Nobody has been able to define a Tablet PC better than Bill Gates when he says that this devices are an evolution of Laptops.

There who have used a Tablet PC never will go back to use a laptop. At least that’s my experience.

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I am beta testing the newly announced MyPhone application. I haven’t been using it too long, but here are my initial thoughts and experience.

The 1st thing was the CAB to install. I could have taken an over there air download or download to PC and transfer it. I chose to download to my laptop and install the CAB from there. The file size was only 557kb. Pretty small. I moved the CAB to my Fuze and it installed flawlessly.

When I 1st run the program, it warned me to disable activesync or terminate the calendar, contacts, and task relationships with my exchange server. I did that, no problem. Then it had me log in for the 1st time. Over an EDGE connection, syncing 68 photos and all the contacts, tasks, etc took a nice chunk of time initially.

At the bottom right of the programs menu, you will see the Microsoft MyPhone Icon. The middle screenshot details the sync progress. On the right is a screen that is similar to Activesync and tells when the last sync occurred. The linked “Show Details” brings up info on what was changed on the last sync.

This is a pop up menu that allows you to configure some things about MyPhone. What you see in the middle and right screenshots is the “options”. This is where you choose what you will sync. The middle screen shows the contacts, calendar, and Tasks greyed out. This is because I sync those with Exchange server.  To trick MyPhone, I had to delete my phone’s relationship between activesync and my exchange server. Once that was done, it deleted all my contacts, tasks, etc. Then I had to sync with my pc to restore this info. I was then able to sync those contacts, tasks, and Calendar events with MyPhone.

From the Menu in the earlier screenshot, you have the choice of Account Menu (left), the Scheduling Info (middle), and on the right is the about screen.

Read on for more, including the web interface…

After you get the phone set up (5-10 minutes), then you head to MyPhone.Microsoft.com and have at it. Log in and manage, view,download, etc.

The web based control center is pretty simple, yet effective. The home screen shows a lot of info at a quick glance. 200mb is going to fill up fast with photos and music if you sync that stuff though.

The contact section allows you to search, view, edit, delete and all sorts of other things to your contacts and the changes will sync to your phone or phones.

I don’t have anything scheduled with Microsoft’s calendar, so not much to see here. You can add, edit, etc on this page.

Had I synced all my photos from my phone, this would be huge. I decided to sync a couple and stop the sync for now. I will finish that sync later.

Here you can see what music you have on the phone or card. You can even upload songs from here.

If I had more than one phone to use right now, it would show all of them here.

Overall, I think this is quite a valuable service. I don’t expect to use it to it’s full extent myself since I already have an exchange account, but for others, this is nice. I will use it for a few days to see how it pans out though. It syncs fast and the web based control panel is pretty quick too. I think this is very similar to DashWire. Those guys might not like this service much, huh?

Anyhow. That’s it. Fast and Simple. For more info about the service, head to MyPhone.Microsoft.com.

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As promised, Acer announced a line of new smartphones in Barcelona. Nothing earth shattering. Apparently Acer opted not to go for the iPhone Clone market, and instead focus on HTC Clone buyers.

Acer has slated three new phones running Windows Mobile 6.1, the first two being a standard touch screen (F900) and a Qwerty Slider (M900) while the third is the rumored dual SIM phone (DX900).

For the F900 and the M900, the base specs are:

• 3.8? screen at 480×800
• Samsung S3C 6410 mobile processor (533 MHz)
• 128MB SDRAM and 256MB for OS
• MicroSD card slot
• 3.2-megapixel camera w/ autofocus
• HSDPA Category 8/ HSUPA Category 5 (2100/1900/850 Mhz)
• Quad-band, 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• GPRS/EGPRS: Class B, multi-slot class 11
• 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• G-sensor and L-sensor
• SiRFstar III GPS system w/ Navigon shareware installed
• Pull-out antenna

The main difference between the F900 and the M900 is the keyboard and the M900 has a 5 megapixel cam and a fingerprint scanner (???).

The DX900 has a different processor, smaller screen, and (obviously) two SIM card slots.

No word yet on release dates or pricing.

Maybe it’s just me, but with the Palm Pre coming, a new iPhone being rumored, a slew of Android phones arriving soon and Windows Mobile 6.5 looking like a reasonable milestone on the path to WinMo 7…I just don’t see these phones turning many heads. Anyone disagree?

(Source – CrunchGear)

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HTC has uploaded a couple quick videos of these phones that were announced today. The video quality is pretty bad and there doesn’t seem to be an HD or HQ version yet. Either way, enjoy…

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Look out Omnia, here comes the LG-GM730…

If you like this, get ready. Engadget is reporting that LG is planning to make Windows Mobile their main OS now. They also have some hands on video with this one online already. Check it out.

LG Electronics (LG), a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announced LG-GM730, its newest handset in LG’s smartphone line-up, which makes advanced smartphone features easy to use. This, the first smartphone to use new version of Windows Mobile OS integrated with LG’s advanced 3D S-Class User Interface, will be on display at the Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona from February 16-19.

LG Electronics steps forward to the smartphone market making statement that users don’t have to outsmart to their smartphone.

The LG-GM730 is the newest phone among LG’s easy-to-use smartphones line-up to come. The company has recently signed a special contract with Microsoft, allowing them to be the first manufacturer of a phone with the new version of Windows Mobile. On top of Windows Mobile, the LG-GM730 will provide LG’s dynamic, direct and intuitive S-Class User Interface.

“The combination of Windows Mobile and our new 3D S-Class User Interface will make the LG-GM730 the most functional and easiest to use smartphone ever created,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “This phone is a springboard for us. We will launch a number of smartphones this year; most of them will follow this same winning formula.”

Built-around a 3D cube layout, S-Class User Interface provides four customizable home screens. The simple flick of a finger instantly turns the cube from one side to the next. S-Class User Interface eliminates nested menus wherever possible, providing more direct access to features and applications. Even setup for e-mail is simplified, requiring just one click. Internet Explorer 6.0 enhances the web experience.

The LG-GM730 also incorporates LG’s signature style, with a slim, seamless profile and smooth, stylish rounded edges. At just 11.9 mm it is the perfect on-the-go. Despite its small size, it still manages to pack in all the essential productivity software, with room to spare.
More technical specifications will be announced soon and the LG-GM730 will be available for purchase in the first half of 2009.

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Here is a little clip from Microsoft showing Windows Mobile 6.5…

What do you think so far? It’s not enough to really “tell” how it will do yet, but it’s something to look at. It does look quite modern in comparison.

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Mobile World Congress is in full effect now and HTC wouldn’t be HTC without some news regarding Mobile, right? Well, HTC and Jessika did not disappoint. A couple upgrades to wildly successful phones running WinMo were updated and announced today.

The HTC Touch Diamond2
Building  upon the iconic design of the first HTC Touch Diamond, the HTC Touch Diamond2 is a full touchscreen device with a 3.2 inch WVGA display that incorporates a new touch sensitive zoom bar. The device uses HTC’s latest HTC TouchFLO 3D technology which has been even more deeply integrated into Windows Mobile 6.1. Additional specifications are below:

• Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
• OS: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Memory: 512 MB ROM, 288 MB RAM
• Memory Expansion: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
• Dimensions: 4.25 X 2.09 X 0.54 inches (HxWxT)
• Weight: 4.15 ounces (with battery)
• Display: 3.2 inch TFT-LCD WVGA (480×800) touchscreen
• Camera: 5 megapixel autofocus camera
• Battery: 1100mAh LiIon

HTC Touch Pro2
Also building on its namesake, the HTC Touch Pro2 incorporates a sizeable 3.6 inch WVGA touchscreen and a large QWERTY keyboard for heightened productivity. In addition to using the latest HTC TouchFLO 3D technology and people-centric communication approach, the HTC Touch Pro2 is the first device to use HTC’s new Straight Talk technology which makes transitioning between an email to a call a breeze. With Straight Talk, an endless email string can be converted to a quick conference call with the push of a button. Additional specifications are below:

• Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
• OS: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Memory: 512 MB ROM, 288 MB RAM
• Memory Expansion: microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
• Dimensions: 4.57 X 2.33 X 0.68 inches (HxWxT)
• Weight: 6.17 ounces (with battery)
• Display: 3.6 inch TFT-LCD WVGA (480×800) touchscreen
• Camera: 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera
• Battery: 1500mAh LiIon

Press Release after the break…

new HTC Touch Diamond2ä and HTC Touch Pro2ä SIGNAL a new wave in communication

New phones simplify information access with HTC Push Internet and unify personal communication with single-view contact integration

BARCELONA — Feb 16, 2009 — HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile phones, today unveiled two new flagship devices, the HTC Touch Diamond2ä and HTC Touch Pro2ä.  Integrating innovative simplicity with unique style and an intuitive interface, the devices balance function, form and cutting-edge technology to personalize the communication and mobile Internet experience.

“The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text or email,” said Peter Chou, president and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate.”

HTC TouchFLO 3D Integrated with Windows Mobile

The HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 utilize HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D interface. TouchFLO 3D has been more deeply integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile 6.1 to deliver more consistency throughout Windows Mobile applications and menus. Focused on making navigation easier and more intuitive, TouchFLO 3D brings important information to the top-level user interface, including quick access to people, messaging, email, photos, music and weather.  As part of this improved Windows Mobile integration the touch focus areas have been enlarged to be more finger-touch friendly.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

With the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2, HTC is introducing a new people-centric communication approach, providing a single contact view that displays the individual conversation history of contacts regardless of whether voice, text or email were used.  This can be viewed from the contact card or the in-call screen during a phone conversation, ensuring the latest communication contact-by-contact is always at hand.

SIMPLIFYING HOW PEOPLE ACCESS THEIR INFORMATION

Continuing its commitment to making the mobile Internet easier and more enjoyable, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 introduce HTC’s Push Internet technology.   HTC Push Internet alleviates slow downloading and rendering of Web pages on a mobile phone. Users can preselect their favorite Websites to get immediate access to them when needed.

HTC Touch Diamond2

The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into the hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for a greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.

Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC’s new Push Internet technology The Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use. 

With fifty-percent better battery life, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.

HTC TOUCH PRO2

Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone.  Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use. 

Introducing HTC Straight Talkä for HTC Touch Pro2

The new HTC Touch Pro2 leverages voice in a new way to create one of the most sophisticated communication experiences found on a mobile phone.   HTC’s new Straight Talk technology delivers an integrated email, voice and speakerphone experience. Users can transition seamlessly from email to single or multi-party conference calls and turn any location into a conference room.
In addition to the new simplified calling experience, Straight Talk includes an innovative mechanical and acoustic design that features a sophisticated speakerphone experience similar to those found in corporate boardrooms. Straight Talk delivers a high-fidelity voice and sound experience enhanced by asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression with full duplex acoustics. When the Touch Pro2 is flipped over it automatically turns into a conference room speakerphone system.

Availability

The HTC Touch Diamond2 will be available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2 2009 with broader global availability coming later in the year.  The Touch Pro2 will be available across major global markets beginning in early summer.

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Palm announced today that it is working with O’Reilly Media to create the first official resource for programming the new webOS platform. The Palm webOS book offers developers concise information about the application model and framework, how to use Palm’s Mojo SDK to build applications to run on webOS, along with best practices, considerations and guidelines for design and development. The first chapter is currently available online through O’Reilly and the Palm Developer Network.

O’Reilly Media and Palm to Release First Official Resource for webOS Programming

First Chapter of “Palm webOS: Developing Applications in JavaScript Using the Palm Mojo Framework” Now Available Online

BARCELONA, Spain, Mobile World Congress, Feb. 16, 2009 — On the heels of the enthusiasm that has greeted the debut of the Palm® webOS(TM) platform and the Palm Pre(TM) phone, O’Reilly Media and Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) today announced that they’re collaborating to create the first official resource for programming the new webOS platform. Written by Palm Vice President and Software Chief Technology Officer Mitch Allen and members of the webOS development team, “Palm webOS: Developing Applications in JavaScript Using the Palm Mojo(TM) Framework” is being edited and distributed by O’Reilly Media, a leading publisher of technology resources.

The first chapter of the Rough Cuts Version of the book is currently available online for free from the Palm Developer Network at http://developer.palm.com, and is scheduled to be available on the O’Reilly website Monday by 7 p.m. CET (10 a.m. Eastern). Rough Cuts is a service from Safari Books Online that provides early access to books on cutting-edge technologies prior to publication. Programmers eager to learn how to develop applications on webOS can literally read the book online as it is being written or download it as a PDF. And with Rough Cuts, readers can participate in an ongoing discussion about the book and technology. The complete book will be published upon release of Mojo, Palm’s webOS software development kit (SDK).

“Palm webOS is unlike any mobile platform available today,” said Mitch Allen, vice president and software chief technology officer, Palm, Inc. “Because it leverages several industry-standard web technologies, including CSS, HTML and JavaScript, it enables them to build native JavaScript applications and provides a rich open development environment that’s familiar to tens of millions of web developers. I’m excited to be working with O’Reilly to show the developer community just how easy and satisfying it is to develop applications for webOS.”

Unveiled last month at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, webOS has won enthusiastic praise for giving users what other mobile platforms can’t: cloud connectivity and data-integration, bringing users’ information from the many places it resides — on their phone, at work or on the web — into one simple, integrated view.(1) Palm Pre, the first phone to run on the new platform, has a sleek design that offers a large touch screen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

The Palm webOS book offers developers concise information about the application model and framework, and how to use Palm’s Mojo SDK to build applications to run on webOS, along with best practices, considerations, and guidelines for design and development.

“Palm has stepped up to the plate in terms of working with open standards and delivering a platform the mobile community can embrace,” said Executive Editor Steve Weiss, O’Reilly. “Mobile application development has emerged as one of the guiding themes in tech for the foreseeable future, and O’Reilly is pleased to be working directly with Palm to create the best learning resources for application designers and developers as quickly as possible.”

Mitch Allen will also present a free webcast on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. PT to offer developers a rare preview of the webOS operating system and development environment, followed by a Q&A session. More information will be available from the O’Reilly website and the Palm Developer Network.

NOTE: The following web pages are scheduled to go live Monday by 7 p.m. CET (10 a.m. Eastern). Please confirm that they are live before linking to them:

• More information about the book, including table of contents, index, author bio, and samples: http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596801816

• More information about the developer webcast on Feb. 25: http://oreilly.com/go/webospreview

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Yep, they were real. With all this being put out there unofficially an now officially, there is nothing left to surprise us I guess. I was provided with some early, real screenshots of Windows Mobile in action over the weekend. Enjoy. Hit the break for a video of Windows Mobile 6.5 being run on a Touch HD as well. It’s not an official video, just one Leigh Geary share with us over the weekend.

These are pretty hot to me. Makes me somewhat excited to see how 7 looks. Can this bring new life to Windows Mobile? The theme in these photos sure beat that ugly bird in all the leaked images.

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Filed under: Software, Linux, Casio

While Android is sure enjoying the spotlight underneath that HTC Magic display, the LiMo Foundation is quietly building an army to rule the mobile realm once and for all. Dramatics aside, the Linux consortium did manage to secure another six members here at Mobile World Congress including Telefónica SA, Aromasoft Corporation, Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications, Marvell Semiconductor, Opera Software ASA, and Swisscom. Of course, all these formalities really mean nothing if the group can’t manage to get a reputable handset out the door, so for now, we’ll say “congrats” and “hurry up, why don’tcha?”

LiMo Foundation gains another half dozen members at MWC originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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