*sniff* I have tears in my eyes. Looks like HTC finally listened and has built my dream phone—or something close to it: the HTC Touch Pro2. I really liked the first generation HTC Touch Pro but the inadequate screen size just didn't do it for me. However, the new HTC Touch Pro2 features a whopping 3.6 inch widescreen display, now that's enough screen size for me.
Design
Taking a page from the design of the HTC TyTN II, the HTC Touch Pro2 offers a slide-out QWERTY keyboard with a tilting screen, but what's great about the screen is that you can tilt it manually at any angle you choose. One of the things that turned me off with the previous HTC Touch Pro was its bulkiness. Up front, it looks good but turned sideways, it looks and feels heavy. HTC was only able to slightly address that design issue with the HTC Touch Pro2 since it's now only 17.3mm, it's still thick and I wish they were able to squeeze the thickness of the device so it would be as thin as the Nokia N97. Features
Looks like HTC is really learning its lesson. I saw the first gen HTC Touch Diamond in its demo version and it's the interface was not quite there back then and from the complaints of the first HTC Touch Diamond users, it looks like HTC wasn't able to address the lagginess on their production model. The demo version shown at the MWC 2009 seems to have its quirks ironed out and the user interface was really fast and the touchscreen was much more responsive than on the previous models. I actually drooled upon seeing how good the new TouchFlo 3D is. However, looking at all videos of the Touch Pro2 on YouTube, I didn't see anyone actually handling the device. All of the videos feature the HTC demo guy holding the phone so it made me wonder if the UI was actually REALLY fast or its just an illusion since the demo guy knows which button actually works fast. Then again, it might be my imagination. So, aside from the big screen, what else is new on the HTC Touch Pro2? Well, there's the enhanced loudspeaker which is a feature of their Straight Talk speakerphone innovation. According to HTC, the dedicated noise-canceling microphone can deliver high quality conference calls. Well just have to hear that to believe that.
Disappointingly, aside from the revamped design and the faster and more responsive UI, HTC decided to retain much of the previous HTC Touch Pro specifications including its Qualcomm 528MHz processor, 288 MB of RAM, and MOST disappointingly—the 3.15 megapixel camera. The HTC Touch Diamond got a 5 megapixel upgrade, why did HTC scrimp out on the HTC Touch Pro2? Again, the answer may be because HTC learned from its previous mistake of making the HTC Touch Pro better than the Touch Diamond without putting a distinction between the two so naturally, users went for the better device, thus making the Touch Diamond's sale slump. Good strategy for HTC, bad for undecided consumers, but then again, there are other options from other manufacturers. Outlook and Conclusion
I was totally blown away by the HTC Touch Pro2's design and user interface. I must admit, this device definitely looks promising. However, those who already have the Touch Pro may want to think twice before upgrading since you'll only get a UI update which, hopefully, you can get from custom ROMs or firmware upgrade (if HTC is willing to make the enhanced TouchFlo 3D available to their lesser devices). HTC TyTN II users who didn't upgrade to the Touch Pro may want to upgrade this time around. As for me, I'm willing to consider this to be my next device if HTC promises to upgrade the OS to Windows Mobile 6.5.
Okay, so this is good news, Palm has just put up their Palm Pre on their Palm UK website. That's nice except that in case we do get the Palm Pre in the UK, it would be GSM only *yawn*. What's the point of the Palm Pre if it doesn't have 3G? I might as well get the 2G iPhone.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Palm Pre and all but if it only has 2G...well, it might as well be a brick in my books. I don't want a 2G phone only even it does have WiFi. I'm a 3G kind of gal and I constantly want to be connected to the net at blazing fast speeds, what will happen if I'm not in a hotspot and I want to post on my blog? Go with 2G/EDGE? Ugh, that would take 5 hours.
So I might as well scratch the Palm Pre on my top 5 list of must-have phones for this year...Unless they're able to make a 3G version, I just don't see myself getting the Palm Pre.
I was very excited at first when I heard that Samsung would be releasing an Omnia HD. I immediately searched for the Samsung Omnia HD's specifications and as I went down the list my mouth was already drooling and I was already calculating how much overtime I would need in order to buy this baby. Before anything else here's the run down of the Samsung i8910 mobile phone's specification:
Network: GSM 850,900,1800,1900, HSDPA 900,1900,2100 Dimensions: 123 x 58 x 12.9 mm Weight: 149g Display: 3.7 inch OLED screen, 16M colors, 360 x 640 pixels, capacitive touchscreen Accelerometer: Yes Memory: 8/16GB internal memory, expandable with microSD slot WiFi: Yes Bluetooth: A2DP GPS: Yes and A-GPS Camera: 8 megapixel, autofocus, flash, geotagging, face and smile detection, blink shot FM radio: Yes OS: Symbian s60 v.5
When I got down to the last part, I did a double take. WTF?!! Symbian OS?!!! That's like Blasphemy to the Omnia's name!!!! Why would Samsung go with Symbian OS when it hasn't been perfected for touchscreen phones?! They're already familiar with WinMo and sure, it has its kinks but it's way better handling touchscreen phones than Symbian OS.
This is so bad. A lot of people who were lucky enough to be able to do a hands on with the Samsung i8910 at the Mobile World Congress were complaining about its unresponsiveness. If Samsung doesn't wise up, the Samsung Omnia HD might end up like the Nokia 5800--a cool device on paper but its full potential was limited by the Symbian OS.
I feel sorry for Samsung and the i8910. The Omnia HD really has a lot of great features for a mobile phone. It's able to shoot 720p videos at 24fps and the OLED screen is just amazing. And with the dual speakers and 5.1 surround sound, it's like having a tiny HDTV on your mobile phone. Another thing to look forward to is the browser, which according to some reports, have the S60 OSS Browser with Safari Core so I just hope its as good as the Safari on the iPhone.
Oh well, I guess Samsung's winning streak on my book has to end some time. Maybe it's HTC's time to resurrect its reputation. Check out some of the hands on video of the Samsung i8910 Omnia HD mobile phone at YouTube.
UPDATE:I was able to finally get my hands on the i8910 albeit only for a few hours. I played around with it a bit and here are my impressions:
Design - The Samsung i8910 is not the slimmest mobile phone around. With the 3.7 inch touch display, you have to forego slim. The device is bulky and not recommended to be pocketed. If you're a gal, better keep it in your purse and if you're a guy, buy a belt clip for it. The whole phone is a fingerprint magnet. I wish Samsung would have copied the back cover of the Omnia so as to isolate smudges on just the front. The camera lens on the back is HUGE, it's like a big wart on this mobile phone.
Interface - The Samsung i8910 basically has the same OS as the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. It was disappointing for me since I never really liked the 5800 that much. What it means is that you won't get much of the kinetic scrolling (finger swiping action). Though responsiveness has been greatly improved compared with the 5800. I only enjoyed the kinetic scrolling using Samsung TouchWiz interface.
Features - Since I've already seen Samsung's AMOLED technology in action on the S8300, I wasn't expecting to be surprised by the the i8910 but the Tocco Ultra Touch only has a 2.8 inch display and the added area definitely made it seem that I'm holding a miniature HDTV. Colors are VERY vivid and pop out at you. Too bad I didn't have a sample DiVx video to try out. Sunlight legibility is still poor but again, much better compared with the Omnia. The 8 megapixel camera is up to par with the Samsung Tocco Ultra but I wish I could be able to hook up the i8910 to an HDTV to view the recorded videos. I know 720p is not much but it's still better than standard definition. Audio quality is better than on the Tocco Ultra Touch using the speakers and it's nice that the i8910 finally has a 3.5mm headset jack on the device itself and you don't have to connect Samsung's proprietary connectors to get a 3.5mm headset jack interface. The music player is definitely an improvement. I like the cover flow like interface when in landscape mode.
Conclusion - Still not a fan of Symbian OS. This is definitely a gorgeous mobile phone especially multimedia-wise but I think I'll wait for the Winmo version. Check out the Sample pictures and videos taken with the i8910.
The Samsung i8910 HD mobile phone is available on Orange for as low as £97.50 with a pay monthly plan.
First there was the Apple App store, then Nokia's OVI, then Palm's upcoming App store and now Microsoft is biting the bullet and releasing their own App store. I don't know whether that's really necessary. I mean what will happen to sites such as Pocketgear and Handango who sells mostly windows mobile applications and games? Hopefully, if Microsoft will support their own app store, we can see more creative applications and fun games at lower and reasonable prices. I for one am tired of envying all the cool games over at Apple's App store and searching for new games for my Omnia. If all goes well, we windows mobile users can find all the great games and applications for our mobile phones under one website. No more googling.
The other great news is Microsoft's announcement of Windows Mobile 6.5. Before continuing, I sure hope as hell that if Windows Mobile 6.5 will be released, I'll be able to upgrade my Omnia to 6.5 coz if that's not possible, I'll be boycotting Samsung. Windows Mobile 6.5 may be the answer to all the lags and unresponsiveness issues that are plaguing new windows mobile touch screen devices. With a more finger friendly interface, manufacturers won't have to develop their own UI to hide WinMo's ugly and old school interface. Check out PhoneArena's walkthrough video at the end of the post.
Looks like things are looking good for WinMo. Here's hoping to better devices in the future—hopefully, in the form of a Samsung Omnia with slide out keyboard.
I know a lot of magazines and blogs have already listed their best iPhone Apps but I got hold of T3's list from bestiphoneapps.mobi, a blog that has reviews of some iPhone mobiles games as well as popular mac games.
Anyways, I've always found T3 to be a reliable mag though I hate that they always feature women on their magazine covers. Yeah, it's supposed to be a gadget magazine targeted at the male populace but it makes me want to create a gadget magazine Cosmo style with hunky men on the front cover wearing only briefs...well, before my imagination runs away with me again, going back on topic, they do have some good apps on their list but it's already 1 year old and I'm sure a lot of great games and apps have already been released which are not on the list.
If you want a more updated list, Macworld lists their favorite iPhone Apps and games for 2008. But hey, each one of us have our own unique taste and what may be the best for one may not be to your liking so its best to try out the apps you really want and don't be afraid to download new ones which don't have reviews yet. It's the only way you can find the best of the best according to you.
So, the LG Arena KM900 has finally been officially released during the World Mobile Congress at Barcelona. I must admit, this mobile phone looks totally sexy and the UI looks really good. But before that, here's the video preview officially released by LG:
First Impressions
Like all of LG's ads, this one for the LG Arena would make you want to instantly go out and buy one. Of course, if every advertisement were TOTALLY true, then we'll be living in a perfect world, right?
The LG KM900 boasts of a first 3D user interface. The multimedia cube is a cool idea as well as a host of new interface. But the question all of you are itching to ask is: is it fast? From the looks of it, yes. Second question: Is it as fast as the iPhone? No. This first hands on video (see below) of the LG Arena on You Tube shows that the interface is smooth and fast when it comes to their multimedia cube but it takes a while for the contacts to load and as you can see, the interface still suffers from unresponsiveness at times. But hey, since you came to this page to know about the LG Arena, I'm assuming that you're not a iPhone fan and some quirks such as unresponsiveness and lagginess may not bother you so good for you and read on.
If Samsung made use of Bang and Olufsen technology for their audio, the LG KM900 is the first device to use Dolby Mobile. How that turns out we'll see from the user reviews. Hopefully, using Dolby Mobile would mean that we'll get awesome surround sound. The 3 inch screen has WVGA resolution so it would be ideal for watching DVD quality movies.
The LG Arena has a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and can capture DVD resolution video at 120 frames per second. If LG used their camera technology on the ViewTy then we'll have no problems with image quality but with autofocus only and no Flash? I'm disappointed.
The LG KM900 also has WiFi, a TV-Out feature, HSDPA 7.2, FM radio, 8GB internal memory expandable via MicroSD slot up to 32GB, and A-GPS.
Outlook
LG's new UI is definitely interesting. Everything looks user friendly and aside from a few hiccups, which hopefully woudln't show on its retail version, it looks like another winner from LG. However, I don't see anything new that would make me want to separate from my Samsung Omnia. Those looking for a new phone might be interested.
So HTC has a new mobile on the market, the HTC Touch Cruise 09. HTC has had a lot of products since their first release of the HTC Touch Cruise, so is the 09 version worth upgrading to? Here's my take.
Design
The HTC Touch Cruise 09 still features a 2.8 QVGA screen. At first glance, I thought the Touch Cruise 09 has a slide out keyboard but no, unfortunately, it's only touch screen. What I didn't like about the design of this product is that HTC opted for a 2.8 inch screen when they could have made use of the whole front of the screen and went 3-3.2 inch by removing the useless hardware keys. Other than that, the HTC Touch Cruise 09 seems like a real solid device to hold
Features and Performance
I'm glad that HTC isn't taking a step back and decided to incorporate the processor and memory of the Touch Diamond on the Touch Cruise 09. This device has a 256MB of RAM, and a 528MHz Qualcomm processor. It seems that the Touch Flo 3D has really matured ever since it was first introduced on the Touch Diamond. The TouchFlo 3D on the Cruise 09 is overall a smooth experience although there are still lags when you switch to the standard windows mobile interface but I blame that on Microsoft.
Now the main feature of the Touch Cruise 09 is the feature called HTC footprints. Basically, it's a pumped up version of the geotagging feature on some cameraphones. HTC Footprints lets you take pictures and then tag your location, add some notes, or add a voice memo. The tagging feature is actually pretty fast. Although I wonder if the HTC Footprints is just all gimmick. I mean, I'm not a social networking nut and I hardly use the geotagging features on my Omnia so I don't really see myself buying the Touch Cruise 09 just for the HTC footprints. However, I guess there are some people who might find the HTC footprints application useful, especially frequent travelers.
My other gripe is that if you're selling the HTC footprints for geotagging then you should have put a better camera on the device. The Touch Cruise 09 doesn't seem to have a LED flash so HTC probably used the camera technology on their previous HTC devices which mean it's good for outdoors and daylight shooting but quality in low light conditions and indoors is not so good.
Speaking of light, the screen of the HTC Touch Cruise 09 has 65k colors and a 240x320 resolution so the screen is all washed out when used in direct sunlight.
Conclusion and Outlook
The HTC Touch Cruise 09 has improved in terms of the TouchFlo interface but aside from the HTC footprints, it doesn't seem to offer anything new. If you just want a smart phone that works this might be a better choice over the Touch Diamond but if you're looking for better graphics and don't mind tweaking your phone to get the best out of it then you're better off with the Touch Diamond, Touch Pro or Touch HD as they offer better features than on the Touch Cruise 09.
So, Google has made another fun way for us to stalk our boyfriends/girlfriends/friends with Google Latitude. Google Latitude is an application which allows you to share your location with your friends or view where your friends are (with their permission, of course). You can easily set your privacy with Google Latitude, you can set whether you can share your location, accept a friend's sharing request but keep your location private, or show your location but only on the city-level.
Hmm, I don't know if there's really any use for this app...I mean, other than a free way to keep tabs on your lover, you can't do much with it. It's not as if you really need to keep tabs of where your friends/acquaintances are.
The Google Latitude is compatible with Android powered devices, iPhone and iPod Touch, Blackberries, windows mobile devices, Symbian S60 devices, and other java-enabled mobile phones. Currently only available to limited countries.
Not really what I was expecting from Samsung. I was hoping for more update about the Samsung Louve but it seems that Samsung is content on just "reloading" the Omnia. The Purple Omnia will complement the already existing black and white versions. There's nothing really new with the Samsung Omnia Purple, but word has it that it has some new widgets.
Now that got me interested. New widgets means that a firmware upgrade for older versions of the Omnia is not so far in the horizon. New firmware updates mean new widgets and hopefully, more useability for the touchwiz UI. Another new thing about the Samsung Omnia Purple version is that the TV out cable now comes in the package. So if you still didn't get your Omnia yet, now's the time to have one: better color(???), new widgets, and better package options.
Hey, I can't believe my small blog turned 1 year old. Wow! Thanks for those who're helping me review some of the mobiles. Your feedback are highly appreciated. Here's hoping to more mobile phones to review in the future. :D
Toshiba has recently unveiled their newest windows mobile device, the Toshiba TG01. Now after looking at its specs, I have added it to my ever growing list of “next mobile phone to purchase this 2009”, alongside the Nokia N97, Palm Pre, and the Samsung Louve.
So what makes the Toshiba TG01 special? Well, how about the 1GHz CPU from Qualcomm and the massive 4.1 WVGA screen? I'm telling you, the Toshiba TGO1 actually made my mouth water. But the huge screen shouldn't turn you off because it's actually pretty slim.
As I've mentioned, the TG01 will be running windows mobile 6.1, which might be a turn off for windows mobile haters. It doesn't seem to support multitouch and yes, from the videos, you can still see that there are still some hiccups and lags on this device despite the faster CPU, whether that's a firmware problem, I don't know. Toshiba added a cool touch friendly interface on the TG01 and reports say that it has Internet Explorer 6 with full support for flash. I wonder if Toshiba thought of adding a physical keyboard on this device. I guess adding a keyboard would add to its bulkiness and with a 4 inch screen, it would probably negate the concept of being “mobile”. Rounding off the Toshiba TG01 features, it also has a 3.2 megapixel camera, 512MB internal storage expandable by a microSD slot, GPS, Bluetooth, accelerometer, and supports DiVX video. I really hope that Toshiba will make full use of the 1.0 GHz Qualcomm processor and that Internet Explorer 6 will deliver in terms of full desktop browsing experience because if the TG01 is fast and can browse the Internet full-on, then I'm chucking my laptop.
So, you want an iPhone but you don't want to pay those expensive monthly charges? Well, then why don't you just go get yourself an iPhone replica? Ever since the first generation iPhone was released in 2007, iPhone clones have been popping up on eBay. In fact, Engadget had a round-up of those iPhone clones way back.
Anyways, talk about brazenly being proud that they're a clone, this website, which calls themselves the iPhone Clone (and I find it really ironic that they used the TM on their name), is selling, what else but iPhone replicas. You can get your own iPhone clone for half the price though don't expect any finger sweeping motion like on the real iPhone since these replicas are only using resistive touch screens and some Chinese made OS.
But hey, since it's the recession and all, who wouldn't want to save right? Of course, who knows how long these things will last but it's your call.
If you're a new Blackberry Storm user and you're feeling envious of all the cool games available for the iPhone, well, don't get left behind. Here are some cool games that you can play on your Blackberry Storm. Though mind you, these games are not free but price is very minimal and range between $3 to $7.
Call of Duty is fast becoming the best selling game not only on PC and game consoles but mobile phones as well. Though the mobile version's graphics is not as compelling compared to the PC version and console version, it's still enjoyable and offers you multiple ways to complete your objectives. Critter Crunch
A cute game for your Blackberry Storm with stunning graphics and sounds. You have to help Biggs get to the top of the food chain by feeding him smaller critters.
I was able to play the PC version of this game and it's really a lot of fun. You have to make cakes according to the specifications of your customers. It's a service oriented game similar to Diner Dash. You can waste hours playing this game.
Chuzzle is a fun puzzle game with colorful graphics and cute sounds. You have to line up three same colored chuzzle (the furry, eyed, balls) in order to free them. There are three different game modes which you can waste your time away.
Motorola's own windows mobile, touch screen phone. You can see my take on this device on my Motorola A3100 Preview. Motorola slated the release of the A3100 this first quarter of 2009 so hopefully, we'll be seeing this device soon.
Motorola W233
Motorola' environmentally friendly phone, the W233, has already been released in some parts of Asia. Hopefully, we'll be able to see this mobile phone sometime this February. It's a low end phone made of recycled plastic, is carbon neutral 100% recycable. There's no camera but it has a music player though and expandable by a microSD card up to 2GB.
Sony Ericsson W715
The Sony Ericsson W715 seems to be exclusive for Vodafone users. The W715 already has the Vodafone logo on its front. So, what's different about this Walkman phone? Well, it has WiFi and a built-in GPS. Other than that, it has the same features as other Walkman phones: 3.15 megapixel camera, accelerometer, M2 slot, Bluetooth A2DP, HSDPA, and FM radio with RDS. Those who don't want a Vodafone contract might find that the old Sony Ericsson W760i has somewhat similar features though without WiFi.
Sony Ericsson W705
This might be the unlocked version of the W715 though reports say that there's one version for Orange with UMA. The Sony Ericsson W705 has similar specs with the W715 as both have WiFi and GPS.
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Nokia 5130 XpressMusic
The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is a low end version of the Nokia 5320. It supports the S40 interface, has Bluetooth A2DP, 2 megapixel camera, FM radio with RDS, microSD slot, and a 3.5mm headset jack. Expected release is anytime this first quarter.
Okay, so mobile ringtones are not limited to MP3 songs. In fact, the coolest ringtones that I use are not MP3 songs but unique songs, sounds, or phrases from cartoon characters. I mean, the purpose of ringtones is to set you apart, right? So that when you mobile phone rings, you will be able to distinguish it from other mobile phones that are ringing when you're in the subway or bus.
Anyways, here are some of my favorite ringtones to use. You can download ringtones everywhere on the net. I won't be linking to some of these ringtones since the sites which host them might not have any license to distribute them. Anyways, you can always Google them:
The Mosquito Ringtone - A teenager's favorite ringtone. The high pitched sound is barely audible for adults but teenagers can hear it loud and clear. Perfect to use when you're in the classroom and you don't want to turn your phone in the silent mode.
Spongebob theme songs - Okay, so Spongebob is my favorite cartoon. He's the epitome of stupidity but still cute so naturally, I have to have the ringtone for the theme song. There are several episodes that have songs in them too, one of my favorite Spongebob songs was "ripped my pants" and I actually had to extract the MP3 audio from a YouTube video just so I can have it as a ringtone.
Famous Phrases - So you just heard a witty one-liner from a movie you just saw and you want it to be your ringtone? You can do that but since it's a specific line, you probably have to extract it from a video source before you can play it as a ringtone.
The Voice of London Underground - Back in November of 2007, the voice of the London Underground was sacked for recording several funny phrases. Some of the phrases include: "We would like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loudly." and * "Would the passenger in the red shirt pretending to read the paper but who is actually staring at that woman's chest please stop. You are not fooling anyone, you filthy pervert." You can download these phrases at Emma Clarke's blog.
Sony Ericsson has recently announced their new affordable Cybershot model, the Sony Ericsson C510. According to Sony, The C510 will incorporate their new smile shutter technology.
Design
The Sony Ericsson C510 has a candy bar design which reminds one of the previous Sony K810i mobile phone. It has a 2.2 inch screen and has dimensions of 107 x 47 x 12.5 mm. There's really not much to say about the design though let's just hope that the M2 memory stick is located outside this phone.
Features
Now correct me if I'm wrong but I think it was Sony who first introduced the smile shutter technology in their digital cameras. So, how come it was Samsung who was first to incorporate it on their mobile phones? It's a little bit late for Sony to be boasting about the smile shutter technology though let's just hope that there software can recognize smiles better than on Samsung's. The C510 also has face detection, which, as we all know, has been present in some mobile phones now. The Sony Ericsson C510 has a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and LED light.
As for the image quality and video quality, we'll probably find more about that when the user reviews come in. As for audio quality, this is no Walkman phone but it does have a media player, TrackID, PlayNow, and Album Art. There's no shake control, of course but it does have an accelerometer. Maybe some tech savvy individual will be able to flash this phone and make use of the Walkman player on other Sony Walkman phones and make it compatible with shake control. Other entertainment features of the Sony Ericsson C510 includes motion gaming, YouTube application, FM radio with RDS, Bluetooth with stereo A2DP profile, and it can also support GeoTagging of photos using Cell-ID. The C510 is compatible with GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 networks and UMTS/HSPA 2100 networks.
Outlook
If the Sony Ericsson C510 is as affordable as Sony Ericsson says it is, then this phone would be a good choice for those first time mobile phone buyers looking for a cameraphone. Of course, if the K810 is still available in the market by the time the C510 is released, the former is still a better choice. I mean, who needs face detection and smile detection anyway? I hardly use those features on my Omnia.
For any feedback or queries, you can contact me at: feedback[AT]cellphone-reviews[.]co[.]uk. You can also reach me here if you want me to review a phone or product.
