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We’ve seen most everything about the BlackBerry Storm that Verizon wanted us to see, but this is the first real (clear) glimpse at what the UI is apt to look, taste and smell like whenever it decides to ship. Of course, we’d still caution you to take all of this with a grain of salt until Vodafone comes clean, but the screen shots captured in the read link do look fairly believable. Can you stand any more teasin’? If so, you know where to head.

We’d already heard that ASUS had been invited to join the Open Handset Alliance, and DigiTimes is now reporting that the company is, in fact, planning to launch an Android-based handset — go figure. That phone, some unnamed company sources say, will roll out sometime in the first half of 2009 (we’re guessing late first half), and could possibly be released in Taiwan first under ASUS’ own brand before making its way overseas in the form of different “customized models” for various clients. Of course, any other details are non-existent at this point, but those same sources did also note that ASUS will be phasing out its use of the Ericsson Mobile Platform (or EMP) in its phones in favor of handset platforms from Qualcomm and Marvell, which is interesting insofar as that both Qualcomm and Marvell are members of the OHA, while Ericsson is not.

There’s certainly no shortage of eye-catching iPod docks / speaker systems to choose from, but this new so-called AeroSystem is the only one to get Jean-Michel Jarre’s stamp of approval, and that’s enough to get at least a few folks to take notice (though we’ll personally stick with our Joy Division Zune). In addition to being a conversation starter, the speaker unit also look to be capable enough audio-wise, with it packing two 20W RMS speakers and a 45W RMS subwoofer into its retro-inspired enclosure, plus a USB port and a 3.5mm jack to complement the requisite iPod dock connector. As far as these things go, it’s also not too ridiculously expensive, with it running €450 (or close to $580), though you’ll likely spend a bit more than that if you hope to get one of these out of France.

RIM’s BlackBerry Bold wasn’t technically supposed to have launched already — that’s the magic in being all vague about a release date, we guess — but we can safely say we’re absolutely relieved to finally have something out in the open here. Even if it’s not carved in stone, per se. An internal AT&T e-mail discovered today notes that the “latest ETA” for the release of the Bold is October 27th (with a price TBD), though we’d feel a lot better about that if it said “definitive release date.” At any rate, we’ll find out in just ten days. Ten. Days.

It’s somewhat difficult to believe that the Access Linux Platform (also referred to as ALP) still has proponents out there, but apparently, Edelweiss could be gearing up to launch what would be the very first ALP-powered handset available on the open market. Slated to launch exclusively in Russia, the touchscreen-driven smartphone would boast a 3.5-inch 854 x 480 resolution screen, quad-band GSM / tri-band UMTS support, 8GB / 16GB of internal capacity, GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera with Auto Focus. Word around the block has it that the device was actually designed by Emblaze and will eventually be manufactured by Sharp, but that’s if the teaser site actually leads to anything tangible.

Just when we’re all geared up to get crazy corporate with a bunch of Bold purchases, RIM has to go and make our lives difficult by reminding us that the Javelin / Curve 8900 is out there — lurking — just waiting to make a grand entrance sometime in the next few months. A new video posted to CrackBerry goes through the 8900’s finer points, noting that the handset clocks in just a bit more compact than its big brother, features a slightly smaller, higher dot pitch display, and carries over an original Curve-style keyboard with spaced keys rather than the flowing design employed on the Bold (for what it’s worth, the narrator seems to like both styles equally). Interestingly, it’s noted that this prototype employs an older trackball design that’ll allegedly be replaced with a more bulletproof design by the time it launches. The lack of 3G is going to be a dream killer for many, but we could see this one getting some retail legs underneath it if the price is right — it’s got WiFi, after all.
In fact, T-Mobile Germany is saying that it’ll have the 8900 next month — a claim we actually believe, since Germany is from the future. The trackball shown on its version of the handset is distinctly different than CrackBerry’s, so it’s looking like the claim of a redesign might hold water.
[Thanks to Alex]

At this point, you’re probably wondering what section of the Storm’s UI you haven’t seen. Enter a few new sneak peeks, this time showcasing the purported BlackBerry Application Center. Granted, these shots are from the Vodafone edition, but we don’t suspect the Verizon version will look much different. Reportedly, the Application Center will be available on v4.7 Storm devices, and carriers themselves will be responsible for hosting the data and sending updates; additionally, the download / installation will be handled by the browser in the first release, meaning that the software cannot restart the app or download intelligently. Give the read link a look for a few more tidbits / pictures.

Armed with a roomy touch display, stereo speakers, and—eventually—a year’s worth of free music, Nokia’s long-awaited touchscreen phone (formerly known as “The Tube”) will make its debut in London today. Can it compete with the iPhone and T-Mobile’s Google-powered G1? (more…)

Sure we’ve seen glorified dehumidifiers like this before, but we’re a sucker for any aquatic wonder which claims to solve the world’s drinking water shortage. The wall-mounted Watermill from Element Four is the latest “water from thin air” contraption and produces up to 3.2 gallons of water a day, pumped through a trusty ultraviolet sterilizer. But more importantly, it offers to hydrate your family of 6 for a mere thirty-five cents a day in power, not including whatever price Element Four decides to sell it for. Or you could just stick a bucket on your roof and be done with it — we hear it rains occasionally.