Mobile panorama of the week, Issue 6 February

Communicator GSmart i300: compactness with navigation functions

Rather quiet and without excessive noise, the company Gigabyte Communications unveiled a new device GSmart i300. For the first time this model has been shown even in the summer of last year at the June Computex 2006. Recall that the first product of Gigabyte was released at the end of 2005 and worked under then-new operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. However, it can not be called a newbie in the truest sense of the word. In the bank already has a slider Gigabyte g-Smart (first child), candy bars and GSmart i128 GSmart i120 (with numeric keypad). Curiously, all these models from Gigabyte PDA equipped with TV-tuner. Also in October 2006, the announcement device GSmart i200, also imprisoned for receiving TV programs, but this time supported by the standard for portable DVB-H. The main highlight was the GSmart i200 display with a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). Novelty - GSmart i300 is unusual in this respect, the manufacturer has deprived its TV-tuner card and installed a GPS-module. Gigabyte GSmart i300 is positioning as its first model, which combines the functionality of PDA, phone and pager. Navigational features new items are provided in GPS-module based on the chipset SiRF Star III, which over the past year, in fact, has become the standard for modern handheld GPS-devices. The manufacturer has provided some additional features designed to improve usability. For example, the function of GPS Tracking allows you to record and routes, accompanied by explanatory pictures. Possible to use software with support for formats. Kmz and. Gpx, such as, for example, Google Earth for viewing and editing routes. Location Message feature allows you to easily send an SMS with their coordinates. Aside from GPS-module, replacing the novelty of TV and FM tuner, then its characteristics GSmart i300 largely repeats the GSmart i128, although there are some notable changes. Thus, the new device has inherited a small display that sinned all "smart" model from Gigabyte. Even communicator GSmart i200, whose display has a VGA-resolution, screen size does not indulge - the diagonal is 2.69 inches. This suggests that at the 2.4-inch displeychike with QVGA (240x320 pixels) will be less convenient to use navigational features than competing models display a larger size. On the other hand, GSmart i300 is somewhat smaller than their predecessors - the dimensions of 102.5 x 51 declared, 5h19 mm against 106.2 h53h19, 5 y GSmart i128. Weight has changed even more noticeable - 116g instead of 130 (without battery). That is, the communicator is comparable in size and weight with a simple mobile phones to candybar. For comparison, a well known mobile phone Sony Ericsson K800 is the size of 105h47h22 mm and weighs 115g. GSmart i300 processor in a more nimble than its predecessors with the Intel PXA270 520 MHz, whereas the GSmart i128 Intel PXA272 processor with 416 MHz. Remains unchanged such an important parameter of the battery, it is Li-Ion 920 mAh. While at GSmart i128, as an option, it is proposed battery 1300 mAh here this possibility has not been reported. As a result, battery life of up to 3 hours of talk time and 110 hours of standby time. How much time will be using the GPS is not specified.The only thing coming to mind an explanation of what the manufacturer suggests the frequent use of models in the car, where the problem with charging fairly easily solved. Another difference, more internal memory ROM - 256 MB instead of 128 MB. The other characteristics of a whole repeat GSmart i128. 2.1-megapixel camera with digital zoom, autofocus, macro mode and the ability to shoot video, the ability to work in three frequency bands GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) of standards for data transmission can be used only GPRS (class 10). It is also possible to work in wireless networks Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) and the interface Bluetooth 2.0 (with GSmart i128 was a version Bluetooth 1.2). Supports external USB 2.0. Here is the specification stated Gigabyte.

Features GSmart i300:
• Mobile networks - GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS class 10
• 2.4-inch touch screen TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels), 262K colors
• 2.1-megapixel camera with digital zoom, autofocus, macro mode
• GPS-module based on SiRF Star III chipset
• Processor Intel PXA270 520 MHz
• Built-in memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
• Slot for miniSD cards
• Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0, miniUSB (USB 2.0)
• Lithium-Ion Battery 920 mAh
• Time running conversation - 3 hours
• Opening hours of standby time - 110 hours
• Dimensions - 102.5 x 51, 5h19 mm
• Weight - 116 grams (without battery)

Running new operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition (AKU 3.3). In addition to standard applications, Windows Mobile, which covers such interesting features as Wise Talk and Pocket Remote. The first allows you to add sound effects to simulate the presence elsewhere, to record the conversation, but also includes the possibility of an answering machine. Pocket Remote allows you to remotely use the keyboard connected via Active Sync PC for typing on the device, and the mouse - for stroke, in fact, instead of the stylus. Summary. GSmart i300 is hardly a full-fledged competitor to the latest innovations in the field communicators, navigators, for example, ASUS P535, HTC P3300 (Artemis) and the E-Ten Glofiish X500, simply due to the smaller screen size. One can not consider that the E-Ten X500 and HTC P3300 he wins shustrosti processor and internal memory. If we leave aside the size and the battery is not spectacular, the closest he comes to opportunities for ASUS P535, the same processor speed, memory capacity, the lack of a FM-tuner, and support standard EDGE. Of course, the dimensions of the new items much smaller than these three devices. The most likely niche for this device are seen users who are impressed by the compactness of the traditional mobile phones, but want to have something a bit more functionality and performance. In this segment, GSmart i300 will look king. Much, of course, depends on the established price, which the company has not yet announced.

i-mate KJAR: imitation HTC Universal Economy Class

Preliminary information about a new device called the i-mate KJAR already appeared in the news. However, the official announcement has not yet taken place, and all the data were purely hypothetical in nature. This is now getting ready to release a novelty, has been approved for use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and, consequently, there is evidence about the official kind. In published on the FCC site materials have detailed pictures, instructions for users, which designated Specifications i-mate KJAR, and, of course, the results of extensive tests. Thus, we can already see that the rumors came true, and that - no. The developer of the new items made by Chinese company TechFaith Wireless Technology, which is the progenitor of many, though not all, models of i-mate since the latter left the former partner, now a well-known products under its own brand company High Tech Computer (HTC). Model i-mate KJAR uses a similar form factor to the famous HTC Universal, namely, two parts with a display and a QWERTY-keyboard, and the module with the display can tilt and collapse like a notebook-transformer. However, the HTC Universal form factor was not the only highlight.At the time it was an innovative model - here, and a large 3.6-inch VGA-display, and a new operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 (Universal became the first smartphone based on it), and a powerful processor and much more. Of course, this solution had its drawbacks. Perhaps the most notable of them - bulkiness and price. i-mate KJAR against this backdrop that looks like a poor relative of the HTC Universal. With the same form-factor, he has a very weak performance and is clearly aimed at the budget market segment. It is worth noting that the previously reported 2.8-inch diagonal display, which is now the standard size for your device, but the manual clearly stated to the user display a smaller c diagonal of 2,4 inches. This, as well as some other factors had an impact on the size, the model for its small form factor and, curiously - fine. Dimensions are 112h56h16, 5 mm. Weight is not specified, but presumably, it could be about two times less than the HTC Universal, which stretched all the 285 gr. The front panel has a very small secondary display for information such as time, signal strength, battery indicator, and so on. This feature can be very convenient, it was absent at the HTC Universal. Also on the front panel imayutsya buttons start and stop a call, whereas the HTC Universal, they were located at the end. According to their tactical and technical characteristics i-mate KJAR not impressed. Equipped with its budget processor, the standard amount of internal memory and a 2-megapixel camera. Communications capabilities are limited by three frequency ranges networks GSM, GPRS and not the latest version of the wireless Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth. Support for third-generation networks is not provided. Work is performed under the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Edition.

Features i-mate KJAR:
• Mobile networks - GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS class 10
• 2.4 inch touch screen with QVGA (320x240 pixels)
• Processor OMAP 730 200 MHz
• 2-megapixel CMOS-camera with digital zoom
• Memory - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM
• Slot for miniSD cards
• Wireless networks Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth 1.2 interface
• Built-in Mini-USB (USB 1.1)
• Lithium-Ion Battery 1100 mAh
• Opening hours of talk time up to 4 hours
• Time running out to 150 hours
• Dimensions 112h56h16, 5 mm

Thus, we have conditionally compact, and probably cost solution for those who want to show off an unusual machine.Or for those who like to work with texts in a mobile environment, and sliders, candy bars with a QWERTY-keyboard for some reason do not like. In any case, any dissemination model is unlikely to get, but much will depend on the price you ask for i-mate.

OKWAP S868: communicator with touch keyboard ...

An interesting model was announced by Taiwan's Inventec Appliances, manufactured products in the Asian market under the brand OKWAP. For Asian and especially Chinese, markets are no longer a wonder if the phone keyboard has a physical, sensory input, reminiscent of the touch screen. For example, some models can drive on it with his finger and will be recognized by the corresponding characters. The communicator OKWAP S868 uses a similar idea, only a few truncated form. To simulate a virtual keyboard with scroll wheel button "5" as the center, at a certain percentage of the imagination reminiscent of the main control player iPod. With it you can navigate through menus. Plus, of course, there are traditional for PDA touch screen. By form factor OKWAP S868 is similar to the model ASUS P525, that is, for all possible device management via a touch screen, has a numeric keypad. In comparison with the new ASUS P525 has much smaller dimensions - 106h51h18, 2 mm, against 116,8 x59x19 mm. For that the manufacturer had to make sacrifices - the display has a diagonal of 2.4 inches (resolution QVGA), and not 2.8 like the ASUS P525. Other parameters are more common. Communicator is running an operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC. Intel PXA270 processor is clocked at 416 MHz. The amount of internal memory standard - 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM. Somewhat unusual for such small device with a numeric keypad, the amount of use is not miniature cards microSD, and big SD / MMC with the ability to connect peripherals (SDIO). There is a 2-megapixel camera with business card recognition, QR-codes and so on. Work in networks GSM / GPRS. Support for third-generation networks, or EDGE standards are not incorporated. Of the wireless interfaces can also be Bluetooth 2.0 with support profile A2DP, which allows you to send stereo audio. Oddly enough for a new modern model, but support for wireless networking Wi-Fi is not listed among the talents OKWAP S868. Apparently, including this shortcoming due to the presence of card slots SD. Weight of the communicator is not too big - 122 gr. The battery has a capacity of 1130 mAh, it provides up to 240 minutes battery talk time or 150 hours of standby time. Approximate price for a novelty low - 15 thousand new Taiwan dollars, that is about 455 U.S. dollars. Recently, touch-sensitive controls are increasingly coming into fashion. On the other hand, not all are willing to accept the complete disappearance of the traditional, conventional keyboards. This suggests that such trade-offs will occur more often.

The birth of a new smartphone: the chief designer Neonode is going to become a mother

Windows Mobile - this is not the only operating system for smart handheld devices that is based on Windows CE. Inside the segment of the Windows Mobile Device competition between platforms, virtually non-existent - can hardly be seriously talk about competition between the versions for Pocket PC and Smartphone.In this regard, the emergence of alternative platforms based on Windows CE, on the one hand, stresses the vitality of the nucleus and refutes claims to the contrary, on the other hand - creates an atmosphere of healthy competition and encourages the Microsoft developers to create more comfortable and functional interfaces. One example of this development was a smartphone from the Swedish company Neonode. Their first child, Neonode N1, it was released in late 2004, and later - his modified variation Neonode N1m. This unusual device is quite small - 88x52x21 mm, Weight - 94 gr. One of the main highlights of the smartphone is its interface - almost all management is carried out using the touch screen. Moreover, the proper development of Neonode, interface «Neno» based on Windows CE, supports management with the thumb, the interface is locked up under the control via touch screen, but without using the stylus. What is curious, now, after the announcement of the cult of Apple's iPhone and the hype about interfaces with virtually besknopochnym control with your fingers, a manufacturer of very clear hints that he "pointed the way." Mock Apple and other manufacturers have seen the benefits of the concept and are now followed Neonode. Well, there is some truth in favor of the Neonode says release of two years ago, a device that can be a stretch to call the prototype of the finger-oriented interface. Although, given the years and years of development at Apple, it is difficult to say with certainty who is who "showed the way" really is. It should be noted that the specific platform does not allow for Neonode standard software designed for Windows Mobile, which is also based on Windows CE. Nevertheless, we deal with a smartphone, not just a phone. Open platform and software for it can create third-party developers. Such software is, though not in large numbers. It is possible that the hype raised by Apple around these solutions, as well as the announcement of the new Neonode, will spur the developers of Windows Mobile and they implement something similar to a standard and widespread than Neno, platform. If you are going to introduce a new smartphone at 3GSM World Congress, which will start soon in Barcelona, ​​Neonode has launched a very unusual and unconventional teaser campaign. She is well taken care of to the forthcoming announcement was interesting to talk and his long remember. There is no doubt about this PR-shares will continue to remember, even when the buzz of the announcement subsided. As reported on the front page of the company, they were initially shocked, but want the whole world knew about this - their lead developer and designer Bjorn Svensson (Bjorn Svensson) is in a "position" and is ready to give birth to the beginning of the exhibition - 12 February. At this jokers did not stop and offer as "proof" that the results of ultrasound and the blog "pregnancy", where the curious can follow the last days of gestation the future of the newborn. It should be noted that the ultrasound images can be seen the outlines of which can make the assumption that the "baby" turned out the same form factor as the older brother - a candy bar. Blog Svensson really deserves attention - there is proposed a plausible enough video, and even his own positions, reflecting the usual problems of pregnant women, very funny. The promise is not just a new model (Svensson calls her Lafayette), and the new generation, lets hope for the emergence of something fundamentally new, rather than simply updating the old Neonode N1. As Tommy says Hellberg (Tommy Hallberg), head of Neonode, the company will present a strong product, which proves that not necessarily be an industry leader that is at the forefront of developments. Perhaps the novelty will be able to outdo the iPhone side of innovation, although it will be difficult to implement. In any case, it will clearly be more open to third-party software developers. The document attached to an advertising press release reported that the novelty will be in Europe in the spring. Lastly, can not forget the playful testament to Charlie Chaplin, who has promised a million dollars the first man who will give birth. It's safe to say that even if without the aid of the fund Chaplin, but the Neonode will get your million.

Tools Google Maps now for Windows Mobile devices

One of the most remarkable events in the world of software for Windows Mobile devices this week was the release of a special version of a package of applications Google Maps, built on the basis of the free mapping service from Google. At this point, have been available version of Google Maps for mobile devices based on Palm OS and BlackBerry, as well as for mobile phones supporting J2ME. If earlier on Windows Mobile devices could be used only Java-version, it now has a version, sharpened it for this platform. It supports both Pocket PC, and smartphones, running on Windows Mobile 2003 and higher. As in other versions of Google Maps Mobile, in Google Maps for Windows Mobile 1.0.0 provides scalable maps or satellite imagery of the whole earth, for many countries marked the road, there is a business directory and the ability to calculate a route from one object to another. The Windows Mobile version claimed some unique to the Google Maps features like integration with contacts, the appearance of the menu on the pressing and long pressing the stylus, the ability to "drag" maps of the stylus, as well as support for GPS. It should be noted that Google Maps supports GPS only on the phones of American virtual operator Helio, and on Windows Mobile devices, while on other mobile phones and Palm OS device with a BlackBerry application is Google Maps with GPS is not friendly, even if the hardware capability to do there.It should be noted that Google Maps road maps with the route search for Russia not actually implemented (the roads are marked except for Moscow), and must be content with satellite imagery, while in map mode shows only the general outlines of expanses of our country, so water bodies. That is, the ability to track their location through GPS and thus orient is particularly useful function in this context. In the city of course, this will not do much good, but during the trip or car trip - are already full. Maps Google Maps currently covers USA, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, China, as well as France, Italy and many other European countries. For U.S. residents are also additional services such as monitoring traffic congestion, in addition, local search, based on business directory works in the U.S. and certain other countries. At the same features and map coverage is gradually increasing. Potentially, with the advent of GPS augmentation service Google Maps threatens to become a competitor to pay-navigation software and maps for the GPS-navigation. But here there is a traditional two-edged sword - with free provision of the application users will have to pay for traffic (and not a little), because maps are not stored in the device memory, and loaded as needed. Without an unlimited tariff, this approach is unlikely to be profitable. In addition, as we have said, cover maps (and not satellite imagery) leaves much to be desired. While in Rome or Boston, there is no problem to find the nearest pizza place and build the best route to her Russian users to Google Maps to make such a long unreal.

Briefly about other events of the week

Rumors panorama of the week

HTC: good PDAs must be many past week has been very fruitful to the rumors. So, according to an Internet resource DigiTimes, HTC has continued to develop towards a more bulky devices than traditional PDAs. Presumably, she is preparing an even larger size unit than the HTC Athena. It will no longer dyuyomvy 5, and 7-inch display. Most likely, it will be a true UMPC, but not Pocket PC, as its predecessor. Release is expected in the second quarter. Voxtel W520: the regular budget-rumored, is preparing for addition to the family and the company Voxtel, not so long ago came on the Russian market of smartphones and communicators.According to preliminary information, the communicator will be W520 budget model based on Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Edition. It will support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 1.2 and the card format miniSD. In many ways a model similar to its predecessor - Voxtel W420. Issue of new items is expected by the second quarter of 2007. 3G-communicator E-Ten in the second half of the year came in espionage and information about the development of E-Ten Information Systems. The same DigiTimes announced the release of the second half of 2007, the first communicator E-Ten with support third-generation networks. In addition, reports on plans to release one or two smartphones in the quarter. This will not only consumer model, but also industrial and business class. Premiere Windows Mobile Crossbow - at 3GSM World Congress scouts from the site Modaco.com found and, most importantly, managed to capture on the page, "MSDN Events and Webcasts" from the site of Microsoft Developer Network to broadcast a message under the name «MSDN Webcast: MSDN geekSpeak: Windows Mobile 6 with Jim Wilson (Level 200), to be held on February 14. This indicates a possible announcement of a new version of Windows Mobile at 3GSM World Congress, which kicks off on February 12. Shortly after the publication of this news on Modaco.com, name, of course, changed to a more neutral, with no mention of versions of "6". However, the screenshot page for stories remained: Windows Mobile will replace the scheme Names One of the most unusual weeks of rumors - the message is to implement a new scheme names for the new OS version Windows Mobile. As reported by Dutch site Pocketinfo.nl, Windows Mobile 6.0 will be divided not on the version for Smartphone, for Pocket PC and for Pocket PC Phone, and the Standard, Classic, and Professional editions, respectively. Thus, it is expected to emphasize the difference between smart phones, PDAs and communicators. Would be funny if the prediction comes true. Although, of course, much more interesting to look options for Classic, Light and Premium.

Soft-panorama of the week

Synchronization with Windows Vista no longer in test mode this week officially launched the sale to private users, the new operating system Windows Vista. In this case, a couple of days, Windows Mobile Device Center, which replaced in the new OSes ActiveSync, was still in beta. Nevertheless, in the end, at the Microsoft site appeared the final version of Windows Mobile Device Center 1.0. It mainly serves to synchronize email, contacts, calendar and other PIM-data, as well as music libraries and galleries of photos, including a the ability to easily find new pictures and bring them to the gallery on the PC. The program is presented in 32-bit and 64-bit variations. Supports devices running Windows Mobile 2003 and higher. Mobile version of messenger Mail.Ru Agent Mail.Ru company released a version of its instant messenger Mail.Ru Agent for mobile phones. While this is a test version, it comes to phones support J2ME-applications. By the way, for smartphones and communicators, which in principle also possible to use this version Mail.Ru Agent, is designed to support the touch screen and stylus. Among the features of a mobile version contains the basic functions for the PC version of the program, including a map your contact list with the status, send and receive messages, contact search, view profiles, etc.As in the desktop version of the Agent in Mobile Agent has an option to send free SMS-messages. Spb Kiosk: more control over a Pocket PC company employees Spb Software House has updated the package Spb Kiosk, intended mainly for corporate use. Spb Kiosk application can block on a Pocket PC all "unnecessary" features, leaving only those that are allowed. This can be useful, for example, to ensure that the agents were not playing and not climbed on entertainment sites on the desktop Pocket PC. Version of Spb Kiosk Explorer leaves Internet Explorer, Spb Kiosk Terminal, respectively, allows you to use a terminal client, and Spb Kiosk Engine provides the administrator to configure the most allowed by a set of applications. In the version of Spb Kiosk 4.0 there are noticeable improvements as full support for Windows Mobile 5.0, improved performance and battery life, the filter web addresses, application control in the Control Panel and much more.

Hard-panorama of the week

Palm LifeDrive: At the end of a career while some devices go on sale, while others are gradually go into oblivion. So, the official online store of Palm PDA LifeDrive, becoming in time one of the first PDA with built-in hard drive (4 GB), marked as no longer available - "No longer available", and on page comparison of models has appeared and did the funeral inscription «end of life». Until the final termination of any sales of the device, of course, still far off, but it's only a matter of time. DAVE: Wireless hard drive for mobile phones, Seagate introduced the original device called DAVE (Digital Audio Video Experience). This is a portable HDD with 10-20 GB, which can be used as an external drive, not only PC owners, but users of different kinds of mobile devices, including mobile phones and, of course, smart phones communicators. The connection is made via a wireless Bluetooth interface, or Wi-Fi. The Company expects that such a device can be used not only for simple data storage but also for tasks such as backup, as an intermediary for data exchange and download multimedia files on the volume of Internet services, for example, YouTube or MySpace. The authors, translation: