New communicators from ASUSTeK, expectations and reality
In anticipation of the 3GSM World Congress 2007, one of the largest exhibitions of the year for mobile themes, and perhaps the most important exhibitions in the field of cellular communication in the vast network began to appear a variety of materials, varying degrees of formality, with respect to future or anticipated announcements. Internet resource GPSAndCo.com, for example, published a picture and some details about the pair of future new products from the company ASUSTeK Computer. Information provided by this source suggests that the company is preparing a significant expansion of its line of smartphones based on Windows Mobile operating system with navigation capabilities. In this segment of the market, the company came out recently - the first and, currently, the only communicator ASUSTeK with integrated GPS-module - ASUS P535 - was submitted in the past towards the end of 2006. In principle, it is not surprising, since its first communicator - ASUS P505 - the company also released not too long ago, from the announcement of the first-born in 2004 to its release time has passed decently. The second was the Asus P525, an unusual device with a numeric keypad, managed to save at the same compactness. The third device under the brand ASUS has got integrated GPS-module.
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One of the models, images of which were published GPSAndCo on Tuesday of last week, on Friday had already been officially announced by ASUSTeK Computer. Thus, we can see how reliable the data provided by these informal sources. Images really turned out to correspond to reality, but the information about the opportunities - only partially. Is the model really ASUS P735 and looks like a twin Communicator ASUS P535. However, one difference in design is striking - the presence of frontal camera for video calls. At the moment with support for third-generation networks GPSAndCo was right, the model is able to operate in networks of UMTS. This feature is not relevant in Russia, although work on it and is (the emergence of 3G-services promise to fly), but abroad, in those camps with well-developed 3G-networks, it is more than a strong argument in favor of the new items. In another mistaken assumption GPSAndCo - to release the manufacturer does not mention the availability of built-in GPS. Thus, we get a model with two fundamental differences to the ASUS P535 - support for 3G-networks and the lack of integrated navigation capabilities.
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The manufacturer is positioning ASUS P735 as a model that combines business and entertainment functionality. To underscore the business orientation of features such as recognition of business cards that captured the main chamber, and the information is stored directly in contact. Function Remote Presenter is designed to control Powerpoint-presentations stored on a desktop or laptop PC, the interface Bluetooth. Meeting Planner allows planning of international calls and meetings, taking into account the features of timezones. My Secret function is used to encrypt and protect sensitive documents, and ASUS Status informs the user about the status of the device, and so on.
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Communications capabilities of the communicator can not boast the full versatility. In the UMTS network does not support high speed data transfer standard HSDPA, GSM networks as the novelty does not support the standard EDGE, only GPRS.Can communicate over wireless networks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interface is available, but without it recently cost a rare device.
In general, characteristics of ASUS P735, except for these differences, they repeat the ASUS P535. Inherited a somewhat larger than most modern communicators memory ROM - 256 MB, and fast Intel XScale processor with 520 MHz (now Marvell Xscale 520 MHz). Here is the specification specified by the manufacturer:
- Operating system Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition
- 2.8-inch TFT-LCD with QVGA (240x320 pixels)
- 2-megapixel camera with autofocus
- Frontal VGA-camera for video telephony
- Processor Marvell Xscale 520 MHz
- Memory - 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM
- Slot for SD memory MiniSD
- Mobile networks - GSM / GPRS (900/1800/1900 MHz), UMTS (2,100 MHz)
- Wireless networks Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and Bluetooth 2.0 Interface
- USB 1.1 interface
- Battery 1300 mAh
- Dimensions - mm 109h59h19
- Weight - 143 gr. (With battery)
Thus, we can conclude that for the Russian market ASUS P735 will not be too interesting here would rather predecessor - ASUS P535, which has no "extra" for many of our countrymen to support 3G, but it has the added bonus of GPS. In networks with advanced third-generation networks will play in this new model as the HTC Trinity, which is able to work in a standard HSDPA. The second new product from the company ASUSTeK Computer, on which GPSAndCo published information, the communicator was codenamed ASUS Pegasus. He has not yet been formally submitted by the manufacturer, but some information about him "semi-official" character has zip. As was previously known, is a continuation of a series of communicators with a numeric keypad, whose forefather was made by ASUS P525. It is expected that Pegasus will be thin (15.4 mm) and get a built-in GPS. As reported GPSAndCo, trade name Pegasus will be marked P526. Despite the fact that there were assumptions about the emergence of a successor to P525 support third-generation networks, it seems, will not. However, a source tells about another interesting innovation - support data transfer standard EDGE, in addition to GPRS. Such a move unusual for ASUSTeK, in which even the models sold under the brand names of operators, usually limited to GSM / GPRS, even if there's another network support 3G. Based on the fact that the presence of GPS in ASUS P735 resource mistaken, in this case is also likely an error. Nevertheless, the images published P526 GPSAndCo very interesting.
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Smartphone Motorola Q: waiting for the heirs
From Motorola has long been awaiting the release of new versions of Smartphone Motorola Q. This smartphone is a slim candybar with a horizontally oriented display and a QWERTY-keyboard, running an operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. At the time of the announcement in 2005, it was very original device - thanks largely recognizable style RAZR phone and outstanding at that time, the subtleties - 11,5 mm. Graduated in May 2006 in the U.S., this is the only country where the available model, which is not surprising, since the smartphone is designed to work in networks of CDMA (there is support for EV-DO). In early 2006, the company promised that it would also be a version of MOTO Q Network UMTS, which will be available to operators for testing in the fourth quarter. Many had hoped to announce MOTO Q PRO, which was held in early January, but it turned out that this is only a slight modification of the previous model. The world would be so, and remained in the dark about the chances of an heir MOTO Q, if not quite the disappointing results in the fourth quarter, Motorola held in 2006. At a meeting held for the year, the company disclosed to investors nervous about the situation with its plans to release new models designed to increase profitability. Garrikes Ron (Ron Garriques), president of Motorola, dealing with mobile devices, held a small presentation on future innovations. This presentation was also posted on its Web site. It follows from these materials, at 3GSM World Congress to be held from 12 to 15 February in Barcelona, will be made some interesting announcements. Among them will be several new phones with support for third-generation networks, as well as new smart phones, expanding a series of MOTO Q.
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First, the model will be presented MOTO Q for GSM, supports data transfer standard EDGE. Probably, it is not too different from the present version, except for standard supported cellular networks. This model is designed to compete with smart phones such as SGH-i320 from Samsung and HTC S620 (Excalibur), which were released last year. However, if novelty, like MOTO Q, did not receive support from the wireless Wi-Fi, then at this point, it will obviously play a smartphone from HTC. Also, finally, will be presented to the heir MOTO Q, as indicated in the presentation MOTO Q2. It is assumed that the new model will be presented in two versions - for CDMA networks supporting EV-DO and UMTS networks to support HSDPA. In what way would be to improve the new version for the CDMA EV-DO compared to the MOTO Q, from official sources is not yet known. However, the relatively HSDPA-version of the network already zips preliminary information.According to unofficial sources, the new version of the MOTO Q, codenamed Norman, will use a 2-megapixel camera, while the current MOTO Q 1.3-megapixel camera. The issue with wireless Wi-Fi networks so far and remains open. If this feature does not appear, MOTO Q2 can not compete with the latest novelty from Samsung - Ultra Messaging i600 and so far not announced the smartphone HTC S650 (Cavalier). Both smartphones have a full complement of wireless communication capabilities of HSDPA / UMTS and GSM / GPRS / EDGE to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, if MOTO Q2 as well as its predecessor would not go beyond the U.S., he will not compete with the Samsung i600, but with its variation for the U.S. market Samsung Blackjack (i607), who is also deprived of support Wi-Fi. Wait for the details remain no more than two weeks, and then the situation should become clearer.
Powerful new items from O2
The Asian division of O2 conducted a press briefing in Singapore, where the journalists were shown two new communicator - Xda Flame and Xda Atom Life. Information about these models have already appeared in the news, now we have a statement on the imminent release (two months), formal and somewhat legible photos of officially confirmed details. Operator O2 has been very successful in the release under his own brand of "smart" mobile devices, some of its models have been extremely successful. After some time after the release of O2, some of them are beginning to graduate and under other brands, including Russia, which makes the announcement is really interesting for us. Model Xda Flame comes across sort of a dream come true for all those who suffered from a lack of a powerful communicator in the classical form factor, with a large VGA-screen, fast processor and a large amount of internal memory. While manufacturers are not spoiled users - a model of communicators who have the display with VGA resolution can be easily counted on the fingers. Couple of them are produced exclusively in Japan, GSmart i200 from Gigabyte Communications has a small screen size (diagonal of 2.69 inches) and have not yet gone on sale, and various incarnations of HTC Universal (Qtek 9000, i-mate JasJar and so on) have too non-standard form factor, decent size and weight. Xda Flame is designed as a simple candy bar display, he has a diagonal of 3.6 inches, in addition to the Intel XScale processor with a clock frequency of 520 MHz has a graphics accelerator from NVidia. Built-in memory ROM reaches 2 GB. The main camera has a resolution of 2 megapixels and is equipped with a flash, there is a slot for a cat memory format microSD.
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Specific details are disclosed was not, however, an internet resource CNET Asia, attended the presentation, has published some details about the model. Thus, of the possibility of a third-generation networks, GSM / GPRS (no support EDGE), an additional front VGA-camera for video calls. Also made clear not least for this device regarding the possibility of the battery - it is a lithium-polymer with a capacity of 1620 mAh. Thus, we have the classic example of a powerful PDA phone without any additional features like built-in QWERTY-keyboard, GPS, mobile TV, which for many is only a plus, since more opportunities for self-connection or, conversely, do not connect additional opportunities for own taste.
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Communicator O2 Xda Atom Life, in turn, is a worthy continuation of the line of ultracompact models Xda Atom, though not as impressive as the Xda Flame. He also designed as a classic candy bar and is more compact. Unlike the two predecessors - Xda Atom and Xda Atom Exec, it is able to operate in third generation networks and has an impressive amount of internal memory. Representatives of Singapore's O2 confirmed that the device not only supports UMTS, but also the standard high-speed data HSDPA. Built-in memory ROM is 1 GB. Also has a slot for memory cards miniSD. Display at the communicator has a native resolution of QVGA (240x320 pixels), a 2-megapixel camera with flash, and an additional VGA-camera for video telephony. Generally, the device is powerful enough, though, and has no additional bonus features such as GPS. As reported by CNET Asia, it is equipped with a processor with a clock frequency of 624 MHz, extensive communications capabilities, including cellular networks GSM / GPRS / EDGE (three frequency range) and UMTS / HSDPA, wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IrDA. Approximate dimensions - 106x58x18 mm and weighs 145 gr. (With battery). Thus, it is slightly more than two other members of a series of Atom, which is not surprising given the significant changes in functionality.
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Both new products are running the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC. By the time of registration the main competitor of O2 Xda Atom Life is HTC P3600 (Trinity), who a few plays on such parameters as size, processor speed, and, of course, the amount of internal memory. Communicator Xda Flame currently has no direct competitors. The only serious shortcoming, which is likely to stop potential buyers - the price. According to unofficial data, it can reach $ 1100. However, many completely accept the terms of the acquisition of mobile devices for "discounted" price, but with the signing of a contract for an extended period of time.
HTC Athena: Meet, UMPC-CCP in a wide range of brands
This week, the first official announcement of the device platform based HTC Athena. His statement made a T-Mobile. According to T-Mobile, developer of the device, the Taiwanese company HTC, gave him the right to withdraw the first in the world market this unusual novelty. T-Mobile Ameo, and this is precisely the name of Athena received from the operator, while presented in a German unit T-Mobile. The term of registration is scheduled for March - to show CeBIT, held in Hanover.
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The expected level of prices in the free market is $ 1500. The operator T-Mobile set the recommended price for Ameo of $ 499,95 eur (around $ 646), but subject to a two-year service contract. Soon expected to announce arrangements for the Asian market called Dopod U1000 (Dopod - a subsidiary of the developer's High Tech Computer, which produces products under its own HTC brand). Then the price will be approximately 39 thousand new Taiwan dollars, that is about 1183 U.S. dollars. To think that HTC itself will not be too long to delay the submission of the device under its own brand. With a mini-review of HTC X7500 (Athena) is available at the Library on HPC.ru.
Briefly about other events of the week
Soft-panorama of the week
Vista Interface for Windows Mobile Device Operating System Windows Vista went on sale recently, but for the fans to show off to friends of the latest technology has created a program simulator for Pocket PC and Smartphone running Windows Mobile. Program SmartVista Interface introduces the controls and design, similar to used in Windows Vista, such as Sidebar Sidebar, click Start Menu and on the bottom of the screen and so on. It allows you to use multiple screens, you can switch between them. In addition to the main screen with the date reminders, information about the weather and the like, provided the screens created specifically for the messages or missed calls, RSS-feeds and weather.
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VITO Remote: Universal Remote Control from the smartphone software VITO Remote, transforms Windows Mobile device into a universal remote control, have long been produced in a version for Pocket PC. Now the company VITO Technology has presented a version for Windows Mobile smartphones. Like the version for Pocket PC, it allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control for all sorts of household appliances. Of course, this a smartphone should be infrared.
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Pocket Launcher now supports smartphones Company Conduits Technologies has released a big update their product Pocket Launcher. This program is a launcher, and is intended to replace the standard Start menu. It offers an interface for launching programs that can be sorted on multiple tabs, plus provides the tab for the folder "My Documents" and other folders. In version 3.0 there were significant improvements. First, it was finally brought to a variation for smartphones based on Windows Mobile, and not only for Pocket PC. Came an integrated task manager to shut down and switch applications. For keyboard devices, the possibility of finding the right application of several typed letters.Tab will appear for applications that ran recently. Began supporting the display mode icons in 4 columns, that allows us to derive more applications on one screen. And it's not all innovations in Pocket Launcher 3.0.
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Spb Brain Evolution: games to improve mental abilities Brain Evolution - a new package of games for Pocket PC from the company Spb Software House. It consists of 10 small games (including Sudoku), aimed at training mental abilities, intelligence and memory. Includes modes self-testing and training to help you determine your level and hone skills. For achievements in games and test offers different rewards. You can configure multiple user profiles.
The set of the Today screen on Pocket PC V2R Multi Desk - is another program to create multiple screens Today. It allows you to specify an unlimited number of Today-screen on different subjects with different layout settings for each. Can connect various plug-ins for different Today screens, switching between horizontal and vertical modes.
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RoadSync powerful synchronization for smartphones based on Windows Mobile 2003 DataViz company has expanded the list of supported devices for their program RoadSync smartphones based on Windows Mobile 2003. The program is a powerful suite of enterprise servers for synchronization of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 SP2 with various mobile devices. While devices based on Windows Mobile 5.0 are capable of such deeds themselves, other smartphones and communicators to do need help from outside. So, thanks to RoadSync, on Smartphones Windows Mobile 2003, you receive support for Direct Push Technology to automatically receive fresh e-mail and synchronize updates in PIM-data, and also features a remote control user rights, access to the corporate address book, and so on. In addition, the new version of RoadSync 2.007 adds support synchronization of subfolders.
Business panorama of the week
Almost half of smartphones accounted for Nokia
Nokia has summed up the last of 2006. It turned out that its own calculations, the company continues to sell nearly half of smartphones in the world. Thus, according to the reported data, the global smartphone market in 2006 totaled 80 million units, of which 39 million accounted for most Nokia. For comparison, in 2005 these figures reached 46.3 million and 28.5 million respectively. In the fourth quarter 2006 sales of converged devices, Nokia accounted for 11.1 million, and in the whole world - 24.6 million
Palm OS is dead, long live the Garnet OS
Of Access and PalmSource continue a consistent policy of integration. As a next step the company Access has announced the release of a new logo «Access Powered», which will now be used on products from Access or PalmSource in place of the former «Palm Powered», as well as the renaming of the operating system Palm OS. Yes, exactly, Palm OS will now be called differently - Garnet OS.One can say with certainty that such perturbations are unlikely to impact positively on and so fate is not too easy Palm OS.
Hard-panorama of the week
Inventec Iris: PDA with a scanner for bar codes
Information appeared semi-official nature concerning the new communicator based on Windows Mobile, which prepares the company Inventec. The model code-named Iris has been tested in the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which published the data and the new product. Iris is a slider with a sliding side QWERTY-keyboard. He also equipped with a standard 2.8-inch touchscreen, a slot for memory cards miniSD. He is able to operate in GSM, supports the wireless Wi-Fi network interface and Bluetooth. Jobs in third generation networks is not provided. Unusual nature of this model is that it is equipped with a scanner for bar codes, which are usually characteristic of the industrial PDA. The model looks like an ordinary consumer device.
VPA compact GPS: communicator based on HTC Trinity with GPS
Operator Vodafone has announced its version of communicator-based HTC Trinity. The model is called VPA compact GPS. What is curious - in a briefing on the current site operator, given an integrated GPS-module which is present at the news. Recall that before the announcement of HTC P3600 (device under its own brand based on the HTC Trinity), numerous rumors confirmed the presence of built-in navigation capability for future innovations, but the September announcement dispelled hopes - in the specifications of HTC P3600 GPS-unit has not been specified. As asserted by some sources, built-in still exists, but it is disabled for marketing reasons - that would not disrupt sales of navigation communicator HTC P3300 (Artemis), presented at the same time. Vodafone's announcement confirms this assumption, because the navigation is not offered plug-in, and clearly identify integrated.
SQ: fast, durable memory cards
Xmultiple company decided to develop a new format for flash drives and did it. Katochki called SQ, according to the creator, much faster than conventional memory cards, in addition, they are small in size and are distinguished by long periods of operation. Stated speeds are 32.4 MB / c (speed reading) and 21.5 mb / c (speed record). Insert the card can be any party, because contacts displayed on all four sides. Also presented Xmultiple ShareCard - actually a card reader for SQ with USB. But it has one feature - ShareCard can be used to communicate not only with the computer, but other ShareCard or ordinary USB-drive. SQ-carriers are presented with a volume of 1 to 4 GB of flash memory. While it is difficult to say whether the new cards are in demand and, if so, where they will be used.
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