Windows Phone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

The audio is Greek to me - literally, it's two Greek guys talking - but mute the audio and enjoy the video. Finally, someone with a camera that can focus and decent lighting to boot! The Touch HD2 looks like an amazing device, and the updated version of HTC Sense (a.k.a. TouchFlo 3D) is ridiculously responsive and gorgeous on this device. The only weird thing I noticed was that they had a hard time doing the reverse-pinch to zoom out on the browser. I wonder why that wasn't working very well?

At least they have a sense of humour...now if only they could fix the security problems, the fact that they're using SIM-based filtering of applications, and no version yet for the million and millions of Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1 phones.

"I think the intent of the Windows Mobile 6.5 release was to provide a more finger friendly user interface on touch screen devices, while non-touchscreen devices remain pretty much the same. I believe there were some backend updates and improvements, but there were not readily apparent. There are four main areas where end users will see changes and these are in the Start menu, lock screen, Today screen, and menus. Let's check out each area in more detail."

My friend the hyper-productive Matt Miller - seriously, how DOES he do it? - has his take on Windows Mobile 6.5. And it's about the same as most of the other reviews we've seen today...there's a general feeling of "Really? This is it?". Apple and Google have shown that significant updates can be made to an operating system on a regular basis, and they've raised the bar of expectation. With 6.5, Microsoft has done the limbo right under that bar...without needing to lean back.

It's Windows Mobile 6.5 launch day, and that means that the sites that were lucky enough to get devices are launching their content. Here we have Michael Oryl taking a look at the HTC Imagio on Verizon, and the HTC Pure on AT&T.

"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."

For those of you interested in Sony Ericsson's latest Windows Phone incarnation, check out Engadget's post complete with gallery and video. They don't sound like big fans of the device, so feel free to post here and let us know if you are (or if you agree with them!)

Don't think Microsoft has forgotten about the Windows Mobile sector amidst all the Office 2010 excitement. The video posted here showcases some of the nice features that heavily-Microsoft-using shops will enjoy. Things like sharepoint integration through the browser, communicator integration, and even plain old document editing. Couple the editing interface with somethine like Live Mesh to keep it all in sync, and it looks like a pretty mean interface for mobile productivity.

I thought this video was quite thought-provoking, so on this Friday afternoon (where I am at least), I present this to you. Have a great weekend everyone!

"This handset is thin and light and makes the iPhone we used for some scale pics look positively chubby -- it's like having a PSP-sized display in your pocket. The 4.1-inch Regza-inspired screen is clear, the resistive touchscreen is typical hit and miss with fingertips, video and gaming are fast on the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and look gorgeous. You know, if Toshiba sees fit to add some 3G bands other than the 2100MHz included in the first effort, we could easily see this living -- almost unnoticed -- in our pockets."

The Toshiba TG01 is an example of a device that just looks undeniably slimmer and sexier in the flesh than in renderings. Don't believe us? Take a gander at Engadget's hands-on and video walkthrough, and try not to drool on the way out.

The iPhone 3G may only be a mere two months old, but it's already looking lackluster next to the HTC Touch HD. If you're not already drooling, take a look at the video after the break, as well as the pictures at MobiFrance (translated version). As revealed on Monday, the Touch HD packs a Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528MHz processor, 288MB RAM, 512MB ROM, a 5.0-megapixel camera, and a gorgeous 3.8" WVGA (480 x 800) touch screen, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, A-GPS, an FM radio, and a microSD slot thrown in for good measure. It's just too bad this particular version only sports 900/2100MHz HSDPA connectivity; so, if you're in the US, Australia, or anywhere else that uses 850MHz, you'll have to wait your turn.

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Fancy Samsung's latest entry into the Windows Mobile market? If you do, PPCSG has just posted a video review of the software, so be sure to check it out. It doesn't have quite the same "wow" factor as HTC's TouchFLO 3D, but it still goes a long way toward making Windows Mobile more touch-friendly.

"Tell how GSmart PDA phones mean to you by producing a commercial film for GSmart product (GSmart t600, MW700, & MS800); Commercial film is a short film that aims to convey a positive and accurate message about the product or services. Therefore, you have to learn the product and tell the public about the advantages of the selected model. Top 10 videos that are creative, original and popular will be selected, and the creators can win a GSmart device!"



The above seems to be an example video (and presumably professionally-made?). Looks like the competition runs from May 20 through June 20. For those of you who decide to enter, good luck!

HTC has gone gaga on YouTube by uploading nine HTC Touch Diamond video demos. Check out the one above, and then jump the break to see the rest. Read more...