Mwc2009
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MWC day three: return of the Jedi
Okay, an Android RAZR would have been amazing, but sadly Motorola didn't announce anything at all at MWC, so our dreams are on hold for the moment. In fact, day three was bereft of any major announcements, but there was some action: Telstra boss Sol Trujillo's prototype HTC handset running Windows Mobile 6.5 was pickpocketed, we played with a few real Android prototypes, and we even saw Windows Mobile hacked into compatibility with a capacitive touchscreen. What else did we learn?
Google demos HTML5-based Maps on the Palm Pre
Looks like offline Gmail on the iPhone wasn't the only trick Google's Vic Gondotra has up his sleeve during his talk at MWC -- he also gave a quick demo of Google Maps running as a web app on the Palm Pre. Of course, what's interesting there is that the Pre's HTML-based SDK means that web apps can act like first class citizens on the device -- which is probably why Vic called the Pre "arguably one of my favorite devices." Hopefully that means we're going to see a lot more Pre devs really blur the line between local and cloud-based applications, but for now we'll just settle for the short demo video after the break.
SEVEN shows off Android e-mail client at MWC, may or may not be coming to Sprint's Android device
We know Sprint's been eyeing the G1 and that it's getting Samsung's Android phone by June, but if mobile software vendor SEVEN has anything to do with it, we now know a bit more about the device's e-mail client as well. Sprint's already a fan of the company's other offerings, and we anticipate they had something to do with this new Android version. The app uses SEVEN's push tech to get your e-mail almost instantaneously -- something that offline-enabled mobile Gmail probably can't do. Planned support for calendars, social networking, and instant messaging make this all the more enticing. A rep from the outfit promises that we'll see partnerships on "more than just Sprint in 2009" and we definitely hope this thing trickles down to the Android Marketplace in due time. There're a bunch more shots over at the read link, so if you're interested be sure to check them out.
Caption contest: the most depressing thing we've seen all day
We've seen many wonderful, exciting things at Mobile World Congress this year.This isn't one of them.Chris: "Listen, you (expletive), I'm only two months behind on the Easy Bake."Darren: "Hawha? Iaowe u six five dolars? Huh? Moommiieeee!"Josh: "It will be a $35 charge to reinstate service, and no, you can't have a cookie."Richard: "How could I have sent that many SMS? I can't even read. Put your manager on."Joe: "Is this what they mean by 'the future underwriting the present?'"Jose: "Sshhhh! I'm talking to my marketing consultant - he loves the banner!"Paul: "Sure, the hold times suck, but at least they play tunes from The Wiggles in the background."Nilay: "I'm sorry, but they just haven't taught us the difference between .002 dollars and .002 cents in math class yet."
Google demos offline Gmail for iPhone, Android at MWC
If you were thinking offline Gmail on your desktop was the greatest thing since sliced bread, prepare yourselves people. If an MWC keynote from Google's VP of engineering, Vic Gundotra, is any indication, the same functionality might be coming soon to an iPhone / Android phone near you. Amongst other things, the souped up web app boasts an overhauled interface, supports labels, and of course, offline access. Despite our own hunch that Google's just using black magic and voodoo to make this happen, Gundotra claims that it's all made possible through HTML5 standards -- AppCache being the biggie. This development certainly opens the doors to more offline-enabled web apps in the future -- Docs, anyone?. Of course, we know Apple has a thing about people messing with its own apps, so it's probably going to take some time / knee-breaking to get them to come around, but for some reason, we don't think it'll take as long with Android. There's a demo video available after the break, and please, try to contain yourselves.
Sygic demos turn-by-turn GPS app at MWC09
One of the most elusive and desired apps for iPhone is turn-by-turn GPS navigation. Just before the iPhone 3G hit the market, we heard that TomTom was developing a GPS navigator. To date, it hasn't shipped. Recently, the focus has been on xGPS, an app that requires a jailbroken iPhone to work. Since Apple says a) jailbreaking may be illegal and b) the terms of the SDK prohibit "real time route guidance," it seems like it may be a long time before we see legal turn-by-turn on the iPhone. This week, though, there was some light at the end of the GPS tunnel. At Mobile World Congress 2009 (MWC09) in Barcelona, Spain, Sygic is demoing a version of their namesake GPS navigation software running on an iPhone 3G. According to a post on The iPhone Blog, the Sygic software uses maps from TeleAtlas, the same company that supplies map data for Google Maps. Sygic produces similar software for Windows Mobile and Symbian devices. From the screenshots in the post, the app appears to be similar to what many of us are used to with our TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan car navigation systems. Whether or not Sygic will be lucky enough to get this one into the App Store is unknown, but this app is definitely worth watching. Thanks to Topper for the tip!
NTT docomo and Sharp show projector phone at MWC
We had a brief peek at yest another pico projecting set at MWC, this time an NTT docomo Samsung affair without a name, price, or even a release date. Specs are as sketchy as these are usable in a brightly lit room, but the hopes are this device will be used for services like mobile TV, home theater (yeah, right), document editing, presentations, and video calling. We were enthused to see the mock ups (pictured above) of where the design of this device could go -- and we're hoping that by next year the bricks we've seen lately will be gone and sleek design will become the norm. We filmed a bit of it in action and honestly, we've seen TI's pico projector before and it doesn't seem to have changed significantly. Follow the link to see the media. %Gallery-45199%
Gigabyte shows off 10-inch M1028 convertible netbook
If you thought Gigabyte's M912 mini convertible tablet was hot stuff, get a load of this. Expected to be officially unveiled at CeBIT, the company just couldn't resist bringing along a M1028 demo unit to MWC in order to mix things up. Reportedly, the swivel-screen netbook was equipped with a comparatively roomy 10-inch display (1,024 x 600), and packed within was a standard issue Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet, optional WWAN module, an SD card slot, ExpressCard, VGA output, a trio of USB ports, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and Windows XP Home. We ought to hear (and see) more when we land at CeBIT in just under a fortnight, but for now, you can see a Gigabyte-approved "sneak peek" vid just after the break.[Via jkkmobile]
Thievery at MWC! Telstra exec's HTC with WinMo 6.5 stolen
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/odd_stuff/Thievery_at_MWC_Telstra_exec_s_HTC_with_WinMo_6_5_stolen'; It's not clear if Telstra chief Sol Trujillo was sporting an HTC Touch Pro2 or a Touch Diamond2 at MWC this week, but one thing's for sure: he's doesn't have it anymore. A pickpocket apparently lifted the handset off another Teslsta exec who was checking it out today -- and making matters worse, it was running an early build of Windows Mobile 6.5. Oops. Of course, we doubt Microsoft is too concerned -- 6.5 ROMs are leaking all over the place anyway -- but it looks like Sol's picking up Ballmer's tab at the bar tonight.[Thanks, Boy Genius]
Samsung WMG100 brings OmniaHD video to the television, via WiFi
Just how the Samsung OmniaHD's video could reach directly from phone to TV screen was a bit of a mystery until the Engadget Spanish crew spotted the WMG100. Don't already own one of Samsung's high end sets with WiFi and DLNA built in? This dongle bridges the gap with all the necessary tech built in, pushing a max 480p (whether HD streaming to other devices from the OmniaHD will work is unknown) from its mini HDMI or component outputs for around €160 ($200), and is already available in Korea with a European debut planned for this spring. The idea that we'd ever get tired of watching that sweet AMOLED display is a bit of a reach, but just in case check out the gallery for some hands on pics.%Gallery-45209%
General Mobile's DSTL1 Android phone eyes-on
Never mind the Magic -- we've run across another Android device lurking in the midst at MWC, and if you squint, you might just see some HTC influence in this one, too. We'd heard General Mobile's dual-SIM DSTL1 would launch here, granted, but given its reasonably high-end look and the fact that we'd only seen renders ahead of the show, you have to appreciate our skepticism. Of course, we're delighted to be proven wrong in these sorts of situations, and we had a chance to play around with a DSTL1 today; WQVGA feels weak and there might be just a little too much Touch Diamond influence, but you have to respect the 5 megapixel AF cam, 4GB of internal storage plus microSD expansion, dual SIM slots, and on-board FM radio. Ultimately, the fact that this thing'll only be available in two tri-band EDGE flavors kills the dream, but goodness, these guys are getting close, aren't they? Follow the break for video!%Gallery-45202%
Samsung Show hands-on and video at MWC
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Samsung_Show_Projector_Phone_hands_on_and_video'; The Engadget Spanish team just got their hands on the Samsung Show (the European, i7410 model) projector phone that we first caught a sneak peek of a CES. The Show's projector is powered by Texas Instruments' DLP pico technology, and though the fact that it packs a projector does increase the bulkiness of the phone as far as looks are concerned, the phone is still rather small and light. The Show can project an image of anywhere from five to fifty inches, with a 480 x 320 resolution. It's got a 3.2-inch WQVGA touchscreen, the TouchWiz UI and also boasts a 5 megapixel camera. There are plans for this bad dude to hit Asia and Europe (but no word on if it'll ever make its way to North America), but we still haven't heard when, nor how much it'll cost when it arrives. Check the video after the break. [Via Engadget Spanish]%Gallery-45193%
Editorial: Ten reasons why Windows Mobile 6.5 misses the mark
The talk this week at Mobile World Congress has been largely positive about Microsoft's latest iteration of its smartphone UI, Windows Mobile 6.5. Still, some of us at Engadget (well, one of us, at least), feel like the folks in Redmond missed the mark by a longshot. Instead of demonstrating its technical prowess and vast resources, Microsoft limped out a half-hearted rehash of an OS we've seen all too much of, and managed to blind most onlookers with a storm of big time partnerships and bloated PR. While their major competitors (and even some allies) in the mobile space seem bent on changing ideas about how we interact with our portable devices, the company proved once again that it's content to rest on its laurels and learn little from its mistakes.To give you another side of the story -- a side which I think Microsoft has done an immaculate job of hiding this week -- here's ten reasons why Windows Mobile 6.5 disappoints.
Neo hands-on with MWC lineup
UK and Dubai-based neo is at MWC this week with a collection of handsets giving us a peek into the now and what the company plans for the future. We take a few minutes with neo's Senior VP, Amjad Ali as he walks us through the ins and out of the tiny 808i, the neo Ellipse, the neo Steel, neo Flip, and the up and coming neo 909. The Ellipse and the 909 are the standouts in the group, what with the really slick design of the Ellipse and the potential Androidness and maybe even 3G coming to the potential redesign of the 909. These sets all live in Asian markets now and that's well reflected in the pricing and features, but we're always enthused to see folks making a solid effort to bring something interesting to the lower-end market. Follow on for a gallery of the sets and a video hands-on interview.%Gallery-45175%
WiMAX-equipped Samsung SWD-M100D MID spotted at MWC
We've been waiting on more details about a "forthcoming" Samsung MID for what feels like centuries now, but if a recent find is what it says it is, we'd say a Samsung-branded, WiMAX-enabled Mobile Internet Device is pretty close to production. The so-called SWD-M100D was spotted chillin' out, relaxin' all cool at Sammy's MWC WiMAX kiosk, which makes perfect sense given its ability to connect to WiMAX networks. Unfortunately, it was caught running WinMo 6.1, though the slide out QWERTY keyboard, 3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR module, 4.3-inch touchscreen, microSD slot and TV output were all welcome inclusions. Samsung's PR folks have been somewhat dodgy so far, but a recent press release about its innovation in the WiMAX space specifically makes mention of an elusive MID. We're on to you, Samsung, and we're not looking away for even a second.[Via Pocketables]Read - In the wild shotsRead - Samsung release
Engadget Mobile Podcast 009 - 02.18.2009: MWC Edition
So we've wrapped up the first two days of Mobile World Congress, and it's about time for a rundown of some of our favorite (and least favorite) things of the show. As usual, we go into the podcast with every intention of getting it done inside of a set time limit, but... well, you know us. Note: Due to some unforeseen technical difficulties during the recording of the show, we lost one of our two audio tracks, which makes hearing Sean a little tough. (An early failure analysis indicates that it might be instant karma for calling the Idou awesome.) Our apologies! Hosts: Chris Ziegler and Sean CooperSpecial Guest: Paul MillerProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Solvent - Devices and Strategies (Ghostly International) Sony Ericsson Idou hands-on and video walkthrough Live from Nokia's MWC 2009 press conference Nokia Ovi Store unveiled, launches in May Nokia E75 hands-on Nokia E55 hands-on Samsung OmniaHD hands-on, now with more TouchWiz Windows Mobile 6.5 walkthrough with Engadget (now with video!) Microsoft My Phone now live, in screenshots First hands-on with the HTC Touch Diamond2 (with video!) First hands-on with the HTC Touch Pro2 (with video!) Toshiba TG01 hands-on and video walkthrough HTC Magic in-depth hands-on, with video! NVIDIA's Tegra in the flesh, booting to Android and pumping out 1080p videoSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)Contact the podcastpodcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.
SerComm intros 3G femtocell / DSL WiFi router combo
Ubiquisys is on a serious tear here at Mobile World Congress, dishing out not one, but two partnerships in the integrated home gateway arena. If you'll recall, we already heard that said outfit has helped Netgear push out a femtocell / DSL WiFi router combo, and now it looks like SerComm will be doing likewise. Its FC210U is now readily available to deliver increased cellular coverage, WiFi and DSL services in homes, though you can bet this one's currently reserved for markets not named USA. Which is a crying shame, for the record.
i-mate's 810F and Centurion handled with wild abandon
Technically, i-mate's only official announcement at MWC this year is the mega-rugged 810-F that'll withstand 140 degrees of heat, 14 degrees of cold, water resistance, and shock resistance courtesy of a nasty rubber casing, but it's certainly not going to appeal to the average consumer -- especially consumers who aren't wearing clown pants with one-liter pockets. So to that end, the company is also showing off a Windows Mobile Standard device codenamed "Centurion" -- and we're pretty sure this is the most compelling device i-mate has ever made. The version we saw was literally the first working prototype they've assembled, which meant it was creaky, wobbly, and felt like it could break at a moment's notice, but we're not taking too much stock in that; the more important thing to note is that it's freakin' tiny. The keyboard was too mushy from its overwhelming prototype-ness to take stock of whether it'll actually be usable in production, but our quick impression gives us hope that it might be wide enough to get the job done. The battery is absolutely tiny, so i-mate will be throwing in a battery wallet (remember the Upstage?) to help mitigate the problem -- they didn't have a wallet ready to show, but even with such an accessory tacked on, you're still looking at a smartphone leaps and bounds smaller than pretty much anything else you've used. There's no date on the Centurion's launch, but they're targeting mid-year -- and yes, both the 810-F and Centurion will get free Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrades. Cheers to that.%Gallery-45110%%Gallery-45116%
Samsung teases wrists with GT-S1100 watch at MWC
Remember what LG did at CES last year? Those crafty sons of guns showed off a shockingly decent-looking concept watch phone that ended up seeing a production announcement exactly one year later. Not to be outdone by its crosstown rival, Samsung came to MWC this year with a timeline showing its nearly decade-long history of designing and selling watch phones -- and interestingly, the rightmost entry in the timeline was dated "2009." We couldn't get any solid information on the GT-S1100, but like LG's GD910, the device features a full touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a speakerphone (probably a good thing for a phone you can't put up to your ear without getting a lot of odd looks). 'Course, in all likelihood, this is just another chapter in the book of Samsung heartbreak -- it'll either never see production or get released by precisely one carrier in precisely one country, then promptly fade into oblivion -- but it's looking awfully production-friendly. Same time, same place next year, Sammy -- just make sure you guys bring something more than a dummy behind a glass case this time, k?%Gallery-45165%
Freeplay's ZipCharge spotted, priced and dated
Freeplay's ZipCharge has already made its debut, but it's showing itself once more at Mobile World Congress now that it has a definitive ship date and price. For those out of the loop, this here power stick can charge up in just ten minutes, and the supplied cable provides all sorts of tips to juice up whatever random gadget you have laying around (Palm's Foleo notwithstanding). The device is expected to splash down on store shelves this April for around £60 ($85), and you can peek a few more hands-on shots in the read link below.
