasing airflow and dispersing the heat from underneath, hence avoiding overheating. The powerful 22 cm square fan with 600 rpm is powered from the computers USB port, avoiding the need to carry around any bulky AC adapters. The noise level is 18 to 20 dB only. The design is very ergonomic and lets the wrists align more naturally when typing, increasing user comfort.

The Digital Cowboy CRF-102 notebook cooler measures 300 x 270 x 25mm, weigh 750 g and is 15 degrees and 32 degrees in two stages tilt angle adjustable. Lightweight, portable, and stylish, this makes the Digital Cowboy CRF-102 a perfect companion for your notebook when on the go or at home. .The cooler is available in Japan for approximately 5,000 Yen ($45).

OCZ DDR3-1800 Intel Extreme Memory modules

2008-06-14T23:07:00.001-07:00

OCZ Technology Group has announced new 1800MHz Intel Extreme Memory modules, a performance solution that implements a specification predefined and specially tailored for the Intel X48 chipset. Designed to significantly increase performance levels of the entire platform, OCZ 1800MHz Intel Extreme Memory modules, feature Intel Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP), an exclusive set of SPD (Serial Presence Detect) settings that act as an integrated “plug and play” overclocking tool. Configured to Intel’s defined specification, these XMP-Ready memory kits will be configured to run CL8 latencies at 1800 MHz. Furthermore, each OCZ XMP module also features CL7 latencies on a second profile that is qualified by OCZ for the extreme enthusiast seeking tighter timings.

The new OCZ PC3-14400 Intel XMP memory will be available in 1GB modules and 2GB (2x1024MB) dual channel kits. Combining the blazing speeds and incredible bandwidth of DDR3 with the power of Intel’s latest chipset, these top-speed modules are the ideal solution for enthusiasts looking for the extra performance gains optimized memory offers their system.

MSI NX8800GT Graphics Card

2008-06-14T23:06:00.001-07:00

MSI has launched its latest MSI NX8800GT Series graphics card, base on NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT Series GPU with onboard graphics memory to 1024MB (1GB). MSI NX8800GT 1GB Series adopt 8 sets of Qimonda high speed, double data rate, high bandwidth 1Gbit graphics memory chips. All these high-speed 1Gbit memory chips also compliant RoHS regulation strictly. Low voltage level design and support advanced "Auto Refresh" and "Power Down with Self Refresh" operations. All these green and ECO concept gives user the maximum possibility for over-clocking and maintains minimum power consumption.

In order to give power users more privilege on over-clocking and advanced tweaking, MSI NX8800GT 1GB Series loads with a 2-Slot, 3 sets high efficient heat-pipes thermal solution. With this 2-Slot fan which can cover over 90% of the graphics PCB, not only GPU/memory but also other components onboard can be cooled at once, ensuring best stability at any condition.

After increasing the size of high speed graphics memory, MSI NX8800GT Series makes your High-definition gaming experience unparalleled smooth than ever. Just because of plenty of memory space for GPU utilized as frame buffer, more texture resource can be read and written in real time. And this makes the gaming in extremely high-definition possible.

ASUS Lion Square CPU Cooler

2008-06-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Asus has announced the latest Square Series CPU Cooler – the Lion Square. Inspired by the Sword Lion shield, the Lion Square borrows the character of the shield – the impressive face of lion totem, and its spirit, symbolizing strength and courage, to represent the outstanding efficiency of the new launch. The Asus Lion Square incorporates a nickel-plating copper base, four Φ8 copper heat pipes, aluminum wave fins and a 9cm LED inner fan to efficiently lower processor temperatures by 30%. In addition, the Inner fan directs airflow created by the 9cm LED fan to surrounding VRM (voltage regulation modules) – which is critical to processor operations and overall system reliability. These features enable gamers to enjoy safe overclocking of up to 180 W.

The Asus Lion Square deliver quiet and high-performance heat dissipation from the Intel Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Quad Quad-Core CPU and AMD Athlon 64 FX/X2 Dual-Core processors.

LG rolls out KF-510 slider with 3MP and touch controls

2008-06-14T23:04:00.002-07:00

LG will debut its new Phone LG-KF510 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona. LG-KF510 is a stylish, fashionable phone catering to users’ demand for slimmer phones with unique design accents. At just 10.9 mm thick, the LG-KF510 is the extremely slim slider phone. It combines a slim style with strength created by its metal frame and tempered glass. At the center of its design are metal gradation paint schemes available in Stardust Dark Gray or Sunset Red. Users will especially appreciate the quality of the LG-KF510’s multi-function camera with 3.0 mega pixel and MP3 player.

The LG-KF510 will be available worldwide, with an initial launch in March 2008 starting from major global markets.

Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism

2008-06-14T23:04:00.001-07:00

Nokia has unveiled the latest addition to the Prism Collection, the Nokia 7900. True to its line, the 7900 incorporates the geometric patterns in design, signature to the Nokia Prism Collection line. The handset was made in collaboration with Frédérique Daubal, a French designer. It features diamond-cut patterns with a crystal center key. It also boasts an OLED display, various wallpapers and accessories made specifically for it, a unique aluminum back cover, 1GB internal memory, 3G connectivity, 2-megapixel camera and a choice among the 49 colors available for the keymat. The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism has a price tag of US$544.

Sony Ericsson W61S with 5-Megapixel Camera

2008-06-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

Sony Ericsson introduced W61S the new 5.1-megapixel camera phone from the Cyber-shot series with 3x optical zoom and smile shutter technology. This slider phone features “Exmor” CMOS matrix, the same sensor technology (analog-digital converter) from Sony’s Alpha DSLR.

The W61S can work in CDMA 1 X WIN networks supporting EV-DO Rev.A technology, and supports Bluetooth, so the user can feel free without wires. GPS-functionality enhances photo capabilities of the phone: when you take a picture, the phone records the info from the GPS-receiver about the place, and then you can see it on a PC map.

In addition to photo and GPS the new Cyber-shot phone can boast of a big widescreen 2.8” TFT VGA display, which can be used as a pocket TV display. If the this display isn’t big enough for you to share the content, the developers added a video out.

Sony Ericsson W61S Specifications:
* Networks: CDMA1X WIN
* Dimensions: 50x114x22 mm
* Weight: 149 g
* Display: 2.8” widescreen, 480x800 pixels, 262K colors
* microSD storage cards
* Camera: 5.11-megapixel, CMOS
* Payment, music and navigation services

Sony Ericsson W760

2008-06-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson has announced a new Walkman phone with tri-band HSDPA, the W760, giving you the broadband speed downloads of the latest music and content wherever in the world.

The phone has a built-in GPS with Wayfinder Navigator to help you find the way out when you are lost, giving a search of over 20 million points of interest around the globe. There’s a GPS-supported fitness application called Tracker which can tell you how fast, how long and how far you ran.

With the built-in stereo speakers, you can share your favorite tunes with your friends and the best part, it is preloaded with the latest hit games, including the Need for Speed ProStreet. The phone also comes with the skip control where you can shuffle and skip through tracks or shake it to adjust volume. Other features include a 2.2-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera, 40MB shared memory with M2 memory slot, FM radio etc.

The Sony Ericsson W760 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/19002100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone. It will be available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

Motorola Rokr E8 with a dynamic keypad

2008-06-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

Motorola has unveiled their ROKR E8 a music phone with very snazzy dynamic keypad that changes depending on which feature you are using. It uses the ModeShift technology from Motorola, allows user to shift from a music player to phone with just a touch of a button. When the phone is switched off, it will have a smooth and glossy surface with no visible keys. That’s cool, with one press on the virtual music key, the phone keypad disappears and the music keys (play, pause, fast forward and rewind) appear in its place. The vibrating haptics technology has been used also, the device will provides the tactile feedback consumers expect from a traditional keypad, providing confirmation they have pressed a virtual key. The ROKR E8 has 2GB of internal memory which can store up to 1,500 songs and if that’s not enough, you can expand another 4GB with an optional micro SD card. The Motorola ROKR E8 is expected to be available in Q1 2008.

Motorola ROKR E8 Features:
• Dimensions: 115 x 53 x 10.6mm
• Quad Band; GPRS/EDGE class 12
• Weight: 100 grams
• Battery: 970mAh
• Display: 2.0” QVGA 240×320 262K TFT
• ModeShift technology transforms the device from phone to music player to imaging device with thetouch of a button
• FastScroll navigation wheel allows for scrolling through songs, contact and image library with theslide of a thumb
• haptics technology provides tactile response when a virtual key is pressed
• 2GB internal memory;
• external memory support up to 4GB capacity
• Microsoft music ecosystem support
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, stereo Bluetooth wireless technology (A2DP)
• 2.0megapixel camera with 8x zoom, multi-shot feature, video capture and playback
• Airplane mode to play uninterrupted music in the air
• MIDI, MP3, AAC, AAC+, Enhanced AAC+, WMA, WAV, AMR-NB, Real Audio (RA) v10
Crystal Talk technology
• Full HTML browser
• Connectivity: Stereo Bluetooth Class 2, USB 2.0 Hi-speed, GPRS Class 12, EDGE Class 12

E-Ten Glofiish X650 Smart Phone

2008-06-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

E-Ten has announced yet another version of its Glofiish smartphone, the X650. Based on the existing X600, the phone returns VGA resolution to a 2.8-inch touchscreen, but there no longer appears to be any sort of cellular broadband. Connection types do, however, continue to include GSM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as a native GPS system. Other hardware in the 650 includes a 500MHz Samsung processor, 256MB of flash storage, and a 2 megapixel camera.

The phone additionally features Windows Mobile with Mobile Office, plus an FM tuner. In some regions an FM transmitter will also be built-in, but North America is likely to be excluded, as the FCC restricts the power of portable transmitters in order to prevent interference. The 650 should launch "worldwide" in black and purple colors, going to market within two to three weeks.

Samsung SOUL Dynamic Touch Phone

2008-06-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Samsung has released a new slider in Europe called Soul, its new flagship slider phone. Serving as the final bow for the Ultra Edition, it blends in a split-screen, context-sensitive touch control system similar to that of the LG Venus: rather than rely on fixed buttons or an entire front touch surface, the Soul includes a small touchscreen area whose buttons change depending on the immediate context for the screen above. When playing music, track controls replace normal commands, Samsung says in an example. The Soul is also the first Samsung handset to sport a themed UI where the entire look and sound can be replaced at once.

The handset is both very camera- and data-focused. A 5-megapixel camera is accompanied by a high-power LED flash as well as by face detection and image stabilization - all features normally reserved for some of the better dedicated cameras, the company says. Transfers are quick with 3G Internet access over HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps downstream; the phone supports North America with quad-band calling over GSM, though whether it also supports 3G in the Western region is unknown. The phone makes heavy use of Google features and supports built-in Gmail and search functions, including a dedicated button at the top level of the interface.

The 12.8mm (0.5in) thick phone is said to be music-savvy with AAC, FM radio, MP3, and WMA support, including protected WMA music stores. Bang & Olufsen's ICEpower audio enhancement technology is also onboard the Soul, which should be available first in Europe by April but is likely to see service in the US through AT&T if left in its current form.

Soul Specifications:
* Connectivity: quad band GSM/HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
* Display: 2.2" 16M color QVGA TFT
* Camera: 5 mpxwith autofocus, 4x digital zoom, face recognition, image stabilizer and WDR optimizer, power LED
* FM Radio with RDS
* Google mail
* 15 hours of music playback
* Bluetooth 2.0/USB 2.0
* ICE Power digital power amp by B&O
* microSD memory card slot
* Dimensions: 105.9x49.5x12.9 mm

LG CYON-Shine SV420 Mobile Phone

2008-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

The LG-SV420 is part of LG's "Black Label" range, which includes the LG Chocolate, although there are many different "Chocolate" handsets in different markets. So, this Korean CDMA version of the LG Shine is called the LG-SV420, but any derivative for worldwide markets would be slightly different.

Really, the LG-SV420 is about looks rather than raw technology. It's a sleek looking slim slider, which is certainly very shiny and is nicely alliterative. The large 2.2" screen has a mirrored effect which complements the overall design. The primary control is a scroll key arrangement in the middle of the handset, plus a couple of selector buttons. The LG-SV420's keypad unslides to reveal a pretty conventional keypad with a discrete checkerboard pattern.

It does look familiar though, and there's more than a passing resemblance to the Motorola RIZR complete with a RAZR-style step at the bottom, but it's a far more polished (ahem) design that gives the LG Shine an edge over the competition.

Underneath, the LG-SV420 is decent enough but not all that exceptional, with a 240x320 pixel display, 2 megapixel camera with flash, 1Gb of memory, an MP3 player and all the usual stuff. The LG-SV420 is an EV-DO handset (which makes it 3G), weighing in at 115 grams and measuring 94x51x14mm - which isn't too bad. Talktime is around 3 hours with up to 3 days standby time. You can expect any worldwide version of the LG Shine to be similarly specified.

As with the Chocolate, the LG Shine is a fairly standard handset with a sprinkling of special features.. but one that looks fantastic. Given that the Chocolate has been a huge sales success in Europe, it's quite likely that any version of the LG Shine would be equally successful, and will be hotly anticipated.