CeBIT 2002: 3G phones set to stun

Several mobile phone manufacturers are planning to use this year's CeBIT as a launch-pad for their latest devices, with third-generation (3G) handsets set to make the leap from concepts to actual products. Sony Ericsson is widely expected to unveil a 3G device at CeBIT 2002. After just unveiling a number of frankly stunning new handsets, there is an expectation that whatever Sony Ericsson produces is likely to be a style triumph. You can see the new phones here. Crowds will also flock to the Motorola stand to see its new range -- including its first 3G handset, the A820 -- which is expected to go on sale in September in the UK. Nokia is playing its cards closer to its chest, but the company is promising to present some "exciting new solutions and innovations". Toshiba, which only announced its entry into the European phone-making sector last month, is expected to make a big announcement. The company is understood to be planning to show off a working model of its first GPRS handset, and should also have some mobile accessories on display. Industry observers will also be keen to see if Toshiba announces any partnerships with mobile distributors or network operators. The European debut of i-mode will also take place at CeBIT 2002. NTT DoCoMo's highly popular interactive mobile service will be available in Germany from this month, and should also launch in Holland and Belgium before this summer. CeBIT, the world's largest electronics show, will take place in Hannover, Germany, between 13 and 20 March. ZDNet will have a team of reporters at the show to bring you the news as it happens.

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