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XPERIA Gets Android

Chuong Nguyen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:01:46 -0400

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)

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T-Mobile Dash 3G Software Tour

Adam Z Lein — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:19:48 -0400

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.

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New Version of SKTools 4.4.7.9

Anton D. Nagy — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:10:49 -0400

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.

Read the rest of the story »

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A Closer Look at the Dash 3G's Paint

Adam Z Lein — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:38:41 -0400

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.

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Are You Running a Modified ROM on Your WinMo Device?

Brandon Miniman — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:29:32 -0400

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!

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Review: Resco Photo Viewer v6.33

Erik Schnebli — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:39 -0400

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

Highly customizable slide shows

Fast and easy image zooming

Great image editing tools

The Bad

New album creation is awkward

No �Undo� feature

Pricey

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T-Mobile USA: Windows Mobile May Overshadow Android

Chuong Nguyen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:40:07 -0400

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)

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Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard, in Video

Brandon Miniman — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:10:59 -0400

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)

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T-Mobile Dash 3G Hardware Tour

Adam Z Lein — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:13:48 -0400

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.

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Comments [3]

Face Contact 2.0

Daniel Webster — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:30:00 -0400

Face Contact 2.0 is a nifty application that integrates a scrolling list of contact photos directly onto the today screen of a Windows Phone.

� Finger-friendly Today plugin with 3D rendering and kinetic scrolling.
� Single key calling using the "Start Call" key.
� Send Text and E-mail messages with a simple gesture.
� Contact menu with frequently used communication methods.
� Optional call confirmation screen with alternate numbers.
� Contact details with street address, notes, and other information.
� Full integration with Outlook Mobile.
� Sort contacts by name, company, or User Defined order.
� Index-tracking shows current position while scrolling.
� Choice of progressive/predicting tracking.
� Jump instantly to any letter/position in the list.
� Integrated Contact Manager to add or edit contacts.
� User assignable gestures/actions.
� WM6.5-like user interface with configurable 3D effects.
� Adjust or replace pictures, with cropping and rotation.
� Camera support.
� Gallery with dozens of ready-to-use icons.
� Adjustable display options and plugin position.
� Smart error handling.
� Full control on picture layout and motion settings.
� Configurable Text and E-mail accounts.
� Quick start user interface to help you get started.
� Detailed context-sensitive Help.

Face Contact 2.0 comes with a free trial and costs around $16 USD for the full version. The program will run on virtually all Windows Mobile 5 and greater devices with a touch screen.

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Comments [5]

GSM Palm Pre Spotted

Chuong Nguyen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:03:24 -0400

You've seen our unboxing, heard our impressions of the device from a Windows Mobile perspective, and gone through some growing pains with other webOS Palm Pre customers in the States on Sprint's CDMA networks. Well, for those lusting after a GSM global world, the first Pre has been spotted in Vietnam sporting a SIM and being demoed with a Vietnamese carrier's SIM.

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Comments [4]

Touch Pro2 versus Omnia Pro, in Pictures

Brandon Miniman — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:43:51 -0400

If you're looking for a device with a sliding keyboard and high resolution screen for your next phone, you undoubtedly are considering the Touch Pro 2 (which we reviewed) or the upcoming Omnia Pro.

Both devices have very similar dimensions, with the Touch Pro2 being a bit taller. Also different, the Touch Pro2 has that tiling screen, and the Omnia Pro uses is using AMOLED screen technology to provide sharper blacks and better power efficiency. For a spec-to-spec comparison, check out PDAdb.net.

(via AreaMobile, thanks Nightflyer for the tip)

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Comments [16]

Capacitive Screens A Possibility for Windows Mobile 6.5

Chuong Nguyen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:39:31 -0400

The reason that many Windows Mobile 6.5 devices will retain the resistive touchscreens is that quite a few programs and apps still require small, accurate touchscreen input. Capacitive touchscreens do not offer that degree of flexibility yet. According to Marcus Perryman--a "developer evangelist for Windows Mobile" according to WMPowerUser--capacitive touchscreens will still be available on some Windows Mobile devices.

Windows Mobile 6.5 has primarily been designed for resistive screens because some input areas still rely on small controls and require a high level of input accuracy that can�t be easily achieved with a finger and require a stylus; however some device manufacturers are considering options to ship capacitive screens.

(via: WMPowerUser)

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Comments [7]

T-Mobile Dash 3G In The House

Adam Z Lein — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:00 -0400

The T-Mobile Dash 3G is very similar to the HTC Snap we reviewed earlier. At first glance you might think it was the same device, however there are some subtle differences to the hardware and software. The new Dash 3G is T-Mobile USA's first Windows Mobile device to support T-Mobile's brand of 3G high-speed internet access.

Take a look at what you get in the box, as well as how it compares to a few other smartphone form factors.

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Comments [3]

Dog Whistle For Windows Phones Can Help Train That Pup

Daniel Webster — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:59:59 -0400

Man�s best friend has always been a faithful companion. Loyalty and obedience have led us to be so infatuated with our canine counterpart.

Whether to impress friends or just preserve that new carpet, training dogs to obey commands is rather important. Dog Whistle is a small application that will help turn the training into a more productive venture. The program works the same way as a normal dog whistle; it produces high pitched sounds through the speaker that are designed to get the pouch's attention.

Dog Whistle is free and will run on nearly all VGA Windows Mobile 5 and greater devices with a touch screen. The program does require .NET 3.5 Compact to be installed. Spotted on PPCFreeware.

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Comments [5]

HTC Snap to get Windows Mobile 6.5

Chuong Nguyen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:01:16 -0400

The group behind the Bluetooth certification just let it slip that the HTC Snap, which we had previously reviewed, will be getting either a Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard upgrade or may be released with 6.5 onboard.

It's unclear at this point whether carrier-branded editions of the Snap, with T-Mobile's Dash 3G resembling the Snap most closely in the USA, will also get the same 6.5 treatment or if those devices will launch with 6.1.

(via: WMPowerUser)

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Palm Pre Hardware = Failure

Chuong Nguyen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:53:25 -0400

No matter what we think of webOS, and I admit it looks nice, the hardware on the Palm Pre isn't holding up too well. Users are reporting wobbly sliding mechanisms, gaps that are getting wider between the two sliding panels, cracking and scratched screens that require multiple exchanges to get the issues resolved.

Unlike the BlackBerry Storm, which had its own issues of growing pains in the press, the Pre's issue is hardware related which makes it a bit harder to fix.

Are you a Pre owner? Have you had to bring it back?

(via: PreCentral.net)

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Comments [15]

Media Center Meets Windows Mobile

Anton D. Nagy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:22:02 -0400

Those using the Windows operating system on their PCs or notebooks might be familiar with Media Center, regardless if they're running Windows XP or Windows Vista. Well, now you've got the Media Center on your Windows Phone. Check out the rest!

Read the rest of the story »

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REDFLY vs. Netbook: Explained

Brandon Miniman — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:36:36 -0400

In this video, we offer an answer to the "Should I get a REDFLY or Netbook?" question.

It seems that in situations where cost of ownership is a big consideration such as in a business setting, a REDFLY makes sense. Since you're using the software that comes on your mobile device, you don't need a dedicated IT guy for the REDFLYs, nor do you need to buy new software licenses for things like Microsoft Office.

But for the average consumer, the price of the REDFLY is still prohibitive at $199 for the C7 and $249 for the C8N via the Celio store. The sweet spot is around $99, which is a target for Celio. At that price, you're essentially paying for a convenient phone accessory that allows you to get a laptop-like experience from your mobile phone. I don't know about you, but I'd buy one for that price.

Better yet, what we may see in the future is the REDFLY chipset built into certain electronics, such as netbooks and laptops. Then, you have the best of both worlds: you get the full computer experience, plus you won't have to pay for a laptop tethering plan or get a USB wireless modem because you could simply use internet apps through the REDFLY chipset (and thus through your phone). And actually, if you want to see how this would work, check out our walkthrough of the Celio Mobile Viewer.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out our hands-on with the REDFLY C8N.

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Comments [12]

Dell's Android Non-Smartphone: The PDA Lives On!

Chuong Nguyen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:35:13 -0400

The latest rounds of rumors surrounding Dell and its venture into the smartphone/PDA/MID market pegs the electronics maker as entering the PDA/MID realm. Originally thought to be working on its first Android-based smartphone, the Wall Street Journal is now speculating that Dell is making an Android non-phone device that will put it in competition with the likes of the iPod Touch and the Zune HD. If those rumors are true, then the music player will feature some PDA capabilities and a web browser, making it a cross between a PDA, PMP (portable music player), and MID (mobile internet device).

Dell is looking to bring the MID/PMP device to carriers to offer said devices at a subsidized cost, much in the way of netbooks with cellular data support. The device is said to bridge the gap between a smartphone and netbook. Could a subsized Zune HD or iPod Touch be a reality in the future as well?

(via: Wall Street Journal)

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