Windows Mobile 6.5 HTC HD2

That’s it. Game over. After spending some quality one-on-one time with the HTC HD2 (Leo) today, we’re convinced that the HTC HD2 is the “baddest Windows Phone” of the year….. In fact, the HD2 might be strong enough to carry that title through much of next year. The powerful-yet-slim HD2 packs a 1Ghz Snapdragon chipset into a shell no thicker than your standard yellow No. 2 pencil, basically killing any hint of the lag we’re used to seeing with Windows Mobile.

What makes this new Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone so great? Well, aside from its power-packed chipset and sexy design aesthetic, the HD2 is the only Windows Phone (so far) to sport a capacitance-based touchscreen (like on the iPhone and Android smartphones) that throws out pixels at WVGA resolutions across a whopping 4.3-inches of real estate. Then, add in the fact that the HD2 features a 5-megapixel camera (with dual-LED flash), integrated GPS, WiFi, microSD slot, FM radio, digital compass and a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it’s easy to see how the HD2 dominates the competition.

HTC also baked in some of their Sense design philosophy into the HD2’s TouchFLO 3D UI, focusing on personalization/customization, intuitive finger-based interface and media consumption. That all translates into a user experience that we’d frankly never expected from a Windows Phone.

We’re expecting to see the HTC HD2 make its US debut in Q1 of 2010. As for the US price, we’re not sure. But, we’re still willing to offer a kidney in trade

Nokia N81 8GB

G radually more mobile phones with a large internal memory are being added to the assortment of various mobile phone manufacturers. Nokia have joined the club and have put several mobile phones on the market that feature a large internal memory. Devices with this kind of storage capacity are for example; Apple iPhone, Nokia N95 8GB, Nokia N96 and the Nokia N81 8GB. The Nokia N81 8GB truly is a multimedia device. The Nokia N81 8GB makes music, games and movies come alive. To emphasize the fact that the target group of the Nokia N81 8GB consists of multimedia enthusiasts, Nokia have applied 'dedicated multimedia keys' to the N81 8GB. Some disadvantages we notice even from looking at the specifications are: average camera, no HSDPA and the weight. As you probably know, there are two Nokia N81 models on the market; an 8GB model and a standard one with a memory card slot. We had the chance to review the Nokia N81 8GB. How well the Nokia N81 8GB did in practice can be read in our N81 multimedia phone review.

Close on the heels of the new Nokia N95 8GB model, Nokia announced the new Nokia N81 and N81 8GB models. The N81 features dedicated keys for gaming and music and offers a 3.5 mm headphone connector. Compatible with 3G networks, the phone also offers wireless LAN connectivity. Nokia is touting a new 3D multimedia menu on the N81, but I'll believe it when I see it.

The Nokia N81 lets you access the Nokia Music Store and N-Gage games services, allowing you to search, buy and manage your music and games. Expect the Nokia N81 to be priced at €360, and the 8GB model at €430. Both mobile phones will hit the markets in Q4 2007.

N-okia unveiled the N81 8GB mobile phone specifically optimized for entertainment, music and games. The new Nokia N81 8GB device offers dedicated music or gaming keys, expanded memory, large LCD screen and extended battery performance to provide quick and easy access to entertainment content.

Nokia N81 8GB - Mobile phone

"With the release of the Nokia N81 8GB mobile phone, Nokia offers its consumers a range of entertainment-enabled features for consumers who want their music, games and favourite media with them wherever they go," says Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President, Nokia. "We believe that the full-featured, well-designed Nokia N81 8GB will be very popular and will help bring Nokia's Internet and music services to life."

Nokia N81 8GB - 3G and WLAN
With dedicated music and gaming keys, 3.5 mm headphone connector and 3G and WLAN connectivity, the Nokia N81 8GB multimedia computer is a true mobile entertainment powerhouse. With a sleek, polished surface and keys that light up when you activate them, accessing content on the 3D multimedia menu is fast and intuitive.

Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac Arriving

BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) users rockin’ a Mac for their computing needs have been waiting patiently, oh ever so patiently for this. …Years and YEARS of waiting in fact. Then, when the rumors and speculation finally get to where we think it’s going to happen ‘all official’ and stuff… Nope, more waiting, and a little more frustration!

Of course, I’m talking about the BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac users… and thankfully, the news here is full of awesomeness today. RIM has officially announced that the BBDM for Mac will be released this Friday, October 2nd at 1PM EDT. You’ll be able to download it for free from www.blackberry.com/mac.

Mac users, do a little dance, gimme a high five, and check out the full press release after the jump!

Blackberry Curve 8520 Coming to Singapore at End of October

While Canadians sit and wait for some sort of official release announcement for the BlackBerry Curve 8520, other countries are getting the love. Case in point today is Singapore. RIM has announced today that the 8520 Curve will be available in Singapore via M1, SingTel and StarHub at the end of October. Specific launch dates were not noted, no doubt due to slightly varying launch times for each carrier….

Key features of the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Curve 8520:

• Full-QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive trackpad
• 256MB Flash memory and 512Mhz next generation processor
• Voice activated dialing
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 2 MP digital camera with zoom and video recording
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
• microSD/SDHC memory card slot, up to 16GB
• Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Quad-band world phone: EGDE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)

Congratulations to all of the good folks in Singapore. The 8520 is coming to your shores, real soon.

Latest Macberry

To go along with the release of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac today, I thought sharing a little BlackBerry Theme love might be appropriate… That is, BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) theme love with a Mac twist! The other day I noticed that Bplay had a new theme… Titled ‘MacBerry Widgets’, this one brings a little Mac OS X action to your BlackBerry. It’s available for the Pearl 81xx, Pearl Flip, Curve 83xx, Curve 8520, 88xx series, Curve 8900, Bold 9000, Storm 95xx and Tour 9630… and you can check out a demo video of the MacBerry goodness below.

If you-likey, the purchase will run you $6.99. Kind of expensive… I know

iPhone Game of the Day

If Real Soccer 2010 just isn’t cutting the mustard for you, FIFA 10 for iPhone might be your answer. In the latest edition of the soccer game from EA, you can play as one of 570 teams in 30 leagues from around the world…. 12,620 players have also been licensed for inclusion in the game, and you can try your best to take down one of 20 tournaments and cup competitions.

Game controls are actually quite easy and intuitive. You can even control the ‘tempo’ of the game with the accelerometer. Game play is viewed from 6 different camera views, each in full 3D.

Of course, there’s a cool WiFi Multiplayer Mode built-in as well that allows for head-to-head matches for you and your friends. There’s also a ‘Be a Pro’ Mode that lets you create your own star, and track play through multiple seasons. Earn skills, score goals, and advance your career!

The only downside to the FIFA 10 is the price. Unfortunately it clocks in at an expensive $9.99. However, any soccer die-hard will probably want to pick it up, especially if they own other FIFA games for other platforms or consoles.

Blackberry Powermat Wireless Chargers

Oh, Powermat wireless chargers. We thought you were vaporware — and then, like an undreamed dream — you appeared to us in the flesh (and on video!) at CES. We didn’t really hear much about it after that,…. and we’ll be honest: we had nearly forgotten all about it! Well, it turns out these bad boys are now available. If you don’t recall the details, the Powermat is a one pad, one plug system designed to charge all your gadgets in one place — refreshing! Your phone or DS or whatever you want to charge will need a Powermat Receiver sleeve, enabling it to lock onto the mat and charge in the amount of time it takes to charge up traditionally. At $99.99 (plus around $40 per receiver), it’s not the cheapest charging method we can think of, but it’s sure to be a conversation piece at your next rager. Powermat’s lineup is now available at Best Buy and Target stores.

Blackberry, iPhone and iPod Touch

Vonage has updated its mobile offering, releasing brand new apps for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), iPhone and even iPod Touch. You know how it goes with all those VoIP apps – working data connection is required,… whether it’s 3G or WiFi. I’m not sure which BlackBerry models will work, but I assume all the latest RIM’s babies will sing along. To see whether your BlackBerry device can work with Vonage, simply visit www.vonagemobile.com/blackberry on your smartphone. The server will detect your handset and you can take it from there.

And that’s about it. In a nutshell, this is great for existing Vonage users, which could even use their existing contact list and phone number so the people you call will recognize who is calling. Here are the iTunes links for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Blackberry Pearl Flip

The BlackBerry Smartphone You'll Flip For!

Open up a world of possibilities! With the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8200 series smartphone tucked in your pocket, you’re always just a flip away from the people, fun and facts that matter.

Pop it open to see how fun and functionality can work together in a whole new way!

Stylish and compact, the BlackBerry® Pearl™ Flip 8200 series smartphones puts you in control of how and when you communicate while you’re on the go. Whether you’re browsing the web or connecting with family and friends, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8200 series smartphones combine fun and functionality in a whole new way.

Move your mouse over the glowing hotspots to the left to discover the great features of the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8200 series smartphones.

For fun and functional accessories for your BlackBerry smartphone, move your mouse to the products below and click to shop at ShopBlackBerry.com.

• Camera (2.0 MP)
• Media Player
• Video Recording
• BlackBerry® Maps
• Wireless email
• Organizer
• Browser
• Phone
• Corporate Data Access
• SMS/MMS

BlackBerry Storm 2

There’s talk of the new BlackBerry Storm 2 launching in September of 2009, but don’t count on it. Here’s to hoping for the second-generation TruePress touchscreen and integrated WiFi in the upcoming Storm 2! Perhaps even a slide-out keyboard?

Network Support: Dual–band 800/1900 MHz CDMA/EV–DO Rev. A networks; Quad–Band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks Single–Band: 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA networks

Memory: 128MB Flash Memory, 192MB RAM, 1GB On–board memory

Display: High resolution (480×360 pixel), 3.25″ color, TFT LCD. Supports over 65k colors

Memory card support: 8GB SanDisk microSD card installed (device supports up to 16GB)

Camera: 3.2 Megapixel Camera w/Flash, auto–focus and Video Capture

Integrated speaker and microphone, Hands–free headset capable (3.5mm 4 Pole)

Bluetooth: (v2.0) including A2DP for Stereo sound

Standard Lithium Cell (1400 mAh)
Usage: Up to 270 minutes of talk time or Standby: Up to 372 hours

SAR Information: 0.50 W/kg at ear; 0.57 W/kg on body

Dimensions: 4.43″ (H) x 2.45″ (W) x 0.55″ (D)

Weight: Approximately 5.47 oz. including battery

When I removed the battery cover (which, to my delight is easy to remove), I saw something that I was not expecting to see – a Verizon branded SIM card. Apparently the BlackBerry Storm is one of Verizon’s World Phones and uses CDMA here in the US, but GSM in other countries. You can also see the microSD card slot next to it.

The touchscreen display is ummmm…. touchy First of all, like the iPhone, it will auto rotate when you turn it from portrait to landscape mode. But it seems to have a very sensitive sensor because it rotates when you barely turn it. Which means, I’m always having to correct the orientation – which gets a little tedious.

When the BlackBerry Storm is in portrait orientation, there are two rows of application icons at the bottom of the display. In reality, there are many more apps available to you. If you try to use your finger to scroll the list, you won’t be able to unless you turn the phone into landscape orientation. Then you can scroll up and down with your finger. If you want do this in portrait orientation, you have to press the menu key first. This isn’t a really big deal, but just something to be aware of.

I made a few calls with the Storm and was happy with the audio quality. Nice and clear with no clipping, static, etc. Great volume too. Most phones I have to crank the volume up to maximum when I am driving, but with the Storm, I had to turn it down to between 50-75%. The in-call display gives you the ability to toggle the speaker phone, mute the call, add another person to the call, flash, bring up the keypad, make notes about the call, go to the home screen, bring up the calendar and bring up the address book.

Tommorow I plan to do some texting, IM’ing and browsing.