Mobile News: Mobile panorama of the week, Issue 7 March

3G-communicator from E-TEN - be

Rumors that the company E-TEN Information Systems is about to release a communicator with the support of third-generation networks, went for a long time. This is not surprising, because when a company successfully manufactures the device, including communicators, which can operate in GSM, it is logical to expect it sooner or later model with support for 3G. We can not say that the company kept these plans in secret. For example, in November last year, held in London, an event which was attended by communicators and the Glofiish X500 Glofiish M700, director of marketing for E-TEN told reporters that at the beginning of 2007, we plan to release several models for third-generation networks. As reported then, these new items will also be equipped with a GPS-receiver, and one of the models will be equipped with 2.8-inch display with a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). Not so long ago, this year, flashed the information allegedly from the head of the company E-TEN, Hvon Sheng-Rhone (Hwang Shan-rong), the fact that the first 3G-communicator E-Ten will be released in the second half of the year. But all these slips of the tongue, of course, can not be called "Announcements". Last week the company E-TEN, finally, gave the first really official information concerning this long-awaited news. At CeBIT 2007, which will be held from March 15 to 21 in Hannover, the manufacturer is going to introduce a new model. It is not only the first 3G-smartphone from E-TEN, but also its first device running the new operating system Windows Mobile 6. According to the manufacturer, the device can operate in the WCDMA and high-speed data transfer standard HSDPA. While the company tries to maintain a veil of mystery and gives very little detail about the new product. Also on display will appear to have already released models Glofiish X500 and Glofiish M700. According to E-TEN, all three of the communicator and, hence, a mysterious new product, equipped with a GPS-receiver, supports GSM and Wi-Fi, have a Samsung processor clocked at 400 MHz and 128 MB ROM-memory. Like the other two device, the novelty will be released under the brand Glofiish, which was submitted to E-TEN late last year for consumer devices.

Mobile panorama of the week, Issue 7 March

Thus, E-TEN, finally goes to market Windows Mobile devices for third-generation networks. When it comes out in a segment of the 3G-communicator with integrated GPS-navigation is bad enough submitted so far. Unfortunately, there is no way to make more concrete conclusions because of insufficient data. In any case, soon the situation becomes clearer.

Communicators Ultimate: official data from the scandalous i-mate

The company i-mate, plenty of fans then unknown, finally, has got on its website a section devoted to a series of communicators Ultimate. Recall that the Ultimate series was presented at the "3GSM Congress, held from 12 to 15 February in Barcelona. Then, the company reported only common to all models of the series features, silent individual details about each. The series includes five models in different form factors - one-piece 6150-piece with a numeric keypad 8150, a slider with a numeric keypad 5150, a classic clamshell 9150 and the mini-transformer 7150. Latest official details have fully confirmed, even dubious information about the size of some models of distributed after the 3GSM Congress.That's wider than the company originally was given at 3GSM, a list of common characteristics of models Ultimate, now these data are published on the site i-mate:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
Processor Intel Bulverde 520 MHz
GSM / EDGE (800/850/1800/1900 MHz)
UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 or 850/1700/2100 MHz)
Memory - 256 MB ROM and 128 MB RAM
Touchscreen display with VGA (640x480 pixels), 262K colors
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/e/i
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR - up to 1.3 Mbps
MiniUSB high speed - 480 Mbps
Video Out XGA
Slot for microSD memory cards
2-megapixel camera
Battery capacity 1400 mAh
Stereo FM radio

Additionally, for each model separately, reported implementation features. Thus, according to data from i-mate, Ultimate 5150 a slider dimensions are 117h60, 5h19, 5 mm. The display has a diagonal of 2.8 inches. Ultimate 6150, made in the classic PDA candybar, even a bit longer in length than the 5150, but thinner - 118.5 x60, 5x15, 7 mm. The display is the same - 2.8-inch diagonal.

Performed in a similar to HTC Universal form factor, as sort of transformer, Ultimate 7150 is shocking for its performance in small dimensions - 110x74x18 mm. At least, such information is stated on the official site. To compare the size of Universal are h81h25 127.7 mm. Given that the size of the display of new items, even a little more than the previous 3.8 inches diagonally instead of 3.6 inches, a decrease in size even looks suspicious. Plus, the Communicator is a 2.2-inch external OLED-display.

Candybar with a numeric keypad Ultimate 8150 and did miniature for its ability - its dimensions are 94h50h11 mm. The display had certainly not 2.8-inch and 2.6 inch. For comparison - PDA ASUS P525, which is executed in the same form factor but does not have many opportunities Ultimate 8150 has dimensions of 116,8 x59x19 mm. True, he had a little more screen, just 2.8 inch.

And finally, the clamshell Ultimate 9150. It is equipped with an internal 2.6-inch touch screen and 1.2-inch external OLED-display. Dimensions are 98h50h19 mm. This is also a very small footprint - to compare the size of a fairly simple Smartphone HTC Star Trek are 98x58x18 mm.

Too small size of some models, which claimed the company, were seen by journalists. Especially curious in this regard seem comparative picture with well-known communicators, which are already available at the moment. For example, compare i-mate 6150 and communicator HTC Wizard (released as Qtek 9100, I-mate K-Jam, T-mobile MDA Vario, Orange SPV M6000, O2 XDA Mini Pro, Dpod 838). HTC Wizard sizes are 108x58x23, 7 mm.As you can see, on a comparative picture everyone in general, it seems logical. Stated dimensions are consistent with what appears - a little long (about one cm) in the i-mate 6150 and very little difference in width.

And here is a comparative photo HTC Wizard and i-mate 7150. If you believe the reduced i-mate data, the device 7150 is only 2 mm long, 16 mm wider and 5.7 mm thinner. The photograph is the difference in the length of just catches your eye, or about 2 mm which is to say not - the difference in a couple of cm looking much more relevant to the truth. The difference in width between the HTC Wizard and i-mate 7150 when it looks quite honestly, as the thickness - in 7150 in the photo is clearly less than the HTC Wizard.

The same mysterious situation and the size of the communicator Ultimate 8150. According to information provided by i-mate, the novelty should be 14 mm shorter at 8 mm and is 12.7 mm thinner than the HTC Wizard. By the same photos can be seen that about any smaller width and height out of the question. On the contrary, Ultimate 8150, though slightly, but significantly more. These photos were taken at the 3GSM World Congress eyewitnesses.

To say that this is an unfortunate typographical error or an attempt to deceive on the part of i-mate, at the moment is difficult. Let's see whether the corrected data on the company website, and that she would speak with the release of devices. Recall that the release is scheduled for mid-year. However, even if the Ultimate devices will not appear so small, is reported to now, they look very attractive at the expense of power, good communication capabilities and displays with a resolution VGA, suppose that in some cases and small, which favorably distinguish among the new items in the dominance of QVGA smartphones produced by moment.

New device from HTC: side-slider with GPS and budget image model

New devices are under development in the Taiwanese manufacturer High Tech Computer traditionally represent a rich soil for rumors. Typically, about virtually every new product from HTC is known long before its official presentation. Now the network has more details about the next line of new devices HTC. Published them online resource PDAdb.net. In principle, the first information about them appeared in the early years, but then the data on the estimated innovations were very poor. According to preliminary information, the communicator codenamed HTC Kaiser will be released under the label manufacturer HTC 4550. The approximate issue will occur in June. In fact, this heir to the communicator HTC TyTN, released in summer 2006. Communicator is made in a similar form factor and at the same time receive an integrated GPS-module based on the chipset SiRF Star III. He fills a vacant niche in the manufacturer of PDA with GPS-functionality, executed as a side-slider with QWERTY-keyboard. It should be noted, while similar models on the market there is very little, and such a move by HTC seems more than appropriate and logical. The built-in GPS-module - this is the most important difference for future innovations on the HTC TyTN. However, there are also some other changes are less dramatic.For example, it is expected to increase the amount of memory to 256 MB of ROM. Also updated the operating system to Windows Mobile 6 Professional. You will notice improved slightly camera battery capacity and grown a bit to reduce the weight and dimensions, especially thickness - almost 4 mm. Basically it's the same device, even design remained virtually unchanged. Here is the complete list of features, which leads Source:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (800/850/1900/2100 MHz)
Touchscreen 2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
2-megapixel camera with autofocus, macro mode and flash
VGA-camera for video telephony
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III chipset
The pop side of the QWERTY-keyboard
Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0 and USB 1.1
Lithium-Ion Battery 1500 mAh
Dimensions - mm 110h58h18
Weight - 160 gr.

Based on the available data to date, the main competitor to HTC 4550 will Glofiish M700 from the company E-TEN. This model is similar to the HTC TyTN 4550 and the form factor side slider and supports the GPS-navigation. However, the Glofiish M700 Standard memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, and besides, there is no possibility of third-generation networks.

Communicator codenamed HTC Elf, probably, will be available as HTC 3450. This very modest for tactical and technical parameters of the model explicitly claims to be a lot in terms of design. This is definitely not representative of all too frequent now, the category of inexpensive image Windows Mobile devices. Of the apparent shortcomings are the lack of network support Wi-Fi. As the merits - a catchy, unconventional and unusual for the design of HTC devices, as well as compactness, lightness and subtlety. It should be noted, and a built-in FM-tuner, plus a good integrated camera. Parameters of the processor and memory are standard for models is not applying for advancement. Curiously, initially expected lack of support for third-generation networks, and now of the possibility of working in networks of UMTS. In this case, the probability of error, as indirect evidence suggest the possibility of working exclusively in the networks of GSM / GPRS / EDGE. Here are the characteristics that indicate PDAdb.net:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Professional
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS (850 MHz)
2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
1.9-megapixel camera
FM-radio
Processor Texas Instruments OMAP 850 CPU at 200 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for SD memory card
Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Lithium Polymer Battery 1200 mAh
Dimensions - mm 108h58h14
Weight - 110 gr.

It is expected that the production model HTC Elf will happen in May this year. If the main source of the data presented will be confirmed officially, the dialer will definitely find a buyer among fans of stylish gizmos.

New smartphones from HTC: GPS comes on all fronts

Smartphone, codenamed HTC Wings also has not yet been officially presented, but details of it leaked into the net. He is expected to be released as the HTC S730. Even from the markings can be seen that this will be the continuation of the ideas presented in the smartphone HTC S710 (Vox). Recall that the latter was announced at the 3GSM World Congress.Accordingly, HTC Wings is another representative of the rare species c smartphones two keyboards: traditional and digital sliding side QWERTY. In this case, HTC Wings offers a new, compared to HTC Vox, the level of performance and functionality. First, a model with integrated GPS-receiver. As can be seen, HTC took intensively to fill in their own portfolios lack of navigational models. Also used by another processor with a faster clock speed, and realized the opportunity to work in a third-generation networks. Accordingly, the new device, two cameras, one of which is designed for video calls. However, the display of the smartphone is not increased in comparison with the predecessor - he has remained a 2.4-inch screen also remains the same - QVGA (240x320 pixels). However, this step is not possible to increase the size of the model. If you believe the source, the size of even a little bit down, and weight and does noticeably declined. For comparison, the dimensions of the HTC Vox are 101.5 x50h18, 6 mm, weight - 140 grams with battery, while the estimated size of HTC Wing are 100h50h18 mm, weight - 110 grams, and with the battery. This difference in weight is unlikely, most likely, here we have the error. According PDAdb.net model has the following options:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Standard
GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and UMTS / HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz)
2.4-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
1.9-megapixel camera and additional VGA camera for video telephony
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III chipset
Samsung SC32442 processor with 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Wi-Fi (802.11b / g), Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0
Lithium Polymer Battery 1050 mAh
Dimensions - mm 100h50h18
Weight - 110 gr.

As expected, this smartphone will appear in July. Those who liked the form factor of the HTC Vox, but want something more functional and powerful, this model may well be to the taste. Use the GPS-functions on the smartphone can be, and less convenient than on the device, but this solution has some definite pluses, especially the segment of smartphones with navigation capabilities is virtually absent in the market.

Next is preparing to novelty from HTC undoubtedly represents a successor to the HTC Star Trek, which is produced by many names, such as Qtek 8500. It was one of the latest models that came on the market at a time when the HTC is not releasing devices under its own brand. Smartphone HTC Erato, on expectations PDAdb.net, will be known to the world as the HTC S420. Like the HTC Star Trek, the future novelty is a classic clamshell with an emphasis on subtlety and style. HTC Star Trek can be quite be compared with in due time became the standard of fineness RAZR from Motorola. Of course, he was a little thicker and longer, but the difference was not principled. But Moto RAZR is a simple phone, no relation to the smartphone does not have. HTC Erato noticeably more modern than the HTC Star Trek, and has more extensive features. In particular, it touched a new trend HTC to embed GPS-receivers. He also has noticeably more nimble processor, more memory and greater communication capabilities. Increased internal display - with a 2.2-inch to 2.4 inch, though the source was originally pointed diagonal display at 2.2 inches, and subsequently changed the specification and there now appears 2.4-inch display. Chambers became two, with the bulk increased from 1,3 to 1,9 Mn-Mn. Upgrade the operating system - to Windows Mobile 6 Standard, instead of the previous Windows Mobile 5.0. There was a built-in FM-radio. As conceived work in 3G-networks, there was a secondary camera for video calls. However, the possibility of appearing in a third-generation cellular networks, the company and no provision for support of wireless networks Wi-Fi.Here's what characteristics lead PDAdb.net:

Operating system Windows Mobile 6 Standard
GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS, EDGE and UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz), HSDPA
Internal 2.4-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
External 1.2-inch display with a resolution of 128x128 pixels
1.9-megapixel camera and VGA camera for video telephony
FM-tuner
GPS-module based on SiRF Star III
Samsung SC32442 processor with a clock frequency of 400 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Bluetooth 2.0, USB 1.1
Lithium-Ion Battery 960 mAh
Dimensions - 97.5 h52h16, 8 mm
Weight - 99 gr.

As we can see if the data source are correct, then the dimensions, and this is important characteristic for a device of this kind, virtually unchanged compared to HTC Star Trek, despite the increased capacity. For example, slightly decreased the length, but slightly increased width. Weight has not changed. It is expected that the smartphone will be released in April, which means that a formal presentation can be held in the near future. I am glad that HTC started to pay more attention to the powerful and functional solutions in an interesting form factors for the segment of smartphones.

Side slider from ASUS: now for the free sale?

Appeared the first information on a new device that makes the company ASUSTeK Computer. Codenamed models - ASUS Venus. Currently known about him too much. Communicator powerful features, however, for models from ASUS is no exception, but rather the rule. ASUS Venus made a slider form factor with a side QWERTY-keyboard. He will be able to work in UMTS networks and GSM / GPRS. Traditionally, for a given manufacturer were no support EDGE data transfer standard, and only three (800/900/1800 MHz) instead of four frequency bands to GSM. Also at the moment it is known that uses Intel PXA270 processor clocked at 520 MHz. Camera with a resolution of 2 megapixel without autofocus. In addition to cellular networks support the following connectivity options: wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g, Interface Bluetooth 2.0, and USB 1.1 with the function of the host. Memory capacity is not yet known, but the memory card formats are supported: miniSD. With respect to the operating system as long as there is no certainty - whether to use version of Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone or Windows Mobile 6 Professional, you can not say with certainty.

Curious fact that the parameters of the device rather strongly resemble communicator Xda Zinc, issued today by the operator O2. The model also was developed by ASUSTeK Computer and so far presented only for the operator. In principle, it is common practice when the original operator's exclusive model is derived subsequently marketed under other brand names, examples of this mass. Nevertheless, it is difficult to say how devices relate to each other, differ and differ if at all in anything other than design. ASUS Venus - this is definitely a competitor to HTC TyTN and similar developments. The only pity is that he comes out with a time delay with respect to the release of her rival. Moreover, it has now become known only to the first information about ASUS Venus, dates the emergence of a device on the market more than vague.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

iPhone at CeBIT: to be or not to be? Despite the fact that the first phone from Apple, the legendary iPhone, was announced in early January, he continues to act as a stable source for all sorts of rumors.This week, for example, had arisen and were immediately refuted rumors about a demonstration of the device at the upcoming CeBIT 2007, which will be held in Hanover from March 15 to 21. Initially, with reference to the local newspaper, Hannover, it was reported that Apple is going to stop ignoring and CeBIT show where your iPhone. However, in an interview ComputerWoche Apple representative denied it. The very fact that iPhone display at this exhibition, if it took place, would be a very significant event, because our hands on new product yet been quite a few number of people who are not related to Apple. 3G-iPhone after the New Year Another rumor regarding iPhone wandered through the network last week. According to some sources, the updated model of the iPhone to support third-generation networks will be in January 2008. This is a fairly short period of time for the simple reason that the release of the phone in Europe is scheduled only at the end of 2007. Apparently, someone compared these dates, because according to some reports, the European version has already been able to work both in GSM, and WCDMA. However, the latter assumption is unlikely.

Soft-panorama of the week

Vista-Gadgets on Windows Mobile devices, one of the employees of the company created a program for Microsft Windows Mobile, which can run gadgets (an alternate title for the widget from Microsft), intended for use in the sidebar in Sidebar desktop operating system Windows Vista. In principle, nothing surprising there is not, after all widgets are small applications designed to support functions. The network even posted a video showing the work of Vista-Gadget (widgets) on a device with Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when the application is made available to the public a simple, yet it's a secret behind seven seals.

Update Microsoft Outlook Mobile Manager Quietly and without much ado has been released updating Outlook Mobile Manager from Microsoft. This program, which is put on the PC, but very useful for owners of mobile devices. The essence boils down to being able to obtain information from Outlook to your mobile device and management. For example, you can receive messages on a mobile phone that comes on your computer in the office. Moreover, the program sorts out incoming messages by priority and can be sent to the mobile device only the most urgent and important e-mail, the rest are left to the user's PC before returning to the workplace. The application also sends reminders to your calendar, tasks, and to such information. In version 2.2 officially supports POP3, in addition to Exchange email accounts, enhanced support for a spam filter Junk Email, Support for Windows Vista and Outlook 2007, and so on. Creating a PDF-Document Windows Mobile Device Application FluidPDF of Rain Effect allows you to create PDF-documents directly on your mobile device. It is designed for communicators, PDAs and smartphones running operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. For work will also require. NET Compact Framework 2.0. Among the main features of the application: work with images (zoom, rotate, set permissions), working with fonts (installation of fonts, sizes, text rotation), attach voice notes and files, encryption, and so on. Latest version of the program is marked FluidPDF 1.1.

Sending SMS on schedule Easy and, importantly, free programm RJV SMS Scheduler for Windows Mobile smartphones and PDAs is a scheduler sending SMS.It includes an unlimited number of scheduled SMS, unlimited number of recipients, as individual contacts and groups, notification for each SMS and so on. As promised the developer, will soon be a version for Windows Mobile smartphones.

Oxygen SimpleUp: simply download the content for mobile phones The new application, presented a well-known developer of software Oxygen Software. Oxygen SimpleUp allows you to upload multimedia content to mobile phones. The developer seems to suggest that it will be easier and faster way than standard solutions, once expects that users will not feel sorry for her blood 99 rubles. You can download the data as from the context menu, Windows Explorer, or by dragging and dropping files into the window SimpleUp, supports simultaneous downloads to multiple phones. You can connect to a PC via IrDA, Bluetooth or using a wired connection. According to the developer, the program works with almost all modern mobile phones, including the platform Windows Mobile.

Business panorama of the week

Interest in the iPhone exceeds the expectations of both research done by Morgan Stanley among U.S. users, the interest in your iPhone is much larger than originally expected. Analysts predict that the year will be sold around 8 million units of this model, although earlier to predict the 6 million most interested in buying were the ones who already have or even plan to buy within a year mobile phone's high-end with rich. Analysts also logically assume that the demand bude even higher if Apple, for example, will produce more than one model of iPhone a few, will increase the number of operators in terms of which will be distributed, as well as reduce the price to $ 200 - $ 300:) Handango: a library of content for Pocket PC has mushroomed over the year stronger than all the widely known Internet software store Handango released its traditional report on the status of content for smart devices, this time in 2006. Of the curious facts should be noted that the fastest growing library of content was the platform BlackBerry, the number of new applications has grown on her 81% compared to 2005. The most massive number of additions affected by this platform Pocket PC - just one year into the directory was added to 3,627 names. The average price rose to $ 21.16, compared with $ 20.03 in 2005, the most expensive at the same cost applications related to medicine - an average of $ 49.26. Best-selling were professional and business applications.

Hard-panorama of the week

New items from Gigabyte at CeBIT 2007 Gigabyte Communications Company plans to present at CeBIT 2007 its two new communicator - GSmart q60 and GSmart t600. Recall that they are already displayed at the 3GSM Congress, but now the company has granted official images of new products, and therefore will soon be officially published details. Recall that in early February, Gigabyte has provided very little information about its updates, and key details have become known from the reports of eyewitnesses of the exhibition.

Communicator GSmart q60 is a model with a QWERTY-keyboard. The main feature of this model is that it is the first of communicators from Gigabyte supports third generation networks, including HSDPA. GSmart t600 is now positioned generally as the world's first phone with support for DVB-T, DVB-H, T-DMB and DAB. Among other things, a display device supported by this resolution VGA (640x480 pixels).

Detachable joystick for mobile gaming, Nokia has patented a very interesting solution for games on mobile phones. As the control is proposed to use something like a stylus, which is inserted in the traditional place for the joystick, then supposed to enjoy the game already with full comfort. The only pity is that, apparently, the "stylus" will be used exclusively for this purpose, because the models with a touch screen with the Finnish manufacturer's one-two and obchelsya.

Ultra-thin displays for ultrathin phone company Samsung SDI continues to amaze the world with super-thin LCD-displays, so necessary for its ultrathin cell phones. A new development company has a thickness of 0.74 mm. In this case, the display has a diagonal of 2.3 inches and QVGA (240x320 pixels). The previous record of Samsung in this region was only recently - in November 2006 when she presented the 0.82-mm display module. At the moment, the display module is presented in the form of a prototype, mass production will begin his much later.

Linux-novelties company Grundig Mobile Grundig Mobile presented a couple of mobile phones based on Linux. One of them - a smartphone Grundig B700 in a candybar with QWERTY-keyboard. Apparently, he intended to compete with devices BlackBerry, Nokia E61 and Windows Mobile smartphones in a similar form factor. Grundig B700 is thin and lightweight. When the display diagonal 2.4 inch unit has a thickness of 10 mm and weighs just 89 grams. He is able to work in networks GSM / EDGE, equipped with 100 MB of user available memory, 2-megapixel camera. FM-tuner, and a slot for cards microSD. Supports external Bluetooth, work in networks Wi-Fi, unfortunately, is not provided.

Grundig U900 model is a classic clamshell, and thin enough. It can work in a third-generation networks. As well as the Grundig B700, this novelty is equipped with 100 MB of user available memory, 2-megapixel camera. FM-tuner, and a slot for microSD cards and supports the interface Bluetooth. In this case, an additional camera for video calls. With respect to software for both new products issue is not yet clear.

The authors, translation:

K. Nemo