The last seven days saw a mobile news deluge as the annual Mobile World Congress conference and expo came to Barcelona. Here are some of the hottest highlights…
1. Nokia unveils the N96
Nokia’s biggest news was the launch of the true successor to the N95. The N96 comes with a monster 16GB of built-in storage (expandable to 24GB with an 8GB Micro SD card), plus all the killer stuff we’d expect from a flagship ultra smart handset: GPS, 5-megapixel camera and ultra-quick HSDPA for web browsing and downloads. It’ll be dropping into palms this summer.
2. Samsung’s dual-slider music phone
Samsung has just unveiled a music phone with high-class hi-fi talents. The F400 comes with Bang & Olufsen-designed speakers that slide out of the top – a little like the Nokia N95’s music controls. HSDPA, a 3-megapixel camera and an FM radio are also onboard.
3. Omnifone prepping unlimited, pre-licensed music service
Vodafone customers may soon be able to download unlimited amounts of free music thanks to Musicstation Max, an upcoming service from Omnifone. The service looks likely to last between 12 and 18 months, and come as part of the deal when you buy certain handsets.
4. Vodafone trials 28Mbps HSDPA
Think your phone’s 3.6Mbps HSDPA is quick? Well, Vodafone has announced that it’s about to start testing out a 28.8Mbps “HSDPA+” service that will deliver huge files to your mobile in seconds. Yep – it’s actually faster than most home broadband services.
5. Tosh touts touch screen
Toshiba isn’t really known for its mobiles, but the Portege G810 could change all that. A slim-line smartphone with 2.8-inch touch screen, GPS, push email and Windows Mobile, it’s a serious suit-pleaser and is due to launch in the spring.
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