It has been rumored for over a year that Microsoft has plans to create a portable handheld gaming system to rival the likes of Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s PSP. Unfortunately, Microsoft is keeping a tight lid on the truth. However, the artists over at T3 Magazine couldn’t resist with their speculation on what such a device would look like from Microsoft. So, they decided to take matters into their own hands. T3 has published their rendition of the possible mobile device, combining a Zune, Xbox 360, and phone into one sleek package. In fact, the hybrid device looks pretty damn good. Although, what’s up with the flat-looking analog sticks? Regardless, the concept calls for 64GB of Flash storage — GTA IV on-the-go anyone?
From designer Tamer Koseli, comes the longest cell phone concept, called “Need”. However, I beg to differ. The phone doesn’t really look long (see image above), in fact, it actually looks like a stretched out skinny iPhone (notice the bottom ‘Home” button and the slit ear-piece). Unfortunately, the design doesn’t call for an MP3 player, video capabilities, or a camera, but it does have two screens: an OLED and touchscreen. It also looks like the touchscreen can be used with a stylus, which I though were extinct.
The Sony Ericsson Z780 is a HSDPA and 3G phone that boasts the stylish design cues that Sony is known for. Sporting a clamshell design, the Z780 also features:
* QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) resolution display
* A-GPS
* 2 megapixel camera
* RSS Desktop
* M2 memory card slot
* Google Maps for Mobile (including satellite maps)
* Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)
* FM radio
* Video recording
* NetFront web browser
A Chinese gadget takes two “addicting” things and marries them into one “crazy” device: cigarettes and cell phones. Yup! About the size of an ordinary box of cigarettes, the Chinese made phone makes calls and holds cigarettes. I guess it makes a great hiding spot for the “quitters” still smoking in the closet. The phone can be purchased in various cigarette boxes, so if you fancy a Marlboro phone, you can have one.
GearFuse reports that the phone is dual GSM and has a microSD slot, MP3 player, VGA camera, and a colored LCD screen. The Cigarette Phone costs “a reasonable” $175.
The Nokia 6300i doesn’t look that special, but inside its got Wi-Fi and VoIP support. It’s capable of web surfing and application downloading. Up to 2,000 phone numbers can be stored on the 6300i, which can be listed side by side. As the replacement for the Nokia 6300, the 6300i’s feature list looks like this:
* GSM 900/1800/1900MHz
* GPRS/EDGE/WiFi connectivity
* 2-inch QVGA (320 x 240)TFT display
* 30 MB internal storage
* 2 megapixel camera
* Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP
* microSD memory card slot
* 2.5mm audio jack
* video playback and record
* Battery life: 340 hours stand by; 3.5 hours talktime
* Dimensions: 106.4 x 43.6 x 11.7 mm
* Weight: 93 grams
The Nokia 6300i will be available sometime Q2 2008 in graphite grey for 175 Euros ($272 USD). A 512MB microSD card is included.
The highlight of Samsung’s i458 digital audio phone is its Bang & Olufsen ICEpower audio module, providing its audio prowess. The i458′s 2.4-inch LCD, 3.5G (HSDPA) connectivity, Symbian S60 v3.1, 25MB of internal memory, 3.5mm audio jack, and microSDHC card slot (4GB max) rounds out the phone.
The Samsung i458 measures 101 x 52 x 17.8mm and weighs 110 grams. It should will come priced at 14,950 Taiwan dollars ($495 USD).
At 16.9mm thick, Fujitsu’s FOMA F1100 is relatively thin, equipped with a 2.6-inch QVGA screen, slide-out numpad, Windows Mobile 6 Standard, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, and wireless LAN (8022.11 a/b/g), 1.3 mega pixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0, and fingerprint scanner. Judging from the photo, it looks like it runs Opera as its web browser. Phone Mag is reporting that the F1100 will also work as a WiFi VoIP handset via NTT DoCoMo’s PASSAGE DUPLE service.
So, don’t hold your breath. I doubt the Fujitsu FOMA F1100 will make it Stateside.
Samsung has a haptic touchscreen phone soon to hit the masses, at least in Korea. The Samsung SCH-W420/SPH-W4200′s highlight is its UI that allows “drag and drop” functionality in its applications. For example, you can drag and drop photos in its photo viewer, essentially giving you the option to arrange all of your photos the way you want — all by touchscreen. The phone also gives users tactile feedback. For example, adjusting the phone’s volume simulates the same vibration and clicking noise of a real volume knob (see the video below). Lastly, the Samsung SCH-W420 supports widgets, allowing users to customize the main screen to their preference.
