Latest phones and cell review

Huawei today revealed its first Android handset that it expects to sell on a wide scale across Europe, Asia and the Americas. The IDEOS, which runs Android 2.2. Froyo, will come in both a GSM configuration and a CDMA configuration, based on documentation published by the FCC. The IDEOS U8150 has quad-band GSM/EDGE radios and 850/1900/2100MHz HSDPA at 7.2Mbps, making it compatible with AT&T. The C8150 will have tri-band 850/1700/1900MHz CDMA on board, making it compatible with networks such as Cricket and MetroPCS. Other features of the IDEOS Android phones includes GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for microSD cards. The IDEOS will also support the Android wireless hotspot feature. Huawei has said prices for the IDEOS will range between $127 and $179. Availability wasn't announced.

Vlingo today announced the integration of Vlingo's voice commands into the Android version of Foursquare. Foursquare users on Android will now be able to use voice commands to open the application and check into venues through Foursquare. Users will also be able to locate friends and send shout-outs with the Vlingo voice commands. The Vlingo application for Android, which isa free download from the Android Market, also brings other voice commands to Android handsets, including send texts and emails, search the web, update Twitter or Facebook, and have incoming emails/texts read out loud.

T-Mobile has provided a few more details about what will be its first HSPA+ compatible handset. The HTC G2, according to a T-Mobile published web site, has a touch screen, an optical mouse for on-screen navigation, and the standard set of Android shortcut keys. Based on the image published by T-Mobile, the G2 will run the stock version of Android 2.2, and T-Mobile says it has an 800MHz processor, and Flash Player Mobile 10.1. T-Mobile says more information will become available about the G2 in the coming weeks.

Skype has pushed out a minor update to its Skype for Android application. The revised application offers several new features. For example, it now supports incoming caller ID, so you'll be able to see your Skype contacts' names when they call you. Uses can now copy and paste within instant message conversations, as well as use emoticons. Users will see country names and flags when they dial international numbers, and users can set their location as their status message. Another important chance affects the Wi-Fi radio. The application no longer kills the Wi-Fi radio when Skype is turned on. Skype for Android can still only make phone calls via Verizon Wireless' voice network. Voice calling does not work over Wi-Fi yet. However, with this minor update, users of Skype for Android can at least have the Wi-Fi radio on, where previously the Wi-Fi radio was shut off by Skype. Verizon Wireless' Android and BlackBerry users can download the updated application for free.

Samsung today indicated that moving forward, Google's Android mobile operating system and its own bada mobile operating system will be the focus of its smartphone efforts. "We are Prioritizing our Android platform. Android is very open and flexible, and there is a consumer demand for it," YH Lee, head of marketing at Samsung Mobile, told Reuters in an interview. This focus on Android and bada comes at the expense of Microsoft's Window Phone 7. Samsung plans to introduce one WP7 handset later this year. Lee said, "There is still some professional, specialized demand there." Samsung will not be developing WP7 handsets in significant numbers, though.