Here's some interesting info for BlackBerry fans. The spies at Crackberry.com have gotten their hands on the 8220 version of the BlackBerry KickStart. The BlackBerry KickStart is the first clamshell of flip handset currently being developed by RIM. The 8820 version of the KickStart will pack WiFi while the 8210 version will offer GPS. The SureType keyboard on the BlackBerry KickStart is large and appears quite easy to use. The developers seem to have achieved this without making the KickStart excessively large.

Emoze has recently announced the launch of a free, network operator-independent mobile email. The Emoze web site is currently offering free downloads of their Java client for all interested users. Java-based mass market handsets from Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson are compatible with this free carrier-independent mobile email from Emoze. The Emoze mobile email service offers a rich user interface using technologies from Sun. This free service will support Microsoft Exchange, POP3/IMAP servers, and Web mail servers.

According to MocoNews.net, LG has now moved into the number three position among the top five handset makers. Some experts believe that LG was able to move into third by selling an impressive 27.7 million handsets in the past quarter. Some also say that Motorola's misfortune's has also contributed to LG's success. LG also reported that it had sold some seven million high-end touchscreen phones. The Viewty proved to be the top seller with more than two million units sold.

Here's some good news for adventurous Verizon subscribers. Verizon Wireless has just announced the arrival of the Motorola V750 Adventure, the latest addition to its mobile phone lineup. Customers can order the Adventure online and through Verizon's business channels for $100 after rebates with new agreement. It will be available in Verizon retail stores beginning on July 28. The Motorola V750 Adventure is a rugged handset that provides push-to-talk services via EVDO Rev. A-based technology.

Here's some good news for Sprint HTC Touch owners. According to WMExperts .com, HTC has finally released the official Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional ROM update for the Sprint Touch. Sprint HTC Touch owners can now download the official Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade directly from the HTC website. This Sprint HTC Touch update offers EV-DO Rev. A, enhanced GPS functionality, an OEM version of Opera, and a full Qwerty on-screen keyboard.

Here's some bad news for those who want to get their hands on the 3G iPhone. According to Macworld.com, the current iPhone shortage may last for weeks and extend up top the middle of August according to Gene Munster, a mobile phone industry analyst. Munster also said that the 3G iPhone supply shortage in the US is caused by Apple's miscalculation regarding the initial demand for the hit device.

AT&t has announced that they are granting free AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots access to Apple iPhone users. AT&T has the nation's largest WiFihotspot netrwork with over 17,000 hotpsots that are located across the country. Apple iPhone users will be able to access music, e-mail and web browsing services with free AT&T WiFi in Starbucks shops, convention centers, airports, restaurants, supermarkets, bookstores, and hotels.

Here's some good news for smartphone owners. Opera has just announced that the beta version of the Opera Mobile, 9.5 is now available for download. Opera recently announced that the launch of the Opera Mobile, 9.5 would be delayed by a few days to fix the final bugs in the mobile browser. However, it seems that those bugs have all been resolved. This latest version of the Opera mobile browser offers panning, faster page loads and other new enhancements. It also offers a new UI and the Opera Dragonfly developer tool.

According to Engadgetmobile, Nokia's head of mobile devices, Kai Oistamo, confirmed that the company will bring at least one touch-based device to the market during a press call. Oistamo also indicated that it will be released during the second half of this year and will target the mass market. This means that it will not be in direct competition with the iPhone and other high-end touchscreen devices.