The iPhone 3G looks very much like the original iPhone, with a slight modification to the case (a little more tapered and just a fraction of an inch thicker), and will come with either a white or black plastic back (instead of the more substantial brushed aluminum of the v1.0 iPhones). Under the hood, the 3G models support both HSDPA and UMTS high-speed internet connectivity, which transfers data about 2x quicker than the pokey EDGE network of the original models – a welcome upgrade.

The phones support A-GPS (assisted GPS) technology, allowing them to rapidly triangulate your current location using a combination of satellites, cell towers and Wi-Fi data. Of course, it’s all seamlessly integrated with Google Maps to provide turn-by-turn directions.

The new models will support the much-anticipated iPhone AppStore, which will open the door to tons of downloadable applications. One cool thing announced was the fact that the store will support downloads via both phone networks (files <10MB), and Wi-Fi (files >10MB), so you won’t have to sync up to iTunes to grab new software. If you happen to own an original iPhone, the AppStore will be available for free as part of the iPhone v2.0 software update,  while iPod Touch users get the proverbial short end of the stick with a $9.99 charge for the update. The update also adds Exchange support, contact search, improved e-mail management, among other things.

Contrary to popular belief, the iPhone 3G did not start shipping today, but will be in stores around much of the globe on July 11th, 2008. The 8GB model will retail for $199, while the 16GB model will sell for $299. Current models (if you can find ‘em) retail for $399 and $499, respectively, so these represent a 50% price cut, even though the new phones have more features.

No date was confirmed for the V2.0 software upgrade for current owners, but I wouldn’t doubt it hits day-and-date with the new phones in July. As with the original iPhone launch, you’ll need to head over to an Apple or AT&T Store to get your hands on one when they hit the streets.

[iPhone 3G Specs]

While the XPERIA X1 runs on the Windows Mobile Platform, Sony Ericsson developed a slick new user interface which gives it a much more forward looking design than most WinMo devices. Sony’s new “panel” interface shows nine tiny tiles which represent individual application windows. When touched, they open up to display the application using a smooth animated style.

It’s a full 3G phone, working on just about every phone and data network you can think of, supporting Quad-Band GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA, and UMTS standards. Most of Sony’s X1 propaganda fails to mention Wi-Fi connectivity, but this spec sheet I found says “Utilize high-speed Internet at Wi-Fi™ hotspots at airports and other facilities”, so I’m hoping it really does.

The X1 really is loaded to the hilt with features. There’s a 3.2 megapixel digital camera with video recording and even video chat on high-speed networks. Internet surfing is achieved using the Internet Explorer Mobile browser. Unlike iPhone’s tower-triangulation navigation, the X1 offers true aGPS maps and directions. All the requisite PDA features are there, including E-mail, an alarm clock, calculator, calendar, document readers, address book, and task manager. And yes, it all syncs with Outlook and Exchange via ActiveSync. Heck, it even has push e-mail support like a Blackberry.

Of course, there’s full media playback support using Windows Media Player, including wireless stereo headset connectivity over Bluetooth A2DP. The X1 features a beautiful 3-inch TFT screen with a whopping 800 x 480 resolution (that’s way sharper than the iPhone’s already ample 480 x 320 display).

While the phone only has 400MB of on-board memory, but you can store up to 8GB of media files on optional SanDisk Micro or Memory Stick Micro memory cards. Behind its touchscreen display, the phone’s QWERTY keyboard than slides out to form an elegant arc when viewed from the side.

When closed, the X1 measures in at 4.3 x 0.7 x 2.1 inches, making it just a hair smaller than an iPhone on the width and height, but about 1/3rd thicker. Weight is 5.1 ounces, just a tiny bit heavier than the iPhone’s 4.8 ounces.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

My greatest concern about the X1 is it’s Windows Mobile roots. While Sony Ericsson has clearly stepped up their game in the interfaces shown here, I’m afraid it all could just be a facade for WinMo’s less-than-stellar roots. I guess we’ll just all have to wait until we can get our hands on one to see. Expect the XPERIA X1 to make its way to stores sometime in the second half of 2008. Pricing hasn’t yet been revealed.

[Xperia X1 Product Page]

The Windows Mobile 5.0-based device is designed for both productivity applications and media playback, and its hardware looks like it’s up to the task. With the EM ONE’s staggering 800×480 resolution, you’ll be able to browse the web without squinting this time. Just as importantly, you’ll be able to surf quickly, with both Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) and 3.6MBps HSDPA connectivity built in. The device is jam packed with goodies such as nVidia GoForce 500 graphics, a 520MHz PXA270 CPU, a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth.

The EM ONE will launch at the end of March in Japan for