Weekly Round-Up

This week Nokia dropped the bomb by announcing the successor to its Internet Tablet series, the N900. The new device is using the Maemo 5 platform and a nice set of high-end hardware features to guarantee high performance. In addition, the leading manufacturer has also announced its first notebook, the Booklet 3G. It seems the numerous BlackBerry users have a good chance of getting a new and hopefully better browser, as RIM has acquired the makers of WebKit-based Iris Browser. Of course, we just couldn’t make it without some rumors on the side-sliding Samsung Rogue that continues to be unofficial. Many other interesting stories can be found through the ocean of links below so here’s what made headlines this week, sorted by dates.

August 22:

• New video compares Storm 2 to original; AT&T and Verizon to offer the unit in the U.S.

August 23:

• Verizon Roadmap lists new phones due out for the rest of the year
• The HTC Mega is a TouchFLO 3D handset for those who like to squeeze a buck

August 24:

• Nokia enters the notebook business with the Booklet 3G
• RIM acquires company that makes WebKit based Iris browser
• Sony Ericsson to make Xperia X2 official next week?

The Nokia N900 is powered by the Maemo 5 platform

August 25:

• The Nokia 5230 – a touch sensitive screen, music and lots of colors
• OneApp from Microsoft – a way to run a variety of apps on feature phones
• Motorola to hold Android event on September 10th

August 26:

• Samsung Rogue to arrive on Sep 8 for $99 on contract?
• Official Samsung Rogue U960 Specifications, Release Date and Pricing
• Images, specs and pricing of the Samsung Intensity U450 for Verizon
• Silhouette of the Omnia II graces Samsung's web site

August 27:

• Exclusive images of the Samsung Instinct HD
• Nokia N900 official, takes multitasking to the next level
• Verizon pushing out new data plans for Enhanced Multimedia Phones

August 28:

• Storm 2, Touch Pro2, Omnia II and possibly the Pre - all in Verizon's inventory database

Coming next week…

We are not expecting new handsets from the major U.S. carriers next week, but as you know – everything is possible with these guys. However, Nokia World 09 will be taking place on September 2 and 3, so we expect to see some new and interesting stuff by the manufacturer in Stuttgart. Stay tuned for our live report and have a nice weekend!