Mobile blog

Samsung SGH-E3

2007-07-04T03:11:00.000-07:00

Oval Brilliance. The stylish, oval-shaped Samsung E330 clamshell phone boasts a dual band, dual colour, high quality VGA camera with its own flash and intenna all within its compact frame. Special features also include photo caller ID, global GPRS communication platform, and an advanced WAP browser.

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	87mm x 41mm x 23mm
Weight	85g
Storage	11 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 4 hours talk time and 220 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-E330 Official Site

Samsung SGH-E800

2007-07-04T03:09:00.000-07:00

he new SGH-E800, a creative and cool handset is outfitted with a soft-touch slide design and a camera with a distinctive hidden flash. Look closer, and you will find that it has all of the most powerful features available in mobile technology today. This GPRS gem utilizes WAP for web surfing, and MMS technology for messaging. It does not get any better than this! The SGH-E800 makes it possible for you to communicate anywhere and anytime, with ease, and flair.

Availability
Form Factor	Slide
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	87mm x 44mm x 24mm
Weight	86g
Storage	24 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 5 hours talk time and 220 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-E800 Official Site

Samsung SGH-Z107

2007-07-04T00:26:00.000-07:00

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	89mm x 48mm x 25mm
Weight	115g
Storage	14 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 6 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-Z107 Official Site

Samsung SGH-Z105

2007-07-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

he Samsung SGH-Z105 mobile phone has a built-in, rotating digital camera, a high-quality TFT colour screen that displays 262,144 different colours and 40 polyphonic ring tones. Capable of real-time video telephony, as well as video on demand, the SGH-Z105 is a perfect example of Samsung innovation in digital convergence

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	95mm x 50mm x 26mm
Weight	132g
Storage	3 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 3 hours talk time and 217 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-Z105 Official Site

Sony Ericsson W950i

2007-07-03T02:09:00.000-07:00

W950i Walkman is a slim and stylish mobile phone with an advanced digital music player and large touchscreen for optimal ease of use. Using W950i is easy. The keypad of the slim W950i is smooth and flush with the surface and the dedicated music player keys and other controls have one-press-to-open functionality. You can also transfer hours of your favorite music from your PC to your phone easy and fast. W950i has an impressive 4GB of flash memory. 3G makes surfing the Web on the go a fast and satisfying experience. The Opera™ 8.0 Web browser gives you the Internet browsing experience you’re used to and you have everywhere access to your favorite Web sites.
Availability Q3 2006
Form Factor Bar
Network UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 106mm x 54mm x 15mm
Weight 112g
Storage 4000 MB
Expansion
Side Keys Navigation key, Jog Dial, Selection keys, Side volume keys
Platform Symbian v9.1 and UIQ 3.0
Battery Standard Battery type with 7.5 hours talk time and 340 hours standby time

LG KG290

2007-07-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

The KG920 is a device with a split personality. On one side, the KG920 is a sophisticated multimedia phone with a large QVGA screen, dedicated MP3 player button, Calendar button and more. From the other side, the KG920 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with many features to ensure you take the perfect shot. Which ever way you look at it, at just 18mm thick, the KG920 is more than meets the eye.

Availability Q3 2006
Form Factor Swivel
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 108mm x 50mm x 18mm
Weight 130g
Storage 8 MB
Expansion miniSD cardslot (256mb card included)
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 820 mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 180 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E310

2007-07-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

Samsung SGH-E310 provides enhanced digital imaging features for stronger functionality. Useful capabilities, including Multi-Shot, Matrix Shot, Night Shot, Photo Frame & Effect 5x Zoom, Easy Self-Portrait, and M-JPEG with Sound put near-picture-perfect video and virtual animation in your grasp with the ability to rapid-shoot still photos. The M-JPEG programs are a set of tools that can record and playback videos.

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	84mm x 46mm x 23mm
Weight	90g
Storage	MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 3 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-E310 Official Site

LG L5100

2007-07-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

The megapixel marvel! The L5100, a sleek and stunning mobile phone that thinks it is a high quality digital camera...
Availability

Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 98mm x 48mm x 26mm
Weight 120g
Storage 27 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time

LG G4010

2007-07-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

A design that allows the phone to fi
Availability Form Factor
Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 83mm x 45mm x 21mm
Weight 79g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 180 hours standby timet into my palm! A beautiful design!

LG VX9800

2007-07-01T07:03:00.001-07:00

Experience the ultimate in mobile multimedia with the the v. Stream, download and play video clips with V CAST, crank up the tunes with the MP3 player and stereo speakers. Shoot pix and flix and store them on an optional MiniSD memory card. Talk about it easily and quickly, anywhere and anytime, with the QWERTY keyboard an
Availability
Form Factor Unique
Network CDMA
Dimensions 16mm x 50mm x 25mm
Weight 147g
Storage 192 MB
Expansion miniSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Lithium 1300 mAh type with 4 hours talk time and 192 hours standby timed Bluetooth wireless technology.

LG U880

2007-07-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Want a super-slim 3G mobile with the sexiest sounds around? Then treat your ears to the hot LG U880. Find your groove anywhere, anytime with the stereo MP3 Player that stores up to 20 of your favourite tracks and external keys make listening a breeze. There’s also Bluetooth, Video Calling a
Availability Q4 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 98mm x 49mm x 18mm
Weight 99g
Storage 75 MB
Expansion MicroSD card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard battery Li-Ion 1050 mAh type with 4 hours talk time and 236 hours standby timend a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Samsung SGH-E300

2007-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	84mm x 47mm x 23mm
Weight	85g
Storage	MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 3 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-E300 Official Site

BenQ A500

2007-06-30T03:59:00.000-07:00

The A500 allows you to record video for those spontaneous moments. When done recording, you can play back all your videos right on your A500. With the BenQ A500 mobile phone, you call the shots. With 3D face morph II - BenQ new crazy Facemation software, now you can add cool and funky animations over friends photos. Just choose one of the 10 expressive effects to amuse or outrage! The A500 Facemation feature not only magic, but definitely good for many laughs.
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 84mm x 45mm x 23mm
Weight 98g
Storage 16 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 180 hours standby time

samsung D900

2007-06-29T03:36:00.000-07:00

A mobile revolution. The Samsung D900! This slider mobile phone boasts an ultra slim and sophisticated design. Elegant contours and high-quality magnesium surface make the Samsung D900 perfect synthesis. Fascination at first glance is ensured by the black menu background with its striking white characters and convenient navigation keys. The first-class D900 is more than just an attractive phone. it is pakked with the latest mobile technology. Take advantage of the innovative features and well thought-out applications which make this premium mobile phone so amazing. With the D900, the world is not enough - because with quad band, you can be reached almost everywhere.

Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 103mm x 51mm x 13mm
Weight 93g
Storage 70 MB
Expansion
microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 3.3 hours talk time and 260 hours standby time
Website
Samsung D900 Official Site
Show / hide detailed D900 specifications and features
Display
Type TFT LCD
Size 240px X 320px
Colors 262144
2nd Display Camera
Type 3 MP
Zoom 4X
Flash
Video
Organiser
Alarm
Calculator
Calender
Predictive Text
T9
PC Sync
Speaker Phone
Voice
Memo, mail
Messaging ,SMS ,MMS
EMS ,IM
Email
POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, SSL, TLS
Multimedia
Java
MIDP 2.0
Ringtones ,Polyphonic, mp3
Music Playback mp3, aac, aac+, eaac+
Video Playback
3GPP, Mpeg-4
Connectivity GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
WAP 2
Cable
USB 2.0
Infrared
Bluetooth
Wifi
Extra ,Radio ,Touch Screen
QWERTY
Others 3D sound technology, document viewer, mobile printing via Bluetooth, TV output

LG Chocolate

2007-06-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Unique, Articulate, Exquisite Ã¯Â¿Â½ these are just a few words that will enter your mind when you first take a glance at the LG Chocolates luxurious look and feel. The LG Chocolate is a mysterious thing concealing a screen and a heat sensitive touch pad that glows red to show you exactly where to gently press. Not only that but if you slide the phone open it will reveal even more; a keypad and 1.3 megapixel camera with flash! With features like these it is no wonder why it won the coveted 2006 IF Design Award in Germany for its innovative design! Let the LG Chocolate arouse your senses.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 95mm x 48mm x 15mm
Weight 83g
Storage 128 MB
Expansion
Side Keys 4-way navigation, 2 softkeys, volume keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

LG U400

2007-06-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Boasting a stunning black and silver finish, a smooth sliding action and luxurious to the touch, the LG U400 is something you would not want to let go of. With the U400, you can listen to your favourite tune and move the Jog Wheel to start scratching or press a number on the keypad to play a cool sample. Now you too can become a DJ.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 99mm x 48mm x 20mm
Weight 114g
Storage 128 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

Samsung SGH-D488

2007-06-14T02:56:00.000-07:00

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	92mm x 49mm x 24mm
Weight	95g
Storage	MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 4 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-D488 Official Site

Sony Ericsson K750

2007-06-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

The new Sony Ericsson K750 features 2 Megapixel, Auto-focus camera that captures the sharpest, clearest pictures with superb colour reproduction for printing, sharing and viewing. This phone also delivers fast, open connectivity and contains a generous memory to make it simple for users to store and share their favourite images. Such imaging excellence combined with a rich suite of business, entertainment and communication features, makes the K750 the ideal companion for a busy working and social life.
Availability Q2 2005
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 100mm x 46mm x 20mm
Weight g
Storage 38 MB
Expansion Memory Stick Duo
Side Keys Joystick, Camera button, Menu shortcuts, Selection keys, Side volume keys Platform
Battery Standard battery BST-37 type with 9 hours talk time and 400 hours standby time

LG P7200

2007-06-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

With the new swiveling real digital camera with 2 megapixel P7200, you could take the best shot with phone at any direction. Also, with the dedicated external MOD key, you could listen to audio files any time at any place even with the phone folded. Looking for a slim yet multi functional phone, P720
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 97mm x 50mm x 17mm
Weight 105g
Storage 64 MB
Expansion microSD card slot
Side Keys External music key, camera key,
Platform
Battery Standard Battery , Li-ion 820 mAh type with 2 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time0 is among the best.

Sony Ericsson Z6 10i

2007-05-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

Z610i is a seductive clamshell phone with design in mind. The impressive external screen is discrete and not apparent until a call, message or calendar event is displayed. With Z610i, you can capture and share quality pictures. Picture blogging lets you have your pictures online in seconds. No doubt, the Z610i is reflective, effective and imaginative.
Sony Ericsson Z610i Specification & Features
Availability
Q3 2006
Form Factor
Clamshell
Network
UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions
94mm x 49mm x 20mm
Weight
110g
Storage
16 MB
Expansion
Memory Stick Micro cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery
type with hours talk time and hours standby time
Website
Sony Ericsson Z610i Official Site
Show / hide detailed Z610i specifications and features
Display
Type
TFD
Size
176px X 220px
Colors
262144
2nd Display
Camera
Type
2 MP
Zoom
2.5X
Flash
Video

Organiser
Alarm

Calculator

Calender

Predictive Text
T9
PC Sync

Speaker Phone

Voice
Messaging
SMS

MMS

EMS
IM
Email

Multimedia
Java
MIDP 2.0
Ringtones
Polyphonic, mp3
Music Playback
mp3, aac, aac+, eaac+
Video Playback
QCIF
Connectivity
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
WAP
2.0 XHTML
Cable
USB
Infrared
Bluetooth

Wifi
Extra
Radio
Touch Screen
QWERTY
Others
3D games, picture blogging, Push email, Access NetFront Web Browser, RSS feed

Samsung SGH-D428

2007-05-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

Availability
Form Factor	Slide
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions	99mm x 50mm x 24mm
Weight	127g
Storage	MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 3 hours talk time and 140 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-D428 Official Site

Samsung SGH-E630

2007-05-24T02:51:00.000-07:00

The voice clarity technology of SAMSUNG SGH-E630 offers more audible and clearer voice, allows to hear voice from incoming calls in the middle of crowd, or even when clubbing. SAMSUNG SGH-E630 presents mobile phones with curve design, slim size, and neo-classic handset, with GPRS 10, high quality TFT display, powerful intenna, melody composer, caller photo id, and other features that make SAMSUNG SGH-E630 looks distinctive. The premium SAMSUNG SGH-E630 is stepping ahead in audio innovation and design. Once again Samsung proofs its technology power through this revolutionary product.

Availability
Form Factor	Slide
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions	85mm x 42mm x 22mm
Weight	79g
Storage	23 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 6 hours talk time and 240 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-E630 Official Site

Samsung SGH-C110

2007-05-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

Meet the slim and refined design of the SCH-C110. From its racecar design, its bar type, and its slim profile to its magnificent 65,536 colors.

Availability
Form Factor	Bar
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions	111mm x 45mm x 17mm
Weight	76g
Storage	2 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 3 hours talk time and 90 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-C110 Official Site

Sony Ericsson Z520

2007-05-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

If a cool clamshell with every possible customizing option is what you want, Z520 is your phone. You can change the front and back covers, have any combination of ringtones, images, and light effects play when a call comes in. And you can have a combination for favorite friends in your phone book. Z520 is all about sharing. It has an easy-to-use VGA camera with video recording to capture fun moments and Bluetooth™ and MMS to share them. A speakerphone loudspeaker gives your original artist Music tones the sound they deserve. Z520 is all about expressing yourself. Do it.
Availability Q3 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 83mm x 46mm x 24mm
Weight g
Storage 16 MB
Expansion
Side Keys Navigation key, camera button, internet key, menu shortcuts, selection keys, side volume keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery BST-37 type with 9 hours talk time and 400 hours standby time

Nokia N92

2007-05-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

Nokia N92, the first integrated DVB-H mobile device in the Nokia Nseries range for watching broadcast TV programs. The Nokia N92 offers easy access to TV programs without having to sit in front of a television set. Users can set reminders to watch their favorite TV programs, create personal channel lists and subscribe to TV channel packages. The outstanding new form factor offers a highly ergonomic user-experience. The Nokia N92 is also an XpressMusic device, with up to 2 GB memory card support, offering storage for up to 1500 songs delivered through the built-in stereo speakers or a stereo headset. The entertainment experience is further complimented by FM radio with Visual Radio support.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Unique
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 107mm x 58mm x 24mm
Weight 191g
Storage 90 MB
Expansion mini-SD card slot
Side Keys Dedicated 4-in-1 Media Keys, Two-way keyboard
Platform Symbian Series 60 3rd Edition
Battery Standard Battery BP-5L type with 4 hours talk time and 336 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-P730

2007-05-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

SGH-P730, comes in an innovative twist-and-flip design with a heavy imaging focus, including a high-resolution video recording option complete with digital zoom, pause controls and a movable camera, along with seven quality choices for still recording.

Availability
Form Factor	Swivel
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions	94mm x 45mm x 25mm
Weight	123g
Storage	64 MB
Expansion	RS(Reduced Size) MMC card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 4 hours talk time and 243 hours standby time
Website	Samsung SGH-P730 Official Site

Nokia 6136

2007-05-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

The new Nokia 6136 phone uses UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) technology to integrate the benefits of landline and mobile phone - giving you the connectivity and value of a landline wherever you are. With UMA and the operator-variant Nokia 6136 you can use the Internet for your mobile phone connection, providing excellent coverage and sound quality even in areas where mobile phone reception has previously been poor. It's technology made easy - the phone automatically selects the optimal network so you can relax in the knowledge that you have the best possible connection. This ease and convenience is wrapped in a stylish, lightweight design that fits comfortably in your hand and offers all the latest must-have features - 1.3 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, video recording and streaming, FM radio with Visual Radio, and email access from the XHTML browser. Quality, value, and convenience, all in one.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 90mm x 46mm x 23mm
Weight 98g
Storage 32 MB
Expansion microSD memory cardslot
Side Keys Four-way navigation key, three soft keys, volume keys, and camera key
Platform Symbian Series 40
Battery Standard Battery BL-4C type with 5.5 hours talk time and 280 hours standby time
Website
Nokia 6136 Official Site

|Mobile Opportunity

2007-05-05T02:35:00.000-07:00

Mobile video: Is there a there there?
[Reposted due to a correction. Sorry if you get this twice on your feed.]I recently I spent a couple of days at the Global Mobility Roundtable, an annual conference that brings together mobile-related academics and a selection of people from the mobile industry. This year's conference was in Los Angeles, so it also drew a number of attendees and speakers from the major entertainment firms. It turned into a kind of a mobile meets entertainment event, and the results were interesting. Mostly, they underlined how far we still need to go in bridging the gaps between the tech industry, mobile, and entertainment.There's a lot of information to cover, so I'm breaking this post into two parts: mobile video in this part, and in part two the status of mobile data in general and the relationship between Hollywood and the operators.Is there a pony in the stable? If so, it's a very small pony.*There was a lot of disagreement about whether mobile video will take off, which may be just as well because the economics of it are seriously dodgy. It's not certain that users really want it, no one knows whether the revenue will come from sponsors or from user fees, and even if video does take off, it's not at all clear that the mobile operators can deliver it without bankrupting themselves.Other than that, the prospects look great.One panelist compared the situation in mobile video to a company running a health club: they want to sell a lot of memberships, but they don't want anyone to actually use the facility.The information below is drawn from a series of different sessions I attended. I've mashed them together so I could organize the information by topic. All quotes are as accurate as I could make them. They are definitely correct as to message, but I probably missed a few words here and there.Who wants mobile video? A segment of the market.There are plenty of people in the industry who are enthusiastic about mobile video. One presenter quoted Rob Hyatt, executive director of mobile content at Cingular, as saying, "Watching video on cell phones could eventually easily surpass [demand for games, ringtones, and wallpapers], to reach 100% of the population." That's pretty remarkable, since even SMS doesn't reach 100% of the mobile population yet. (You can find the original quote from BusinessWeek here).Telephia, a mobile industry research firm, reported that revenue from mobile video is growing rapidly, from $35m in Q3 2006 to $146m in Q1 2007. In that same period, the number of mobile subscribers in the US using video services grew from 5.7 million to 8.4 million (for comparison, there are 77 million MMS users and 148 million SMS users). The Telephia numbers imply that revenue per video user has grown from $2 per month to $5.80. Unfortunately, they didn't give any details on which particular services are growing.The base is still very small, so it's dangerous to extrapolate from those numbers. But they're definitely hopeful. A number of other speakers were much less optimistic, though.At the conference, USC presented the results of the sixth annual Worldwide Mobile Data Services study. It showed that about 30% of 18-24 year olds and 20% of 25-34 year olds in the US felt that video downloads to mobiles were an important feature, about the same percentage as wanted games on their mobiles. That's nice, but not the universal usage that Cingular talked about.Sanjay Pothen, CEO of Pliq (a mobile video production company), claimed that 44% of mobile users are interested in mobile video -- but only 4% are willing to pay for it. That's the typical pattern for mobile data features -- most people don't want them if they have to pay anything for them.Frank Chindamo, CEO of Fun Little Movies, which produces short video for Sprint, asked the audience how many people in the audience had Sprint phones. About five people raised their hands. "If you all subscribe, that will double our revenue for next month," he joked. [For the record, Frank asked me to make clear that he was only joking; he says he's actually quite happy with the Sprint relationship.]Is the glass half full or half empty? As I've said before, I think there's abundant evidence that the market for all mobile data products is highly segmented, and we need to learn to make money from products that appeal to ten or fifteen percent of the users. I heard nothing at the conference to change that view.But overall demand for mobile video is just the beginning of the story...What sort of video will people watch on mobiles?This one is still very much undecided. The usual assumption is that because short video is popular on the Web, it'll also be popular on mobiles. For example, Funny Little Movies is creating original short animated films for mobiles. (The place is run by a USC film professor who has his students create a lot of the content.)Pothen of Pliq said the ideal sort of video for mobile is neither short individual clips (like YouTube) or long-form video (like a TV show), but chunked content -- an engaging story told in two-minute segments. He said excerpts from reality shows can work well -- highlights from America Idol, for instance. But original content seems to be his main target: soap operas, telenovelas, and cooking for young women, comedies and dramas for young men. The goal is to get people hooked by an ongoing story so they'll keep coming back to watch every segment.Derek Brose, SVP of business development for Paramount Digital, was also excited about short video. He said the company is cutting all its movies into clips of different lengths, for various mobile usages. Two second clips -- something like Harrison Ford saying, "trust me" -- are for embedding in an MMS message. Twenty second clips are for use in ringtones. Two minute clips are for streaming your favorite scene from a movie. Paramount's goal is to teach consumers a variety of different things that they can do with mobile video.But some people were skeptical about the prospects for short video on mobiles. Bill Sanders, VP of mobile programming at Sony Pictures, said that in Japan people are watching broadcast TV shows on their mobiles rather than short video streamed over 3G. He said 3G in Japan is great for certain kinds of applications, such as e-wallet. But he said data is priced so high that streaming video barely exists on 3G at all.
"The only thing you find in 3G is porn, because it's the only form of video where people will pay $10 for three minutes of content." --Bill Sanders, SonyUSC's mobile survey also strongly implied that the biggest demand is for broadcast TV. More than 40% of users said they thought that was the most interesting type of video for a mobile, compared to about 20% for short video.David Tilson of Case Western University supported that view. He said that in a UK test of DVB-H (a broadcast video standard for mobiles), users watched three hours a week of television on their mobiles, with viewing concentrated in the lunch break and commute hours. That's very intriguing, because it implies that mobile video might add new television viewers at times when people don't usually watch TV. Unfortunately, the users were not charged anything in the test, so it's very hard to tell how much usage mobile TV would get if operators started charging for it.I have no clue what the answer is on this question. People may say they prefer broadcast television just because that's what they're used to. Their actual purchase behavior might be very different. I think price will make a huge difference in adoption, which brings us to the next subject...Who will pay for mobile video?You've got two choices -- users pay, or advertisers pay. There are good arguments on both sides.Sanjay Pothen of Pliq made an interesting case for having the advertisers pay. Since his company is involved in that business, his argument was not a surprise, but it was still interesting.Pothen claims that neither paid nor ad-supported video are taking off today in the mobile world. As I noted above, he said few users are willing to pay for video, which stops the user-funded scenario right there. But ad-supported video is also problematic on both PCs and mobiles because users are not very tolerant of watching even a short commercial in order to see a two minute video. So what Pliq does is build the sponsor into the video itself, through placement and other promotion within the video.Pothen said advertisers are willing to pay significant sponsorship fees for these videos. He wouldn't go into details on his financials, but someone I talked to privately said the revenue can be dollars per viewer for a three-minute video. That's impressive, and far more than you could charge a viewer for a few minutes of video.Unfortunately, Pothen said, the operators want to take 50% of the revenue from these videos. He said that's not acceptable, that the revenue split should be more like 20% of revenue to the operator. "If we work in collaboration and the walled garden is down, we're willing to create original content (for mobiles)....We can drive mass adoption." But he said that won't happen in the current revenue situation.My take: I don't think it has to be one or the other. Apple's selling a lot of video downloads to iPods, and that won't just dry up. But I think it's going to be very hard to make paid downloads the leading mobile video product, because they'll be competing with free video from places like YouTube, and because ad-supported TV teaches people to expect their television for free. Besides, if advertisers really are willing to pay dollars per viewer, there's no need to make people pay.The revenue split is an ongoing problem in every mobile data category. There's no immediate solution, at least in the US. I think we're stuck in a chicken and egg situation in which the revenue split discourages the kind of programming investment that might drive a lot of usage, thereby justifying a more generous split.That may be just as well, though, because video might break the mobile networks if it did take off.Can mobile video be delivered?This was the most disturbing topic of all. Even if we can find the right users, the right product, and the right pricing scheme, most of today's 3G networks are not well suited to delivering video.Tilson of Case Western quoted some very sobering statistics on the economics of mobile video. He said one megabyte of data delivered as SMS messages yields £268 of revenue to an operator in the UK. That same megabyte delivered as video yields 20 pence of revenue, roughly 1/1000 the revenue. Of course, a single user of video is much more likely to consume a meg of data than is an SMS user, so the billing per user might still be fairly good. But video quickly exceeds the capacity of a typical 3G data network. He said no more than six viewers per cell can watch video at one time, and if 40% of users on a typical 3G system watched six minutes of video a day, they would saturate the entire network.Hardly the basis for achieving Cingular's dream of 100% viewership.Some of the operators at the conference confirmed this perspective. Francois Thenoz, Director of Strategic Marketing at Orange, said it takes seven minutes to download a 60-90 second video clip on a standard 3G network. 3G "evolved" takes 90 seconds (so you can just about stream in real time). The CDMA 1X network I use to connect my notebook PC is a lot faster, but GSM is the standard for most of the world, so his point was that in most places the wireless network simply isn't ready for video.Higher-capacity networks are in development, of course. But Tilson said that in the UK, spectrum for a DVB-H wireless video system won't be available until 2102 at the earliest. That implies that for the next five years, mobile video in the UK is more of a science experiment than a serious commercial project.In the US, the functional equivalent of DVB-H is MediaFlo, which is already deployed in Verizon's VCast system. MediaFlo transmits video one way, using a separate wireless signal, so it gets around the network saturation problems you get in 3G. Similar systems are already being used in Japan and Korea, and reportedly account for most of the mobile video usage there.A drawback of the broadcast technologies is that they're not streamed on demand. You watch whatever's been programmed at that time. It's like a cable television system, but with far fewer channels. Tilson said one driver of mobile video usage is the availability of a lot of different programming, so limits on the number of channels might eventually restrict usage.The other challenge for broadcast systems like MediaFlo is that they compete with people using SlingBox or similar products to retransmit their home cable television signals to their mobile devices. "Why get HBO Mobile when you can already get HBO home slinged to your phone?" asked Sanders of Sony. He pointed out that the Three network in the UK is bundling Sling services with its flat-rate 3G service offering."Three is like an airline that just bought a bunch of 777s and now they're flying with a bunch of empty seats," replied Brose of Paramount. He claimed that Three has to be betting that video usage will grow slowly enough that faster data networks will be available before the usage of video saturates the network.The "encoding nightmare"Then there's the question of standards. Unlike the PC, there aren't one or two video standards for mobiles. Because of the huge array of different screen sizes and software environments, a company that wants to stream video to mobiles supposedly needs to encode it in up to 150 different formats (seriously, that's the figure I was given by a couple of people). An executive I talked to called this the "encoding nightmare." Some companies are starting to offer server appliances that encode the video in real-time from one or a few base formats. But this adds expense to the business model, and real-time encoding is not as high-quality as pre-encoded video, especially if you're trying to compress the video heavily -- which is exactly what operators need to do in order to conserve bandwidth.What does it all mean?I think there's a role for mobile video, but considering the limits on user interest, and the huge technical and business challenges, it's not going to be the great horizontal application that drives the mobile data market. At best, it'll be a nice add-on for entertainment-focused users who want video in addition to their MP3s and games._______________*This is a reference to an old joke about a boy who desperately wanted a pony. One day he saw a stable stall full of manure, and began furiously shoveling it out. "What are you doing?" his parents asked. "Well," the boy replied, "with all this manure, I figure there has to be a pony in here somewhere."
Posted by Michael Mace at 11:50 PM Permalink. 8 comments. Click here to read post with comments. Click here to post a comment. Links to this post
Labels: applications, entertainment, GMR, mobile, mobile data, operators, video

Good deal: Palm's new ownership
Several people have asked what I thought of the recent change in ownership at Palm. I don't have any inside information, so all I can do is speculate like everyone else, and try to apply the lessons I've learned from working at other companies.Overall, I'm very happy for the folks at Palm, and cautiously hopeful about what this might mean for the company's prospects. I think this outcome is a lot more encouraging than any of the buyout rumors that were floated in the last few months. Palm's new part-owners clearly understand the value of systems design, which is Palm's biggest potential advantage in the market. I think we really need another great systems company to challenge Apple, and I would love to see Palm step up to that task.Although a purchase by a Motorola or Nokia would have been very entertaining from a soap opera perspective, they don't really understand systems design, and it's very likely that they would have digested Palm without a trace. I'm reminded of a joke we used to tell at Apple in the 1990s when there were rumors that IBM would buy the company:
Q: "What do you get when you combine Apple and IBM?"A: "IBM."The other buyout option what was circulating, a full purchase by private capital, would have left the company independent, but with a load of debt that might have been crippling. Hardware companies must have a big reserve of cash to fund inventory and tide them over if they launch an unsuccessful product. I don't pretend to understand all the terms of the Elevation deal (they're wickedly complex), but from my perspective it looks like the financials aren't crippling. I am a little worried about Palm's cash levels, though; a lot of their current cash is going into the stockholder payout.A couple of other thoughts on the impact of the deal:Bye-bye 3Com. Palm gets three very well respected people for its board, and removes Eric Benhamou, the last vestige of the 3Com legacy. Somewhere I have a photo of the Palm and PalmSource combined management teams from just before the two companies were separated. The photo includes everyone in the company from Mr. Benhamou down to senior directors. That was about 30+ people. Every single one of them is now gone. So if you didn't like Palm's management back then, you should take another look at the company because it's now 100% different.Irresponsible speculation about politics. After a change like this, the standard sport in Silicon Valley is to speculate about what it means for the job status of the people involved. In that vein, the thing to ask is, "Who's running Palm in the long run?" The weirdest part of the whole Elevation deal is the arrival of Jon Rubinstein as both Chairman of the Board of Palm and head of product development. As Chairman, Jon is technically the boss of Palm CEO Ed Colligan. As head of product development, Jon technically reports to Ed. So Jon is kind of his own second-level manager.That feels...unstable.Palm seems to now have a surplus of product leaders. Jon is in charge of product development, Jeff Hawkins is the designated product visionary, and marketing SVP Brodie Keast is supposed to control the product road map, according to the press release Palm issued when he was hired. It's hard to picture a car with three steering wheels. Who will really be in charge? In the conference call Palm said that Jon would be the execution guy and Jeff the visionary. "The combination of those two guys is one of the most dynamic... combinations on the planet." Maybe. Any organization structure can work if the people involved get along well, and I presume they would not have made this arrangement unless they were all comfortable they could work together. So good for them and best wishes.But if you want to be a cynic, you'd speculate that Jon probably didn't leave Apple just to be the head of engineering execution at a much smaller company. You wonder if the current situation is just a stage in a longer-term changing of the guards at Palm. I don't have any evidence that's the case, and I am not trying to start any rumors. But when you see a nonstandard reporting structure like this, it usually triggers speculation that another shoe is going to drop later.Only time will tell.What's the effect on products? That's the most important question, and it's impossible to answer at this time. Hardware product development usually takes 18-24 months, so the earliest Jon could change the Palm road map would be very late 2008. But that's the middle of the Christmas selling season, and you can't announce products then. So realistically, the Rubinstein product era doesn't start until spring 2009.In the meantime, there's a lot he can do to make the development of the currently-planned products be more efficient and predictable. Palm has said publicly on numerous occasions that its on-time product delivery needs to improve, and presumably Jon can help with that.But personally, I think Palm's bigger problem has been its lack of innovative new product designs. Unless Palm has a bunch of surprise products already in development, it will take quite a while to turn around the product road map._____________________Thanks to Twofones for including last week's post on the Palm Foleo in the latest Carnival of the Mobilists (link).
Posted by Michael Mace at 10:55 PM Permalink. 4 comments. Click here to read post with comments. Click here to post a comment. Links to this post
Labels: apple, motorola, nokia, Palm

Palm Foleo: It's a PC, dummy
Wow, what an interesting day this was in the mobile and web world:--Apple hinted that it will allow third party developers to add applications to the iPhone, potentially overcoming one of the device's biggest shortcomings (link).--Google announced Gears, an open source project to enable web apps to work offline -- injecting Google into the growing effort to make PC operating systems irrelevant, and linking Google with Adobe (link).--Livescribe previewed its pen computing device, the latest in a long series of efforts to turn Anoto's pen sensing technology into a commercially viable product (Livescribe link, Anoto background).And oh yeah, Palm finally announced Jeff Hawkins' secret project, the Foleo.A lot of the online commentary on the Foleo hasn't been enthusiastic. Engadget called it the "Foolio" (link). Ars Technica's article was headlined, "Palm officially out of ideas, debuts 1990s palmtop concept" (link). The discussion on the Palm Entrepreneurs Forum (an e-mail list for Palm application developers) was more balanced between admirers and detractors, but even there a lot of people were very lukewarm.I think a lot of this is Palm's fault. They're trying to position the Foleo as a "mobile companion,"* a device that smartphone users can carry with them when they need a keyboard and bigger screen. In other words, it's for a small subset of the smartphone market, which itself is a small subset of the phone market. A niche inside a niche. The Stowaway keyboard folks should worry.But I don't think the Foleo really is a "mobile companion." Back when I started to work at Palm (before the turn of the century) one of the old veterans of the company pulled me aside and passed along a little wisdom. "Michael," he told me, "Ya gotta think in terms of real estate. If you're in another device's real estate, you're competing with that device. Palm lives in your pocket; it competes with other things that go in your pocket. If you get bigger than the pocket, you're living in the briefcase, and you're competing with the notebook computer."Foleo lives in the briefcase. It's displacing the notebook computer from your bag. I don't care what they call it, I don't care if Palm fully realizes it yet, but the fact is that Foleo's a notebook computer.More to the point, Foleo is the most significant new consumer PC platform introduced in the US since the Macintosh. All you Linux heads who have been asking for a true consumer Linux PC, you finally got your wish.Wow. That's kind of cool. It may be crazy, but it's a craziness I like. Palm has reimagined the PC for the wireless Internet era, simplifying and stripping away everything they thought was no longer necessary. So since most people carry a phone, you use the phone as your wireless modem. The device also has no hard drive. Since everything is stored in flash RAM, you never actually shut it down -- you just turn off the power, and when you turn it on again all your data and apps are still there, waiting for you. This is normal in a handheld, but it's long overdue in a PC.
"Desktops and laptops were too large, expensive, complex. You're not going to build billions of these complex machines, you build mobile computers....But it became clear the smartphone wasn't going to fill that role....You need a full size screen and keyboard." --Jeff Hawkins, quoted in EngadgetHow well will the Foleo sell?I don't know. It's not the product I would have built (my long wait for an info pad continues). The most successful mobile devices in the last decade have been specialized products that solve one problem for one type of customer -- iPod plays music for entertainment hounds, GameBoy plays games, BlackBerry does e-mail, Palm Pilot does your calendar, etc. The Foleo flies in the face of that. Although Palm talked a lot about e-mail today, the device also has a browser built in, and clearly has ambitions to be a general-purpose computer. I think we should judge Foleo on those terms, not by measuring it against other products we all imagined or wanted. Here are a couple of quick thoughts, and I'll probably post more in a few days after I've had more time to think about it...Palm can now succeed even if Treo fails. Palm implied that the Foleo will be able to work with any smartphone, not just the Treo. This potentially gives Palm a larger market, and also sidesteps the operators, since Foleo can be sold through consumer electronics stores. Palm execs have been very public in saying that they are happier selling through retail rather than through operators, so today they must feel a little bit liberated.Beware the Windows CE factor. I have seen many products very similar to Foleo fail over the years, and that worries me a lot. For years Microsoft and the Windows CE hardware companies produced a series of sub-notebooks that looked eerily like the Foleo. Like Foleo, you were supposed to use them to do light browsing and e-mail. They all died quickly, mostly because they looked so much like Windows that people expected them to run Windows apps. When people didn't get the full Windows experience, there was an immediate backlash.Foleo's a little different because it doesn't pretend to be any flavor of Windows. But the hardware design looks an awful lot like a Windows PC, and that's going to create the wrong impression. Maybe Foleo looks nicer in person, but in the photos it looks like an anonymous gray box, disturbingly like a Dell subnotebook. It doesn't seem to have the lust-inducing look of the Treo 600, let alone the Palm V. I wish they'd made the case more distinctive, or at least a different color, because then people might expect different things from it.Success probably depends on the apps. Like other PCs, Foleo doesn't do all that much out of the box. It apparently comes with Documents to Go (a well respected suite of Office apps, ported from Palm OS), an e-mail client, and a browser. That's all nice, but it's definitely not enough to make me put down my notebook computer. I think Foleo will eventually live or die based on whether it attracts a lot of third party applications that do interesting things you can't do with a notebook PC.Palm has been evangelizing a number of developers to create apps for Foleo, but for some strange reason it excluded them from the Foleo announcement today. Instead, the announcements are going to be dribbled out one by one over the next few weeks and months. I presume the idea was that they'd create a sense of momentum, but I think instead what Palm did is make today's announcement less impactful than it could have been.That means we haven't heard the full Foleo announcement yet. There's more to come from the third parties. We won't be able to really judge the device until we see the totality of what it'll do at launch.My bottom line, based on what I know today: As a standalone mobile data device, the Foleo is uninspiring. As a potential challenger to the notebook PC, I want to believe, but the proof will be in the third party apps._______________*By the way, the term "mobile companion" is perilously close to "PC Companion," one of Microsoft's early terms for Windows CE devices. The phrase gives me hives, but I think that's just me.
Posted by Michael Mace at 11:19 PM Permalink. 25 comments. Click here to read post with comments. Click here to post a comment. Links to this post
Labels: devices, foleo, google, info pad, iphone, Palm, smartphone, treo

Nokia, the computer company?
Ten years from now, Nokia's going to be the subject of an interesting business case study. It'll either be the stirring story of a company at the height of its power that had the courage to challenge its deepest beliefs. Or it'll be the cautionary tale of a company that had it all and blew it.Nokia says it's planning for what comes after the mobile phone.I've heard this from Nokia before, but I always used to think it was posturing. Companies say that sort of thing all the time -- "we're looking for the next big growth driver" or something like that, meaning they plan to keep doing all the same stuff they do today but also desperately hope they can grow another line of business alongside it. That's typical in business; you try to have your cake and eat it too.But after hearing several senior Nokia people repeat the message over the last couple of months, I've started to believe they're saying something different. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say they are about to abandon mobile phones. But I think they sincerely believe that business won't last forever, and they're starting to lay the groundwork for what will replace it.The message really hit home last month, when I heard it from Nokia CTO Tero Ojanpera and Bob Iannucci, head of Nokia Research Center, at a Nokia strategy briefing in Silicon Valley. Iannucci pointed out that Nokia started as a paper mill and has a history of completely changing its industry from time to time -- from rubber boots to monitors to mobile phones. He said it is once again "a company in transition to the next phase." That next phase is mobile computing.Not smartphones, not converged devices, but full-on mobile computers intended to replace both PCs and mobile phones. Nokia says it expects these devices to eventually sell in the billions of units, and to become the world's dominant means of accessing the Internet.Even though these future devices will still be mobile, if you take all of Nokia's statements at face value the changes from mobile phones will be so extensive that it's fair to call it a new business.The fact that Nokia's even talking about this is a remarkable change. Five years ago, Microsoft was charging hard in mobile and the big topic of discussion was how could a company like Nokia possibly defend itself. Now Nokia's talking about how it will put the PC industry out to pasture, and oh by the way take over the Internet as well.Although the goal is almost insanely ambitious, I can't say that Nokia is wrong to try. Mobile phones are gradually becoming a commodity. The biggest unit growth is in low-end phones, a strength for Nokia because of its volumes and efficiencies. But even Nokia managers will tell you that creating low-end products in a saturating market is not a fun business. It certainly won't produce the sort of growth and margins that investors expect.Nokia's not predicting the instant death of the mobile phone business. It's a very large and divisionalized company, and I'm sure big chunks of Nokia are hell-bent on staying a mobile phone company forever. But it sounds like the senior management feels the mobile phone business is becoming uninteresting, and they want to get started on the next thing before the current business rides off into a long Nordic sunset. The hard part is implementingBecoming a mobile computing company is a lot harder than talking about it. The mobile phone world is based on managed competition, in which operators, handset vendors, and governments create shared standards even as they compete. It's a closed circle in which new features flow down from the top like molasses running down a cake of ice, driven by fiat from the leading vendors.The computing world is much more Darwinian. Barriers to entry are lower, and innovation often flows up from the smallest players. Companies compete in something that resembles a free-for-all, with the marketplace choosing winners.So what Nokia's talking about is not just a change in product design. It's more like a wholesale remaking of the company's culture, processes, and partnerships. The advantage of this for Nokia is that if it successfully makes the transition, it will have put everyone else in the mobile phone industry -- handset vendors and operators -- at a permanent disadvantage, unless they can make the same wrenching transition.The disadvantage is that the change is pretty darned wrenching for Nokia as well.Nokia seems to understand at least some of the changes it has to make in order to be a computing company. Iannucci acknowledged that the "Internet model" of product development is to create and ship products first, and then bother about standards later (if at all).He said Nokia's research labs, formerly fairly closed, have re-oriented themselves to work collaboratively with universities and other parties in the industry. The collaboration part is essential because "we can no longer fuel...internally" the amount of technology the company has to develop now that it wants to be a computing company. Thus the briefing in California -- they want to be a part of the peculiar hive mind we call Silicon Valley.The transition will be awkwardOne amusing example was when a Nokia speaker solicited feedback from the audience on what barriers to success they see in the mobile marketplace.A VC shot up his hand: "Operators."Dead silence for a second. Then the Nokia speaker asked uncomfortably, "what in particular about operators?"And you had to laugh a bit, because the question didn't really need to be explained. What the questioner meant was: "we want the operators dead; are you going to help make that happen?" Everyone in the room knew that. Nokia knew that. The question was a test of Nokia's seriousness.Nokia didn't exactly pass the test. They won't answer that question on stage because it creates too many political issues for the current mobile phone business. So what could have been a nice bonding moment between Nokia and the Silicon Valley folks degenerated into a carefully nuanced spiel about "we're working together to address many issues" and bland verbiage like that. They ended the Q&A soon after.Lesson: If you want to bond with somebody, be prepared to discuss the issues they care about. And don't ask for feedback unless you're prepared to answer tough questions.Next stepsHere are some other issues that I think Nokia will need to work through if it really wants to bond with Silicon Valley.Get real about the role of mobile computing. As far as I can tell, Nokia's hoping that the mobile computer will literally replace PCs. I think that's both naive and unnecessarily limiting to Nokia's prospects. Mobile usage is a different paradigm from personal computing. You use a PC in a long sessions at a static location; you use a mobile while on the go, in places where a PC isn't convenient. That different usage pattern means the users are likely to have different requirements and different expectations for mobiles than they have for PCs. If Nokia tries to just make mini-PCs, it's probably going to end up with products that don't deliver on the great new stuff that mobile computing can really do.To give a rough analogy, if the mobile phone companies had focused only on making land lines mobile, would they have ever invented SMS?Nurture developer communities. Nokia has a very extensive developer support organization, but I'm not yet seeing the sort of broad-scale evangelism -- developer recruitment -- that an Apple or Microsoft practices. To really win over the best developers, it's not enough to just make their development tasks easy, you have to make sure they have the opportunity to make money. No one's doing that well in the mobile space today. Including Nokia.The mobile software companies continue to flail around trying to figure out which company can build a business opportunity worth committing to. The opportunity is there for Nokia, but it has to invest in building the market.Manage Adobe vs. Microsoft vs. Sun. Nokia said it's working very closely with Adobe on Apollo, the new software operating layer derived from Flash and Acrobat. The implication is that Nokia will distribute the mobile version of Apollo on its phones, just as it distributes Flash today.There are two potential downsides to this. The first is that Adobe might lose -- it's facing strong competition from Microsoft's Silverlight, and apparently from a revamped version of mobile Java from Sun (I'm planning to write about that one in the future). If one of the others wins, Nokia might end up deeply committed to a failing standard.The second danger is that Adobe might win, leaving Nokia at the mercy of a mobile software standard controlled by a different company. Replacing the Microsoft monopoly with an Adobe monopoly would be delightful for Adobe, but it isn't going to feel like much of a win for Nokia.Learn to design solutions, not gadgets. I think this is Nokia's biggest challenge. The most popular mobile computing products so far have been integrated hardware-software systems aimed at a single usage: GameBoy, iPod, BlackBerry, and of course the mobile phone itself. Nokia hasn't been notably good at designing this sort of integrated system. In fact, its most prominent effort so far, the nGage, was an epic failure on the scale of the Edsel and the presidential campaign of Michael Dukakis.But if Nokia really wants to be a mobile computing company, this is a skill it absolutely must learn. It is an incredibly hard change for Nokia, because computing systems design requires a very strong culture of product managers who understand the customer and have dictatorial control over the features and interface of the product. A good computing system is a product of idiosyncratic vision. Collectivist Nokia, with its endless conversations and responsibility fragmented across dozens of teams, is in a terrible situation to pull this off. Frankly, I'm skeptical that they can do it. But on the other hand, if they can turn a pulp mill into a mobile phone company, would you really bet against them?
Posted by Michael Mace at 10:50 PM Permalink. 21 comments. Click here to read post with comments. Click here to post a comment. Links to this post
Labels: Apollo, blackberry, convergence, developers, mobile data, nokia, smartphones

Apple's industrial design: The value of a decisive bastard with good taste
There's a splendid article in MIT's Technology Review on The Secret of Apple Design. It confirms a lot of what I've always thought about Apple's industrial design prowess but couldn't put into words.The article argues that Steve Jobs improved Apple's industrial design not because he's a great designer, but because he protects the work of the company's designers from being watered down by committees and compromises.In the article, former Apple design director Bob Brunner (himself a fantastic designer) describes what happened at Apple before Jobs' return:
"The businessman wants to create something for everyone, which leads to products that are middle of the road.... It becomes about consensus, and that's why you rarely see the spark of genius."But the issue's more than just decisiveness vs. bureaucracy. I think Steve Jobs also has very good taste in hardware. I watched the Apple industrial design folks up close for almost ten years, under both Brunner and Jonathan Ive. The groups produced a huge variety of product concepts, ranging from sublime to downright ugly. The bureaucracy pre-Jobs (including, alas, myself) generally picked designs that were nice but prudent -- easy to produce, low risk, not too expensive.Steve Jobs picks the pretty ones. The ones your average risk-averse business manager would look at and say, "gee, that's nice, but..."Steve sometimes goes overboard (remember the G4 Cube, a triumph of gorgeous shape over practicality; or the magnesium fetish of the NeXT computer?). And I think his taste in software interfaces isn't as good as his taste in hardware, which is why the current Mac interface is (in my opinion) tarted up like a teenage girl just learning to apply makeup.But Steve usually chooses very well in hardware -- and even when he does make a mistake, since he's Steve no one can punish him for it.Steve envyI've been trying to figure out what lesson this gives to CEOs at other companies who are jealous of Apple's gross margins. The obvious (and useless) advice is that you need to have taste as good as Steve Jobs, and trust your gut. The trouble is that most of us don't have the design taste of Steve, we have the design taste of Larry King.Yikes.There is another alternative. Hire someone with good taste, and then back their choices vigorously when everyone else tries to compromise them. Go watch the movie Amadeus. If you can't be a Mozart, be a Salieri -- recognize and use the genius in others.

Samsung SGH-X400

2007-05-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

The SGH-X400 is amazing! It is a phone with splendid LCD display capabilities with 65K color. It is also a game console, allowing you to enjoy games based on the powerful JAVA platform. The SGH-X400 provides all with the fun and enjoyment of a powerful mobile phone that knows how to play! Now, what is your best game?

Availability
Form Factor	Flip
Network	GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions	86mm x 46mm x 20mm
Weight	90g
Storage	MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery	type with 5 hours talk time and 380 hours standby time

BenQ S700

2007-05-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

With the S700, you can enjoy the same 30 frames per second video that is used in projecting movies at theaters. To further enhance the experience of watching movies on your phone, the S700 also allows you to choose between full-screen and wide-screen viewing modes-all accessible through an elegant and easy interface. You can even enjoy your favorite music on the S700 while performing other tasks, such as messaging or game pl
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 82mm x 42mm x 22mm
Weight 90g
Storage MB
Expansion
Mini SD
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 5 hours talk time and 250 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E860

2007-05-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

Availability Q4 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 87mm x 44mm x 23mm
Weight 90g
Storage 88 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li Ion 800mAh type with 5.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-I300X

2007-05-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

First-class specifications make the Samsung i300x an extraordinary mobile phone. With a huge 4 GB hard drive, the i300x knows no limits. Save your work, your music and your memories and if you run out of space, you can capture the rest of your life on the hard drive. Use the Windows Mobile interface and make working on the move easy. Read your documents and PDFs with the document viewer and transfer them all to your PC wirelessly with Bluetooth wireless technology. You can also download data onto your computer via USB or IrDA. The i300x is a truly professional entertainment ph
Availability
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 113mm x 48mm x 20mm
Weight 121g
Storage 64 MB
Expansion MicroSD cardslot
Side Keys Wheel dial navigation
Platform Windows MobileTM
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 1000mAh type with 4 hours talk time and 130 hours standby timeone.

LG F9200

2007-04-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

The F9200 designed to provide users with personal messaging – Mobile Email, MMS and IM—and camera functions all in one fashionable device. It mimics the ease of use found in a standard keyboard with an intuitive slide-out, fully functional QWERTY keyboard, allowing for ease of use when using e-mail and instant messaging functionalities. The F9200 also integrates with Cingular’s Mobile Email and allow for up to ten open conversations, and the multimedia messaging service allows users to send and receive messages comprised of a combination of text, sound and images. In addition, the slim and comfortable design of the F9200 features a VGA camera with a self-portrait mirror, able to take and store low- and hi-res images,. While messaging focused, the F9200 doesn’t compromise on voice and audio features, with a full-duplex speakerphone for easy, hands-free conversations, music tones and 64-chord polyphonic sound support.
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 111mm x 49mm x 24mm
Weight 133g
Storage 32 MB
Expansion
Side Keys 5-way navigation key
Platform
Battery Standard Battery type with 4 hours talk time and 250 hours standby time

LG F7250T

2007-04-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Be the envy of your friends with the cool and sophisticated F7250T. Boasting the new Talk Nowâ„¢ technology you can chat to people instantly at the push of a button! The F7250T is not just a technological marvel either, with its compact and curvaceous design, sliding mechanism and intenna it wonâ€™t fail to impress. Let yourself slide away with the F7250T Talk Nowâ„¢ handset!
Availability Q2 2005
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 98mm x 49mm x 25mm
Weight 99g
Storage 1 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion 950 mAh type with 2.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time

LG G3100

2007-04-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

The color you have always wanted to have! The sound you have always wanted to hear! Bar-type with a rich variety of colors enables users to enjoy live sound via 16 poly and easy-to-link ringtones by Caller Group ID....
Availability
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 84mm x 44mm x 21mm
Weight 83g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 5 hours talk time and 350 hours standby time

LG G8000

2007-04-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

Capture moving images! Send them
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 94mm x 50mm x 23mm
Weight 120g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time to a friend instantly via MMS!

LG G7100

2007-04-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Freedom of Action, Style and Memory! With a 270-degree tilting display and VGA resolution Digital Camera Organic EL (Electroluminescent) Display, you have the ultimate freedom of taking pictures wherever you want and saving o
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 90mm x 48mm x 24mm
Weight 101g
Storage 1 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 2 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timer sending them instantly.

LG G7110

2007-04-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Freedom of Action, Style and Memory! With a 270-degree tilting display and VGA resolution Digital Camera Organic EL (Electroluminescent) Display, you have the ultimate freedom of taking pictures wherever you want and saving or sending them instantl
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 90mm x 48mm x 24mm
Weight 102g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 4 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timey.

LG U8150

2007-04-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Open your eyes to a colorful 3G world! Combining creativity, functionality and cutting edge technology in an elegant, co
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 99mm x 50mm x 24mm
Weight 135g
Storage64 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 2 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timempact package ; the U8150 is your perfect partner for the 3G world.

Samsung SGH-D800

2007-04-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Experience the Samsung D800 with its attractive black finish and unobstrusive textured magnesium surface. The chrome curves create an elegantly rounded shape and the high-quality sliding mechanism of the ultra slim casing is impressive. As soon as you touch the D800, you will be fascinated by the smoothness with which it opens. This means you can phone people without delay. This modern, functional multimedia phone is the latest must-have. The D800.
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 97mm x 52mm x 15mm
Weight 98g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 3.5 hours talk time and 220 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E720

2007-04-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

The SGH-E720 equipped with high performance 1.0 MP camera and integrated flash, make it possible for self-potrait photograph
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 91mm x 45mm x 23mm
Weight 90g
Storage 90 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby times as well as capturing memorable scenes whenever you like!

LG C2200

2007-04-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Good things come in small packages! Stand out from the crowd and be enchanted with the feature rich, beautifull
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 84mm x 46mm x 24mm
Weight 99g
Storage 1 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timey crafted C2200 camera phone...

LG G7000

2007-03-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

The natural color is alive! The phone having warious function such as neat and tidy design like a competent businessman, and voice recorder can provide you the advanced business competitive power besides refine senses, resulting in yo
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 90mm x 45mm x 20mm
Weight 93g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 4 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timeur successful business.

LG C1200

2007-03-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Sleek color clamshell phone! Mobiles do not get much shinier, smaller and sweeter than the C1200...
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 82mm x 45mm x 22mm
Weight 81g
Storage 1 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-Z700

2007-03-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Samsung Z700 offers great and handy features. Now, with dual camera, its possible to grab the look of receiver via video call. As for multimedia, the new Z700 supports both music play back and video streaming.
Availability Q4 2005
Form Factor Swivel
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 96mm x 48mm x 26mm
Weight 125g
Storage MB
Expansion Trans-Flash card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

Samsung SGH-Z140

2007-03-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Experience the speed and power of UMTS in a breathtakingly elegant and compact design! Weighing in at just 105g, the Samsung Z140 boasts UMTS, video calling, video streaming, video messaging, Bluetooth® wireless technology and an MP3 player. Welcome to the fast lane of the information superhighway! Now, you can share information with other mobile phones or PCs effortlessly. And with 50 MB of end-user memory, the Z140 has enough space for the less serious side of 3G. Surprise your friends and colleagues for a change with video clips, films and music that are bang up to date!
Availability Q3 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 88mm x 48mm x 26mm
Weight 105g
Storage 50 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Li-Ion 1000 mAh type with 4 hours talk time and 300 hours standby time

LG C1100

2007-03-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Small wonder! When you have got something as sleek and stylish as the C1100 you do not need to shout about it...
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 82mm x 43mm x 23mm
Weight 85g
Storage 1 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 5 hours talk time and 250 hours standby time

LG T5100

2007-03-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Mega pixel camera with Internal Antenna!Di-ca look that works as Mobile phone - Mobile phone which has better quality of im
Availability
Form Factor Swivel
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 103mm x 48mm x 26mm
Weight 120g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timeages!!

Samsung SGH-Z510

2007-03-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Why should not you have a slim phone packed with power? The Samsung Z510 does. On the one hand, it has a uniquely sleek appearance thanks to its magnesium coating. On the other, it weighs just 97 grams, so it is surprisingly light. In other words, luxury at its best. The new Samsung Z510 also allows you to communicate easily with via video messaging and streaming video. Discover the little black phone and let yo
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 99mm x 52mm x 14mm
Weight 97g
Storage 138 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 3.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timeurself be taken in.

Samsung SGH-P300

2007-03-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Samsung P300 is an exceptional mobile phone for individualists with high standards. At only 9 mm, it is as thin as a credit card, making it the ideal companion. Experience how exciting it can be to be on the move with the P300. Keep track of your work wherever you are in the world, without sacrificing mobility or independence. It fits into any shirt pocket and, thanks to its slimline shape, does not look like a mobile phone. With the P300, you are at the centre of the world wherever you are.
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 88mm x 55mm x 8mm
Weight 81g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 8 hours talk time and 400 hours standby time

LG U8120

2007-03-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

Be seen and not just heard! A suave and compact handset that is packed with cutting edge 3G technology, video capabilities and MP3
Availability
Form Factor Flip
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 96mm x 50mm x 23mm
Weight 126g
Storage 32 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 3 hours talk time and 120 hours standby time playe

Samsung D830

2007-03-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

Organise your business and personal life with a visually attractive mobile phone which will bring pleasure to your mobile life and will fit in the smallest shirt pocket. Choose the fantastic Samsung D830 which is just 9.9 mm thick - but do not just choose it for its impressive dimensions and sophisticated magnesium-finished design! The D830 also has countless innovative features to keep you well equipped and, thanks to Tri-band, contactable almost anywhere in the world. Everything is poss
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 103mm x 54mm x 9mm
Weight 100g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 630 mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 190 hours standby timeible with the Samsung D830.

Samsung SGH-C120

2007-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

With the Samsung C120, reliable communication comes as standard. Form follows function – with its clear contours, the Samsung C120 seamlessly integrates easy-to-use functions which ensure optimum communication. With a high-quality keypad, slim dimensions and a weight of just 76 g, the C120 is an elegant companion with all the essential features a reliable mobile phone needs.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 105mm x 44mm x 18mm
Weight 76g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 6.5 hours talk time and 250 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E770

2007-03-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Good design is a harmonious combination of form and functionality. The Samsung E770 is the perfect fusion of both. The design lives up to the highest of expectations, while the elegant black and silver fascia encloses impressive functionality. The impressive sound of the Samsung E770 integrated MP3 player is bound to get your feet tapping. Even when you are on the move, you can switch between your songs in a matter of seconds with the easy-to-use MP3 hotkeys on the front fascia. You can even give your creativity free rein with the melody composer in the new Samsung E770.
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 90mm x 46mm x 20mm
Weight 85g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 780 mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 225 hours standby time

Samsung X820

2007-03-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Start with the dimensions, 113x50x6.9mm, the Samsung X820 is a showstopper right there. So amazingly thin you have got to see it with your own eyes, the X820 is a miracle of engineering and design. The X820 possesses a 2.0 Megapixel camera with 4X digital zoom, up to the standard of some digital cameras.
Availability
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 113mm x 50mm x 6mm
Weight 65g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 630 mAh type with 2.5 hours talk time and 210 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E530

2007-02-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

The sporty, elegant Samsung E530 is the height of fashion in its shade of lavender pink! Its attractive features such as the integrated Megapixel camera with a Flash LED, MP3 player, 64-polyphonic ringtones and its curvaceous, feminine design make the E530 a highly desirable lifestyle accessory. The innovative features of the Samsung E530 have it all covered. Whether you want to keep tabs on your biological clock, consult a calorie counter or check when itll be that time of the month the E530
Availability Q3 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800
Dimensions 86mm x 43mm x 26mm
Weight 85g
Storage 92 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 5.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time can always be trusted with even the most intimate details

Samsung Z400

2007-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Take a forward leap into the latest that mobile technology has to offer with the Samsung Z400 proven design, slimmed down further and pumped up to 3G, with 2 Megapixel camera and a multitude of other superlative assets, for an unmistakable winner. Multimedia-rich features including MP3 player and video telephony are combined with essential business-oriented functions in a svelte and ultra-smart UMTS/EDGE package that will take you from play to pro in a flash. Make the most of your mobile experience, your portal to a world of infinite possibilities.
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 96mm x 47mm x 19mm
Weight 107g
Storage 30 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 950 mAh type with 3.7 hours talk time and 320 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-I300

2007-02-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

The new Samsung SGH-I300 is the world's first 3GB HDD embedded music smartphone. This 3GB handset is the first phone featuring â€œPlug & Play Files-to-go,â€ which allows the phone to function as a removable hard disk drive. Businessmen and students can easily transfer files to / from their computers, as well as store and transfer files in any format conveniently. Capable of storing up to 1,000 music files and featuring scroll-wheel navigation, this handset enables users to easily search files. It is perfect for people with a passion for music as the device supports 3D-sound through its stereo speakers. The i300 also enables users to download and enjoy music from not only online music services but also from OTA music services provided by mobile operators.
Availability Q3 2005
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 113mm x 48mm x 20mm
Weight 130g
Storage 64 MB
Expansion mini-SD card slot
Side Keys
Platform Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

Samsung SGH-E900

2007-02-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

The SGH-E900 comes decked out with a 2 Megapixel camera so that you can snap away when unexpected moments pop up. Using a CMOS image sensor, comparable to most dedicated digital cameras, the SGH-E900 takes brilliant JPEG photos. There is even a small mirror by the camera lens, to ensure that all your self-portraits will be perfectly framed and in the shot. The futuristic touch screen is a stroke of genius, eliminating the need for excessive protruding buttons, and allowing the mobile phone to have a glossy and polished surface. Enjoy the phones multi features: with just a few taps of the finger, maneuvering through the SGH-E900 menus and features is a breeze.
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 93mm x 45mm x 16mm
Weight 93g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 3.5 hours talk time and 220 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-D600

2007-02-18T00:27:00.000-08:00

The new SGH-D600 continues the D500's legendary. With the 2 megapixel camera, you would be able to capture precious moments of your life with only a simple click! For entertainment, the D600 features audio player that supports both mp3 as well as aac audio files. No doubt, D600 is an ultimate choice for those s
Availability Q2 2005
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 850 / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 96mm x 46mm x 22mm
Weight 99g
Storage 81 MB
Expansion Trans-Flash card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion type with 7 hours talk time and 300 hours standby timeearching for small, stylish yet advance mobile!

Samsung SGH-E760

2007-02-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

The new stylish E760 features elegant design. With the 1.3 MP camera with you all the time, you would be able to capture down memorable moment anytime no matter where you are. E760 also features mp3 player, which pro
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 88mm x 44mm x 23mm
Weight 88g
Storage 92.5 MB
Expansion
Side Keys Volume keys, camera button
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion type with 6.5 hours talk time and 280 hours standby timevides entertainment all the day. Have a look!

Samsung SGH-E870

2007-02-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

Save everything that matters on the Samsung E870. Whether you are on a business trip or out with friends, the TV out on the E870 lets you transfer all your files to a projector and display them on a TV or PC. Alternatively, if you are jetting off in a plane and want to rustle up a few lastminute documents, the offline mode allows you to use all the phones functions apart from making calls. On top of that, E870 elegant black design with a high quality textured surface is equally fascinating, and is bound to have all
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 92mm x 42mm x 17mm
Weight 83g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion microSD cardslot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 290 hours standby timeeyes focused on you.

Samsung SGH-D520

2007-02-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

Elegant contours and rounded edges define the intriguing design of the Samsung D520. The high quality slide-up mechanism is also an eye-catcher, allowing you to open the phone in one flowing movement and access any application quickly and easily. And it does not end there – the sophisticated black D520 is one of the smallest slide-up mobiles around. With the Samsung D520 in your pocket, you will never
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 101mm x 46mm x 16mm
Weight 94g
Storage 80 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 288 hours standby timebe without music again.

Samsung SGH-E370

2007-02-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

Whether you are at home or on the move, you can listen to your favourite songs with outstanding audio quality. Wherever you are, the E370 MP3 player is guaranteed to put a spring in your step. In addition, the E370 allows user to take great pictures and record video clips on the move for the ultimate in mobile convenience. With its 1.3 megapixel camera and 5x digital zoom, the Samsung E370 allows you to take stunning snapshots and excellent video clips. And when you see that the E370 comes in six different colours, your heart is bound to skip a beat. It must be love at first si
Availability
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 86mm x 43mm x 20mm
Weight 85g
Storage 40 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 7.5 hours talk time and 315 hours standby timeght!

Samsung SGH-E730

2007-02-04T00:32:00.000-08:00

The Fantastic Fifth. A classic silver design with a neat 88g and 87x43x23mm profile makes a lasting impression, exuding style and confidence. Compact and easy to carry, the Samsung E730 fits neatly into your mobile lifestyle keeping you connected, communicating and transferring information, or taking pictures! Samsung E730 handset has the best of MP3 functionality with an integrated MP3/AAC player and FM Radio for hours of musical enjoyment. Very compact and slim at 88 g, it has
Availability Q2 2005
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 87mm x 44mm x 23mm
Weight 88g
Storage 128 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 5 hours talk time and 260 hours standby time1.3 Megapixel camera and 60 minutes of video recording capability.

Samsung SGH-Z500

2007-01-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

Samsung SGH-Z500 is the world smallest and most attractive 3G mobile phone. Despite small dimensions, it integrates most of the modern high-level technology. The SGH-Z500 will definately be the choice of those who love to take photos as it offers two integrated cameras: 1 VGA and 1.3 MP....
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network UMTS/GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 91mm x 45mm x 25mm
Weight 95g
Storage 50 MB
Expansion TransFlash card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

Samsung SGH-Z300

2007-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

The new Samsung SGH-Z300 offers Stereo loudspeakers with 3D-Sound-Effect and supports different audio formats. It is a pe
Availability
Form Factor Clamshell
Network UMTS/GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 89mm x 47mm x 26mm
Weight 110g
Storage 50 MB
Expansion TransFlash card slot
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby timerfect companions for music freak

Samsung SGH-Z130

2007-01-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

Love at the first sight! Thanks to the large and swivelling display of the new SGH-Z130, now you can stream and watch video without the risk of images being cuf off! The SGH-Z130 also supports Bluetooth, E-mail and SyncML that allows you to stay in touch with the world regardless where you are...
Availability
Form Factor Swivel
Network UMTS/GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 112mm x 46mm x 20mm
Weight 120g
Storage 48 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time

Samsung SGH-D720

2007-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Samsung presents to the CeBIT a smartphone, which develops on the open operating system Symbian Series 60. The SGH-D720 offers versatile synchronisation possibilities and is equipped with megapixel camera as well
Availability
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 99mm x 47mm x 22mm
Weight 110g
Storage 64 MB
Expansion MMC card slot
Side Keys
Platform Symbian Series 60
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby time as mp3 player for entertainment!

Samsung SGH-X660

2007-01-14T02:42:00.000-08:00

Wherever you are, the fashionably elegant Samsung X660 is perfect for any occasion with its silver and black casing. Once opened, its functionality unfolds, whilst weighing in at only 78 g. The combination of fine design and a wide range of functions makes the X660 the very epitome of mobile style. In a nutshell,the X660 boasts all the important features for reliable communication.
Availability Q1 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 90mm x 45mm x 22mm
Weight 78g
Storage 8 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 800mAh type with 3.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time

Samsung SGH-i320

2007-01-12T02:44:00.000-08:00

This thin, compact GSM Windows Mobile Smartphone sports a QWERTY keyboard, stereo Bluetooth, and a megapixel camera. Other features include EDGE data, a memory card slot, USB mass storage mode, landscape QVGA display, and speaker-independent voice control. The SGH-i320 is definately a new piece of art fr
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Bar
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 111mm x 59mm x 11mm
Weight 95g
Storage 120 MB
Expansion microSD or TransFlash cardslot
Side Keys Volume key, camera key
Platform Windows Mobile 5.0
Battery Standard Battery type with 3.5 hours talk time and 140 hours standby timeom Samsung.

Samsung SGH-Z540

2007-01-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Make your day a little more upbeat by listening to the sounds of your favourite band while you are on the move. The MP3 player integrated into the Samsung SGH-Z540 is compatible with all formats. Accessing your entire playlist is no trouble with the MP3 hot keys on the outside of the phone. You could almost be forgiven for thinking that you were actually at a live concert. And with video streaming, you can even watch the very lat
Availability Q2 2006
Form Factor Clamshell
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 99mm x 51mm x 14mm
Weight 105g
Storage 140 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Standard Battery Li-Ion 880 mAh type with 2.5 hours talk time and 200 hours standby timeest films via the Internet on your Z540.

Samsung Serene

2007-01-10T02:48:00.000-08:00

What makes the Serene mobile phone so unique? The answer is: everything. From the way it looks and feels, to the way it sounds and functions, it breaks with conventions and creates new standards in comfort, convenience and quality. Created to sit comfortably in the hand and to slip easily in and out of a pocket, it opens gracefully up ast the touch of a finger. The circular keyboard and wheel combines with an extra-large display to ensure fast and intuitive operation. It's the embodiment of innovation, s
Availability Q4 2005
Form Factor Unique
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 64mm x 69mm x 23mm
Weight 115g
Storage 27 MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery Li-Ion 800 mAh type with 3 hours talk time and 225 hours standby timetyle and technology.It's Serene.

Samsung SGH-V200

2007-01-01T00:57:00.000-08:00

Be picture-perfect with Samsun
Availability
Form Factor Flip
NetworkGSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 91mm x 48mm x 23mm
Weight 96g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with 5 hours talk time and 140 hours standby timeg V200 MMS Camera Phone which has 180° free-rotating Lens!

Samsung SGH-E350

2007-01-01T00:52:00.000-08:00

The new SGH-E350 is a great Lifestyle Handy: attractive, small, and handily! With compact dimensions of 85 x 43 x 21 mm but only 75 g in weight, the SGH-E350 is a handheld that not only to look at but also offe
Availability
Form Factor Slide
Network GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
Dimensions 85mm x 43mm x 21mm
Weight 75g
Storage MB
Expansion
Side Keys
Platform
Battery type with hours talk time and hours standby timers various features