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A closer look at Windows Mobile codename "Crossbow"
If you've been thinking that Windows Mobile 5 could use a little spit 'n polish (and not much else), new screen shots coming in from GpsPasSion seem to confirm our hunch that that's pretty much how Crossbow rolls. The successor to Windows Mobile 5 -- whose real name and version number is not yet known -- looks less like a new operating system and more like a skin every time we lay eyes on it. To be fair, that's not to say there's nothing notably new here: these Smartphone caps indicate the presence of honest-to-goodness Word, Excel, and Powerpoint apps, Windows Update (FOTA perhaps?), and the previously-revealed Office Communicator stuff. It also looks like Crossbow's refined UI might finally rely on the presence of a 320 x 240 display to do its business, and rest assured, 220 x 176 will not be missed.[Thanks, Paul]
Cingular hooks up with TeleNav for LBS
Following its CDMA and iDEN competitors headlong into the hot location-based services game, Cingular is finally poised mark their first wide-scale LBS deployment by hooking up with TeleNav to offer turn-by-turn navigation to its customers. Though the service will be marketed mainly toward the carrier's business users, pretty much anyone with a lousy sense of direction stands to benefit, with both auto and pedestrian modes included in the box. It'll be offered starting at $5.99 a month for 10 uses or $9.99 for unlimited use on the HP hw6920, Treo 650, Cingular 8125, and the just-'round-the-corner 8525, though handsets without GPS receivers (that is, pretty much anything but the HP) will need to hook up to an external Bluetooth unit to make it all happen.
E-TEN shows thin X500 Pocket PC phone
In a world of 6.9mm-thick phones, we use the term "thin" somewhat loosely, but what the heck -- it is a full fledged Pocket PC phone, after all. E-TEN's latest, the X500, manages to pack Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expansion, 802.11g, FM radio, GPS, and a 2-megapixel autofocus shooter into a sub-15mm frame sporting Windows Mobile 5 with AKU3. The device also rocks 64MB of RAM, 128MB of ROM, and a respectable 400MHz Samsung core, though the complete lack of 3G is starting to become a sore spot for us. No details on when or where the X500 might drop (or how much it might be, for that matter) on account of it not officially having been announced quite yet, but we'll keep our ear to the ground on this one.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
Airis' GPS-enabled T610 and T620 PDAs won't break the bank
We're not sure who's still snatching up these old-fashioned "personal digital assistants" (or PDAs -- for you kids out there, they're like smartphones without the phone; weird, right?), but apparently some people are still interested in do-it-all devices that don't really do it all, so Spanish manufacturer Airis has broken off two new GPS-equipped models on the cheap. As far as cellular-free handhelds go, the Windows Mobile 5-powered T610 and T620 are pretty feature-packed, each sporting a 400MHz Samsung CPU, 3.5-inch QVGA display, 64MB RAM / 128MB ROM, Bluetooth 2.0, SiRFStar III satellite receiver, and a regular SD slot to hold your maps and various multimedia swag. On top of all that, the T620 also throws down an 802.11b/g radio, making it even more attractive than some of the pricier Garmin iQue models that we've seen. Best of all, either unit can be picked up for a song, with the T610 priced at €220 ($278) and its big brother going for a very reasonable €289 ($365). Still, without the ability to pull in live traffic updates like a PocketPC phone loaded up with TomTom, we'd probably take a pass here (man, are we spoiled).[Via Digital-Lifestyles]
O2 Xda Stealth in the flesh
We're still smarting from the thought that O2's sexy little Pocket PC slider has virtually no shot of ever gracing US shores, but that doesn't stop us from torturing ourselves with an endless onslaught of fabulous visual stimuli. PhoneDaily's quick take on the Gigabyte-manufactured Xda Stealth is a bit tricky to translate (we suggest spoon-feeding paragraphs into Google Translate one at a time), but let's be honest -- pics are what we're all here for. As a reminder, the diminutive Windows Mobile device packs 802.11g and a healthy 192MB of ROM on board, which'll come in handy when you're making use of the 2-megapixel cam. If you're capable of subjecting yourself to photo after beautiful photo of a great-looking device that'll never find its way here, click through for the full spread.[Thanks, Dida]
HTC Trinity's GPS receiver lies dormant
Just when we thought HTC couldn't physically stuff any more receivers into their Trinity, here we find out that the HSDPA Pocket PC has GPS guts crammed in there, too. The catch? They're turned off for the time being. From what we can gather from Google's oft-comical translation services, HTC discovered very late in the game that the GPS subsystem didn't play nice with Qualcomm's GSM chipset; rather than hold the release, they decided to disable the nav functionality for the time being and press on with the launch. Worry not, early adopters; a software update is promised for early next year that'll iron everything out, making the Trinity a solid alternative to its GPS-enabled (but 3G-impaired) Artemis sibling.
"Krma" from izenMobile blurs Pocket PC / Smartphone lines
San Diego-based izenMobile (no, we haven't heard of them either) looks to take a page from the ASUS P525's book, combining a numeric keypad with Windows Mobile's Pocket PC Phone Edition platform to create the "Krma," a distinctly Motorola-esque name, if we do say so ourselves. We don't have much to go on other than the crappy press shot (above) and a somewhat vague press release, which falls short on detailing the Krma's specs but promises that the handset is the first of several (as many as seven) to be released over the coming year. izenMobile says they'll be initially targeting businesses in North and South America with their devices, but if the spec sheet fills the bill and actual Krma is as hot as the picture seems to indicate, we anticipate a few individuals trying to get in on the action.
Singapore to get Palm Treo 750v
Cingular may still be playing dumb about its next-gen Treo launch plans -- but Vodafone and their partner network in Singapore, M1, are happy to share theirs. It turns out that M1 will be launching the Windows Mobile-powered 750v in October of this year, 3G data and all, which could ultimately make it just the second launch for the stubless Treo globally (after Vodafone proper). This all depends, of course, on whether Cingular wants to get off its hindquarters and kick things into high gear; we're not holding our breath, so enjoy your 15 seconds of fame, M1.[Via the::unwired]
T-Mobile leaks Dash docs, October 16 confirmed
While we'd secretly hoped we'd see the T-Mobile Dash before September was out, we've gotten hold of some internal T-Mobile documentation that tells us October 16 is the date. We've always been told not to look a gift horse in the mouth (whatever that means) so we're going to keep our mouths shut and just thank the good folks at T-Mobile for seeing fit to launch HTC's Q-munching Excalibur at all. Keep reading for a transcript of their "Selling Aid" cheat sheet for the Dash -- something tells us it'll pretty much sell itself, but kudos to T-Mob for making sure their peeps are properly informed![Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Vodafone's Treo 750v gets an actual launch date
Now that we know the Treo 750 is poised for a Cingular release here in the US, we're kind of over Vodafone's version of this Windows Mobile 5 smartphone, but because we've got mad love for our European audience, we'll keep covering it until they pry us kicking and screaming from our keyboards. Following numerous spy shots, reviews, and announcements regarding this device, there's pretty much nothing that we don't know about its feature set -- quad-band GSM with UMTS, 300MHz CPU, 240 x 240 pixel screen, Bluetooth 1.2, miniSD expansion, 1.3 megapixel camera, and of course, still no WiFi -- but despite all the interest, a solid release date has yet to be announced. Well, until now that is, as Vodafone has finally updated its UK site to list an October 2nd launch (why do we feel like this thing has been "launched" like ten times already?), with that same vague pricing window of "free to £127.66 ($242.90)." So, congratulations dear friends across the pond, you'll have your gadget-loving hands all over the 750v in a few short days; us Americans, meanwhile, are just preparing ourselves to go through the whole dog-and-pony show of leaks, rumors, and false starts all over again.[Thanks, Nirav M.]
LG has a Windows Mobile Smartphone in the wings?
What with their crosstown rival getting all serious about their own Windows Mobile efforts, it sounds like LG has decided it's high time to throw their own name in the hat. In a recent interview with NewMobile, LG's Dirk Jan van Heteren let it slip that the Korean powerhouse has a Windows Mobile Smartphone baking in the oven, promising that it'll be "unique" among the current crop of devices in the marketplace. Not surprisingly, he's mentioned that the device will make heavy use of the heat-sensitive tech employed on many of LG's higher-end feature phones (most notably the Chocolate series) and will come in a candybar form factor. That's about all that we know at this point, though NewMobile has indicated that they should know more in the February 3GSM time frame. Hey, LG, while you're still working out the details on this thing, let's make sure not to forget GSM 850 and HSDPA 850 / 1900, mkay?[Via CoolSmartPhone, thanks Kerunt]Update: For the record, LG's been a Windows Mobile licensee for some time, producing several Pocket PCs over the years. None of those devices has been launched globally, and this appears to be their first Smartphone effort as well -- let's hope it sees duty outside Korean borders.
ASUS shows nav-enabled P535
If you're willing to trade the P525's honest-to-goodness numeric keypad for an embedded SiRF Star III GPS antenna, ASUS is about to drop your hookup with the upcoming P535. The Pocket PC Phone Edition device is rumored to come packing some serious heat with an XScale humming along at a generous 520MHz, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11g, a 2-megapixel cam, and a miniSD slot in the event that 256MB of internal flash doesn't cut it for you. No word on release, but without GSM 850, 3G, or EDGE on board, we're not getting too worked up about it.[Via Pocket PC Thoughts]
Paragon shows dual-mode "hipi-2200" Smartphone
We're, like, so over flush metal keypads, but we're going to let it slide just this once. Looking to bring a little more spit and polish than the original dual-mode hipi before it, Paragon Wireless' new hipi-2200 ups the ante with the inclusion of Windows Mobile 5 -- in a far more refined-looking package, to boot. With the exception of the lack of 3G (or even EDGE, for that matter) and the pedestrian 220 x 176 display, the spec sheet reads like a dream come true for Windows Mobile fans: 2-megapixel cam, microSD expansion, quadband GSM, SIP-based VoIP with seamless handoff, and a claimed 100 hours of standby with both GSM and WiFI radios turned on. Best of all, Paragon says the hipi-2200 is FCC certified, making a US release at least plausible. Likely? No, but we can dare to dream.[Via Mobilewhack]
Palm briefly confesses to Treo 680, 750 for Cingular
Dear Palm,Why is it that you have such a devil of a time keeping a lid on your product pipeline? It seems like in those precious few moments when your carriers aren't leaking documents describing unreleased Treos, you're doing it yourself. No bother; we already knew darned well Cingular would be getting a pair of new handsets from you, freshly freed of their pesky external antennas, in Palm OS and Windows Mobile flavors -- we just wish you'd make it a little more challenging to scoop the deets sometimes. Anyway, you've got a crowd of Palm fanatics anxiously awaiting your 680 and 750 here in the US, so let's get this show on the road, shall we?Love,Engadget[Thanks, William and Jon]
Cingular: we'll rock a Pearl in 2007
Cingular customers, we're afraid you're going to have to wait just a little bit longer to automatically ignore your calls. Though they say they'll still be getting a PTT-enabled version of the Pearl, it won't be coming until early 2007 now instead of the late 2006 we'd hoped for. By the time it comes, they'll hopefully have the ringer-silencing trackball issues worked out, but it sounds like it'll be going up against a strong competitor in the SGH-i607, a sprightly little smartphone that happens to pack 3G (not to mention a full keyboard) in a package every bit as small as the Pearl. Then again, we love a good showdown -- when it comes to smartphones dropping stateside, we say the more, the merrier.[Via Gadget Review]
O2 gets HTC Artemis as "Xda Orbit"
We're not really feeling the carrier-specific exterior (apparently known by HTC as the "Cruiser") as much as the sculpted lines of its generic sibling, but at least O2 Germany customers can take solace in the knowledge that they'll be getting some form of the nav-enabled device. The "Xda Orbit" brings all of that GPS, trackball, and WiFi goodness in a slightly more conservative package -- it's by no means ugly, just not as nifty as the original Artemis we're used to seeing strut its stuff. Look for the Xda Orbit to drop complete with a 512MB microSD card loaded with maps of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland for €249.99 (about $315) on contract in the next few weeks.[Via the::unwired]
Zenum's Opus Operis Pocket PC in November?
Don't shoot us -- we're just the messengers on this one, but an outfit going by the name "Zenum" is claiming that they'll be releasing their rather comely "Opus Operis" Pocket PC Phone Edition device come this November. If real (and we really have no basis to form an opinion one way or another on this), it's shaping up to be a hot handset, rocking a full keyboard, 128MB of ROM, 64MB of RAM, 802.11g, Bluetooth with A2DP, miniSD expansion, a 2-megapixel shooter, and a landscape-mounted QVGA display, all in an attractive, thin (looking) shell. Of course, with devices in this category, keyboard comfort is a huge factor, and we won't get a sense for that until this thing -- if this thing -- hits the streets. Sadly, the Opus Operis leaves both GSM 850 and EDGE out of the equation, so data-hungry users and Americans are probably best off looking elsewhere.
HTC's nav-friendly Artemis reviewed
French site Ultimate Pocket had a crack at the HTC Artemis this week, coming away with a solidly positive impression of the GPS-enabled unit. They were really digging the trackball (as were we), the comprehensive software package, and the FM radio support which allows direct-to-MP3 recording. The review doesn't really go into the device's GPS, and for folks planning on using the Artemis as their navigation system, it's an important point to touch on. What the author does mention is a rumor of a GPS-less version of the Artemis eventually dropping; given its exceptionally sexy chassis, we're all for it, but we don't have availability information (or even so much as an HTC code name) to back that one up right now -- we'll keep our eyes peeled.
ASUS P525 Pocket PC phone gets reviewed
CNET's Australian outpost had a chance to put the ASUS P525 smartphone through its paces recently, using the BlackBerry 7130 series and the just-launched HP iPAQ hw6900 series as measuring sticks. They found it compared favorably to both, clocking in a bit heavier (though similarly sized) to the 7130 and besting the hw6900 for battery endurance, though some folks cross-shopping the P525 with the hw6900 might be swayed by the latter's QWERTY keyboard nonetheless. Strangely, though the P525 includes business card recognition software, the reviewer found that the phone's 2-megapixel cam wasn't sufficient to deliver the clarity needed for the software to actually function. The lack of 3G is a downer, too, but hey -- it looks mighty purty, and that's the important thing with a smartphone, right?
HTC Trinity up close and personal
If our thumbs are a little cramped today, it's from incessantly trying to turn on this mockup (yeah, we found out a little late) of HTC's curvy Trinity at CTIA. Technically, we suppose this particular example lacks any sort of connectivity, but its production siblings manage to pack the trifecta of Bluetooth 2.0, HSDPA, and 802.11g all into one of HTC's best looking packages to date. That "BRAND" placeholder in the upper left got us to wondering: just how much would it lay us out to do a run of Engadget-branded pieces? If we have to ask, we're guessing we can't afford it.
