iPhone firmware hints strengthen case for GPS support

We've heard that the 3G iPhone would add real, true, honest-to-goodness (no joke) GPS into the mix instead of the fakey guesstimation the current model offers, and data unearthed deep within the annals of the 2.0 firmware emulator lends credence to the scoop. Specifically, users have found references to NMEA data, the raw language used to communicate GPS coordinates between devices; that'd suggest that Apple's intending to offer official support for GPS add-ons at the very least, but more likely, it foretells the inclusion of a GPS receiver right in the glossy black shell itself. What that means for efforts likelocoGPS (pictured) remains to be seen, but it'd be awfully nice of Stevie to let external modules talk to the new firmware features on original iPhones, wouldn't it?

[Via Navigadget]

Nokia's touchscreen Tube out in the wilds?

Like detective work? Good, this one's for you. That's the supposed first picture of Nokia's Tube which we've enhanced a bit to see all the detail. According to Symbian-Freak, the device code-named "Tube" will be Nokia's first touch S60 device but will not be a flagship phone. Another higher spec'd phone will ship "shortly after." The display is said to be between 3- and 3.5-inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a camera (with another up front based on the picture) which they say is "way better" than the iPhone's but not on par with the existing N-series shooters. The phone is said to ride atop quad-band GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSDPA radios with built-in Bluetooth, WiFi, uPnP support and a stylus. Something you'll apparently need judging by that skinny scroll bar. GPS? Yup, that too. No multi-touch on this model but it is said to provide haptic feedback in a package supposedly smaller (maybe a little bit wider) than theN73. We also notice an "XpressMedia" label on the phone which would indicate an affiliation with Nokia's XpressMusic class of media devices. You'll also notice that the icons have been slightly revisedsince we went hands on with the S60 Touch UI back in February. Real deal or not, it's a mystery worthy of your skills.

Philips M600 with SRS WOW Technology to be Sold in China

Nowadays Philips is focusing on China mobile phone market, especially with its Xenium 9@9 long battery life series. The upcoming Philips M600 is targetting on those music lovers, it offers the built in SRS WOW to enhance the sound quality and add a surround sound capability. The SRS WOW is also suppose to restore the spatial cues often lost by audio compression or playing through small speakers. The Philips M600 has a clean candy bar design, easily enjoy your MP3 songs and access essential music functions using the assigned MP3 quick access hotkeys. With a single click, launch your MP3 player, or adjust volume, and navigate the playlist.

It is not sure that if China is the only country that will get this model, the M600 allows you to use T9 text input in Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, English, French, Russian or Turkish.

Specifications

• Display screen: 2-inch 256k colors TFT, 176 x 220 pixels
• Equalizer settings: Classical, Pop, Rock, SRS WOW surround sound
• 1.3 megapixel camera
• Audio supported formats: Midi, MP3, WMA, AMR
• MicroSD card slot
• Bluetooth
• Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, Handsfree, Headset, Object push profile
• 3.5 mm Headset jack connector
• USB 1.1
• Buttons and controls: 4-way navigation key and enter, Soft keys, Side keys, Customized hot key, Dedicated music player keys
• Java MIDP 2.0
• 105 x 44 x 15.3 mm
• GPRS
• GSM dual band 900/1800 MHz
• Enjoy music playback for up to 40 hours on a single charge.

China-bound Philips M600 touts SRS WOW technology

Not that we haven't ever seen a mobile get that mildly interesting SRS WOW badge slapped on itbefore, but Philips is becoming the next to do so with its M600. This oh-so-sleek candybar makes a play for the music lovers heart -- well, so long as said adorer is in China, anyway. Aside from providing one click access to your stored tunes (not to mention easy access to volume / track controls), the handset packs a 2-inch 220 x 176 resolution display, 1.3-megapixel camera, microSD expansion slot, Bluetooth, a very welcome 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, support for MIDI / MP3 / WMA / AMR files, USB 1.1 connectivity, dual-band GSM / GPRS connectivity and a number of preset equalizer settings to boot. Best of all, Philips keeps its tradition of providing ultra-longevous phones alive by giving users up to 40-hours of music playback on a single charge. 'Tis a shame there's no information on pricing just yet.

• READ

Helio Mysto now available to everyone

Following a limited release last month, Helio is now taking its slim, sexy Mystoslider from Samsung to the general public. Like every other phone currently in Helio's lineup, the Mysto has integrated GPS and a healthy dose of EV-DO data for the media-rich apps the MVNO and its members tend to be so fond of. Grab it today for $149 on contract or $320 without.

ASUS M930 gets official, Nokia styling and all

Yep, pretty much everything we'd heard about the upcoming M930 from ASUS has turned out to be the real deal, making the brick-like device nearly a dead ringer for Nokia's E90 communicator with Windows Mobile doing the dirty work in place of S60. The exterior nets you a traditional QVGA display and numeric keypad, while unfolding the beast yields a slightly larger 400 x 240 display along with a full QWERTY board. Internal storage clocks in at 256MB with 64MB of RAM, there's a 2 megapixel autofocus cam around back, and you get the usual microSD expansion, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Oddly, the whole package runs Windows Mobile 6 Standard -- not Professional -- so you can just put away any hopes and dreams of touching the display with a stylus. Look for a public reveal at CeBIT in March, so retail availability isn't expected before that.

What to Expect in 2008: Mobiles as Playthings

The year that went by witnessed some truly remarkable achievements in the mobile phone segment. We saw advancements in operating systems, radical new phone designs, and an overall step ahead for handheld technology. There’s plenty to look forward to in 2008. Here’s what I expect to see in the new year – with particular regard to funky multimedia devices that have been developed but not yet made it to our shores. 

Play - Part 1
Nokia 5700 (new addition)

The 5700 is not an altogether new design concept but a hybrid version of the Nokia 3500 with the revolving camera. The newer version, part of the XpressMusic series, looked sleeker and was even lighter than its predecessor. The latest version looks the same as the new version, only with edgier colors. Rumor has it that this version will have a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera. Other specs would presumably remain unchanged. Nothing conclusive has been announced so far, but this is definitely worth checking out. 

Samsung Serenata

In a major effort to deliver something truly unique to a music-minded audience, Samsung enlisted the help of Bang and Olufsen to create the Serenata. It has a very unique slider design with a scroll wheel, and a 2.26 inch display with a 240 x 320 pixel resolution. It has Bluetooth with A2DP profile, supports HSDPA, and is 3.5G enabled. The Serenata also comes with 4GB of internal memory. Of course, the most important feature is the music player, which I feel could be a real winner. 

ROKR E8

Here’s another innovative idea for a mobile phone. Although the design is essentially candybar in shape, the best part about the E8 is the touch-sensitive keypad. While the media player is active, only select keys are highlighted, and these can be used to control and navigate media files and the player itself. There’s also a touch-sensitive scroll wheel for navigating menus etc. Other specs include Bluetooth with A2DP, a 2 megapixel camera, USB 2.0 connectivity, EDGE support, and an integrated FM radio. Memory can be extended using MicroSD cards. It's worth a look-see, even if only to check out the funky keypad. 

SE W960

The Sony Ericsson W960 is a bigass all-in-one phone. It has a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera that goes extremely well with the large 3.2 inch, 240 x 320 pixel touchscreen. It’s part of the Walkman Series, so the music player should be something you can sink your ‘ears’ into. It’s 3G-enabled and supports Bluetooth with A2DP – and also Wi-Fi. It has a whopping 8GB of internal Memory. 

LG Voyager

The Voyager is LG’s version of a Nokia Communicator. The twist is that it’s more like a mutation of the iPhone and the E90. The front has a large touchscreen display. When opened up, the Voyager reveals a full QWERTY keypad with another 2.8 inch display. This 'mega' phone is equipped with a 2 megapixel camera, GPS Bluetooth (presumably with A2DP compatibility), and supports external memory with MicroSD cards. At the moment it’s available only through Verizon, but hopefully that will change.

Apple iPhone, India

This list would be incomplete without the iPhone. Yes, it's already available in the gray market, and yes, it can be unlocked and used in India as well. However, there's a possibility of something going wrong with an unlocked iPhone. We’ve reviewed the iPhone for you, so you have an idea about the device itself, but there have been many many changes to this handset over the last couple of months so I’m hoping that when it finally shows it’s face here officially we’ll able to re-review it without worrying about any issues popping up. 

Most of the handsets mentioned above have already made their debut in some parts of the globe, but not yet in India. I’m hoping to get an opportunity to test them out, but I have no idea when. My wish is: soon. As for the official price and availability, you'll be the first to know when I get any dope. Have a great new year!