Windows Mobile 6.5.3 in the wild: advances in User Interface
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 2-FEB-2010 20:12
Microsoft has released a small update to Windows Mobile, its phone operating system. Windows Mobile 6.5.3 is a step ahead in the "facelift" of this smartphone platform, and the latest update brings the following new features:
- Capacitive touchscreen support
- Platform to enable multi-touch
- Touch controls throughout system (no need for stylus)
- Consistent Navigation
- Horizontal scroll bar replaces tabs (think settings>system>about screen)
- Magnifier brings touch support to legacy applications
- Simplified out-of-box experience with fewer steps
- Drag and drop icons on Start Screen
I am told the native browser performance has improved, with decrease in page load time, better memory management, pan & flick gestures smoothed, and zoom & rotation speed increased.
The OS comes with updated runtime tools (.NET CF 3.5, SQL CE 3.1), and support for Arabic read/write document.
The update in itself is a small release but it should bring the venerable operating system closer to current consumer markets. The first handset with the new operating system is the Sony Ericsson Aspen, just announced.
Screenshots below - click for larger versions:
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AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile Phone with pico projector
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 30-DEC-2009 15:18
I have just received the pico projector for my AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile phone (previous post here), and is it a nice addon - it basically projects whatever is on the main screen up to 66 inch (diagonal size, from 2.66m), with a resolution of 480x320 pixels.
It's powered by the phone itself, so I guess for longer sessions we will need the phone plugged in for power. It can be used to project presentations from Powerpoint mobile, or training - or any video really, including movies you might have on your device. Any sound comes out of the speakerphone (or your Bluetooth speakers) - I will try and get some external speakers plugged in if possible.
It adds only 50g to the phone and has a manual focus. You slide the lens cover to turn the projector on, and use the camera button to switch between landscape and portrait.
Here are some first pictures of the phone with the pico projector attachment and some projections at daytime - I will try and get a picture of a night time performance later:
Both the AT&T LG eXpo Windows Phone and the pico projector were supplied by AT&T for my review.
It's powered by the phone itself, so I guess for longer sessions we will need the phone plugged in for power. It can be used to project presentations from Powerpoint mobile, or training - or any video really, including movies you might have on your device. Any sound comes out of the speakerphone (or your Bluetooth speakers) - I will try and get some external speakers plugged in if possible.
It adds only 50g to the phone and has a manual focus. You slide the lens cover to turn the projector on, and use the camera button to switch between landscape and portrait.
Here are some first pictures of the phone with the pico projector attachment and some projections at daytime - I will try and get a picture of a night time performance later:
Both the AT&T LG eXpo Windows Phone and the pico projector were supplied by AT&T for my review.
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AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile Phone first impressions
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 21-DEC-2009 15:50
The AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile phone was just launched in the U.S. and I already got one here, courtesy of AT&T. First impressions on opening the box: it's smaller than I thought it would be, and lighter too. I haven't tested the whole thing yet (waiting for its unlock code so I can use it on Telecom's XT network) but just using Windows Mobile to browse around the options and it seems to be a very responsive phone.
UPDATE: Very impressed! This is the first Windows Mobile phone I've used that actually shows Internet Explorer Mobile under a good light. Probably because of the fast processor, Internet Explorer mobile actually performs really well on this handset - unlike the HTC Touch Pro 2 which seemed too slow for Internet Explorer mobile.
It's now charging and I will then configure ActiveSync, the fingerprint scanner, and all other options. Some just-out-of-the-box pictures:
UPDATE: Very impressed! This is the first Windows Mobile phone I've used that actually shows Internet Explorer Mobile under a good light. Probably because of the fast processor, Internet Explorer mobile actually performs really well on this handset - unlike the HTC Touch Pro 2 which seemed too slow for Internet Explorer mobile.
It's now charging and I will then configure ActiveSync, the fingerprint scanner, and all other options. Some just-out-of-the-box pictures:
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Not happy with the outcome of knee vs smartphone
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 21-DEC-2009 10:07
I put the HTC Touch Pro 2 smartphone down while trying to do something inside the car and after moving around I heard a "crack" noise.
Not happy with the outcome. But waiting for a couple of new smartphones to arrive here today (AT&T LG eXpo and HTC Snap) so in the meantime I am using an Acer F900 I have around.
Not happy with the outcome. But waiting for a couple of new smartphones to arrive here today (AT&T LG eXpo and HTC Snap) so in the meantime I am using an Acer F900 I have around.
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Facebook for Windows Mobile
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 8-MAY-2009 08:00
Microsoft is making available a free Facebook client for Windows Mobile phones. This application will run on Windows Mobile 6.0 and newer - including Windows Mobile 6.5 devices coming later this year.
I have been running it for a while and here are some screenshots:
The application provides all the functionality you expect from a Facebook client, and the most interesting bit is the ability to upload videos directly from your Windows Mobile device.
Facebook client for Windows Mobile phones runs on Windows Mobile Professional (touchscreen) and Windows Mobile Standard (non-touchscreen).
I have been running it for a while and here are some screenshots:
The application provides all the functionality you expect from a Facebook client, and the most interesting bit is the ability to upload videos directly from your Windows Mobile device.
Facebook client for Windows Mobile phones runs on Windows Mobile Professional (touchscreen) and Windows Mobile Standard (non-touchscreen).
The truth about Microsoft Pink
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 29-APR-2009 20:34
Today we saw lots of rumours around regarding smartphones. In one Verizon would be working with Apple to create an "iPhone lite". In another Verizon would also be working with Microsoft to create an "iPhone killer", dubber Pink.So what's the truth? I got some information directly from one of the sources within, and basically he says Microsoft is not going into the phone hardware business.
Because of that Microsoft is not building a Zune-specific phone.
The company is actually deepening relationships with hardware partners - I was given a long list of reasons, but it comes down to creating better performing phones that are competitively priced, feature rich, easy-to-use and lustworthy.
There's a lot being done, starting with the upcoming availability of Windows Mobile 6.5 software that will enable OEM partners to build more compelling devices.
But for the moment, Microsoft is not creating a phone.
Help shape Sprite Backup 7.0 for Windows Mobile
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 22-APR-2009 08:36
I got an e-mail from Sprite Software, a New Zealand-based company that produces mobile software such as Sprite Backup for Windows Mobile.
The company is planning a complete redesign of Sprite Backup from the ground up. It will be completely reengineered to make the most of the features offered in Microsoft’s new Windows Mobile 7 (and most likely 6.5).
What they need at the moment is user input and to make it a sweet there's something in there for anyone willing to help.
Basically they are holding a Backup 7 Feature Hunt, with some great prizes:
1st prize (2 winners, each receives a HTC Touch HD)
2nd prize (5 winners each receives a Bluetooth GPS Unit)
3rd prize (30 winners each receives an 8GB MicroSD Card)
You can read more about at www.spritesoftware.com/Backup-7-Competition.
The company is planning a complete redesign of Sprite Backup from the ground up. It will be completely reengineered to make the most of the features offered in Microsoft’s new Windows Mobile 7 (and most likely 6.5).
What they need at the moment is user input and to make it a sweet there's something in there for anyone willing to help.
Basically they are holding a Backup 7 Feature Hunt, with some great prizes:
1st prize (2 winners, each receives a HTC Touch HD)
2nd prize (5 winners each receives a Bluetooth GPS Unit)
3rd prize (30 winners each receives an 8GB MicroSD Card)
You can read more about at www.spritesoftware.com/Backup-7-Competition.
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The AT&T Matrix Pro Home Screen
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 2-APR-2009 13:12
A couple of weeks ago the Pantech Matrix Pro smartphone landed on my desk. Based on Windows Mobile Standard 6.1, this smartphone is quite a pleasure to use. I have been playing with for a while,and finally got it unlocked so I could test it with a live network connection locally.
AT&T sent me the handset with one of its SIM cards, which I will be using while over in the U.S. next week, but since roaming wasn't activated, the easiest solution was to just get a local SIM and try it on the phone.
Note that while the phone is a 850MHz device, the new Telecom New Zealand 850MHz WCDMA network is not live for customers yet, so I am using the Vodafone 2100MHz network with a prepay SIM - hence the "G" in these screen captures, since their HSDPA coverage in this area is quite poor (having said that, it was a solid HSDPA until a few months ago, and I suspect they moved some panels in their cell sites around here causing this drop in signal quality).
Back to the matter... The AT&T Matrix Pro so far has impressed me. Nice build, quite chunky, but with a dual slider keypad/keyboard it is expected. It is actually smaller than my current Samsung i325 (Ace). The screen is extremely crisp and bright. The keyboard is responsive, and it feels much faster than my other device.
Below is a short capture of the AT&T Home Screen - the main differences are the colours and the new AT&T item on the mai page:
And below is an overview of each of the items on the standard Windows Mobile Home Screen. Note how the right software key changes functions depending on context:
I also installed Google Maps and Windows Live Search and they both instantly worked with the built-in GPS, without any extra configuration needed. The GPS got a fix in a matter of seconds - from cold start in another side of the globe this is impressive. More on the Pantech Matrix Proto come later.
AT&T sent me the handset with one of its SIM cards, which I will be using while over in the U.S. next week, but since roaming wasn't activated, the easiest solution was to just get a local SIM and try it on the phone.
Note that while the phone is a 850MHz device, the new Telecom New Zealand 850MHz WCDMA network is not live for customers yet, so I am using the Vodafone 2100MHz network with a prepay SIM - hence the "G" in these screen captures, since their HSDPA coverage in this area is quite poor (having said that, it was a solid HSDPA until a few months ago, and I suspect they moved some panels in their cell sites around here causing this drop in signal quality).
Back to the matter... The AT&T Matrix Pro so far has impressed me. Nice build, quite chunky, but with a dual slider keypad/keyboard it is expected. It is actually smaller than my current Samsung i325 (Ace). The screen is extremely crisp and bright. The keyboard is responsive, and it feels much faster than my other device.
Below is a short capture of the AT&T Home Screen - the main differences are the colours and the new AT&T item on the mai page:
And below is an overview of each of the items on the standard Windows Mobile Home Screen. Note how the right software key changes functions depending on context:
I also installed Google Maps and Windows Live Search and they both instantly worked with the built-in GPS, without any extra configuration needed. The GPS got a fix in a matter of seconds - from cold start in another side of the globe this is impressive. More on the Pantech Matrix Proto come later.
Pantech Matrix Pro in the house
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 12-MAR-2009 15:00
Very exciting... I've just received an AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro
Windows Mobile Smartphone here. Exciting because this is a very new model, with a sliding keypad and a sliding keyboard as you can see in the pictures below:
The AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro is a WCDMA 850/2100 MHz device meaning it will be perfect for connecting to the new Telecom New Zealand network and for my upcoming trips to Australia and the US.
I have just opened the box and I am now synchronising the phone with my Exchange server, installing important programs and more... Full review later.
The AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro
I have just opened the box and I am now synchronising the phone with my Exchange server, installing important programs and more... Full review later.
Strange Windows Mobile fault: Phone application shows wrong name... Or not?
By Mauricio Freitas, in
Windows Mobile, posted: 12-NOV-2008 18:20
I had a very interesting phone call today - not because of the call itself, but because it unearthed a very strange fault in the Windows Mobile Phone application.
I have a friend in Wellington, New Zealand, let's call her L.E. with phone number +64 4 555-1234. I have a commercial contact in Auckland, let's call her R.M. with phone number +64 9 555-1234. Yes, same country code and phone number, just different area codes.
An interesting coincidence.
Today R.M. called me. I answer saying "Hello L.E."... But of course it wasn't L.E calling me, but that's what the Phone application tells me.
It seems the Windows Mobile Phone application searches only the phone number (not including the area code). It also seems the index use is probably something like (Phone + Name), therefore a search with Phone = 555-1234 brings L.E.'s record first - and stops there without checking area code to make sure it's really who the caller is.
Freaky how this happened. How big a coincidence to have two people you know with the same phone number just different area codes? I would say it is harder to happen in the USA, but in a small country like New Zealand...
I have a friend in Wellington, New Zealand, let's call her L.E. with phone number +64 4 555-1234. I have a commercial contact in Auckland, let's call her R.M. with phone number +64 9 555-1234. Yes, same country code and phone number, just different area codes.
An interesting coincidence.
Today R.M. called me. I answer saying "Hello L.E."... But of course it wasn't L.E calling me, but that's what the Phone application tells me.
It seems the Windows Mobile Phone application searches only the phone number (not including the area code). It also seems the index use is probably something like (Phone + Name), therefore a search with Phone = 555-1234 brings L.E.'s record first - and stops there without checking area code to make sure it's really who the caller is.
Freaky how this happened. How big a coincidence to have two people you know with the same phone number just different area codes? I would say it is harder to happen in the USA, but in a small country like New Zealand...
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