When Pantech unveiled the original Pursuit messaging phone a few years back, I was hooked. I liked its unusual shape and colorful design. And I liked its unique shake feature, which let you control some of the phone's functions just by shaking it.

So I had high hopes for the next generation of this phone, the Pantech Pursuit II. This messaging phone for AT&T; shares some of the same features as the original Pantech. But overall, it simply lacks the pizzazz and punch of its predecessor. Find out more in my full review of the Pantech Pursuit II.

Photo © AT&T;

It's official: Pantech truly has crossed over into the smartphone arena. The company, best known for its excellent line of feature phones, is preparing for the launch of the Pantech Pocket. This Android smartphone (pictured here) will be released by AT&T; on November 6.

The Pantech Pocket will feature a 4-inch SVGA touch screen and an unusual square shape. Additional features include Android version 2.3, 4G support, and a 5-megapixel camera. Pricing for the Pantech Pocket has not yet been revealed.

With those specs, the Pocket is a step up from the Pantech Crossover, which was the company's first Android phone for the U.S. market. The Crossover's specs are decidedly less flashy, as it runs an older version of Android, features a smaller touch screen, and sports a 3-megapixel camera. But the Crossover is available for free when you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T.; For more information, read my full review of the Pantech Crossover.

Photo © Pantech

It's easy to overlook BlackBerry phones. After all, they're usually not as flashy as the newer, speedier Android devices. And they don't get all the hype reserved for Apple's iPhone.

But BlackBerry phones are some of today's best smartphones. Find out which models have earned a spot on my newly-updated list of Today's Best BlackBerry Phones.

And if you're interested in the BlackBerry Torch, find out more about it by reading my complete review of the BlackBerry Torch 9810.

Photo © RIM

Apple has released the next version of its iOS software, version 5. iOS 5 will ship on the upcoming iPhone 4S, and is now available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners.

To get the software on your device, you'll need to connect it to iTunes. For complete instructions, see How to Update Your iPhone's Software.

And make sure you have a compatible device. iOS 5 works with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and both versions of the iPad.

Photo © Apple