Motorola puts WiFi in RIZR Z3

This has been a long time in coming, but Motorola has finally made the move to include WiFi connectivity into its RIZR Z3 cellphone that will probably be released sometime early 2008. This new and improved Z3 will use the same 2 megapixel camera while retaining the Bluetooth connection and microSD memory card slot. The inclusion of a WiFi chipset makes it easy to update the handset over an Internet connection. Motorola has decided to part ways with its Synergy interface, and use the Linux-based JUIX interface in lieu. The JUIX interface is expected make networking over local wireless and EDGE a cinch. The RIZR Z3 at this point in time is unlocked, but chances are it could end up on T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home plan sometime down the road.
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Sony Ericsson unveils SO903iTV

Sony is well known for their BRAVIA line of LCD TVs, so it is no surprise they decided to include technology from the BRAVIA line into the Sony Ericsson SO903iTV cellphone. This large clamshell handset supports mobile TV that looks just brilliant on the 3" WQVGA TFT widescreen display, thanks to the Mobile BRAVIA engine embedded within. Interestingly enough, the display can be folded over a full 360 degrees, snapping back into the casing just like a tablet PC. A 2GB memory card also lets you store your TV shows if you have no time to sneak a peek during the corporate boardroom meeting. Pricing details are currently unknown for this gargantuan (relatively speaking) phone.
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Samsung SGH-P520 looks like Prada

Looks like imitation is still the best form of flattery as Samsung's SGH-P520 resembles the LG Prada in the looks department. This triband GSM/EDGE cellphone comes without a keypad, although it remains to be seen whether the display is touchscreen capable (which it most probably is - how else are you going to navigate your way through considering there are only answer buttons at the bottom?). Crammed inside this 8.9mm thin handset includes a 3 megapixel camera, 50MB of internal memory, a microSD memory card slot, and WiFi connectivity. Pricing and availability details are currently unknown.
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Cect K898 from China slides open

The Cect K898 cellphone from China is certainly very different from other standard clamshell or candybar handsets, as it takes the sliding form factor with a twistable camera module thrown into the mix. This will most probably be a 3G-enabled handset as there is a secondary camera which is used for video calls. Looks like cellphone manufacturers are learning fast and getting the game together, and while their hardware might almost be up to par with the established players, they still have a long way to go when it comes to the user interface which is by far less satisfactory, and convoluted even.

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NEC concept handsets

I love concept phones as they do not have the problem of trying to accomodate what the current laws of physics and science dictate. In fact, concepts help the designers go wild with their imagination, and it is exactly that which brought about beautiful looking creations we see today such as the Audi TT and even certain cellphones. NEC has given their engineers a chance to loosen up by creating some pretty zany concept cellphones that come in all sorts of shapes, color, and sizes. More pictures are available in the photo gallery.
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Samsung looks into UCC

User Created Content, or UCC, seems to be the next big thing these days. Citizen journalism is also on the rise, especially in lesser known and Third World countries. It is no wonder then that Samsung has conjured up the SCH-B750 cellphone that is capable of shooting videos which require no editing before being uploaded to various sites such as YouTube for the whole world to see. This clamshell handset comes with a 2.2" rotating display, a 3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, TV out, DMB functionality, a built-in audio/video player, and a microSD memory card slot for expansion options. There is no word on pricing and availability, but it will probably remain in Korea at the moment.

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Nokia to release Transformers N93i

Too bad this special edition won't come with the ability to turn into a robot whenever you're bored at your desk. Scheduled to be released in Q3 this year at a yet undisclosed price, this special edition Transformers N93i will come with the exact specifications as the vanilla version, save for the special edition packaging and pre-loaded content from the Transformers movie as well as games. It would've been a marketing coup of sorts if this handset could actually turn into a miniature robot for the big boys to keep themselves entertained under the table while attenting a corporate meeting.

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Vertu Ascent Ti phone approved by FCC

The almighty FCC has just stamped their seal of approval on the Vertu Ascent Ti cellphone. This quad-band GSM handset also works with 3G/UMTS networks, and will bring even more class to what is already a high end handset. I question the choice of a joystick for navigation purposes, but hopefully it is made of sterner stuff than cheap plastic. Features include a 3 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, video capture capability, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 and MIDI support, along with a host of useful applications such as a to-do list, a calendar, a stopwatch, a currency converter, and even real-time flight information. Pricing details are unknown, and it is probably going to be the antonym of cheap.

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New Chocolate looks sweeter

The original LG Chococlate handset clearly took the world by storm with its revolutionary design, and sparked off a slew of other touch sensitive designs. Despite its beautiful form factor, time dictates that all things of beauty eventually end up as the past, which is why there is a new LG Chocolate phone that will be released this July 9 in Black Cherry and Blue Mint colors. These will be slimmer and sleeker compared to the original Chocolate, boasting a vibrating touch keypad and a special Nav Wheel with Trace Motion Lighting. The best part is, it costs a mere $99 with a 2-year contract and a $50 mail-in rebate from Verizon. You can bet your bottom dollar it functions just fine as a decent MP3 player for your travels.

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AT&T now carries Samsung SGH-A437

For those who did not jump onto the AT&T iPhone bandwagon last week (and saved themselves $600 in the process), there is a new handset available in the form of the Samsung SGH-A437. This slim clamshell looks as pretty fragile as if it was made from cheap plastics, and comes with equally cheap features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a paltry VGA camera, and speakerphone functionality. The Samsung SGH-A437 is available in red, slate, and gold colors and will cost $69 including service. Looks like the perfect student phone as well as those who are picking up their first handset.

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