Windows Mobile Devices with no Hardware Buttons

Have you noticed a new “minimalism” trend in Windows Mobile phones designs?

New devices (for example: HTC HD, LG Incite) come with really few hardware buttons.

No ‘OK’ button, no ‘Start’ key, and even… have mercy… no D-Pad buttons!

(hmm… is it something I said?)

   

Knowing the limitations of Windows Mobile, I wonder how good the user experience can get without having some of the traditional hard buttons.

Most of the new applications are designed in a way that does not require a stylus or d-pad: they are what we call: finger friendly.

But the problem is that up to this point - the vast majority of Windows Mobile applications is not yet finger friendly: mails, SMS, calendar, files explorer, different settings, word, excel - all of those are older applications not well designed for finger use.

Few examples:

1. Menus: I often find myself navigating through menu items using the d-pad.

Since Windows Mobile was originally designed for stylus use - the menus are too small to be clicked by a finger. The workaround to this problem is the d-pad - can you imagine using a finger or pulling the stylus each time you need to click on a menu item?

2. Lists: Let’s say I need to scroll down a bit in order to select an image when I’m using the default files explorer. Currently, the fastest way (for me) would be to use the down arrow button (leave it pressed) and this would move the selection down 1 by 1 until it will scroll the entire list down. I personally hate using the scroll-bar with my finger (or pulling the stylus out of its’ endless sleeping mode…)

I assume that if I try harder and can come up with some other examples, but I feel that those 2 are strong enough to prove that Windows Mobile is not yet ready for finger navigation only.

 

This, I hope, is something that will be solved in windows Mobile 7. I’m really anxious to see how the user interface will look like, but until that point, I would rather stick with some hard keys to ease and speed things up when I’m using my phone.

What do you think?

MWg Zinc II

  Zinc II is the latest MWg device to be released in the U.S. market following the Atom Life earlier this year. With is flush face touch screen, black rubberized finish, and an economy of buttons on the front, it is a pleasure to hold and to behold.

Its major features include a horizontal slide-out keyboard, build-in GPS, a 2.0 Mpx camera, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 with unlocked UMTS Tri-band, and GSM Quad-band phone functionality. It measures 109.5 x 59 x 18 mm weighs 159g, and has a 250 x 320 resolution 2.8 inch QVGA touch screen. Sporting a 500 Mhz Samsung processor, it only has 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM with a Micro SD memory slot. The battery size is respectable at 1530 mAh

Loaded with software, it allows productivity right out of the box. Pre-installed software includes Microsoft Outlook, Windows Live, Internet Explorer, Media Player 10, ActiveSync, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, GPS Viewer, MMS client, Wireless Manager, Photo Editor, Streaming Player, Voice Recorder, MWg Quick Menu, and AutoConfig.

The box it comes in should win a design award for its quality that hints of the product it contains. Besides the Zinc II, you will discover a battery, AC adapter, stereo headset, mini USB cable, stylus, getting started CD, and printed manual, but, unfortunately, no cradle and no case. Have cradles suddenly gone out of style?

On the front of the device there is a five way navigation button ring flanked only by start and stop phone buttons. On the left side is a lanyard opening, two volume control buttons and a button for launching the MWG Quick Menu application. Hold it in, and it invokes the recorder function. This button is programmable.

On the right side is the power button, a reset hole, and the camera button. At the bottom right, the telescoping stylus silo resides. A mini USB port is located on the bottom along with a mic hole.

There is a removable battery cover on the back, a camera lens with self-portrait mirror and speaker grill.

Feature commentary

While the 500 Mhz engine is not the brawniest processor out there, it is certainly respectable. However, I was surprised at the paucity of RAM and would have expected twice as much on such a deluxe device. I must say that it showed too when I loaded up with a ton of applications for the 2008 software judging.

How I appreciate the built-in GPS. It works great with Google Maps and Windows Live Search. I was amused at the MWg supplied GPS viewer with its non-U.S. standard units and no way to change them. It also vetted well with CoPilot Live.

Another great feature is the Quick Menu invoked by a button on the left side that instantly displays a matrix with Window Media, Pictures & Videos, Camera, and Games. I’m not certain why MWg selected these four menus, and it is strange that you cannot change them to your own preferences. However, if you swipe the finger-friendly screen from left to right, it will pull up another set of applications including Messaging, Internet Explorer, Connectivity, Calendar, File Manager, Notes, Calendar, and Settings. Again, you are stuck with these and cannot change them. Swipe from right to left again, and you are rewarded with a blank matrix of 15 cells that your are free to fill with your favorite applications. It would be nice if it were possible to configure folders here containing a set of favorites, but alas, no can do.

If you swipe from left to right, you are presented with a blank matrix of 15 cells for filling with your favorite contacts. At the top are three icons for family, friends, and business contacts. Tap any one to bring up another blank screen with 15 empty cells to fill as you please.

Even though it is not as customizable as one may wish, Quick Menu is a nice feature that somewhat rivals applications such as Mobile Shell. In any case it is a graphically-pleasing, finger-friendly approach to accessing your favorites conveniently.

To my dismay, I discovered that the earphones, while convenient for talking on the phone hands free and listening to recordings, plug into the mini USB port. This is a major concern because you cannot charge the device and listen at the same time or navigate with GPS or connect to external speakers. What possesses manufacturers to present consumers with such a lame configuration? Please give us a standard 3.5 mm jack in the next iteration.

The keyboard slides out smoothly, and the screen instantly switches from portrait to landscape orientation. The keyboard smoothly snaps into position securely and doesn’t wobble around, which I appreciate. The QWERTY layout keyboard is flat and quite attractive in its presentation with backlit squares around each key when you depress them. There are two softkeys at the top, a Fn key as well as Start, OK, backspace, Shift/Caps, and Enter buttons. Two lights indicate caps and Fn operations.

As attractive as it may be, I found the keyboard difficult because of the lack of key definition and tactile feedback. Having to use the function key for so many characters and punctuation marks is annoying and the combination of keys to produce characters slows down inputting. I suppose that like learning to play any new instrument it takes practice. But, when I pick up a guitar, I expect the strings to be in the normal place to produce chords.

You will pay more for this keyboard feature, so be certain that you like it before you buy it. Personally, I think it could be improved with more key definition and a more user friendly layout.

I was also surprised at the camera being downgraded from 3.0 Mpx to 2.0 Mpx and there not being a flash compared to the WMg Atom Life release earlier this year. To me, this is a step backward for which I see no reason.

Support

MWg seems to be struggling to institute support for the U.S. market, but it is still in its infancy and needs improvement. There is no phone number to call for technical support, and I had a difficult time getting an email response. The MWg Auto Configuration application does not even have a setup for the U.S., but I understand that one will soon be available. The GPS utility lacks proper U.S. units. I am under the impression that MWg has not quite got all its ducks in line for entering the U.S. market, but these are all easily remedied, and management is keenly aware of solving the problems as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Zinc II is indeed a deluxe instrument worthy of your consideration, for it has a robust set of desirable features that integrate to make this a powerful and productive machine. In today’s market, the price of $499 seems reasonable considering its attributes.

On the needs for improvement side, I think it could use more RAM, a better keyboard, and a more powerful camera with flash. I’m still shaking my head in disbelief at the choice of audio output jacks. Oh well, it’s a good thing it has Bluetooth.

Please visit the WMg Website at www.mwg.com to see the complete line of products. You can purchase the Zinc II from www.expansys.com.

HTC Touch HD - Not for the US, But Still Hot - Video

Want to gawk some more at a hot phone that we won’t be seeing in the US? Yes, that’s right, HTC notified their starving fans via Twitter earlier this week that HTC has no plans of bringing the HTC Touch HD to the US. In HTC’s defense, did they ever claim they were? Nope. We, the fans and blogosphere, just ran with it and crossed our fingers. I am sure we’ll see a variant of the Touch HD at some point in the US, but the Touch HD is not “Coming to America“. Despite this bad news, it’s still a hot number and friend and fellow Mobius Member, Pavel got some time with one and shares his review and video with the world.

Blackberry Storm Marketing Blunder - Joke or Mistake?

Yesterday, Engadget ran a story about Vodaphone’s Blackberry Storm page. Just check out the screenshot from Vodaphone’s website and tell me what is wrong with the picture.

The images have been taken down since the post, but it leaves you to wonder, was this a marketing ploy, a mistake, or just some angry graphic artist taking out a bit of frustration?

What do you think?

Sony new PRS700 goes online

Amazon Kindle is not longer the only eReader with the capability of buying books online and download them to the reader without needing a PC. According to this video, the new Sony PRS700 can do the same though is not clear what kind of wireless connectivity they are using to achieve that. My guess is that they use WiFi.

Driver update for P1610

If you have Vista SP1 installed in your P1610 then you may have this problem. 

Windows Vista® SP1 will prevent the shock sensor program from running if the shock sensor is detected during SP1 installation.

And here is the funny thing, the latest shock sensor driver version listed at any of the Fujitsu support sites is the 2.0L20 but looking into Fujitsu Singapore LifeBook FAQ you will find the above issue reported and a new driver version 2.0L20D link. I love Fujitsu’s devices but it’s one of the worse companies supporting their devices with latest drivers.

Support & Downloads - FUJITSU Singapore

Do you Viigo? Mobilitysite Does! Viigo3.0 Released.

Version 3.0 Beta of the Mobilitysite Branded Viigo is available to download now. This is a great, free application that is more than an RSS Reader, it’s a complete news source on your phone. I am using the Windows Mobile Version and I love it.

Viigo has announced the start of the Windows Mobile Public Beta for Project Tango, our exciting next generation platform.

Project Tango takes Viigo from its roots as a popular RSS reader, to an open, flexible platform for the consumption of a wide range of content and interactive services. The BlackBerry beta, which kicked off a month ago, acquired about 10,000 active beta testers in its first week. We’re hoping to see an equally active Windows Mobile community.

For the beta, we’ve provided a fixed set of useful services (News & RSS, Audio & Podcasts, Weather, Sports Scores, Entertainment & Stocks) for users to play with.

Motorola VC6096 - Big, Ugly, and Running WinMo 6.1

So, what we have here is a huge, dash mounted, portable Computer. The trick is that it’s going to be running Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro. The specs aren’t too much more impressive than the Dell Axim x51v, but it does have built in GPS, a big qwerty keyboard, and a 6.5″ VGA Screen.

The Integrated 3.5G GSM HSDPA should make it really easy to access data on the go with this device too. For map storage, it has a regular old SD slot for you, but the docs say that the limit for the SD slot is 2gb. Yikes.

The VC6096 all-in-one in-cab solution is designed to help transportation and logistics providers achieve cost-effective compliance, maximize driver productivity, improve safety and vehicle utilization, reduce costs and improve customer service. Built to handle the rigors of the road, the device provides drivers with the comprehensive simultaneous wireless voice and data capabilities needed to maximize operational efficiency — including wireless WAN (WWAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth, GPS and telematics support. An open-platform solution, the VC6096 gives you the power of choice, allowing you to select and control the applications and peripherals that best meet your business needs.

Source: Moto via Navigadget

Spy Shots : Samsung i770 for Verizon

Remember that phone from Verizon with the weird, unbalanced layout? Yeah, the Samsung i760 that Jack reviewed last year. Well, spyshots of its supposed replacement, the i770 have surfaced on Howard Forums. This one looks much, MUCH, MUCH Better. In fact, just on looks, I like it a lot!

Source: BGR

Here Comes the Motorola MOTO Q11

Motorola has announced that the MOTO Q11 will hit sometime in December 2008, just in time for Christmas. It will come with a 128MB Flash, 64 MB RAM, 3 MegaPixel Camera, WiFi, GPS, etc.

For mobile professionals and consumers who want a fully featured smartphone complete with a QWERTY keypad for fast messaging, easy access to email, location services and multimedia applications, the MOTO Q 11 delivers all of this at an affordable price.

A Feature-Rich Smartphone
The slim MOTO Q 11 with integrated WiFi, is ideal for people who want a high-speed connection for Internet browsing. The built-in WiFi uses Boingo Mobile to automatically connect the Q 11 to thousands of WiFi locations worldwide. Use the optimized keyboard for fast and easy messaging¹ on-the-go and the integrated GPS for navigation support for popular applications like Google Maps. Equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1, the Q 11 enables users to personalize their homescreen and synchronize all contacts, calendar items and email, just like being on a computer. When making calls, connect with compatible Bluetooth enabled stereo devices and you can keep your hands free for other tasks.

Advanced Imaging that Represents Your Style
Use the 3 megapixel camera to capture high quality photos and video and then store them on an optional memory card for easy upload to a PC or to your favorite social networking sites.

Source: Motorola via the Unwired

How to Draw a Profile of a Horse in your Tablet PC

If you have a Tablet PC I’m sure that you have tried already your drawing capabilities on it. Some of us do not pass from that point but others take this task to the next level. And that’s the case of this video.