Most of the year passed by with the mobile phone news, especially this September was full of it. We have also seen many releases and many phones announced in the same month and lot more to come. Too much of phone news becomes too bad so let’s switch out focus on something else.

In the past couple of months there were quite a few exciting news on gaming consoles across the globe. We have heard the Xbox 360 Arcade has been added with double the system memory, black Nintendo Wii has been locked to Japanese market, and, of course, PlaySation 3 Slim went on sale. Now we have some news from the Nintendo team regarding their next-gen Wii plans.

It is said to be released somewhere in the year 2011. Next-gen Nintendo Wii HD has different sort of features it lacked when compared to the other two console giants. It may also come with some new controllers and with a lot of different stuff that kept it so exciting and fun unless some of Wii’s features are more meeky than Xbox’s or PS’.

There is a Tokyo Game show which will be conducted in the near future where the Xbox lovers are expected to see the new motion controllers. It wouldn't have a considerable influence on market share distribution, but all the input is done via controller so those who just want to play games might prefer it to everything else, Yoichi Wada, the Square Enix head said.

Well, normally we don’t tend to post any kind of rumors on our website but this was too tempting to be skipped. According to a leading financial website the world’s number one mobile phone manufacturer is showing interest in acquiring the troubled Palm.

It is a well known fact that the company which is behind the development of one of the most exciting touchscreen devices of the year, the Palm Pre is going through a touch time lately.

If the rumors are to be believed then definitely the company will find it difficult to refuse the offer from Nokia. Despite the fact that the budget that the R&D department of the company has is 10 times smaller than the giant Finnish company, Palm Pre successfully managed to come out with a touchscreen device which is more fluid and user-friendly than Symbian S60 5^th edition. This makes things quite clear that why such a small company interests the giant and the acquisition sounds quite sensible too as it would allow Nokia to close the gap with its competitors.

As of now this is just a rumor and both the companies are reluctant to speak anything on this issue. So we guess that we can simply wait and watch how far the news is to be believed.

Since the past 10 year we haven’t seen any upgrades on the voice transmission. This is one of the few areas where we haven’t seen much development. Lately, on 09.09.2009 in 09:09h sharp, Orange picked Moldova for the birthplace of the first HD voice call.

Orange preferred to call this as the new HD voice standard as they believe that it is another way of naming the use of a better audio codec in the transmission of voice. It is also a known fact the higher-quality encoding is only possible over the 3G/HSDPA network as it apparently uses a higher bandwidth and it could be that for this reason Orange Moldova has recently upgraded their network to support 14.4 Mbps HSDPA.

Orange proudly presents its first and only phone equipped to support high-definition audio that is Nokia 6720 classic version. Nokia 6720 classic version will be a special handset that supports the AMR-WB codec used for the encoding of the HD voice calls. The Nokia 6720 classic HD version is available only in Moldova's Orange shops for a price of around 260 euro. Once the device becomes a hit Orange has plans to expand their HD Voice service to other networks throughout Europe with UK and Belgium as their starting zones which is all set to go until the end of 2010. Apparently, we will be seeing a range of HD-voice-capable phones until then.

We have had enough of Windows based mobile phones. In the next gen there are people who are looking out for something more than Windows based phones and now we have seen some pictures of a new Samsung device for Vodafone. The device runs on Vodafone’s Linux Mobile OS and might be the Samsung Riedel, a device that recently received Wi-Fi certification.

The device does look nice with the brushed steel case with a bright OLED display that gives haptic feedback when touched and the handset is also expected to sport an 8MP camera. Rumors also say that the phone is supposed to be launched with the “Vodafone People” service which is supposed to integrate customers with the social networking sites.

BGR says that they have also heard that a “Special Event” will be coming for the Vodafone carrier on September 24^th. Only on September 24^th we might get more information about this device and the new service that the device will carry.

With the announcement of Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X2, Sony Ericsson gave another surprise. They are going to change its slogan as well as the logo.

The announced the XPERIA X2 yesterday, the XPERIA Pureness earlier today and now they would embark on a new slogan saying “make-believe”. Sony does have something in it to surprise its audience.

It looks like the team at Sony Ericsson was not able to holiday this summer and was working really hard on quite a few things and Lenard Hornik, Marketing Director of Sony Ericsson has stated the new commercial catch phrase is of utmost importance for the rebranding efforts of the company.

The manufacturers have plans to come up with seven “liquid identity” logo versions in different colors as well as a brand new “liquid element” which will be visualized as a stream of flowing colors, pouring down from the logo. We hope that the new slogan and the logo bring fortune to the company and we get to see lot more smart phones from Sony.

You might not want to carry a mobile phone after throwing your laptop, charger and a spare battery into your travel bag as you head out of the door. You might not feel the need of a mobile phone so much then but there are a number of reasons to rely more on your iPhone for basic business tasks. Tasks include anything right from grabbing data from your company’s computer to managing Web sites, viewing and editing or saving Word or Excel files.

iPhone can be much more than just a gaming phone, it can be a powerful business tool as well. With the up gradation of iPhone to iPhone 3GS, the handset gains better security, improved real time e-mail delivery and pleasing features for both business and IT users.

iPhone is one phone which can be used to manage your eBay storefront, help you to keep a track of invoices, log your mileage, you name it and you will have an app for that. We were able to collect few best business apps that the iPhone has to offer. So the next time you want to break from work you know what to carry with you to keep you entertained and connected at the same time and keep your huge ultraportable laptop behind.

iTerminal – Publisher: AppNinjas

Cost: Free (plus account per transaction fees)

Fee Processing Method

How easy it will be if we can get a mobile app for accepting credit card payments. iTerminal is the right answer for it. It allows you to accept credit card payments wherever your business takes you. To use iTerminal you may have to pay $25 per month for an account to the firm and each transaction will again cost you 30 cents plus 2.29 percent of the total. Quite an expensive application though.

iTerminal works via Wi-Fi and 3G, it verifies credit card numbers as soon as you feed them and also gives you an instant feedback whether the charges got approved or declined. The app supports all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Apart from the fees mentioned above, iTerminal app is a free app without any service charges or any contract or termination fees. This makes this application ideal for businesses that have never accepted credit cards before. As the app is tied up with the authorize.net service you may have to sign up with them first to obtain the iTerminal service. Another advantage of the app is that you can use one merchant account across multiple iPhones.

The only drawback is that the app works only with U.S based merchants and hence if you are planning to do business outside America you might want to try a more expensive Credit Card Terminal.

Encamp – Publisher: Alexander Batalov

Cost: $9.99

Best for Project management

Most of the businesses are relying on Basecamp app as their project management and collaboration tool. Various applications offer to bring desktop Basecamp’s functionality to the iPhone lately; Encamp stands out as the fastest and most flexible iPhone Basecamp app among the other apps.

Encamp provides access to all of Basecamp’s core functionalities such as projects, messages, to-do lists and milestones (an interface which helps loading information quickly, even over EDGE). The Encamp dashboard shows the latest activity overview whereas the project tab displays all your active and archived projects. With the latest updates you can also view files attached to your Basecamp projects, such as PDF and Office documents, images, etc. Encamp always requires an internet connect to access your Basecamp data as it does not store the project data on your iPhone.

FlightTrack Pro – Publisher: Mobiata

Cost: $9.99

Travel Tracker

Delay in flights, botched reservations, annoying last minute gate changes this is what every frequent flier must have experienced. The FlightTrack Pro app check FAA airport delays and closures, airport arrival times and temperature and it also track your flights across the globe.

This is not all, FlightTrackPro will also check for your gate numbers and flight cancellations, and search alternative schedules. For each flight, enthusiasts can view the aircraft type, speed and altitude.

All you have to do is forward your airline confirmation e-mail to plans@tripit.com to get started with FlightTrack Pro app. The rest is taken care of by the app and your flight itinerary will automatically appear in your FlightTrack Pro account. A cheaper ($4.99) and more basic version of flightTrack is also available for less-frequent fliers.

mbPointer – Publisher: Haw-Yuan Yang

Cost: $2.99

Presentation Accessory

Looking for PowerPoint Presentation pointer then mbPointer is just right app for the slideshow. mbPointer works with Microsoft PowerPoint (2003/2007/Mac 2008) irrespective of your OS, it can be Windows XP/Vista or Mac. All you need to do is to install the free companion receiver application to get mbPointer working on your computer. mbPointer will then connect to your PC via Wi-Fi and acts as a remote control for your slideshow. mbPointer is not just a pointer or a PowerPoint remote, it also allows your iPhone to serve as a regular touchpad for your PC. It makes you do all mouse movements, including scrolling and middle-button clicking with your finger on a virtual pad.

 Analytics App – Publisher: Inblosam

Cost: $5.99

Web site Tracker

This app best suits any website owner or blogger. Now keeping a tab on traffic of your site will not be a desktop job anymore. The best desktop tool for this purpose is Google Analytics and the iPhone brings you Analytics App. The app is brought to you by Inblosam and gives you access to a wide range of Google Analytics reports on your iPhone.

Getting started with Analytics App is as easy as entering your Google account credentials. It offers 47 different types of reports in a neatly organized interface, including custom reports for multiple accounts. It is Simple and efficient and also highlights “Today” reports, shows the traffic statistics for the day without you having to struggle with date ranges.

LinkedIn – Publisher: LinkedIn

Cost: Free

Networking and Contact Management

LinkedIn is a useful Web service tool for many people. The LinkedIn iPhone app is a mini version of the LinkedIn. For the beginners, the app helps you get rid of business cards and overcome printed resumes. The ultimate social network for professionals straight from your iPhone means you no longer have to swap business cards with people — you can just add each other on LinkedIn, on the spot without worrying about losing the business card or a valuable contact.

LinkedIn iPhone also allows you to view your entire network, send and receive updates so that others will know where you are and what you are doing.

Quickoffice Mobile Office Suite – Publisher: Quickoffice

Cost: $12.99 (on sale)

For Document viewing/ editing

It’s a fact that iPhone doesn’t get along too well with Microsoft Office documents. The iPhone allows you to read a Word document sent to you via e-mail but it will not allow you to edit it. Quickoffice for iPhone fixes this major shortcoming. It provides a complete suite where you can view, edit and exchange Microsoft Word and Excel files. Quickoffice Files ($0.99 on sale, offered separately) allows you to mount your iPhone as a wireless drive via Wi-Fi and also has a file-sharing feature that lets you e-mail files directly from your iPhone.

If the whole Quickoffice for iPhone suite sounds a bit expensive to you then you might as well want to consider individual Quickword or Quicksheet applications which are on sale for $4.99 each. Alternatively, the cheaper Documents 2 ($3.99) is also an all-in-one mobile office suite but with fewer features.

ClockIn – Publisher: Return7

Cost: $1.99 (on sale)

Time Tracker

If you work as a freelances then keeping a track of time might get difficult with stacks of time sheets and paperwork to manage. ClockIn is one smart app which will allow you to monitor the time you spend on a project and among multiple clients. With only few taps you can punch in the in and out time, and have the app track your shifts (even if you close the app, it remembers whether you punched in or out). The current shift will always be displayed on the top and you can also filter reports based on client’s name.

ClockIn helps you in managing multiple clients and stores their names, Websites and email addresses. If you want to export your hours spent on a project, ClockIn uses HTML or CSV (Microsoft Excel compatible) format and sends the information as an attachment to an e-mail message.

If you want an app for personal time-keeping you might want to try time Manager Pro ($0.99), which will help you keep a track the time you send on reading, exercising, working.

eBay Mobile – Publisher: eBay

Cost: Free

Sales management

If you run an eBay storefront or even sell items occasionally, the eBay Mobile iPhone app will come in handy. You can check items, place bids as well as answer buyer’s questions with this app.

You can also place the pictures you have taken on auction using eBay as eBay says improvements are on the way and you can also process payments. eBay Mobile will be great if combined with eBay Profit Calculator app ($0.99) which helps you to determine your estimated total profit after eBay’s fees, based on the type of auction, the category, and your prices.

Evernote – Publisher: Evernote

Cost: Free

Productivity

It helps you keep a track of everything that happens in your life. It helps you gather notes, voice memos, ideas or snapshots on your iPhone. It not only helps gathering but it also enable you to sync them with your computer. Userful app for creative minds, helps in organizing your ideas and also very easy to review later. The best part about Evernote is the harmonious synchronization it provides, as it adds all of your iPhone notes and items to the service’s Web version as well as to its PC and Mac applications. Evernote also offers voice-recording module and takes advantage of the iPhone’s camera to snap photos of the things you want to remember.

USB IRC Helicopter

IRC Helicopter will make you go on your toes with this spectacular gadget. IRC Helicopter is a high tech gizmo which has some special features like LED flashing colors and high maneuverability. The charging of the chopper is also made easy as you can charge it using the USB port that comes with it.

A small replica of IRC as it looks measures 183 mm in length, 95 mm in height and 45 mm in width. The body of this fascinating gunship is made of high quality metal alloy that provides you with a perfect solution and a guarantee towards an impressive flying performance. This miraculous helicopter also features a precision speed control.

Besides being USB charged the IRC helicopter is light weight and can be played with both indoors and outdoors. This marvelous helicopter features Gyroscopes System which runs on your laptop and enables full control and maneuverability of the gadget. If you feel like flying this gadget at night, you may easily use and enjoy the chopper as it comes with 4 flashing LED lights on either sides including 2 LED lights up front. IRC helicopter comes with a 3 channel IR remote controller that allows an easy operation irrespective of the flying speed.

Additionally, this wireless marvel comes equipped with twin propellers and duel engine system designed for stable landing and takeoff. This marvel seems to be no less than any real chopper. The gadget can be charged in two ways including USB cable and IR remote control that has 6 AA batters. This flying monster is definitely eye-catching and demands attention.

We are only a week away from the big event Nokia will be conducting. But the excitement is already building up about the Nokia World event and as a warm up we already got an announcement and we are hoping to see more of it once the ball starts rolling in Stuttgart on September 1^st.

Nokia N97 mini

After the preview that was revealed yesterday we were quite sure that Nokia n97 Mini will be a part of the new devices which will be announced at the Nokia World event. During a press shot which got released it is quite sure that the company is keen on moving towards the multimedia flagship and it has proved that through the unofficial appearance of N97. It definitely doesn’t give us any more information about the device but we are sure that the launch of the handset will soon be confirmed.

Nokia-N900

Nokia N900 was another device which made an appearance in the similar fashion. This Maemo-based smartphone was previewed ahead of announcement to gain attention. The device looks far ahead of its development and we won’t be surprised if this too is announced during the event. But end of the day both these devices looks a piece of real beauty and we are eager to know more about it.

Let’s wait and watch until the event takes a kick start.

Nokia netbook

Mobile phones and Nokia always sounded like synonyms to us. The minute Nokia comes in mind we think of mobile phones. But Nokia and netbooks or laptops!! Are you kidding me??

Well, this is no joke as the World’s leading mobile phone manufacturer is all set to make its debut in the industry of netbook.

Nokia 3G Booklet is Nokia’s pioneer in the netbook segment. We can only wait and watch until they unveil their first portable computer to tell you how different is Nokia from other netbooks.

Talking about the key features Nokia 3G Booklet is based on the well known Intel Atom platform and this is also the first netbook which will be featuring an HDMI HD video output. It is not that we are trying to bend towards the good factor about the little Atom and the HD stuff, but still having that output is definitely a step towards changing the netbooks into media cantor PCs.

Battery life is said to last up to 12hrs. This is a very important aspect and through this Nokia becomes a serious contender in this field. Nokia 3G Booklet has an integrated 3G/HSDPA modem and Wi-Fi too. The wow factor is the built-in GPS receiver which will successfully team up with the Nokia Maps application.

Nokia 3G Booklet has got a 10 inch screen and weighs 1.2kg. it measures only 20mm in thickness and there is a front facing video camera and Bluetooth. Nokia 3G Booklet will soon be available at Nokia World at the beginning of next month.

There is no information about the pricing of this netbook yet.

Portable Hard Drive

Verbatim has recently added an interesting gadget to their product range which will liven up your PC. It is nothing but an external hard drive which looks pretty decent with cool design and some new amazing features. This hard drive is named as the “Insight Portable USB Hard Drive”. You can choose to have either 320GB or 500GB model of Insight Portable USB Hard Drive. Drive space being the only difference between those two models, but there are certain features which does make them distinctive from the other external HDDs. Not to forget, the Insight is also compatible with Mac OS.

Verbatim has designed the Hard Drive so elegantly that each time you pull out the hard drive from your pocket people will tend to ask what it is. It is so small and portable that it can be carried in your pocket. The premium piano black finish is fantastic and that curve on it is just amazing.

Looking at the features, the Verbatim has introduced Insight as “Always On” 32 x 128 LED display. The LED displays the information about the name and the free space available on the drive. Well, we don’t see the reason why it has to be ON all the time.

Anyways, to move on with the specs both InSight models rev at 5400rpm, have 8MB cache, USB 2.0 port and a cable. Standard Nero BackItUp Essentials are also included in the drive.

Verbatim InSight Portable USB Hard Drive 320GB costs 119.99 USD and 500GB costs 149.99 USD. These are a bit too pricey as we have seen on the Amazon a 320GB portable hard drive costs much less than a hundred dollars and 500GB external hard drive costs just above hundred. So the extra money which you will be paying will show its worth only when you take the InSight in your hands.