The next big feature for smartphones (and all mobile devices, really) is the augmented reality browser. Augmented Reality applications show the world around you in a brand new way--through the looking glass of your smartphone. Layar is a pioneer of this new method of 'seeing the world' and they've just unveiled their 3D-engine to make their browser all the more real.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X3 White

Not that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X3 is anything official yet, but according to MobileCrunch, Sony Ericsson's first Android smartphone will not make it to the market before January 2010. While this definitely doesn't makes any sense (it's too late for holiday season and too early for the Mobile World Congress in February), that's the info MobileCrunch got from some unnamed sources. According to earlier leaked specs, the Xperia X3 (code-named Rachael)is expected to run on Android 1.6 (Donut) and features quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as dualband HSDPA/HSUPA at 900/2100 MHz, Bluetooth 2.1, WiFi b/g and aGPS.

The 4" capacitive touchscreen is expected to feature WVGA (800 x 480) and it's said that the Xperia X3 comes with a massive 8 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash, image stabilization, smile shutter and face detection.

Samsung Galaxy Update

Samsung have today released a new firmware update for their Galaxy GT-I7500 Android phone. This new Android firmware update isn't the Donut update, but is a specific update for the Samsung handset that is believed to provide better device stability and improved battery performance.

Also included in the update is a new app "Switchers", that allows Galaxy users to switch off/on their GPS,Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity along with auto-sync support from the programs menu. The new firmware version IH8 is available through Samsung's New PC Studio which is currently only available for Windows users.

Note: It appears that some users are experiencing issues with voice calls and data connections after applying the update. If you're having similar issues we recommend you backup all your phone info/data and perform a hard reset of your handset (Settings -> SD card & phone storage -> Factory data reset).

[via theunwired.net]

HTC Tattoo

The HTC Tattoo has this week appeared on Vodafone UK's 'Coming Soon' web page, with a predicted launch date of October 2009.

The handset was first announced by HTC earlier in the month and will feature a 528 MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor, 512MB ROM/256MB RAM, a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen display, 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, HSDPA, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi and a microSD card slot.

According to the more detailed specs over on the official HTC website, the HTC Tattoo will also include the Android 1.6 (Donut) update.

Detailed pricing and tariff information is not currently known, although the handset is expected to be available free on contract