Nokia today announced the launch of the Nokia 6124 Classic, a compact multimedia device exclusively for Vodafone.

Available exclusively for Vodafone customers world-wide, the Nokia 6124 Classic features data rates with 3G broadband offering downloads up to 10 times faster than 3G networks. A large 2.0-inch display with outstanding brightness and clarity adds more pleasure for Internet browsing and video streaming. 

{mosgoogle} Taking pictures is convenient with the 2.0-megapixel camera, flash and panorama mode. The external memory card slot allows users to expand the memory up to 8 GB, which offers plenty of space for images, videos and music.

Based on S60 and Symbian OS, the Nokia 6124 Classic lets users download additional applications and content. It also allows users the ability to run several applications at the same time - making it easy to browse the Web while listening to music or talking.

"With the Vodafone exclusive Nokia 6124 classic we continue the successful collaboration we started with the exclusive Nokia 6234," says Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director Terminals at Vodafone "We are proud to offer the new Nokia 6124 classic which will allow our customers to access the complete suite of Vodafone communications, browsing, content and Internet services. In addition, the exclusive Nokia 6124 classic offers customers further improvement in their experience with many of Vodafone's services already launched with leading Internet partners."

The Nokia 6124 Classic will start shipping in Vodafone markets in the second quarter.

{mosgoogle left}Sony launched the ICF-ClipMK2 — a stereo clock radio which supports the iPhone. And Sony is one of the first companies to launch such a device. The Sony ICF-ClipMK2 comes with a remote control with full access to the iPhone’s menu along with the clock’s radio tuning and volume control. The adjustable backstop mechanism fits the iPhone snugly, although smaller iPod versions could also be used with it. A line-in jack and cable which comes with the device could be used for connection of other players. The Sony ICF-ClipMK2 stereo alarm clock will be available in May for arouns US$100 in Sony retail outlets and the Sony Style web site.

{mosgoogle left}Sprint today announced it will launch a domestic unlimited pricing plan that gives customers unlimited voice, data, text, e-mail, Web-surfing, Sprint TV, Sprint Music, GPS Navigation, Direct Connect and Group Connect for $99.99 a month. The new pricing plan is available to existing and new customers beginning tomorrow.

The $99.99 Simply Everything plan is available to customers on both Sprint’s CDMA and iDEN networks. Existing Sprint customers can switch to the Simply Everything plan without extending their current contract either by contacting Sprint customer service or by stopping by any participating Sprint retail location. New line activations require a two-year agreement.

 For families, Simply Everything includes an incremental $5 discount for each incremental line, up to five lines on the same bill. For example, two lines would amount to $194.98 ($99.99 + $94.99); a third line would cost an additional $89.99. This is in sharp contrast to the multi-line unlimited rates offered by some competitors. The Sprint plan offers significant savings the more lines a customer adds.

 Europe UK : Panasonic announced that it has begun shipment of its P905iTV mobile phones to NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

Combining the design concept of Panasonic large-screen flat-panel TV ’VIERA’ and its high-quality picture technologies, the P905iTV is a sliding handset featuring "One-segment" mobile TV. Adopting frame conversion technology from 15 frames to 30 frames per second enables users to enjoy smooth, vivid and high quality "One-Segment" mobile TV together on a 3.5 inch Full Wide VGA large screen.

{mosgoogle left}The handset employs Panasonic’s original high-resolution technologies, "Mobile PEAKS PROCESSORTM" and "Mobile Double Contrast AI" that achieves a high contrast ratio of 4000:1, enabling users to enjoy vivid and high resolution "One-Segment" mobile TV and motion pictures.

Using "LCD Artificial Intelligence" which adjusts the brightness of a display automatically and advanced system LSI based on "UniPhier" for mobile phone, the P905iTV leverages eye-friendly pictures and electric power saving, letting users enjoy long-time ’One-Segment’ mobile TV viewing and music playing.

The P905iTV adopts new styles for users to enjoy ’One-Segment’ mobile TV viewing and music playing, installed in its battery charger stand with high quality sound speakers.

In addition to advanced features of NTT DoCoMo’s 905i series, such as 3G international roaming and HSDPA, the handset also has various fun functions including an autofocus 2.0 megapixels camera with six-axis image stabilizer and link functions to audio and visual equipment of Panasonic.

Main Specifications:

Size: (H x W x T) Approx. 113 X 53 X 17.9 mm (when folded)

Weight: Approx. 129 grams

Continuous talk time:

Voice call Approx. 230 minutes (3G)

TV phone Approx. 160 minutes

Continuous standby time: Approx. 660 hours (3G)

Main display: Approx. 3.5 inches (854 X 480 dots)

Full wide VGA LTPS TFT LCD (262,144-color)

Cameras: Autofocus CMOS Camera

Effective resolution Approx. 2.0 megapixels

External Memory Device microSD / micro SDHC memory card (optional)

Colors Black, White

* "VIERA" "UniPhier" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Imagine a user tapping out text messages on a device the size of an index card and as flat as a piece of paper, then folding it in thirds to holding it to the ear and make a phone call. Refolding it in a slightly different shape and wrap it around a wrist, where it becomes a watch and also communicates with an ear bud that lets them talk handsfree.

{mosgoogle left} Nokia and University of Cambridge researchers have developed an animated video describing how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing users to transform their device into radically different shapes.

Nanotechnology might be capable of delivering flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Dr. Bob Iannucci, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia, commented: "Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible."

Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration added: "Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together."

Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.

The Nokia Research Center established a research facility at the University's West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments - initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department - on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.