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Windows Mobile 6.5 joins the ranks of iPhone and Android with its own app kill switch
Earliest this week the internet alarms rang loud with word that Microsoft had added an app "kill switch" to its upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 platform. Of course, such a kill switch is not unprecedented, as both the Android and iPhone platforms have their own variant. A Microsoft rep recently relayed a message of peace to assuage fears, telling Ars Technica that the vast majority of app rejections won't cause a remote uninstall, and it'll only be used if the app "exhibits harmful behavior or unforeseen effects" -- not that we're entirely assured by the latter scenario, but wording aside, it does echo statements from the aforementioned companies that have so far been very conservative with its use (i.e. we can't recall a single instance of its use). "While we hope to avoid this scenario," he said, "we will make refunds available in such cases." Only time will tell just how trigger happy Microsoft gets, assuming they ever use it. Hey, just be happy we know about it -- remember the last time we were surprised to discover such a feature?
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 to launch in France within two months?
According to the French (who we'd like to take this opportunity to thank for Histoire de Melody Nelson), the WinMo 6.5-packin' Xperia X2 (which we got our hot little hands on about two weeks ago) will be hitting store shelves in France "within two months" from now. The cited price, some €600 (about $880) doesn't take carrier subsidies into account, so we'll keep our eyes peeled for that bit of information. We're looking forward to seeing how that new OS handles itself outside of the realm of preproduction, although the resistive touchscreen nature of the device doesn't give us much hope. Salut! [Via OLED Display]
HTC Leo Windows Mobile 6.5 slate is capacitive? (update: video!)
The Leo is fast becoming HTC's latest worst kept secret. Pics and video are popping up everywhere with the latest set giving a full visual walkthrough of what appears to be TouchFlo 3D 2.6 riding Windows 6.5. Even better, ai.rs blog claims that Leo is indeed capacitive -- something strongly suggested by the multi-touch video leaked a few days ago -- and not some fancy resistive touchscreen tech. We've got backside action now too, sporting a big "HTCPRO.Three" stamp we presume heralds Pro3 branding whenever this 1GHz Snapdragon handset launches. But man, that 4.3-inch, 800x480 display's looking positively massive next to the 3.2-inch version found on the Touch Diamond2. Check the back after the break.Update: Video showing Leo's very snappy, finger-centric UI added after the break.
Samsung doesn't know when to stop, spits out Millionaire Pack II
We don't have a good sense for how many cultured old-money socialites have Omnia IIs in their Fendi handbags -- and we're not sure Samsung does either, but they're trying to move that number up a couple notches with a sequel to its original Omnia-themed Millionaire Pack of last year. Like the last one, the Millionaire Pack II is clearly designed to appeal either to wealthy tightwads or common folk who want to pretend like they've got some serious cash to throw around -- but either way, the €649 ($957) retail price is just a bit more than an unlocked Omnia II would run you straight up. For that price of entry, you get the phone, a leather case, a copy of some magazine for rich people, and that's about it -- so if you pop open the package expecting a solid gold phone covered in jewels, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Samsung announces Omnia Pro B7330, spills WinMo 6.5 plans for entire Omnia range
If you knew nothing of Samsung's lineup you might think that they'd just announced five Windows Mobile smartphones, but the reality is much, much less interesting: they've basically announced one (which was already widely known) and whipped up a rebranding and relaunch campaign for the other four. To the Omnia range, Sammy has now officially added the Omnia Pro B7330, essentially an upmarket B7320 with a square 320 x 320 display in place of the earlier model's QVGA unit and HSUPA thrown in for good measure. The bigger news might be that the i8000, B7320, B7300, B7330, and B7610 -- every current Omnia model -- will be packaged with Windows Mobile 6.5 going forward, while updates will be offered to Omnia IIs, B7610s, and B7320s currently in the field running 6.1. The B7330 launches on October alongside the previously-announced Omnia Lite B7300; Samsung's being a little more coy about dates for the upgrades, but we're hoping owners aren't waiting too long.
HTC Leo caught on video demonstrating its multitouch display
There's been plenty of rumor and speculation regarding the HTC Leo as of late, all serving to pique our interest. If talk of a Snapdragon CPU and an updated TouchFlow 3D UI are not, in fact, greatly exaggerated, it looks like we might have a killer phone on our hands here. And now, to fill in the picture a bit, the kids at PocketPT have helped us to a demonstration of the device's multitouch capabilities. Exciting, no? Make sure you check out the video below, which shows the Leo flipping through photo albums and zooming in / out of stills and video the with style and ease befitting a 1GHz processor. You'll be glad you did.[Via WMPoweruser.com]
AT&T, Sprint, Verizon all signed up for WinMo 6.5 launches on October 6
Microsoft is saying that three of the US' big four carriers -- AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon, to be specific -- will be hitting the ground running with Windows Mobile 6.5 as part of its synchronized global launch on October 6. We've got to give Microsoft some credit on this one: launching a single device around the world on the same day is a feat in itself, but coordinating with countless manufacturers and carriers to get them to launch a bunch of different devices on the same day takes things to an entirely different level. Unfortunately, that's about all we know; hardware hasn't been unveiled, though we can safely guess that HTC will figure into the equation one way or another -- and we wouldn't be surprised to see something like LG's 20-key GW600 finally bow. What's everyone hoping to see out of these guys on day one? [Thanks, Jeff]
HTC Leo spotted in the wild, sports gargantuan 800 x 480 display
Those UI elements still a bit too small in Windows Mobile 6.5? It's no problem at all for the HTC Leo, which has been found at last in the wild. The monstrous handset houses what we've heard to be a 4.3-inch screen, and the hardware info screen shows it to be pumping an 800 x 480 resolution with a 1GHz Qualcomm 8250B Snapdragon processor -- excuse us while we allow a tingle to run leisurely up and down our spine. It dwarfs the Touch Pro2 (a largish handset in its own right) in head to head comparisons, and seems strikingly similar to earlier leaks -- even down to that dual LED flash and the Pro.Three moniker on the back. [Via WMPoweruser.com; thanks to everyone who sent this in] %Gallery-72745%
Samsung's Application Store scrambles to life for some Omnia i900 owners
If you have an Omnia i900 and you live in the UK, Italy, or France then listen up, Samsung's Application Store just went live. A quick .CAB file download installs the new Application Store client onto your WinMo handset. From there you have access to about 300 paid (payable by credit card, phone billing "coming soon") and free apps via WiFi or Cellular data connections. Samsung plans to have over "over 2,000" apps in the store by the end of 2009 with support added for the Omnia II I8000 and OmniaLITE B7300 from more than 30 countries planned on an indeterminate timeline. A quick glance through the top paid apps reveals the £3.50 Guitar Hero World Tour and free apps like Evernote and the Skyfire browser -- otherwise, the so-called "Hot" game-heavy, apps look pretty lackluster for the moment. It's also interesting (read: odd) that Skyfire is tagged with an "OS Cetified" (Samsung's misspelling) badge for Windows Mobile while the heavily promoted Guitar Hero remains badge-less. Ah well, it is launch day and we expect these things will get ironed-out soon enough. Pics and highly conceptualized App Store experience demonstration after the break. Read -- Press release Read -- Download
Windows Mobile 7 chassis concept confirmed by Microsoft, not detailed
We still don't know what it looks like or when exactly it'll arrive -- rough estimate sometime in 2010 -- but Windows Mobile 7's being given special care by Microsoft with a chassis concept of "carefully defined hardware specifications" for hardware vendors, according to James McCarthy. As for what those specs are and how strictly it'll enforce adherence, we're still in the dark. If it's anything like what we saw with the rumored "Pink" specs from back in May, we're not too worried. Of course, it's in Microsoft's hands to screw up, and if they say it's okay to see StrongARM chips in WinMo 7 devices, someone'll do it, and we gotta imagine some negative vibes towards the mobile OS in general should someone ever have to manage a handset like that. [Via WMPowerUser]
Verizon grabs HTC Touch Pro2, prices it right at $200 on contract
C'mon folks, say it with us now: "Finally!" After T-Mobile USA and Sprint decided to charge two arms and three-quarters of a leg for HTC's fancy-but-not-world-changing Touch Pro2, Verizon Wireless has stepped in to show those other guys how to price a phone appropriately. Big Red's version of the WinMo 6.1-packin' handset will be available starting tomorrow (just as we'd heard) for $199.99 on contract, though that is after a $100 mail-in rebate. You already know what to expect in terms of specifications -- 3.6-inch WVGA tilting touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, built-in GPS for VZ Navigator and a microSD expansion slot. Now, there's just the decision to overlook Sprint's Any Mobile, Anytime plan or not...
Sprint kicks off HTC Touch Pro2 sales at $349.99
So, any luck socking away $350 worth crisp, unmarked, non-sequential US currency over the past week since the Touch Pro2 was officially announced for Sprint? If so, we'd just like to offer a friendly reminder that you can now head over to Sprint's online store to place your order -- and yes, that $349.99 you'll be shelling out is after rebate and discount on a new two-year contract. Being second doesn't come cheap, it seems. [Thanks, Wilson]
Oh, by the way: September 7, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for Monday, September 7, 2009: Samsung's got a version of the Jet for its domestic Korean market, the clumsily-named "Haptic AMOLED." Unlike its international cousin, the Haptic AMOLED packs a T-DMB tuner (as just about all Korean phones do) and it's available in spicy pink and white shades for the usual carriers SKT, KTF, and LGT. Did you know that AT&T used to have a stake in the Indian wireless market? Yeah, us neither, but they did prior to the Cingular merger -- and rumor has it they're looking to get back in by buying a chunk of state-owned operator BSNL, ostensibly because the market -- which is still in a heavy growth phase -- is seen as a powder keg waiting to explode. This one's been going around for a few days, and with the carrier's full-court press on Android, it makes total sense: the Bluetooth SIG is reporting that the Samsung T939 Behold2 for T-Mobile will feature "Google Mobile services," which would fit in with an earlier user agent profile leak. [Via Cell Phone Signal] There's a new Samsung i8910 HD firmware that's starting to hit some regions, and it's a good one -- it features an all-new 3D task switcher and a built-in weather forecast widget for TouchWiz. [Via PhoneArena] Surprise, surprise: Toshiba is relaunching the mighty TG01 with Windows Mobile 6.5 next month, a move that was fully expected all along. If anything, there'd be riots had this not happened. Sony Ericsson's Panel SDK for the X2 is now available, featuring new "Panelizer" tools to convert existing apps into panels in a few easy steps -- and starting in the next few days, devs will be able to submit their work for inclusion in the PlayNow arena. Vodafone has launched a range of eight new self-branded devices that'll be available in time for the holidays this year, and as usual, they're positioned squarely at the lower end of the market. Some of them like the E71 ripoff 1240 (pictured) are straight-up KIRFs, while others like the "Crystal" member of the 533 Catwalk Collection are trying to ooze fashion and style without killing the wad of cash stuffed in your pocket. Whether they've succeeded in doing that... well, that's another question altogether. [Via Unwired View]
HTC Touch Pro2 graces Verizon on September 11
Alright, so maybe a square Nokia isn't your style -- we understand. Maybe you'd like something a little more businesslike, something with a little more Exchange ActiveSync flair and a keyboard with room to spare. What you're looking for, we reckon, is the Touch Pro2 -- and now that Sprint and T-Mobile both have it, it's Verizon's turn to get real with HTC's latest QWERTY beast. Knowing full well that this is a businessperson's dream, HTC and Verizon have gone ahead and stuffed EDGE in there to keep you connected while you're abroad; otherwise, you've got the same WVGA resolution, 3.2 megapixel cam, GPS, and WiFi as the other guys, and just like Sprint, you're signed up for that all-important 3.5mm headphone jack. Global capability doesn't come cheap in this case, though: expect to pay $299.99 on a two-year deal before a $100 mail-in rebate.
Video: Sprint HTC Touch Pro2 unboxed, compared to T-Mobile version
There's not long to wait now, with September 8th confirmed as the date the Touch Pro2 hits Sprint stores, but just in case your cup runneth over with anticipation, we've been to the future and videotaped what you'll be doing this coming Tuesday morning. The Sprint model you see above comes with a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack (is that a chorus of approval we hear?) and some minor keyboard and color scheme modifications from the T-Mobile version we reviewed a while back, but yeah, you already knew that. Anxious to see it? Run along past the break and look out for the new back cover, it's quite the eye catcher. [Thanks, thedoctor]
Motorola's WinMo ambitions not dead yet: 'Caesar' on the way with WinMo 7?
Look, we don't mean to rain on the 6.5 parade -- it's not even coming out until next month, after all, and both Microsoft and its hardware partners all have a lot riding on its success since competitive pressure from RIM, Nokia, and others is arguably as strong as it's ever been. Thing is, all signs point to an extraordinarily tight schedule for getting Windows Mobile 7 into customers' hands hot on the heels of 6.5's release -- and that means both hardware and software need to be very real by now, in the hands of testers, developers, and engineers responsible putting the finishing touches on the platform. As a key part of its corporate renaissance, Motorola's made no secret of the fact that it's placing a heavy emphasis on Android going forward, putting WinMo's continued role (especially outside Asia) within the company in jeopardy. Thing is, well-trained eyes at UX Evangelist have found a Moto software engineer's job experience on LinkedIn with app development and migration to Windows Mobile 7 beta -- yes, beta -- listed front and center. The project's mentioned for a device codenamed "Caesar," which would slot in nicely with Moto's trend of assigning ancient rulers' names to smartphones ahead of release. We have no idea what Caesar might be, but if everything we've heard is true, odds are good that it'd have to comply to Microsoft's so-called Chassis 1 specifications that require ample touchscreen resolution and processor power. And if 7's seriously in beta, that means it's moving right along with a mid-2010 release totally plausible. Sholes repping the Android camp and Caesar holding down WinMo 7? Sounds good to us. [Via MobileTechWorld]
Vodafone gets first dibs on WinMo 6.5-powered LG GM750 in Europe
The GM730's barely had time to breathe since its intro earlier this year, but Windows Mobile 6.5 awaits -- and with it, the world's expecting a slew of new models to kick things off right. Following the GW550 announcement straight from LG proper earlier today, Vodafone has stepped in to announce that it's secured European exclusivity on the GM750, which largely carries over the GM730's visual cues but swaps out 6.1 for 6.5. The 5 megapixel cam and S-Class support are carryovers from its predecessor, but considering that neither is a slouch, we can't say we're complaining. Look for the GM750 to launch in Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the UK (along with France through SFR) to celebrate 6.5's initial release on October 6, with other countries following on later.
LG launching three mysterious Windows phones soon, ten elusive others in 2010
It's cool LG -- it's not like we really need to know model names and BOMs for each of your new Windows phones. In fact, it's completely kosher if you just tease us with launch dates and nothing more. It's not like you've got any rivals out there already sharing a good deal more or anything. And hey, if it weren't for that oh-so-informative blurb underneath the image in your press release, we wouldn't even know that the already-launched GW550 would be amongst the first three WinMo 6.5-packin' smartphones you've got on deck for an "imminent launch." What precious little we do know is that in addition to that there GW550, the first volley of three will feature a full touchscreen device and a touch slider with full QWERTY -- both form factors we'd fully expect represented in force for 6.5 -- and they'll be made available to "early adopters" in Europe, Asia, and the US before being introduced on a larger scale. But listen, we definitely appreciate you telling us that a grand total of 13 new Windows phones will be out and about by the end of 2010, and we'll be patiently waiting for details on the whos, whats, whens and wheres. Toodeloo!
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 first hands-on (with video!)
Here it is, folks. Sony Ericsson's newly official XPERIA X2 in the flesh. It's got a flashy (gimmicky?) home screen, along with a view for "snacking" on bubbled-up information. Lots of buzzwords, but we'll need more time hands-on to know how we feel. The hardware? It's still a heavy beast, but perhaps just a bit more loving in this incarnation. We don't love the resistive touchscreen one bit. After a strong caveat that what we're looking at is preproduction software, a Sony Ericsson rep admitted that Windows Mobile 6.5 isn't all it could be -- though we're unsure why Sony Ericsson didn't throw a bit more hardware at the problem, Toshiba style. Still, the interface breaks down to stylus-friendly Windows Mobile-isms with just a few taps, and none of the "wow" of the floating Sony Ericsson home screen seemed to excuse any of the UI lag it introduces. Again, early software, but the X1 didn't exactly rise above its preproduction jankiness.Update: Video is after the break!
Official: XPERIA X2 launching Q4, Windows Mobile 6.5 onboard (video)
If you've been waiting with bated breath for some real news on the XPERIA X2, wait no longer. News has just broken that the re-styled, gutted refresh of Sony Ericsson's popular (and expensive) X1 is due to hit "selected markets" in Q4. According to a post on SE's Xperiancers blog, the company is in talks with various carries right now, and will be detailing the plans in the coming weeks. Additionally, the blog delivers some info on the device itself, calling out its 8.1 megapixel camera, inclusion of a standard 4GB microSD card, and 13 pre-loaded "panels" in its reworked Windows Mobile skin (which appears to have a new SDK for the forthcoming OS update). Oh, and speaking of Windows Mobile, it'll be shipping with 6.5 onboard. To learn much, much more, check the two videos after the break. We'll also be grabbing an up close and personal hands-on with the device in a few moments, so keep your inter-set tuned to the Engadget channel.
