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Windows Mobile 6 unofficially meets Dell's Axim X50v
Sure, it's been nearly three full years since Dell's Axim X50v was the envy of all your neighbors, and while you aren't likely to find any official updates for the PDA coming out of Round Rock anytime soon, there's (nearly) nothing an engineering mind can't whip up. That said, folks dreaming about migrating Windows Mobile 6 onto their X50v can snap out of it and get to work, as a pioneering individual has apparently managed to do just that. 'Course, we'd recommend that you think long and hard before installing unofficial software onto your handheld, but if you're the mettlesome type, feel free to hit the read link and try 'er out.[Via DownloadSquad]
Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails on PDA / PNA market
Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.
Fujitsu Siemens Computers bails out of PDA / PNA market
Leaving so soon, are we? Turns out Fujitsu Siemens Computers is ditching the PDA / PNA market after 2007, which means that those bulky, albeit fashionable Loox handhelds will soon be available only in closeout bins and on your favorite auction site -- and just think, things were lookin' so bright just last year. According to a statement by FSC spokesperson Amy Flécher, the decision to cut the proverbial cord was simply "due to the usual examination of the portfolios," and the firm apparently noticed that "the traditional handheld segment (PDA) [had been shrinking] for years." Essentially, the company felt that smartphones would eventually swallow the "traditional handhelds" of the world, and considering that cranking out smartphones "is not its business at all," the choice seems logical.
Gemei intros X-760 portable media player
Upon first glance, it's easy to mistake Gemei's latest portable media player for a washed up PDA of yesteryear, and while it certainly won't take home any gold in the design department, it's the specs that count, right? Debatable as that may be, the X-760 includes a three-inch display, 500MHz processor, support for MP3, WMA, APE, and FLAC files, an image / text viewer, built-in recording function, USB 2.0 connectivity, an FM tuner, and an SD expansion slot for loading up additional media. Furthermore, this unit features a mighty fine emulation package which enables users to play back NES, GBA, and all sorts of other titles. Unsurprisingly, it looks like this one will be confined to China, and should be available soon with 1/2/4GB of internal storage for around 799 CNY ($106) to 1,099 CNY ($145).[Via PMPToday]
GW Micro's VoiceSense: PDA for the blind
Fort Wayne, Indiana based company GW Micro has developed a new type of PDA designed specifically for the blind and sight-impaired, called the VoiceSense. The assistant runs a modified version of Windows CE and features a vocal guidance system, a full function PIM, web browser, MP3 player, Daisy talking book player, FM radio tuner and MSN Messenger -- all accessible through its custom Perkins-style Braille keyboard. The device has a 540MHz PXA270 processor, 1GB of RAM, and also boasts 802.11b/g, USB 2.0, audio in and out jacks, SD and CF card support, and runs 12 hours on a full charge. The PDA is available right now for $1,795, though the price goes up to $1,895 after July 15th.
New PDA games available for Alien Hominid
When The Behemoth's crew isn't too busy making custom trophies, or working on Castle Crashers, they're obviously throwing together some PDA stages for Alien Hominid HD. The second pack of 100 PDA levels is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 150 Microsoft Points. If you're in a spending mood, you can also pick up some new gamer pictures, as there are two packs with 5 pics a piece, each for 100 MS Points. Do you play the PDA minigame in Alien Hominid? If so, do you play solo or multiplayer?
Sony mulling production of mylo 2 handheld?
While you may have given Sony's hard-to-categorize mylo little chance at surviving in the market, a recent report seems to show that sales were "exactly as Sony expected," which possibly means that there's more where that came from. Although surveyed retailers expressed mixed results in regard to sales, Sony "considers the mylo the forerunner to a new category of devices that cater to kids who want to replicate their PC online experience in a portable," and reportedly mentioned that the "next-generation model would include new partners and expanded capability." Now, we're not sure if WWAN or WiMAX connectivity could be headed to the not-yet-confirmed mylo 2, but it's pretty safe to assume that competition in the converged device market will have heated up quite intensely for the second iteration.[Thanks, Ryan]
Conceptual Flexi PDA boasts rubber hinges, flexible display
Just as Dell calls it quits on the PDA market and flexible displays become more and more common, it makes sense to see a concept device that takes advantage of both opportunities. The Flexi PDA, although still stuck on the drawing board, would present a rubber hinged handheld that could fold open much like a book, giving users a device that's a bit smaller and deeper than current alternatives. Additionally, the casing could easily be ruggedized in order to add water, dust, and shock proofing abilities for those with less delicate work spaces. As expected, this novelty would also pack a QWERTY keyboard, double as a cellphone, and triple as a media player should it ever hit the market, but for now we'll just have to settle with the above picture and a faint hint of hope.
Salling Clicker v3.5 brings new Front Row controls, device support and much more
One of the major things I miss about switching away from a Windows Mobile or even Sony Ericsson mobile phone is Salling Clicker - just about the best darn software I've ever seen for controlling your Mac with a mobile phone or PDA. Clicker offers a wide array of customizable controls with which you can enable your device to control everything from iTunes to Keynote, and even do things like pause music when a call comes in or lock your display if you walk too far away from your Mac. While I cross my fingers that Salling Software can create a BlackBerry client sooner than later, the rest of you can enjoy today's v3.5 update which ushers in a slew of new features and wider support for yet more devices.At the top of the feature list is support for Front Row, potentially eliminating the need to pack an Apple Remote when venturing out. Other new features include: improved iTunes functionality with quick access to current playlists and more browsing options, support for Windows Mobile 6 and Symbian 9.x devices, much easier Wi-Fi connections for Symbian and WinMo devices, improved Keynote and PowerPoint functionality and much more (I should also note that Salling Clicker for Windows now supports Vista as well).Check out the main product page of Salling Clicker for Mac if you're new to the possibilities of this excellent software, or take a look at the v3.5 press release to get a look at what's new for you seasoned clickers. A demo is of course available, while a license costs a mere $23.95.
Quanta and Dell collaborating on "Fly" smartphone?
While we aren't exactly keen on the taste of salt trickling down our throats, we're afraid a healthy dose is in order with this one. According to the always questionable DigiTimes, Quanta Computer is actually developing a "PDA handset" for Dell, and considering that it was but eight days ago that the firm's Axim hit the graveyard, the timing here is doubtlessly intriguing. Of course, this isn't the first time rampant rumors have swirled around a newfangled Dell handheld, but the outcome here could be a tad different than before considering the handset guru that just recently punched in. The project is reportedly operating under the codename "Fly," and while no design specifics were handed out, it should sport Windows Mobile 6, HSDPA, and probably a QWERTY keyboard to boot. Whatever the case, at least this thing shouldn't conflict with any Cisco trademarks if it all pans out.
Patent applicant envisions PDA with "removable cellphone"
Sure, it's fair game to cram extra features into PDAs, but stuffing a "removable cellphone" into a personal digital assistant's hidden compartment isn't likely to go over well in this millennium. Nevertheless, a hopeful patent filing spills the deets concerning a comical device that apparently disregards the handsets we so often refer to as smartphones, as it describes a diminutive dedicated cellphone that clips into a PDA when not needed. Additionally, the mystical concept allows each device to sync information with one another, and claims to be a "do-it-all" machine that curiously requires two separate devices to pull it all off. Of course, the only obvious perks here are the ability the downsize and carry along just the mobile while your nagging relative enjoys a few of your MP3s on the PDA side, but considering the blossoming market of true all-in-one conglomerates, we don't see this one moving one inch past the paperwork. [Warning: PDF read link][Via Textually]
Dell Axim, RIP: 2002 - 2007
T'is a sad day for legions of Axim fanboys the world over -- yes, they really do exist, especially among PDA emulation gaming enthusiasts -- as Mobility Site is reporting that Dell has quietly removed the last x51-series models from its retail site, effectively spelling the end of the five-year-old brand as we know it. First released in 2002, the Axims were always considered vanguard devices among Pocket PC users, introducing features such as WiFi, VGA screens, and high-end processors as soon as they became available. It would be great to see Dell carry this tradition over onto an Axim line of smartphones -- 624MHz XScale CPUs plus 640 x 480 displays would be pretty hot indeed -- but for now it seems that the company is concentrating on its other businesses, so if you want to buy a PDA from Dell, it's ironically gotta be Palm or nothing or Acer or Pharos.
Gotive shows off SQ31 industrial PDA
Last we heard from Gotive they were teasing us with their emotional, yet rugged mystery PDA, which they promised to unveil at the recent CeBIT conference. Unfortunately, we somehow missed it at the time, but AVING.net did manage to swing by the company's booth and snap a few pics of the device. While it's hard to judge just how much "emotional value" has been added, the rest of the PDA's features all look to be in line with what was expected, including an Intel Xscale PXA270 processor, 128MB RAM, and 256MB flash, and Windows CE 5.0 serving as the OS. Still not clear, however, is any details on pricing or availability, although it's not exactly the type of thing you can expect to see showing up on store shelves.
Asus unveils Windows Mobile-powered A626 PDA
Although most everyone stopped giving the PDA any sort of love a long time ago, the same firm that has been rolling out svelte graphics cards and exotic laptops hasn't forgotten about the digital assistant. Not too long after busting out a pair of GPS-enabled PDAs, Asus is looking to satisfy those still stuck in last century with the A626, and while the stainless steel motif and 1.57-centimeter thick casing aren't too shabby, the innards are quite uninspiring. Sure, we're confident the 3.5-inch anti-glare touchscreen looks good up close, but considering that this thing can't even pull double duty as a phone, we can't envision too many takers. Beneath the hood you'll find an Intel XScale 312MHz processor, Windows Mobile 5.0, 128MB of Flash ROM, 64MB of RAM, integrated WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, built-in microphone, and a set of speakers tweeters to blast out those audible alerts. Interestingly, it can be used as a Bluetooth remote for handling those board room presentations, and the subway ride could become a bit less boring thanks to its ability to play back WMV, WMA, and MP3 files, but we're going on the assumption that most of the folks in the US (and select areas of Europe) won't much mind the fact that Asus hasn't even released a price yet.[Via PocketPCThoughts]
Mio's WiFi-less A501 GPS smartphone in pictures
While rumors of Mio cranking out a new duo of GPS handhelds had already been circulating, the company made good on offering up a slightly less-spec'd sibling to its A701 handset, and now we've got the pictures to prove it. Boasting a fairly chunky enclosure but lacking an notched antenna, the A501 packs a TI OMAP processor, 1GB of storage, 64MB of system RAM, a 2.7-inch QVGA touchscreen display, quad-band connectivity, and Bluetooth 2.0 (sorry, no WiFi). Additionally, you'll find the older rendition of Windows Mobile, the obligatory SiRF III GPS chipset, a 1.3-megapixel camera, SD / MMC expansion slots, and a removable Li-ion battery to boot. No word on price or future availability just yet, but if it's pictures your after, be sure to click on through for a few more teasers, and hit the read link for the full set.[Via NaviGadget]
Palm's LifeDrive getting the axe, marked "end of life"
In a move that could be considered somewhat insensitive to those still grieving over Palm OS' official departure, Palm has now gone and axed a little bit more of itself, as the firm's once-popular LifeDrive device has been marked "end of life." Not even two full years after seeing the device get legit, go on sale, get photographed, and hit the chopping block, the media-centric Mobile Manager is on its way out. Notably, the unit has also vanished from UK retailers after reportedly "having fallen foul of EU regulations on the use of hazardous materials." Yeah, we've still got a few Treos and whatnot to keep us occupied, and there's always an (admittedly dim) glimmer of hope that Garnet solves all the Palm-related woes, but it looks like the LifeDrive has finally suffered the same fate that so many other dedicated PDAs already have.
Asus revamps GPS-PDA offerings, kicks out A686 / A696
With the overall PDA market slowly dwindling into oblivion, Asus is attempting to keep the PDA kickin' for just a bit longer, and the company's latest duo actually isn't half bad considering the GPS functions and relatively slim enclosure. The A686 / A696 units ditch the MyPal moniker from days past, and rather than adding that bulky GPS antenna the side, Asus has bumped up the style points by crafting a stainless steel frame with a non-protruding GPS antenna. Both units pack Windows Mobile 5.0, 802.11b/g, a SiRF Star III receiver, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 64MB of SDRAM, 3.5-inch 320 x 240 resolution touchscreen, integrated speakers / microphone, audio recording capability, rechargeable battery, and it comes in at just 1.57-centimeters thick. The A686 is powered by an Intel XScale 312MHz processor with 128MB of Flash ROM, while the A696 picks up a 416MHz CPU and double the Flash ROM, and both units should be making their way onto store shelves soon for currently undisclosed prices.[Via MobileTechReview]
Logitech announces X-240 PC speaker system / DAP dock
It seems that Logitech has exhausted its efforts on DAP-centric speaker docks (not really), as its latest creation is a 2.1 PC speaker system that just so happens to double as a docking station for your PDA, DAP, PMP, or other PC-connecting gizmo. Sporting an all black motif, the system features twin 5-watt stereo speakers, a 15-watt subwoofer, headphone jack, "convenient volume and power controls," and a stowaway device cradle that allows you to sync up your gadgetry with your PC while it recharges. The package also includes a standard 3.5-millimeter stereo cable, "cradle trays" for your iPod, iPod video, iPod nano, and Microsoft Zune, and when the dock becomes too much hassle for what it's worth, you can simply disconnect it without interfering with the speakers. Slated to hit retail outlets in the US in April, Europeans can look for these come May, and while we doubt audiophiles even read this far, you budget-minded folk should enjoy the fairly reasonable $49.99 pricetag.
Spectec rolls out microSD-packin' SDIO GPS receiver
If that handy SD slot in your Treo (or similar smartphone) has gone lonely long enough, you've probably been waiting for "that killer device" to slam down in there and boast about. Thankfully, that time has seemingly come, as Spectec's latest SDIO GPS receiver packs a whole lot of functionality into a minuscule (and sleek) package. Unlike alternative GPS attachments for your handset, the SDG-810 provides a SiRF Star III 20-channel tracking adornment, is WAAS-enabled, and sports a microSD slot to carry up to 2GB of excess data (like maps, for instance) since your original flash memory slot just got occupied. While pricing information wasn't readily available, this nifty smartphone must-have should be available in your neck of the woods (read: everywhere) real soon.[Via GearDiary]
LG's KC1 Windows Mobile-powered smartphone to hit Korea with WiMax
While LG's Chocolate assortment is growing with feature-packed additions at an alarming rate, there looks to be a WinMo-powered sugar daddy headed down the pike with WiMax ready to rock. We knew Samsung and LG were using this year's ITU Telecom World conference as a launching plugging point for a few snazzy announcements, but today brings about the unveiling of a Windows Mobile 5-packin' smartphone boasting LG's Chocolate touch, built-in WiMax, a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen, two-megapixel camera, microSD slot, and Bluetooth. The phone will reportedly also support CDMA and EV-DO, and should be released in South Korea real soon -- unfortunately, there's "no word" on whether this beauty will ever see the light of day on American soil, but one can hope.[Via Slashphone]
