iPhones, Ophones, and more

Some people never seem to sleep — and apparently at least a few of them are Microsoft Live Labs employees. The software giant announced its first iPhone application, Seadragon, over the weekend. Seadragon is a (free) photography application that allows you to zoom to preposterous proportions on photos. It does this by storing a variety of resolutions and showing only the needed portion when you ask for it. Although it’s basically a toned-down Photosynth, it could prove to be a handy application for those who use a lot of graphics. More important, it shows that Microsoft might be willing to play ball… which could be very interesting.

While Kogan’s Agora is still undergoing last-minute design changes, the Android buzz this weekend surrounded rumors that Lenovo would be partnering with China Mobile (an OHA member) to give us the Ophone. It’s said that China Mobile experienced some difficulties attempting to work with Apple, which could benefit Android; the Ophone’s anticipated release is February or March, and it’s designed to work with China’s TD-SCDMA 3G network. Although Android phones seem to be sprouting everywhere, China Mobile’s Android handset would give the company the ability to start commissioning more customized handsets (as well as participation in profit-sharing discussions). Since China Mobile is the largest cell phone operator in China, iPhone’s loss is certainly turning to Android’s advantage. Sprint customers will still have to hold on, though; the company is apparently waiting to get asked to the party.

Gossip plagued Palm all weekend when someone leaked a rumor that the company would debut a new OS and handset at CES — and Palm is surely pleased to be talked about as it’s lagged behind smartphones that can provide 3G technology. In a move that could bring the company back into the arena with the big boys, Palm should be giving CES attendees a good look at its new Linux-based OS (Nova), a new lineup of smartphones, and more likely than not, a new UI. People are definitely paying attention; now it’s up to Palm to deliver.