The first UMTS-enabled handset from BenQ-Siemens is currently arriving to stores across Europe. Introduced at CeBIT 2005, the SXG75 also scores two other firsts: it’s also the first Linux handset from a major brand name to go into widespread distribution, and even boasts integrated GPS. Other highlights of the SXG75 include a high-resolution, 2.2-inch display, a 2 Megapixel camera and the ability to conduct video calls, as well as a stereo FM radio with RDS to back up audio and video playback support for a number of formats. Users can choose to store media in the 64 MB of non-volatile memory of the SXG75 or on RS-MMC cards, while business users will be pleased to find a comprehensive messaging suite with e-mail as well as PIM synchronization with desktops.

Available now, the BenQ-Siemens SXG75 sells in the €375 EUR range, claiming up to 6 hours of talk time and 400 hours of standby.

Via InfoseekWorld

Novatel Wireless announced that it will supply Dell with Novatel Wireless EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) mobile broadband embedded modules.

Dell will include the Novatel Wireless third-generation (3G) modems in its next-generation Latitude notebook computers. The build-to-order 3G-equipped notebooks will enable Dell’s mobile customers to wirelessly send and receive emails, surf the Internet, download file attachments and access corporate networks through a virtual private network (VPN). In addition, Novatel Wireless’ embedded modules are backward compatible with 2.5G and 2G wireless standards, where 3G networks are not available. The notebooks are expected to be available in the first half of this year.

Via PhoneMag

Tags: Novatel, 3G Laptop, Dell

The BenQ-Siemens EF81 folding mobile provides high-speed mobile convenience in an ultra-slim magnesium casing.

BenQ Mobile has launched an extremely slender mobile phone, the new BenQ-Siemens EF81 folding mobile. The flagship device of the young BenQ-Siemens brand is a mere 15.9 mm thin and yet does not scrimp on full UMTS functionality. This exclusive mobile boasts two large color displays and a swiveling camera for video telephony.

Apart from its ultra-slim form, the high-quality materials and straight aesthetics of this high-end mobile are an instant eye-catcher. Because of their different heat absorption properties, the various materials and surfaces can be felt when the mobile phone is held in the hand. The casing is made from exceedingly robust magnesium, while brushed stainless steel was used for the keypad and black anodized aluminum for the back cover, giving it a protective coating. In addition, especially hardened sapphire glass prevents scratches on the external display. Thus the mobile is robust enough to cope effortlessly even with the tough demands of daily life.

Even in a closed state, the BenQ-Siemens EF81 is child’s play to operate. Four clear buttons are set underneath the 1.3-inch, QQVGA quality (120 x 160 pixels) external display for the most important applications and communication functions. When the phone is opened up, an extremely flat, stainless steel keypad appears along with a particularly large 2.2-inch QVGA display (240 x 320 pixels, 262,144 colors) that shows pictures and movies with great depth and brilliance of color.

Shooting photos and movies is a pure pleasure with the 2-megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom. When opened, the camera automatically rotates with the display, thus also permitting video calls to be made via UMTS in superb picture quality. Likewise, music and movies can be transmitted directly to the mobile by video download or streaming via a fast wireless UMTS connection. The integrated media player supports all popular file formats including MP3, AAC++, MPEG4, RealVideo 8/9, h.263 and 3GPP. Moreover, to ensure sufficient space for absolutely all songs and video clips, the internal memory (64 MB) can be extended to as much as 1 GB of storage capacity using Micro-SD-Cards.

The BenQ-Siemens EF81 will be on retail sale from March 2006 in the color Titanium Silver. This high-quality UMTS mobile is one of the first three devices to be launched under the new BenQ-Siemens brand name. Prices will be available locally.

Read the full Press Release

Tags: BenQ, BenQ-Siemens, Siemens

NTT DoCoMo and its eight regional companies announced today the development of the new 702i Series of 3G FOMA handsets.

The stylish 702i Series consists of five models - SH702iD, N702iD, F702iD, D702i and P702i - three of which were conceived by noted outside designers.

The 702i handsets are equipped for i-channel, which automatically delivers updated news, weather, entertainment, sports and horoscopes via teletype to the standby screen.

All 702i models are preinstalled with G-GUIDE EPG Remote Control, an i-appli application that downloads program listings for both terrestrial digital and analog TV broadcasts. Using the phone like a remote control, the information can be used to program DVD recorders and other A/V equipment.

This is the first 70x series to offer automatic Security Scan, which uses automatic downloads in the background to update phones with the latest security software from DoCoMo.

Tags: DoCoMo, 702i, FOMA, i-channel

Palm and Verizon Wireless have officially announced the availability of the Palm Treo 700W smartphone. The Treo 700W is targeted at “businesses and individuals who want the latest all-in-one mobile communications and business-productivity solution.” The 700W is the first smartphone to take advantage of Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service on its EV-DO network, and is also the first Treo smartphone to run the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system.

The Treo 700W runs Windows Mobile 5.0, which includes Microsoft Office applications for Windows Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile and Windows Media Player Mobile. In addition, it features direct access to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 for mobile access to information.

Features:

• EV-DO access
• Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system (5.0.2.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition)
• Intel(R) XScale(R) 312Mhz processor
• Ability to send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts, with built-in support for Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile, Hotmail, Yahoo!, AOL, and other POP3 and IMAP accounts
• On-device access to Microsoft Office Word Mobile, Office Excel Mobile and Office PowerPoint Mobile for viewing, editing and creating Word and Excel Mobile documents, as well as viewing PowerPoint Mobile presentations. In addition, with Picsel PDF viewer (included on installation CD), customers can view PDF documents
• Unified messaging application, including email, SMS and MMS
• Support for Wireless Sync to provide the convenience of push email and easy access to personal information-management tools, such as contacts and calendar, as well as enterprise tools, such as device management and file synchronization
• 128MB of memory, 60MB available to the user
• 1.3-megapixel camera to shoot crisp, clear digital images and videos
• Integrated Bluetooth(R) 1.2 wireless technology for communicating with compatible headsets, car kits, computers and printers equipped with Bluetooth technology
• Removable battery and non-volatile memory
• Expansion card slot (SD, SDIO, and MultiMediaCard compatible)
• 240×240 transflective (TFT) screen

Palm has also added a unique suite of software enhancements on top of Windows Mobile including:

• Today Screen enhancements which feature the ability to “dial by name” with a few keystrokes on the keyboard, perform a web search directly from the Today Screen and perform one-touch dialing with personalized photo speed dials
• Ability to manage a call directly from the Today Screen and stay on top of voicemail with on-screen, VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward controls for easy navigation
• Ability to ignore a call and quickly compose a text message such as “In a meeting” or “Can’t talk right now” by selecting the “Ignore with text” option from the incoming-call screen

The Treo 700W smartphone will be available starting tomorrow at the 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores or on the web at VerizonWireless.com and Palm.com.

Via Geek.com

Tags: Treo, Treo 700W, Palm, Windows Mobile, EV-DO

Samsung today successfully demonstrated High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technology, reaching speeds up to 3.6 Mbps, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Although there have been several demonstrations of speeds up to 1.8 Mbps in the past, Samsung’s demonstration of HSDPA handset speeds of 3.6 Mbps is the industry’s first ever.

HSDPA, a new form of mobile broadband, is capable of transmitting data at speeds up to seven times faster than that of WCDMA.

Via Mobiledia

Tags: HSDPA, Samsung

Motorola has launched the Motorola RAZR V3x. The ultra-slim Motorola RAZR V3x clamshell delivers an impressive range of multimedia tools, including a two megapixel camera, real-time two-way video calling, still and moving image capture, progressive downloading and 3D graphics and comes in three colours; liquorice black exclusively through 3, ash silver exclusively through Vodafone and cosmic blue available through other wireless operators.

Tags: Motorola, RAZR, RAZR V3x