With HTC’s plans for 2010 being unceremoniously slapped onto the web this weekend, we’ve got all het up about the next-gen blowers that’ll be beckoning our wallets, and rocking your world next year.
Forget the Motorola Milestone and Palm Pixi. When it comes to true next-gen mobiles there are plenty coming down the pipe. Get the inside track on the next handsets to turn your head with our ultimate run-down.
Nokia N87
Why it’ll rock: Nokia’s first 12 megapixel peeper promises to offer peerless pics, building on the vastly underrated Nokia N86 8MP. It’ll also rock an X6-bashing touchscreen,
When is it due: Expect to see the Nokia N87 land at Mobile World Congress in February, a year after the N86 made its debut.
Going up against: Sony Ericsson Satio, Samsung Pixon 12 and whatever next-gen 15MP goodies both Nok rivals have lined up for 2010.
iPhone 4G
Why it’ll rock: The iPhone is in line for a complete overhaul. It’s had roughly the same look for three years, so now’s the time for Jonny Ive to work his magic.
When is it due: June, by all accounts. Steve Jobs has unveiled the previous two models in midsummer, so the iPhone 4G should be no different.
Going up against: Every smartphone out there. Palm Pre 2, Motorola Milestone
HTC Bravo
Why it’ll rock: The leading light of HTC’s leaked Android line up, the Bravo will tote a 3.7-inch OLED screen and social networking skills, plus HD video.
When is it due: The HTC Bravo is a banker for Mobile World Congress, alongside a slew of other phones from the Taiwanese titan
Going up against: iPhone 4G
Palm Pre 2
Why it’ll rock: The Palm Pre 2 is surely a dead cert for 2010. Building on the ace webOS, it should offer a sturdier frame and more than the current model’s measly 8GB.
When is it due: No official date yet, but CES in January will be a year since the Palm Pre was first touted.
Going up against: iPhone 3GS, Motorola Milestone
Sony Ericsson Kurara
Why it’ll rock: Imagine a cross between the full touchscreen skills of the Satio and the Rachael-packing Xperia X10. The Sony Ericsson Kurara is it.
When is it due: Mobile World Congress in February should see the Kurara waltz into the limelight
Going up against: Nokia N87, Samsung Pixon 12
HTC Espresso
Why it’ll rock: The excellent HTC Hero remains one of the very best blowers going. But the HTC Espresso is set to succeed it. There are no leaked photos, but details buried inside an Android 2.1 package say it’ll have a slide out QWERTY and a 320×480 screen. It’s the Hero on steroids!.
When is it due: Mobile World Congress is a HTC favourite, so don’t be surprised to see this stalking the streets of Barcelona by next February.
Going up against: BlackBerry Bold 9700, Motorola Milestone
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
Why it’ll rock: Rachael UI, Sony Ericsson’s rips to HTC Sense, will take a bow on the Xperia X10, with some amazing social networking touches and a rethink of the classic SE interface.
When is it due: Sony Ericsson says the Xperia X10 will be yours to fondle from February.
Going up against: HTC Hero
Samsung Bada phone
Why it’ll rock: Samsung bada is all about apps, so when this phone lands, it should come with a raft of add-ons to make even the iPhone green with envy
When is it due: Word is the first Samsung bada blower will drop in the first half of 2010.
Going up against: iPhone 4G, Palm Pre 2
Nokia N98
Why it’ll rock: This potential killer from Nokia should be the follow up to the N97. The hope is it’ll also pack in the rejigged Symbian OS spied last week.
When is it due: This will likely arrive later next year, with a new push to send Symbian back to top spot
Going up against: iPhone 4G, HTC Bravo
BlackBerry Storm 3
Why it’ll rock: Could this be the slide out QWERTY colossus RIM has been threatening to make? It would certainly boost the Canadian’s fortunes and make it top dog for productivity.
When is it due: No news yet, but with the Storm 2 only just out, it’ll most likely be at the end of 2010
Going up against: HTC Espresso, Motorola Milestone.
