HPCru represents a new heading - "Mobile panorama of the week." This is a brief summary of the most striking events in the past week. Especially the material will be of interest to those who follow the news production of smart phones, PDAs, and peripherals for these devices and is afraid to miss the most important. In addition to accurate information in our panorama also includes the rumors, which have become an integral part of the mobile industry. Before you - the first issue of the digest. Discuss, comment, make suggestions and complaints.
Treo with WM 5.0 now in Europe: the triumph or defeat? ...
Undoubtedly, the main event of last week Steels awaited announcement from the companies, Palm and Vodafone, which have revealed the world a new smartphone Treo 750v. This is the second Treo that is running Windows Mobile. The first was intended for the U.S., while a novelty - for the European market. It is only natural that this event has caused a storm of feedback, and not only positive but also sharply negative. Immediately after the announcement, negative opinions were particularly numerous. Reached even before the harsh statements such as «Palm is dead." Such a reaction is understandable. Has had the disappointment of "not impressive" functionality of the communicator, first and foremost, lack of support for wireless networking Wi-Fi. Treo 750v is intended for the European market, where Wi-Fi network is very developed and rather strange that he did not have in its arsenal of capabilities, which already is almost the standard for modern devices of this class.
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It is important that the Treo 750v has a small size (which not only has advantages, but also causes some disadvantages), square screen 240x240 pixels does not support Wi-Fi and can work only with cards miniSD. Simply put, a communicator, more close to the "smart" phone than PDA. Due to lack of connectivity SDIO cards, he loses even released in the U.S. earlier this year, Treo 700w, which also runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition, but designed for networks of CDMA (there is support for EV-DO). If you take the device based on Windows Mobile 5.0, it is closest to their tactical and technical characteristics of the Treo 750v approaches to such models as the Motorola Q, Samsung SGH-i320 and HTC S620. However, as would not like to compare this unit with the recent innovations in the same form factor, with a pure soul can not do that. Featured Moto Q (so far only for networks of CDMA), presented just last week HTC S620 (Excalibur), and especially - as shown at IFA 2006 Samsung SGH-i600, though each have their advantages over the Treo 750v, but are completely different class of devices - smartphones, not communicators. All of these machines running the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone, while the Treo 750v - based on Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition. That is, at least, these competitors are new Treo can not be controlled using the touch screen, which they simply absent. On the other hand, if we take not smartphones and communicators in a similar form factor, you'll find that a lot more opportunities they have and the more impressive dimensions. For example, when a large scale, recently released HP iPAQ hw6915 or the upcoming Fujitsu Siemens Pocket Loox T800 noticeable benefit to performance. They have Wi-Fi support and GPS, and T800 - More maps and SDIO. Although, of course, can not but note the lack iPAQ hw6915 support for third-generation networks. Even last year's model HP iPAQ hw6515, running on Windows Mobile 2003 SE and losing Treo 750v in terms of support for 3G-networks, has an integrated GPS-module and an additional slot for SD / SDIO. Of all of the above we can conclude that perhaps users of cellular communication and needed some kind of interim solution between small and large smart phones communicators, but providing such a compromise in size, Treo 750v is clearly not met the expectations of future buyers in terms of functionality.Too "mediocre" to get a solution from him obviously expecting a lot more. We recall once again the main features of Treo 750v. In this machine there is no external antenna, which were fitted with the old Treo. This is a clear plus new items. The device not only supports network GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), standard GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS. HSDPA support is not incorporated, despite the fact that Vodafone is one of the first European operators providing services on the basis of this standard. Also in the assets of the unit has built-in QWERTY-keyboard, touch screen TFT-LCD with a resolution of 240x240 pixels and 65K colors, 1.3-megapixel camera (front camera for video telephony is not provided), 60 MB user available memory, Samsung processor with a clock frequency 300 MHz slot for memory cards miniSD, Interface Bluetooth (support for stereo headsets). Dimensions are 112.9 h59, 3h21, 3 mm, and weight - 150 grams. Claimed battery life on a single charge of talktime - up to 5.5 hours and standby time - up to 200 hours.
Two new products from i-mate, or the first few steps without HTC
Another example of devices based on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition with a similar form factor - announced this week, i-mate JAQ. This device has not caused such a sensation as the Treo 750v, but it definitely deserves attention. Yes, i-mate JAQ more than Treo (sizes - 122h71h22, and weight - 160 grams with battery), but it has one advantage, which could definitely get to put up with his size, - large 2.8 "touch screen with resolution of QVGA (320x240 pixels), which is oriented horizontally, and will not "confuse" users and the application of its "square" (many do not like). Summary of the characteristics of i-mate JAQ: TI OMAP850 processor with 200 MHz, 64 MB RAM and 128 MB of ROM, slot for miniSD, Bluetooth 1.2, Infrared.
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On the other hand, unlike the Treo 750v, Communicator does not support third-generation networks - only GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS and EDGE. About built-in Wi-Fi vendors did not care, as well as the possibility to use the card format different from the miniSD. The eye catches the absence of built-in camera, but the "minus" a lot of business people just at hand, which is why HP is often releases their PDAs and communicators in two versions - with and without a camera. Actually, i-mate JAQ looks like a possible competitor models HP iPAQ hw6910/hw6915, immediately losing them due to lack of support for Wi-Fi, GPS-receiver, a little smaller display, a feeble processor, and so on. It is interesting that a real competitor for i-mate JAQ - HTC S620. According to its characteristics, this smartphone is closer to that communicator than the HP iPAQ hw6910/hw6915. HTC S620 has a smaller display (2.4 inches instead of 2.8) is absent, as it should be a smartphone, touchscreen, a microSD card slot instead of miniSD, but the same processor and same amount of memory. In addition, the asset of this machine 1.3-megapixel camera and support for wireless networking Wi-Fi. The size and weight HTC S620 also benefits from i-mate JAQ (111,5 h62.5h12, 8 mm at 130 grams against 122h71h22 mm at 160 g, respectively). Simultaneously with the release of Communicator, the company announced a smartphone called the i-mate SPL, reminiscent design stable association with the Motorola SLVR. Size it really is small (especially thickness) - h49h12 114.5 mm, weight is also ckromen - only 102 grams with battery. In this case, the device works under the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone. In some ways analogous i-mate SPL can be called unless the Qtek 8500 (i-mate Smartflip, platform HTC STRTrk), if we ignore such a fundamental difference as the form factor - the clamshell instead of monoblocks. It is rather difficult to imagine a person who, gaining smartphone in the first place, will take care of such "trendy" options as thinness, lightness, luggage and other such luxuries. This approach is more peculiar to buyers conventional mobile handsets.Nevertheless, the emergence of such patterns suggests an emerging trend - image direction in the design of smart phones.
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For a modest-sized smartphone features a good SPL. Display diagonal 2.2 ", QVGA (240x320 pixels), 2-megapixel camera, 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, TI OMAP processor clocked at 200 MHz, the slot for short memory miniSD, Interface Bluetooth. The device supports three frequency bands Networks GSM (850/1800/1900 MHz or either 900/1800/1900 MHz), GPRS. Support for EDGE not, however, as Wi-Fi. However, if we neglect 2-5 mm in thickness, it can be easily find a more functional and user-friendly machine. Separately should be noted that i-mate JAQ and i-mate SPL are the first models that were designed for i-mate is not Taiwan's HTC, and other manufacturers. Roads i-mate, HTC went after how HTC started making mobile devices under its own brand, and i-mate was forced to seek another partner for the design and manufacturing of its products. So this pair of new products can be regarded as a sort of trial balloon. According to rumors, i-mate throughout the year is going to bring to the market about ten new models.
Apple and Microsoft Announce players. Who's who?
Two more high-profile announcement this week are in the area of portable players. Apple and Microsoft each were marked by new vehicles. Apple updated the lineup with its famous iPod. Was represented by a model with 80 GB hard drive. In addition, the players based on hard drives are now more vivid displays, and increased duration of work on a single charge. Players iPod nano got aluminum shells and merry colors, instead of black and white. Hours on a single battery charge has also increased - were 24 hours of music playback. In addition, the model was released with a hard disk to 8 GB, and, for a suggested price of $ 249. Earlier, about the same cost the 4 GB model.
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The biggest change has undergone a miniature player without a display - iPod Shuffle. In size it has decreased almost by half compared to its predecessors - to 41h27, 2x10, 4 mm, and weight - up to 15 grams. Now the player is equipped with a special clamp, with which it can be easily mounted to the clothing. In addition, the case of a new Shuffle has an aluminum, announced 12 hours of battery life, as in the old version. The new iPod Shuffle will be available only in version 1 GB. Recommended price for it is $ 79.
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Can not say that the company has offered something completely new, rather, is in step with the times and does not cause competitors to overtake a niche in a busy day. Rumors about the release of the mythical phone iPhone from Apple, expected more than a year, once again there were only rumors, the masses were disappointed once again. Did not disappoint waiting sensations and omnivorous Microsoft. Fully in accordance with the preliminary rumors she presented her player Zune. Information about it long before the official announcement was in prosperity, thanks largely to the so-called "controlled" leak, which is preceded by many corporate presentations, creating pre-hype. So, here's what Microsoft is going to slay Apple, the main competitor at the moment in music players.
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Like the iPod, a Zune is a music online store - Zune Marketplace, where you can buy music for this player. As expected, the new player was equipped with a wireless-enabled Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect to a PC, and transfer content from one another Zune. However, the ability to buy music via Wi-Fi directly from the Zune is not provided, ie it will have to connect to a computer. Yes, and copies of tracks sent from Zune to Zune, you can listen to only 3 times in three days, and then have to purchase your favorite tune in the Zune Marketplace, however, this rule does not apply to "home recording". In addition, Zune boasts a 3-inch screen (the iPod displays a diagonal 2.5 inches), QVGA (can work in landscape mode, it is convenient to view the video), and a 30 GB hard drive and FM-tuner. Declared support for images, video and audio formats, JPEG, WMV, MPEG-4, H.264, MP3 AAC and WMA (unprotected). Zune will be available in three color versions - with the body in black, white and brown. Player is available in stores for holiday shopping season. Official information on the price yet. As stated by Microsoft, Zune - it's an entire platform, which consists of the player, service Zune Marketplace, as well as an online community where presumably will meet fans of this device. Possible directions of development of the idea Zune already started to spread corporation. At a press conference on the issue of new items, general manager of the marketing department to promote the brand Zune, Chris Stephenson (Chris Stephenson), "blurted out" to journalists that "the way out the phone under the brand name Zune, of course, is part of the company's plans." As we can see, Microsoft is not going to give Apple even in a small, as rumors of a music phone under its own brand. One can only hope that this is the beginning of the path Zune and then he will have new interesting features, such as interface support Bluetooth.
Rumours of the week: heir HTC Universal and communicator of the two keyboards
We now turn to the region of rumors, assumptions and prior information. Despite the fact that HTC is literally on Sept. 7 announced four new products - two smartphone (HTC S620 and HTC S310) and two device (HTC P3300 and HTC P3600), and maybe just because of this, the network began to emerge rumors about new development company . In particular, spread information about the upcoming successor communicator HTC Universal, known at the moment under such names as Qtek 9000, i-mate JasJar, O2 Xda Exec, Grundig GR980, Vodafone VPA IV and T-Mobile MDA Pro. Heir to appear in the rumors, codenamed HTC Omni. It is assumed that they will inherit the basic features of Universal - a non-standard form factor and display with a resolution VGA (640x480 pixels). Will be able to work in high-speed data transfer standard HSDPA in addition to supporting simple networks of third generation UMTS. Will also change the processor - an Intel at Samsung. HTC Omni will be thinner than its predecessor, and will get additional control buttons. A second display, similar to the second screen of the clamshell, which he dreamed many owners of Universal, and will not appear. Device that is called a niche, an amateur - is too cumbersome to be happy to use it as a phone, but on the other hand - rapidly developing ultramobile PC, UMPC, which have far more processing power, questioned its future is as a portable computer . Next news is the semi-official character - at the last Los Angeles show CTIA company UTStarcom has made PR-share, in the popular lately among the producers of style - napustit fog, prompting interest from the public. She showcased at its booth images of future new products, not giving any information about them. In one of the novelties was identified by the communicator, developed by the same Taiwanese company HTC, codenamed HTC Libra.Its main feature is the presence of two keyboards - digital, located under the display and QWERTY, slide out the side. Very controversial decision, because the expense of the numeric keypad will either have to sacrifice screen size or increasing the size of the device. Judging by the pictures, HTC has chosen first, so Libra will play their fellows in the class, for example, HTC TyTN, in the size of the screen. As a company representative told reporters HTC, PDA Libra will be lower than currently produced by HTC devices with retractable keyboard. This confirms once more the story of the small display. HTC Libra in a version for CDMA networks will be released in the first quarter of next year, and is planned support for standard high-speed data EV-DO Revision A. Version of GSM networks is also planned for next year.
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Another rumor flashed relatively small device Treo Nitro. Supposedly this device will be a direct heir to the Treo 650 smartphone and will be called the Treo 680. Accordingly, the work will be under the control of traditional operating system for Treo - Palm OS. Yet known about him the following: display with a resolution of 320x320 pixels (as in many beloved Treo 650), Blazer web browser version 4.5, the same that the Treo 700p, and also, possibly, support for standard EDGE. Of the earlier rumors about Nitro known that it would be "budget" model with an internal antenna. If the assumption is justified, the novelty may be to the taste of lovers of "good old Treo». It is assumed that the wait for her there are not too long - no more than a month.
Briefly about other events of the week
As usual, it was announced a few GPS-navigators, with dozens of music and media players, as well as many other gadgets. Here are some events have shown the most stand out from the crowd. SanDisk introduced miniSDHC card 4 GB. This is the most capacious flash-card to the dimensions of miniSD. On the map of this size, you can store more than 2 thousands of digital photos, more than a thousand music tracks or up to 8 hours of video in MPEG4. Release in the retail sale is scheduled for next year. The Korean company has released Reigncom Player iRiver S10, of comparable size with the new Pod shuffle (42h30h10, 8 mm), but equipped with the 1.15-dyuyomvym color display. By cons include shorter operating time (8 hours), a higher price - $ 165 and $ 207 for 1 and 2 GB models, respectively, and sales region - so far only in South Korea. Has released new firmware for communicators E-Ten M600. Among the features of the new firmware: the utility SIM manager, designed to copy contacts to and from a SIM-card Support Profile Bluetooth DUN / DCN (Dial-Up Networking), allowing the use of M600 + as a modem for a laptop or desktop computer, the error correction SIM Toolkit, encountered when receiving SMS messages. Download the new firmware can be as usual in the download section ROM and updates to the site support E-Ten. Organization Trusted Computing Group has released a draft specification of Mobile Trusted Module (MTM). This will enable Room creation in the future mobile phones, smartphones and communicators, equipped with MTM module, similar modules TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which are built into laptops. It is assumed that they would provide better security information to mobile phone, as well as reduce the risk of data loss. The analyst firm IDC said the next record sales of smartphones and communicators. Delivery of these devices in the second quarter of 2006 reached almost 20 million units. This is 1,9% more than the first quarter and by 42,1% more than the same period last year. Sustained growth in sales analysts associated primarily with increasing functionality, combined with declining prices. Antivirus McAfee VirusScan Mobile now available for devices based on Windows Mobile 5.0 (Phone Edition and Smartphone). The program provides safety from attacks via SMS, MMS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other entry points.Automatically checked and cleaned the files, e-mail, text messaging, downloading from the Internet, IM-messages and attached files. Updates are obtained automatically in the background. Download McAfee VirusScan Mobile can be as usual from the "Program for PDA" on HPCru. The authors, translation: