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Confirmed: Windows Mobile 6.5 to become Windows Phone Starter Edition
Windows Phone 7 Series might have been the big news out of Mobile World Congress this year, but it looks like Windows Mobile 6.5 will live on as the basis of Windows Phone Starter Edition. We'd already heard some whispers to that effect, but now it's been confirmed by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, who got some answers about the stripped-down mobile OS directly from Redmond. It's obviously designed to be a cheaper alternative for developing and emerging markets, much like Windows 7 Starter on the desktop, and it'll come in versions with and without Office Mobile preloaded when it ships on devices later this year. (Office 2010 will be included when it's officially released.) Here's the odd thing, though: when asked which features of 6.5 have been stripped to create Starter, MS replied with a list of radio support that conspicuously omits HSDPA 3G, but includes EV-DO. Simple typo, or an attempt to force international adoption of WinPho 7 in developed countries with 3G networks? We'll do some digging and find out. P.S.- Just to be clear here, it appears that the family will be Windows Phone 7 Series, and then potentially two WinMo 6.5 products: Windows Phone Classic and Windows Phone Starter Edition. Only Starter has actually been confirmed at this time, though, and we still don't know exactly how Microsoft is going to organize all of this and sell it. We'll keep you updated.
Live from Microsoft's MWC press conference!
Microsoft's event is located in the Plaza Catalunya across the street from the expo center proper, and the world's WinMo faithful (well, okay, the world's technology press) have started to gather inside in preparation for the 3PM Central European Time extravaganza.
HTC sets Window Mobile 6 upgrade deadline for October 31st
Back in April of last year, HTC came clean with its Windows Mobile 6 upgrade plans. Fast forward to now, and the very same company is getting official with the cutoff plans. October 31st will be the very last day (no tricks, folks) for select Windows Mobile 5 users to get a free upgrade to WinMo 6 via HTC's website. More specifically, October 31st at 12:00PM GMT -- after the clock strikes 12:01PM, the download link will be removed for eternity. The affected handsets are the S621, S620, P4350, P3300 and HTC Advantage, and while we'd typically encourage you to stop procrastinating and get on with the upgrade, we know in our hearts there's no way you're still rocking WinMo 5. Right? Right.[Via phonescoop]
LG's KS20 now available in Europe
Announced in August, LG's HSDPA-totin' touchscreen KS20 was just released for retail in Europe -- France and Germany to be specific with more countries coming on the quick. Nothing new to report, same business minded, 12.8-mm thick Windows Mobile 6 handset with 3.6Mbps data, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2 megapixel camera (VGA up front), up to 4-hours talk, and built-in stylus for navigating with precision on that busy, 240 x 320 pixel, 2.8-inch WinMo interface. No prices given but we're sure your carrier will happily oblige.
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.
HTC's HT1100 (Nike) with TouchFLO lives... on Japan's DoCoMo
There it is, the HTC HT1100, aka Nike, aka the Touch II WinMo 6 Professional slider we've been anticipating. This FOMA handset packs HSDPA (naturally, for DoCoMo) and GSM for international roaming while representing HTC's second handset to feature the TouchFLO interface. The QVGA display has been trimmed back to 2.6-inches while the sliding keypad chunks it up a bit to 112 x 51 x 16.9-mm / 130-grams. 802.11a/b/g WiFi, SIP support, Bluetooth, 2 megapixel camera (with a 1 megapixeler up front), FM tuner (?), and microSD round out the specs. So it's official, now we just need a release a bit say, closer to home.
LG's KS20 ready for the suits with WinMo 6 and HSDPA
Oi, say 'ello to 12.8-mm thin LG KS20, the 3.2Mbps HSDPA cuz to their KU990 touchscreen hottie. Although the KS20 shares much of the looks of the KU990, they've actually trimmed back the display to 2.8-inches (compared to 3-inches on the KU990) while acing that 5.1 megapixel shooter for a skimpy, business-minded 2 megapixeler all riding atop a Windows Mobile 6.0 OS. Expected Q4 in Europe running on some of that Vodafone carrier action, at least. We'll be sure to get up close and personal with it at IFA later in the week if that's ok with you. Thought so.%Gallery-6491%
Windows Mobile 6 unofficially meets Dell's Axim X51v
If you think you've seen this headline before, fret not, all but one measly number is indeed the same. Of course, for Axim X51v owners, that makes all the difference in the world. Just days after Windows Mobile 6 was unofficially made available for the X50v, now X51v owners can experience the same luxury -- if you're down with voiding that warranty and living with a few bugs, that is. Reportedly, some upgraders have seen issues (or outright failures) with WiFi connectivity, Windows Live, and a number of other somewhat minor features, so be sure and read your fill before heedlessly slapping a new OS on your discontinued PDA.[Via DownloadSquad]
HTC Iris S640 CDMA smartphone outed by FCC
It's been just under two months since getting a whiff of the forthcoming S640, and now it's time for US-based CDMA users to (officially) celebrate, as FCC documentation has finally outed the HTC Iris S640. The paperwork shows that the smartphone will indeed operate on CDMA850 / 1900 bands, include WiFi and Bluetooth, offer up EV-DO connectivity, and sport USB for syncing and charging. Additionally, the handset will reportedly tout a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 resolution LCD and a two-megapixel camera, and while it doesn't look like this one will be aimed at the elitists in the crowd, it should do quite well as a low-to-mid-range smartphone on whichever CDMA carrier(s) it ends up on.[Via MobilitySite]
Trimble unveils rugged lineup of Nomad handheld computers
If Trimble's Juno ST PDA wasn't rugged enough to handle your oh-so-critical field duties (or unexpected drink spills), you'll be thrilled to know that the firm has you on the brain. The Nomad lineup of handheld computers weigh just 21-ounces, are designed to "fit comfortably in a user's hand," and pack a fairly decent array of specifications. Internally, you'll find an 806MHz processor, 128MB of RAM, and optionally, you can tack on integrated Bluetooth, GPS, a bar code scanner, two-megapixel camera, and 802.11g; additionally, an SDIO and CF slot, up to 1GB of flash memory, a daylight-visible VGA touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6, and a rechargeable Li-ion are on board. Trimble is offering up four separate Nomad 800 flavors depending on your level of necessity (and budget), all of which can be found real soon ranging from $1,699 to $2,499.
HTC Kaiser becomes MDA Vario III for T-Mobile Germany
Oh T-Mobile Germany, you and your name swapping ways never cease to amaze confuse us. Sure enough, the overseas carrier notorious for rebranding handsets has reportedly picked up the HTC Kaiser and hastily dubbed it the MDA Vario III. For those paying close attention, you'd notice that this move mimics a similar one made with the HTC Hermes last year, but the third iteration of the MDA Vario touts 3.6Mbps HSDPA connectivity, quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE, Windows Mobile 6 Professional, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, a microSD expansion slot, and a 400MHz Qualcomm CPU. Sadly, no price was mentioned, and while Germans can expect to find this device in T-Mobile outlets come September, surrounding countries will be forced to play the wait-and-see game.
Inventec's Windows Mobile 6-powered K871 shown at Computex
Not too many details on this one just yet, but Inventec was apparently showing off the Okwap-built K871 at Computex, and aside from boasting a slideout QWERTY keyboard and a standard number pad, it also comes loaded with the latest version of Windows Mobile. Additionally, the smartphone packs a three-megapixel camera with auto focus, a few handy hotkeys surrounding the number pad, built-in 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, USB 2.0 connectivity, and the ability to hop on the 3G highway via HSDPA. Still looks a little thick for our tastes, but feel free to click through for a couple more shots from the show floor.
Xda terra becomes first WM6 Pro device to ship
Just over a month ago, O2 Germany came clean and announced the future availability of the Xda terra, and now the carrier will forever hold the crown of being the first major provider to offer up and ship a Windows Mobile 6 Professional handset. Sure enough, O2's Germany webstore proudly displays the dashing mobile, lists the specs that you've already memorized, and mentions that it now includes a two-megapixel camera to boot. Of course, being first in line always comes at a premium, and from what we can gather through the (admittedly sketchy) translation, the lowest price point you'll be reaching is €279.99 ($382) bundled with a contract. Additionally, O2 lists the handset sans agreement for a stiff €519.99 ($710), but it looks like those will only be available from retail locations -- decisions, decisions.[Via Unwired]
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.
E-Ten's Glofiish X800: everything but the QWERTY
Let's start with what E-Ten's latest Glofiish -- the X800 -- doesn't have: a QWERTY keyboard. Otherwise, it's packed to the, uh, gills. We're talking Windows Mobile 6, large VGA display, HSDPA/WCDMA like we heard, GPS, WiFi, quad-band GSM (like the X500, we presume), Bluetooth, and a 2 megapixel camera on the back with a second up front for video calls. Hell, it even sports a Skype client which may or may not be in the final product as they "work out the final details." All this without any noticeable increase in size from the already svelt X500. Expected to hit globally before summer is done with an MSRP somewhere between $850 and $900. Hands on? You betcha, just check the fat gallery below.%Gallery-2121%
Windows Mobile "Crossbow" reviewed
The speculation is over kids, mobile-review got themselves a copy of the next major release of the Windows Mobile OS and slapped up a review for all to see. Codenamed "Crossbow," the mobile OS is expected to hit sometime in the first half of 2007 under what can be assumed to be a Windows Mobile 6.0 moniker. Although, as the review points out, a full numeric update is a bit generous as it could just as well be dubbed Windows Mobile 5.0 Second Edition given the lack of new features. For that, you'll have to wait another few years for Photon which will finally unify the Pocket PC and Smartphone divisions -- it's the former (a near-RTM development version) under review. So, now that your expectations are fully deflated, what are we looking at? To start with, most of the new functions in Crossbow are meant to play nice with the 2007 release of Office and Exchange. Just to run down the highlights, we're getting a fully revamped Outlook Mobile app with new Vista-inspired sounds and themes, Windows Live integration featuring Live Search Mobile, Live Mail Mobile, Live Messenger Mobile (which, ironically, was first available on Symbian S60 3rd edition deivces) all available direct from the Today screen, VoIP (SIP) support bundled into the phone-related part of the system, and Smart Dial 2.0 integration for fast search through contacts just like WinMo 5.0 SmartPhone edition. We're still looking at a typical 64MB ROM / 64MB RAM footprint and a minimum 200MHz CPU. Overall, the system performance is speedier throughout due to continued efforts at optimization started with AKU 3.0. There are few more changes of course but what we're looking at here is not an attempt to leapfrog the competition, rather, Crossbow is an effort just to keep the pace which ain't all bad. Oh, and good news for HP and E-Ten device owners, you'll likely have the option of updating to the new OS via a firmware update -- everyone else had best get to pestering their manufacture or trolling the torrents for the bump.[Thanks, Eldar]
