Firefox OS Smartphones Set To Launch

Smartphones are potentially poised for closer integration with the web as Mozilla preps it's new Firefox OS (operating system) for launch on two low-cost mobile devices - Alcatel OneTouch Fire and ZTE Open.

Featuring a brand new concept for smartphones, the Firefox OS platform is intended to deliver a highly customized web experience. The platform's open web standards approach should give carriers the flexibility to easily tailor the interface and develop localized services unique to their customers.

"The launch of Firefox OS marks an incredibly exciting time for the Web. Firefox OS powers the first smartphones built entirely on Web technologies and will stimulate an inspiring new wave of innovation for the Web," said Jay Sullivan, Mozilla chief operating officer. "We are proud to deliver an experience for first time smartphone users that will delight them and really put the power of the Web in people’s hands."

Firefox OS phones come with Firefox Marketplace offering mobile apps in categories like games, news and media, music and audio, business and productivity plus local and niche topics. Apps include AccuWeather, Poppit, Facebook, Nokia HERE Maps, SoundCloud, Terra, Time Out, TMZ and Twitter.

The new mobile phone operating system is an extension of the Firefox desktop and mobile browsing experience that many Internet users are already familiar with. As it has done against Microsoft's Internet Explorer on the desktop, Mozilla is obviously shooting for a compelling mobile OS alternative to Apple's iOS and Google's Android.

Emporia Spotlights Mobile Phone Simplicity

Austria-based Emporia Telecom is bringing its brand of simplicity to the Americas with two new mobile phones. The emporiaCLICK and the emporiaSOLIDplus both represent the company's focus on easy-to-use mobile phones for multiple generations of the family - from phones for kids to phones for the elderly.

The emporiaCLICK is a flip phone in a sleek clamshell design with a built-in camera complete with photo-sharing capabilities. The emporiaSOLIDplus is a rugged mobile phone built to military specifications for withstanding dust, shock, vibration, rain, humidity, altitude and extreme temperatures.

"We're excited to bring our easy-to-use mobile devices to multiple generations of families in the U.S., Canada and Latin America," said Gregory Foley, president and CEO of emporia Telecom, USA. "We believe there are millions of consumers who simply don't want complicated smartphones, distracting apps or expensive data plans."

Look for both new phones in the first half of this year.

BlackBerry Fires Up Torch

Combining a full touch screen phone with its first ever slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Research In Motion is firing up the BlackBerry Torch 9800. This latest BlackBerry smartphone is also the first to run the new BlackBerry 6 operating system.

This new addition to a steady stream of latest smartphones expands popular BlackBerry messaging solutions. It taps into AT&T’s advanced messaging features for SMS and MMS as well as AT&T's Locations feature, which allows one to easily search for points of interest. GPS is built-in for location-based applications and geo-tagging.

Upon release soon, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone will be available through AT&T and other outlets including Amazon Wireless, Best Buy, RadioShack, and Wal-Mart.

Samsung Lines Up Galaxy S Phones

Looking to mix it up with other smartphone trendsetters, Samsung is multi-launching a series of Android-based phones from its new Galaxy S portfolio.

Unlike most smartphones, the Galaxy S phones will be available from all major phone network services in the U.S. But look for these phones under different names.

The AT&T release will be called Samsung Captivate. Sprint's version is slated as Samsung Epic 4G. The T-Mobile edition will go by Samsung Vibrant. At Verizon Wireless, the same phone will be branded as Samsung Fascinate. All four phones should soon be available in the coming months.

Two other versions are expected from U.S. Cellular and Cellular South later in the fall of 2010.

EVO Android Phone Steps Up To 4G

The world's first Android phone to operate at 3G and 4G wireless speeds is coming by way of the HTC EVO. Over Sprint's 4G network, EVO could potentially deliver download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

"Not only is this feature-rich device incredible on our Sprint 3G network, but Sprint 4G speeds will take mobile multimedia, including live video streaming, gaming and picture downloads, to a whole new level," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO.

Scheduled for summer availability, the new HTC EVO 4G phone leverages the trendy Android platform to provide new features such as searching with pictures instead of words and built-in voice-to-text technology for easier composition of messages, plus speed-enhanced applications, widgets and games.

Waterproof Rugged Phone Dishwasher Safe

Cell phones and water usually do not mix. Rugged mobile phones are not necessarily waterproof and certainly not dishwasher safe, until now. Look out for SEAL CELL, the "world's first cell phone to be washable and antimicrobial," according to manufacturer Seal Shield. Resistant to mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria, the trendsetting waterproof phone allows regular cleaning in the sink or dishwasher to help prevent the spread of germs, viruses and bacteria. Planned for release soon, the SEAL CELL phone receives calls while underwater. Features include camera with video, flashlight, background noise elimination, walkie-talkie function, Bluetooth, GPS and a ruggedized touch screen.

Motorola DEVOUR Features MOTOBLUR

The growing lineup of Android mobile phones is on the up and up as the Motorola DEVOUR comes charging in, complete with MOTOBLUR. DEVOUR is the first Verizon Wireless phone to feature MOTOBLUR, Motorola's content delivery service created to make wireless phones more personal and customizable. MOTOBLUR syncs email contacts with posts, messages, photos and more from sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.