Toshiba, LG, HTC Debut Handsets at Mobile World Congress

Toshiba, LG, HTC Debut Handsets at Mobile World CongressBy Nathan Eddy

A slide-out QWERTY keyboard is what differentiates this from its close cousin, the TG02. It also features a Snapdragon 1GHz processor running Windows Mobile Professional 6.5, a 3.15-megapixel camera with auto-focus and VGA video recording at 30 fps, 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM, and capacity for a microSD card up to 32GB. It also sports a 4.1-inch capacitive touch screen with touch-sensitive navigation controls.

This super slim touch-screen handset supports HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS, and features a sleek design with textured metal side panels. A 5-megapixel camera with face detection capabilities and a 16:9 widescreen display offers up multimedia possibilities, and like the GT350, the phone is optimized to connect with social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.

This touch-screen Android-powered smartphone specializes in multiple location technologies and apps. The A50 also includes Garmin navigation with turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions for use in a car or while walking. Location features are designed into virtually every function, including e-mail, text messaging and photos.

This year’s replacement for the TG01 is thinner, lighter and features an upgraded capacitive touch screen and 3.15-megapixel camera with auto-focus. Like its close cousin, the K01, the handset runs Windows Mobile Professional 6.5 and is powered by a Snapdragon 1GHz processor.

Available through carrier and retail channels in Asia and Europe in the first half of 2010, this touch-screen smartphone runs Windows Mobile 6.5.3 and is equipped with a 1,500-mAh battery for hours of uninterrupted use, as well as a full QWERTY soft keyboard, and navigation functions are linked to frequently used applications, such as calendar, contacts, e-mail, Internet browser and messaging.

Following the Feb. 14 release of the Wave, equipped with Samsung’s new Bada operating system, the company announced the Halo, a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED touch-screen smartphone with an 8-megapixel AF camera, running on Google’s Android 2.1 OS. While it’s unclear if the phone will reach North American shores, it hits European and Asian markets in the third quarter of 2010.

This QWERTY messaging phone offers built-in applications for major social networks and sports a 3-inch full-touch screen. Expected to hit European and Asian markets sometime in April, the handset also includes real-time push e-mail and will be available in four colors.

Puma and Sagem Wireless teamed up to produce this smartphone, which offers Internet, messaging and GPS localization capabilities as well as solar charging, video calling and Bluetooth photo sharing. The carousel-based menu boasts a spin-and-scratch music player and integrated radio, as well as Puma applications and the ability to buy Puma products through mCommerce services.

HTC’s smartphone features a 4.3-inch capacitive touch display, a 1GHz Snapdragon Qualcomm processor and support for T-Mobile’s 3G network. It is also the first Windows phone with HTC’s Sense user interface. Consumers will have access to an entertainment package consisting of preloaded content and new preinstalled applications from companies like Blockbuster and Barnes & Noble.