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HTC to unveil Windows Mobile lineup at upcoming press event?
While Apple chose London to inform the world of the iPhone's international agenda, HTC is reportedly looking to make a few announcements of its own on that side of the pond. According to TheUnwired, HTC will hold two press events on the first two days in October, the first of which will be in the UK and the second in Germany. Best guesses suggest that we'll be learning a bit more about the firm's forthcoming Windows Mobile-based lineup, and we can only hope that the Kii, Omni and / or Polaris are part of the show -- but considering the location and all, we wouldn't bet the farm on hearing too much about the likely US-bound Juno. Hold tight kids, the events get going in under a week.
Verizon XV6700 out of stock, XV6800 launch imminent?
We haven't the foggiest what's been holding them up here, but the long-outdated XV6700 has finally gone out of stock on Verizon's site, suggesting that the XV6800 -- Big Red's version of the HTC Titan -- might finally be getting ready to go live. Sprint's variant went live ages ago, and let's not forget that we first heard about the XV6800 back during the Triassic, so we think Verizon's got some splainin' to do.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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.
Samsung shows i780 with Windows Mobile 6, possible BlackJack 2?
Remember that trick Samsung with Windows Mobile and the mouse pointer? Turns out it's the SGH-i780, a device that was passed around at Dubai's GITEX show earlier this month. From the spec sheet adjacent to the display phone, we can pretty clearly make out Windows Mobile 6 Professional (as opposed to Standard -- score), WiFi, HSDPA, a 2 megapixel camera, GPS, and an "optical mouse" (whatever that means), which explains the presence of a pointer on the screen. HTC pulled this off with the trackball-equipped Artemis; we toyed with it briefly and it seemed usable, so we'll be curious to see what approach Samsung takes. We've heard talk of a BlackJack 2 coming to AT&T later this year; we don't know whether this (or a model based on this) is it, but it certainly looks the part, doesn't it?[Via the::unwired, thanks Daniel F.]
AT&T Tilt delayed a few weeks?
Unlocked Kaisers are already available from your friendly local importer (and yes, it rocks, by the way), but if on-contract AT&T pricing is more to your liking, the wait may have just gotten a little longer. We're hearing unconfirmed reports that the 8925 Tilt -- AT&T's branded version of the Kaiser -- has been pushed back a few weeks from its September 25 release window thanks to some pesky network certification issues. You know, those tests that cause a phone mentioned in December of one year to be released late the following year (pardon if we sound bitter). Anyway, the phones have apparently been shipped back to HTC for some last-minute rejiggering; with any luck, we'll still see 'em before October's out if the rumor's true. If this ends up being nothing more than a case of a few misinformed AT&T reps, though, make sure to bring enough cash on your shopping trip next Tuesday for both the Tilt and Halo 3, k?[Thanks, John L.]
Rogers releases WM6-equipped Palm Treo 750
AT&T customers still have a grueling wait ahead of them (apparently) for an official Windows Mobile 6 update to their Treo 750s, but our buddies north of the border are on the ball. Canada's GSM grandpappy, Rogers, has finally gotten around to launching the device -- a bit late, yes, but with Windows Mobile 6 and enabled HSDPA out of the gate. Normally we'd say the timing sucks with a newer product having just launched overseas, but let's be honest: between the Treo 500 and the 750, we're sure there are still plenty of folks willing to take the older model. Pick it up now for $599 CAD (about $584) on a two-year contract, or a far more palatable $249 CAD (about $243) on a three-year.[Via the::unwired]
Feature-filled ASUS p550 PocketPC phone clears the FCC
Bonus time must be approaching for the folks over at the FCC as they've been madly busy this week kicking handsets out left, right, and center. Of course, this Asus P550 took us a bit by surprise, as we'd not heard even a whisper of this little fella until just this morning. Featuring Windows Mobile 6 Pro, a smokin' 570 MHz CPU, GPS, WiFi, triple-band GSM, and a dash of 2100 MHz flavored UMTS, it will slot quite nicely into the middle of Asus' existing lineup. The spec sheet -- and the photo tells no lies -- doesn't mention a forward facing cam, but the unit does feature a 2 megapixel fixed-focus jobbie, with storage for said pics in either the system memory -- listed as 256 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM -- or via miniSD. Not a bad outing for Asus, and while it lacks HSDPA in any of our favorite bands, it'll do just nicely.
HP iPAQ 910 coming to AT&T?
We're not really used to being buried in an endless array of Windows Mobile devices on any American carrier, but that could be the very problem we all face on AT&T if this latest tidbit materializes. Between the Tilt, Q Global, SMT5700, Pantech Duo, Treo 750, and the BlackJack -- all released or just around the corner -- pretty much every form factor, platform, and price point is covered, and it looks like the recently announced HP iPAQ 910 is in play now, too. Documentation on HP's site calls out the 910c (the version equipped with a 3 megapixel autofocus cam) as destined for AT&T's airwaves, a logical move considering the device's support for HSDPA 850 / 1900. Yeah, the extra choice means extra confusion for consumers just looking for a decent smartphone -- but with GPS, WiFi, and a touchscreen rocking Windows Mobile 6 Professional, we're not about to complain. [Warning: PDF link][Via Boy Genius Report]
Verizon customers manage to sneak in, receive Samsung i760 orders
Golly, it's been so flippin' long since this thing was supposed to come out, we'd kinda forgotten about it! We kid, we kid -- it's not every day that Samsung comes out with a creative new Windows Mobile 6 Professional device, particular stateside, and we're as excited as anyone to see examples of the i760 start to find their way into patient buyers' hands. Rumor has it it's not supposed to be released until September 24, but folks have had luck calling Verizon directly and asking for the device by SKU (seriously, how hard is it to get everyone on the same page?). It'll run $519.99 full retail, with a two-year contract earning you a more manageable price of $399.99 before a $50 mail-in rebate. Be sure to spill the gory details of your efforts to evade the 9/24 official drop date in comments![Via Boy Genius Report, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Motorola Q Global makes surprise, unorderable cameo on AT&T site
Call it the q9, the Q9h, the Q9 global, whatever, but AT&T's apparently going by the "Q Global" moniker (properly capitalized, no less!) for Motorola's latest QWERTY smartphone when it goes on sale shortly. The carrier has thrown up a teaser site to help hold over the throngs of impatient masses who hoped the darned thing would've launched by now -- particular considering it was announced long before Verizon's version -- though no mention of an actual launch date is made in the verbiage. With any luck the October rumor will stick, but for now, a submission of your email address into some AT&T database will have to do.[Via phoneArena]
HTC Juno headed to T-Mobile?
Not a lot of dirt on this one just yet, but BoyGeniusReport has it that the HTC "Juno" should be headed to T-Mobile, and soon. Of note, the Juno moniker is apparently just a codename that could change upon official launch, but this sexy handset will purportedly include Windows Mobile 6, a "consumer friendly interface (TouchFlo?)," and a whole lot of wow-factor in the display. Regrettably, that's practically all of the details available at the moment, but considering that it should hit T-Mobile exclusively late next month, official word shouldn't be too far behind.
Palm's Treo 500v gets official
Well folks, you can't say we didn't warn you. Palm's European wing announced today that the Treo 500v was really real, and headed onto the monolithic Vodafone network in October. As expected, the new model will be coming in two colors, a bright white and gray finish (called Glacier White), as well as a muted charcoal tone (known as, surprise, Charcoal Grey), and will be running Windows Mobile 6. The phone will not have a touchscreen, as we reported, but will rock 3G / UMTS data (not HSDPA), have a 2-megapixel camera (so at least we know Palm isn't completely recycling older phones' guts), 256MB of onboard memory (150MB for users), plus a microSD slot and Bluetooth 2.0. Everything else about the phone should feel like standard territory, as Palm doesn't seem to be offering anything in the way of software that's different, though this phone could (and should) find some fans with those looking in the direction of BlackJacks, Qs, and Dashes. Still, we can't say we're not a little deflated... maybe the rumored "800" will blow our collective minds.[Via Pocket-lint]%Gallery-7352%
New Treo 500 pics surface showing off color schemes, back and side views
Sure, we know the actual event is only a few hours away, but can you ever really see too many pre-release photos of a new mobile phone... especially when it's this much of a let-down? That's right folks, feast your sparkling eye-socket-fillers on these new Treo 500 pictures, featuring both variations of the monochromatic, totally mediocre color-schemes that Palm has cooked up. We don't know where our friends in the Netherlands got these pics, or why the white version's keyboard is blurred out like a still from a Paris Hilton "video," but we do know some things, namely: the camera and speaker placement on the backs have changed ever-so-slightly; these phones are thinner, but not that thin; and... these designs look straight out of 1999. Look, we know you're trying guys, but you're going to have to do better than a BlackJack-aping, Windows Mobile almost-ran to win our hardened hearts back.[Thanks, Lenny]
Palm Treo 500 gets dressed for September 12 announcement
Okay, we suppose it might not be as silly looking as we'd originally thought, but let's be honest: would this be your first choice for a Windows Mobile 6 Standard device? Yep, that's right, we said "Standard," meaning there's no touchscreen in the cards for Palm's latest and greatest device, a distinct departure from Treos of yore. So yeah, anyway, if this document turns out to be legit, the long-rumored Gandolf is going to end up christened as the Treo 500 when it's announced for Vodafone on the 12th. 3G data will thankfully be in tow, too, though there's no word on whether it'll be HSDPA or plain ol' UMTS. Not bad, but seriously, there are plenty of solid WM6 Standard handsets in the pipeline from manufacturers big and small. Best of luck, Palm.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Sharp's WS011SH Windows Mobile superphone in the wild
Sometimes -- all too often, in fact -- devices simply don't live up to their carefully selected and prepared press shots, but yeah, we're pretty sure that's not the case here. LetsGoMobile recently had a peep at Sharp's lovely WS011SH Advanced/W-ZERO3 [es] on the floor of IFA, and seriously, it seems to look every bit as good in the wild (if not better) than it did in Sharp's own materials. With a 3-inch WVGA (yes, wide VGA) touchscreen serving up Windows Mobile 6, you can sorta think of it as an HTC Vox on performance-enhancing drugs -- the only difference being that we stand zero chance of ever seeing this 'round here on account of the PHS radio designed for Willcom service in Japan. Tragedy, ain't it?[Thanks, David]
O2 Germany getting Xda Atom Life as "Xda comet"
O2 has a track record of running largely different product lineups between its European and Asian operations, but German subscribers might be delighted to hear that they're getting a particularly strong import from their cousins on the other end of the globe. This here device, sold in the Asia Pacific region as the Xda Atom Life, is getting rebranded as the "Xda comet" (yes, lower case "c," as annoying as that is) -- and it's picking up an upgrade to Windows Mobile 6 as part of its transcontinental transformation (though Atom Life owners have access to an official upgrade now too). The handset holds its own with 3.6Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth, WiFi, a healthy 624 megahertz of XScale action, 2 megapixel cam, and a full 1GB of storage onboard; the lack of a slide-out keyboard might be a deal breaker for some, but otherwise, looks like HTC's got a solid bit of Bavarian competition on its hands. Look for it to hit in October for a yet-to-be-announced price. [Warning: PDF link][Via the::unwired]
Amazon gets impatient, offers Pantech C810 for AT&T
You know, if it weren't for retailers and the FCC, manufacturers' and carriers' employees would lead relatively stress- and hypertension-free lives -- but in this heavily embargoed, NDA'd, confidentiality agreemented world in which we live, bean spillage is an inevitable occurrence. We're not saying that's what's going on here, but we find it odd that Amazon would start offering Pantech's C810 dual slider Windows Mobile smartphone for AT&T with nary a peep from the carrier itself (not that we're complaining in the least). Even better, they're offering it for a cool $180 which seems really reasonable for a Windows Mobile 6 Standard device with UMTS in such a creative and useful form factor. Give us a holler in comments if anyone grabs it![Via Smartphone Thoughts]
i-mate's Ultimate 8150 out and about
Okay, we've gotta admit, it looks way better in black than it did in the sickly champagne hue we'd originally seen. ce4arab's had a chance to play with the production version of i-mate's 8150, one of the first members of its flagship Ultimate line to see the light of day. We'll save the review itself for the Arabic speakers among us, but the extensive visuals (right down to a test of its TV out capability) here are enough to justify taking a peep. In particular, we're feeling the blue backlighting on the keypad -- and as we said, the black theme is a huge improvement. The specs are less notable now than they were back when these things were announced at CeBIT, but hey, if you can score one at the right price, at least it's not gonna look like you're pulling a brick of fool's gold out of your pocket.
HP introduces iPAQ 600 and 900 series Windows Mobile 6 phones
In its fray of iPAQ introductions today come two new phones from HP -- the first since the rather bland 510 -- potentialy throwing the once-dominant Windows Mobile force back into the hunt. First up, the 600 series Business Navigator comes equipped with integrated GPS a generous 2.8-inch touchscreen, 128MB of RAM, 256MB of ROM, 3 megapixel autofocus cam, WiFi, and Windows Mobile 6 Professional, all sitting atop a Marvell PXA270 putting along at 520MHz. The 600 rocks a numeric keypad; a dealbreaker for some, yes, but the nifty touch-sensitive scroll wheel integrated into the keys may be enough to sway a few back. The 900 series, meanwhile, swaps out the numeric pad for a standard QWERTY outfit and steps down to a 2.46-inch display, but the specs remain otherwise similar to its stablemate. Look for both to ship before the year's out.[Via Phone Scoop]
HTC website leaks AT&T Tilt, BlackBerry Connect support
In case there was any lingering doubt that AT&T would pick up the Kaiser as the successor to its 8525, this should put all those nasty thoughts to rest. Paul from MoDaCo has noticed that HTC's US site now rocks a guide to setting up BlackBerry Connect on the AT&T 8925 "Tilt," confirming several notable things: one, that AT&T is getting the device, two, that it's called the Tilt and its model number is 8925, and three, that it'll support BlackBerry Connect. Sadly, HTC's apparent misstep (or clever leak designed to get us all foaming at the mouth, depending on how you look at it) reveals nothing about a Tilt release date, but we've gotta think it's coming before too long now.[Via MoDaCo]
