French mobile maker MobiFrance recently unveiled its latest luxury cellphone in remembrance of the country’s esteemed revolutionaries and the nation’s Independence Day. I don’t suppose MobiFrance realizes how ironic it is to equate luxury with the people who sent the royals to the guillotine (a French invention as well), but there it is. In any case, the cellphone, dubbed simply “French Luxury”, resembles the famous Eiffel Tower in all its sparking glory.

The phone is a veritable miniature version of the Parisian landmark, down to the tower’s legs. Though little is known of the phone’s functions, it does have a 7.2 MP camera and a touch screen. But whatever; I’m sure people will flock to it because of its quaint design and the word “luxury”.

Maybe someone will come up with a phone based on the Egyptian pyramids, or even the Berlin Wall, in the near future.

[Seen on The Design Blog]

No, this blogger was not given the opportunity to experience ümobile’s ad-driven/low-rates sim card first hand. A lot of bigger names in the tech arena of the blogosphere, however, were given these ultra-exclusive sim cards to take for a road test.

So what’s new with ümobile? It’s a new player in the telecoms industry, catering only to the 15 to 35 year old demographic. One thing that sets it apart from the older players, however, is the exclusivity. You can’t buy a ümobile sim card off the street; it’s invitation only. How’s that for exclusivity?

Anyway, the big thing about ümobile is the low rate it offers for calls. Sort of like Sun, but without the signal problems to offer. Wonder how I know about that? I have good reason to believe that ümobile is the baby of a very reliable telecoms company, so worry not about the signal availability. Don’t ask me how I know that. I have pretty good sources. Just know that I’m sure ümobile will have the low rates that Sun boasts of without the signal problems.

What keeps the rates low are the ads that pop up time and again in your inbox. That, in exchange for 100 pesos worth of load every month for six months, sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

So after this bit of plugging, maybe ümobile should give me a sim card. What do you think? If I had my own sim card, I could probably say more *hint* *hint*

I’m 25, just in case you were wondering.

News from the Philippine Daily Inquirer yesterday noted that the new 3G iPhone from Apple will not yet be available in the Philippines. The global launch for this revamped iPhone was slated for July 11, but apparently, the Philippines isn’t included.

Globe Telecoms, Apple’s local “carrier” for the iPhone, has announced that this phone will be available later this year. No word yet on price and packages.

Palm’s so-called “shortcut to happy hour” smart phone, a.k.a. the Palm Centro, just got an electrifying face lift. Previously available in shades such as black, gray, red and pink, the Centro now comes in electric blue — the latest addition to this work/party phone’s line up of fun yet sophisticated colors.

Unlike most PDA/smart phones, the Palm Centro doesn’t look stiff or business-like at all. However, this doesn’t mean it skimps on the features. After all, the Centro isn’t called a smart phone for nothing. You get a 1.3 MP camera, VersaMail, Documents to Go, web browsing capabilities, Pocket Tunes, etc. You can instantly go from professional to party-ready with the pretty Centro.

True, the pink and red versions are fine and adorable; however, there’s something “shocking” (forgive the play on words) about the electric blue shade that really makes it stand out in a crowd.

Unfortunately, this “beauty and brains” baby is only available under AT&T. It costs $69.99 after you avail of AT&T’s 2-year service and data plan. The unlocked, white version costs $299.

Will this be available in the Philippines? I don’t know, but, well, crossed fingers always do the trick.

Check out full specs here.

Unlike most girls, I don’t exactly go crazy over chocolate. Unless, of course, it has mint in it.

I’m not fond of the commercial brands like Hershey’s and Cadbury; their products are so sweet they taste bland in my mouth, and I don’t really fancy bland. Instead, I’m a fan of the interesting types of chocolates — those that come in a variety of flavors, shapes and sizes. I’ll try any variety once, be it fruity, spicy or combined with some other flavor.

If you can imagine the chocolates sold by the protagonist in the movie, “Chocolat”, those are the kinds of chocolate I’d like to try. Of course I’m partial to the movie because it has Johnny Depp, but I’m serious when I say I literally drooled over the parade of chocolates.

Anyway, I suppose a lot of manufacturers now realize the power of chocolate to motivate. We’ve got more than a few gadgets “inspired” by chocolate; even named after it, in fact. The result, not surprisingly, is a beautiful and sophisticated combination of beauty, technology and the elusive “yummy” factor.

Here’s my list of the hottest gadgets and accessories that pay homage to the most loved of sweets: chocolate.

keep on reading…

Spotted: Blair Waldorf with her chic LG enV Orange from Verizon Wireless.

Like every other girl (and some boys) on the planet, I’m a major Gossip Girl fan. At first I wasn’t so keen on watching the show. Who needs another rehashed Beverly Hills 90210 right? Besides, I managed to survive without watching OC ever, and I’m fine.

But somehow I got bit by the GG bug.

One day I just found myself completely enthralled by the quirky cyberspace-fueled gossip format and the familiar voice of darling Kristen Bell. I couldn’t stop watching. I’m absolutely enamored by all the pretty clothes, bitchy queen bees and of course, the flashy gadgets.

Serena van der Woodsen goes from iPhone to a Sidekick in a few episodes and everyone else has beautiful, shiny gadgets practically attached to their hands.

Still, what caught my eye was Blair Waldorf’s unmistakable orange phone.

Honestly, it was the bright color that got my undivided attention. Bold, fashionable and undeniably useful in sending tips to Gossip Girl herself, the phone could probably star in its own show.

But what exactly makes it so Blair-worthy? keep on reading…