Latest phones and cell review

While official announcements are great, we can’t help but get a rush when we see things like this. Thanks to the guys over at GSM Help Desk, who were in attendance while LG showed off seven new handsets to the Dutch press, we’ve got a healthy batch of devices coming from the Korean handset manufacturer. And while some of them look pretty ordinary, there’s at least a couple in here that will catch an eye or two.

First up, is the LG GM205 (pictured above). This device is pegged as a music-oriented handset, and when it hits store shelves later this year, will come in a variety of colors (not just the orange/red you see here). The unit itself is equipped with Dolby Mobile Technology, so that means your music is going to sound great all the time, whether in your headphones or on the speakers. It’s also got a woofer, just to rub it in a little bit. You can put the device up to a speaker and listen to a song, and add it right there as a ringtone. Keeping up with the music trend, it’s also got an FM radio on board. On the back, there’s a 2MP camera, and expandable memory.

Next is the LG Jacquar 5, which we believe (just by the name) either won’t make it to the States, or if it does, will get a distinctive name change. This is a very simple device, aimed for those who just want to call, text, and use some of the media functions on the device, like listening to music. It’s not your next smartphone, basically. It’s even got a VGA camera on the back, which, we’ll be honest, we didn’t think anyone did anymore. It doesn’t look half bad aesthetically, but we don’t think this will be on any kid’s wishlist any time soon.

The LG GU230 is a slider, with a 1.3MP camera on the back, and expandable memory. There’s also a standard music player on this device as well (we’re beginning to see a trend here), but that’s about it. Much like the Jacquar 5, this is just a phone to get you through the day, not shock the socks off people. It’s got a nice design though, and the white color would probably attract a few onlookers.

Ah, the LG Pure. We can’t help but stare at this device. We’re not sure if that’s because it looks good, or if it’s strikingly familiar to another device out there, albeit one in the Personal Media Player region of markets. Either way, this device is for the mid-range, just inching past the previous devices in features. For example, the Pure’s rocking a 5MP camera on the back, and is capable of 3G speeds to upload those images. It’s also a slider, and one that doesn’t look half bad. The phone’s memory can be expanded to 32GB, which leads us to believe that this device is meant more as a media-heavy phone than anything else.

We’ve got another LG Viewty to stare at, as LG introduced the LG GT400 Smile, a touchscreen device capable of 3G speeds. It’s got a 5MP camera on the back, and like the Pure before it, it’s meant for the mid-range market. It too has expandable memory, but no mention of how much. It’s got a scratch-resistant screen, music player, and FM radio. From what we can see in the image, that looks like the same User Interface we’ve seen on previous LG devices, like the Xenon, so based just off that, there’s a chance this device might see State-side release.

As we continue to climb the ladder, we finally find the LG devices that may attract a more media-heavy, top-tiered customer. We also find LG’s 3D S-class User Interface, so take that as you want. Here, we’ve got the LG GT405. The widget-friendly UI is still there in its purest form, ready to be moved around the 3-inch touchscreen. It’s also got a 5MP camera, photo editing options, 3G, FM radio, MP3 player, Bluetooth, and has a MicroUSB 2.0 port. of all the devices, this one makes the top of the list for devices we might see locally.

Finally, we have a phone that’s designed for the messaging youth out there. It’s the successor to the LG KS360, and it’s appropriately entitled the KS365. It’s got a 2.4-inch touchscreen (we’d be willing to bet that’s a resistive screen), along with a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. On the back, there’s a 2MP camera; on the inside we’ve got a music player and FM radio. It’s one of the more uniquely designed handsets, to say the least.

We should note that none of these devices have been officially announced, so a lot of things could change about these things well before we ever see them again. And if any of them do happen to see an official launch, we’ll be sure to let you know. So, let us know, which one do you want?

[via GSM Help Desk]

Welcome to the SlashPhone Week in Review. This is where we take a look back at the week we’ve just left behind, and rehash the most important articles. It’s one of the ways we like to make sure that you’re not missing anything, just in case you couldn’t stop by on your busy Monday. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss the launch of a brand new phone, now would you? Of course not. So get comfy, grab a drink and some popcorn, as we dive in.

On the first, which was Monday (just in case you lost track of time), Samsung went on the record as officially launching the Caliber (SCH-r860) for MetroPCS. While this isn’t the highest of mid-range devices, it does offer some pretty good stats: a 3.2-inch (resistive) touchscreen; 3MP camera, Bluetooth, and access to a MicroSD card. Considering it’s a touch-based Samsung, you shouldn’t be surprised that TouchWiz is rocking the User Interface side of things. It also has a full HTML browser, so go ahead and surf away. The MicroSD can be expanded to 16GB, so you can make use of the on-board MP3 player.

Next up, we’ve got a new line of phones from industry heavy Nokia. They introduced the first in their C-Series of devices: the C5. It’s a “smartphone” running S60 3rd Edition, and like most phones coming out these days, it’s a media-centric device with a heavy tilt towards social interation. You can access Facebook status messages through the phonebook, and access to your favorite contacts can be had right from the homescreen. It’s got access to Nokia’s OVI Maps, which means navigation is free for life (or as long as you own the phone), and comes in at EURO 135, so nothing that’ll break the bank. The device is set to launch some time in the second quarter of 2010, so if this something you’re interested in, keep your eyes peeled.

Despite the fact Research In Motion would appear again later in the week, we wanted to make you aware of this story more than anything. Meet what is being called the BlackBerry Storm 3. It’s a slider. Yes, that’s right. Leaked images of a sliding formfactor BlackBerry started making the rounds on Wednesday, showcasing what Research In Motion might be planning for some time later in the week. Nothing was confirmed of course, but as it stands, RIM could use another industry-changer (like the original Storm), and we’re eagerly anticipating anymore images we can get our greedy hands on.

Just past the middle of the week now and we’ve got Samsung on the chopping block again. This time around we’ve got two phones that are seeing shelves around the world, with no plans (as of now) for any State-side sales. We’ve got the Samsung Clutch, which is ridiculously shiny. However, Samsung may want you to think you’re getting a high-end device based on looks, going a bit deeper into the User Interface shows us that TouchWiz is still there in its full glory, with something Samsung is calling a “lady UI.” We’re still not sure what that means exactly, but apparently having applications like a calorie counter and party planner equate to a lady UI. It costs about $520. The Samsung Diva is something less than the Clutch, both in aesthetics and UI. Missing all the flashy “lady” parts (…), the Diva is indeed still aimed at a more female userbase. We’ve got to give it to Samsung: they know how to create phones.

Microsoft may have wowed the world with their upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series Operating System, but apparently they’ve also got something else being worked on in secret. Well, it hasn’t been much of a secret for awhile, but now we’ve got pictures! Microsoft’s Project Pink is apparently meant for the more teenage-age range of customers, with media, messaging, and social networking the focal point. They’re bringing two devices –the Turtle and Pure– to Verizon Wireless in April, if we are to believe the rumors. While the pictures may not speak to everyone, at least we can say the Turtle is one of the most interesting devices we’ve seen in awhile. And that’s saying a lot.

Speaking of Windows Phone 7, LG was nice enough to show off their first device running the mobile Operating System of the future. While everyone has been focusing on the top of the parameters for the hardware, LG wanted to show off what’s been called the second chassis. A slider, with a full, physical QWERTY keyboard, and a touchscreen. There wasn’t much else to go on at the time, but the codename did come out a bit later. LG is going to (according to further rumors) call the new phone the Panther. (Yes, they could have chosen a better name.) But! Even better than an LG slider-phone, is what Eric Rudder showed off at TechEd in the Middle East. He walks us through playing an Indie game on his computer, and then moves the same game over to his Windows Phone 7 Series-based device, and finally moves it over to the Xbox 360 to finish the experience. Rudder (and subsequently Microsoft) have shown what the convergence of the three screens will finally look like, and it looks awesome.

And finally, we’ve got Motorola. They’ve gone ahead and launched their latest Android-based device, but that’s not really the big news. Instead of hitting T-Mobile, Sprint, or even Verizon, this one’s heading to AT&T. That’s right, the second largest carrier in the States has finally received their first Android device, and, well, it’s interesting. It introduces a very intriguing form factor, and one that you’ll have to see to believe. We’ve got a review of the device over at SlashGear, which you should definitely check out, even if you’re not on AT&T or want an Android device. Just go look at it.

That ends this week. Be sure to stop by next week for another wrap-up.

We love a good codename as much as the next person, but sometimes companies just miss the mark. With some devices, the name is pretty much half the luster of owning one. Case in point, a certain product from a Cupertino-based company lives in its name. And we understand that there are just some words out there that work better than others. However, Panther may not be the best bet when it comes to naming your first 7 Series device.

According to site Best Mobile Contracts, LG has gone ahead and released the codename for their first Windows Phone 7-based device: Panther. The LG Panther. It’s the same device that got its world premiere on the Engadget Show last week, which we spoke about already. But, as a little refresher, the LG Panther is set to launch with a 5MP camera with LED flash, and come packed with a physical slider QWERTY keyboard. Other than the mobile Operating System running under the hood, there’s not much more information to be had.

According to the 3 Chassis Rule delegated by Microsoft, this new device from LG fits nicely in the second category. It’s not designed to be the heavy-hitter that Microsoft plans to encompass the “full experience” of Windows Phone 7, but it will still show off quite a bit of greatness nonetheless. The biggest news though, may be the fact that LG is still planning on releasing this in September, which is about a month ahead of that whole holiday season thing Steve Ballmer was talking about during the keynote in Barcelona. If that is indeed the case, then make sure the edge of your seat is comfy, as MIX10 gets set to start up here around the corner.

[via Best Mobile Contracts]

AT&T has announced and will start selling the two new 3G LaptopConnect devices: the AT&T USBConnect Turbo and AT&T USBConnect Velocity beginning March 7. The Velocity, is the first GPS-enabled LaptopConnect device from AT&T. It works with a free software application, the Option GPS Control Panel, that leverages location-enabled sites like Yahoo! Maps and Bing for directions and local points of interest. Option GPS Control Panel will be available for download on the Option support web page beginning March 7. The Turbo is AT&T’s first LaptopConnect device from LG and features a compact, lightweight design.

Both devices feature an integrated microSD card slot making them portable storage devices that allow users to carry the data and files they need at their fingertips. AT&T USBConnect Turbo will be available at $99.99 with 2 years DataConnect of at least $35/month but will come with a mail-in rebate ($100 AT&T Promotion Card)

AT&T USBConnect Velocity will be available for $29.99 after the $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year DataConnect contract of at least $35 a month

Appear at Engadget’s The Engadget Show, Microsoft’s Aaron Woodman is showing an unannounced LG prototype smartphone with the new Windows Phone 7 Series. The LG prototype has a 4-rows QWERTY hardware keyboard, 5 megapixel camera and is just slightly thicker than iPhone and Nexus One. There isn’t any details info on the Windows Phone 7 software walkthrough, but check out more photos at Engadget site.