HTC Tattoo Gets Android 2.1 ?

Putting the HTC Tattoo side-by-side with the HTC Nexus One will really make anyone realize at how they target two ends of the extreme spectrum of the market. On one side you've got this souped up high-end smartphone that gadget lovers dream about in their sleep, while on the other you see one that's there for someone who doesn't want to spend a fortune in moving up to a smartphone.

From the looks of it though, the HTC Tattoo with its less than over-imposing specs, is going to see the latest Android 2.1 update down the road. HTC said in a statement, “Kindly note that now we understand that a phone running Android OS 2.1 is available that you are excited to get an update for your Tattoo. We are still working hard to Sense for building this new version but we expect to have the upgrade finished and ready to go soon. Please understand that it takes time to customize any Android release to Ensure You Have The Sense provides intuitive experience, and we hope you can be patient for just a little while longer.” This goes to show how much more time is required if a handset does not offer the stock Google experience out of the box – assuming that it's the price to pay for owners who prefer a customized experience. Nonetheless, HTC Tattoo owners can really stick it to some of its higher end counterparts when Android 2.1 makes its arrival.

Google Nexus One shows up at Vodafone UK's website

With US consumers really getting their fill on the HTC Nexus One, our friends on the other side of the big pond will soon see the arrival of Google's flagship Android phone. Since its unveiling back in January, it was confirmed that the Nexus One was coming to Vodafone UK some time in the spring; specifically it was scheduled for an April release.

From the looks of it though, the Nexus One has finally landed on Vodafone UK's web site with a “coming soon” attached to it – early adopters planning on snatching up the phone can register to get updates about the handset. Even better news are on the horizon as it's expected to make some waves with a possible release before the month of March is over. Despite the anticipation starting to simmer from Vodafone customers awaiting for the Nexus One, there is still no official price announced for the smartphone – but it's speculated to land in at €150 with a 2 year contract. Fortunately for Vodafone UK customers, they'll also be treated with another Android 2.1 device with the HTC Legend that's coming soon as well.

iPhone OS 4.0 to Finally Bring Multitasking

Apple has come a long way to make up for some of the shortcomings of the iPhone. One major function that the handset cannot do is multitask, but with the release of the 4.0 OS, that might no longer be a problem for users. Tipsters with a track record of being on target in predicting Apple's technological advances are saying that Apple has developed the technology to allow for simultaneous running of third party apps. The Cupertino based firm has developed a method to handle things like security, memory and battery life in a way to make multitasking feasible. Part of the solution is being lifted from the Mac OS X operating system. The word is that the iPhone 4.0 OS still has a way to go before being ready for the handset and more workneeds to be done before the software is released..

The current iPhone OS prevents third party apps from running in the background. This is why the phone cannot multitask. Apps that come bundled with the device can run in the background while another app is running. The problem is that the iPhone OS' security model is designed to close open programs whenever the user returns to the home screen or answers a phone call. This prevents malware, spyware or viruses from running without the user knowing about it. Of course, it also prevents the phone from multitasking. In the past, other OS upgrades were rumored to contain a multitasking function, but it never came to fruition. Perhaps this time will be the charm.

Mobiado Classic 712GCB Luxury Phone Unveiled

Mobiado has released a new luxury mobile phone in the market with the release of the Mobiado Classic 713GCB phone. Among the features of the 712GCB include a 2.2” QVGA screen, 3G connectivity, 5MP camera and GPS. But the nitty gritty lies on the craftsmanship of this luxury phone.

The frame is CNC machined from brass, hand polished, and then plated with thick layer of gold. Large sapphire crystal plates are hand painted with gold lettering while the keypad buttons are ground from sapphire crystal and hand painted from beneath with gold.

They will be available in two colors, yellow and rose gold.

LG GD350 Phone reach Russian market

Flip handsets will continue to see a stylish appeal to them as long as LG continues their commitment in manufacturing these some times forgotten form factors. Here in the US, we've been treated to a bunch of stylish phones like the LG Chocolate and LG Shine that does exude a high level of workmanship that's sometimes reserved to smartphones nowadays.

Russia will soon see yet another stylish handset from the Korean based manufacturer as LG Electronics plans on introducing the LG GD350 into that market. Although the specs may not really make you jump out of your seat, its appeal lies in its head turning design with an all black paint job with gold accents highlighting the handset. The LG GD350 features an external display with red LEDs for notifications, 2-megapixel camera, FM radio, Bluetooth, and an 800 mAh battery – all of the modern specs we see out of this category of mobile phones. The flip phone factor usually finds itself in the entry-level segment and really doesn't get the love it deserves sometimes, but the LG GD350 will continue LG's focus on still keeping this segment fresh – it will be going for 5490 rubles ($186) in Russia.

Rumor: T-Mobile USA training employees on HTC Desire

It’s been a while since we heard a rumour saying that the employees of a certain carrier are getting ready for a handset’s launch. HTC Desire is the perfect reason for T-Mobile USA employees to do so, at least that’s what a mysterious manager of a T-Mobile store claims. Apparently, the employees are gearing up for Desire right now.

HTC Desire is only one of the many new devices coming to T-Mobile, but probably the most impressive specs-wise. The info that was leaked on the web is also backed up by some inside sources, so it’s pretty much real. However, some folks speculated that this new mystery device that’s been tested is in fact HTC HD2 or CLIQ XT.

I guess time will tell…

HTC Legend Already Reaches Customers?

After the folks of Engadget pulled out the first review of the HTC Hero follow-up Legend, we’ve found out that the device has started being delivered today, much earlier than estimated. Last we heard, it was supposed to arrive in Q2, so it’s 3 weeks early.

Dutch website Tweakers.net reports that a couple of forum members who previously ordered HTC Legend units have their devices scheduled for receiving today. If you’re really eager to get your hands on the cool aluminum chassis a la Macbook that the Legend sports, you should start looking for offers that include the phone in your area.

Opera Mini 5 beta Released for Android

While the rest of the platforms have been getting lots of love from Opera, Android was stuck with Opera Mini 4 for a year now, but they’ve recently received the new version as well. Thus, Opera Mini 5 beta is now ready to go on Google’s platform, complete with the newest features.

The most important new feat is certainly the implementation of tabbed browsing, that has become a default option on most modern browsers. Opera Mini 5 also brings Speed Dial and Password Manager on Android, with the first function allowing the user to access one of 9 favorite sites with a single click. Opera Link is also on board, syncing bookmarks between the desktop browser and the mobile one.

We all know what the main appeal of the Opera Mini browser is: its ability to compress data, in order to save money for folks with expensive data plans. Does this version compete with the default Android browser? What do you say?

Nokia C5 Now Available

Nokia today unveiled the Nokia C5, a smartphone optimized for social networking and sharing. The compact device includes access to Nokia’s range of mobile services, such as free navigation, in one affordable package, with an estimated retail price of EUR 135, before taxes and subsidies.

With direct access to favorite contacts on the device homescreen and Facebook status updates visible from the phonebook, the Nokia C5 keeps people connected with the ones who matter the most. Accessing social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, is fast and easy, while instant messaging and email accounts from Ovi Mail and other email providers are available through Nokia Messaging. Loaded with a 3.2 megapixel camera, a 2GB memory card that comes in-box and high speed data connection for effortless uploading of photos and videos to various online communities, the Nokia C5 delivers an outstanding sharing experience.

The Nokia C5 offers the latest version of Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation, including location sharing with Facebook friends. The Nokia C5 also provides fast web browsing, allowing easy access to favorite Internet sites, Ovi Music*) and a range of applications through the Ovi Store.

The Nokia C5 is expected to begin shipping in select markets during the second quarter of 2010.

The new Cseries represents the core of Nokia portfolio, focusing on social interaction between friends and family.

Nokia X6 16GB Now Available at Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK has announced the availability of the new Nokia X6 on its network. The Vodafone’s Nokia X6 16GB phone is pre-loaded with Vodafone 360 Homescreen and the British comedy show Gavin & Stacey of third series. Moreover, The Vodafone’s Nokia X6 16GB phone provides the 360 Apps and Games Shop, Vodafone My Web, Vodafone Music, VIP contacts, and downloads DRM-free songs.

The X6 16GB also features a 3.2? capacitive touchscreen display, HSPA, Wi-Fi, Nokia Maps, GPS, 3.5mm headset jack, stereo speakers, TV-out and a 5MP camera with Carl Zeiss lens . The Nokia X6 16GB is actually being offered for free with a 2 year agreement that’s at least £30 per month which would include 600 minutes, 500MB of mobile internet, and unlimited texting.

Mister Cartoon colors the Motorola VE440

MetroPCS has released the Motorola VE440 Mister Cartoon edition, which is actually a remake of the previously released VE440. Available this week in select stores and online, the limited edition handset features artwork and pre-loaded digital content designed by legendary tattoo and graphic artist Mister Cartoon, along with two exclusive tracks from legendary hip hop personality, Snoop Dogg.

The Motorola VE440 phone is equipped with 1.9-inch TFT display with a resolution of 176×220 pixels, a microSD memory card (up to 8GB), 1.3 megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, and GPS. It is supports CDMA network. This customized version of the Motorola VE440 costs $90 after a mail-in rebate of $40.

Toshiba TG03 - The first Windows Phone 7 series

Toshiba Australia is looking to enter the Smartphone market with a new Windows 7 TG03 series model. Toshiba already has a series of smartphones available, including the TG01, which was launched last year with Windows Mobile 6.1 on board, and the TG02 and K01.

The Toshiba TG03 will be a variant of the existing TG01 and will feature a 5-megapixel camera and 3 channel speaker with 5.1 sound – it was intended to be launched with Windows Mobile 6.5, but now it most seemingly might be delayed to get Windows Phone 7 Series on board.

Toshiba are confident that it has that capabilities to take full advantage of the Windows Phone 7 OS and is intent on delivering a new series of applications which will work both on its mobile computers which include Toshiba notebooks and netbooks. Rob Wilkinson, General Manager of Toshiba Australia Information Systems Division, said “Toshiba Australia is seriously looking at what opportunities are out there for us in the Smartphone market. We are talking to retailers and carriers. I have a model in my draw and we will make a decision shortly”

New T-Mobile G1 update rolling out this week

T-Mobile USA have confirmed that the Android 1.6 OS update is now being pushed out to owners of G1 and myTouch 3G handsets. According to the shot, starting on February 26th a new Android 1.6 (DMD64) update began its rollout. The release will continue through March 15th, when T-Mobile hopes to be done with this one.

Details of the update include:
*This software update improves customers’ call performance only and does not include any additional feature enhancements.
*The Android 1.6 DMD64 OTA will be sent to G1 customers only and will not be sent to customers using other Android devices at this time.
If you’re on the T-Mo G1 and haven’t received notification yet, no worries. It’s coming. One day soon you’ll receive a notification asking you to install now or later.

LG Cookie Fresh GS290 gets officially official

Back in February LG announced two new Cookie handsets – the GS500 Cookie Plus and the GS290 and today the LG Cookie Fresh GS290 has been officially.
The LG Cookie Fresh GS290 is just a successor of the highly acclaimed LG Cookie, a device that has been sold in over 12 million units since launch. Feature-wise, the Cookie Fresh is somewhat similar to the Cookie Plus. LG Cookie Fresh is an even cheaper touchscreen handset, with an entry level list of specs and a 3 inch WQVGA touch display. There’s also a 2 megapixel camera on board, FM radio, a 3.5mm audio jack and support for quad band GSM connectivity, with global roaming. Other specs include Bluetooth, Push email and Unfortunately the device does not come with 3G support.

The LG Cookie Fresh will try to make up for the poor camera by being offered in a total of 10 different color variants

Gigabyte GSmart G1305 Codfish And GSmart S1205 Cougar

Gigabyte G1305 Android smartphone have surfaced. The guys over at PointGPhone have somehow managed to get their hands on one of these two, the GIGABYTE Codfish G1305 and published information about the device, along with several good-quality pictures. This phone is based on Android OS. The Gigabyte GSmart G1305 Codfish has dimension of 116×56.8×12.4 mm The GSmart G1305 Codfish comes with quad-band GSM connectivity, tri-band HSDPA connectivity (900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz), Wi-Fi, GPS, a 3.2 inch HVGA display, 256MB of RAM and a 600MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor.

While, the Gigabyte GSmart S1205 Cougar is a dual SIM smartphone and looks more elegant than the G1305 Codfish.The S1205 Cougar has a 3.2 inch touchscreen display, quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE connectivity, Wi-Fi, GPS, 128MB of RAM, and a 416MHz processor.

LG GW370 Shannon

The upcoming LG mobile phone has appears on a Chinese website, namely LG GW370 Shannon. The LG GW370 will set a new standard for messaging phone in the market. Instead of offering a limited touchscreen, LG is rumored to pop on a full working touchscreen that can be used for a variety of functions that are commonly associated with it.

The specs of LG GW370 are a mystery for now, but the only thing that we know is its screen resolution is 240 x 320.The GW370 resembles both the LG KS365 and the LG GW620. It is still mysterious for release date or even pricing now. But seeing its appearance, the LG GW370 Shannon will be an affordable phone.

Andro 1: LG launch first Android phone

Android is Hot! Today we learned that there was another new Android-powered smartphone was launched in South Korea. The phone was LG Androi-1, a full touch screen phone with a side-slide QWERTY keyboard, kind of like the World’s first Android phone – Google G1. The LG Androi-1 is second Android-powered phone available in South Korea, the home of mobile phone giants Samsung, LG, and Pantech. The selling price of LG Androi-1 is 600,000 Won ($529), and it will be available through KT Corp, the 2nd largest mobile phone carrier in the country.