Latest News in mobile world

LG came up with a new TD-SCDMA-based phone for the Chinese market. It's known as the LG GD300s, a mid-range slider with a QVGA screen, 2Mpix camera, Bluetooth connectivity support, and video calling. But that's all we know about it atm. Release date, pricing and additional features currently remain unknown.

The so-called Nokia Mural flip hasn't been heard of since May. Was it cancelled? Apparently not. There's a dediceted page for it on the Bluetooth SIG site, where we clearly see the phone with an AT&T logo. The question is: why is it still not available for purchase?

It's definitely not an official launch confirmation, but an official Sprint portal for the outfit's NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile application currently lists the HTC Rhodium as a "compatible phone" supporting full audio and video content. In case you didn't know, "Rhodium" is basically the same "Touch Pro2." But don't get excited just yet, just wait for the phone's official announcement.

The new LG GM750, codenamed Layla, has been recently certified by the WiFi Alliance. According to an XML file, it will offer some notable features, including Windows Mobile 6.5 OS, and Chat on Map function, which allows you to see where the people you’re talking to are instant messaging from.

Here's a more detailed list:

• Windows Mobile 6.

The FCC has approved the Casio Brigade C741 for Verizon. According to the documents on the site the phone comes with Bluetooth, MP3 player, and MediaFLO interface. Stay tuned for more details.

Two new handsets have appeared at LG's Canadian site. Both are scheduled for release on August 7th, and offer some dull specs, which are listed below.

Ok, first is the LGBliss, pictured left. It should be released on August 7th on Bell, and will be available at $79.95 CAD on a 3-year contract. In terms of specs you’ll get:

• Full 3" 240×400 touchscreen;
• 2Mpix camera with video capture capability;
• 4 1/2 hours of talk time

The other handset is the TELUS’ Keybo2.

WiFi Alliance has approved a lower end version of the Samsung i7500 Galaxy, called the i5700 "Galaxy-lite". There is no information available about it's specs, except the fact that it runs Android OS, and is Wi-Fi enabled (duh), but we expect to find out more about it shortly.

Bell's Palm Pre release date was a mistery up until now, but they've finally decided to announce it. The phone will be available starting August 27 for CAD $199.95 (about $187) on a 3-year deal, and up to $599.95 with a minimum 500MB / month data plan and no contract. Bell stores are now accepting preorders.

Verizon subscribers can now get almost any smartphone offered by VZW (except Samsung Saga) for just $99 on a 2-year contract. That includes both HTC's Touch Pro and Touch Diamond. What does it mean? That Touch Pro 2 and Touch Diamond 2 are on their way, I guess.

It looks like the upcoming Motorola Morrison has appeared in some kind of a T-Mobile Customer Service system. And while this picture proves the aforesaid, there’s also a rumor, according to which we'll be able to check the phone out on October 21. However, the official release date is yet to be announced.