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:

3GSM Congress: a panorama of Windows Mobile novelties

This year's exhibition 3GSM Congress certainly was marked by Windows Mobile. Shown for the first time Windows Mobile news from the leading manufacturers in the world have eclipsed his weight almost all of the competing field. Preceding events of the week resembled the calm before the storm, when the apparent calm tensions felt whipped. On the first day of the Congress a storm broke out and poured the flow of announcements, releases and performances, on the second day of the exhibition has already been hard not to get lost in the abundance of new Windows Mobile devices. And no wonder that Microsoft has timed the opening of the exhibition the presentation of a new version of its mobile operating system - Windows Mobile 6. Forced to wait with the announcement of devices based on the new OS, and new producers to withhold based on Windows Mobile 5.0.

HTC

The Taiwanese company High Tech Computer until last summer was a kind of gray eminence of the market Windows Mobile, and then came out of the shadows and started releasing devices under its own brand. Last week she did not try to run ahead of the engine and held a solemn presentation of another portion of new products is not the opening day of 3GSM, but on the second day, when this event is no longer merged with the numerous announcements of direct competitors and manufacturers of related fields. The most impressive premiere of the exhibition could be a communicator HTC Advantage X7500, previously codenamed Athena. However, shortly before the debut of the device under its own brand HTC, announced a new product operator T-Mobile, called T-Mobile Ameo, as well as company Dopod International, a subsidiary of HTC, which produces HTC devices in the Asian market, under the name of the Dopod U1000. As a result, a special interest in the novelty has already had an opportunity to satisfy their curiosity. Nevertheless, the official announcement from HTC itself is a recognition that the device would be issued on the international market, without limitation inherent operator version. Historical significance of issue of such a device as the HTC Advantage is difficult to overestimate. Communicator is clearly the next transitional step on the category of pocket PCs to UMPC, UMPC, which is already based on x86 processors. Although the class UMPC novelty attributed not just because of the processors and operating systems (Windows Mobile 5.0), which set him in a class of Pocket PC, nevertheless the usual communicator HTC Advantage strayed far enough and is a living demonstration of the convergence of these two worlds. At the moment it is definitely the largest and most powerful communicators based on Windows Mobile. Wide distribution, he will not get mass distribution of new items will interfere with such features as cumbersome and, of course, price. It's more of a status for the HTC model, designed to demonstrate its leadership in technology. HTC Advantage is positioned as the best solution for mobile office. Losing UMPC for computing power and compatibility with standard software for the PC, it nevertheless has several advantages over many of them, including the ability to make voice calls as usual on the phone. HTC Advantage is equipped by the standards of a great communicator display diagonal of 5 inches with a resolution of VGA. The device can be used as a removable QWERTY-keyboard, and without it.Incidentally, the keyboard can function as screen protection during transportation, and, the keyboard is transparent, so it remains visible to the upper area of ​​the display with battery indicator, time and other performance information. Data can be stored not only on the internal memory ROM and external drives like flash cards, but also on the internal hard drive capacity of 8 GB. Separate highlight - using proprietary technology VueFLO, through which the sensor is activated for intuitive navigation through the pages you view, which allows the user to simply tilt the device in different directions and thus navigate the page. Multifunction device, for example, it is equipped with two cameras, one of which is a 3-megapixel with autofocus, as well as GPS-module and application TomTom NAVIGATOR 6. In fact, the features and advantages of this extraordinary model, one can enumerate a long time, it definitely deserves a separate article. Read the preview of the devices already available in the Library at HPC.ru. In March, the operator T-Mobile will release a new product in several European countries, while it will be released and under the brand HTC. Second on the visibility of the new product by HTC - is a smart phone HTC S710, formerly bore the codename Vox. He became the first and so far the only device under the brand name of the manufacturer based on the new operating system Windows Mobile 6 Standard. In addition, he performed in an innovative smartphone form factor with two keyboards - digital and traditional sliding side QWERTY. The device is quite controversial, with its pluses and minuses. For its form factor of the smartphone is very compact dimensions, it is comparable with smartphones in a classic candybar design, for example, HTC MTeoR and HTC S310 (Oxygen), but loses them by weight. He also noticeably lighter and smaller PDA-sliders. On the other hand, he loses the communicators on the size of the screen, still 2.4 inches diagonally, rather than the usual 2.8, and, of course, on such a standard for smartphones constraints such as lack of touchscreen. HTC S710 Smartphone has an unusual talent to work in both horizontal and vertical mode, however, without this feature, two keyboards would have been meaningless. He also has additional advantages due to the operating system - support for viewing e-mail in HTML, the installed package of office applications, Office Mobile and so on. In other characteristics are typical for modern non-budget model. The device looks like a good option for fans of smartphones, which is important to have at hand the opportunity to gain the convenience of text in mobile conditions, but do not like them "shovel" as Nokia E61, Motorola Q or HTC S620. In fact, in many ways the success of HTC S710 will depend on the established price - to achieve the popularity he must win a communicator, not only in size and weight, but differ markedly in value. Communicator HTC P3350 will not be anything new. This is a variation of the multimedia navigation model HTC P3300 (Artemis), which was released last autumn, nothing more. He made a similar predecessor designs, including control RollR, but denied integrated support for GPS-functions. Aiming to work with multimedia content emphasizes large amount of internal memory (256 MB ROM, RAM size remains the same), as well as direct access buttons and the application of the same name Media Hub, designed to manage music files, video clips, and create ringtones. The rest of the old platform has not changed. It is expected that the issuance of new items will be held in March. With the latest innovation from HTC, the communicator HTC P3400, related the story of the mysterious disappearance. Information about it, probably hit HTC's website inadvertently. Apparently, initially the company planned to present four models, and then decided to limit to three. In a press release, which represented the HTC Advantage X7500, HTC S710 and HTC P3350, HTC P3400 mention was not, however, on the site he was mentioned in the list of new products, were also posted his description and picture. For example, a group picture of new products, which could be observed on the day of the announcement on the website HTC: Then their number has decreased, and the image is modified, this is how it looks now: Concurrently with the site have been removed almost all mention of the HTC P3400. However, the old links to the PDF-files with a description and list of features still work. Except for this mysterious stories, then the model is not very interesting for fans of the latest advances consider megahertz and megabytes. It gives the impression of a slightly modernized Qtek s200, which is noticeably lost weight, lost the IrDA connector and got a brand HTC ExtUSB. Evidence of use of the new product developments is the oldest and the slot for cards SD, whereas virtually all new HTC products provide maps of microSD. As originally submitted the information, HTC P3400 is positioned as an easy and affordable assistant in the business. It should be noted that for a model of economy class, it is perfectly balanced and provides all the basic features of the communicator, and does not offer anything extra. If a company does decide to release it and set a reasonable price, this workhorse can become really popular communicator.

Toshiba

Toshiba is not too well known in the segment of Windows Mobile devices, but this time managed to attract attention. At least one model of two new products for certain well-remembered. Communicator PORTEGE G900 runs on Windows Mobile 6 and features an impressive 3-inch display with WVGA. For devices based on Windows Mobile features such display - a real breakthrough. In this unit quite a bit more than, for example, made in a similar form-factor HTC TyTN with a 2.8-inch QVGA-display, a good-sized screens differ slightly. PORTEGE G900 is capable of working in networks GSM / EDGE and 3G-networks, as well as the standard 3,5 G - HSDPA. Another highlight - fingerprint reader, which in addition to responsibilities for authentication may perform similar functions to the touchpads on laptops to scroll through the content, both in vertical and horizontal directions. It is expected that the device will be released in early summer, the company even mentions that it is intended for the European market. The second new product from Toshiba - PORTEGE G500 smartphone based on Windows Mobile 5.0. This is far less impressive model. It is made in a rather rare in Windows Mobile Smartphone form factor of a simple slider with a numeric keypad. The unit is equipped with the usual 2.3-inch QVGA-display, supports networks GSM / EDGE, WCDMA / HSDPA, as well as Wi-Fi. Perhaps the main feature that distinguishes smartphone competitors, apart from a rare form factor, is a fingerprint sensor, a similar set in PORTEGE G900. The rest is fairly standard, although an advanced model - "outstanding, and only". It should appear in the spring of this year.

i-Mate

Since the company i-mate is no longer cooperate with HTC, its innovations have become, to put it mildly, is not impressive. Apparently deciding to correct this unfortunate oversight, at 3GSM World Congress the company made a whole series of powerful devices called Ultimate. The series consists of five models - 5150, 6150, 7150, 8150 and 9150. The first of these will be released in mid-year. Apparently, they have some common qualities, but with different details of the execution, including those they will be implemented in various form factors, although it can be traced to the overall design concept. According to i-mate, Ultimate, all models will come with the following features: touch screen with VGA resolution and support for 262,000 colors, a processor with a clock frequency of 520 MHz, running Windows Mobile 6, 256MB ROM and 128MB RAM, stereo FM-radio support four band GSM / EDGE, and tri-band UMTS / HSDPA, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/e/i) and other "goodies". In addition alleged by the parameters in the exhibition are well known and some details about future updates. Model 5150 - a slider with a numeric keypad, 2.8-inch display, the thickness of 19,5 mm. 6150 - candybar with 2.8-inch display and a thickness of 15,7 mm. 7150 clearly can be seen as the heir HTC Universal, he received an internal 3.8-inch display and an external OLED display, which was not at Universal, with the thickness of the novelties of the order of 18 mm. Model 8150 - a slim candybar with a numeric keypad and a 2.6-inch display with a thickness of 11 mm. And finally, 9150 is a clamshell with 2.6-inch internal and 1.2-inch external display. Specifically, we have not just hear about these exciting updates for a year. With the release of this family company is able to markedly improve their affairs, and the number of Windows Mobile PDA with a VGA-display exceeds a dozen, which can not but rejoice. Was also presented communicator i-mate JAQ4, positioned as the first device from i-mate, which will ship with Windows Mobile 6. Frankly, he seems absurd device rather unsuccessful attempt to create something like a series of HP iPAQ hw69hh. i-mate JAQ4 is the logical successor of model i-mate JAQ - device with 2.8-inch display and a horizontally-oriented QWERTY-keyboard. Novelty is equipped with a GPS-module, has a good selection of communication options, but it has impressive dimensions (125h71h15, 5 mm), a rather big weight (184 gr.) And TI OMAP 850 clocked at 200 MHz.

Motorola

Motorola has finally pleased his fans with two variations of the MOTO Q smartphone for the international market, which from her long-awaited. The first of them - a version of MOTO Q for GSM, hardly differs from its CDMA-predecessor. The main differences in the inventive use of Windows Mobile 6 Standard and, of course, in another communication standard. It is as thin (11.5 mm) device with a 2.4-inch QVGA-display oriented horizontally and the QWERTY-keyboard. The design is almost the same as that of CDMA MOTO Q, which was released in May last year in America. Smartphone MOTO Q gsm is able to work in GSM / GPRS / EDGE, and also as the first MOTO Q, has integrated support networks Wi-Fi. However, according to the manufacturer, the problem can be solved by miniSDIO adapter. This model is immediately met by competitors in the face of HTC S620 and Samsung i320. Release is expected in the second half of the year. The second product - the model of MOTO Q q9 waited almost from the beginning of last year, when Motorola announced that this model will be. It is designed for 3G-UMTS networks and supports high-speed standard HSDPA. The design is slightly different from CDMA-predecessor, including evolved a keypad, the technical capabilities have also undergone some changes. There was a better camera (2 MP), 256 MB of internal memory, a slightly increased thickness, supports memory cards microSD, not miniSD, and so on.As one of the strengths of the company rests on the capture and playback video at 30 frames per second. What is interesting, usually the model of such communication capabilities are equipped with front camera for video calls, but here it is not. Also, in the best tradition of Motorola, there is no Wi-Fi. Release is scheduled for the second quarter of the year. Both new company delayed too much, now they are faced with orderly competition, whereas a year ago, they would be perceived as something neizbitoe and extraordinary.

Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced at 3GSM, unusual for a device, not a PDA or smartphone and smartphone HP iPAQ 500 Voice Messenger. The debut model is positioned as a smartphone for business users. The device is definitely a fairly simple, though based on the new Windows Mobile 6. For example, the display is unlike most modern smartphones, has a diagonal of 2 inches and a resolution of 220x176 pixels. But at the iPAQ 500 good communication capabilities, in addition to cellular networks, GSM / GPRS / EDGE can work in Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and the interface Bluetooth. Design conforms to the underlying message - a simple, austere and unpretentious. In promoting the new products the company makes a great emphasis on the VoIP-capabilities, voice control and corporate functions. One of the main advantages of the new items - light weight (102 gr.) And for a long time to work offline, according to HP, up to 6.5 hours of talk time. In Russia, it will be called the HP iPAQ 514, the appearance of a sale expected in June. Judging by the performance and approach to the promotion, the company decided to focus not on ordinary consumers, and the corporate segment.

Gigabyte

Gigabyte Communications has continued to go beaten by communicators, sharpened by watching television. Both new products presented at 3GSM, working on the new Windows Mobile 6. Communicator GSmart t600 is a rapidly growing ranks of models with VGA-screen. The only pity is that only some of these manufacturers have display sizes greater than 2.8 inches diagonally. GSmart t600 is no exception, it is equipped with 2.6-inch display. However, for small screens Gigabyte PDA - it's almost a corporate style. For television and radio broadcasting standards, the novelty real talent: supports DVB-H, DVB-T, T-DMB and DAB. On board is also nimble processor (520 MHz) and a good memory - 256Mb ROM and 96Mb RAM. Model GSmart q60 remember that this is the first device from Gigabyte, capable of running on 3G and 3,5 G cellular standards in addition to the three frequency bands GSM / GPRS / EDGE. Also, the Gigabyte is the first model with a QWERTY-keyboard. In addition to the sharper the processor with a clock frequency of 520 MHz, supports Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g), the communicator has received traditional support of digital TV, DAB-radio and a built-in GPS-receiver. It is expected that the two new items appear and outside Taiwan, probably in early summer.

ASUS

ASUSTeK Computer Company has not made any official announcements and issued press releases, but a new Windows Mobile at 3GSM yet been shown. Smartphone ASUS Aries, augmentation slender ranks of monoblock with QWERTY-keyboard and horizontally oriented display - this is the first attempt at writing ASUSTeK in this segment. It is based on Windows Mobile 6 Standard and powerful enough for a smartphone. According to reports from the exhibition, ASUS Aries is equipped with Intel XScale processor with a clock frequency of 520 MHz, which is very unusual for a smartphone, and can operate in GSM and UMTS, supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g).

BenQ

Another device, which the manufacturer has not stated publicly, but still showed in the exhibition - Smartphone BenQ-Siemens E72. This is another not too confident trying to speak Chinese manufacturer of Windows Mobile devices. This time BenQ has shown a simple model, but based on the new Windows Mobile 6 Standard. As we learned from the report, the smartphone is powered by TI OMAP 1030 processor with a clock common 260 MHz, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, is designed for GSM / GPRS networks and supports Wi-Fi. Regarding the release of this smartphone still many poorly understood, largely due to the unclear situation regarding the fate of BenQ-Siemens brand after the bankruptcy of German division of BenQ Mobile. Perhaps, BenQ-Siemens E72 will be available only in the Asian market. It's not all, but the main, and perhaps most interesting, new models of devices based on Windows Mobile, which were presented during the exhibition 3GSM World Congress, held from 12 to 15 February in Barcelona. Traditionally, the model shown at 3GSM, give cause for news at least the first half of the year, due to the release and placing on the market, and sometimes they get to the stalls and later - closer to the end of the year. Certainly we will hear many more of these updates throughout the year and then we can give them much more attention than this, in general, a brief review. In the future we will find a lot of interesting;) other events of the week as usually you can read in the next issue of "Mobile Panorama. The authors, translation: