The latest innovations in the technology world were on showcase at GoMobile 2008 Expo in Kuala Lumpur last week. Here are some highlights through the eyes of Chandra Devi and Siti Syameen Md Khalili.

LG KF350 Icecream

This Icecream should appeal to the youth market, especially girls. Scheduled for release next month, the new LG model features a sturdy clamshell design and will come available in white, pink or pistachio.

The EDGE-capable phone has a three-dimensional layered pattern and even a lighting effect. It comes with a three-megapixel camera, large keypad and 2.2-inch quarter video graphics array display.

Besides that, the Icecream offers a WAP Internet feature, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Java MIDP 2.0 support and a built-in Micro Secure Digital (microSD) slot.

And for audio playback, the model supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, EAAC+ and WMA tracks.

Asus Eee Box

A recent debutante in the mobile space, the Eee Box is a portable computing system that needs only a monitor to work. Claimed to the world’s smallest desktop PC, the model runs on the Windows XP Home operating system and Intel Atom N270 and Intel 945 chipsets.

The Eee Box, which measures 223 millimetres by 178mm by 26mm, offers one gigabyte of DDR2 667-megahertz memory, an 80GB Serial ATA II hard disk drive, card reader (for Secure Digital, SD High Capacity, Memory Stick and MS Pro cards), four USB ports, a DVI-I connector, and Gigabit LAN and wireless LAN support. It retails at RM1,099.

Clamul MP5 player

Brought into the Malaysian market by Clarion Multimedia, the Clamul MP5 player functions as a TV with RealMedia, RealMedia Variable Bitrate and Flash Video direct play, radio, recorder, music player and video player.

Available in 4GB and 8GB varieties, the player comes with a three-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) display and microSD slot. The 4GB and 8GB models go for RM259 and RM309 respectively.

Lambda Bl@st

Latest from local outfit Lambda Mobile Apps is the

Bl@st, a device that can be easily paired with any Bluetooth-enabled phone. It can stream MP3, AAC and WMA music files on the mobile phone to any FM stereo system.

Measuring 50.8mm by 25.4mm by 12.7mm and looking just like your regular MP3 player, the Bl@st comes with echo and background noise cancellation feature, two microphones, a high-quality FM transmitter chip and a user-friendly organic light-emitting diode display. Its intra aural headphones made of silicon rubber offer a comfortable fit and at the same time capable of blocking out 70 per cent of ambient noise.

The set retails at RM280.

Motorola VE 538

Motorola is set to launch this simple 3G phone model soon. The candybar VE 538 comes equipped with a two-inch TFT display, two-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity, a built-in microSD slot and 910mAh battery.

A new feature is a dedicated key for the ShoZu application, which is a gateway to social networking sites and blogs. The application enables direct uploading of pictures and videos from the camera on the phone to various Web sites.

CSL K500

Local mobile phone maker CSL has

launched the K500 camera phone. This candybar model offers five megapixels

of resolution and supports dual SIM operation.

At RM799, the K500 is one of the more affordable dual SIM phones in the market.

Micxon S500

Singaporean outfit Micxon has unveiled a dual SIM phone model. The new S500 is a compact GPRS handset that supports a 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 and video player, FM radio, Bluetooth and T-Flash card. It goes for RM399.

The company also offers other handset models, including the X5i, which is said to be the most comprehensive mini-phone

in the market.

Jabra BT3030

Weighing in at just 30 grams, the Bluetooth-capable Jabra BT3030 can be worn around your neck with a lanyard or clipped onto your clothing. It is good for taking calls and listening to music while on the move.

At RM299, the BT3030 offers seven hours of music playing and eight hours of talk time.

Ximax C26 Basic

Local outfit Ximax has come up with the C26, a basic mobile phone suitable for first-time users. Onboard the model are games, FM radio, memo, calendar, stopwatch, calculator and alarm.

Other offerings from the company include the alif E72 phone with Islamic features and X-S80 dual SIM phone.

Gophers Quatr-O

Gophers will launch two products this month: the Quatr-O Drive and Quatr-O Plus series. These models are not only navigation devices, but also function as a music player, camera and telecommunications tool, all rolled into one.

For in-car entertainment, the GPS units support MP3 and MP4 playback and FM transmission.

The models also have reverse cameras to help you see the rear-end when reversing the car. And with Bluetooth support, you can even link the phone and car stereo system together.

The Quatr-O Drive and Quatr-O Plus, with a Malaysian map, retail at RM998 and RM1,298 respectively.