Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March

HTC enters the market of industrial PDA?

Internet resource PDAdb.net continues to make public details about the new device, developed by Taiwan's High Tech Computer. If we believe the data published on this site, the company will soon submit a HTC device that produces the impression of industrial model - HTC Sirius. In favor of the industrial orientation say several factors. Firstly, the very design of the device - on the free space is clearly not saved, the communicator did not even try to do a miniature. Under the display is very freely and not in distress are a few buttons, but when you consider that the display itself is not small, it becomes clear that the size of future novelty pretty impressive. Unfortunately, the source did not give the exact figures, so to say exactly what the dimensions of the device is not yet possible. Display considerably more "average" parameters - 2.8-inch diagonal not, and 3.5 inches. At such dimensions, display manufacturer did not increase the resolution, as well, and left the standard QVGA (240x320 pixels). Probably the latter is done as for reasons of economy, and because not too big need to display a higher resolution at the device in its class. Apparently, the model for the target audience is not seen as the main or important problem viewing graphics, Web-sites, videos and the like. In favor of an "industrial", and maybe just a corporate, destination device is the fact that he was equipped with a fingerprint reader for user identification.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
HTC Sirius is equipped with a Samsung processor clocked at 400 MHz. Memory with him a few more than usual HTC builds a simple consumer model - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM. Used the memory card is also intended to promote miniaturization, in contrast to such commonly used in new models microSD, but instead they have cheaper per unit volume and allow for increased functionality of the device by connecting various peripherals. What is curious, as the PDAdb.net, the model can work not only in GSM, but the third-generation networks, even alleged support for high-speed standard HSDPA. Also, the communications capabilities necessary to note the highest standards of wireless networks Wi-Fi 802.11b / g and Bluetooth 2.0. Interface USB, of course, provided, however, do not specify the function of the host that it would not be odd for such a "workhorse." Communicator did not deprive the camera, it is, but only one, so video calling is not one of talent, which, however, and logical. What else is worth mentioning because it's quite capacious lithium-polymer battery. Here is the complete list of the technical parameters HTC Sirius, which leads Source:
  • Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
  • 3.5-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
  • 1.9-megapixel camera
  • Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
  • Memory - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
  • Slot for memory card format MMC, SD / SDIO
  • GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
  • Li-Polymer battery 1600 mAh
Of course, Sirius - is the code name of the model. It is expected that the manufacturer will release it as the HTC P6500. Tentative release dates on sale - August of this year. Thus, we have a very productive model for the work, not entertainment. It is possible that it had some additional benefits, while remaining behind the scenes, such as increased strength and endurance. On those details we can find out most likely not before the official announcement of the communicator.If the information provided PDAdb.net be untrue, then HTC is entering a new market for themselves, whereas previously under its brand it only consumer model, in extreme cases - with only a slight touch on the corporate or business-oriented.

SoMo 650: The debut of Socket Mobile PDA market

The company Socket Communications fairly well known in the periphery and software for handheld computers, smartphones and Tablet PCs. Not so long ago, she decided herself to go to the PDA market. In this regard, it is, in particular, changed its name to Socket Mobile, and started a new site. Manufacturer aims mainly at the business segment. Last week Socket Mobile introduced the first child - a PDA called the SoMo 650. The new CPC aims to segment the market between the models, focused on prime customers, and clean industrial devices for use in harsh industrial environments. According to the manufacturer, the new product is designed to meet the demand in the productive and affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses, including sales agents and mobile outlets, logistics management, health and other similar areas. Novelty is not enough armor-piercing, industrial model, but she is able to withstand repeated falls from a height of one meter onto concrete floor, however, does not open, and vinyl-coated. In contrast to the purely industrial models, PDA is not very distinguished design, appearance, he is completely consistent with what used to understand the average user by the term "PDA".
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
SoMo 650 really gives the impression of a very productive by modern standards, models, and sharpened it to the specifics of the segment. On the one hand - there are necessary resources for performance, but on the other side - nothing more. Processor is an Intel processor with a clock frequency of 624 MHz, it is perhaps the most currently available rate for such decisions. Also, the manufacturer has laid more than usual, built-in memory. Further, what is rarely found in handheld computers, not imprisoned for industrial use, there are two slots for different formats of flash cards - CompactFlash and SDIO. Thus, future users can easily expand as the amount of memory available for storing information and functionality of the device. No, probably much need reminding about the advantages possible to connect any peripheral module in one slot and leave the extra flash memory in another. Pocket PC communications capabilities SoMo 650 is not bad. Provided the work as a wireless Wi-Fi, and the interface Bluetooth, and in their modern versions. Gradually obsolescent its infrared interface, here, however, is not provided. Through USB you can connect external devices, simply put, is possible to perform a function host. The standard battery is invited Li-Ion Battery 1200 mAh. However, given the tactical and technical parameters of the model, and especially for those who are such a battery will seem "rather weak", provides an option with more advanced options. Work is performed under the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0, but not the new version 6, which was introduced in February.Here is the complete list of features SoMo 650, driven by the manufacturer:
  • Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0
  • 3.5-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
  • Intel PXA270 processor clocked at 624 MHz
  • Memory - 128 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
  • Memory card slots for CompactFlash and SDIO formats
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
  • USB 1.1 (host / client)
  • Built-in microphone and speaker
  • Lithium-Ion Battery 1200 mAh
  • Dimensions - 127h74, 6h20, 6 mm
  • Weight - 178.6 grams (with standard battery and stylus)
  • Operating temperature range - from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius
  • Temperature range for storage - from -25 to 75 degrees Celsius
  • Humidity - 95% non-condensing
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
As promised the company, the first sale of its first handheld to begin in April, and the mass distribution will start in May. It is planned that the distribution will be made in the USA and some countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific region. Manufacturer's recommended price for the SoMo 650 is $ 648, that a lot of PDA, but do not forget that in his class a model closer to industrial applications, for which price limits are already quite different. Summary, we have certainly an interesting solution. On the one hand, the company does not offer anything radically new, but on the other hand, it tries to occupy the area until the not so well covered by other manufacturers. It is this segment between the "heavy" industrial PDAs, and only consumer models are often left without proper attention by the manufacturers of mobile devices. SoMo 650 - a sort of compromise on security, price, performance with the functionality and size. Miniature him anything but that might not like ordinary consumers, on the other - it can not drop back into sulfuric acid and forgotten under the press with certainty is that nothing terrible will happen, which in turn may make it inapplicable to many industries and departments. But at the same time it combines several important advantages of these two worlds, which may well be required by the market.

Chinese budget smartphone for the U.S. operator

Following the now widely known by HTC more Asian manufacturers are beginning to produce their design in close cooperation with mobile operators and under their brands. No exception and the Chinese company Amoi Electronics. Late last year, she made an interesting announcement, promising to release four cost smartphone that should be the first "smart" devices that were created on the platform OMAPV1030 from Texas Instruments. As reported in the press release, the new items designed for the Asian market. However, we seem to be a surprise - last week the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the smartphone marking SMT5700. The mere fact of approval does not guarantee the release of a model in the U.S., but in the published materials are referred to the fact that it will be available through the operator AT & T. Let the reader does not confuse the name AT & T Mobility, now so called big, if not the largest, U.S. mobile operator Cingular Wireless. This smartphone is made in a candybar with a QWERTY-keyboard and a horizontally oriented display. Despite the fact that the materials on the FCC site is not much detail about the technical features of the model, but its design is uniquely indicates that this is one of the four most cost smartphones, namely the model Amoi E78. That is, this novelty appears not only in Asia but also in the U.S. under the name AT & T SMT5600, which gives hope for her appearance in other regions. On the FCC site you can admire the vivid picture smartphone, as well as to dig a little detail. In particular, specifies a 2-megapixel camera, slot for memory cards microSD. The model is based on the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0.The smartphone is capable of working in GSM, in the materials made no mention of supporting data transfer standard EDGE, but it can not guarantee that it is not incorporated. FCC sometimes does not publish information about the opportunities that have not yet been tested. In favor of the possibility of work on the EDGE standard is the fact that Amoi E78 supports it.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
An important argument proving that AT & T SMT5600 and Amoi E78 is the same model that is occurring in the FCC documentation label 6711, while on the website of the company Amoi, this model is also known as GSM6711. The website for Amoi GSM6711 contain the following parameters:
  • Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone
  • 2.46-inch TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 65K colors
  • 2-megapixel CMOS-camera with 4 x digital zoom and flash
  • 64 MB user available memory
  • Slot for microSD memory cards
  • GSM / GPRS / EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz)
  • Wi-Fi (optional) and Bluetooth 1.2 (with the profile A2DP)
  • miniUSB
  • Time running conversation - 3.5 hours
  • Opening hours of standby time - 100 hours
  • Dimensions - mm 115h62h13
  • Weight - 125 gr.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
It is curious how quickly will this model the operator AT & T, and most importantly, how much it will cost. Given the situation, it is very possible, the smartphone will appear in other regions under different brands.

Design Communicator Opus Operis nearing release

Regular news emerged about the communicator Opus Operis. As expected, he will be released by Zenum Techologies, whose headquarters is located in Switzerland. As it is now reported at Zenum, the communicator will be very soon. The scheduled release date - spring 2007. Opus Operis interested primarily in terms of appearance, and above it bothered designer Jaren Goh, «Peru" which belongs to such as the development of elite Communicator Black Diamond. The company has positioned itself as a developer of advanced mobile devices that should really impress the users. How the company plans, slim and simple design combined with high-quality materials should contribute to this. However, until recently, the site Zenum find anything apart from Opus Operis was not, apparently this was her first product. Recently, the communicator has joined a stylish multimedia player Zenum Organum, scheduled for release in late 2007.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
If you do not take into account the exclusive design, the device is quite common to modern standards. Moreover, the similarity in the parameters leads to the logical conclusion that it was created on the same platform that, for example communicator UBiQUiO 501, developed by Taiwanese manufacturer TechFaith Wireless. It is already quite frequent representative of the class-in-one PDA with a QWERTY-keyboard and a horizontally oriented touch screen.However, based on the fact that this design, image model, Opus Operis will not join with other members of the class in direct competition, as will be positioned differently. Recall the basic parameters of the model:
  • Operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition
  • 2.5-inch touchscreen display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
  • 2-megapixel camera with digital zoom
  • QWERTY-keyboard
  • Processor TI OMAP 750 200 MHz
  • Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
  • MiniSD card slot
  • GSM / GPRS (900/1800/1900 MHz)
  • Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 1.2 and IrDA 1.2
  • Lithium-Ion Battery 1250 mAh
  • Dimensions 121h66h14 mm
As we see, to find a similar machine in the cellar, for example, the smartphone i-mate JAQ3 is almost identical to the parameters. However, most likely, the novelty act in an entirely different league - the elite communicators for the elite. This important detail like price, for example, has not yet been announced Zenum. Well, pretty soon the company could no longer keep us in ignorance.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March

HTC revenues fall: Fall is near?

Virtually all of last year and January beginning of the year the Taiwanese company High Tech Computer cheerfully report on the impressive sales growth and earnings. However, its February report was strikingly different from the already familiar "success stories". According to published information, the total revenue in February, not only increased, but even significantly decreased - by 15.58% compared to the February result of last year and 3.36% compared to January. The situation is more than interesting. Recall that HTC is currently the leader in development and manufacturing of mobile devices running Windows Mobile. Until last summer, it was a sort of "gray cardinal" of the market-based device it has developed platforms produced under various brands, including mobile operators. Past summer the company has dramatically changed its strategy and began releasing devices under its own brand. As a result of the past gone Qtek brand and cut ties with some former partners - a vivid example of how the company i-mate, who is now cooperating with other manufacturers and developers. The company itself, other than general words, explains the decline in sales primarily down to the region of the U.S., as well as reduced number of working hours in February, as celebrated Chinese New Year. But in any case falling incomes - is a clear opportunity to ponder what led to this decline. It should be noted that by starting to market their own brand, the company did not offer radically new solutions in sufficient quantity. Existing competitors are brand new, many of which now stand in a formative stage in the market, also awake. Ordinary consumers are far from the backroom games to the mobile handset market, are perfectly familiar, such as the ASUS brand in this segment, as well as in other areas. With the same brand HTC «simple consumer" sign is small and it is difficult to explain, what is the fundamental difference between the output of this "new" firms from other brands. Nevertheless, in general, for the first quarter the company forecasts revenues of similar size to the first quarter of last year, while net profit before taxation - at the same level. Let's see if I can from the manufacturer to keep pace in future quarters or are we now witnessing the decline of the brand.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

Revolutionary device from Palm Palm Company is no longer seen as a major producer of the revolutionary potential of new solutions. Moreover, recent regularly talk of the possibility of acquiring the latest in any giant industry. Nevertheless, rumors about impending in the bowels of an innovative device from time to time arise in the media.More than a year ago, company founder Jeff Hawkins (Jeff Hawkins) told reporters about plans to release "non-smartphone and PDA", a product belonging to another category. Now the rumor about a fundamentally new device has received a new life. According to sources, the model will be performed in an ultra thin design, and, moreover, will maintain the standard WiMAX. It is assumed that the device will be released later this year by the U.S. operator Sprint, which is just working on network deployment WiMAX. At the moment it's just a rumor, and what they spill over and spill over there anyway, we can only learn zapasshis patience. Blackberry Daytona: camera, GPS and Wi-Fi in one device Rumors about a future new products from Research In Motion's got a kind of confirmation. The network has live pictures devices claiming to be a model for Blackberry 8300, code-named Daytona. Rumor has it equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, support GPS-functionality, as well as work in wireless networks Wi-Fi. Like many other devices Blackberry, future novelty is equipped with a QWERTY-keyboard. Not yet known exactly when it will be presented officially, but according to a source at the photo shows only a prototype device.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March

Soft-panorama of the week

Yahoo Go! 2.0 for Windows Mobile and the partnership with HTC Yahoo! has released the gamma version of the client for their service Yahoo Go! for Mobile 2.0 for devices based on Windows Mobile. This service allows owners of mobile devices to produce an advanced search on the internet, for example, has a new feature oneSearch results on topics that may be very convenient. Also provides local search, maps in a convenient form of news feeds, working with the postal service Yahoo! Mail and more. Simultaneously with this announcement the company announced a strategic partnership with HTC, which will now predustanalivat client Yahoo Go! for Mobile 2.0 on their new model.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Nokia Software Updater: now in test mode company Nokia, finally made widely available application Nokia Software Updater. It was available last year already in test mode for some models of Nokia, now the list of supported devices is quite extensive and covers both the Finnish manufacturer of smart phones, and some of its simple mobile phones. Nokia Software Updater lets you update the software of mobile phone without having to hike to the service center. While initially the application was only available in English, it now contains more than 40 languages. It can be found on local support pages and page www.nokia.com / softwareupdate. SecuBox: data security on Windows Mobile devices from the company's program SecuBox Aiko Solutions is designed to protect sensitive information on smartphones, PDAs and communicators running the operating system Windows Mobile. Among the possibilities SecuBox - 256-bit AES encryption algorithm and SHA-512 for key generation, creation of virtual protected sections, in which encryption and decryption is performed on the fly, secure deletion of data beyond recovery and much more.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Update programmable calendar / timer SKScheMa fairly well known software developer SK Software, not so long ago changed their name to SKKV Software, updated application SKScheMa. This is a multi-calendar and timer with support for scripting. The advantage of this program is that you can program the alarm and launch a variety of actions with a sufficiently large number of conditions. Among the innovations of version 1.1.6: check the status of connections (connected / disconnected), checking food (setting events on the connection / disconnection to the grid), check the battery and the like.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March

Business panorama of the week

Wi-Fi in the Moscow metro has occurred an event which will certainly appreciate the users of the Moscow metro. Operator Comstar UTS has launched a commercial service Wi-Fi service is available in the Moscow subway. At the moment the service is available at three stations of the Moscow subway - Okhotny Ryad, "Theatre" and "Revolution Square", but the plans already initiated a sufficient interchange all the metro stations, as well as start similar project in St. Petersburg metro. Can not say that the cost of accessing different liberal - one hour of operator requested 5 at. , with the threshold billing in 1 minute. Logically, the first thing the operator expects the popularity of its new services to owners of PDAs and smartphones for which the use of these devices in the subway is already common practice. Wi-Fi network in the Moscow metro includes 21 access points that cover the hallways and passages between the stations, escalators and entrance station. The Russian market of smart devices: HTC losing ground SmartMarketing Russian research team conducted a study on the Russian market of wireless information devices WID (Wireless Information Devices) for 2006 to the category of WID, the terminology SmartMarketing, include smart phones, communicators and PDAs. During this period, total sales of WID in the Russian market amounted to 1506000 shares, which represents an increase of 383.2% compared to figures of 2005, when it sold 393,000 units. The most powerful position occupied smartphones based on platform Symbian. According to analysts, this result is primarily related to a planned attack on the smart phone market with Nokia, which gradually takes on Symbian its range. It is also noted that Microsoft, with the support of partners, has issued a lot of very interesting models based on Windows Mobile, managed to contain the onslaught. If the segment of smartphones and communicators in general for the year increased, the segment is simple PDA, by contrast, fell - with the share of 16.35% in the first quarter to 7.09% in the fourth quarter. Such a change could not but not the balance of power in terms of operating systems. So overall for the year to share Symbian OS accounting for a share in 62.7%, 36.2% - the share of Windows Mobile, 1,1% - Palm OS. Particularly interesting to show analysts the changes in segment Windows Mobile - has been a significant increase in the range of models and the growth of the smartphone segment. In 2005, the number of actual models during the year exhausted by dozens of titles in 2006, appeared on the market weight of very interesting devices produced by no less than ten companies. The main surprise in 2006 SmartMarketing calls a relative decline in market share the company HTC - c 44,9% in I quarter 2006% till 43,1% in the IV quarter of 2006 This was despite a significant increase in sales of HTC, in absolute terms. This result SmartMarketing associates with increased activity of competing brands (especially in the second half), as well as the lack of balanced lineup.

Hard-panorama of the week

Display with built-in fingerprint sensor, Sharp unveiled its next development, TFT-display with integrated fingerprint sensor. In the display, integrated image sensor is achieved using patented technology TFT-production under the name of CG-Silicon TFT, which allows you to integrate the scheme with different functions on a glass substrate in the process of forming a transistor of the film. The display has a diagonal of 2.6 inches and a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). This decision, in particular, will create a business-oriented handheld device, in which there is no need to use a separate sensor module fingerprints and to identify the user will be enough to squeeze your finger to the display.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
Evolution of the UMPC from Samsung Samsung has disseminated information about new versions of its UMPC - Samsung Q1P. This is the first UMPC models of the manufacturer, optimized for the operating system Windows Vista. Among the options: a 7-inch touchscreen display, Intel Pentium processor with 1 GHz, 1 GB of RAM and 60 GB hard drive. The model will go on sale soon at a price of about $ 1300.
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
At the same time, the network appeared rumors about the fact that at the upcoming CeBIT 2007 will be presented to the heir Samsung Q1 - Ultra model with a logical name Samsung Q2. It is expected that its predecessor, it will differ mainly used processor (though not yet known exactly how), operating system, Vista Home Premium, display with higher resolution - WSVGA (1024x600 pixels) against WVGA (800x600 pixels), the presence of two chambers (1, 3-megapixel for photography and a separate video telephony), as well as a fingerprint scanner. Most impressive, however, expected input options information and communication capabilities - shared by the parties to the case QWERTY-keyboard, support for Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), HSDPA and WiBro (a mobile version of WiMAX).
Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 March
The authors, translation:

K. Nemo