We live in tough economic times, there’s no doubt about it. Still we were kinda surprised to see Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) going out of business. Not that I particularly liked their phones (N2), but the fact they’ve been in business thus far somehow made me believe they’ll keep operating for couple of more years at least.

Anyway, two days ago their Swedish subsidiary, Neonode AB, filed a petition for bankruptcy in compliance with the Swedish Bankruptcy Act (1987:672).

This, however, may not be the last time we hear about Neonode. The company plans to continue to operate as a technology licensing company, focusing on developing and marketing of zForce, their patented touch screen technology. And with touchscreens getting all the buzz these days, that may end up as a good plan, after all. We’ll watch where this goes. In the meantime, if you want to know more, the full release follows after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE – Neonode, Inc., the mobile communication company that develops touch screen technologies and designs mobile handsets, today announced that, on December 9, 2008, its Swedish subsidiary, Neonode AB, filed a petition for bankruptcy in compliance with the Swedish Bankruptcy Act (1987:672). Mr. Hans Oden of the Stockholm- based Ackordscentralen AB, a consultancy firm specialized in insolvency, was appointed by the district court of Stockholm to administrate the process.

Per Bystedt, CEO and Chairman of Neonode, Inc. comments, “For the past six months we have focused on turning the business around and solving the financial situation of Neonode AB. We continue to have great belief in our technology and believe we have a competitive product in the Neonode N2 but without sufficient funds we cannot continue operations.”

Neonode AB has, together with its American parent company, Neonode Inc., taken a number of measures to attempt to restructure and refinance Neonode AB’s operations. On October 22, 2008 Neonode AB filed for reconstruction in accordance with the Swedish reorganization act (1996:764).

“We have had a good dialogue with many of our creditors and tried a number of different solutions, but unfortunately we have been unable to reach a satisfactory solution for all parties,” Per Bystedt, CEO and President of Neonode, Inc. continues.

Neonode AB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neonode Inc and has carried out business with focus on the development and sales of touch screen mobile phones such as the Neonode N2 since 2004.

Neonode Inc intends to continue to operate as a technology licensing company, focusing on developing and marketing the Company’s patented touch screen technology, zForce(TM) to third parties. Neonode Inc. is currently working with its major stakeholders on a plan for a complete restructuring of the Company.

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When you have a device as small as the Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) N2, something’s gotta give, and I guess you can’t fix everything with a firmware update.

In a recent letter to shareholders, the company’s CEO and chairman Per Bystedt said they’ve failed at meeting sales expectations. The problem was that Neonode tried to reach “too many markets, too fast,” but also the N2’s “reception issues.” Ultimately, the company has lost $3 million, but asks for investors’ patience…

Shareholder’s meeting is set for August 5th at 09:00 a.m. CET/12:00 a.m. PDT/03:00 a.m. EDT. Hopefully, it won’t be all about the bad news. We’re eagerly waiting for some hot phones from Neonode. Don’t disappoint us, please…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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I’m not sure just how many of our readers use Neonode (NSDQ: NEON)’s diminutive mobile phone N2, but few that do will be happy to know the Sweden-based company has released the new device firmware.

From what we know, it’s not just the improved performance that’s included in the update. There are also new apps like Winwap’s WAP browser, audio recorder, and Sudoku game, as well as upgrades to the media player (better track organization), and slightly refreshed UI. In addition, Neonode is saying that the text messaging input area has been made larger.

The new firmware is available as a free download to the existing Neonode N2 users from here.

[Via: MobileBurn]

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Back in February, we wrote Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) will be launching its flagship N2 phone in additional colors. The moment is here and now, aside from the original black color, you can get the N2 in Lime, Azure, Rubine and Roza. To put it other words – that’s green, blue, red and pink.

I’m not exactly fan of any of the new color options, but then again, Neonode’s new “color collection” seems to target ladies. The specs are unchanged and so is the price (339 EUR for all models).

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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Maker of the world’s smallest phone is preparing to unveil its flagship N2 model in new colors. According to Neonode (NSDQ: NEON)’s release, details about the colors will be presented on the company’s web site in March this year. Balda AG Group (BALOF) is producing the new colors through its Malaysian-based Balda Solutions Malaysia (BSM).

Commenting on the new color options, Neonode’s VP of Sales said, “We strongly believe that the new colors as well as upcoming accessories will constitute a product assortment that will enhance our coming sales of Neonode N2 even further.” So it’s also the accessories that will be available in new colors. That’s nice…

[image from Engadget]

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Here’s something for folks in the States who are not demanding the high-end features of a smartphone, but a simple to use device that is small enough to fit any — and we do mean ANY — pocket.

Yap, the tiny all-touchscreen equipped Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) N2 will hit the U.S. soon. Actually, interested users will have to wait for the Q2 2008, when the launch details and hopefully the partner carrier will be announced. In the meantime, you may want to check Neonode’s stand (#9817 in Central Hall) at the CES in Las Vegas, or read the full release which follows after the break.

PRESS RELEASE – Neonode, the Swedish mobile communications brand that designs and develops intuitive technologies and products will launch their latest mobile phone Neonode N2 in the US in 2008. The cutting-edge phone utilizes exclusive neno user interface and zForce optical touch screen technology, offering users an intuitive and easy to navigate experience.

The most recent development in mobile phone technology is the emerging popularity of the touch screen. Neonode N2 uses the most advanced touch screen technology, the zForce optical touch screen. It doesn’t need any hard pressure or stylus, but works quickly and accurately by reacting to sweeping and tapping signals on the screen. The intuitively organized user interface, neno, also enables the applications and contents to be accessed fast and easily.

“Our main focus is the user experience, which is the true key behind Neonode N2. It ranges from how you are able to use it, which we have enabled through zForce the optical screen, down to the easiness your applications and content can be accessed, which we solved through the combination of zForce and neon, the user interface,” said Mikael Hagman, President and CEO of Neonode.

Neonode N2 has been launched in Europe during the autumn to critical acclaim. Neonode N2’s United States phone carrier and retail availability will be announced the second quarter 2008. Neonode will be showcasing Neonode N2 mobile phone, as well as their intuitive technologies at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas January 7-10 in Central Hall Booth 9817.

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Announced back in Febrary at the 3GSM in Barcelona, the Neonode N2 has been finally spotted at the FCC site. The small, keychain-sized device packs a 2″ touchscreen, 2 MP camera, miniSD card slot and quad-band GSM/GPRS capabilities. Don’t expect tons of features with this baby — and I do mean baby — except the fact that you’ll be a guy/girl with the smallest handset in the neighborhood, if that counts.

Anyway, I guess we’ll see the N2 hitting the stores just in time for Christmas. That’s certainly the time Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) don’t want to miss…

[Via: Engadget Mobile]

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One of Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s new interactive advertisements is for the BH-801 Bluetooth headset. It’s quite simple really, select whether you want to be a boy spy or a girl spy, walk into a hotel room, play a flash game and a few flash movies and then you’ve successfully accomplished finding a secret code used to open a vault. If anything it is a slightly amusing way to kill 3 minutes at work, check it out.

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In case you like REALLY small devices, the Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) N2 might be the thing you were looking for. What we’re talking about here is one of the smallest (if not THE smallest) phone ever made. There’s only a single button and a touchscreen. And while it sounds like an iPhone, in terms of features it sucks. Then again, what do you expect from a keychain-sized device?

Anyway, interested buyers of the Neonode N2 should prepare to pour out 439 EUR (about $609) to get it without any contract. That’s in Europe only at the moment, customers in U.S. and Asia still have to wait for the next year…

[Via: slashphone]

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The Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) N2, iPhone competitor extraordinaire, has finally been launched. Following that fabulous global launch party held in Greece, the Neonode N2 has been released in Europe – and we have some unboxing pics for you! The N2 sure is an intriguing piece – the real-life shots are way more impressive than the press shots (that usually works out in reverse, but hey, we call ‘em like we see ‘em).

Pestaola.gr has posted their unboxing ritual for the world to see, check out the rest of the pics here and here. We’ve also gotten our mitts on live action shots of the Neonode N2, via Flickr.

Hit the link for more pictures.

[Via: Pesaola.gr]

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I had a chance to get my hands on the new Neonode (NSDQ: NEON) N2 phone. Powered by Windows CE (yeah, it’s not a Symbian, but it’s interesting device nevertheless), with weight smaller than 70g, this very small device is very practical to carry around. Input interface – touch, just like the iPhone. The only thing I don’t get it is why (still) keep it small. If it’s bigger you could have a bigger screen and add more features to it. Still, neat little device for not demanding users.

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