Sanyo to hit both new mobile trends @ CeBIT

JAPANESE HANDSET VENDOR, Sanyo, will showcasing two future concept models at the forthcoming CeBIT show in Germany. One will be a mobile phone with a built-in Digital TV capability and the second a 3G mobile phone with built-in Wi-Fi.

The 3G phone features a simple, flat design that offers a brand new double rotating hinge screen and is capable of operating in either landscape or portrait mode. Its keypad is highly customisable for different software applications.

The second handset is still a prototype with a digital terrestrial TV reception capability. A compatible TV service should be launched first this year in Japan. Once again images cane be viewed in either portrait or landscape mode allowing users to enjoy TV whenever they are. An integrated recorder lets users record and playback TV programs, too.

Other mobile phones on display at CeBIT - and seldom seen outside Japan include the W21SA and W22SA Spacephones. The WS22A is an updated version of the W21A but is a regular clamshell rather than having the foldable and twistable screen. Both have a 2.4 inch LCD display.

The WS22A comes with a built-in music player with stereo speakers and a ‘Feather Touch Key' that enables the user control most phone features with the lid closed. The W21SA has a 2 megapixel auto focus camera plus an FM Radio tuner and a special 'Navi Walk' facility courtesy of an integrated compass. Other models will include the A5507SA clamshell along with the MM-7400 and the MM-5600 aimed at the US market.

Given that both Nokia and Sony Ericsson have only just announced new handsets, it will be up to Siemens to give its handset SXG 75 an official launch at CeBit. µ

Picture courtesy of Engadget