Omnia7
Latest
Windows Phone 8 reportedly coming to 'all' WP smartphones (updated)
We've heard it rumored, but this is as close to an official confirmation as we've seen. Windows Phone 8, affectionately known as Apollo 'round these parts, will reportedly be available on every single Windows Phone device to ever ship. Let that sink in a second. Now that you've been appropriately wowed, we'll point you to the video just after the break, which shows a Microsoft spokesperson affirming that "all" devices -- including those first-generation handsets from LG and Samsung -- will be included in the WP8 rollout. No details regarding timing were revealed -- and it remains to be seen if this will prove true in the States, where carriers have just as much say on updates as the OEMs -- but you can consider us cautiously optimistic in the meantime. Update: Hard to say if wires have been crossed, but The Verge is reporting that while apps are included in the upgrade path, the spokesperson here may have been incorrect in his assumptions that devices will be upgraded in due time. At this point, we're left to wait for Microsoft to clear things up. So, Microsoft -- care to clarify?
Windows Phone patch comes to Sprint and Orange, beefs up security
Windows Phone owners start your engines -- or at least your Zune software. First promised three weeks ago, Microsoft is ready to roll out the "7392" post-NoDo update to phones on Sprint in the US and Orange in Europe (with one exception: updates to the Omnia 7 will be meted out in phases). It's not a Mango-sized update, so you'll be sorely disappointed if you're yearning for new features; the 7392 refresh is a security patch that fixes fraudulent third-party certificates that could lead to phishing attacks or content spoofing, and that's it. If you still haven't put NoDo on your phone, however, 7392 will bundle both updates together in one package. On one last note, it looks like phones previously updated using "unofficial mechanisms" are still unable to get the refresh. If that's not a concern, the security patch can be installed through your computer if you're so inclined.
Samsung Omnia 7 patch resistance resolved using, well... resistors of course (video)
Omnia 7 owners just can't get a break. Sure, life seemed dandy after Samsung released a utility that promised to resolve future update headaches, but that assumed everyone would be able to apply the fix. Unfortunately, Sammy's tool requires users to put their phone into download mode to get the patch -- a feat that devices with bootloader v4.10.1.9 simply cannot perform. Understandably, some frustrated folks are taking matters into their own hands after discovering a way to fool the Omnia 7's circuitry, which forces the phone to enter download mode with the help of a 301KOhm resistor (although three 100KOhm resistors in series work fine most of the time). It's not a pretty solution, but seems to be working for many. Hit the break for a video detailing the trickery -- RadioShack will surely appreciate the business.
Samsung Omnia 7 patch promises brick-free WP7 updates
That latest WP7 update, the post-NoDo tweak dubbed 7392, has apparently been giving some Samsung handsets fits. This time though, the company has taken matters into its own hands and has released a patch for the Omnia 7 that should solve any issues with applying the latest Windows Phone refresh (Focus owners will have to remain patient). The fix should work for all future updates as well, but considering the rather tumultuous history of WP7 and Samsung, we're staying cautiously optimistic on that claim. Check out the source link for the Update Support Tool and the instructional PDF -- and don't forget to actually run the Zune software to score that sweet 7392 update when you're done. [Thanks, jjr]
HTC Surround users getting NoDo, Samsung Omnia 7 and Focus owners sticking to scissors and glue
Despite Microsoft overcoming some initial hurdles with NoDo's rollout, its latest round of updates suggest Windows Phone is taking one step forward (and two steps back) with delivering copy / paste functionality to everyone. As encouragement, the company began delivering NoDo for HTC's Surround today -- which we're really hoping doesn't necessitate a follow-up story. Meanwhile, rollouts to Samsung's Omnia 7 are on hold due to technical issues, and some Focus owners aren't receiving the update properly, supposedly due to different supplies of flash memory. In both cases, MS insists it's working on a solution. Lastly -- just when you'd thought we'd covered all the Windows Phone news fit to publish -- Microsoft is releasing an important security update which corrects digital certificates that may be used to spoof provider content. Let's just hope the vulnerability can be fixed without that much fanfare.
Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China
If smartphone platforms are legitimized by a KIRF manufacturer's tenacity to rip them off, then Windows Phone has truly arrived. Today we're looking at a larger than life "HTC"-branded knock-off of the Omnia 7, replete with an 800 x 480 4.8-inch (!) capacitive touchscreen and 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Given the massive size of this phone, there's plenty of room for features, which include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS connectivity, along with a five megapixel camera, dual-SIMs and two microSD slots (for up to 32GB storage). Whew. Impressive specs aside, the device comes saddled with Windows Mobile 6.5 -- which has been heavily modified to resemble WP7's tile interface. There's no word yet on pricing -- just ask someone selling phones on a blanket the next time you're in Shenzhen, okay?
Microsoft pulls Windows Phone 7 update from Samsung phones until it can resolve issues
Such a big load of trouble for such a small update. Microsoft's first WP7 firmware refresh has been causing some unfortunate brick-like behavior in Samsung Omnia 7s and the company has wisely decided to pull the new software back until it can correct whatever's going wrong. An official communiqué to WinRumors says Microsoft has identified the issue at hand and is working to correct it and redistribute the update as soon as possible. For any Samsung WP7 phone owners who haven't been able to resuscitate their device yet, the advised course of action is to go back to the store and swap it for a livelier one. Update: Timo wrote in to let us know that some people are still seeing the update. If that's you, you'd be advised to hold off.
Windows Phone 7 USB tethering uncovered on Samsung phones
If you're the proud owner of a Samsung Focus or Omnia 7, you can scratch a pretty major item off the list of basic features missing from WP7: USB tethering. A couple of sites have come upon a quick and relatively easy hack to enable using your handset as a 3G modem on Microsoft's new platform. You'll need to dial up ##634# to get into a diagnostics menu, switch over to a "Modem, Tethered Call" mode and deal with a few more prompts along the way, but the end result is that you'll have a pretty much automated USB tether setup on your hands. Our own testing on HTC's Trophy and LG's Optimus 7 hasn't been quite so productive, perhaps because those devices require a different route to achieving it, but it seems like Windows Phone 7 is perfectly capable of performing the USB tethering task. Let us know how you get along in the comments below!
Samsung Omnia 7 review
We knew Samsung's been in the Windows Phone 7 game pretty much since day one, but the Korean giant's managed to keep its Europe-bound Omnia 7 under tight wraps until mid-summer this year. Two months onwards, we find ourselves cradling this macho-looking device, and giggly flicking through the various tiles in its newborn OS. Just to freshen up your memory, we're looking at a 4-inch Super AMOLED-donning slate, garnished with a dash of Tyrian purple aluminum on the back, and capped with some dark gray polycarbonate at the top and bottom. Well, you know the drill -- join us after the break to find out how the rest of this phone fares. This review is primarily of the Samsung Omnia 7 hardware. Check out our full review of Windows Phone 7 for our thoughts on the OS. %Gallery-105343%
HTC 7 Mozart and Samsung Omnia 7 on sale tomorrow at 7am on Orange UK
We knew Windows Phone 7 was scheduled to land first internationally, but it's always a treat to hear the particulars. Orange UK has just (re)revealed that it'll be the exclusive carrier of HTC's 7 Mozart across the pond, and it'll be joined by Samsung's Omnia 7 as both go on sale tomorrow morning in Orange's Oxford Street shop -- fittingly, at 7am local time. Naturally, the carrier is going to blow out the launch, with each customer buying a WP7 handset to receive a complimentary Bluetooth headset... while supplies last, anyway. You'll also get a stockpile of Orange applications and services (like it or not), and we're told that each phone will be offered for zilch with a fresh contract starting at £35 per month (7 Mozart) / £40 per month (Omnia 7). Jealous, North America?
Samsung Omnia 7 takes on HTC's HD7 and 7 Mozart in battle for WP7 supremacy (video)
The alternative headline for this post was "a visual tour of the phones Americans aren't getting," but alas, the HD7 spoiled our macabre fun with its T-Mobile plans. All the same, there's no disguising our disappointment at having to settle for Samsung's Focus and LG's Quantum in the US, while the rest of the world gets to enjoy the delights of the far prettier Omnia 7 and Optimus 7 from each manufacturer. Even HTC, which is also bringing the 7 Surround Stateside, is sending its aluminum-clad 7 Mozart to other, presumably sunnier, climes. Sadly, we can't force these phones' makers to bring them to you, but we can certainly live up to that promised visual tour. Check out the gallery below plus video after the break. If there's one thing that really stood out to us, it was the quality of the Omnia 7's Super AMOLED display. It should be no surprise anymore that it delivers stellar black levels and eye-twisting viewing angles, but it still managed to take our breath away set against its WP7 contemporaries. The 7 Mozart doesn't do too badly for itself, but the HD7 ended up a distant third in our eyes. Closeup video of all three displays follows after the break. P.S. -- LG's Optimus 7 was too late in arriving to join the fray for this post, but rest assured that it, along with the other WP7 handsets featured herein, will be getting a full review in the coming days. If you're curious about the (admittedly small) differences in specs between these phones, don't forget we've broken them all down in our comparison from launch day right here.%Gallery-105422%
HTC 7 Surround slides into Best Buy for $550 unsubsidized, Omnia 7 appears at T-Mobile UK
Micro surround speaker bar in a Windows Phone sound like your cup of tea? Best Buy's taking your HTC Surround pre-orders right now for handsets that'll ship on November 8th, and cost a penny under $550 on the off-chance you're looking to buy off-contract. Hey, you can even call it the T8788 if you want -- we won't tell a soul. Get a good look at the phone right here, in our launch hands-on. Should you live in the United Kingdom, you can order a Samsung Omnia 7 instead -- T-Mobile UK's got the Super AMOLED phone ready to rumble for the price of free on £35-and-up tariffs. See that handset in action here. [Thanks, Sanders L.]
Windows Phone 7 launch guide
Windows Phone 7. We came, we saw, we took lots and lots of photos. Today, Microsoft unleashed its global domination plans on the world, and we wanted to give readers some insight into what happens now, what happens next, and what the more distant future holds for Redmond's smartphone play. As we saw today, the WP7 push is going to happen in multiple countries (more than 30), on multiple carriers (more than 60), and involve lots and lots of hardware. Ten devices to start -- all announced today -- and a slew of others likely to follow. Overall, the first approach of Windows Phone 7 into the marketplace looks strong. Microsoft has built a surprisingly solid new OS (which we previewed in-depth back in July), has a strong set of carrier relationships in place, and is introducing hardware that if not revolutionary, is certainly competitive. So, where are the holes in the plan right now?
Windows Phone 7 handsets: spec comparison
Having trouble keeping track of all the new Windows Phone 7 handsets today? We don't blame you -- even we had trouble remembering all the minor differences between the similarly specced devices. To end our frustration, we've compiled a big chart that lists out the carriers and specs for all 10 devices (with a couple extra MIA) to make our lives a tad easier -- head on pass the break if you need the peace of mind.
Samsung Omnia 7 first hands-on (update: video!)
Samsung's Omnia 7, ladies and gents. Equipped with the only Super AMOLED display in Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 stable, the Omnia 7 provides suitably vibrant and richly saturated visuals. To be perfectly fair, we didn't note a major advantage in using its display relative to the other WP7 devices, but that's more a mark of distinction for the other phones on show today. The hardware really is looking polished to perfection on all these devices, and the Omnia 7 isn't really breaking with that trend, showing off a remarkably lightweight body that combines straight lines with a nicely curved back that sits well in the hand. The power/lock button is curiously positioned on the side of the device, but all points of input seemed to perform very nicely once you know where they are. The depressed Windows key is basically identical to the iPhone's, dare we say it, iconic home button. As to performance, we've nothing to say that we haven't said about the other WP7 launch devices, it's blindingly, ridiculously, delightfully quick. Update: Hey, who wants to see Engadget being pinch-to-zoomed on a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen? How about a quickie size comparison between the Omnia 7 and the iPhone 4? Both are in the video now available after the break.%Gallery-104793%
Microsoft announces ten Windows Phone 7 handsets for 30 countries: October 21 in Europe and Asia, 8 November in US (Update: Video!)
It may have "Windows" in the branding, but Windows Phone 7 is not the desktop PC experience shoehorned into a cellphone. Microsoft tried that with Windows Mobile... and we all know how that turned out. Today, eight months after the Windows Phone 7 OS unveiling in Barcelona, we're finally seeing the official launch of the retail hardware: nine new WP7 handsets, some available October 21 in select European and Asian markets and others from early November in the US. The phones will find their way to over 60 cellphone operators in more than 30 countries this year. Microsoft tapped Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung to deliver the Snapdragon-based handsets with a carrier list that includes AT&T, T-Mobile USA, Vodafone, TELUS, América Móvil, Deutsche Telekom AG, Movistar, O2, Orange, SFR, SingTel, and Telstra. And that's just for the first wave -- Microsoft has even more handsets coming in 2011 including the first for Sprint and Verizon in the US. Here's the lineup of 480 x 800 pixel (WVGA) phones announced today: HTC 7 Surround -- The 3.8-inch T8788 with slideout speaker for AT&T and Telus HTC HD7 -- Schubert comes of age as a 4.3-inch HD2 cousin for T-Mobile and beyond HTC 7 Trophy -- the 3.8-inch Spark headed to international carriers HTC 7 Mozart -- another heavily leaked int'l player with 3.7-inch display Dell Venue Pro -- 4.1-inch portrait QWERTY slider for T-Mobile we broke as Lightning Samsung Focus -- AT&T's 4-inch Super AMOLED slate we broke as Cetus Samsung Omnia 7 -- the i8700 is a 4-inch Super AMOLED jobbie for Europe LG Optimus 7/7Q -- the E900 is the official 3.8-inch global workhorse LG Quantum -- AT&T's 3.5-inch landscape slider first seen as the C900 HTC 7 Pro -- a 3.6-inch QWERTY slider for Sprint (2011) "Glance and Go," is the slogan Microsoft is using to differentiate itself from an already crowded smartphone market. Something we've already seen alluded to in that leaked AT&T ad. As Ballmer notes, "Microsoft and its partners are delivering a different kind of mobile phone and experience - one that makes everyday tasks faster by getting more done in fewer steps and providing timely information in a 'glance and go' format." He's referring to WP7's customizable Live Tiles, of course. Xbox Live integration is another biggie with EA Games just announcing its first Xbox Live-enabled wares coming to Windows Phone 7 in the fall including "Need for Speed Undercover," "Tetris," "Monopoly," and "The Sims 3." The other big differentiators are the slick Metro UI, integrated support for Zune media and Zune Pass subscriptions, Bing search and maps, Windows Live including the free Find My Phone service, and Microsoft Office Mobile. Now quit stalling and jump past the break for the full list of handsets per carrier and country. Update: Added the official WP7 overview videos after the break.
Samsung Focus and Omnia 7 are ready to rock with Windows Phone 7
Samsung's i8910 HD-based Windows Phone 7 prototype has probably been the single most publicly-recognizable face of the platform this year, so it should come as little surprise that the Korean giant has come out swinging with production hardware today -- and fortunately, the pair of retail models look nothing (well, very little) like the proto. The Focus is the phone we've been calling the i917 Cetus in leaks, a curvy, glossy slate with a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display (presumably ripped right out of the Galaxy S line), a 5 megapixel camera, and support for microSD expansion up to 32GB; it'll be hitting AT&T in the States. The Omnia 7 is the second model, launching on Orange, SFR, Movistar, and T-Mobile across Europe with the same Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon processor (rare for a Samsung, by the way), 5 megapixel cam, and either 8GB or 16GB on board. Expect both of these to launch in time for the holidays; in fact, the Focus can be yours on AT&T come November 8 for $199.99. Follow the break for Samsung's Omnia 7 press release.
Samsung Omnia 7 brings 4-inch Super AMOLED screen to Windows Phone 7... a little early
Boy, there's hardly been enough time to catch our breath and analyze the first unintentionally official Windows Phone 7 handset in the form of LG's Optimus 7, yet Samsung is already joining the fray with its own Omnia 7. Currently populating its very own landing page on Samsung's Russian site, the Omnia 7 is a 4-inch Super AMOLED beastie with a rather aged 1GHz Qualcomm QSD8250 at its core, 8GB of storage, and a 5 megapixel cam that can do 720p video. Hit up the source link before somebody over in Moscow wakes up and realizes that Windows Phone 7 isn't meant to be launching for another few hours.
Samsung i8700 put through 13-minute video exposé
You know how those Korean electronics makers are. One does something -- such as a Windows Phone 7 leak -- and the other has to go and try to match or better the feat. Samsung has today easily outdone LG, whose Optimus 7 only revealed some press pics, with a thorough video exposition of its i8700 WP7 handset. We're hearing references to this phone being called the Omnia 7, which makes sense, but is at present not something we've been able to verify. So what might you enjoy in this video treat? It's mostly a jog through now familiar territory, though we do get to witness the phone taking a picture -- the camera software and performance are two of the less well known aspects of WP7 handsets. There's also what looks like a custom Samsung hub, which includes weather and stock price updates, all of which is topped off with that signature WP7 responsiveness and ridiculously deep blacks that we've grown used to with recent Samsung handsets. Video after the break.
