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As you could notice, the Mobile Spoon was a bit quiet lately, due to a business travel to the US. During that travel I saw mostly my laptop (and some people I worked with of course…), but also managed to finally get the Nexus One (Reviews on the way!!!), Samsung Omnia 2 (Review on the way as well!), spend some time with the Droid, Palm Pre and other cool phones.
As you could notice, the Mobile Spoon was a bit quiet lately, due to a business travel to the US. During that travel I saw mostly my laptop (and some people I worked with of course…), but also managed to finally get the Nexus One (Reviews on the way!!!), Samsung Omnia 2 (Review on the way as well!), spend some time with the Droid, Palm Pre and other cool phones.
After the successful unveiling of Windows Phone 7 Series at MWC2010 every one is excited about WP7 but since we wont get our hands on one of these till Dec2010. We have to check out the WM6.5 devices that will come out before WP7. One such device from HTC is the HTC HD Mini . Our review site brings a new windows phone software I LEft My Phone at Home - this app will let you grab your sms and call info remotely. For Windows mobile gamers we review Resco Snake a windows phone accelerometer game .
We've just launched a new series at JAMM, in the form of a question of the day. Everyone can sound off or rant on the topic, just like a full fledged blogger. If you've got the time, we'd love for you to drop us a comment occasionally! Additionally, we dove into some of the more technical aspects of Windows Mobile here, with our look at processes and their effect on multi-tasking. Finally, we dove into SKKV Software's awesome CABIntegr, which allows for on board CAB creation.
After the successful unveiling of Windows Phone 7 Series at MWC2010 every one is excited about WP7 but since we wont get our hands on one of these till Dec2010. We have to check out the WM6.5 devices that will come out before WP7. One such device from HTC is the HTC HD Mini . Our review site brings a new windows phone software I LEft My Phone at Home - this app will let you grab your sms and call info remotely. For Windows mobile gamers we review Resco Snake a windows phone accelerometer game .
We've just launched a new series at JAMM, in the form of a question of the day. Everyone can sound off or rant on the topic, just like a full fledged blogger. If you've got the time, we'd love for you to drop us a comment occasionally! Additionally, we dove into some of the more technical aspects of Windows Mobile here, with our look at processes and their effect on multi-tasking. Finally, we dove into SKKV Software's awesome CABIntegr, which allows for on board CAB creation.
Microsoft's exciting announcement about the Windows Phone 7 Series is the ending ceremony of one of the biggest revolutions in the mobile world.
Up until few years ago, companies like Palm and Microsoft truly believed that a smartphone is exactly like a PDA except it has a phone. It should have office capabilities, PIM, it may have some entertainment features, simple games, pictures and music, but it's mostly a working tool.
The iPhone started many revolutions, but the biggest one was the understanding that people want their phone to be something else, exciting, innovative, stylus free, fun.
For a few years Microsoft and Palm were trying to keep their old mobile operating systems relevant and competitive against the new generation of smartphones led by RIM, Apple and recently Google Android.
They failed.
Palm officially gave up last year with the release of the webOS.
Microsoft finally made a similar move few days ago with the release of Windows Phone 7 Series.
What does it mean?
It means that if you are a consumer, you want your phone to be cool, entertaining, innovative, but you probably don't need it to integrate with barcode scanners, produce invoices, run multiple enterprise grade applications in parallel etc. You want an iPhone, a Pre, and if you are a serious man you might want a BlackBerry.
On the other hand, if you are running an enterprise organization, you are probably looking for a slightly different device, with physical keyboard, a D-Pad, capabilities to run advanced tools, sometimes in parallel, with multiple options, buttons, menus, views, you need a platform that will bring a strong development model, and sometimes a rugged device.
For such requirements, by the way, Windows Mobile was (and still is) the best choice.
Microsoft (like others) understands it now.
Instead of wasting time trying to make Windows Mobile look like an iPhone by skinning the shell and hiding the usability problems but also strengths of the platform, Microsoft has decided to split forces, in favor of having 2 co-existence solutions, targeted to different audiences. Windows Phone 7 Series will fit perfectly to consumers.
Windows Mobile (now called Windows Phone Classic) returns to being a mobile OS for PDA's (or better than that: EDAs - Enterprise Digital Assistants used by field users, drivers, technicians, etc.), exactly where it belongs, close to where it started from, more than 10 years ago.
Microsoft's exciting announcement about the Windows Phone 7 Series is the ending ceremony of one of the biggest revolutions in the mobile world.
Up until few years ago, companies like Palm and Microsoft truly believed that a smartphone is exactly like a PDA except it has a phone. It should have office capabilities, PIM, it may have some entertainment features, simple games, pictures and music, but it's mostly a working tool.
The iPhone started many revolutions, but the biggest one was the understanding that people want their phone to be something else, exciting, innovative, stylus free, fun.
For a few years Microsoft and Palm were trying to keep their old mobile operating systems relevant and competitive against the new generation of smartphones led by RIM, Apple and recently Google Android.
They failed.
Palm officially gave up last year with the release of the webOS.
Microsoft finally made a similar move few days ago with the release of Windows Phone 7 Series.
What does it mean?
It means that if you are a consumer, you want your phone to be cool, entertaining, innovative, but you probably don't need it to integrate with barcode scanners, produce invoices, run multiple enterprise grade applications in parallel etc. You want an iPhone, a Pre, and if you are a serious man you might want a BlackBerry.
On the other hand, if you are running an enterprise organization, you are probably looking for a slightly different device, with physical keyboard, a D-Pad, capabilities to run advanced tools, sometimes in parallel, with multiple options, buttons, menus, views, you need a platform that will bring a strong development model, and sometimes a rugged device.
For such requirements, by the way, Windows Mobile was (and still is) the best choice.
Microsoft (like others) understands it now.
Instead of wasting time trying to make Windows Mobile look like an iPhone by skinning the shell and hiding the usability problems but also strengths of the platform, Microsoft has decided to split forces, in favor of having 2 co-existence solutions, targeted to different audiences. Windows Phone 7 Series will fit perfectly to consumers.
Windows Mobile (now called Windows Phone Classic) returns to being a mobile OS for PDA's (or better than that: EDAs - Enterprise Digital Assistants used by field users, drivers, technicians, etc.), exactly where it belongs, close to where it started from, more than 10 years ago.
Far away from all the MWC mess, I had a dinner with Google's Nexus One. Well, not with the Nexus of course, but with a friend who has it.
The Mobile Spoon will publish an official review of this exciting phone but as for yesterday evening, I did manage to get some first impression of the device.
Let's start with the good things: the design. It's amazing. Probably the best looking phone to date. Great screen, resolution, 4 hardware buttons (we will get back to them soon), trackball, rounded edges and a fantastic back cover.
The Android OS is great, it does have some problems here and there but in general you cannot compare it with the older versions of the OS. The user interface has significantly improved, the smoothness of the finger gestures is perfect in most of the places, and the multi-touch works fine.
The first thing I tried was the web browser. Comparing to my previous meeting with an Android device it is fast, smooth, the scrolling is perfect, and all – using 3G and not WiFi.
I did encounter one repeating problem though, with some links that did not react as they should, opening the wrong page over and over again. Not sure if it's just me and my fingers, but somehow I believe it's a problem in the software (but one that can be probably solved easily).
The calendar app looks refreshing and the widgets are… well, there are widgets, I'm not a huge fan of them, but I guess they are fine.
Another problem I found which is probably not new to most of you is with the hardware buttons. With such a great screen that reacts perfectly to finger, it's a shame that HTC managed to screw things up with the hardware buttons. Too often I couldn't make the buttons do what I wanted. After 5 minutes it started to actually piss me off. I believe that once a typical user get used to the sensitive spots of the buttons, things might get better, but why wasn't it found during the technical tests?
Looking ahead, we will publish a detailed review in 1-2 weeks. So stay tuned with some more updates to come.
Far away from all the MWC mess, I had a dinner with Google's Nexus One. Well, not with the Nexus of course, but with a friend who has it.
The Mobile Spoon will publish an official review of this exciting phone but as for yesterday evening, I did manage to get some first impression of the device.
Let's start with the good things: the design. It's amazing. Probably the best looking phone to date. Great screen, resolution, 4 hardware buttons (we will get back to them soon), trackball, rounded edges and a fantastic back cover.
The Android OS is great, it does have some problems here and there but in general you cannot compare it with the older versions of the OS. The user interface has significantly improved, the smoothness of the finger gestures is perfect in most of the places, and the multi-touch works fine.
The first thing I tried was the web browser. Comparing to my previous meeting with an Android device it is fast, smooth, the scrolling is perfect, and all – using 3G and not WiFi.
I did encounter one repeating problem though, with some links that did not react as they should, opening the wrong page over and over again. Not sure if it's just me and my fingers, but somehow I believe it's a problem in the software (but one that can be probably solved easily).
The calendar app looks refreshing and the widgets are… well, there are widgets, I'm not a huge fan of them, but I guess they are fine.
Another problem I found which is probably not new to most of you is with the hardware buttons. With such a great screen that reacts perfectly to finger, it's a shame that HTC managed to screw things up with the hardware buttons. Too often I couldn't make the buttons do what I wanted. After 5 minutes it started to actually piss me off. I believe that once a typical user get used to the sensitive spots of the buttons, things might get better, but why wasn't it found during the technical tests?
Looking ahead, we will publish a detailed review in 1-2 weeks. So stay tuned with some more updates to come.
If you thought Windows Mobile 6 was put to rest, with the release of the Windows Phone 7 Series, guess again. The immortal OS, with years of experience (check out out History Of PDA's line) and a lot of ups and downs (well, lately it was mainly downs) will probably be continued and distributed by a company called Bsquare.
According to a press release by Bsquare, "the leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, will offer the new Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition SKU, software designed to help OEMs reach new and emerging markets with their consumer mobile handsets. As the global distributor for Windows Phone, Bsquare customers include both handset manufacturers developing Windows Phones for consumers and rugged device manufacturers shipping data collection terminals to businesses and other OEMs.
The Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition supports just about every kind of mobile phone connectivity used today - 2G GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000, EV-DO Rev A and TD-SCDMA (the Chinese home-brewed 3G). It will be available in two versions - with and without Office Mobile.
Drilling into the details a little bit, it seems like Windows Phone 6 started edition is no else than the new Windows Mobile 6.5.3.
Aha! So Windows Mobile is not dead! It is just switching modes, compromising on specific markets and businesses, and probably letting go form the repeating experiences to succeed in the consumer market.
Which actually makes a lot of sense. Organizations need a strong, robust platform to develop enterprise grade applications, and up to now, Windows Mobile was the best alternative. It would be a waste to throw all the Symbol, Psion, and other rugged devices to the garbage just like that, don't you think?
“Businesses are hungry for mobile solutions that can support the needs of both knowledge workers and field service professionals while also providing scalability to IT organizations,” said Brian Crowley, Bsquare’s president and CEO. “Windows Phone is an ideal platform for developing smarter, more compelling devices and the new Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition SKU makes it available to a broader set of device manufacturers globally. By providing the technical support, training, software products and engineering services to a broader base of customers, we offer a complete solution and are helping expand the Windows Phone device ecosystem beyond the traditional smartphone.”
“By 2013, we expect the total worldwide shipments of converged mobile devices will reach 391.3 million units, making for a CAGR of 20.9% for 2009–2013,” said Will Stofega, IDC analyst for Mobile Device Technology and Trends. ”Mobile devices are in an ideal position moving forward, but in a highly competitive mobile device market, choosing the right mobile operating system is key.”
In addition to the Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition, Bsquare will continue to offer versions of the Windows Phone operating system targeted at higher end consumer devices as well as vertical market devices. Key benefits of the Windows Phone 6 operating system include proven ROI, simplified management, more security and flexibility. New Bsquare customers—including some 15 consumer and rugged device OEMs—will utilize the Windows Phone platform for a number of unique devices including: a mobile device that combines 3G terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data services for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime applications; mobile terminals targeted at retailers; and rugged field computing devices for land survey, industrial, agriculture and other rugged applications.
If you thought Windows Mobile 6 was put to rest, with the release of the Windows Phone 7 Series, guess again. The immortal OS, with years of experience (check out out History Of PDA's line) and a lot of ups and downs (well, lately it was mainly downs) will probably be continued and distributed by a company called Bsquare.
According to a press release by Bsquare, "the leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, will offer the new Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition SKU, software designed to help OEMs reach new and emerging markets with their consumer mobile handsets. As the global distributor for Windows Phone, Bsquare customers include both handset manufacturers developing Windows Phones for consumers and rugged device manufacturers shipping data collection terminals to businesses and other OEMs.
The Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition supports just about every kind of mobile phone connectivity used today - 2G GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA2000, EV-DO Rev A and TD-SCDMA (the Chinese home-brewed 3G). It will be available in two versions - with and without Office Mobile.
Drilling into the details a little bit, it seems like Windows Phone 6 started edition is no else than the new Windows Mobile 6.5.3.
Aha! So Windows Mobile is not dead! It is just switching modes, compromising on specific markets and businesses, and probably letting go form the repeating experiences to succeed in the consumer market.
Which actually makes a lot of sense. Organizations need a strong, robust platform to develop enterprise grade applications, and up to now, Windows Mobile was the best alternative. It would be a waste to throw all the Symbol, Psion, and other rugged devices to the garbage just like that, don't you think?
“Businesses are hungry for mobile solutions that can support the needs of both knowledge workers and field service professionals while also providing scalability to IT organizations,” said Brian Crowley, Bsquare’s president and CEO. “Windows Phone is an ideal platform for developing smarter, more compelling devices and the new Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition SKU makes it available to a broader set of device manufacturers globally. By providing the technical support, training, software products and engineering services to a broader base of customers, we offer a complete solution and are helping expand the Windows Phone device ecosystem beyond the traditional smartphone.”
“By 2013, we expect the total worldwide shipments of converged mobile devices will reach 391.3 million units, making for a CAGR of 20.9% for 2009–2013,” said Will Stofega, IDC analyst for Mobile Device Technology and Trends. ”Mobile devices are in an ideal position moving forward, but in a highly competitive mobile device market, choosing the right mobile operating system is key.”
In addition to the Windows Phone 6 Starter Edition, Bsquare will continue to offer versions of the Windows Phone operating system targeted at higher end consumer devices as well as vertical market devices. Key benefits of the Windows Phone 6 operating system include proven ROI, simplified management, more security and flexibility. New Bsquare customers—including some 15 consumer and rugged device OEMs—will utilize the Windows Phone platform for a number of unique devices including: a mobile device that combines 3G terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data services for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime applications; mobile terminals targeted at retailers; and rugged field computing devices for land survey, industrial, agriculture and other rugged applications.
WebKit continues to dominate the mobile web world, and after Apple's iPhone, Palm's webOS, Google Android, now comes RIM's BlackBerry!
The (probably) worst web browser today will be replaced by a new one, based on the WebKit engine, HTML5 is supported, and possibly even Flash. Looks promising.
"Today, RIM co-CEO, Mike Lazaridis, and Director of Developer Relations, Mike Kirkup, gave us a little taste of what the future of browsing on a BlackBerry will look like…and it’s much better. While the UI is familiar, the rendering accuracy is what really shines through. The browser, which uses the WebKit rendering engine, fully supports HTML 5, still uses RIM’s compression schema for data efficiency, and gets an impressive 100/100 on the Acid 3 browser test. Now, we’re not 100% sure,but…we do see a web ad at about 0:41 in the video that appears to be running in Flash; if you go to live4soccer.com, you’ll see that only Flash advertisements seem to run on that particular spot in the page (middle left). Will the BlackBerry WebKit browser deliver Flash support? We sure hope so. No word from RIM on a release timeline or supported devices, but our connects tell us it is coming relatively soon. We’ve got a video of the browser in action set up for you after the break."
WebKit continues to dominate the mobile web world, and after Apple's iPhone, Palm's webOS, Google Android, now comes RIM's BlackBerry!
The (probably) worst web browser today will be replaced by a new one, based on the WebKit engine, HTML5 is supported, and possibly even Flash. Looks promising.
"Today, RIM co-CEO, Mike Lazaridis, and Director of Developer Relations, Mike Kirkup, gave us a little taste of what the future of browsing on a BlackBerry will look like…and it’s much better. While the UI is familiar, the rendering accuracy is what really shines through. The browser, which uses the WebKit rendering engine, fully supports HTML 5, still uses RIM’s compression schema for data efficiency, and gets an impressive 100/100 on the Acid 3 browser test. Now, we’re not 100% sure,but…we do see a web ad at about 0:41 in the video that appears to be running in Flash; if you go to live4soccer.com, you’ll see that only Flash advertisements seem to run on that particular spot in the page (middle left). Will the BlackBerry WebKit browser deliver Flash support? We sure hope so. No word from RIM on a release timeline or supported devices, but our connects tell us it is coming relatively soon. We’ve got a video of the browser in action set up for you after the break."
OK, so now it's official - the mother of all comebacks -Microsoft is back in the mobile game with the announcement of the Windows Phone 7 Series.
Before anything else, it seems like Microsoft was bold enough to go with a unique concept. No more shortcut icons, no more boring widgets, everything is new.
I'm not sure I'm totally "in love" with the visual concept, but I'm very happy there is one. It's about time we get something new and it's about time Microsoft will bring it to us.
The UI looks fresh, innovative, and very "human". It's built as a large surface that is presented as small frames. so that every time you navigate from one screen to another you are aware of your current location in the entire space.
There's a very clean and practical connection between contacts and their recent updates in social networks. That may not be as innovative anymore, but the way Microsoft has implemented it is really good.
Synching is done wirelessly but unlike Google "all in cloud" approach, Microsoft continues to combine both local storage with the cloud – much easier to digest if you ask me…
According to the reports, the calendar app will be more interative and "smart" then before and will pull information from other sets of data (for instance, organizer phone number so you won't have to copy/paste it…) – Palm's Synergy? Who cares!? It's so cool.
Xbox LIVE – well, I admit I'm not much of a gamer, but I think that this one is one of the "killer features" in the Windows Phone, as Microsoft is combining its' biggest entertainment asset it has into the phone. You can read more about what kinds of games will be included in Gizmodo's explanation.
Every Windows Phone 7 Series device will have three buttons on the front: 'Start,' which gives you quick access to those tiles, 'Search,' which opens up a context sensitive search bar, and 'Back. Nice!
Flash is indeed not supported, but with al the Silverlight buzz al over, I am getting the feeling Silverlight will be…
High resolution, capacitive, multitouch display with gestures that are similar to those in Windows 7 PC operating system
Each handset will have the same three dedicated buttons: start, Bing search, back button
UI is touch-friendly throughout the entire OS, no stylus is needed
Personal and business information is integrated on the handset, emphasis on the dual function of the handset as a personal and business device
New scrolling, tile based interface for the start screen that dynamically displays updated content and can be customized to display the tiles relevant to each user
Phone/address auto-detection that links to dialer and map application
Application bar at the bottom of each application that gives the user quick access to the most used functions within an application
Bing search with geolocation to provide local results, directions, and business/restaurant reviews
Focus on efficiency that minimizes the number of touches to perform actions
Web browser is based upon desktop Internet Explorer code with improved text rendering technology to make web browsing easier
Focus on the phone as an integrated device with different experiences organized into seven core hubs including
people (social networking integration)
pictures (view/share pictures between phone, desktop, and social networks)
games (Xbox live games and service)
music + video (Zune)
marketplace (application store)
office/productivity (Sharepoint/Exchange support)
Tighter control over the phones with a minimum hardware definition for handsets to provide a consistent design experience for the user while allowing manufacturers and operators some flexibility to customize the handsets without changing the underlying core
Windows Live service integration
No Adobe Flash support in version 1 of the OS
Close partnership with AT&T and Orange
So what's next?
Tons of news I believe, rumors, screenshots – it's going to be fun!
Microsoft expects the first phones running the software to be available by the end of 2010, and says that network operators including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Verizon and Vodafone, and vendors including Samsung, LG, Sony-Ericsson and long-time partner HTC have committed to offering devices running Windows Phone 7 Series.
HTC chief executive Peter Chou said the company would launch a series of Windows Phone 7 devices this year.
Microsoft will continue to deliver support for Windows Mobile 6.5 for 3-5 years from its October 2009 launch, but the new Windows Phone seems to be completely different, thus, one might ask himself, isn't it the time to start abandoning the traditional winMo economy (apps, devices, etc…)?
OK, so now it's official - the mother of all comebacks -Microsoft is back in the mobile game with the announcement of the Windows Phone 7 Series.
Before anything else, it seems like Microsoft was bold enough to go with a unique concept. No more shortcut icons, no more boring widgets, everything is new.
I'm not sure I'm totally "in love" with the visual concept, but I'm very happy there is one. It's about time we get something new and it's about time Microsoft will bring it to us.
The UI looks fresh, innovative, and very "human". It's built as a large surface that is presented as small frames. so that every time you navigate from one screen to another you are aware of your current location in the entire space.
There's a very clean and practical connection between contacts and their recent updates in social networks. That may not be as innovative anymore, but the way Microsoft has implemented it is really good.
Synching is done wirelessly but unlike Google "all in cloud" approach, Microsoft continues to combine both local storage with the cloud – much easier to digest if you ask me…
According to the reports, the calendar app will be more interative and "smart" then before and will pull information from other sets of data (for instance, organizer phone number so you won't have to copy/paste it…) – Palm's Synergy? Who cares!? It's so cool.
Xbox LIVE – well, I admit I'm not much of a gamer, but I think that this one is one of the "killer features" in the Windows Phone, as Microsoft is combining its' biggest entertainment asset it has into the phone. You can read more about what kinds of games will be included in Gizmodo's explanation.
Every Windows Phone 7 Series device will have three buttons on the front: 'Start,' which gives you quick access to those tiles, 'Search,' which opens up a context sensitive search bar, and 'Back. Nice!
Flash is indeed not supported, but with al the Silverlight buzz al over, I am getting the feeling Silverlight will be…
High resolution, capacitive, multitouch display with gestures that are similar to those in Windows 7 PC operating system
Each handset will have the same three dedicated buttons: start, Bing search, back button
UI is touch-friendly throughout the entire OS, no stylus is needed
Personal and business information is integrated on the handset, emphasis on the dual function of the handset as a personal and business device
New scrolling, tile based interface for the start screen that dynamically displays updated content and can be customized to display the tiles relevant to each user
Phone/address auto-detection that links to dialer and map application
Application bar at the bottom of each application that gives the user quick access to the most used functions within an application
Bing search with geolocation to provide local results, directions, and business/restaurant reviews
Focus on efficiency that minimizes the number of touches to perform actions
Web browser is based upon desktop Internet Explorer code with improved text rendering technology to make web browsing easier
Focus on the phone as an integrated device with different experiences organized into seven core hubs including
people (social networking integration)
pictures (view/share pictures between phone, desktop, and social networks)
games (Xbox live games and service)
music + video (Zune)
marketplace (application store)
office/productivity (Sharepoint/Exchange support)
Tighter control over the phones with a minimum hardware definition for handsets to provide a consistent design experience for the user while allowing manufacturers and operators some flexibility to customize the handsets without changing the underlying core
Windows Live service integration
No Adobe Flash support in version 1 of the OS
Close partnership with AT&T and Orange
So what's next?
Tons of news I believe, rumors, screenshots – it's going to be fun!
Microsoft expects the first phones running the software to be available by the end of 2010, and says that network operators including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Verizon and Vodafone, and vendors including Samsung, LG, Sony-Ericsson and long-time partner HTC have committed to offering devices running Windows Phone 7 Series.
HTC chief executive Peter Chou said the company would launch a series of Windows Phone 7 devices this year.
Microsoft will continue to deliver support for Windows Mobile 6.5 for 3-5 years from its October 2009 launch, but the new Windows Phone seems to be completely different, thus, one might ask himself, isn't it the time to start abandoning the traditional winMo economy (apps, devices, etc…)?
Wow, I just finished reading tons of news and rumors about Microsoft's Windows Mobile 7, Pink project and more…
Here are the interesting ones:
Remember "Pink" that everyone thought is dead? Well, according to this FCC image, things might become real very soon now:
(Someone should tell Palm Pre that it has a twin brother)
PPCGeeks brings an interesting rumor with some of the features that will be exposed next week regarding Windows Mobile 7!
- Metro style user interface (similar to ZuneHD) - No Flash support yet (Silverlight promotion maybe?) - Apps can be downloaded only via Marketplace - No Multi-Task support. - Push notifications – supported. - Marketplace will now support “try before you buy” - No "Compact Framework" backwards compatibility. - Full Zune Integration - Windows Mobile Device Center will no longer be used. (Zune software to take over syncing via PC). - OEM Interfaces will not be allowed to run on the device. Say goodbye to Sense UI / SPB Mobile Shell / Point UI / Infinity, etc, etc - Full XBOX Gaming Integration (Gamer tag, achievements, friends, avatars, merchandising, etc) - Full support for social networking - GA date: September 2010
Ouch that hurts! No Flash, no multi-tasking, no self installation, what is that crap? I will never us such kind of phone!
Oh, wait, I'm actually using one right now…
And before we end, here are some more screenshots taken from PocketNow
Looks like things are going to be interesting next week around Microsoft…
Wow, I just finished reading tons of news and rumors about Microsoft's Windows Mobile 7, Pink project and more…
Here are the interesting ones:
Remember "Pink" that everyone thought is dead? Well, according to this FCC image, things might become real very soon now:
(Someone should tell Palm Pre that it has a twin brother)
PPCGeeks brings an interesting rumor with some of the features that will be exposed next week regarding Windows Mobile 7!
- Metro style user interface (similar to ZuneHD) - No Flash support yet (Silverlight promotion maybe?) - Apps can be downloaded only via Marketplace - No Multi-Task support. - Push notifications – supported. - Marketplace will now support “try before you buy” - No "Compact Framework" backwards compatibility. - Full Zune Integration - Windows Mobile Device Center will no longer be used. (Zune software to take over syncing via PC). - OEM Interfaces will not be allowed to run on the device. Say goodbye to Sense UI / SPB Mobile Shell / Point UI / Infinity, etc, etc - Full XBOX Gaming Integration (Gamer tag, achievements, friends, avatars, merchandising, etc) - Full support for social networking - GA date: September 2010
Ouch that hurts! No Flash, no multi-tasking, no self installation, what is that crap? I will never us such kind of phone!
Oh, wait, I'm actually using one right now…
And before we end, here are some more screenshots taken from PocketNow
Looks like things are going to be interesting next week around Microsoft…
Few days ago, following a recommendation from Fuze expert David K, I gave swype a serious try on my HTC Touch Pro 2. (OK, you caught me, it's not mine, but I'm never going to bring it back, never!)
I'm blown away with the results. The keyboard does magic. That's the only title I can think of after using it for a while. You swing your finger a little bit and you get words… just like that.
Of course, there are mistakes here and there, and I think that some kind of an automatic spell check might complete it, but over all it's amazing.
Few days ago, following a recommendation from Fuze expert David K, I gave swype a serious try on my HTC Touch Pro 2. (OK, you caught me, it's not mine, but I'm never going to bring it back, never!)
I'm blown away with the results. The keyboard does magic. That's the only title I can think of after using it for a while. You swing your finger a little bit and you get words… just like that.
Of course, there are mistakes here and there, and I think that some kind of an automatic spell check might complete it, but over all it's amazing.
The US continues to be the land of the BlackBerry with a clear domination in sales numbers (according to IDC):
Top 10 Best Selling Phones of Q4 2009:
RIM – BlackBerry Curve
Apple – iPhone 3G S
Motorola – DROID
Apple – iPhone 3G
RIM – BlackBerry Pearl
RIM – BlackBerry Bold
RIM – BlackBerry Storm
Palm – Pre
RIM – BlackBerry Tour
T-Mobile – myTouch 3G
Notice that Palm somehow manages to stay in the game with a good place in the top ten!
It’s important to note that this list only represents vendor sales, and not consumer sales. In other words: if a third party vendor ordered 500,000 units but only actually managed to sell 400,000 to end-users, it’s still counted as 500,000 sales. It’s an inevitable weakness of studies like this, considering how secretive carriers tend to be with their handset numbers.
The US continues to be the land of the BlackBerry with a clear domination in sales numbers (according to IDC):
Top 10 Best Selling Phones of Q4 2009:
RIM – BlackBerry Curve
Apple – iPhone 3G S
Motorola – DROID
Apple – iPhone 3G
RIM – BlackBerry Pearl
RIM – BlackBerry Bold
RIM – BlackBerry Storm
Palm – Pre
RIM – BlackBerry Tour
T-Mobile – myTouch 3G
Notice that Palm somehow manages to stay in the game with a good place in the top ten!
It’s important to note that this list only represents vendor sales, and not consumer sales. In other words: if a third party vendor ordered 500,000 units but only actually managed to sell 400,000 to end-users, it’s still counted as 500,000 sales. It’s an inevitable weakness of studies like this, considering how secretive carriers tend to be with their handset numbers.
Not that I understand anything from this video, but it sure looks nice!
I'm excited about the Sony Ericsson Aspen. I think it's where Windows Mobile phones (with WinMo 6.5.3) should be heading, business phones with a strong proven infrastructure.
Not that I understand anything from this video, but it sure looks nice!
I'm excited about the Sony Ericsson Aspen. I think it's where Windows Mobile phones (with WinMo 6.5.3) should be heading, business phones with a strong proven infrastructure.
Here's last week's smartphones roundup, based on some leading mobility sites all around the world!
1800PocketPC: This week we look at the Sony Ericsson Aspen which is a front-facing keyboard device running WM6.5.3. It is kind of disappointing to see a QVGA Screen on the device. We also look at some Windows Mobile Games and Apps. In the WM Apps category we have the Resco Explorer 2010 and a fantastic apps from XiMad (these guys make apps with great UI) 3001 Wisdom Quotes and to keep you mobile gamers happy we take a look at Resco Sudoku Touch and a colorful puzzle game called Jumba.
Here's last week's smartphones roundup, based on some leading mobility sites all around the world!
1800PocketPC: This week we look at the Sony Ericsson Aspen which is a front-facing keyboard device running WM6.5.3. It is kind of disappointing to see a QVGA Screen on the device. We also look at some Windows Mobile Games and Apps. In the WM Apps category we have the Resco Explorer 2010 and a fantastic apps from XiMad (these guys make apps with great UI) 3001 Wisdom Quotes and to keep you mobile gamers happy we take a look at Resco Sudoku Touch and a colorful puzzle game called Jumba.
Seems like a lot has changed since 6.5. Here's the official features list introduced with WinMo 6.5.3:
Ease of Use features
* Capacitive touchscreen support * Platform to enable multitouch * Touch controls throughout system (no need for stylus) * Consistent Navigation * Horizontal scroll bar replaces tabs (think settings>system>about screen) * Magnifier brings touch support to legacy applications * Simplified out-of-box experience with fewer steps * Drag and drop icons on Start Screen
Seems like a lot has changed since 6.5. Here's the official features list introduced with WinMo 6.5.3:
Ease of Use features
* Capacitive touchscreen support * Platform to enable multitouch * Touch controls throughout system (no need for stylus) * Consistent Navigation * Horizontal scroll bar replaces tabs (think settings>system>about screen) * Magnifier brings touch support to legacy applications * Simplified out-of-box experience with fewer steps * Drag and drop icons on Start Screen
SmallQWERTY from Mobience tries to provide the fastest way to type by changing the layout of the QWERTY buttons so that popular letters will appear first.
The device can connect to smartphones, netbooks and UMPC's to allow faster typing:
I'm thinking that if I would invest in getting an external keyboard to type faster (which I will probably won't) – I will probably prefer if it would simply come as a full QWERTY keyboard (in a minimized size probably…)
SmallQWERTY from Mobience tries to provide the fastest way to type by changing the layout of the QWERTY buttons so that popular letters will appear first.
The device can connect to smartphones, netbooks and UMPC's to allow faster typing:
I'm thinking that if I would invest in getting an external keyboard to type faster (which I will probably won't) – I will probably prefer if it would simply come as a full QWERTY keyboard (in a minimized size probably…)
We mentioned Microsoft's quiet launch of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 few days ago, and here is the first device to officially run this improved version of windows Mobile 6.5 where things are more finger friendly and UI design seems to be improved.
The Sony Ericsson Aspen is my kind of phone: touch screen and front facing QWERTY keyboard.
Here are some pictures followed by some specs:
Specifications:
Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional.
Tri-band HSPA (850/900/1200) and quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900),
Size: 117x60x12.45mm
Weight: 130 grams.
2.4-inch touchscreen at 240x320 (QVGA)
3.2MP camera with 4x digital zoom.
Bluetooth with A2DP
3.5mm headphone jack
aGPS
MicroUSB for sync and charge.
WiFi
4GB MicroSD card (supports up to 16GB)
SPB Mobile Shell, Traveler and Weather are all built in.
Talk time rate at up to 10 hours/standby time at 450 hours on EDGE.
We mentioned Microsoft's quiet launch of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 few days ago, and here is the first device to officially run this improved version of windows Mobile 6.5 where things are more finger friendly and UI design seems to be improved.
The Sony Ericsson Aspen is my kind of phone: touch screen and front facing QWERTY keyboard.
Here are some pictures followed by some specs:
Specifications:
Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional.
Tri-band HSPA (850/900/1200) and quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900),
Size: 117x60x12.45mm
Weight: 130 grams.
2.4-inch touchscreen at 240x320 (QVGA)
3.2MP camera with 4x digital zoom.
Bluetooth with A2DP
3.5mm headphone jack
aGPS
MicroUSB for sync and charge.
WiFi
4GB MicroSD card (supports up to 16GB)
SPB Mobile Shell, Traveler and Weather are all built in.
Talk time rate at up to 10 hours/standby time at 450 hours on EDGE.
Mobile Broadband can be described as a method to access the internet using a mobile USB modem at a much faster rate. The USB modem has a SIM card installed in it by the concern mobile broadbandprovider to allow access to its mobile network.
Mobile networks adapt different technologies to transfer data. Sometimes these technologies are combined and implemented as a single service to allow wide usage of multimedia communication. These combinations are known as 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G technology, where the numbers indicate 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th and G stands for generation.
1G:
It is the first generation wireless communication technology or mobile communication technology adapted in the year 1980. The technology completely used analog transmission methods like NMT, AMPS, TACS, etc.
2G:
Obviously it’s the second generation mobile technology that was launched in 1991 as a GSM standard. It introduced the first digital encrypted mobile communication with higher penetration level of the mobile signals. One of the major advantages of the technology was the transmission of data services like text messaging etc. The technology involved in this generation were GSM or TDMA, CDMA one, D-AMPS, CDPD etc.
Updation of this technology was done by the inclusion of new data services like GPRS, HSCSD, WiDEN and EDGE, EGPRS, CDMA2000 1xRTT. It was also known as 2.5 and 2.75G respectively. But the speed of data travel did not exceed beyond 1Mbps.
3G:
The third generation mobile technology also known as IMT-2000 was introduced in the year 2000 which includes technologies like GSM EDGE, UMTS and CDMA 2000 1xEV-DO, DECT and WiMax. It is one of the widely used technologies today in data services since it can offer a speed of more than 1Mbps. It is one of the major reasons why mobile broadband was widely introduced as a 3G broadband resource.
The technologies like HSDPA, HSUPA, EV-DO and HSPA+, CDMA2000 3x, LTE, Mobile WiMax were included as 3.5G, 3.75G and 3.9G. These technologies have added advantages like improved coverage; data transfer speed of up to 14.4Mbps and international roaming using the same SIM card.
4G:
4G or 4th generation mobile technology is at its completion stage and is expected to be the future of mobile networks. It involves LTE (long term evolution) advanced and WiMax IEEE 802.16m standards. The advantages of the technology is that it can offer a minimum data transfer speed of 100Mbps and is expected to increase up to 1Gbps, it can provide connectivity without any breakage providing global roaming across any networks and supports next generation support for HD live TV, mobile TV, Live presence video communication, etc.
All of these advancements have featured the use of mobile broadband. Almost all the mobile operators have are in the race to upgrade their service completely to 3G and also for 4G expansion in the future. Only very few countries like Japan and Korea are already ready to adapt these technologies and are enjoying more sophisticated communication and browsing at a rate of 1Gbps.
The device manufactures across the globe have introduced featured devices that can support both 3G as well as 4G technologies. Mobile broadband modem were offered in a number of ways like dongles, USB modems, data cards, MiFi routers, Mobile broadband built in laptops etc. Also there are many models of smart phones like the blackberry and I-phone and devices like I-pad which offer a 3G option supporting broadband access.
After the introduction of the 4G service in these communicating devices, broadband communication would be faster, private, 100% wireless and will be accessible from and to any part of the world without interruption.
Mobile Broadband can be described as a method to access the internet using a mobile USB modem at a much faster rate. The USB modem has a SIM card installed in it by the concern mobile broadbandprovider to allow access to its mobile network.
Mobile networks adapt different technologies to transfer data. Sometimes these technologies are combined and implemented as a single service to allow wide usage of multimedia communication. These combinations are known as 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G technology, where the numbers indicate 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th and G stands for generation.
1G:
It is the first generation wireless communication technology or mobile communication technology adapted in the year 1980. The technology completely used analog transmission methods like NMT, AMPS, TACS, etc.
2G:
Obviously it’s the second generation mobile technology that was launched in 1991 as a GSM standard. It introduced the first digital encrypted mobile communication with higher penetration level of the mobile signals. One of the major advantages of the technology was the transmission of data services like text messaging etc. The technology involved in this generation were GSM or TDMA, CDMA one, D-AMPS, CDPD etc.
Updation of this technology was done by the inclusion of new data services like GPRS, HSCSD, WiDEN and EDGE, EGPRS, CDMA2000 1xRTT. It was also known as 2.5 and 2.75G respectively. But the speed of data travel did not exceed beyond 1Mbps.
3G:
The third generation mobile technology also known as IMT-2000 was introduced in the year 2000 which includes technologies like GSM EDGE, UMTS and CDMA 2000 1xEV-DO, DECT and WiMax. It is one of the widely used technologies today in data services since it can offer a speed of more than 1Mbps. It is one of the major reasons why mobile broadband was widely introduced as a 3G broadband resource.
The technologies like HSDPA, HSUPA, EV-DO and HSPA+, CDMA2000 3x, LTE, Mobile WiMax were included as 3.5G, 3.75G and 3.9G. These technologies have added advantages like improved coverage; data transfer speed of up to 14.4Mbps and international roaming using the same SIM card.
4G:
4G or 4th generation mobile technology is at its completion stage and is expected to be the future of mobile networks. It involves LTE (long term evolution) advanced and WiMax IEEE 802.16m standards. The advantages of the technology is that it can offer a minimum data transfer speed of 100Mbps and is expected to increase up to 1Gbps, it can provide connectivity without any breakage providing global roaming across any networks and supports next generation support for HD live TV, mobile TV, Live presence video communication, etc.
All of these advancements have featured the use of mobile broadband. Almost all the mobile operators have are in the race to upgrade their service completely to 3G and also for 4G expansion in the future. Only very few countries like Japan and Korea are already ready to adapt these technologies and are enjoying more sophisticated communication and browsing at a rate of 1Gbps.
The device manufactures across the globe have introduced featured devices that can support both 3G as well as 4G technologies. Mobile broadband modem were offered in a number of ways like dongles, USB modems, data cards, MiFi routers, Mobile broadband built in laptops etc. Also there are many models of smart phones like the blackberry and I-phone and devices like I-pad which offer a 3G option supporting broadband access.
After the introduction of the 4G service in these communicating devices, broadband communication would be faster, private, 100% wireless and will be accessible from and to any part of the world without interruption.
Ever since the release of the iPhone, I had been hesitant to make the switch as a loyal Windows Mobile(WinMo) user. I had heard all about what the iPhone could do, and quite frankly I wasn't impressed, as it wasn't necessairly anything my current HTC Touch and Touch Diamond couldn't already do. So, I held off and continued to run my custom ROMs for WinMo, quite happily I might add.
Until one fateful day I some how managed to crack the LCD on my device forcing me to buy a new one. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was the proud new owner of the iPhone 3GS 16gb.
I have to admit, I was indeed at least a bit curious to see what the iPhone had to offer since everyone wouldn't stop talking about it. Sparked by Gil's recent post about users ultimately winding up at with the iPhone, I decided to look at the features of the iPhone that seem to seal the deal.
While using WinMo, one of my main frustrations was learning all the commands/buttons/screens of any new application. There is little continuity between developers for WinMo, and as such, everything comes in a different flavor. The way Apple has set up it's interface and app development means that if a developer wishes to access another tool or function from the iPhone, it's handled in the same manner as any other app. So if you're in an app that links to YouTube, it's pulls the video the same way another app would handle it. Whereas with with WinMo, the application would access YouTube however the developer sees fit, be it through a dedicated app, which you would need to make sure was installed on your device, or via the phone's web browser, which may or may not be able to handle the task, depending on what browser you are running at the time. You can see my frustration.
While running WinMo, I really did have a lot of fun. I learned many things, got to experiment with all sorts of developers and their apps, and really got my fix of "tinkering". However, at the end of the day, I found myself really just wanting something that worked. I wanted to push a button, and have exactly what I intended to happen each time, with out the unexpected launches and crashes/freeze ups.
Of course there are the iPhone's abilities that make for a great experience. GPS, Camera, iPod, Safari Web Browser, YouTube Integration, and thousands upon thousands of Applications are just a few of the features that make the iPhone the greatest contender. Oh, and it can make and receive calls too! :) But the thing that really make's the experience click, ties it all together, is the User Interface. I cannot stress enough how well the UI makes everything work. This is what allows me to simply "push that button" and have the phone do exactly what I expected.
Of course, if you do a few searches on the internet, you'll find plenty of people complaining about Apple's "dictatorship" over the UI and the Apps that developers are allowed to release. There are even people who wish to jailbreak their iPhone in order to get access to 3rd party applications that Apple would not otherwise allow, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's that sort of hackery and spirit that makes WinMo phones so great. It allows developers to really zero in on what the end user wants and needs, and deliver to them, usually free of charge. That being said, it is the same control that Apple flex's over it's app development and UI that really does make it great and delivers the continuity that I seek.
So if you're looking for a phone that is going to deliver, look no further. No more time spent trying to figure out how to work an app, unfreeze your your phone, or finding the app or tool for the job. Apple and the iPhone have all this taken care of for you. Of course there are things that can be improved, as with anything, but right now the iPhone is as good as it gets!
Ever since the release of the iPhone, I had been hesitant to make the switch as a loyal Windows Mobile(WinMo) user. I had heard all about what the iPhone could do, and quite frankly I wasn't impressed, as it wasn't necessairly anything my current HTC Touch and Touch Diamond couldn't already do. So, I held off and continued to run my custom ROMs for WinMo, quite happily I might add.
Until one fateful day I some how managed to crack the LCD on my device forcing me to buy a new one. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was the proud new owner of the iPhone 3GS 16gb.
I have to admit, I was indeed at least a bit curious to see what the iPhone had to offer since everyone wouldn't stop talking about it. Sparked by Gil's recent post about users ultimately winding up at with the iPhone, I decided to look at the features of the iPhone that seem to seal the deal.
While using WinMo, one of my main frustrations was learning all the commands/buttons/screens of any new application. There is little continuity between developers for WinMo, and as such, everything comes in a different flavor. The way Apple has set up it's interface and app development means that if a developer wishes to access another tool or function from the iPhone, it's handled in the same manner as any other app. So if you're in an app that links to YouTube, it's pulls the video the same way another app would handle it. Whereas with with WinMo, the application would access YouTube however the developer sees fit, be it through a dedicated app, which you would need to make sure was installed on your device, or via the phone's web browser, which may or may not be able to handle the task, depending on what browser you are running at the time. You can see my frustration.
While running WinMo, I really did have a lot of fun. I learned many things, got to experiment with all sorts of developers and their apps, and really got my fix of "tinkering". However, at the end of the day, I found myself really just wanting something that worked. I wanted to push a button, and have exactly what I intended to happen each time, with out the unexpected launches and crashes/freeze ups.
Of course there are the iPhone's abilities that make for a great experience. GPS, Camera, iPod, Safari Web Browser, YouTube Integration, and thousands upon thousands of Applications are just a few of the features that make the iPhone the greatest contender. Oh, and it can make and receive calls too! :) But the thing that really make's the experience click, ties it all together, is the User Interface. I cannot stress enough how well the UI makes everything work. This is what allows me to simply "push that button" and have the phone do exactly what I expected.
Of course, if you do a few searches on the internet, you'll find plenty of people complaining about Apple's "dictatorship" over the UI and the Apps that developers are allowed to release. There are even people who wish to jailbreak their iPhone in order to get access to 3rd party applications that Apple would not otherwise allow, and there is nothing wrong with that. It's that sort of hackery and spirit that makes WinMo phones so great. It allows developers to really zero in on what the end user wants and needs, and deliver to them, usually free of charge. That being said, it is the same control that Apple flex's over it's app development and UI that really does make it great and delivers the continuity that I seek.
So if you're looking for a phone that is going to deliver, look no further. No more time spent trying to figure out how to work an app, unfreeze your your phone, or finding the app or tool for the job. Apple and the iPhone have all this taken care of for you. Of course there are things that can be improved, as with anything, but right now the iPhone is as good as it gets!
