Nokia has teamed up with the University of Cambridge to parade their new stretchable and flexible device known as Morph. This futuristic concept handset comes in a lovely shade of green and is pretty flexible, being able to stretch and bend into all sorts of shapes, hence its name. Features of using nanotechnology in developing such a handset thanks to the use of flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces results in a whole new user experience - no longer do you have to worry about breaking your phone or having it getting nicked once it drops onto the floor. Word has it that Nokia hopes to bring some elements of the Morph into its high end devices within the next seven years. I would love to see a self-cleaning display - say goodbye to pesky fingerprints forever!

Source: Crave

Popularity: 39% [?]

Crocodile skin was only good for handbags, or so I thought. BELLPERRE has upped the ante with their new and upcoming range of croc leather handsets. What’s interesting about these is the fact that the handsets feature no plastic part, and are handcrafted from premium leather, steel, gold, hardwood and various other high end materials. Since the handset is based on a modular construction model, it ensures every single one of them will be able to be tailored specifically to one’s taste and lifestyle. With more than 200 colors to choose from, you’ll probably have a field day selecting your favorite set up. BELLPERRE cell phones are built from scratch in the Netherlands, and no pricing detail has been confirmed as at press time although they ought to roll out in European markets this June.

Source: Luxury Launches

Popularity: 35% [?]

While rumors of a Zune phone has been circulating since time immemorial (feels like it anyway), a corporate reorganization certainly points toward that way - just check out this mockup of a smartphone UI which made an appearance in a June 2006 Microsoft patent filing. Perhaps the acquisition of Danger will steer Microsoft towards developing a full touch screen user interface instead of plodding on with their Windows Mobile platform? Granted, Windows Mobile ain’t all that bad but when you compare it to Apple’s UI, the latter wins hands down. All I can say is this - more choices and healthy competition is always good for the consumer. Go Microsoft!

Source: Crave

Popularity: 39% [?]

With Valentine’s Day coming round the corner, it makes perfect sense for retailers to try pocket as many consumer dollars as possible during this busy period in order to capitalize on your feelings for your loved one. AT&T is no different, hoping to gain a small bonus by releasing its Pantech Duo dual-sliding handset in red. Other than the change in color, everything else inside remains the same as a standard Pantech Duo including 3G support, a 240 x 320 resolution display, powered by Windows Mobile 6 and providing support for push email services, AT&T’s Mobile Music Service, and AT&T’s Video Service.

Source: 14U

Popularity: 56% [?]

Modu Mobile has developed a modular phone system that was just nominated by the Guinness World Records as the lightest phone in the world, tipping the scales at a mere 40.1 grams while measuring 72mm x 37mm x 7.8mm. Despite being so small and light, it is still capable of dishing out similar functions to what other standard handsets have on offer including a speaker, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 playback, and 1GB of internal memory among others. The Modu is tipped to be launched in Italy, Russia and Israel on the 1st of October this year, and in all probability will arrive Stateside next year. A single Modu with two jackets bundle will retail for approximately $280.

Source: Slashgear

Popularity: 42% [?]

For those who think that they love everything about the iPhone save for the lack of 3G connectivity and memory, it is time to rejoice. Why? Apple has managed to fulfill one of the two requests, although I would have preferred to see the former being attended to rather than a memory bump that touches the 16GB mark, up by double from the previous 8GB cap. This higher capacity iPhone will retail for $499, which is $100 more expensive than the $399 8GB model. Don’t complain that it costs too much, as you have seen tons of folks lining up for the 8GB model when the iPhone was launched last summer for a whopping $599. Continue Reading

Popularity: 18% [?]

Those lucky Europeans always get the cool fashion phones first, don’t they? Shiny Shiny says Nokia’s Crystal Prism handset should be available next month in Europe just in time for Valentine’s Day.  The sexy purple delight features laser-etched, diamond-cut designs all over its thin body, and is complete with a purple jem in the center. As for the important stuff, like specs, the phone features things like a two megapixel digicam, 3G (impressive), Bluetooth, 1GB of internal storage, and a two-inch screen. Designer Frédérique Daubal created this beautiful handset, along with fancy wallpapers. Another cool feature is the phone’s keypad lightshow, which can changes colors and pulsate to get you in a clubbing mood? Anyway, the phone will cost Europeans a hefty 280 pounds.

Popularity: 37% [?]

The zoom on your RAZR’s camera can only zoom so far, so the folks over at Brando.com now bring objects closer to you with the help of a Mobile Phone Telescope. The telescope straps to the back of either the RAZR V3 or KRZR K1 phones to take slightly better photos when you zoom in all the way. You can get yours for $19.00 over at Brando.com [Geeksugar]

Popularity: 17% [?]

Gizmodo spotted three new friends to the original lime green Spykee Robot which can be used to Skype your friends in a fun way. The original robot was enabled with a webcam, microphone, and speaker and could be controlled via your computer. Now his new friends, Spykee Vox, Miss, and Cell do more than Skype, as the robots come with an iPod dock that supports the iTouch, a video surveillance camera, VoIP phone, microphone, loudspeaker, and MP3 player. I really like Skype Miss all dressed up in her pink and white robo-suit awaiting her Skype orders. You can find Spykee robots over at Erectorusa.com

Popularity: 38% [?]

Looks like the Motorola Z8 will not escape Ferrari’s prancing horse logo as the Italian exotic supercar manufacturer has decided to team up with Motorola to produce a limited edition Ferrari Motorola Z8 slider cellphone. Needless to say, it is similar hardware-wise to all other Motorola Z8s, save for the fact that you get envious stares coming your way because of the Ferrari logo emblazoned on the handset itself, with other extras like exclusive Ferrari screensavers, wallpapers and user interface themes to cause further jealousy. No word on how much this slider handset costs though, but it will be released in Q1 next year.

Source: New Launches

Popularity: 98% [?]