Nokia Envisions Morphing Phones

Imagine a user tapping out text messages on a device the size of an index card and as flat as a piece of paper, then folding it in thirds to holding it to the ear and make a phone call. Refolding it in a slightly different shape and wrap it around a wrist, where it becomes a watch and also communicates with an ear bud that lets them talk handsfree.

Nokia and University of Cambridge researchers have developed an animated video describing how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing users to transform their device into radically different shapes.

Nanotechnology might be capable of delivering flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Dr. Bob Iannucci, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia, commented: "Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible."

Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration added: "Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together."

Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.

The Nokia Research Center established a research facility at the University's West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments - initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department - on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.

LG KF700 Touch Screen Phone Competes with iPhone

LG Electronics today announced the launch of the KF700, a new multimedia phone that combines three input methods. As the world's first phone with three separate input methods, the KF700 integrates a 3-inch touch screen, alpha-numeric keypad and Shortcut Dial. With its user-optimized navigation, all of the phone's functions and features are instantly accessible.

The KF700's 3-inch full touch screen provides access to features and its wide aspect ratio makes it ideal for watching movies or browsing the internet. From the main screen users can flip through several handy widgets, including a calendar, scheduler, and memo pad, with the swipe of a finger. The large touch screen also means that the phone can provide an adaptable on-screen interface, rather than tying users to a fixed, preset button layout.

The Shortcut Dial on the back of the phone scrolls through six user-selected features by controlling a virtual dial on screen, rather than digging through menus. The Shortcut Dial can also be used to scroll through web pages or emails, adjust volume and perform other functions for which a wheel is naturally better.

"Our consumers told us that they wanted a phone that had plenty of multimedia features, but doesn't take a long time fiddling with menus to figure out. We created the LG KF700 based their insight," said Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "Internal research showed that a phone's multimedia features often lay dormant if they are hard to access. On many phones these features are hidden deep in menus, requiring too much time and effort to find them. The LG KF700 eliminates these endless menus with its intuitive interface and multiple input methods."

Most of the new touch screen phones currently available eliminate some formerly universal features like the alpha-numeric keypad. LG incorporated a slide-down alpha-numeric keypad to simplify the process of making calls and typing text messages.

When browsing the internet on the wide touch screen, the shortcut dial zooms in and out on websites. When sending text messages, the alpha-numeric keypad provides the letters, while frequently used symbols are readily available on the touch screen. These symbols change based on users text messaging habits.

One of the KF700's multimedia features is a web browser that provides access to Google Search, Blogs, Gmail, Maps and Youtube. Support for HSDPA 3G networks makes web browsing fast and other features like video telephony possible. Other features include an MP3 player, MPEG4 video player, 3.0-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Windows-Based Smartphone Unveiled

Sony Ericsson today launched the Xperia X1, an arc slider phone designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The Xperia X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile inside, the Xperia X1 lets users choose from a dynamic range of activities; from enjoying favorite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move.

"Our vision for the Xperia X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design," said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. "Xperia is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience - anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone."

The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. The Xperia panel interface allows users to access the web, multimedia, and applications from a desktop with just the the tip of a finger. The Xperia X1 lets users interact in different ways, by touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. With Windows Mobile, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA / HSUPA) and Wi-Fi support, consumers can enjoy entertainment and work efficiently on the move.

Sony Ericsson W980i Delivers a Clear Audio Experience

Sony Ericsson today revealed the W980i, the latest Walkman phone designed for music listeners, integrating Clear Stereo to play music like the original recording, or Clear Bass to deliver distortion free sound even at higher volumes.

Sony Ericsson today revealed the W980i, the latest Walkman phone designed for music listeners, integrating Clear Stereo to play music like the original recording, or Clear Bass to deliver distortion free sound even at higher volumes.

With PlayNow, Sony Ericsson's over-the-air (OTA) and web download service being launched this May, consumers will be able to access up to 5 million tracks. The W980i's TrackID feature, which can identify any track, will be fully integrated into PlayNow.

Users can tailor the W980i's Walkman player to the music that they're listening to. It provides a choice of eight equalizer presets, each of which contains a distinct profile that is suitable to a range of music.

Users can tailor the W980i's Walkman player to the music that they're listening to. It provides a choice of eight equalizer presets, each of which contains a distinct profile that is suitable to a range of music.

Users can tailor the W980i's Walkman player to the music that they're listening to. It provides a choice of eight equalizer presets, each of which contains a distinct profile that is suitable to a range of music.

Nokia 6210 Navigator with Integrated Compass Guides Users

Nokia today debuted the 6210 Navigator, the company's first GPS-enabled mobile device with an integrated compass for pedestrian guidance. The 6210 Navigator comes with Nokia Maps 2.0 and includes full voice and visual turn by turn guidance at no extra cost.

Combined with an 'accelerometer' which measures changes in direction and orientation, the built-in compass makes it easy to follow the map when strolling about on foot. When turning the device, the map automatically maintains its orientation. The integrated Nokia Maps 2.0 application will plot the quickest route to the destination and illustrate it on the map. Thanks to high-speed 3.5G connectivity, detailed information about each point of interest, like the phone number or web address is a click away.

Car navigation is also easy with pre-installed one-touch navigation, full voice guidance and self-mount car kit of the Nokia 6210 Navigator. If users makes a wrong turn, the device will automatically calculate a new route.

The Nokia 6210 Navigator supports assisted GPS (A-GPS), allowing the GPS receiver to acquire the satellites in just seconds. Ready for use out of the box, local maps are pre-loaded on the 1 GB memory card and map updates are included in the sales price. For an additional fee, users can purchase multimedia city guides from premium content providers via Nokia Maps application and download additional map areas for free via Nokia Map Loader at maps.nokia.com.

Browsing the Internet and using instant messaging, email and widgets is fast with the high speed 3.5G HSDPA technology. The 6210 Navigator also features a 3.2-megapixel camera, MP3 player and stereo FM radio. The device is based on S60 software, allowing users to download and use thousands of new applications.