We still wait to see the first iPhone released, and the first tidbits of information are slowly appearing on the Web about the second generation. Apparently, the next iPhone will debut in spring 2008 at MacWorld, and will come with a built-in GPS.

For the future iPhone, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) will most likely use Assisted GPS technology, which makes determining of the current location much faster, especially in urban areas where tall buildings can disturb the signal. Furthermore, when the GPS-enabled iPhone hits the daylight, I bet it will run the latest version of Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps with GPS support. Hopefully, by then Apple will also add a 3G radio on it. (via: navigadget)

Recently, Strategy Analytics Wireless Media Lab evaluated the mobile portal experience of leading U.S. carriers (T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) was not on the list?) and concluded that Sprint (NYSE: S) has the best in class US operator portal, marginally ahead of Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless. Still, carriers have much to learn, as users still have a hard time browsing around the carriers’ portal sites.

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Always highly informed BoyGenius seems to be onto something. This time he’s hinting us with the new version of the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) OS (4.3.0) that will possibly be available for all of the 64MB+ device models. Apparently, the new OS version will have a Platform version of 2.7.0, where we currently have versions 2.3.0 and 2.4.0 for OS versions 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, respectively. However, it’s still not know what will the new version bring on the table. My guess includes some minor bug fixes and hopefully some new apps. We’ll see…

We’ve already posted that small projectors are coming. During this year’s CTIA, TI even demontrated a prototype of a DLP pico-projector small enough to fit on your finger tips. But, now we have a working unit made by the Israel-based company – Explay. At SID 2007, they showcased the “first truly mobile and fully operational nano-projector” – OiO.

Commenting on the announcement, Explay’s CEO Daniel Oleiski said: “We believe that the nano-projector market will evolve initially through companions or stand alone devices.” My two cents: “I want this baby integrated in my mobile phone.” (via: mobilewhack)

Alcatel keeps pushing their handsets for fashion-aware consumers. Lately, they’ve announced the No.3 GlamPhone that will be available in multiple colors (pictured bellow). As you can see from the image, this device will not sport that many features — it is primarily designed to be a basic mobile phone with music player functionality. In that sense, if priced correctly (i.e. cheap), it may find its audience among the younger crowd. The Alcatel No.3 GlamPhone will also pack a 1.3 MP camera, and will be available this June. (via: uberphones)

Apparently more active members of our community are not satisfied with their current handsets. It’s just that most devices are not tough enough to carry them around while, for example, you’re up in the mountain climbing to the top.

Sonim XP1 (XP1 stands for XPerience One) aims to change that. This ruggedized device is built to meet the challenges given by leisure-time pursuit kind of people. It’s not just ruggedized, it’s also a noisy handset, with two speakers with 50% louder sound and a high voice quality. Furthermore, the XP1 also sports a large, bright and scratch resistant display screen, as well as the large buttons. Best of all, it can work on temperatures ranging from -40° C to +85° C.

My 2 cents, if you’re not THAT extreme, try Nokia 5500. It’s quite durable, and also packs more features. Plus, it’s cheaper. (via: textually)

Even if we file this under “unlikely to happen,” it’s our duty to inform you guys and gals about it. Apparently, Google (NSDQ: GOOG) is working with O2 (NYSE: TEF) to launch a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Britain. We even “know” the date — it’s set for this summer. Rumor further goes that there will be no physical locations where one could join the new network. The search giant will rather accept the subscribers via an online form.

The problem with this story is the whole Google’s strategy. With their current focus on search and web/mobile apps, it seems quite unlikely that they would pursue this. On the other hand, this way they could bundle all their mobile apps into a mobile device, without any interference from the other parties (i.e. other carriers). We’ll watch this space closely… (via: Engadget)

Following its tradition, PC World named the top 20 products of the year, including innovative web applications, powerful processors, spectacular HDTVs, and creative game consoles. What’s interesting for us is that the iPhone was not on the list. It’s kind an understandable decision, as no one tested it yet — at least no one from the media. However, PC World editors decided to put RIM’s baby, BlackBerry 8800, on the list. Personally, I prefer the new Curve…

Over at S60 Blogs, MRKTNGman posted a funny video of Nokia (NYSE: NOK) E90 dancing. Yes it is a bulky device, and has everything a smartphone can have, including GPS, HSDPA, WLAN, camera, full QWERTY keyboard and much more. But from now on, the E90 is not just a smartphone queen — it’s also a dancing queen!

We love the FCC, they always give up the insider info. The successor to Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s uber-durable G’Zone flip phone was revealed by the FCC. The G’Zone Type S, from Casio, sports a hard plastic shell and rocks a VGA shooter, external screen, Bluetooth, and is water, shock, and dust resistant. But, for all that durability, we don’t get any VCAST love. Verizon has yet to announce the phone, but the FCC shows a manual with Verizon branding, so expect this thing to “drop” (see what we did there?) sometime soon!

Pics on the link….

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