S60 Touch UI still has a long way to go

Now I'm sure we're all pretty excited (or maybe it's just me) about the upcoming S60 Touch user interface, but if it's anything, I'd go so far as to say that the software still has some ways before its launch in the second half of the year. If the iPhone had not existed, then yes, I'd probably be amazed by the whole finger-swiping action to browse Web pages and scroll entries in the contacts folder and pictures in the albums. But who are we kidding? Enough talk. Hit the read more link to check out the YouTube video posted on the S60 blog.

» Mobile World Congress 2008 show report
Read more »

Sony Ericsson's most powerful Cyber-shot phone yet

It's true when they say the best stuff can usually be found in Japan only. While the rest of the world is ogling at the latest mobiles from Sony Ericsson at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Japanese-Swedish phone maker has already announced in Japan the W61S--possibly the most feature-packed Cyber-shot to date.

Set to debut with operator KDDI this March/April, the W61S is loaded with an extensive camera feature set that puts it almost on par with some midrange standalone cameras. Onboard are a 5.11-megapixel CMOS sensor (employing the same "Exmor" technology as the Sony Alpha dSLRs) and 3x optical zoom lens. In addition to anti-shake and autofocus, the camera-phone also comes with Kaokime Lite (auto brightness with face detection for natural skin tones) and Smile Shutter Lite (similar to the Smile Shutter for the T200).

What's noteworthy about the W61S is that its cutting-edge features extend beyond its camera profile. For instance, it comes with onboard GPS which allows geotagging of images. A 2.8-inch WVGA (480×800) screen equipped with Bravia technology will also be something worth looking out for, not to mention a microSD card slot, Bluetooth, TV-out, LED flash and automatic lens cover. Unfortunately, the W61S will work on only CDMA 1XWIN networks supporting EV-DO Rev.A technology. So until a GSM version comes out, if it ever does, this remains pretty much a Japan-only handset for the rest of the Asia and the world to get green-eyed over.

Nokia Maps 2.0 live demo

What is the big effing deal about Nokia Maps 2.0? Though much has been written about the Walk mode as well as its ability to display satellite images, we were not convinced that these improvements were that fantastic.

So, like any persistent journalist with a body weight in excess of 18 stones, we kidnapped the product manager for the new Nokia 6210 Navigator in Sydney after a media dinner and forced him into a quiet pub for a quick video demonstration. We wanted to do it outdoors, but the city noise was a little harder to mute without Adam Sandler's special remote.

So instead of boring you with more words about what Map 2.0 can do, we present our impromptu video of the new application instead.

» Mobile World Congress 2008 show report
Read more »

Camera-less Nokia E51 target for Q2 APAC launch

I can't believe I actually missed this announcement altogether, but apparently Nokia announced a camera-less version of the E51 last week. According to the bulletin, the E51 variant is expected to start shipping in Europe this quarter. But for us in the Asia Pacific, the launch is slightly later in Q2 for selected markets. Information is scant on exactly which countries the camera-less E51 will be available in and we'll update as soon as we have more information.

Nokia unveils "green" handset design

Nokia is going green.

The No. 1 cell phone maker in the world is showing off a conceptual cell phone design at the GSMA Mobile World Congress that is made of entirely renewable and recycled parts. The phone, called "Remade," was unveiled here during a keynote speech given by Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo on Tuesday.

The phone is being developed in Nokia's labs. And yesterday was the first time the thin, silver handset, had been shown publicly.

The device, which has an outer case made of renewable materials rather than petroleum-based plastic, doesn't yet make phone calls. And Nokia has not determined yet if it will actually manufacture the "Remade." But Kallasvuo said it showed what could be done with such materials and also gave insight into how Nokia thinks about its role in the global environment.



» Mobile World Congress 2008 show report

Via CNET News.com

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (751)

» Digital Cameras (413)

» Notebooks (474)

» PC & Peripherals (503)

» Handhelds (254)

» Printers (44)

» Home AV (505)

» Music & Play (435)

» Gadgets (966)

» Future Tech (163)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads