Saturday, July 04, 2009
| BlackBerry Gets a Real Browser: Skyfire |
|
It looks like BlackBerry devices may finally be able to browse the net with a capable browser like Skyfire. The browsing service has been available for free on Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 handsets for a while now, and now Skyfire is taking its alpha stage browser to the suits with BlackBerry devices.
This should be welcomed news to many users as I've found the browser on the BlackBerry Bold quite slow, even on a fast connection, at rendering webpages. Skyfire has another advantage: Flash support. (via: CrackBerry)
|
| XPERIA Gets Android |
|
Sony Ericsson's latest rumored XPERIA branded smartphone will be getting the Android treatment. The device seems to be packing in a lot in the specs department, with a 1 GHz Snapdragon Qualcomm processor and 8 megapixels worth of shooting glory for a camera. Of course, with the heavy emphasis on multimedia here, there will be an included 3.5 mm headphone jack.
(via: Engadget Mobile)
|
| T-Mobile Dash 3G Software Tour |
|
Here's our software tour video of the T-Mobile Dash 3G. You'll notice a few differences from the HTC Snap. For example, there is no HTC Audio Manager, and the Music Panel links to Windows Media Player. This is better because Media Player can be controlled by Microsoft Voice Command, which is also included on the Dash 3G. You'll also notice a lack of the "My Circle" feature, but this isn't a terrible loss since a similar effect can be achieved just by typing the name of a person while in your Inbox list on standard Windows Mobile. The email list will filter based on the text that you type.
The instant messaging programs, T-Mobile account balance program, and Internet Explorer with full Flash support are great additions as well. Unfortunately, running certain Flash sites on a device with such limited RAM can cause out-of-memory errors. |
| New Version of SKTools 4.4.7.9 |
|
The popular all in one maintenance kit, SKTools was updated to version 4.4.7.9 and the highlight of the release notes below is that it no longe supports Windows Mobile 2003! Read on for the whole version history or go for our tutorial of SK Tools.
•WM2003(SE) is not supported any longer •Added "Contacts" option ◦show all contacts or search by substring ◦add/remove category ◦delete selected contacts ◦"Replace" operation (replace text in selected field(s)) ◦"Set" operation (set text for selected field) •Revised Databases option •"Recurring Appointments": added command for creating recurring AllDay events from contacts birthday and anniversary •commandline parameter #SCANC for creating recurring AllDay events from contacts birthday and anniversary •"PIM Category": it is now possible to create a new category not only for contacts, but also for tasks and appointments •"PIM Category": "Set Ringtone" command (only for contacts) •fixed: Find in mail body error •REG to CAB converter now supports REG file commands for deleting keys and values •"Registry Explorer" setting: Show message before and after REG file import •"Network Tools" setting: Establish connection •"Installer": optional dialog before installation/extraction •Settings->Main Settings->Installer: Show Dialog •Settings->Main Settings->Installer: Silent installation •Settings->Main Settings->Compress CAB files •Shortcut Wizard: items sorted now
|
| A Closer Look at the Dash 3G's Paint |
|
In our hardware tour of the T-Mobile Dash 3G we mentioned the paint job on the Dash 3G and how it was different from the HTC Snap. Here are a couple close-up photos of the Dash 3G's sparkling bronze body. The sparkling paint flakes are very subtle and only noticeable in bright light.
|
| Are You Running a Modified ROM on Your WinMo Device? |
|
It's no secret that one of the biggest advantages of running Windows Mobile over other smartphone operating systems it that you can swap ROMs. Modified ROMs (such as those from XDA) often strip out programs and background processes that can slow down your device, and they can also provide custom interfaces that help to make your device feel fresh. But, running a stock ROM can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Also, the use of modified ROMs is somewhat of a gray area due to software licensing issues, which is why we don't talk much about it on this site. But hey, it's Friday! So we're wondering, are you running a modified ROM on your device, or are you kickin' it stock? Hit up our poll with an answer. If yes, give us some details on why in the comments!
|
| Review: Resco Photo Viewer v6.33 |
|
Sometimes while you’re browsing through your photo albums on your Windows Mobile device you may feel like editing some of the images. Sadly, the standard Pictures & Videos tool, which comes with Windows Mobile, does not offer you this possibility. Introducing Resco Photo Viewer, the image viewing application which can make image editing and photo album sorting easy and enjoyable. Is it a must-have addition to your device? Read on for the review!
Overall Rating: 
The Good The Bad
|
| T-Mobile USA: Windows Mobile May Overshadow Android |
|
The latest rumor and speculation has it that the American arm of Deutsche Telecom, T-Mobile USA, will delay the launch of the Touch Pro2 Windows Phone because of fears that Windows Mobile will overshadow the carrier's other flagship device the MyTouch3G, an Android handset that will be purely touch and will bear similarities to the T-Mobile G1.
Unfortunately, that pushes the early summer launch of the Touch Pro2, which we had previously reviewed, to mid-August. Eager users can either wait til August 12 or check out our review to appease their hunger for HTC's latest flagship device until then. (via: TmoNews)
|
| Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard, in Video |
|
Yes, there will be a Windows Mobile 6.5 for non-touchscreen devices, but it's going to look very similar to Windows Mobile 6.1. In fact, if you want further info of what 6.5 Standard will bring, check our Chuong's great article: What is Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard? In this video, we see a Moto Q9h running on 6.5 Standard with minor visual changes, such as those to the system font. (via wmpoweruser)
|
| T-Mobile Dash 3G Hardware Tour |
|
The new T-Mobile Dash 3G's hardware is very similar to the HTC Snap. It's got the same Qualcomm MSM7225 processor running at 528MHz, Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard, 256MB ROM, 192MB RAM, assisted GPS, WiFi b & g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, USB 2.0, 1500mAh battery, 2.0MP camera and microSD expansion.
The biggest difference between the Dash 3G and the HTC Snap is the keyboard layout. The Snap had a Tab key to the left of the "A" and beneath the "Q". The Dash 3G puts the A all the way to the left, and moves the Tab key down towards the spacebar. This puts the A too far to the left in my opinion, and makes many of the other keys in the 2nd row, too offset from where you expect them to be. For example, usually the "U" is just above the "J", but with the Dash's layout, the Y is too close. At any rate, it takes some getting used to. Another difference is the plastic shell. The backing has a soft-touch finish, just like the previous Dash and many other T-Mobile Smartphones. It's not just black though. There are subtle bronze paint specs in the finish. The bronze flakes are also in the shinier plastic around the screen and keyboard. You have to look close to notice, but it's still a nice touch. |
