Motorola is reportedly preparing a sequel to the MING, a smartphone popular in China partly due to its handwriting recognition. The MING 2 -- also known as the A1600 -- is said to be a quad-band GSM phone with a faster CPU, running a Linux-based operating system. No cellular broadband is present, but the phone does have Wi-Fi, and it supports assistive GPS navigation. It is a slender 0.7 inches thick, and continues to depend on its touchscreen for all but the most basic functions.

Some unusual features include a talking dictionary, as well as a high-powered 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and flash. The MING 2 is expected to launch in China in February, but may well come to the United States soon after; the original MING can be bought in North America as an unlocked device. [via Unwired View]