INQ1 wins the Best Global Mobile Awards 2009

May be you've never heard of this cellphone before, the INQ1. Sounds cryptic? You bet. But this device wins The Best Mobile Handset title of the Best Global Mobile Awards 2009. Surprisingly INQ1 could beat the charismatic Nokia E71 and high-tech TMobile G1.


INQ1 is a social networking oriented cellphone. It is marketed in UK only, and with contract exclusively on 3 network. The handset specs as follow :

• Connectivity Bluetooth, USB
  
• Dimensions 97 x 47.6 x 14.4
  
• Features Intergrated Facebook, Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Email applications, Last FM
  
• Weight (g) 110
  
• 3G Yes
  
• Camera Resolution 3.2
  
• Display Size 2.2
  
• Display Type TFT LCD
  
• E-mail Client Yes
  
• GPRS Yes
  
• HSDPA Yes
  
• Internet Browser Yes
  
• Memory 50
  
• No of Colours (Main Display) 262144
  
• Quoted Standby Time 329
  
• Quoted Talk Time 324
  
• WiFi No
  

Clearly the spec list does show INQ1 as a good all rounder device, although it does not have special super feature, like 5 MP Camera, Qwerty, huge memory, etc. Compared to Nokia N71 who has full email synchronization ability, fast processor, and full Qwerty keyboard, feature wise INQ1 is inferior. Moreover, when we compared INQ1 to TMobile G1, then INQ1 is way below.

But INQ1 is a success story because of its usability, that enable users to interact with Facebook and IM, and put this interaction into some usable and friendly interface.

INQ1 is geared for Facebook and IM, and seamlessly integrate Facebook features into its interface. With 80 GBP price and aimed at Facebookers in UK, INQ1 has a great value of money. Although feature wise it is slightly lagging behind its competitors Nokia E71 or TMobile G1, INQ1 wins the title because of its user-friendliness.

There are no news though whether INQ1 will come to other markets as well, with or without plan contract with network carriers.

More you can find on 3's INQ1 site, and Techradar.

by Beta Ismawan (http://cellfreakz.blogspot.com)
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Cellphone makers are going to use universal charger by 2012

It is common for us to change charger each time we switch to another brand of cellphone. Sometimes even when we switch from older type of cellphones to newer ones within the same, there was a change in charger, example in this case is Nokia and Sony Ericsson, which once changed their plug charger platform. But this is not the case anymore.

The GSM Association and 17 cellphone manufacturers announced today that they had agreed to take the initiative to produce and use single format of charger (universal charger) by 2012.

This universal charger will be in the form of Micro USB, and will have more efficiency (Rated 4 stars). Major brands such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Motorola already join the initiative and start working to make this happen. Should this succeed, it will save 50% of materials, and potentially reduce up to 51,000 tons of wasted used chargers.

This will be great news for average daily users like you and me. Because if this is true micro-USB, then we will be able to just plug in a micro-usb cable to our laptop, or desktop, or any other electronic equipment with USB slot. It will need less energy, and also much more efficient.

Strange that some Chinese brands cellphones already use micro USB charger, and it takes quite a while for the GSM Association and the majority of manufacturers to start adopt it.

Source: UnwiredView, GSMworld

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Nokia agrees with Skype to Include Skype Software In Cellphones

Skype is the world's most widely used telephony chat application, and now Nokia sets an agreement with Skype. With this agreement, Nokia will install Skype in the upcoming N97 series.

Previously, Skype has partnered with Hutchison to install Skype. As stated by Josh Silverman, Skype's Chief Executive, "We believe that mobile is incredibly important to our future," "The Nokia announcement is really a major milestone. When we partner with manufacturers we are able to deliver a superior experience."

This is a very great news, with this development, you can hope to talk with your Skype's contact very cheaply. Internet and cellphone integration is becoming today's standard. Let's expect the Nokia-Skype integration to work smoothly. Because Skype is very popular online, and users will expect the same service quality within the coming N97.

by Beta Ismawan (http://cellfreakz.blogspot.com)
source : Mobiledia
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Samsung Announces Three Android Phones and One Linux Limo Phone

It seems that Samsung is advancing more innovation to your door, as it announces today three Android OS phones and one Linux OS phone codenamed Limo.

Surprisingly has became the second biggest cell maker in the world (Reuters-ed), the Korean manufacturer, represented by the company's head of product strategy Won-Pyo Hong stated to Reuter that it would release more than three Android phones, and one linux OS phone before 2010.

This move is making the cellphones market much more exciting. Other than battle of brands and features, we are looking at battle of OS. As you know, smartphones are defined by the existence of OS installed in it. With OS, you can install, uninstall, and even modify (called modding) the visual appearance and menu structure of your phone.

Until recently, Symbian S60 3rd edition dominates the 'common' smartphones, as it is used by Nokia, the number one cell maker. But Windows Mobile 6.1 continues to improve and evolve to Windows Mobile 6.5, and also adopted by various cellphone manufacturers.

The latest hit is the Android OS, which is an operating sytem supported by Google, that promises integration of your cellphone with Google features. This means, accessing Google facilites such as Google Mail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar will be a lot easier through it, supposedly. However, market will test the battle between the three major operating system : Symbian, Windows Mobile, and Android.

by Beta Ismawan (http://cellfreakz.blogspot.com)
source : Engadget, Reuters
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Gigabyte GSmart S1200 with Windows Mobile 6.1 and VGA Display

Gigabyte, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer, has officially announced earlier it will launch GSmart S1200, A Windows mobile smartphone with wide and full touch screen interface.

The latest report from MWC by Unwiredview confirmed that Gigabyte has fully disclosed the spec of GSmart S1200. Physically, the handset is classy, with chrome trimming, that makes it a classic retro-looking piece. However, don't be fooled by its exterior, as it carries full Windows Mobile 6.1.

As you know, Windows Mobile 6.1 is one of the most advanced mobile operating systems currently in the market. Although some users find Windows Mobile 6.1 a little bit buggy, but in general still several manufacturers adopt this operating system into their smartphones.

Gigabyte GSmart S1200 has 105.5 x 52 x 11.4 millimeters dimension. It should be easily fit into your pocket, as 1,1 cm is considered very thin. And it also big and nice WVGA display, which means more space for your applications, images, and videos. The full specification as follows :

* 3.1 inch TFT touchscreen display with 480 x 800 pixels
* Gigabyte’s Smart Zone user interface
* GSM and HSDPA/HSUPA connectivity
* Built-in GPS
* Wi-Fi
* Bluetooth 2.0
* Mini USB 2.0
* 3MP camera with autofocus
* MicroSD card slot
* 528 MHz Qualcomm processor
* 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM
* 1010 mAh battery

Let's go through the spec items one by one. 3.1 inch TFT, is nice, and the TFT screen should be readable in the sun, though no confirmation yet on any reviews in the web. But the pixel of 480 x 800 can be a little bit of problem, as it is not a common pixel resolution for images and third party applications.

Built-in GPS is a welcome addition. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mini USB, 3MP, MicroSD all are standard features of today's smartphones. While the 528 MHz Qualcomm processor is okay, it can use faster processor still. But perhaps Gigabyte tries to reduce production cost by using lower speed processor. The 1010 mAh battery however, is a bit too small. Modern smartphones that have a lot of power-gobbing features should have 1300 or 1500mAh battery. So expect the battery life of your GSmart S1200 will last in about 1-2 days.

Gigabyte's Smart Zone user interface is a skin similar to the finger-friendly interface skin found in LG Cookie and HTC Touch, though it seems far less superior than HTC TouchFlo skin. Just like in other Windows Mobile smartphones, Gigabyte's Smart Zone skin is created to enable users control the handset in easier and much more intuitive ways, as Windows Mobile is often perceived to be rather complicated to use for average users.

The Gigabyte GSmart S1200 is expected to be marketed in Q2 2009.
by : Beta Ismawan (http://cellfreakz.blogspot.com)
source : Endgadget, UnwiredView

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