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The Cuso PC S600 is not the UMPC of your dreams... or a UMPC
Enter the Cuso PC S600 "UMPC," your ticket to near-constant ridicule from friends and family. Sure, you'd think with specs like the blazing 266MHz ARM CPU, 1GB or 4GB of flash memory, 802.11b WiFi, miniSD support, playback of MP3, WMA, ASF, WAV, OGG, AAC, APE, AVI, WMV, DIVX, H.264, ASF, and 3GP files (um, with the freeware app TCPMP), and all kinds of Windows CE-powered document handling (TXT, DOC, XLS, PDF, PPT, PPS) you'd be all set, but we don't think it's that simple. There's something about that cheap looking plastic casing, stereo speakers, and totally out of line use of the term UMPC that tell us this probably isn't much more than a glorified PMP. On the bright side, we're thinking this isn't going to break any banks, though we've got no word on price or release date.[Thanks, KC Kim]
Meizu M8 now on sale? Doubtful.
Given the sheer bulk of press Meizu's M8 has received over the course of its young, controversial life, it'd seem likely that even the slightest trickle of units onto Chinese store shelves would lead to unboxing shots, videos, and reviews within hours, wouldn't it? Reports are starting to flow across the 'nets that M8s are now being made available through several of Meizu's suppliers, but without a single in-the-wild picture of a fully functional, final spec unit -- from Meizu, much less a paying customer -- we're not buying it. For one thing, there aren't any "zomg I just picked up my m8!" posts on MeizuMe; secondly, MeizuMe's Err0r says that his site will be the "first place" we read about a release (and frankly, we believe him); and third, after the trials and tribulations the handset has gone through on its long journey to retail, you'd think that we'd at least see it at a trade show before it hit the streets. So, anyone want to prove us wrong by posting shots of their M8?
Sharp's SP600 PMP does it all with a yawn
This little PMP is certainly spectastic, the Sharp SP600 has a 4.3-inch screen, 30GB HDD, any video or audio codec you'd want (including OGG and H.264), plus an SD card slot, e-dictionary and Windows CE 5.0. The 419,000 won ($444 US) pricetag isn't even that bad, but we're seriously depressed by the "aesthetics" here. If you're going to run just any hunk of plastic through the manufacturing line, you might as well make sure that hunk of plastic accidentally looks like one of iriver's recent gems. Just saying.
Quanta picks Soleus platform for new high-end device
Yeah, it's Windows. Doesn't look much like Windows Mobile though, does it? That's 'cause it's not -- Intrinsyc's Soleus platform is a new software stack for phones based on Windows CE, not Windows Mobile, and the company has scored a huge win in signing up mega-ODM Quanta. The firm has committed to using Soleus to produce some sort of HSDPA device that is "expected to be a breakthrough in the design concept and user experience of today's wireless communications electronics" when it launches some time in the third quarter of next year. That sounds like a little bit of PR spin to us, but hey, if it means we get a totally fresh skin atop Microsoft's mobile core, we're all about it.[Via jkOnTheRun]
Windows CE 6.0 R2 to support videoconferencing
Although Windows Mobile generally gets all the attention, a whole spectrum of PMPs and GPS units run Windows CE (also known as Windows Embedded) with great results, so the feature list for Windows CE 6.0 R2 is a little sneak peek at what we might see in the next year or so. Microsoft isn't actually officially announcing R2 until Thursday at an event in Japan, but the changelog and a download have already appeared on the web for your eager eyes -- revealing the big addition of video over IP calling in addition to bolstered VoIP features and other obvious-but-welcome tweaks like SDHC support and Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0. No word on when OEMs will start rolling any of this out, obviously, but that's not stopping you from checking the whole list at the read link and dreaming of your own personal super-PMP, now is it?[Via eWeek]
Sophia Systems's Sandgate 3-P runs Linux
Sophia Systems, a Japanese company, has developed the Sandgate 3-P, a reference design for an IP phone that can run Windows CE, Windows Mobile 6, and Linux. The 3-P isn't a final device for marketing to the consumer: instead, it's designed to give manufacturers a reference for building similar devices. Obviously, the first place the manufacturers will start is the external design -- this thing's ugly -- but inside, the 3-P is a relatively high spec device. It features a 624MHz CPU, a 2.2-inch QVGA display, and 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and W-SIM technology which integrates an antenna into the thumbnail sized card. Part of the package are a variety of tools designed to help manufacturers out, including install options for the three different OSes: something we kinda wish wasn't limited to back-end phone designers.
First "real" snapshots of Meizu's M8 supposedly surface
We'll be the first to admit that the first "real" photographs of Meizu's M8 still appear mighty doctored, but hey, so long as the final product looks this good, we'll be content. Nevertheless, the firm has made available three supposed snapshots for us to drool over, and while we're far beyond the point of actually believing anything these guys say in regard to a release date, the latest news on that front has the finalized unit ready for testing by the year's end. 'Course, there's still no set date for actually getting it into the needy hands of consumers everywhere, but the most recent price estimates peg the 4GB M8 at 2,380CNY ($314) and the 8GB version at 2,880CNY ($380). Per usual, feel free to peep the other two snaps after the jump.[Via MyMiniOne]
Newman's janky Windows CE PMP does it all
Newman's been known to crank out a few less than beautiful devices in its time, but the interestingly styled vx1000 certainly ups the ante. This handheld conglomerate manages to wear an awful lot of hats, as it features a built-in media player, four-inch 480 x 272 widescreen panel, an image / text viewer, FM radio, WiFi, gaming functions, and Windows CE at the helm. Of course, we'd be sure to give this thing a whirl before confidently snapping up such a chintzy looking piece, but those willing to take the risk can pick one up in China for 1,999CNY ($264).[Via PMPToday]
Sophia Mobile's nani to rock Windows CE 6
It's not too often that we find a fairly well-spec'd all-in-one gizmo humming along on Windows CE 6, but apparently, Sophia Mobile's nani is one such device. According to "official specifications" just released, this PDA phone will also feature a 600MHz processor, 4.3-inch 800 x 400 resolution display, a potent media player that can handle MPEG1/2/3/4, DivX, XviD, WMA, WAV, and OGG formats, an image viewer, GPS, WiFi, a microSD expansion slot, USB connectivity, and support for PHS (W-SIM) in Japan. Moreover, it looks like a lucky soul managed to get a bit of hands-on time with the machine, so be sure and check out a few more angles after the break.[Via PMPToday]
The "nani": Willcom gets another awesome Windows CE device
We're not sure why Willcom would feel the need to ever look beyond Sharp to supply it with badass Windows CE-based phone after badass Windows CE-based phone -- but now that we've seen the result, we're glad they did. The "nani" from Sophia Mobile (who?) rocks a glorious 800 x 480 WVGA display, WiFi, microSD expansion, a TV tuner (one-seg, we'd imagine), and Windows CE for Willcom's PHS network in Japan. We'll refrain from calling this one a hands-down winner until we see its user interface -- customized, we assume, since it's not using Windows Mobile proper -- but it ain't a bad effort, that's for sure. "Free Thinking & High Performance," indeed.[Via SCI FI Tech]
i-Station N7tu navigation system does DMB on the side
i-Station's latest GPS / DMB / PMP conglomerate isn't too terribly differentiated from its do-it-all siblings, but the stylish design, expansive seven-inch LCD, and built-in hard drive make it hard to shun. This navigation device includes integrated stereo speakers, a SiRF Star III receiver, DMB TV tuner, SD expansion slot, USB connectivity, rechargeable battery, and your choice of a 30GB or 60GB internal HDD. Of course, you'll also find the usual photo viewer and media player functions within, and while pricing information seems to be absent, we Americans won't be ponying up for this Korean-based gizmo anyway.[Via NaviGadget]
iriver's W10 PMP detailed further, runs Windows CE
iriver's delightful W10 is looking better all the time, as just a fortnight after being showcased on the firm's teaser site, it's now drawing attention to the iriver Europe portal with a rundown of specifications. Arriving in your choice of black or white, this sleek PMP will of course boast 8GB of internal storage space, an integrated WiFi adapter, WiFi positioning system, three-inch WQVGA widescreen display, built-in FM tuner, miniSD expansion slot, and an integrated speaker to boot. The most noticeable bit, however, is that this device will rely on Windows CE beneath the shell to keep things rockin', and even iriver admits that you'll likely see firmware updates down the road to account for future applications and formats. Still no word on price nor availability, but the "coming this year" tagline means launch day is (sort of) in sight.[Via PlayerBites]
odd-i stuffs DMB, GPS into P480DN portable media player
While this iteration of the P480 looks mighty similar to the one we caught at CES, it looks like odd-i decided to just stick with the same enclosure and bump up the internals in the P480DN. The Windows CE-powered handheld sports a widescreen display, built-in e-dictionary, GPS, DMB TV tuner, an SD expansion slot, and a 30GB or 60GB hard drive to boot. Unfortunately, details surrounding price and availability for the 60GB variety are nowhere to be found, but it was noted that the 30GB edition should land sometime this month for a currently undisclosed amount.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Meizu's latest MiniOne (M8) incarnation
Here you have it, what looks to be a (re-touched) photograph of a real engineering sample of the Meizu MiniOne (M8). The picture was posted by CEO, Jack Wong, with the promise of more pictures to come in a "few days." At the moment, the 58 x 105 x 11.8-mm M8 is said to carry a spec list which includes a 667MHz ARM11 processor running a Windows CE 6.0 kernel up on a 3.3-inch, 720 x 480 pixel touchscreen display. The MiniOne M8 model will pack GSM with EDGE data while the MiniOne M8 w ("w" for worldphone we presume) is said to go WCDMA/HSDPA/GSM/EDGE. WiFi, Bluetooth, and what appears to be a 3 megapixel camera also come standard with your choice of 4, 8, and 16GB of flash capacities. While we've seen pricing and an "end of 2007" release date before, the specs have changed so dramatically since then that we'll just have to continue holding tight as this pup evolves. You know, if they can actually push this wunderkind out the door. [Via MeizuMe] Read -- Specs Read -- Picture
Compal showcases prototype UMPC running Windows CE
Although it's still proudly donning the proverbial prototype badge, a nifty machine from Compal was spotted at Computex running Windows CE 5.0 in favor of the battery-draining XP or Vista. Simply dubbed the UMD (Ultra Mobile Device), this ultraportable supposedly pulled double duty as a smartphone and even played nice with HSDPA. Internally, it featured a 532MHz Freescale i.MX31 processor, 512MB of NAND Flash memory, 256MB of DDR RAM, a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, hot keys, built-in speaker and microphone, a 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera, SIM card slot, and a miniSD slot to hold excess media. Additionally, it boasted USB connectivity, a headphone jack, a meager five-watt power consumption rating that enabled nearly five hours of battery life, and the obligatory media playing and Skype-friendly applications that you would expect on such a multifaceted device. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell whether Compal will come through on bringing this thing to market, but we're sure there's a niche that would be all over it should it eventually roll out.[Via Wired]
Mio's C317 handheld GPS watches, records DMB TV
We've seen a plethora of handheld navigation units that pull double duty by tuning into terrestrial broadcasts when not navigating your routes, but Mio's C317 ups the ante by tossing in the oh-so-coveted recording capabilities. The well-spec'd device features a 4.3-inch NEC touchscreen, Samsung's 400MHz 2440 processor, Windows CE .Net 5.0, 256MB of NAND Flash, 64MB of SDRAM, SD / MMC card support for up to 8GB, integrated speakers, USB, 3.5-millimeter headphone out, and a rechargeable battery that should last between 3.5 and 5.5 hours depending on usage. The real kicker, however, is the built-in T-DMB tuner, which allows users to view broadcasted television in PIP, and even record said content onto one of their SD / MMC cards. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be an option for a built-in HDD, but we're already seeing the makings of a very valuable hack. No word just yet on price, nor if this bad boy will ever grace US / UK shores, but the South Korean crowd should be enjoying the niceties real soon.[Via NaviGadget]
Clearview XL43 UMPC beckons a name change
We've seen plenty of instances where companies ask their loyal customers to handle some of the dirty work, but Clearview Technology is only requesting your input on something as simple as a name change. Not satisfied with the current XL43 badge, the company has cranked up a submission venue to get ideas for its official name, but aside from the semantics, how about the hardware? The Windows CE-powered UMPC will reportedly feature a 620MHz AMD AU1250 processor, 128MB of DDR2 RAM, Bluetooth, WiFi, an SD / MMC flash card slot, FM radio, 1.3-megapixel camera, integrated DVB-T TV tuner, and GPS to boot. Unfortunately, there's no timeline as to when we can expect this handtop to hit the market, but we've got all ideas that you can hasten the process if you toss your two pennies in the naming collection.[Via Pocketables]
Panasonic's ToughBook CF-08: a 10.4-inch WinCE 5.0 tablet
Fancy yourself a tough guy? Then check the latest Panasonic ToughBook, the CF-08 tablet. No, not a Tablet PC, this slab goes Windows CE 5.0 for instant-on, near virus-free access and up to 14-hours off battery -- you know, just as long as you don't mind keeping the brightness to a min. The CF-08 brings a 1024 x 768 pixel, 10.4-inch touch-panel display capable of withstanding a fall from as high as 1.2-meters. It comes powered by a 312MHz PXA270 processor and packs USB 1.1 (for keyboard and mousing, presumably) with 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 1.2, and fixed Ethernet providing access to data. Thing is, even with a 267 × 208 × 36-mm footprint they only managed to squeeze in 64MB RAM / 64MB ROM -- come on Panny, how about SD expansion at the least? Hitting May 15th for an undisclosed price. Update: Sure enough, the US specs for the Touchbook-WirelessDisplay (as it's called locally) clearly identifies SD expansion -- same as the Japanese model shown above.[Via Impress]
MyGuide Splash S navigation system shows off at CeBIT
Joining the array of GPS systems showing off at this year's CeBIT is MyGuide's Splash S, which doesn't really strive to be different outside of its tethering abilities, but gives us all one more option in the saturated 3.5-inch GPS market if nothing else. Encased in a rugged enclosure that can purportedly resist shocks and extreme temperatures, this navigation system touts a 320 x 240 resolution screen, 300MHz Centrality Atlas II processor, handsfree Bluetooth capability, 64MB of built-in RAM, integrated RDS / TMS traffic information receiver, an SD / MMC card slot, rechargeable Li-ion battery, music / video playback, an image viewer, and a copy of Windows CE to run the show. Per usual, no details regarding price or availability were divulged, but feel free to click on through for a few more snapshots.[Via NaviGadget]
Medion unveils GoPal X4510 / S2310 navigation units at CeBIT
While most of the recent buzz surrounding Medion has focused on the firm's UMPC efforts, it's rolling out a pair of stylish navigation systems for a nice change of pace. The GoPal S2310 and X4510 (pictured after the jump) purportedly utilize NAVTEQ maps and come in a trio of flavors, including ME (Medium Edition), AE (Advanced Edition) and PE (Premium Edition). The smaller S2310 touts a 3.5-inch LCD, curvaceous design, shock-resistant casing, route tracking system, and an ability to export to Google Earth in order to scrutinize just how lost you ended up. The Windows CE-powered X4510 ups the ante with a four-inch screen, electronic compass, microSD slot, 324MHz Atlas II processor, 256MB of integrated RAM, handsfree Bluetooth capability, built-in RDS / TMC receiver in the Premium iteration, an MP3 player, and an image viewer to boot. No word just yet on release dates, but the S2310 should hit for right around €299 ($398), while the beefed up X4510 will likely demand €499 ($664).
