Mobile News: Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 February

Windows Mobile 6: The wait is very long

Undoubtedly, the most significant for the world's Windows Mobile devices, last week became the "announcement" a new version of the operating system. In quotes, because as such, the announcement took place today at 3GSM Congress. However, the information that looks quite official poured into the network like an avalanche is already a week before the event. At the site of Microsoft at the time any statement and details were not, except for clearly accidental, occurring occasionally, small references to related sites. This discrepancy can be explained by only one - Microsoft is really getting ready to announce Windows Mobile 6 at the opening of 3GSM Congress, but some journalists did not wait for the release date and posted the information up, including screenshots and it is official, previously scheduled. In this case, the company itself as something too, even pointed out carelessly: circumstantial evidence leaves the future of the announcement, and a little later in the blogs and the staff on site for developers has become possible to meet the description. In fact, we have to deal with the acquiescence of Microsoft to such dissemination of information and tacit recognition of the accomplished "announcement". On the one hand, it is not confirmed by official data, on the other - a rich food for thought. We summarize what is known so far about Windows Mobile 6, has previously acted, codenamed Crossbow.

Mobile panorama of the week, issue 13 February

First, the names of versions of Windows Mobile Smartphone, Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone will go into the past, the new version of the operating system is already split on the Windows Mobile 6 Standard, Windows Mobile 6 Classic and Windows Mobile 6 Professional, respectively. Standard version is designed for devices without a touchscreen. In this case, applications designed for Windows Mobile 5.0 compatible with the new version of the operating system. In memory of all the Windows Mobile 6 devices installed library. NET Compact Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition.

Potestirovashie platform or just get information about her lucky, in addition to changing the appearance that catches the eye, say such innovations. In general, reported the highest levels of comfort, better performance and so on. Of the particulars mentioned the following. The opportunity to view emails in their original format HTML, with links to all the original formatting and the like, as if viewed on a letter to the PC. Also for e-mail client have been added several available in a single click options, including the "reply to all", setting marks, moving messages into subfolders, and delete. Are enabled Windows Live, which includes instant messenger Windows Live Messenger, and Windows Live Mail, Live Search and Windows Live Spaces. One of the most enjoyable for many ordinary users of innovations - Call History is now arranged more conveniently, in fact, it is integrated with information about each contact. In the version for smartphone is now included Office Mobile with the ability to edit and create documents. Were reinforced security functions and remote control device, enhanced integration with servers Microsoft Exchange, Direct Push Technology is supported by all devices based on Windows Mobile 6.ActiveSync synchronization tool replaced with a new Windows Mobile Device Center, which provides both traditional sync PIM data, and more simple to work with multimedia content. Calendar has been improved, including a calendar strips marked free and already a busy time for easy tracking. New built-in application designed to allow easy smartphones (one click) installed as a modem via a wireless Bluetooth, and on a wired connection. This, of course, not all innovations, but so far mostly to their list.

Thus, as we see on the preliminary information, some dramatic, qualitative changes are virtually none. There is a trend towards convergence versions of smart phones and devices with touch screens, but this face is still not completely erased, leaving from such a division is expected in the next version of the Crossbow - Windows Mobile Photon. Nevertheless, the inclusion of the standard specification of the native Office Mobile can not but rejoice. However, before we draw final conclusions, let's wait and see what he would say about their new product itself is Microsoft. Incidentally, the exhibition will not only be a new version of the operating system, but also announced new devices are based on it. Given the amount of information about Windows Mobile 6, has penetrated the network last week, much has to satisfy the curiosity of the public, namely new items from device manufacturers are likely to be the most tidbit on the upcoming presentation. Now we know that the new device immediately announce a few manufacturers, which, however, not surprising, because the significance of 3GSM Congress on a scale of one year is traditionally very high. Roughly the first of them will reach consumers in the second quarter of the year.

ASUS Aura: a rumor of the week or the birth of a new myth

In the run-up to 3GSM Congress, everyone is waiting for new from the manufacturers. The network flies sometimes very unusual and strange information which may or may not be true. It remains only to compare data from various sources, use logic and try not to swallow the bait. However, the latter quite officially presented new items over and over again make sure that an idea that seemed unreal, is simply obliged to remain forever at the concept stage, can easily become a reality. This, of course, only increases the frustration when it turns out that the next hearing has not come true. A striking example of this is appearing on the last week information and images of the concept under the name ASUS Aura. News about the concept quickly spread through the network. The author's ideas gave something to meditate, admiring the endless possibilities of modern technology. Think about it - unless you can remain indifferent to the device has incorporated one of the main advantages of the iPhone cult, and plus there are many more.

The device called the PDA, but also knowing the habits of ASUS, you can safely assume that this is a Windows Mobile device of the future. The device gave a huge 3.9-inch touch screen, mobile unit with the usual control buttons, as well as sliding side QWERTY-keyboard. The device must support the work of a "telephone" mode - the phone is oriented vertically, the module with the buttons moved to the screen, the bottom of the screen simulates a numeric keypad. The second mode - the mode PDA - module with the buttons moved to one side and to the user provided the whole touch screen is not divided into parts. The device can operate in third generation networks and supports HSDPA. In addition to all - built-in camera of 2 megapixels and a slot for memory cards microSD. Communication capabilities in addition to the cell - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and miniUSB.

Ask what is there really so strange and unreal? Drumroll! Thickness of the device should be as low as 6 mm! Overall dimensions - 97h49h6 mm. We explain at the moment a record fine unpretentious one-piece phones (not communicator) for GSM networks barely struggling to overcome a 6-mm threshold (Samsung is about to submit to 5,9 mm model), and even then, some of them with a camera is thickening. Next go solid fly in the ointment. In such settings, the device is obtained several times smaller than current HSDPA-enable chipset. In addition, when this thickness is actually divided into two parts, body and insert a slide-out keyboard there, to put it mildly, problematic, even if we ignore such nuances as the strength of the device, and if we take into account the rest of the alleged possibility, then the problem turns out unrealistic. Of course, science and technology are advancing by leaps and bounds, the competition again has not been canceled, and it is quite possible that soon the dimensions of the HSDPA-device significantly decreased in comparison with modern specimens.

Hope for the future would still be possible if the "concept" is based on real support for the Taiwanese manufacturer and contain more than just a 3D-graphics look and PDF with the same pictures, plus a few details about the characteristics. However, the author of the concept behind the "Hungarian design studio Egy Studio», is seems to be just another dreamer with a vivid imagination, mastered a couple of computer programs to work with graphics.It should be noted that this was not his first job - out of his pen, that is, the mouse came out, such anxious public last October, "concepts" as Sony Ericsson Zeus and Siren, too, by the way, with a touch screen. By his own admission at a forum devoted to discussion of Sony Ericsson Zeus and Siren, it's really only concepts made with Corel and 3D Max. Inspired by the author of this after seeing the concepts of Black Diamond (already released a very limited extent) and the Nokia Aeon. Lastly, it is impossible not to draw attention to the fact that in itself such a work there is absolutely nothing wrong, and if you know what you're dealing with, even amusing and instructive to study such work. In fact, many leading manufacturers, the same as Nokia, for example, regularly organize various competitions for the design, which are caught with good ideas and such talent here. So, ultimately, everything is just win.

3G-smartphone and navigation communicator serednyachek: homework at 3GSM on ASUS

The company ASUSTeK Computer, of course, prepared something new for the 3GSM Congress. That this will be, we will be able to learn up on this week, but for now content with a fresh portion of spying on the two upcoming updates from the Taiwanese manufacturer. Live pics and specs posted online resource GPSAndCo. It should be noted that the descriptions given to them many things cause confusion and doubt, but in any case, it is valuable information for consideration. All the more so if the specification is controversial points, the pictures look quite believable and credible. Also there is a picture on which to compare future innovations with the recently submitted ASUS P735. ASUS P526 - according GPSAndCo exactly be called a model, also known under the code name ASUS Pegasus. The first information about this model was found at the organization's website iF (International Forum) Design Gallery prestigious IF Product Design Award. You could see two small image, as well as learn about the subtleties (15,4 mm) models support GPS, and the presence of a 2-megapixel camera. Thus, we get the continuation of the ideas Communicator ASUS P525 - candybar with a numeric keypad and touch screen, but in a more subtle version, with less conservative and solid design, as well as with the GPS module on board. Well, it looks quite attractive. However, if data GPSAndCo prove true, then the ASUS P526 will surprisingly weak solution for this manufacturer. For example, according to a source of novelty does not receive the support of wireless networks Wi-Fi. Until recently not really had communicators having just two advantages - Wi-Fi and GPS, but before the end of last year, several manufacturers, including ASUS released communicators, possess these talents. Thus, if the ASUS P526 has integrated support for Wi-Fi, it is actually a step backwards. Has also been reported markedly weaker than that of ASUS P525, the CPU - clocked at 200 MHz vs. 416 MHz. It should be noted that the use of OMAP processor from Texas Instruments, in principle, is not typical for ASUSTeK, adherent XScale from Intel. It is strange, and from that point of view, the model navigation, although of course there are precedents for such decisions, a vivid example - a recent newcomer from HTC GPS-communicator P3300 (Artemis). Also declared support for not only the GSM / GPRS, but the standard EDGE - another unusual feature for ASUS products. We give full specifications ASUS P526, which he should have according to GPSAndCo:

GSM / GPRS / EDGE
2.8-inch display with QVGA (320x240 pixels), 65K colors
2-megapixel camera
Processor TI OMAP 850 200 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
GPS-module chipset based GPS SiRF III
Interface Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Weight - 130 gr.
Operating system Windows Mobile 6 (Crossbow)

As you can see in the list, the remaining possibilities are pretty standard for a new model did not represent an outstanding, not counting of course the new operating system Windows Mobile 6.0. Thus, if the source of all predicted come true, then we have a very unusual for ASUSTeK device. It may even seem that if this was not the budget, then, at least, the model of mid-priced (for GPS-solutions), as it were, ASUS P525 to a wider target category. In favor of this and attempt to make a thin solution and mediocre performance characteristics and at least a solid design, more focused on the broad mass of the lowly. Well I'm pleasantly surprised if GPSAndCo wrong and ASUSTeK will please its fans with something more productive and powerful. By the way, the estimated price, which says a source not so "average" - a maximum of 600 eur (around $ 780). It is a lot in the concept of an average price of the group does not fit, even with the complete set of navigation software and digital maps. It is expected that the placing on the market in April or May of this year. The second novelty of which the source said the information - this is ASUS P3xx (accurate labeling is not yet known). The model is a smartphone which has become in recent years been a familiar candybar with a horizontally oriented display and a QWERTY-keyboard. Presumably this will be a smartphone for third generation networks, respectively, as direct competitors can be considered such models as the Samsung i600 and have not yet formally submitted HTC S650 (Cavalier). However, both models can work not only in networks of UMTS (3G) but also in the high-speed standard HSDPA (3,5 G), should not also forget about the promised update model Motorola MOTO Q with support for HSDPA. Do ASUS P3xx also claimed only UMTS, with no mention of HSDPA. Maybe it's inaccurate, and probably not the same dislike to the ASUS standard EDGE. If fears are correct, then the model will lose potential competitors in terms of supporting HSDPA and EDGE. The remaining communications capabilities raises no objections, they are consistent with modern requirements. Well as to the merits of future innovations, of course, can be attributed not the usual 128 MB of memory ROM, and 256MB. That no one has Samsung i600, neither HTC S650. Nimble processor that, in general, traditionally ASUSTeK. In this regard, future innovation is not going to concede to competitors.

In the description and photos, which were presented GPSAndCo, there is one conspicuous discrepancy. Display declared a diagonal 2.8 inches, that is the same size that of the ASUS P526, but as seen in comparative photos, it differs in size in the smaller side. Thus, the advantage over their rivals in the amount of display ASUS P3xx not get it.

UMTS (2100 MHz) and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS class 10
2.8-inch display with QVGA (320x240 pixels), 65K colors
Front camera for video calls and a 2-megapixel camera
QWERTY-keyboard
Intel Xscale processor with a clock frequency of 416 MHz
Memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
Slot for microSD memory cards
Wi-Fi (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
MiniUSB 1.1
Weight - 130 grams
Operating system Windows Mobile 6 (Crossbow)

Thus, if all expectations are met, we have a modern smartphone is definitely worthwhile, though not carrying something innovative. The only thing what ASUS P3xx can outshine the competition with a favorable set of circumstances - an operating system if it will actually work on Windows Mobile 6.0, and rivals some reason - no. However, this slowness of competitors would be very strange. What conclusions, do, of course, too early at least until the official presentation, which will be known the exact capabilities of the model, and will be adjusted such nuance as parameters of the battery and so on. Perhaps this model will be presented by the manufacturer later than the ASUS P526, since it is expected that the market for the novelty hit is not too soon - in about the third quarter. By the way at that time in Russia already promised to launch third generation services.

Communicators from Gigabyte: speed and a VGA-display

It seems that prepared for the exhibition and the company Gigabyte Communications. While official statements from it have been reported, but some information about the two updates already penetrated the network. This pair of communicators based on Windows Mobile. The first of these, supposedly named the GSmart t600, designed to strengthen the area with a TV-functionality. Recall that four of the five currently communicators Gigabyte as one of its major functions offer reception of analog or digital TV. It is expected that the GSmart t600 is equipped with a second model Gigabyte display with a resolution VGA. The first was GSmart i200, it was announced last fall, and as far as we know at this point, not yet on sale. In this regard, interestingly, guess whether the producer to make a larger display than the GSmart i200, whose diagonal is 2.69 inches. On the other hand, small displays can already be considered "corporate" style communicators from Gigabyte and the hope that the company depart from its practice during this time is limited and will give a higher resolution image clarity.Source rumor web site Geekzone, among the supported GSmart t600 broadcast standards generously indicates a range of - DVB-T, DVB-H, DAB and T-DMB. Such diversity in a single model is unlikely, most likely it will be different versions for different regions of distribution. In addition, states the ability to record TV programs. Regarding the second device at the moment we know even less. He is expected to be called the GSmart q60. It should become the first model from Gigabyte Communications, able to work in the 3,5 G-standard HSDPA. According to the source, it will be available optionally in a version with GPS-module and a version with support for mobile TV. Thus, the company and are not moving away from addiction to TV-functionality. However, the manifest and the second trend - greater attention to the treatment of the navigation model. Recall that the release of its first device with a GPS-module, the company announced not long ago - in late January. Based on the prevailing tradition of Gigabyte names, we can assume that the full names of these two versions (GPS and TV) would be different another symbol, most likely figure that was set based on «GSmart q60». As far as this rumor is true, should become clearer soon.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

LG also announced the new Windows Mobile devices in the network has information that LG Electronics has developed a pair of new devices based on Windows Mobile. She had produced such a model, but they did not extend beyond the mother for the manufacturer of the South Korean market. The current design also is rumored to focus on the international market, including the U.S. and Europe. Introduced last year in the international arena line LG Chocolate phone has been very successful, and Windows Mobile news may well extend this series. As reported by Business Week, one of the models will have a touch screen and interface will be sharpened to manage through it, instead of a button. Probably, it is about the development of ideas phone LG PRADO, which was announced shortly after the iPhone has some similar qualities, including an interface that focuses on the touch screen. Have probably no surprise that the announcement is expected at the 3GSM World Congress. Issue also the first models expected to take place in spring.

Soft-panorama of the week

Spb Mobile Shell: a new interface for Pocket PC with a new product made by a Russian software developer Spb Software House. Spb Mobile Shell - is, in fact, a new interface for the Pocket PC, allows you to work with the device without using the stylus by pressing a specially customized icons with your fingers. In the usual Pocket PC interface is difficult to implement because the icons are usually too small. Shell only works with devices running Windows Mobile 5. Read a review of this program is already possible in the "Library" on HPCru.

NetFront 3.5: new browser for mobile phones 3G-Access Systems Company has disclosed a new version of its browser NetFront. Version of NetFront 3.5 is designed mainly for mobile phones, smartphones and communicators, the third generation. It is expected that the parameters of the new version will allow more convenient to use the services of Web 2.0. Stated more easy to use and more smooth processing of AJAX-content. Specifications are supported OMA Browsing 2.3, and Scalable Vector Graphics SVG Tiny 1.2. The company also announced three new features. Smart Slider Menu is a toolbar for quick access to frequently used functions, Smart Swing Navi - The original way of "intuitive" scrolling content, which allows you to scroll through the content, or to change its scale by moving the phone vertically or horizontally when the built-in camera, and the last of the alleged new features - Smart Page Viewmark, designed to optimize the viewing, for that she "remembers" the viewing preferences of each page, for example, the font size. It is expected that the new release in the fall.

smart2go: free mapping and navigation fee from Nokia smart2go - a mapping and navigation service presented by Nokia. He for the most part free - you can download maps and make routes more than 150 countries, but in order to take advantage of GPS-functions such as step by step instructions, you must subscribe to a paid service. The oddest thing here is what - the company intends to present a version of smart2go not only for its platform S60, but also for Windows Mobile 5.0, so once again acknowledging the weight of the OC on the market. The approximate version for Windows Mobile 5.0 will be available February 12. Subsequently, the version should be available for Series 40, Linux and other devices based on Windows Mobile. It is curious that the Palm platform and UIQ, Nokia ignored.

Nokia updates S60 3rd Edition software platform Next update S60 3rd Edition announced by Nokia. Recall that the first smartphone based on the previous update - S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1, were announced in the autumn of 2006. S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 is designed primarily for mid-end smartphones. The main new features is considered to accelerate the development of applications, increasing productivity, simplicity and ease of use.

Software developers will appreciate the ability to use environment Open C, which gives access to the standard library C + +, and consequently accelerates the process of software development. To improve performance, has maintained, for example, the technology of virtual memory paging on demand. As part of the convenience offered better work with messages, the ability to play multimedia content without waiting for the download, as well as better support for multitasking. If the S60 3d Edition uses Symbian OS 9.1, and Feature Pack 1 - Version 9.2, Feature Pack 2 based already on Symbian OS 9.3. Nokia plans to provide updates available to producers S60-smartphones in the second quarter of 2007.

UIQ 3.1: A regular extension of the family UIQ UIQ Technology did not lag behind and also updated the platform based on Symbian. Svezhevypuschennaya version UIQ 3.1 based on Symbian OS 9.2. It expands opportunities for developers of devices on the configuration soft keys, simplifies work in a multi-mode and provides support for scalable vector graphics. Users can easily switch between applications with a list of Task list. Specification support SVG Tiny 1.2 will seamlessly handle the high-quality images and animations, which in turn makes it possible, for example, to use animated icons.

Business panorama of the week

Sony Ericsson gained control of UIQ Technology Company Sony Ericsson completed the acquisition of UIQ Technology, passing all the necessary stages and the instances. If you have previously UIQ Technology has been a subsidiary of Symbian, but now it has completely passed under the control of Sony Ericsson. The process began in November last year. UIQ Technology will now operate as a separate subsidiary of Sony Ericsson. As promised the company UIQ platform will remain open and will be licensed under the same conditions as before. Record sales of PDA is estimated to analysts at Gartner, business market PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) situation is not bad - in 2006, was registered a record volume of shipments - 17.7 million units, which is 18,4% more than the 2005 results. It should be noted that Gartner uses for its statistics rather non-standard terminology - in the PDA category it belongs to the CCP, as well as some communicators and smartphones, for example, HP iPAQ 69xx, Motorola Q and Nokia E61, while devices such as the Treo 750 smartphone, and it considers in these statistics do not take into account. It is curious that 60% of the PDA in the past year were able to work in cellular networks, while in 2005 this figure was only 47%. The main factor of intensive development PDA market has become, according to analysts, data access and mobile environment, especially mobile e-mail.

Hard-panorama of the week

Ultra Smart F700: touchscreen and a bunch of buttons in addition Samsung Electronics Company announced an unusual device Ultra Smart F700, explicitly claiming the laurels of the recently announced phone iPhone from Apple.In appearance it much resembles this particular cult phone, only obzavedshiysya sliding from side QWERTY-keyboard. Call it a smartphone does not allow the uncertainty to the platform on which the device works - the manufacturer has taken a Windows-based and made my own setup as a management interface. Hopefully, soon will be available for details. As well as the iPhone, the novelty is equipped with touch screen (a diagonal of 2.78 inches, the resolution 440h240 pixels), and the interface is oriented almost besknopochnoe control (unless you use the QWERTY). One of the highlights - the use of technology VibeTonz, which allows you to feel tactile feedback when pressed on the screen as if it was pressed this button. In general, a device designed to cause the admiration of lovers of latest technology - for example, supports high-speed data HSDPA, a built-in camera has a resolution of 5 MP. New products will be showcased at the 3GSM World Congress.

Treo 750 released from the carrier networks in the free sale of the Company Palm announced the release of free sale in Europe Treo 750 smartphone. Recall that last fall he went operator Vodafone, but in the beginning of this - the operator Cingular Wireless in the U.S.. Deprived of a suffix v (name sounded like a Treo 750v), the model seems to have acquired a talent for HSPDA, as during the initial release of the Vodafone company of no small importance of this possibility is not mentioned. However, the Cingular device is already listed as supporting service BroadbandConnect, which is granted on the basis of HSPDA. Recall that the Treo 750 was at the time the first product from Palm-based operating system Windows Mobile, released in Europe, but also the first Windows Mobile Treo with networking support UMTS.

The authors, translation:

K. Nemo