AMD says NO to Smartphone processors

AMD, one of the leading computer proccessor maker, is not going to make proccessors for smartphones, despite of the heavy boom in smartphone business. General manager of AMD's computing solutions group Randy Allen said:

“We don't expect the MID (Mobile Internet Device) market to become meaningful relative to other opportunities we can address ... of all the opportunities we could go after, we have eliminated microprocessors for smart phones.”

Rather they would go for ultra-portable and mini-notebook computers, which is considered as something that stand between a laptop and a netbook. AMD is very keen in making profit by saying that they will only focus on the area where they are sure to turn a profit. That is why AMD is too selective and is getting ready for the battle with Intel's Atom processors.

AMD is planning a dual-core processor for this segment. The 65nm part codenamed Conseus. scheduled for 2009, features 1MB of cache, DDR2 RAM and a sub 25W TDP. In 2010 and in 2011 Conseus will be followed by Geneva and Ontario(32nm).

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First HTC WiMAX handset announced!

Here is HTC's first ever WiMAX handset-HTC Max 4G. With close resemblance to the Touch HD, this phone comes with WiMAX also known as IEEE 802.16e. Max 4G has a 3.8 inch WVGA display, 8GB internal memory, GPS. Unlike Touch HD it doesn't feature a 3.5mm audio jack.The phone also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0. Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional runs on a 528MHz processor with a 288 built in RAM.

The network is not adapted in many countries as it is in its early stages. This phone is aimed at Russian markets through Yota, as Russia is one country that is adopting this standard. Yota provides a lot of exciting services too - Yota TV, Yota Music, Yota Video and Yap-Yap (photos with geographic coordinates). More info here.

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Apple releases Software Upgrade for iPhone 3G

Apple released software upgrade for iPhone including new features and fixing some stability bugs. But the upgrade may not excite everyone as some expected fix are not addressed yet. It will continue with further updates so as to address the other matters, stated Apple.

Here lists the important added features in iPhone 2.2 Software Update.

Google maps: A new feature called Street view is included this allow a closer view of locations. Other new improvements include walking and public transportation direction, adjustment of UI and sharing of location via email.

Podcasts: Now you can download audio or video podcast directly to the device. Wi-Fi or cellular data networks could be used for it.

Web Browser: Now Safari performs better! Ergonomic search bar integrated.

App store: Enhanced user experience. Now users are alloed to rate applications.

Texting and Mailing: The much discussed auto-correction got an important upgrade. You an now turn it off! The formatting of HTML e-mail is improved and so is the Visual Voicemail with good sound quality.

Home Screen Shortcut: This allow you to create a shortcut to your first Home screen from another.

Security: New measures to prevent malicious code attacks from some websites, TIFF images or Excel files.

Other fixes: Some other flaws like display of SMS messages in emergency call mode and long-distance emergency call are fixed. Now users can only make emergency calls to a certain set of numbers.

What it lacks?

• Copy/paste feature (apple promised this for quite some time)
  
• Integration with iCall and Outlook.
  
• Push alert system (One that Apple presented at this year's WWDC)
  

... so be patient for more from apple.

Connect your iPhone to iTunes and click on the "Check for Update" button to get the updates, its completely free. Check official site.

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Smartphones will be Cyber-criminals next Target

The cyber-criminals next focus could be the cell phones reports The Georgia Institute of Technology Information Security Center (GTISTC) in its annual Emerging Cyber Threats Report. Experts suggests users to be more cautious with their phones just like they protect their PC's from spam or virus attacks.

Simen Coney of Adaptive Mobile says:

"One of common types we see now runs amok on the Symbian platform. These viruses work their way through the contact book, sending themselves out to every subscriber who has been called or has called that handset."

Adaptive Mobile tracks malware and provides security software for mobile firms. They found that number of mobile spam and viruses is increasing. The virus incidences increased about 50% from last year. With more smartphones in use more applications allow financial services, and criminals will try to access such sensitive data.

The mobile viruses were not as dangerous as computer viruses as they are on its early stages. The first mobile viruses came as executable files but now more sophisticated viruses show up, Coney added:

"But in the last four months, the majority of viruses we now see are of a new type that either masquerade as an MP3 file, a picture file, or a media file"

He put forward various suggestions like exercising the same caution with their mobile devices as with a PC, cautious when running attachments, keeping an eye on the mobile bills on regular basis and turning bluetooth connection to undiscoverable mode.

The GTISC's report suggests co-operation between operators, manufacturers, and application developers is the easier way to develop a robust security infrastructure for mobiles. Read the Network world's article on the GTISC cyber threats report.

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Samsung's New TouchWiz phone - Eternity (A867)

One more phone to the full face touchscreen category, Samsung Eternity. Samsung, which has produced successful models like Instinct and Omnia, recently become the no:1 phone makers in terms of market share in US.

The etertnity comes in a black and chrome exterior with a 3.2-inch screen. Samsung's TouchWiz UI is set on a haptic supported touch screen, which vibrates providing keystroking experience. The TouchWiz provide a "drag and drop" feature for instant access to music player, IM, AT&T Mobile TV etc from home screen itself.

Listen to Bill Ogle, CMO, Samsung America:

"The Eternity brings the big screen to the palm of your hand.This touch-screen mobile TV handset is part of Samsung's TouchWiz line of phones and keeps you entertained and connected on the go."

AT&T Mobile TV is another highlight, which streams television contents from CNBC, ESPN Mobile, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNN Mobile etc. Eternity includes a good web browser manipulating the touchscreen with easy navigation and Zoom-in Zoom-out capabilities.

Other specs include 3.0 mega pixel camera capable of video capturing, Bluetooth, up to 8GB extendable microSD slot, advanced messaging capabilities inlcuding IM etc. Features accelerometer to arrange orientation of display, motion sensing games and photo scrolling. the three dedicated keys also adds to convenient navigation.

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HP announced first Multi-touch Notebook

HP announced its first multi-touch notebook- HP TouchSmart TX2. It may be the first notebook to feature multi-touch technology in its screen, but the first notebook to integrate multi-touch  technology in a notebook is Apple MaBook Pro, which used a multi-touch trackpad.

The multi-touch technology used is different from the iPhone's multi-touch. TouchSmart uses 'Captive touch', which claims to enable more accurate inputs. It also supports brushes, swipes and two-handed gestures like MicroSoft Surface. So unlike other touches in market you can now crop photos using two hands. It comes with a digital ink pen too.

The notebook features a 12-inch screen could swivel to slate mode just like its predecessor tx2500. The TouchSmart can be configured. The AMD Turion X2 Dual-core processor can be 2.0GHz or 2.4Ghz. Other features include upto 8GB RAM, a harddrive option from 160GB to 500GB, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics chip. It also includes a digital TV tuner. Starting from just $1199, TouchSmart will be available in market by Jan 2009. Click here for more.

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The new Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 has it all!

It is the all new Sony Ericsson Xperia that turned our attention, a slider with QWERTY keypad. It has all the features that a N96 or the proposed iPhone killers have. This touchscreen SE's QWERTY keypad and some other features would really make it a way close to your business needs. The Windows Mobile platform is same time a boon and a bane.

As any Sony Ericsson it features an excellent camera of 3 megapixel which also supports video recording. The screen that features 65 k colors has some thing to emphasis - it has got a resolution of 800X480 - a long way ahead 5800 Tube or a Blackberry Storm! The 3 inch touch sensitive WVGA screen is framed in a piano black finish. 

Using Windows Mobile 6.1, it has all the Windows advantages that comes with. But like many WM based phones it has a slow processing time and a non-impressive battery back-up. The 528MHz processor doesn't look enough.

The inputs for Xperia is what make it special. Along with the touchscreen (not a multi-touch), and QWERTY keypad it also have a optical joystick, which may add to your browsing experience. Another highlight is the Xperia Panels, nine awesome menu shortcuts in the homescreen. Other features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, HSPA and assisted GPS. 

After all, it is not your eye candy iPhone or hyped 5800Tube but a super stylish business functionality phone. As a Sony Erricsson running a Windows Mobile it has all to please you. This is not just another phone to be hyped as an iPhone killer, rather it is all set to create new trends that others may be watching carefully.

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Blackberry 'Storm' the Smartphone market

Iconic iPhone's latest after-effect! Like Steve Jobs iPhone is iconic by proving touchscreen has lot more to do. The leading vendors like Nokia, Blackberry etc who never tried their luck with touchscreen turned irresistible with the trend. Android's iPhone like interface is another example.


Any way Nokia came with 5800 Tube as a real challenge to iPhone. The challenge doesn't end, iPhone have to face more challenges. Now it is RIM's Storm, another possible threat to iPhone. All smartphones that target at iPhones market share highlight what iPhone lacks-like video-recording, bluetooth, landscape keyboard, voice-dialing etc


This the new 'Storm' from leading smartphone provider RIM. This cool looking phone has got all what iPhone is criticized for. Video-recording, bluetooth, 3 types of keyboard, voice-dialing, better camera (3.2 MP) with auto-focus and auto-flash, group text messaging, MMS and more... RIM's first UI for a touchscreen Blackberry looks awesome, though underlying OS remains the same. Hopefully retaining the reliability and usability that comes with them...

Blackberry Storm 9500 comes with 1GB internal memory with an extendable microSD slot up to 8GB. The OS runs on a 624 MHz CPU with 192 MB RAM. Is not the icons beautifully arranged in an easy usable pattern?


What if you like to have the UI in the other way with landscape menus... just rotate it. Like iPhone it also features an accelerometer which in turn switch to landscape and portrait mode when the hand set is rotated.


The screen is a crystal clear TFT Touchscreen of 3.3 inches, at a resolution of 360 X 480 pixels. A-GPS and Blackberry maps will help you to find businesses and restaurants effortlessly.

The main highlight of Storm would be its 'Haptic' touch technology, where users feel the buttons to be pressed and released as with a real keyboard. Giving iPhone a blow it features three keyboard options: QWERTY in landscape mode, SureType and Traditional 12-key in Portrait mode.

This is the SureType mode, where users type in portrait mode. Here keys are arranged in QWERTY fashion with many keys share two letters. Special keys to launch numeric keypad, symbols, caps etc. Users type using a dictionary which resembles T9 dictionary. see the above pic.

Here is the landscape keyboard. Which looks more eye candy than 5800 Tube's keyboard on first look. This offers easy interface for the users to type using their thumps, a feature which would be a necessity for coming touchscreen phones!

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Nokia's Roadmap for Smart Phones Leaked?

Yes, you heard it right! Nokia's roadmap for upcoming smart phones leaked. There are over 30 sexy smart phones on their way to hit the market. But don't think that Nokia is going to launch all the prototypes in the roadmap. Also there is no authentication for this. The list also include the announced 5800 Tube. The prototypes are labeled either 'Development complete' or 'In development'.

Any way there are a lot of promising designs among them. Here are some that attracted me:

Corolla: It, code named as Corolla, is supposed to have a 8 megapixel camera! Nokia about to challenge players like Samsung which already has a 8MP cam phone on the market? This non-touchscreen half QWERTY keyboard phone will use a 3 inch VGA display. It says OS 5.0.1. 128MB RAM and 8GB ROM is also proposed. more than enough for a phone right? The model is under development, it says a prototype availability of 2009 11th week.

IP08: One more widescreen touch that we know so far. They expect it to be available by the end of this year. It says 'QWERTY' keyboard too?! Is it a sidekick phone? Supposed to use OS 5.0. megapixel auto-focus camera, Wi-Fi, TV output etc are other features. It also features Nokia's own Naviscroll.

Ivalo: To all our surprise, this follow-on to IP08 phone will have a ROM of 32GB! The phone under development will feature a 3.5 wide touchscreen and all other IP08 features. Prototype is expected to be available with in this year.

Surfer: Nokia completely developed Surfer with Landscape 2.6-inch QVGA screen, QWERTY keyboard, NaviWheel...

Athlon: Considered as refreshed N85. Include features like Quadband GSM, HSDPA, 8-16GB ROM, analog joystick, integrated compass, stereo speakers, GPS, WiFi... Its 5MP camera comes with xenon flash.

Eitri: This may be the most promising prototype in the list. It will be a Landscape candybar with QWERTY keyboard. Will be using a 3.5-inch 640×350 display. It says pressure sensitive touch UI with tactile feedback and
gestures! Along with a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera the phone under develpment includes an integrated compass, accelerometer and proximity sensor.

Tera: Tera will have 'hybrid QWERTY keypad' along with AGPS with integrated compass, 3MP camera with LED flash, WiFi.

Jig: Jig's special feature is that it is a Landscape slider for AT&T using 6650’s guts. Other specs will be Quadband GSM, HSDPA, 2MP camera, 2.4-inch display.

Ofcourse Nokia's research department is too rich for the coming year. No doubt, with a few exciting novel features, the market leader is going to rock coming years. Etri and Corolla deserve special attention as they are capable to take smart phones to next level! See the complete roadmap here.

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Three New Limited Edition Vertu Ferrari Phones Announced

It's worth visiting the official site for pics and more.

Vertu, poineer and leader in handcrafted mobile phones for the luxury market, annouced the release of three new editions to its Ferrari branded mobile phone collection. The three models, namely Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero, Rosso and Giallo, are designed to reflect the exclusivity, elegence and performance of the Ferrari supercars. The Nero comes in black leather while Rosso in red and giallo in yellow.

The Ascent Ti's design are highly influenced by the 'Prancing Horse', hear it from Frank Nuovo, chief of design for vertu:

" The original design for the Ascent Ti was heavily influenced by the dynamic power of luxury sports cars and working closely with Ferrari has enabled us to progress thes vision. The new Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari editions are the definitive automotive-inspired handsets - bold, balanced and with the unmistakable character of the Prancing Horse."

Ascent Ti editons use same leather and stiching used in latest Ferrari car interiors. The battery cover and the sides of Ascent Ti resembles respectively the bonnet and louvers of various Ferrari cars. 'Ti' in the model name resmbles Titanium, the non-corrosive metal with which the phone 'chasis' is made of. It also features fine sapphire crystal screen. The ringtones in Ascent Ti include original recordings of original Ferrar engine sounds from the F430 and 612 Scalietti, blended by famous songwriter and musician Dave Stewart. The Ferrari logo also appears on the front and back of the phones.

The handsets comes with quad-band GSM radio(850/900/1800/1900MHz), a 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash, 4 GB of internal memory and Bluetooth connectivity. It is reportedly have a five hours of talk time and 300 hours battery standby time. Yeah, specs are not bad, but cannot even categorize it into smartphone category. Only 2009 units of these limited edition phones will be available for sale worldwide, so hurry to grab one ONLY if you are a huge Ferrari fan and a Vertu matches your wallet!

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A better BOLD BlackBerry!

Bold is another serious phone that BlackBerry brings into the market. It could be considered as the best BlackBerry phone ever with a lot of best features among BBs. One can't say it is a completely different BlackBerry, but just an improved one. The phone stand out from any other Blackberry in terms of its looks. Sufficient improvements made in this area, from the chrome border around it (resembling that of iPhone's) to the gorgeous screen but it may get scratched easily.

The screen is best thing in this phone. May be best screen in any phone! Its 480x320 screen has high contrast level and good pixel density. It also have screen-auto-dim, that controls the brightness according to the surroundings, giving you no trouble. The first thing came to mind about a Blackberry may be its keyboard. Again Bold features a good quality keyboard, same layout as other BBs, sufficiently large keys that beautifully back litted.

Bold provides very consistent and reliable 3G connection despite the earlier reports. Built in GPS capabilities along with the Blackberry maps is a good companion while your drive, though it is found little slow. Bold also features a good Wi-Fi connectivity for data transfer for reducing your cellular costs. Reports shows a good battery life with its 1500mAh battery that promises to last for a full day of heavy use.

Watching video in a Bold's gorgeous screen is really amazing. Sound department has got notable changes, it features good speakers instead of covered speakers as in Curve. The sound quality improved alot. The menu for music/video remain unchanged except for the looks. 

RIM introduced a better and different feel to the OS, though basically it remains same as other BBs. High resolution icons, pleasant looking menu and everything is improved to go with the Bold's look. Like any other BB OS it take a lot of time in start up, it need almost 4 minutes. Once it is loaded it runs really smooth with its speedy 624MHz processor. Along with your favorite applications from RIM Bold features few new apps too, including two new multiplayer games (over wi-fi or cellular networks).

Bold's Browser is too good, again best in a BB. Faster than any other BB, it could even compete with iPhone's rendering speed. It has got improved control in your browsing. The pointer by default is a zoom pointer. Small but significant changes in the area where BB is most interested at, that is the e-mail, like the ability to see pictures in message, full HTML and attachment viewing. The high resolution screen also adds to the better email experience as well as browsing.

So if you are a BlackBerry user who want to upgrade your phone , yeah, this is the way to GO but only if you are still not bothered by the touchscreen trend brought by iPhone! Else wait for the Storm where you can catch everything, even more than, that iPhone offers in a BlackBerry!

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Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic all set to take on iPhone

Widely hyped as an iPhone killer Nokia's first touchscreen phone Nokia 5800 has a hand ful of feature that iPhone doesn't posses. Nokia 5800 could be the first real threat to the iPhone. Have a look at what iPhone doesn't have but Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic does, even with an advantage of price.

Video recording

One of the most discussed drawback of iPhone is the lack of video recording option. iphone uses a 2 megapixel camera with no flash while 5800 incorporates a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, auto focus and a dual-LED flash. It supports video recording upto 640x480 pixels and 30 fps.

Video conferencing

No video conferencing facilities in 3G iPhone as it doesn't support video recording Nokia 5800 also features video calling upto 3 hours.

Free Music service

An important advantage with iPhone is the services that Apple provides like app store, online store for music, TV, video etc. But hear Nokia made a forward leap with company's new music service, `Comes With Music', with one year free subscription! 

Alpha numeric keypad and landscape keyboard

Many are still not so conviced by the onscreen keyboard of iPhone, there is no fullscreen keyboard and an alpha numeric one. For text input Nokia's touchscreen phone has four options: handwriting, mini QWERTY keyboard, full screen QWERTY and alphanumeric keypad.

Replaceable Battery

The area where iPhone is being critizised the most is the non-replaceable battery. Apple claims replaceable battery make it bulky, but interestingly many decent sleek phones comes with replaceable battery, which are even not as expensive. Nokia 5800 is one, that claims 35 hours of music, 3hours of video playback and a standby time of 300 hours!

Adobe Flash Player

Though widely publicised as 'an internet communication device' iPhone doesn't support Adobe Flash player, an essential tool for today's browsing!

So that it cannot render video from many sites but Youtube provides special technical support though the large collection of video is not available to the iPhone users. Nokia 5800 comes with the Adobe Flash Player.

Messaging

Text messaging is considered one of the favorite services that mobile phone offers. But in an iPhone you cannot forward text messages! Nor you can send to multiple contacts. MMS feature is completely excluded. 5800 Xpressmusic features SMS, group messaging, MMS, image resizing for MMS etc.

Voice recognition

iPhone doesn't have support for voice recognition (though it recognise everything else from temperature, light...). So it lacks voice dialing or voice command unlike Nokia 5800.

Bluetooth

No bluetooth filesharing possible with an iPhone but provides support to Apple bluetooth headset. Here also the Nokia leads.

Expandable Memory slot

Yes 16 MB is quite large but look what Nokia 5800 offers. It has 81 MB internal memory and up to 16 Gb expandable micro SD slot. Little more handy than an iPhone with 8 or 16 GB options, right? In a way even leads to infinite storage capacity...

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T-mobile G1 may not 'kill' iPhone!

Finally Tmobile brings out the rumoured 'Google phone', which uses Google Android platform and the phone is made by HTC. Obviously not as attractive as Apple iPhone. But it is Google's Android that made the impact here. So the software and hardware should be seperately discussed as many others are also keen with Android.

Android Interface

Apple the unarguable trend setter definetly influenced the smart phone market! Android has a lot of features similar to iPhone but not as attractive. Being version 1.0 it is surprisingly complete and deserve appaulse. Favorite icons, "widgets", web pages or address-book "cards" could be placed in the desktop just like a computer. Just like iPhone app store here is Andriod market featuring open programs most of them are even free. Apple doesn't allow programs that make phone calls through internet but Google reportedly not against it.

The menu button, which serves just like right mouse button, provide functions related to what you are doing. Zooming using + - is definitley not exciting as pinching in an iPhone. Seperate applications for gmail and other mails. Calender, address book etc are based on Google accouints only- so welcome to the community if you need the phone! ou cannot synchronise multimedia files here as iTunes do in iPhone. T-mobile provides amason music stores but only in US. Unlike iPhones it could Voice-dial, picture-message and aslo got a built-in audio recorder and could turn any song into a ringtone free of cost.

Talking about the phone it has Wi-Fi, GPS and a camera(no video recording). The dedicated buttons(send end and back) along with the trackball make it more flexible than an iPhone. It has a QWERTY thumb keyboard just like a sidekick phone- good news for those who don't like an anscreen keyboard. But everytime you have to turn the phone horizintally to enter a text. It has got a removable battery, which along with the keyboard make it thicker than iPhone. Little built-in storage space-have to use a microSD which could no way match massive 16GB iPhone.

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Apple Beats RIM To Become No. 2 Smartphone Provider

Steve Jobs is someone like Midas, who turns everything he touches into gold! Lately it is Apple iPhone that made into the news. Apple which shook the gadget market with its ipods has become the second largest smart phone provider following the huge success of its iPhone. Apple iPhone now in second position in smart phone sales.

Of the 39.9 million smart phones shipped around the world in the third quarter, Apple sold 6.9 million scalping a 17.3% share of the market. Apple surpasses RIM(Research In Motion) popular as provider for BlackBerry, which has a market share of 15.3%. Personal Computer OS leader Microsoft's Windows Mobile attained 13.5% of the market. But with a commanding 46.6% share Symbian lead the market.

But here Apple does not seem to keep the momentum up, reports says Apple is set to ramp down iPhone production due to softening demand for the product. Another antcipated name in the market is Google's Android. HTC already launched its Android based phones. Motorola is also keen with its new devices reportedly based on Android. The BlackBerry Bold and Storm should be coming in the 4th quarter, along with the Nokia 5800 touch UI device.

Apple may not be able to retain its position as RIM could bounce back with the most awaited devices. But there is no doubt in the phenomenal success of Apple iPhone with in a short time span. It would be interesting to watch the market as no new iPhones are announced.

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Samsung overtakes Motorola in U.S. mobile phone market

Motorola, the pioneer in the Mobile phone industry and the leader in the world's largest mobile phone market for last five years has given its crown to Samsung Electronics Co. Motorola got a huge blow in the third quarter when it slides down to 21.1% of mobile phones in US from a 32.7% last year. The South Korean company Samsung gained from this managed a 22.4% of sales in Motorola's home Country.Another South korean Company LG Electronics also emerged high with a 20.5% share in the sales. World Mobile Phone leader Nokia strugling in US with a 8.4% and its sales is further going down. Samsung has introduced many interesting phones like Omnia (in the picture) conquered US with its models like 'Instinct'. Motorola was leading the bussiness in US following the huge success of Motorola RAZR since 2004, but failed to repeat it.
While the officials entice shoppers by using Google Inc.'s Android software to build smart phones, devices with more advanced features. Sanjay Jha, who was named the new CEO of the company’s mobile devices business this summer, said:

"Motorola will focus on three mobile platforms - Google’s Android for mid- and high-end phones, Windows Mobile for some smartphones and a proprietary OS for low-end phones. Android phones aren’t expected until next Christmas."

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Diamond studded Mobile phones sold out in three days!

Japan's Softbank Mobile sold out its limited edition $134,000 Diamond studded phone in just three days. Each phone is studded with 537 diamonds from Tiffany and Co. Japan is currently world's largest market for luxury goods.

Softbank spokesman Katsuhide Furuya replied:

"All eight were sold by November 3. I guess the buyers found them worthwhile."

In a country where nearly everyone owns a mobile phone leading fashion companies are on their way to enter the mobile phone market. Earlier this year Softbank rival NTT DoCoMo Inc. launched a phone designed by Italian brand Prada. Gucci also started a website for items accessible only by Japanese mobile phones.

Once again the luxury product market showed the world they have nothing to do with the financial crisis now.

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Samsung INNOV8 (i8510) - 8 megapixel S60 slider

By the launch of INNOV8 (i8510), Samsung announced its existence in the high-end mobile phone category one again. The 8 mega pixel S60 slider is surely a challenge for N96 and other camera phones of its kind. This much hyped device does justice to its hype!

Hear it from Geesung Choi, President of Samsung Telecommunication Business:

"Samsung INNOV8 is made for tech-savvy users who want to enjoy the best possible multimedia entertainment with their mobile phone. With the 8-megapixel camera, pre-embedded 3D games, high speed data connections and much more other features will help users gain the true benefits of mobile entertainment. I expect Samsung INNOV8 to be a revolutionary milestone for Samsung for opening a new era of mobile multimedia”

INNOV8 is very sturdy and sleeker than other sliders of its category, say a N95 or N96. The crystal clear 16M color 2.8-inch LCD screen adds to its awesome looks. One may doubt it to a digicam on its back side view. Well placed multimedia switches add to its ergonomics. It uses a Symbian S60 OS. The interface for camera is a notable factor. The phone comes loaded with lots of application and also two of the most featured mobile games, Asphalt 4 and FIFA '08.

The INNOV8 got a decent audio player, certified DivX player, an 8MP autofocus camera with LED flash light assistance. The features of this camera run further with Face Detection, Smile Detection, Blink Detection, and Image Stabilization. But its camera hardly replaces the need of a digicam. It also features Wi-fi and HSDPA connectivity, external dual speakers, 3D surround sound supported by DNSe 2.0, integrated GPS.

Finally INNOV8 is one of the most loaded multipurpose phones out there. May be better than any of the N series. But you can’t say goodbye to your digicam yet. Priced around £500 (Rs. 45,000) it is the most desirable phone of Second half of the year!

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