HTC launches new line of touch-screen mobile phones

HTC Philippines introduces three new phones to the Philippine market — Touch Viva, Touch 3G and Touch HD.

Touch Viva
- 2.8-inch touch screen
- Next generation TouchFLO user interface, responding perfectly to your finger gestures
- Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity
- 2 megapixel camera for quality stills and video
- microSD slot for expandable storage.

Touch 3G -
- 2.8-inch touch screen, with four times the resolution of most phones
- Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
- Next generation TouchFLO user interface, responding perfectly to your finger gestures when scrolling through contacts, browsing the web and launching media
- Small, lightweight design available in a range of vibrant colours
- Surf and download at broadband speed with HSDPA internet connectivity
- 3.2 megapixel camera for quality stills and video
- microSD slot for expandable storage.

Touch HD
- 3.8-inch wide, WVGA (480 X 800 pixel) display offering a cinema experience on the go
- Vibrant TouchFLOTM 3D user interface, responding perfectly to your finger gestures when scrolling through contacts, browsing the web, and launching media
- Surf and download at broadband speed with HSDPA internet connectivity
- Google Maps enhanced by the wide screen viewing platform
- 5 megapixel camera for quality stills and video
- 3.5 mm audio jack makes the Touch HDTM compatible with the majority of audio equipment available

HTC Philippines also said it is currently negotiating with local networks to have their units bundled with their post-paid service plans.

Samsung starts mass production of 256 GB SSDs

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that it has begun mass producing 256 gigabyte (GB) solid state drives for use in notebooks and desktop PCs. With the addition of the high-speed 256GB drive, Samsung now offers the most extensive line of SSDs in the industry with 8, 16, and 32GB SSDs for low-density designs and 64, 128 and 256GB alternatives for the higher densities.

The Samsung 256GB SSD expedites data transfer when large multimedia files are simultaneously read and stored. It can store 25 high-definition movies* in just 21 minutes, a significant advancement over a 7200rpm HDD, which takes about 70 minutes. Furthermore, the 256GB SSD launches applications ten times faster than the fastest 7200rpm notebook HDD.

Also offering a high degree of energy efficiency, the new drive consumes 1.1 watts of power versus two or more watts for a comparable HDD, while delivering outstanding reliability and durability. The high operating speed of the 256GB SSD translates into longer periods in either stand-by or idle mode resulting in 40 minutes of extended operation on a single battery charge.

Epson launches own version of Netbooks

Printer-maker Epson has entered the netbook fray by introducing the Endeavour Na01.

The netbook features the almost ubiquitous Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor, 10in screen, 1GB of RAM and 160GB hard disk. It also comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, three USB slots and a multicard reader, all held in a 1.28kg chassis.

The netbook is currently only available in Japan.

IBM Extends Lotus Notes to Nokia Phones

Nokia and IBM announced IBM Lotus Notes support for a number of Nokia’s S60-based mobile phones which will enable Lotus Notes users to access e-mail with their Nokia devices.

Lotus Notes provides real time access to e-mail, calendar, address book, journal and to-do list data and will be available for Nokia devices in December 2008.

Phone charger energy rating scheme launched

Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG Electronics launched an energy rating system for chargers, making it easier for consumers to compare and choose the ones consuming the least energy.

The new ratings system ranges from five stars for the most efficient chargers down to zero stars for the ones consuming the most energy.

Google adds themes to Gmail

Google has brought themes to its Gmail webmail client – allowing users to personalize their pages.

The new feature allows users to customize the appearance of their Webmail application with a range of new looks.