The source asserts that Panasonic is actually in the process of negotiating a partnership with  a major telecommunication firm in Europe.

Unfortunately, the firm in question is currently unknown and we can only speculate. A few likely candidates are Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica, or T-Mobile.

Outside of its current plans, the idea of bringing Panasonic phones to North America is actually on the table as well. According to what we know, such a launch in North America will not happen until some time after the European launch.

As far as the phones go, at the moment we have no idea what Panasonic will bring outside of Europe. It might be a brand new line or perhaps one of the higher-end Japanese models like the Lumix, which features a 13.2 MP camera.

What do you think, will Panasonic create new Android phones for the launch or simply bring out its current Japanese models? The idea of a Toughbook-style smartphone certainly could have some appeal. Keep in mind that Panasonic tried its luck in Europe with mobile feature phones once before and withdrew in 2005, due to trouble keeping up with the competition. For now all we can do is hope that they fair better the second time around.

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These days, companies are battling in the smartphone arena with faster processors, sleek designs, and more robust apps. Cameras sensors are also seeing a lot of upgrades, and that’s about to get a bit more competitive by the people at Panasonic. Apparently, they’ve got a 13.2MP Lumix phone in the works.

We already know about the Lumix brand when it comes to Panasonic digital cameras, but this is the first time they’re using it in the cell phone realm. It’s kind of like the whole Cyber-shot thing going on with Sony. I don’t think it’ll push more phones into the hands of consumers, but it probably won’t hurt either.

Beyond the 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, the upcoming Lumix camera phone is rumored to get a 3.3-inch LCD, 17.7mm profile (definitely thicker than most thin phones these days), and room for “its expanding imaging equipment.” Does that mean they’ll have additional lens, adapters, and other accessories for this thing like how they would for a real camera? Panasonic traditionally uses Leica lenses, could it be a Leica lens toting smartphone? The site also mentions a “folding mechanism” which means its going to be a clamshell.

[Engadget via Panasonic Japan, Lumix Phone]

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Inon underwater X-2 housing for the DMC-GF1 with dual arms and lights

Unveiling its newest accessory for the Lumix DMC-GF1, Panasonic not only boasts the capabilities of the DMC to shoot on land, but also to snap photographs into the deep blue. A sleek, white aluminum alloy casing will protect the DMC for underwater adventures.

A Black model of the X-2 is going on sale near the end of August, and two optional grips and underwater lights are also available (shown below), turning the sleek GF1 into a heavy duty underwater diving rig. Operation depth is rated at 75 meters, being quite laudable for the consumer camera that it is, perhaps even pushing the GF1 into “prosumer” status. Accompanying this caliber, prices are also passing the threshold of the average consumer. The case will be selling for a whopping $2200, converted from its original price of 186’900 Yen. Add to that a $115 per grip arm, and you have yourself an expensive piece of equipment that dwarfs the $800 price tag for the camera itself.

Inon GF1 in White or Black

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