I think it was too soon to announce the N97’s miniature clone, but that’s how Nokia flies. The smaller N97 comes with a set of specs that doesn’t put it to shame if you compare it side by side its older brother.

The N97 comes with a special “Lifecasting” feature that allows you to update your Facebook status from the home screen. This is actually a special partnership with Facebook, showing the absolute necessity for such a social network these days — it becomes a featured highlight of the phone itself.

The phone comes with a 5MP camera, 3.2 in screen, 24GB of memory total when you count the internal memory of 8GB.

The N97 mini will be available soonest next month for a SRP of EUR450.

[Photo c/o Nokia Conversations]

Post from: Cellphone9

Looking at this line chart showing smartphone market share and sales since the past year, you can see three things:

1. Nokia is still number one

Though sitting on your laurels is usually ill advise, the Finns may actually be the only ones capable of actually doing this. I remember a press conference back 3 years ago where one Nokia regional marketing guy mentioned that they ar the number one camera and MP3 manufacturer in the entire world, alluding to their phones as being multimedia device. This chart shows smartphone shares. But the same applies to other device types especially in the mid and entry level range.

2. Apple’s market share is thanks to the iPhone

Though a far number three from Nokia, Apple’s market share has seen the biggest increase thanks to the device that revolutionized the smartphone industry. Bringing in a revamped touch user interface philosophy, a dedicated applications store and wow-ing people more with what it is than what it really has, the iPhone is here to stay.

3. BlackBerry still has its solid following

Truth is, nobody can contest the joys of owning a BlackBerry. It is the one device that can claim true push email and efficient data compression when sending files (1MB is really much less on the ‘Berry). It is loved by corporates and is truly its own device, not running on any other platform rather than its own — similarly with the iPhone. The BlackBerry was the enterprise device of choice and today, RIM hopes to gain more ground by pushing their consumer-oriented services such as POP email pushing and the app store.

[photo c/o source]

Post from: Cellphone9

Look what LG sent me to play with. *Teehee*

The price point of the LG Arena looks a bit steep for a phone in this caliber (the Nokia 5800 is about a hundred dollars less), but yeah it does have some claim of having that very interesting S Class 3D interface. Well, let’s see!

You can see the full unboxing but of course, this deserves a full review. I will have something up soon. In the meantime, do enjoy the weekend!

Post from: Cellphone9

Dear Palm Pre,

In a few days we will finally get to experience a mix of nostalgia and excitement over what you have in store. It’s been TOO LONG, Palm Pre. We thought you’d come out in a much larger form, calling yourself the Foleo, but apparently after months of R&D, you got scrapped for a smartphone. It’s been too long, Palm Pre. Everyone else took after your simplicity (well except Windows Mobile), so we’re hoping to see you set a great standard for everyone else.

[image courtesy of Palm.com]

P.S. It’s been a while since I categorized an entry under “Palm.” It feels good.

Post from: Cellphone9