Samsung Pixon 12: The First 12-Megapixel Cameraphone

via Gizmodo by John Herrman on 6/1/09

Fortunately, the Pixon's 12-megapixel claim to greatness, which guarantees younothing at all except for the industry's largest file sizes, is complemented by some decent specs, starting with a 3.1" AMOLED touchscreen, 3G and FM radio.

Obviously, though, the flash-equipped camera is the star of the show here, and while relentless megapixel one-upmanship is fruitless and annoying, the Pixon looks like it'll be a decent pocket shooter despite its narrow obsession. Touch autofocus lets you choose a focal point with a finger tap, after which the camera will automatically keep focus on its subject. Shooting speed is quicker than average, clocking in at about two seconds per shot. A bevy of online photo services are supported out of the box, and video recording, though not HD, records at a respectable 720 x 480.

The 150MB internal storage is glaringly weak for a camera-centric phone, though I suspect, as is usually the case, that carriers will bundle SD cards when the Pixon finally goes on sale, which will be in June in Europe, and August elsewhere—though not necessarily here. Sorry, Idou! [OLED Info and Akihabara News]

Sony Ericsson Idou Smartphone Appears With Whopping 12 Megapixel Camera

via Gizmodo by Odelia Lee on 4/7/09

Set to debut in Europe this October, the Sony Ericsson Idou is a full-touchscreen smartphone with a 3.5-inch display and GPS.

The first model in a new series of entertainment phones from Sony Ericsson, the Idou is being marketed as a device capable of providing "unlimited entertainment." On the bill are music, video, photo, games, social network functionality.

Aside from the sweet camera offering, however, most of the other features seem pretty run of the mill. Sony Ericsson will have to pull up their britches and get working, because it all sounds like stuff we've seen before. No word yet on a stateside appearance. [Mobil via Slashgear]