Archives for October 2006
Sony Ericsson launches its first UMTS i-mode phone in Singapore
Reuben Lee | Oct 13, 2006
The Japanese-Swedish handset maker today announced its partnership with mobile operator StarHub to offer its world's first UMTS i-mode handset, the K610im, in the Republic. Expected to be available in stores from October 14, the K610im can be used to access i-mode services such as Mail, Web browsing and iMMS.
Based on the popular K610i candy-bar phone, the K610im will be equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, Memory Stick Micro card expansion slot (64MB card included), 3G connectivity and an onboard media player. It will come in a Black Carbon casing and will retail for S$98 (US$64.47) with a two-year mobile plan.
Philips quits mobile phone business
Reuben Lee | Oct 13, 2006
Electronics giant Philips has announced it will be selling its mobile phones manufacturing operations to China Electronics Corp (CEC). According to various news reports, CEC will take over Philips' cellular handset business and gain a license to market and sell mobile phones under the Philips brand for the next five years. However, this will be subject to due diligence, government and regulatory approval which could take till the year end. No further details were released.
The Dutch company's mobile business reportedly generates an annual turnover of about 400 million euros (US$502.22 million). Its 240-plus employees are located mainly in Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe. Philips, however, has been observed to be winding down its mobile phones operations in the past few years. It will, instead, turn its focus towards its healthcare and lifestyle products, according to CEO Gerard Kleisterlee.
Observers see the latest move from Philips similar to what Siemens did a year ago when it sold its mobile phone business to BenQ. The Taiwanese maker has since last month terminated its handset operations in Germany, citing huge operating losses as the main reason.
Just announced: Palm Treo 680
Reuben Lee | Oct 13, 2006
At a US launch event held recently, Palm introduced what it claimed is a low-cost version of its PDA-phone called the Treo 680. While pricing and Asian availability details are still sketchy at the moment, the new handheld is expected to be priced competitively to appeal to a wider audience, according to company CEO Ed Colligan.
From the product images, it seems the Treo 680 will sport a similar non-antenna design as the recently launched Treo 750v, complete with a familiar QWERTY keypad and a higher-resolution (320 x 320-pixel) touchscreen display. According to specifications listed on the Palm Web site, the quadband PDA-phone, which runs on Palm OS 5.4.9, will also come with a Bluetooth, a VGA camera, speakerphone and SD/MMC card expansion slot. In a nod to the need for more variety, the Treo 680 will be sold in four different colors: Graphite, copper, arctic and crimson.
Click here for our impressions of this new Palm Treo.
Strolling Bowling
Juniper Foo | Oct 13, 2006
When the site says this game has legs, it means exactly that. We were certainly bowled over when we came across this 10-pin miniature game that takes its own sweet time to score. That's right. Players wind up a little clockwork bowling ball, much like the kind you sometimes get with your McDonald's Value Meals, take aim, then wait as it strolls down the alley towards the popup pins. It's a hoot to watch as the windup bowling ball with clown feet rarely waddles towards the direction you've pointed it at. Since it appears to have two left feet, this takes a lot more luck than skill to score a strike. Great for a bowling-obsessed partner or friend.
Click for bigger image | more pictures
Price: US$24.30
Availability: At Firebox
Device: Bowling game
Basic specs: Closed approximately 5 x 14 x 17cm, bowling ball approximately 5 x 5 x 4cm, box/alley, alley section with pins, bowling ball
Silver K800i/K790i unveiled for new James Bond movie
Reuben Lee | Oct 13, 2006
Sony Ericsson will be launching silver versions of the K800i and K790i Cyber-shot phones in conjunction with the upcoming James Bond film, Casino Royale. According to the handset manufacturer, the new limited-edition Cyber-shot mobiles and the M600i smart phone will be featured in the movie, which is expected to be released worldwide on November 17.
The silver K800i and K790i will be available for a limited period of three months. They will sport similar features as their earlier black predecessors, but will come preinstalled with James Bond wallpapers, music ringtones and full video movie trailer. The new Cyber-shot phones will be launched in Q4 this year.
In addition, Sony Ericsson has announced the immediate availability of the 3G-enabled Z610i clamshell in Singapore. The 2-megapixel camera-phone, which is known for its distinct mirror-like front cover, will come with a 2-inch LCD display, Picture Blogging function and Memory Stick Micro card expansion slot. It will go for S$598 (US$393.42) or S$498 (US$327.63) if bundled with a two-year mobile plan.
Check out other 007-branded products from Sony here.
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