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MSI has introduced a measure of success with Wind and is all set to launch a whole bunch of Wind netbooks according to this report here. The models which are about to be introduced include Wind U115, U110 and U120H. All three are 10-inch netbooks based on Intel Atom processors and sport MSI’s facial recognition software Easyface.
The U115, the flagship model based on Intel's next-generation Poulsbo chipset with Atom Z530 processor, offers 2GB DDR2 RAM, UMA Graphics, an SSD, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, and Bluetooth. The U120H is however built on the older 1.6GHz Atom processor, has 1GB of system memory, UMA graphics, up to 160GB HDD, 2.0Mp webcam, Bluetooth, HSDPA, and 4in1 card reader. The U110 is similarly spec’d, except it sports a 250 GB HDD.MSI seems to have beaten everyone else to the market with a new netbook product yet again. The U115 with its dual-core processor ability looks to be a highly intriguing product and we here at Tech2 can’t wait to get our hands on it.
From the mobile gaming section the latest reports are that the once popular multiplayer First Person Shooter, QUAKE III Arena can be played on a Series 60 (3rd edition) Symbian device. The handset should be equipped with a TI OMAP 2420 processor though.
To make things interesting Bluetooth features have been tossed into the mix. In this context, a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse. Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, the game just may be enabled for actual multiplayer gaming by accessing a game server.
The developer of the other QUAKE ports Olli Hinkka has put this into action. Some of the handsets that should support the game include Nokia N95 8GB (only), Nokia N82 and Nokia E90.
I’m not entirely sure if this is good news, bad news or just ‘news’ news but Samsung has recently launched a new handset - The Tobi S3030 slider phone - that’s apparently designed and directed toward the pre-teen market. Of course it would be irresponsible to assume that that’s their prime demographic, considering the release also states that it’s for ‘young adults, and anyone who desires to experience fun and safety features from their mobile phones’.The handset is available in colorful variations (Sweet Pink, Bright Orange, Loyal Blue, Oasis Blue, Apple Green and Snow Silver with interchangeable back covers) and is reportedly made from non-toxic recyclable and biodegradable bio-plastic. It’s painted using non-toxic paints and non-allergic materials to keep the environment as well as the health of the users safe. Does this mean that kids can safely shove this up their nose, or bite on it without the materials causing them any harm? Hopefully. Additionally, the earphone is also made of eco-friendly materials without any polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The Tobi is quite an equipped handset that comes with a 1.3MP camera, audio player, Bluetooth (with BT messaging), a 1.9-inch TFT display (176×144 pixels, 65k colors), GPRS and microSD card support. What’s supposed to make the handset so enticing are the GUI colorful themes - Monster theme, Snowman theme and Ocean World theme as well as the interchangeable cover with a transparent portion at the back for inserting a photograph.It’s a light-weight phone at just 85g so I’m presuming it’d be easy to misplace or break too, unless the company has thought of that and it comes equipped with Samsung’s resident Mobile Tracker software and is made of some truly rugged yet ‘eco-friendly’ material. But jokes aside, the handset does come with safety features that include - SOS Call, SOS Message and a feature called Fake Call. Using these safety features, users can be directly linked to their family members and friends in emergent situations and even “easily escape from dangerous situations”. I’m not sure how, but that’s what the release says.The handset will be out sometime this month in the Europe sector and could make its way to Asia soon after that. There’s no price mentioned yet.
There are probably a slew of arguments for a scenario that arises out of a pre-teen requiring a cell phone. While a mobile handset can in no way be construed as a mere toy and there are innumerable handsets that are directed at the youth in general, the S3030 is just another electronic gizmo for a slightly younger generation. Whether or not it’s relevant is something for you to decide.
I’m curious, and I’m sure most of you mobile maniacs out there are too, to find out what everyone thinks of a mobile phone for kids. But before posting your comments do stop to think of the security features etc. that the handset comes with.
Fashion houses are still fighting their way into the mobile industry and the latest to make its break after big names like Giorgio Armani with Samsung and Prada with LG, is Hugo Boss who’s also gone with Samsung. Of course the handset's designs don’t seem be getting any more interesting than they initially were. A few edges trimmed here a slightly larger display there, a few buttons rearranged and voila, a brand new handset that doesn’t look too different form the last.
According to reports, Samsung hasn’t even gone with a new design; instead Hugo Boss has simply opted for a variant of the F480 TouchWiz for their flagship model. The handset will come equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT touch screen display, 3G connectivity, Bluetooth with a customized Bluetooth headset as an accessory, and a 5 megapixel auto focus camera. The interface is apparently going to be customized for Hugo Boss as well.
And keeping in tune with the pretend that the world is not really undergoing a recession, the handset is due to hit shelves in Europe through the company’s official outlets this December for the price of Rs. 30,255. Hey if you got it… flaunt it right.
For the rugged outdoors-techie Sonim Technologies has got exactly what you need. Noted for their earlier totally rugged handset that we talked about last year, the XP1, their latest offering is the Sonim XP3 Enduro that takes it up a notch.
The handset, according to the company can be kept underwater (up to 1 meter) for almost 30 minutes. It will also be able to survive a drop from 2 meters onto a concrete surface. Some of the other specs that the company has provided on their website include an IP-57 protection rating and an 810F Military grade rating for salt, fog, humidity, transport and thermal shock. The keyboard buttons are tested to function beyond 500,000 pushes while the Sonim XP3 is capable of operating as long as it's needed under temperatures ranging from -20C to +60C. It also comes with an anti-glare, shock-resistant display. As compared to the previous model, the XP3 is a little thicker (24.6mm) than its predecessor.
The company has provided users with a three year warranty with no questions asked. It’s priced at approximately Rs. 18, 316 (290 Euro) and while it may not be available here right now, we can only hope that in a regularly monsoon drenched country like ours, the company may just decide to ‘drop’ it in on us.
