HTC driver issue is LG's, too

HTC was recently embroiled in an online protest because some users discovered that some of its newer PDA-phones like the TyTN II did not perform as well graphically as a few older models which have slower processors. Users were miffed to find out that graphic acceleration was not enabled with the relevant drivers even though the Qualcomm processor used had ATI technology built into it.

After much back and forth from the users and HTC, an interview posted on Engadget revealed that HTC will not release these drivers for the current crop of Windows Mobile 6 devices. Well, today, we had a chat with someone from LG during the Singapore launch of the KS20, and guess what? HTC is not alone.
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LG's next-gen Win Mobile device to be out year-end

This was what an LG representative revealed in an aside to CNET Asia recently. While the press launch in Singapore today was for the KS20 PDA-phone (shown in the picture), he told us that the Korean company will be rolling out a new PDA-phone with an updated OS expected out end 2008 to early 2009. Our best bet is that it will be running on the upcoming Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, though there's no ruling out the possibility of Windows Mobile 7 by then, either. Guess we will find out soon enough near launch time.

Meanwhile, the KS20, LG's first GSM-based Windows Mobile 6 PDA-phone, is one of the most compact and slimmest in its category. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the company's Prada phone, the KS20 is likely to appeal to the more fashionable crowd. Key features include HSDPA, Wi-Fi, a 2.8-inch touchscreen and A2DP Bluetooth stereo.

The KS20, which will retail for S$888 (US$630.86) in the island state, has already launched in Hong Kong and Europe. It is expected to roll out in Taiwan later this week, followed by other Asia-Pacific markets in the coming months. It may be LG's first Windows Mobile-based PDA-phone for the GSM markets in Asia, but it's not a first for the chaebol. According to a representative, LG has to date introduced over 10 Windows Mobile-based smart phones and PDA-phones for the Korean CDMA market.

Philips Xenium joins the touchscreen gang

The latest trick Philips is pulling out of its hat is a touchscreen Xenium 9@9v. There aren't many touchscreen phones (PDAs not included) in the market, so this will be another model to choose from with the handset out next month in Asia.

According to the literature, the 9@9v uses a handwriting recognition software that converts doodles into SMS text. So you can actually scribble your messages instead of type on the keypad. Of course, the 9@9v also comes with the obligatory standby time of up to one month and 8 hours of talktime on a single charge.

There's isn't a lot of information in the press release for now about the 9@9v's dual-SIM card feature, so we don't know if both cards can be active at the same time (like the Samsung SGH-D880), or if there are certain limitations to the secondary SIM. More on this when we get the full specifications and a technical set to review.

Vertu collection celebrates--what else?--itself

As Vertu celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, the luxury handset maker is commemorating its first decade with another special edition (surprise, surprise). This time it's the "Monogram Constellation" collection, though there's apparently no astronomical connection other than price. But something tells us that Vertu consumers aren't terribly concerned with such details.

With the latest line, the phone maker extraordinaire continues its leather kick, which it has already adopted for occasions ranging from the picnic to the race track. Given that this is Vertu, of course, it's no ordinary cowhide treatment: Each piece takes four hours to finish with the vaunted "V" emblem, according to Sybarites, in five colors--sky blue, cerise, pewter, green, and red. And we're happy to report that there's not a single snake in the bunch.

Via CNET Crave | Picture credit: Sybarites

Be careful where you point that phone

For those who want some personal security without resorting to an Avurt IM-5, the phone stun gun may be a more discreet alternative. But many of those on the market are fairly obvious even to the untrained eye. (The prominently labeled "STUN" button might have something to do with it.)

But British authorities have confiscated one that looks particularly real, and for good reason: It apparently is. Nottingham police seized a potentially lethal weapon disguised as a Sony Ericsson W700 handset, according to Newlaunches, one that's capable of delivering a 900,000-volt jolt. The BBC reported that the device was seized from a 21-year-old burglary suspect by local officers, who carry Tasers capable of sending shocks of a much lower 50,000-volt intensity.

Perhaps it's time to dispense with the pretense of these clandestine and makeshift weapons and just carry them out in the open as fashion statements.

Via CNET Crave | Picture credit: Newlaunches

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