For the hefty pricetag of R3894, Samsung could have included a better camera and a larger memory card, as well as fix all the mistakes I noted on the review: the 3.5mm jack sound output is too low; changes in the music player, as it doesn’t allow some commands in landscape mode; better closing action for the slider’s spring.

Advantages: friendly-looking smartphone; navi-wheel makes browsing music lists easier; S60 v3.1 Feature Pack 1 User Interface on Symbian OS9.2 (complex operating system with diversity and multitasking); HSDPA connectivity (3.6mbps downlink speed).

Disadvantages: Camera focus is poor; 3.5mm jack sound output is too soft; there are no earphones for the 3.5mm jack; no music buttons.

Rating: 6.9/10

The Motorola A810 was leaked back in February, and the A1800 and A1600 in April. All three phones are part of the MING Dynasty, a new series from Motorola, and are featured as PDA phones.

The 1600 has a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, while the A1800 has a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus. Both phones have handwriting recognition and GPS. Press release and images after the break.

Source: Motorola

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We spoke about the Partner Network in our analysis to the Symbian Foundation and to the purchase of Symbian by Nokia. For US$1500 per year, developers will have the following benefits:

• Simplified sign-up process, click-through licenses and online payment system
• Reduced annual membership fee of USD 1,500 (from USD 5,000)
• Access to SDN++ containing the SPN Zone
• Improved self-service technical support (wikis, forums, SPN Helpdesk)
• Early access to information such as technology roadmaps and other documentation
• Enhanced marketing and business development opportunities including admission to private events, such as the annual Symbian Partner Event.

Full press release after the jump.

Source: Symbian

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DeviceAnywhere announced today the Forum Nokia Virtual Developer Lab (VDL), which allows developers to remotely develop, test, monitor, and deploy mobile content and apps for Nokia handsets online regardless of location and without having to purchase a handset.

An advantage is the ability of doing more than just what an SDK does, which using the phone’s hardware. The press release is available after the break.

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