Hands-on video of the Toshiba TG01
In contrast to WMExpert’s opinion of the Toshiba TG01 after a brief hands-on, Engadget actually appears highly impressed.
They felt the stripe interface made sense and works surprisingly well, they liked the customization options, and felt the device was thin and light, making the iPhone feel chubby. The liked the screen, but of course hated that it was resistive, and felt gaming was fast on the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and look gorgeous.
Below is a video they took while handling the device.
Source:Engadget.com
We finally Podcast! The Windows Phone World MWC Wrap-up
Today, in conjuction with our friends PDA.pl. we are doing the first, so far one and only Windows Phone World Podcast.
In this podcast we cover today’s Windows Mobile news, including the:
- New HTC Touch Diamond 2
- New HTC Touch Pro 2
- LG GM730
- Windows Mobile 6.5
- HTC’s commitment to Windows Mobile
- and much else.
Listen below or download directly (we’ll get a feed sorted out later).
[podcast]http://wmpoweruser.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/WinMo_World_001.mp3[/podcast]
Download directly from here or subscribe to our podcast feed here.
ACER Tempo Smartphone Series: X960, F900, M900 and DX900
Acer really put all of it’s eggs in 1 basket as they announce 4 new phones at MWC 2009 in Barcelona. While I really do like the specs of all four in regard to the niches of the market each will fill, it seems Acer forgot WM6.5 was going to be released today as none of them appear to be eligible for a upgrade.
The Acer X960 looks to be a competitor to the Touch 3G based on shape and specs. Looks like a great mid-range phone.
The F900 is strictly a Touch Diamond 1 competitor as it has great specs but it doesn’t match up to well with the Touch HD while the Touch Diamond 2 will end up being the better device.
The M900 is my opinion the jawdropper of the group. It manages to have a better camera then the Touch Pro 2 and it includes a LED Flash. It is about 15 grams heavier then the Touch Pro 2 and while it comes with a headphone jack, it’s of the 2.5mm variety. Not only that, it comes with SiRF star III for all you GPS fanatics. It looks like the Touch Pro 2 will have to win this one on software.
Finally we have the DX900 which is a interesting device that lines up against the HTC Touch Cruise 2009 with a special twist: it’s a Dual SIM device. the first SIM slot comes with HSDPA and Quad Band GSM while the 2nd is a Tri-band GSM only.
All in all, some really great phones by Acer were released as it seems HTC will have much more tougher competition this year with Acer, ZTE and now LG throwing plenty of support behind Windows Mobile.
You can check the specifications of the Tempo series below and more information can be found here.
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X960 * 106.4 (L) x 59 (W) x 13.7 (H) mm, 131.5 g |
F900 * 117.5 (L) x 63.5 (W) x 12.85 (H) mm, 150g |
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M900 * 119 (L) x 62 (W) x 17.1 (H) mm, 188g |
DX900 * 106 (L) x 60.5 (W) x 17 (H) mm, 147g |
Spb Mobile Shell 3.0 Presented at Mobile World Congress 2009
As promised the new Windows Mobile interface from SPB was unveiled today at Mobile World Congress. A list of some of the features and a video demonstration follows:
Multi-page home
Professional and lifestyle layouts
Widgets
Kinetic Scrolling
Flexible Engine
Fully Customizable
Hardware accelaration support
Facebook intergration
etc
LG GM730 Hands On by Engadget
Engadget seems to get all the good stuff from the Mobile World Congress.
Take a look at their hands on experience with the LG GM730, the new Windows Mobile device from LG that we’ve posted about earlier.
A reminder of the specifications:
HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps – 900 / 2100 Mhz
3.0 inch WQVGA Screen
S-Class” Touch UI
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
5 MP Camera with autofocus
Built-in aGPS
FM radio
Internet Explorer 6.0
MP3/MPEG4/AAC/DivX/Xvid player
3.5mm audio jack
Video walk-through of Windows Mobile 6.5
Engadget has published this video of Windows Mobile 6.5 in action.
The software is running on the new HTC Touch Diamond 2, for which HTC promised an upgrade. Unlike the criticism of Endgadget of the interface it actually seems to perform pretty well.
Of course the lack of improvement in Windows Media Player is disappointing, but I suspect that is only because the Zune Project Pink team have not shipped their Windows Mobile Product yet.
What do our readers think?
Engadget hands-on impression of Windows Mobile 6.5
Engadget has been lucky enough to get their hands on an HTC Touch Diamond 2 running Windows Mobile and has had this to say about it:
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- The new locking screen is very cool. Not the jazziest looking we’ve ever seen, but the added functionality of being able to go straight to specific screens of the phone — screens you’re particularly interested in when coming out of standby — is great. Someone should’ve thought of this long ago.
- The home screen is a love-it-or-hate-it affair — the gesture used to navigate it might be a bit difficult to get used to. There’s a focused bar for each piece of information on the screen; it needs to be dragged from item to item to highlight, which is where we could see ourselves getting a little hung up. The left / right gestures to move through pieces of information in a single category (tasks or calendar items throughout the day, for example) makes a boatload of information accessible from the home screen, but it might be too much — if you’re busy, seeing your whole calendar this way could take a few minutes and leave you with a sore thumb. Also, the left / right thing makes less sense for some of the items — bookmarks, for example. Who’s going to thumb through their bookmarks one at a time?
- Windows Media Player is a total unchanged carry-over from 6.1 — a major disappointment for anyone hoping that the Zune influence on the 6.5′s home screen would be pervasive throughout the platform. Actually, a major disappointment, period.
- 6.5 is resistive only. It doesn’t support capacitive touchscreens.
- The on-screen keyboard looks cool, but you’ll see some struggles typing engadget.com in the video — possibly related to the resistive nature of the screen. Bottom line, 6.5 isn’t 100 percent finger-friendly. (Besides, it turns out that the keyboard is HTC’s, not Microsoft’s; as far as we know, the stock board is unchanged from 6.1).
- Scrolling is generally choppy, especially in the honeycomb menus. We’re hoping this resolves itself prior to launch — the software’s still in alpha, after all — but we’re not holding our breath. The “springboard” action when scrolling is new to WinMo and works well, but what’s the point when you’re struggling with speed?
- IE Mobile seems to render beautifully in the sites we’ve seen, but the zoom slider seems difficult to actuate with a finger — possibly just because it’s slow to respond. We think part of the perception that the zooming functionality is low-performance stems from the fact that it’s stepped, not smooth. Hard to say if 6.5 has the raw horsepower to do smooth scrolling, though (and to be fair, Android and the iPhone “cheat” by filling in areas with a checkerboard pattern to speed things up, so no one’s really nailed this).
- The finger-friendly menus seem unintuitive even to our demonstrator, mainly because they don’t support swipe-based scrolling. Instead, the user taps arrows at the top and bottom of the context menu to navigate.
See more of their gallery of Windows Mobile 6.5 pictures on the Diamond 2 at Engadget.com
Windows Mobile 6.5 formally announced, with My Phone and Market Place.
Microsoft Reveals New Windows® Phones With Marketplace and My Phone Services
Microsoft mobile partners fly the Windows flag: HTC, LG and Orange preview first Windows® phones.
BARCELONA, Spain — Feb. 16, 2009 — Today at Mobile World Congress 2009, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer along with key mobile partners, HTC, LG and Orange, unveiled new Windows® phones featuring new user-friendly software and services. The next generation of Windows® phones will be based on Windows Mobile 6.5 and feature a new user interface and a richer browsing experience. In addition, Windows® phones will feature two new services: My Phone, to sync text messages, photos, video, contacts and more to the Web; and Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, a new marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications and can be accessed from both the phone and the Web.
“Windows® phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” Ballmer said. “We’re working with partners across the industry to deliver a new generation of Windows® phones that break down the barriers between people, information and applications and provide great end-to-end experiences that span your entire life, at work and at home.”
Windows Mobile 6.5 Delivers New User Experience
The new Windows Mobile 6.5 home screen keeps people up-to-date on important information by providing a dashboard-like experience to items such as new e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also includes an improved touch-screen interface, making it easy to take action with a finger, and an updated version of the latest Internet Explorer Mobile browser, which in a third-party research study sponsored by Microsoft supported execution of up to 48 percent more assigned tasks than the other browsers and phones studied.
My Phone Service Connects the Phone to the Web
The free My Phone service will enable people to access, manage and back up their personal information on their device to a password-protected Web-based service, making it easier to upgrade phones without the worry of losing important information. With automatic syncing and backup, users can count on their contacts, appointments, text messages and other information being kept up to date and easily restored should they lose or upgrade their phone. Consumers also will be able to automatically upload photos and video from their Windows® phone directly to the My Phone service, making it simple to preserve content that, in the past, would have lived and died on the phone. The My Phone service is currently available in a limited invitation-only beta.
Rich and Integrated Marketplace Service Will Offer Easy Access to Mobile Applications
The new operating system features Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, a rich and integrated marketplace for searching, browsing and purchasing mobile applications from Windows® phones or from a PC by simply using a Windows Live ID. The new marketplace will be included with all Windows phones based on Windows Mobile 6.5, which will help consumers to easily find, install and experience those applications that fit their needs and make the phone truly personal. Developers, who have already built over 20,000 applications for Windows® phones, will be able to offer applications to customers through the marketplace via a simple security and compatibility check from Microsoft.
Partners Showcase New Windows® Phones
Leading mobile partners from around the world revealed some of the first Windows® phones showcasing the new operating system. In particular, mobile operator Orange will update its portfolio to offer new Windows phones with enhanced browsing, diverse personalization options and new user experiences. Similarly, two of the world’s top phone manufacturers displayed their Windows® phones.
- The LG-GM7300 is a stylish, user-friendly phone with features such as one-click e-mail set up to help people stay connected to the information they care about most. Available first on Windows Mobile 6.1, LG will add a Windows Mobile 6.5 version to the family, complementing an expanded alliance to dramatically increase the number of LG phones running Windows.
- HTC’s Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2, announced today, will be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5. New enhanced contact integration combined with new Internet capabilities deliver a people-centric approach to mobile communication. HTC’s Touch Diamond 2 features TouchFLO 3D, a sleek and compact design with a large 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen display, while HTC Touch Pro 2 introduces one of the best-ever mobile productivity experiences on a phone highlighted by HTC’s new Straight Talk technology, an integrated e-mail, voice and speakerphone experience.
The new Windows® phones are expected to be available in the second half of 2009.
HTC maintains commitment to Windows Mobile
Despite having sold over 1 million Android devices, HTC has maintained its its Windows Mobile roots, which after all is responsible for sales in the 10 million’s last year.
At its MWC press conference today it did not announce any new Android devices at all, and in fact explicitly said they were “very focused on the Windows Mobile.” So committed was Peter Chou, HTC’s president, to Windows Mobile that he spilled the beans on the upgrade, saying “”Later today, together with Microsoft, we’re introducing together with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5.”
HTC introduced 2 amazing new devices today, and also promised the two smartphones will be Windows Mobile 6.5 ready, and will be getting free upgrades.
“These devices will also work with the future of Windows … Both of these devices are Windows Mobile 6.5 ready. Buyers will get free upgrades to 6.5″
While HTC is certain to release a number of Android devices over the next few months (we have all seen the roadmaps) its nice to know the Windows Mobile side will still get good support, and with the fantastic hardware announced today sales should remain very strong indeed.
Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.5
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Microsoft announced the latest update to their Windows Mobile software, on Monday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, bringing the software up to the rumoured version 6.5.
The refreshed operating system carries all the hallmarks of former versions, but has now been redesigned to include a honeycomb interface taking key inspiration from the company’s Zune MP3 player optimised for the touch of a finger rather than frantic stylus poking.
From your locked device you’ll now have a drop-down menu giving you shortcuts into the most frequent functions, such as messages or missed calls.
“Part of the new Windows Phone is that there will be a unified look”, Microsoft said. “Manufacturer’s will not be able to customise the interface as much as they have done in the past however will be able to make slight alterations here and there”.
The news is likely to affect companies like Sony Ericsson, HTC and Toshiba who have in the past focused on customisation to make the Windows Mobile experience very different from what Microsoft supply.
“We have a very strong relationship with Microsoft”, John Wang, the chief marketing officer for HTC told Pocket-lint when asked what HTC was planning on doing with the news, suggesting that HTC may be allowed a bit more leeway than other parties.
A new version of Internet Explorer will also be introduced, which Microsoft boldly claim will negate the need for a third-party browser. “We want to make sure that our browser has the best out of the box experience”, Microsoft told Pocket-lint.
Windows Mobile 6.5 devices should be hitting the shelves in late-2009 in time for Christmas.
Via PocketLint.com
HTC’s Mobile World Congress Press release
NEW HTC TOUCH DIAMOND2 AND HTC TOUCH PRO2 SIGNAL A NEW WAVE IN COMMUNICATION
New phones simplify information access with HTC Push Internet and unify personal communication with single-view contact integration
BARCELONA — Feb 16, 2009 — HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile phones, today unveiled two new flagship devices, the HTC Touch Diamond2ä and HTC Touch Pro2ä. Integrating innovative simplicity with unique style and an intuitive interface, the devices balance function, form and cutting-edge technology to personalize the communication and mobile Internet experience.
“The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text or email,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate.”
HTC TOUCHFLO 3D INTEGRATED WITH WINDOWS MOBILE
The HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 utilize HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D interface. TouchFLO 3D has been more deeply integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile 6.1 to deliver more consistency throughout Windows Mobile applications and menus. Focused on making navigation easier and more intuitive, TouchFLO 3D brings important information to the top-level user interface, including quick access to people, messaging, email, photos, music and weather. As part of this improved Windows Mobile integration the touch focus areas have been enlarged to be more finger-touch friendly.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
With the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2, HTC is introducing a new people-centric communication approach, providing a single contact view that displays the individual conversation history of contacts regardless of whether voice, text or email were used. This can be viewed from the contact card or the in-call screen during a phone conversation, ensuring the latest communication contact-by-contact is always at hand.
SIMPLIFYING HOW PEOPLE ACCESS THEIR INFORMATION
Continuing its commitment to making the mobile Internet easier and more enjoyable, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 introduce HTC’s Push Internet technology. HTC Push Internet alleviates slow downloading and rendering of Web pages on a mobile phone. Users can preselect their favorite Websites to get immediate access to them when needed.
HTC TOUCH DIAMOND2
The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into the hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for a greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.
Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC’s new Push Internet technology The Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use.
With fifty-percent better battery life, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.
HTC TOUCH PRO2
Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone. Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use.
INTRODUCING HTC STRAIGHT TALK FOR HTC TOUCH PRO2
The new HTC Touch Pro2 leverages voice in a new way to create one of the most sophisticated communication experiences found on a mobile phone. HTC’s new Straight Talk technology delivers an integrated email, voice and speakerphone experience. Users can transition seamlessly from email to single or multi-party conference calls and turn any location into a conference room.
In addition to the new simplified calling experience, Straight Talk includes an innovative mechanical and acoustic design that features a sophisticated speakerphone experience similar to those found in corporate boardrooms. Straight Talk delivers a high-fidelity voice and sound experience enhanced by asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression with full duplex acoustics. When the Touch Pro2 is flipped over it automatically turns into a conference room speakerphone system.
Availability
The HTC Touch Diamond2 will be available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2 2009 with broader global availability coming later in the year. The Touch Pro2 will be available across major global markets beginning in early summer.
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design. Since its establishment, HTC has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art mobile phones for mobile operators and distributors in Europe, the US, Asia and around the world. HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
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