HTC 6500

The HTC 6500 is a semi-rugged device from one of our favourite manufacturers

The 3mp camera kind of stands out but so is the fingerprint sensor - here's some blurb

The large 3.5" anti-glare screen enables images, media and data to be viewed with complete clarity. Combined with the auto-focus 3 mega-pixel camera which captures clear, sharp images, the HTC P6500 is perfect for 2D barcode and business card reader applications. Critical data is kept secure down to storage card level with enhanced security features such as fingerprint ID sensors.

order it here

HTC have produced a 4G Phone. All the usual network stuff PLUS WiFi PLUS WiMax ( in the 2.5 - 2.7 GHZ band)

It would be nice to get HSDPA and 3G in a few more areas first but for ultimate connectivity this is the boy.

By the way - still no Omnia! Looking at the Touch HD now but not prepared to pay over £500

Not sure about this

It is a G1 , with the Android OS. unusually for an HTC device it looks a bit bland. We haven't seen one - it's limited to T-Mobeel (as KK calls them) . The OS is supposed to be slick but as Ballmer says - what's the revenue model? We're sure there will be more to this but at the moment we are underwhelmed to a large degree.

Very good HTC Touch HD Video

There's a very good video from some nice French people here showing the rather nice HTC Touch HD. I still haven't Omnia'd up - the HTC appeals but...no internal memory? ...hmmmm

The vid is here

Boost your mobile signal at home

Femtocell technology

Femtocells are the latest technology developed to help boost 3G signal and mobile broadband and it looks as if it's going to become as popular as Bluetooth technology.

Femtocells are small low-power plug-and-play devices which are designed to allow a localised 3G coverage - so that users can access the internet via a standard IP broadband connection. Basically they make it possible to use a 3G connecton for your home or business. The Femtocell is like a mini mobile phone mast that's about the same size as a BT Home Hub. It's small and inconspicuous enough to be put in a room on a shelf or next to your computer. With the Femtocell active in your home, it can also be invaluable in providing a boosted signal to your mobile phone for voice calls.

Femtocells are expected to be compatible with current 3G handsets and technology - so consumers won't need to buy new hardware to use the product.

Once Femtocell technology is up and running on a larger scale, we could potentially see more mobile broadband services being dished out to the consumer.

O2 is currently at the forefront of Femtocell development in the UK. They recently partnered up with NEC and are in the process of trialling the system with over 500 candidates. Once this trial period is over their goal is to use the technology to improve indoor 3G mobile broadband.