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.

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