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While a roaming agreement is still a far stretch, rumors of a new iPhone model by Apple in Cupertino, California could be the first bridge to linking AT&T's GSM/UMTS/WCDMA/HSPA network and the CDMA/WCDMA network operated by Verizon Wireless. The new iPhone model will purportedly run a chip made by Qualcomm and is dubbed "worldmode," making it possible for the phone to support US and international GSM/3G/HSPA technologies for high speed data, as well as Verizon's and Sprint's CDMA/EVDO technology, combining US and international standards. Current world phones today only support 3G on US CDMA/EVDO networks and international HSPA 3G bands, not US HSPA bands.

Other details in the rumor suggest that the new iPhone will move to a smaller 2.8-inch display, down from a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen. Such a move would be seen as going contrary to the popular trend of having larger displays. In the competing Windows Mobile camp, the original Touch Pro launched with a 2.8-inch screen to be replaced by the Touch Pro2 with a 3.6-inch display. Additionally, the new worldmode iPhones will be manufactured by an Asus subsidiary called Pegatron.

A worldmode iPhone would not necessarily mean that iPhone users can freely roam between AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In order to do that, carriers would have to enter into roaming agreements. However, the news of a worldmode phone would be the first of many steps to bring compatibility to the two disparate network technologies in the US. Specific network features--such as multiple party conference calling and simultaneous voice and data usage--are still network dependent.

News of the new worldmode iPhone may slow sales of popular smartphones on Verizon Wireless that attempt to compete against the Apple phone, including the newly launched Motorola Droid and the BlackBerry Storm2. Moreover, the same technology may make it into popular Windows Mobile devices, like future iterations of the Touch Pro2, especially the world phone CDMA model, bringing compatible with CDMA/EVDO, and US and international GSM/HSPA standards.

(via: AppleInsider)

It looks like Google is pushing its muscles into yet another space if rumors are true. The Internet search giant will be leveraging its maps-based solution found in Google Maps with voice guidance. Rather than licensing maps from Navteq or Tele-Atlas, Google already has much of the US mapped out and would only need to provide some voice to the navigation system. If everything pans out, we may see voice guided, turn-by-turn spoken navigation instructions on future Android updates. What's the catch? It's Google so you may have to subject yourself to some Google ads to fund the project.

So far, industry reaction to Google entering the GPS navigation market hasn't been as positive, with TeleNav and Networks in Motion stating that consumers will opt to pay a bit more for quality, reliable navigation solutions.

For its part, Google has yet to comment on its roadmap, but has stated that consumers have been requesting that voice navigation be added as a feature to Google maps. Google's mapping solution, in its current form, is available on a number of platforms, including Android, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and the iPhone. Hopefully, if and when Google launches its turn-by-turn solution, it will continue to deliver the same multi-platform support.

(via: Forbes and Engadget Mobile)

Following hot on the heels of the Android Acer Liquid with the 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, it seems that Sony Ericsson is taking a break from Windows Mobile after the XPERIA X1 and the X2 to bring the X10 in Android flavor. The X10, unlike its cousins, will not feature a sliding QWERTY keyboard, and instead will be in a slate form factor like the HTC Pure.

The device is said to have an 8-megapixel camera and a large capacitive touchscreen. The XPERIA X10 was previously known as the X3. Rumors have it that an announcement of the handset will come on November 3, a mere days after the highly anticipated Motorola Droid announcement for Verizon Wireless.

(via: SlashGear)

Could Microsoft be leveraging Windows phones as its portable gaming console by creating synergy between the Xbox and Windows Mobile platforms? It sure seems like it, especially with the advanced technical requirements that were leaked as part of Windows Mobile 7 chassis 1. And also, the leaked job ad from the Redmond, Washington software giant seems to be in alignment with gaming on the mobile platform.

Read on to see the job postings.

We are seeking a technically savvy Developer Account Manager to own and drive the relationship with our top mobile entertainment development partners. You will work closely with our Business Account Management teams, Engineering support teams, Windows Mobile and Xbox LIVE platform teams as the advocate for your partners to drive solutions to their development needs. You can be a key part of making gaming on Windows Mobile a continued success!

Key responsibilities include working with game developers to provide proactive support and solutions their most challenging issues, and help to align the needs of Microsoft and our game development partners. You will help raise the bar of gaming on Windows Mobile, and help drive adoption of our unique platform features in our partner’s games. Travel to, and working with third party developers is core part of the job.

Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 2+ years experience working with third party game developers and previous experience shipping titles for Xbox LIVE and/or mobile platforms. Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: Xbox LIVE, Windows Mobile, C#/Silverlight development.

The idea of gaming on Windows Mobile isn't at all new. Windows Mobile, since its days as the Palm PC (to later become Palm-Size PC and Pocket PC) has long supported color, multimedia, and strong processors. This in turn has created some strong applications and development for the platform, among which are games. While in recent years, Windows Mobile hasn't had as strong a focus on gaming, the advanced specs, larger screen displays, and more consumer-driven focus that is being espoused by Microsoft may change that. This, is not surprising, considering that Apple, Microsoft's rival, with the iPhone and iPod Touch, has held much success in the mobile gaming sector. We'll just have to wait and see how Microsoft will take charge of mobile gaming and entertainment, especially since Windows Marketplace for Mobile just recently opened for business.

And here's a second job post:

That’s right – we’re looking for the best candidate to own several game publishing companies to secure the best video games for Xbox, Windows and Mobile gaming platforms. With an emphasis on Mobile. As the publisher’s primary point of contact, you will ultimately be responsible for all aspects of the Xbox, Windows and Mobile gaming business and relationship. It’s as close to playing games for a living you’re ever going to find! The 3PP (3rd Party) Account Manager will act as the day to day contact for publishers within Microsoft, and will leverage the resources available (developer support, marketing, LIVE, business development, subsidiary offices, etc) to ensure that the best possible games with the most comprehensive feature set (esp. LIVE support) are released. The job responsibilities also include fully understanding the publisher’s business models and how best to apply them to maximize return to both the publisher and Microsoft.

Key challenges: Directly/indirectly influence the publishers business; technical proficiency to evangelize various Xbox & Windows technologies; co-ordinate all aspects of the relationship with the publisher and orchestrate the different resources available within the Gaming division to win the publisher’s mind; balance the publisher’s business and goals whilst keeping the priorities of Microsoft firmly in mind.

Key Accountabilities: work with the publishers and developers to maximize sales and hence royalty revenues of 3rd party titles and keep those royalties growing year on year; evangelize Microsoft gaming initiatives, secure exclusive games for Xbox, Games for Windows, Mobile, or at least ship simultaneously with rival formats; encourage and promote publishers to support LIVE; leverage cross group collaboration within Microsoft to help support your publisher; maximize the publishers general satisfaction level from dealing with Microsoft; work closely with the portfolio team to ensure that a diverse range of software is available; evangelize your publisher internally to help ensure future design decisions (XDK, LIVE, Games for Windows, Mobile, business models, etc…) Knowledge, skills and experience:

Required: minimum of 8 years experience within PC, Mobile & console gaming/entertainment industry, excellent experience in supporting diverse external customers or partners, and strong business acumen.

Essential functional/technical skills: in-depth working knowledge of video game industry and history; experience of game design and production; basic technical knowledge of graphics, audio, and networking a plus.

Thanks to @Makram for the news tip.

(via: Mobile Tech World)

The good news is that BlackBerry and Verizon Wireless are becoming a little bit more open, bringing Internet sharing capabilities to the still un-released successor the the Storm, dubbed the Storm2. According to Engadget Mobile, the Storm2 is said to be getting a feature called "MiFi"--which is also named after the Chuong's Pick Novatel hardware called MiFi, which puts a hotspot in your pocket for up to five devices. However, BlackBerry's internet sharing "MiFi" capabilities seem to also infringe on Novatel's trademark--we're guessing it's release name will be different, and only bring a feature to market that Windows Mobile has long had.

In light of Verizon Wireless' network openness, Windows phone users should not be jealous; Windows Mobile devices have long come with a program called Internet Connection Sharing, or ICS for short, that allows you to share your wireless connection with a computer via USB or Bluetooth.

Additionally, Windows phones also have third-party add-ons such as WMWiFiRouter, an awesome application for $30 that allows you to tether your Windows Mobile device via Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB to share the wireless cellular data connection on your phone. Another name is the HTC Communications Manager Suite, which is developed by HTC for use for their phones, but we haven't seen it pre-bundled with any of the current Windows Mobile 6.5 devices that have hit the US market with TouchFLO 3D.

(via: Engadget Mobile)

We know HTC very well. We can say with a very high level of certainty that after the release of the HD2, there will be an HD2 with a slide out keyboard, possibly called the HD2 Pro. Think about it: along with the Touch Diamond came the keyboard version for the professional user, the Touch Pro. And along with the Diamond2 came the keyboard version for the professional user, the Touch Pro2. See the trend? Each generation HTC releases a core flagship device without a keyboard (among other niche devices), then changes the form factor to appease those that crave a hardware keyboard. And this will undoubtedly happen with the HD2. Read on for more...

So imagine a razor thin HD2 Pro with a large 4.0" capacitive screen (for the HD2 Pro, HTC will probably reduce the screen size to keep the device pocketeble and to maintain an acceptable width for the keyboard). Thanks to the popularity of the Touch Pro2, the HD2 Pro will also have a tilting screen, plus other productivity features that only HTC can dream of.

When would this happen? Considering that HTC unveiled the Diamond2 and Touch Pro2 at Mobile World Congress in February 2009, it's logical that they'd choose that same event as the launching point for the HD2 Pro. It took four months for the Touch Pro2 to hit shelves after its announcement, so that brings us to the summer of 2010 for the HD2 Pro release. Also, because the HD2 Pro will support the Windows Mobile 7 chassis, we expect the HD2 Pro to launch with Windows Mobile 6.5 then get a free upgrade from HTC in the Fall of 2010 when WinMo heads out of the gate.

Yes, all of this is speculation, but knowing HTC, this all seems pretty reasonable, if not likely. Or, we can just wait until the next HTC leak =D.

Thanks for the rendering, @billerr!

Although most Windows Mobile devices have a limited amount of storage ROM (512MB is common), it's always been super easy to install programs to a storage card, thus providing almost limitless storage for apps. We just got a tip from a reader stating that Windows Marketplace for Mobile doesn't allow for this:

Just was playing with this Marketplace for Windows Mobile and noticed you can't install programs to the storage card. Everyone who uses WinMo knows how limited program memory on the phone is.

Hopefully at launch (on 6 October) users will be able to store downloaded apps to a storage card, or else the usability of the Marketplace could be significantly limited. That said, if it's not available on launch day, it's possible that in a Marketplace software update in the near future, this issue can be remedied.

Thanks, Steve.

We've got a ton of new information on the HTC Leo thanks to a thread at XDA, including a list of full specifications. There are some surprises, some mysteries, and some things to drool over. Click on to see.

As a preface to this information, we should mention that the Leo/HD2 isn't official yet, and that some of this information could just be speculation on the part of XDA forum user B3ler3fonte.

1. The Leo/HD2 will be released with Windows Mobile 6.5.1, which is a new version of the operation system that once again revamps the interface (see our videos for more)

2. The Leo will support Windows Mobile 7 (or more specifically as stated in the Spec sheet: support Multi-Touch capability for WM7 Chassis)...this doesn't necessarily mean that an upgrade will be issued by HTC, but that it meets the requirements needed to run the operating system

3. The screen is made of glass

4. The Leo/HD2 comes with a 3G to WiFi router utility

5. The spec sheet lists a mysterious "Cinema mode" button on the device

6. The battery is just 1230mAh, which is a bit small

7. The device has an awesome 320MB of RAM, more than any HTC device to date

8. There is no TV-Out

9. The device comes with a magnifier function, perhaps for text entry (similar to the iPhone for cursor placement)

And the specs...

Platform
Ultra slim bar type touch phone / Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional

Processor/Chipset
Qualcomm MSM 8250, 1GHz

Memory / Internal Storage
ROM: 512 MB / RAM: 320 MB / HD: 207.13MB

Display Module
4.3-inch 480x800 WVGA resolution / 65K-color / Sensitive touch screen (Capacitive) / Keep support Multi-Touch capability for WM7 Chassis
HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM Function

Internal antenna
HSPA/UMTS 2100/900 MHz and GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) / HSDPA / 3GPP Release 5 compliant
Up to 7.2Mbps / HSUPA / 3GPP release 6 compliant / UE category 5, up to 2 Mbps peak rate / EGPRS Functionality / EGPRS class B / Multi-slot class 12 (10 Operator dependent) / PBCCH

Standalone GPS
Internal GPS antenna

Sensors
Motion G-sensor / Proximity sensor / Ambient Light Sensor / FM Radio

Digital Camera
Main camera: 5 MP Color CMOS with auto focus / 2x LED flash

Key/Button/Switch
Volume up and down control / Send Key / End Key (Power Key) / Windows Key / Home Key / (Cinema mode Key, TBD) / Back Key / Reset

Notification
Notification by sound, vibration, LEDs or status shown on the display
One dual colors (Green and Amber) LED in the left / lens for PDA event, battery and charging / status

Audio
Built-in microphone / Receiver / Loud speaker with hands-free support

Connectivity & Interface
Bluetooth / Version 2.1 compliant with EDR / Wi-Fi / IEEE 802.11 b/g compliant / Micro-USB: / USB 2.0 High-Speed client / 3.5 mm stereo audio jack with mic / 1.8/3V USIM/SIM card slot / microSD card slot with SDHC support

Power
Battery / Removable and chargeable battery, 1,230 mAh / AC adaptor / AC input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz / DC output: 5V and 1A

Accessories (In-Box)
Quick Start Guide / Travel Charger, TC P300 / USB Sync Cable (Micro-USB to Standard USB) / Battery / Wired stereo headset with 3.5mm audio connector, HS G335 / Premium pouch (Carrying Case) / Car Charger /Car Holder with
battery cover

Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional Applications
Microsoft Outlook Mobile / Messaging (SMS/E-mail), Contacts, Calendar,Tasks, Email Set Up Wizard / Microsoft Internet Explorer Mobile / Microsoft Media Player Mobile / Microsoft ActiveSync / Microsoft Windows Mobile Update / Internet Sharing / Pictures & Videos / Games / MSFT Zip
File Explorer / Device Management / Security Enhancement / Microsoft Office Mobile / Microsoft Windows Live! / Microsoft Smart Dial / Microsoft Remote Desktop Mobile

Value-Added Applications
Windows Mobile Enhancements / Pictures & Videos enhancements / Ring Tone enhancements Telephony (HTC) Phone Canvas(HTC) Phone Experience Multimedia / (HTC) Camera Album / MP3 Trimmer / Streaming Media Player / FM Radio / Presentation mode / Web / Push Internet / RSS HUB / YouTube Client Social Networking / Input Method EZ-INPUT / Messaging SMS/MMS Client / GPS/LBS Navigation (CoPilot, Papago) / Google Maps / Quick GPS / Support CLL.dll library for indoor positioning andreverse geo-coding / Navi-panel / Calendar to Navi / User Interface (Enhanced Manila) / TouchFLO Footprints / Auto Screen Rotation /

Tools & Utilities
HTC Common Sense / 3G to WiFi router / Task Manager / Text selection (HTC) Connection Setup / OOBE / Voice Recorder / Document Viewer / PDF / OMA DRM Engine / Java virtual machine / Long Press / End Key Confirmation (to shut down) / STK SIM manager / (HTC) Volume Control / Business Card Reader / Document Printing / Magnifier.

(via: WMPU)

A tipster told WMExperts that the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 and the LG GM750--codenamed Layla--will land soon on Vodafone's network in the UK. Though pricing information wasn't obtained as part of this leak, it is expected that November 6 is the slated date for the X2; the LG GM750 will come on October 2 and will be made free with a £25 monthly contract. Any of our UK readers lining up Friday for the LG GM750?

(via: WMExperts)

Unlike the rumors of the Apple Tablet, which is said to run only a stripped down mobile OS that the iPhone uses and not the full Mac OS, Microsoft's reference Courier tablet design is said to run a full version of Windows 7 under the hood with dual displays that fold, much like a notebook. The latest rumors come from ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley who has been a pretty reliable tipster on all things Microsoft.

With the latest rounds of Courier rumors, it seems that Microsoft is optimizing the tablet for more finger inputs and gestures, reserving the pen for writing and drawing only. Also of note is that Microsoft is leaning on creating the tablet under its own brand, much like what the firm has done with the Zune franchise. No word on how Microsoft's current partners who make Tablet PCs will respond.

Also, unlike the Apple rumors, which don't point to a digitizer pen for input, the Microsoft Courier seems to support the pen, which would put it more closely related to today's Tablet PCs on the market, many of which use Wacom digitizers and also support multi-touch displays, like the recently announced Lenovo tablet model.



(via: Engadget)

Another day and another round of the mythical tablet beast that Cupertino has in the labs and would purportedly announce in January 2010 for a release that same year. The new rounds of rumors come from iLounge site, which is reporting that the latest hardware prototype for the yet to be seen tablet device will feature a 10.7-inch screen increase the resolution to 720p. There will also be a 3G and non-3G model of the device, which is expected to be a larger version of the iPhone and also run the iPhone operating system along with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

However, in our checks with Synaptics, a leader in multitouch and capacitive screen displays, the firm has stated that 8-inch is the largest size that its 10-finger capable ClearPad screen display will come with.

Between now and when the rumored Tablet gets released, perhaps Synaptics and its competitors will be capable of mass producing multitouch screens that are larger than 10 inches, or they have something brewing in the labs that hasn't been announced yet. Either way, at this time, this is just speculation, as is the rumor of the Tablet.

If you're interested in tablet computing and need a portable OS, perhaps the capable Windows Mobile 6.5 Mangrove or the many ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC) devices out there that run the full version of Windows.

Read on to find out more about the latest round of Apple tablet rumors.

1. Apple has created at least three separate prototypes of its tablet computer. Let’s call it “iPad.”
2. Version 1 was designed with a 7” screen, which was judged to be too small. The latest version has a 10.7” screen.
3. It runs iPhone OS.
4. There have been reports that it looks like an iPhone. They’re sort of true. It looks like an iPhone 3G, complete with a curved back.
5. It will come in two different variations: one with 3G networking capabilities, and one without 3G networking capabilities. Think of the 3G version as a bigscreen iPhone 3GS, and the non-3G version as a bigscreen iPod touch.
6. Screen resolutions will obviously jump considerably from the iPhone and iPod touch 480x320-pixel displays, enabling easy reading of full-sized book and magazine pages, plus cropped newspaper pages. Expect something like 5-6 times the resolution of an iPod touch or iPhone screen (720p or thereabouts) and 7 times the touchable surface area.
7. It is designed to expand the iPhone and iPod touch media concept to its next potential level: as a slate-like replacement for books and magazines, plus all of the media, gaming, app, and web functionality of the iPhone and iPod touch.
8. It is not meant to compete with netbooks. It’s an iPhone OS media player and light communication device.
9. Apple is currently planning to announce it on or before January 19, 2010, and to use an iPhone-like hype buildup period to start selling it in May or June.
10. It is apparently awaiting a final green light from Steve Jobs; chances of it appearing in the market are believed to be 80% at this point.

(via: iLounge)

AT&T is the only US carrier that is getting the HTC Touch Diamond2, but in a slightly different flavor called the Pure. The Pure was previously known as the HTC Warhawk back when it was first spotted last spring. It's a candybar device with no slide out keyboard, and a large 3.2" WVGA display.

Here we have some early pictures of the Pure, which shows a more rounded casing compared to the European Touch Diamond2. The zoom slider remains, plus we still have the four hardware buttons along the bottom. We expect the Pure to run with the same 528MHz CPU and 288MB of RAM as found on the upcoming AT&T Tilt 2, and should be on store shelves as early as October for $149.99 with a new contract. It's also quite likely to launch with Windows Mobile 6.5 instead of 6.1.

(via: HTCPedia, thanks to Brian for the tip)

We knew that AT&T would be unloading several Windows Mobile devices this Fall, and now we have better clarity on what will be released and when thanks to a leak.

The most unexpected news is that Samsung Jack and Epix owners will be getting Windows Mobile 6.5 updates, which should likely land in early October (along with the release of 6.5 for the HTC Touch Pro2 and Diamond2).

Also, The HP Obsidian, which we've known as the iPAQ K3, is set to land in December, complete with usual: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and microSD expansion. Still unknown is the screen size and resolution; hopefully it won't be QVGA.

Landing alongside the Obsidian is what may be the first in a line of 13 Windows Mobile devices by 2010 from LG, the Monoco. The device will pack a form factor not dissimilar to the Touch Pro2 (sans tilting screen) with a 3.2 WVGA display, 5MP camera, and the other usual goods such as Bluetooth and WiFi.

What's not listed on the list is the Pure, which will be the AT&T-branded Touch Diamond2. We expect that to land in October or November close to the launch of the Fortress.

(via: BGR)

Lusting over the Leo? It's alright...go ahead and admit it. We have yet to see a mainstream mobile phone with a screen as large as the 4.3" display found on the Leo. While the size may admittedly be impractical (the device still has to fit comfortably in your pocket), we're still drooling. This is a phone that is going to get a TON of attention when it's pushed out of the gate.

The team at Ai.rs, who originally spilled the beans on the Leo, has posted a vast gallery of screenshots and photos of the device. What's revealed (beyond just how ridiculously large that screen is) is that the Leo is indeed running Manila 2.5, complete with colored icons along the bottom, HTC Footprints, and deep integration with Windows Mobile.

The XPERIA line is growing with what began as the Windows Mobile XPERIA X1 and the forthcoming Windows Phone successor in the X2 to include the Android-based X3 and the uber-chic fashion-conscious Pureness in its lineup. Although the product line is getting confusing with many different phone types, the X3 continues the tradition that was started with the X1--introduce a solid industrial design with a smartphone platform and compelling hardware. When it was first leaked, the X3 is said to have a strong focus on multimedia features beneath its Android brains. The device is now said to be launching in January.

Unlike the X1 and X2, which runs Windows Mobile, the X3 will be a competitor, if and when released in the US, to other Android phones, like the Sprint Hero. The XPERIA series actually cost quite a bit and we're hoping that a carrier or two will foot a portion of the bill with some carrier subsidies and a contract--the X2 is said to cost around $800 when it will be released.

The January launch date for the X3 may coincide with the launch date for the X2. While the simultaneous launch date may seem funny, the handsets are not part of a successive series as the X2 is to the X1.

(via: MobileCrunch)