LG KT610 QWERTY smartphone

At the recent Mobile World CongressI was able to get a brief look at the LG KT610. The design is very communicator-ish in style, and comparisons with the Nokia E90 will inevitably be drawn, even more so seeing the LG KT 610 runs on the same operating system as the E90, S60v3.

The outside screen of the KT 610 is a mono display, very unsual for high end smartphones that normally have dual displays, both colour. The screen size is small, just 1.45 inches in size. The inside screen is much larger, a 640 x 480 TFT screen supporting up to 256,000 colours, 2.4 inches in size.

Feature wise the LG KT610 can boast an admirable line up. There is support for HSDPA Mobile Broadband and Bluetooth 2.0. There is also a built in GPS unit, so with a compatible program, such as TOM TOM, Route 66 or similar, you can use the KT610 as a full on SatNav device.

The LG KT610 has a 2.0 megapixel camera, has video recording capability and a secondary camera for face-to-face video calls, over the 3G network. There is support for java, and being a S60 phone you can add extra functionality to the device by installing from a wide range of S60 applications, a selection of which you can find in our software shop, here.

Overall the design of the KT610 is functional, if a little boring. The QWERTY keyboard works well, and gives good feedback. The menu system is fairly straight forward and well laid out. The KT610 looks to be a viable alternative for people who want a full QWERTY smartphone.

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[Source: The UK Mobile Phone Blog]

Shape-Shifting Robots Reassemble Themselves (Video)

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed modular, shape-shifting robots that can reassemble themselves after being kicked apart. Video after the break.

That's done with the aid of a camera that seeks out the unique blinkin' lights of another robot, which it is able to dock with using some magnets and then start the search for another bot all over again, eventually forming into a slightly unstable walking robot

[via Engadget - NewScientist]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Motorola ROKR E8 music mobile

Life hasn’t been easy for Motorola recently. The last really popular phone they released was the Motorola RAZR, and since then they’ve struggled to release a phone that captures the imagination of end users. The Motorola ROKR E8 is the latest handset in the ROKR range. ROKR handsets are primarily focused on music playback. Previous versions of the ROKR were the first handsets available to be compatible with iTunes, but ultimately the handset quality let them down.

With the E8, Motorola have included a ‘morphing’ keypad, to try and bring a good user experience to the consumer. The keypad area on the phone is backlit. When in normal usage the keys light up like a normal alpha numeric keypad, but when multimedia applications are opened on the phone, such as music or video playback, the keypad ‘morphs’, with the backlights focusing on the multimedia keys instead.

Feature wise, the ROKR E8 also includes a stereo FM radio to supplement the music player, and is equipped with a 2.0 megapixel camera, with video record capability. There is support for Bluetooth 2.0, which allows you listen to music wirelessly with a compatible headset, and there is also support for java, so you can add extra functionality to the phone, such as the excellent Opera Mini web browser, or the java Gmail app.

Memory wise, the E8 comes with 2GB internal memory, which can be expanded with the addition of a micro SD memory card.

The Motorola E8 ROKR is expected to release soon. To register your interest in the handset, and to be notified when the phone is available to order, please click here.

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[Source: The UK Mobile Phone Blog]

2009 Nissan GT-R Ultimate Road Trip (Video)

Inside Line puts the 2009 Nissan GT-R to the ultimate test by going on a 2,000-mile road trip, with stops at the drag strip and more. Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

And now here's the best part. We're buying one. That's right. Edmunds' Inside Line is buying a new GT-R. We've ordered a white one. A white GT-R Premium with a black interior, the optional floor mats and an iPod jack. We're even paying for it with our own money, no freebies on this one, and should take delivery in July

[via Edmunds]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Grand Theft Auto IV - PS3 vs. Xbox 360 Graphics Comparison

GV pits the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV against each other in a graphics showdown. Are there any noticeable differences? Find out after the break.

The 360 seemed to have a bit more pop-in, but also seemed a tad cleaner looking, but I only noticed the latter by going back and forth between the TVs, which were set up side-by-side

[via Kotaku]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Nokia expands games distribution channels in Asia

Additional games powered by SNAP Mobile now available in PRC and Taiwan

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced today that SNAP Mobile, its connected mobile Java(TM) gaming platform, has expanded games distribution channels in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan. Through further cooperation with SINA Corporation, a leading online media company, Chinese consumers can access more connected games on Nokia devices and download them through local online storefronts. In Taiwan, people can experience a new connected games service through gaming portals run by Taiwanese service provider PocketNet Technology Inc. as well as through Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), the country's largest mobile operator.

"This expansion reinforces our dedication to the global mobile games market. In PRC and Taiwan in particular, there is a growing demand for connected mobile games," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, vice president, games, Nokia. "To provide consumers with the best and most locally relevant connected experience possible, we are working with companies like SINA and PocketNet to develop and deliver exceptional mobile games in Asia."

SNAP Mobile and PocketNet offer Chunghwa Telecom customers the first open Java-based connected mobile gaming platform in Taiwan. Through this agreement, Chunghwa Telecom provides its customers with access to connected mobile games via PocketNet's connected gaming portal http://snap.pocketnet.com.tw, CHT's own portals, and Nokia devices. Moreover, four mobile games have been developed on the SNAP Mobile platform for distribution through these channels, including: Taiwan 16 Mahjong, Battle Big Two, Showhand Master, and Supermarket Tycoon BattleNet. Further titles are expected throughout 2008.

"PocketNet is looking to build the biggest gaming community in Taiwan and connected games are the cornerstone of gaming communities," said Paul Wu, CEO, PocketNet. "In order to build and sustain a mobile gaming community, we need to provide a service that will cover the majority of devices and networks and also move ahead of the market to take part in connected games right from the start. SNAP Mobile sets the standard for multiplayer gaming and development technologies."

Nokia has further expanded its cooperation with SINA Corporation with additional games and distribution channels in PRC. SNAP Mobile, through its ongoing collaboration with SINA, supports the growing popularity of mobile gaming by offering Chinese consumers a variety of channels to access games. Crazy Blocks is the latest title to become available for download through SINA's online gaming portal http://mogame.SINA.com.cn and also through ap.mobile.nokia.com/ap. Chinese consumers can now also access free trial games powered by SNAP Mobile from select Nokia devices.

"The number of connected gaming downloads has increased by almost 60% over the past eight months since our initial launch with SNAP Mobile," said Terry Tian, Network Business Dept Director, SINA. "With the added distribution channels through Nokia, we are building up a fun gaming community that offers an interactive, social element on top of the games themselves."

Similar to its offerings in Europe and North America, games powered by SNAP Mobile come pre-installed on select Nokia handsets in PRC.

About SINA Corporation
SINA Corporation (Nasdaq GS: SINA) is a leading online media company and value-added information service provider for China and for global Chinese communities. With a branded network of localized web sites targeting Greater China and overseas Chinese, the Company provides services through five major business lines including SINA.com (online news and content), SINA Mobile (mobile value-added services or "MVAS"), SINA Community (Web 2.0-based services and games), SINA.net (search and enterprise services) and SINA E-Commerce (online shopping). Together these business lines provide an array of services including region-focused online portals, MVAS, search and directory, interest-based and community-building channels, free and premium email, blog services, audio and video streaming, online games, classified listings, fee-based services, e-commerce and enterprise e-solutions.

About PocketNet Technology Inc.
PocketNet Technology www.joy-box.com is a leading mobile media company in Taiwan and China. With a wide offering of products and services directly via mobile handsets or internet, PocketNet's life media services connect people using different handsets across multiple operators and regions. In co-operation with operators, leading handset vendors and world class digital content providers, PocketNet provides top quality entertainment and rich media enjoyment to users at anytime and anywhere.

About SNAP Mobile
Nokia's SNAP Mobile is an industry leading mobile Java(TM) gaming solution that covers middleware and technology, hosting, maintenance, and online community management. It is available to 3rd parties for connected mobile game development and publishing, and also offers mobile game community development to operators. The SNAP Mobile platform currently supports a wide variety of Java(TM) MIDP2.0 compliant phones and has a rapidly growing selection of connected mobile games with the variety and level of challenge that appeals to players of all ages. For more information about SNAP Mobile, visit www.snapmobile.nokia.com

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[Source: Just Another Mobile Phone Blog]

Free Acer Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5315 laptop is our brand new free gift, yours to keep forever with a 12 or 18 month pay monthly contract! This fantastic free notebook is available on loads of handsets and some of our latest released mobile phones including the Motorola U9 and the Blackberry Pearl 8110 pink. The Aspire 5315 is available free on both 12 and 18 month contracts starting from only 35 per month on the Orange, T-Mobile and O2 networks.

• Free Acer laptop with Microsoft Vista
• Available on a range of pay monthly phone deals
• Delivered next day with your new mobile phone

The Acer Aspire is an advanced entertainment notebook that can fulfil all computing needs. It has a powerful Intel Celeron Processor allowing the user to have a fast computer experience for everything the laptop is used for, there is also Genuine Windows Vista Home pre-installed. The laptop has a light weight of only 2.8kg, which makes it very portable and it has a stylish design of a black cover with white interior.

The screen is a neat 15.4″ TFT LCD Widescreen display, so it is great for viewing movies, images and perfect for surfing the internet. The screen has brilliant image clarity and displays excellent colours due to the Acer CrystalBrite screen that has the latest in anti-reflective technology.

Multimedia needs are truly catered for with the Aspire laptop, it has Acer Arcade which allows the user to view pictures, TV, movies and listen to music. Other features include Intel High Definition Audio support, WiFi, 3 USB ports, 1GB of memory and an 80GB hard drive which gives lots of storage room for music, photos, etc, and the memory is upgradeable.

This is a reliable and dependable laptop with great features and it is capable to perform to everyone’s needs. So you can get this amazing free gift now at Mobiles.co.uk with a low monthly contract rate on a phone and network that suits you. Visit our main site for the full list of free laptop deals.

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[Source: The UK Mobile Phone Blog]

Wearable "Ticketime" System Makes Sure You're Always On Time

The "Ticketime" system consists of a boarding pass printed on electronic paper, with a small wearable strip that detaches and "counts down to when your flight is supposed to leave." No word yet on availability. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The fringe of the ticket is made of electronic paper that could be torn off and worn as a wristwatch during the period of your travel. Before your departure, the airline company would preset the watch to the time zone of your destination

[via YankoDesign - Dvice]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Automated White Board Does All the Hard Work (Video)

This nifty automated white board basically takes "text input from the internet and plot[s] it onto a white board for the world to see." Video after the break. Click here for one more picture.

If the pen needs to be 'down', the electromagnet will actuate and gravity will push the tip of the pen down to the surface of the whiteboard again. The electronics aren?t that complex: the main task is to make the stepper motors and the solenoid controllable by a PC

[via HackedGadgets]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Alienware m17x is World's Fastest 17-inch Gaming Notebook

Alienware's m17x is claimed to be the world's fastest 17-inch gaming notebook as of yet. Featuring a 1920 x 1200 display, an Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme processor, up to 4GB DDR2 memory, 2 x 250GB HDDs in RAID 0, and dual NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX graphics cards in SLI. Prices start from $2,949. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Other worthy tidbits from the show: They're not planning on a MacBook Air competitor. They're big-boned and proud of it. Also, they're looking at making some cheaper notebooks for more mainstream gamers that can't afford to drop $3k on a sweet gaming notebook

[via Gizmodo]

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[Source: Tech Blog]

Modern Marvels: De Lorean DMC-12

The De Lorean DMC-12, released in 1981, "featured gull-wing doors with a fiberglass 'underbody', to which non-structural brushed stainless steel panels were affixed." Modern Marvels takes a look back at this vehicle after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The first prototype appeared in March 1976, and production officially began in 1981 (with the first DMC-12 rolling off the production line on January 21) at the DMC factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. During its production, several aspects of the car were changed, such as the hood (bonnet) style, wheels and interior

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[Source: Tech Blog]

AquaJelly, AirJelly Robots Based On Real Jellyfish (Video)

Festo's AquaJelly and AirJelly robots are essentially "based on their biological model, the jellyfish", with the latter design offering "'fascinating possibilities' for 'lighter-than-air' aviation." Videos after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

..the AquaJelly is "an artificial autonomous jellyfish with an electric drive and an intelligent, adaptive mechanical system." Apparently the idea is to have several of the robots autonomously working together using a communication system composed of Zigbee short-range radio on the surface and LEDs when underwater

[via Gizmodo]

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[Source: Tech Blog]