Mobile Phone

The world's largest study into the link between mobile phones and brain tumors is inconclusive according to a Canadian scientist. Over 10,000 people took part in the study led by epidemiologists from more than ten countries but the findings, according to University of Montreal professor Jack Siemiatycki, are "ambiguous, surprising and puzzling." Read More

A far cry in terms of both size and capability from the “bricks” of just over a decade ago, the smartphones of today are virtual offices and entertainment arcades that fit in your pocket. As we reported last month, America’s Department of Homeland Security is examining whether the ability to detect dangerous airborne chemicals should be the next function that mobile phones add to their ever-expanding utility belts. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have now begun work on a prototype sensor that could help map airborne toxins in real time. Read More

As mobile phone manufacturers continue to squeeze more megapixels into device camera modules, Sharp has added a new ingredient to the mix and claimed an industry first in the process. The company has just announced the development of a 3D camera unit compact enough to be used in mobile devices and capable of capturing movies in 720p high definition. Read More

Imagine if your cellphone could watch your arm movements, and physically recreate them in front of the person you were talking to. How about if it sagged and looked dejected upon receiving a “Dear John” text message? Perhaps it might be able to mimic movements that your caller was making with their phone. Well, scientists at Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University have created cellphone robots that can do all those things, and more. Read More

Custom GPS voice packs are a bit like mobile phone ring tones. They let you add a "uniquely personal touch" to your device by shelling out cash for something that will also be used by countless others who share your refined taste. Now you can get truly unique voice directions by listening to your own dulcet tones thanks to Nokia’s new Own Voice for Ovi Maps. The app lets users record their own driving instructions and share them with family, friends and soon to be former friends. Read More

Even the most passionate of eco-warriors must find it hard to get by without a cell phone. Thankfully, with more eco-friendly models appearing on the market there are options for those who shop with a conscience. Building on the success of last year’s Reclaim model Samsung has managed to form its forthcoming Restore cell phone out of 84 percent recyclable materials. Launching in the summer this device will be available only from Sprint (priced from US$49.99). Read More

MiLi has added to its iPhone accessory line-up with the release of what it bills as the "world’s thinnest external battery and protective case for iPhone 3G and 3GS." The slender MiLi Power Skin has a 1,200 mAH battery capacity which can provide up to double the battery life of the iPhone, a pass-through USB/mini-USB for syncing and charging without removing the case and is designed to be easily removed for docking. Read More

Hands-free calling using Bluetooth earpieces has become - shall we say - controversial over the years, as we've all seen that annoying guy at Starbucks trying to close the deal as he orders his cappuccino. But the latest receiver from Tokyo Flash, the Kisai Escape C, might just have enough features to offset the Bluetooth douche-factor. Read More

As well as all featuring QWERTY keyboards, Nokia looks set to be focusing on improving messaging and social networking tools with the launch of three new handsets – the Nokia C3, C6 and E5. It’s made a big push on improved connectivity with a broad range of features across the board including scope to view Facebook feeds directly on the cell phone home screen, access to Ovi Mail and Chat and (in the Nokia E5’s case) improved access to business mail. With prices ranging from $122 to $298 these three new handsets will be released into the market separately in the second and third quarters of 2010. Read More