Mobile GPS software: Nokia launches a free navigation service

In these days, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a good sense of orientation when you are driving. It is enough if you have one of those devices known as satellite navigators at hand. But those gadgets are not cheap at all. Currently, the most inexpensive satellite navigator costs about $100, and the most sophisticated one costs about $400. Besides, if you need additional services such as traffic reports or suggestions about how to avoid traffic congestion, then you have to pay a monthly subscription.

However, all of this might change soon. Satellite navigation is moving more toward the mobile phones market. And now, Nokia has launched a free satnav service, which is called OVI Maps. This service does not even require an Internet connection in order to operate.

In sharp contrast with other similar services, the OVI Maps users won’t have to update the maps themselves or download several updates from Internet. Instead, Nokia stores those maps directly (and automatically) on mobile phones.

Source: here

Sony B140 and E440 MP3 players launched in UK

Sony has now rolled out E series E440 video MP3 and B series B140 MP3 players, in UK.

The E440 is just 9.3mm thick and users can easily slip this device into their pockets. It bundles up 2-QVGA color LCD screen, Sony Clear Audio technology, Clear Stereo, Clear Bass, 5-band equalizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Content Transfer software and FM radio tuner.

The 2-inch QVGA Color LCD screen offers a crisp, detailed view of photos, videos, album art, playlists and other functions while the Clear Audio technology provides high-quality soundstage.

The E440 is available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities, while the B140 comes in 2 and 4GB versions; both have an FM radio and voice recorder function, together with being able to record from the radio. The B140 boasts 18hrs of playback, with a 3 minute charge good for 90 minutes runtime, while the E440 can play music for 30hrs or video for 6hrs, with an 80-percent recharge in 45 minutes. No word on pricing for the UK, but they’ll arrive in stores from the end of July.

T-Mobile unveils Samsung Highlight touchscreen mobile phone

T-Mobile has affirmed the availability of its new full touch-screen phone. Called as the Samsung Highlight, this novel handset has a sleek profile. It also provides speedy web browsing over T-Mobile’s 3G network. The Highlight offers a host of multimedia features including a 3 megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom, music player, video capture and a microSD slot for up to 16GB of optional removable memory.

Through T-Mobile web2go, the device delivers complete web access. It also provides a personalized home page for easy one-click access to favorite Web sites, fast search results with Yahoo OneSearch, access to live news feeds with the web2go widget.

The new T-Mobile Samsung Highlight should be available in two colors, Fire (orange) and Ice (teal) for $150 when linked to a two-year contract, a rebate and a data plan.

Honeywell Dolphin 6100 mobile computer

Honeywell has released its new Dolphin 6100 mobile computer. This is an expansion to its existing Dolphin range of mobile computers. It sports a small stylish, lightweight, and compact design.

This device bundles up data collection, communication and imaging capabilities. It offers enhanced mobility and productivity as well as enables single-handed easy scanning.

“The Dolphin 6100 meets a need that many customers have expressed over the years. Finally, there is an intelligent device for retail and in-premise markets that delivers both performance and aesthetics,” said Garrison Gomez, Manager of Mobility Marketing, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

This pocket-sized device provides mobile workers with the tools needed to streamline tasks, improve productivity, and maximize investment protection.

• Ultra-lightweight device provides instinctive data entry and comfortable single-handed use in a stylish form factor
• Integrated 802.11b/g technology delivers real-time network access to critical information and supports advanced wireless security standards
• Combines a new, class-leading microprocessor (Marvell XScale PXA300) with a powerful, familiar and easy-to-use platform (Microsoft® Windows CE 5.0)
• Comprehensive suite of intuitive software utilities simplify device configuration, application development, and remote device management
• Adaptus® Imaging Technology 5.0 reads linear and 2D bar codes, captures digital images, and enables electronic signature capture—enabling workers to do more with a single device
• Constructed for reliable use in light industrial in-premise environments

Sony Ericsson Yari Mobile Phone boasts Gesture Gaming

Mobile phone gaming will now experience a complete new dimension with the latest invention - Gesture gaming. With an attempt to leave behind a button pushing operation, Sony Ericsson has raised the curtains off its latest gaming phone, dubbed the Yari, which debuts with Gesture gaming technology.

Gone are the days where people used to swell their hands while playing games on mobile phones as a push-button technique has become a thing of the past. Now, the movement of users’ body is a new trend for twisting, tilting, turning and smashing while playing. Yes, all by gestures!

Another attractive feature of this slider phone is its 3.5G capability. Accessing internet pages or emailing will all happen in a jiffy with this feature. A 2.4” 240 x 320 pixels camera is featured for viewing all the displays. There is an internal memory of 60MB. Memory expansion can be achieved as well with microSD cards. A-GPS ability is presented too, for accessing location based applications. A USB port for data exchange is housed as well. The Sony Ericsson Yari Gesture-gaming Phone will be available for sale during the fourth quarter of 2009. The price of this handset is not known yet.

Motorola unveils MOTO W7 Active edition handset

Motorola has unveiled the Moto W7 Active Edition, a motion-enabled 3G1 mobile device equipped with an accelerometer that senses the user's body motions, orientation and hand gestures to perform tasks.

The integrated pedometer keeps a track of the steps taken while running or walking and helps plan a workout. In addition, the personal trainer application allows one to set workout goals, make workout profiles and check summary reports.

According to Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, Motorola Mobile Devices, “For those who are always on the move, the MOTO W7 Active Edition is designed to keep up with the pace. The accelerometer technologies put a new spin on the traditional relationship we have with our phone by not only simplifying how you use it, but making it more fun in the process.”

Other features found on the MOTO W7 include a built-in MP3 player, an integrated FM Radio and full screen video viewing, while a 2-megapixel camera is good to capture candid shapshots wherever you are, whreas the secondary VGA camera works great for video calls when keeping in touch with friends and family. This 3G-enabled handset will be out in Q2 this year in Asia and Latin America, with no mention about a Stateside release. You can choose from Licorice and Alpine White colors. Doesn’t look like it will pull Motorola out of the doldrums though.

Top 5 Music Phones

1. Sony Ericsson W200i:

A 128 MB Memory Stick Micro card is supplied with the phone and you can replace it with another one up to 2 GB to save even more music. The W200i has a very good sound quality and performs well as a music phone. The Sony Ericsson W200i costs Rs. 3,900.

2. Motorola EM30:

The EM30 inherits the excellent sound quality of the E8 and also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting your own headphones, along with Bluetooth A2DP profile for connecting your wireless stereo headset. The EM30 also has an FM radio and a music recognition service.
It comes with a 1 GB card in the bundle and can be expanded up to 8 GB.


The battery is rated to last up to 13 hours of continuous music playback, which is great. Priced at Rs. 7800, the EM30 is a solid music phone that won't burn a hole in your wallet.

3. Nokia 5320:

The phone comes with a 1 GB card bundled and you can expand it further up to 8 GB by microSDHC cards.

As for the battery life the phone is capable of a stunning 24 hours of continuous playback. At Rs. 10,050 I believe the 5320 XpressMusic is an excellent music phone.


4. Samsung BEAT 450:

The phone supports a wide range of formats, which can be further expanded by third party applications that the BEAT 450 supports, thanks to the Symbian S60 platform on which it runs.

The phone also supports Bluetooth stereo headsets and has a built-in FM radio. Priced at Rs. 11,000 the Samsung BEAT 450 is a really good music phone.

5. Sony Ericsson W595:

The W595 offered good sound quality, especially through the loudspeakers. It also supports a wide range of formats such as MP3, AAC, eAAC+, WMA and WAV. Then there is also the support for Bluetooth stereo headset and FM radio. Overall at Rs. 14,000 the W595 is a great choice.