Samsung V960 announced with optical joystick

Samsung have announced their latest device the Samsung SCH-V960 which features a joystick/ mouse similar to those you see attached to your PC - meaning you can move in any direction and click on icons. Also, featuring ’smart lighting’ that controls the displays brightness and keys designed to reduce eye strain and improve battery life.

Key features
Optical joystick
Smart lighting
2 megapixel camera
GPS
Bluetooth®

“As the importance of user-friendly interface increases, Samsung is researching and developing methods that enhances intuitive use of mobile phones. Samsung will continue to combine innovative idea and the latest technology that will benefit our end users.”

- Kitae Lee, P resident of Samsung’s Telecommunication and Network Business

The V960 should be available in Korea before 2007 and if the optical joystick works out then expect to see them on future phones (and probably copied by most of the major manufacturers).

Sony Ericsson Z310 launched in 3 colours

The Sony Ericsson Z310 (announced today) is a tri band clamshell phone available in 3 colours: Black, Bronze and Pink. The Z310 is very similar in form to the z610i with the same polished exterior, clamshell style and OLED display, (so maybe there will be a z310i too).

Not boasting the highest specifications the Z310 is aimed at a fun youth market. The Z310 features a VGA Camera, MP3 ringtones, Bluetooth, internal and external monochrome display - Clearly for the fashion rather than technology conscious.

Key features
Tri band
Dual display
MP3 ringtones
Bluetooth
HTML browser
Speakerphone
Instant Messaging
Email

The Sony Ericsson Z310 will be available from Q1 2007.