Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Product Category: Windows Phone running Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard

Manufacturer: HTC / T-Mobile

Where to Buy: T-Mobile

Price: $349 (No Contract) / $199 (2 year Contract)

Requirements: Need to speak to others, desire to be connected to information.

Specifications: QUALCOMM 528 MHz, Quadband GSM, Dualband UMTS (Supports T-Mobile USA 3G), WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, 2 MP Camera, GPS.

Pros:

• 3G Data Connection (In T-Mobile 3G Markets);
• GPS Capabilities;
• Speedier than the original!

Cons:

• Imprecise Trackball;
• Button arrangement will confuse Dash devotees;
• No real incentive to upgrade if you aren't in a 3G market or don't need GPS.

Summary: The original T-Mobile Dash was a great little device that only started to feel dated recently. With 3G rolling out farther, GPS being standard, and 1 MP being woefully bad for a camera phone, the Dash 3G sets out to update its older brother into 2009. But is it worth the price to upgrade?

Read more...

I recently ran across an interesting article written by Sascha Segan from PCMag.com asking an interesting question, "Has Android Already Failed?" Personally, like Steve Mueller from Mobility Site, I feel it is way too early to write the Android platform off. Let's face it, when Google and HTC teamed up to release the T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) the handset wasn't really built around the needs of the average consumer. Sure the HTC Dream is a great little handset on its own, but you would have to be blind to not see that this device was built for the sole purpose of having development hardware on the market for individuals interested in the platform as a whole. It is, after all, a dream device for the open source junkie in your life. You can build almost anything you want for it or install any of the various homebrew Android operating systems out there in the digital realm that are ready and waiting to be flashed to the handset.

What annoys me about these articles however is just the assumption that Android is a failure because it has sold so few handsets over the course of its first six months on the market. I personally consider selling 1 million handsets a success and I seem to remember all the Windows Mobile fanboys out there, myself included, shouting from the rooftops when the HTC Touch Diamond sold its first million handsets. Read more...

TmoNews has uncovered some release dates for a number of Windows Mobile phones on the US T-Mobile network. It looks like the HTC Snap will be available around July 1 and the Wing II, better known as the HTC Touch Pro 2, will be available around July 22. HTC has said that the Touch Pro 2 will have an upgrade made available to WinMo 6.5 later this year. I hope T-Mobile passes that upgrade along.

"The new T-Mobile Shadow strikes a unique balance of design and functionality so you can easily share life's fun moments with those who matter most. Effortlessly switch between Wi-Fi calling and T-Mobile's wireless network while you talk Get great coverage at home when used with a T-Mobile HotSpot @Home wireless router Unlimited nationwide calls over Wi-Fi, at home or at any U.S. T-Mobile HotSpot"

I ran across this link to the T-Mobile Shadow II on eXpansys. You can pick up this newely released Windows Mobile Standard device only $429.99 without a contract. Normally this handset has a retail price of $549.99.

"The Shadow II / Shadow 2 / Shadow 2009 / whatever else you want to call it, is quite the polarizing device. People are either sitting on the edges of their seats in anticipation of its release, or they think it’s hideous. Either way, we now have a rumored release date, giving T-Mobile customers a good idea of when their next Windows Mobile smartphone option might become available. That date: January 28th - a Wednesday. Sources weren’t cited but TmoNews seems pretty confident so we’ll just hope for the best."

We once again have another "release date" for the T-Mobile Shadow II. With all the other release date rumors in the past I am starting to think this device will never see the light of day here in the United States. If these recent rumors are true we can expect to see this device in T-Mobile stores on January 28th, 2009, a little more than a month away. This makes sense since in my experience in selling phones, the Christmas holidays were always some of the slowest months we had. January was always the biggest months of the year for our stores since no one wants to buy a phone and pay for the time that it is wrapped up and stuck under a tree where no one is using it. It looks like you T-Mobile customers will have to wait a little longer for one of the few new Windows Mobile Standard devices to be released in a while.

"T-Mobile seems to be on a roll. After the much talked about launch of the first Google Android operating system based phone, G1, the company seems to be readying to introduce the T-Mobile Shadow II smartphone. The original Shadow phone from HTC running Windows Mobile was a hit among consumers and not surprisingly it has spawned a successor. Leaked pictures of the Shadow II showed up in an online forum though the poster seems unclear whether it is the Shadow II or Shadow 3 phone."

One of the annoying things about the release of the Apple iPhone was a drop in the amount of new Windows Mobile Standard devices we have seen released. It is nice to see HTC hasn't forgotten about the individuals that would rather forego a touch screen. From what we can see from the images above, the T-Mobile Shadow II looks to be one slick slider phone. It is rumored that this device will be popping up in T-Mobile stores around October 15. The current rumored price for this device on a new two-year agreement is $180, which seems a little pricey since the T-Mobile G1 will be $199.99. Hopefully there will be a mail-in-rebate to make the price look more attractive to consumers.

It's official. The Android-powered G1 will be hitting T-Mobile stores across the US on October 22, the UK in November, and elsewhere in Europe in early 2009. Being a Windows Mobile site, we'll spare you the fine details. Head over to the T-Mobile G1 site, and check out the videos after the break, if you're eager to learn more.

On to other matters: Android is one capable platform, and undoubtedly, one that users of Google services will love. Combined with Apple's continuing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the iPhone and Mac OS X, and the growth of heavyweights such as BlackBerry and Symbian, where does this leave Windows Mobile? Over the past year, we've perused multiple comments from readers suggesting that the platform is becoming increasingly stagnant and that efforts by HTC, Samsung, and other manufacturers to improve the usability of the platform are merely a band-aid solution.

As a result, you may have already jumped ship or are considering it. If you're in that group, just what would Microsoft have to do to Windows Mobile to win you back? If you're not in that group, what is it about Windows Mobile that's keeping you glued to the platform? The mobile war is on. And it's you, the consumer, who dictates the winners and the losers. Tell us what makes, or would make, Windows Mobile a winner for you.

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"Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that the Amazon MP3 music store will be pre-loaded on the T-Mobile G1, the world's first Android(TM)-powered mobile phone in partnership with Google. T-Mobile G1 users can search, download, buy and play music from Amazon MP3, which offers over 6 million DRM-free MP3 songs from all four major music labels and thousands of independent labels that can be played on virtually any hardware device and managed with any music software. "Amazon wants to make it easy for customers to discover, buy, and play their music wherever they happen to be--whether sitting at their computer or on the go," said Bill Carr, Amazon.com Vice President for Digital Music and Video. "We look forward to the release of the T-Mobile G1, which will put Amazon MP3's vast selection of low-priced DRM-free music at the fingertips of even more customers in more places." The T-Mobile G1 comes pre-loaded with an Amazon MP3 application, giving customers a phone-optimized version of the Amazon MP3 store and the immediate gratification of buying and playing their favorite music. Amazon MP3 has worked to make its DRM-free music available through numerous products and services, such as Pandora MySpace Music, and now Android and T-Mobile G1."

The mobile music downloads market just got a lot more interesting with Amazon.com announcing the availability of the Amazon MP3 music store on the Android-powered T-Mobile G1. Its biggest rival is, of course, the iTunes Store on the iPhone and iPod touch, followed by the Zune Marketplace on the Zune. However, Amazon MP3 trumps one or both in a few areas: (a) all tracks are DRM-free; (b) most content is better-priced; and (c) tracks can be browsed, previewed, and purchased on the T-Mobile network, and later downloaded via Wi-Fi.

What can Microsoft and Apple conjure to match or beat this?

After months of teasing via product demos and leaks, Android is finally coming to a T-Mobile USA store near you in the form of the G1. At 10:30 AM (EDT), the G1 press conference will kick off in New York; be sure to tune in at that time, if you're interested in seeing what's unveiled. Can't make it? Don't worry - we'll be covering Android and the G1 from top to bottom right after the press conference.

So, just how will Android impact Windows Mobile? We'll soon find out.

T-Mobile G1 Press Conference (September 23, 2008):

• GMT -7 (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver): 7:30 AM
• GMT -5 (Chicago, Houston): 9:30 AM
• GMT -4 (New York, Washington, D.C.): 10:30 AM
• GMT +1 (London): 3:30 PM
• GMT +2 (Paris, Berlin): 4:30 PM
• GMT +4 (Moscow): 6:30 PM
• GMT +8 (Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong): 10:30 PM
• GMT +9 (Tokyo): 11:30 PM
• GMT +10 (Sydney, Melbourne): 12:30 AM (September 24)
• GMT +12 (Auckland): 2:30 AM (September 24)

As I am sure all of you have heard the release of Google's open source operating system is right around the corner. As Jon posted yesterday, T-Mobile is having some weird special event pre-sale to kick off the release of the first Android device, the HTC Dream, and T-Mobile subscribers can expect to pick up this new handset for a mere $150USD. This is an amazing price for a touch screen smartphone.

As some of you have probably heard me say before, as of the last Android SDK release, the operating system felt more like a collection of stuff rather than a useable mobile platform. With the recent release of the Android SDK we can see a lot of that "hobbyist" feel that usually accompanies most things open source start to peel away from the device as Google shapes Android up to a viable iPhone killer. Read more...

"High Tech Computer (HTC) will be the contractor for T-Mobile USA's forthcoming UMA (unlicensed mobile access)-enabled smartphone, the Shadow II, making the Taiwan-based handset maker a new supplier of UMA handsets for the US wireless service provider in addition to Nokia, Samsung Electronics and RIM (Research in Motion), according to market sources. 'With the orders for the Shadow II from T-Mobile USA, HTC will be the first handset maker worldwide to roll out Windows Mobile-based UMA handsets,' the sources said. The Shadow II will also be T-Mobile USA's first Windows Mobile-based UMA handset, with the company planning to launch the device in the fourth quarter of this year, the sources cited T-Mobile USA's product roadmap as indicating."

Finally, some exciting news in the Smartphone realm! It looks like T-Mobile will be adding a Windows mobile device to their UMA lineup. For those that are unaware, UMA is a technology used to extend voice, data and IMS/SIP applications over 802.11 networks. This is pretty neat technology and I'm glad to see HTC behind the wheel at designing and building one of these devices. Hopefully they will bring some of that Touch Diamond magic to our side of the fence!

"Reports wafting over the Atlantic Ocean suggest that Deutsche Telekom -- parent company of T-Mobile USA -- is considering Sprint Nextel as a take-over target. And why not? Sprint's share price is below $10, and the euro continues to dominate the dollar. Sprint's spectrum alone is worth it. That would make T-Mobile + Sprint the largest wireless operator in the United States. But could it work without falling to pieces?"

There is further speculation that Sprint is ready to ditch Nextel, the "push to talk" provider it purchased in 2005, which could make Sprint an even sweeter target for a T-Mobile buyout as Nextel's value and subscriber base has been on a steady decline since 2005. The big question is, if it happens, is how do you meld the two networks based on different technologies, T-Mobile being GSM and Sprint being CDMA. In order for the deal to make long term sense, there would have to be one surviving network.

"QoreFunctions, makers of the popular PushEffect application for Windows Mobile SmartPhones is pleased to announce the immediate availability of LEDAlerts - Custom LED notifications for your Windows Mobile 6 SmartPhone!"



QoreFunctions LEDAlerts is a pretty cool application that allows you to put those lazy LED lights to good use. With LEDAlerts you can activate your device's LEDs for missed calls and missed reminders as well as new voice mail messages, email messages, SMS messages, and MMS messages. As I said, pretty cool application... unfortunately the only device that is on the market that would make this a useful application is the Samsung Blackjack II which has a ridiculous 7 different color LED lights! Who knew?!

Don't be discouraged though, LEDAlerts is also compatible with the HTC S730, Verizon SMT5800, T-Mobile Dash/S620 though these handsets only have one LED light available for use. You can purchase LEDAlerts from QoreFunctions' website for $12.95USD

"Smart devices�call 'em what you will: handhelds, smartphones, PDAs�make business people's lives easier. They help to ensure continuous communication by offering features like calendar applications, instant messaging and e-mail services, cell phone functionality and Web access. Any number of today's smart devices can satisfy the basic needs of the average business user, and plenty of websites can give you consumer-conscious reviews. However, the real challenge for IT executives seeking smartphones for themselves or for their organizations is selecting a device that fits their telecom needs with as few tweaks to the company's IT architectures as possible�and therefore as little time and money expended."



CIO.com has compared four of the most popular smartphones, from the perspective of four experienced IT executives. If you are responsible for managing the IT and deployment of mobile phones in your organisation then this article is a must read. For others I think this is a very good weekend article, it will help you understand the features that the competition is better at. I would like to see more articles like these, it is always good to know how the competition is evolving. :wink: There are times when I feel like I have boxed myself into the Windows Mobile platform, and wonder if there is a better alternative out there. Do you get the same feeling at times? Or do you change your smartphone based on features and do not worry about the platform?

Folks, the wait is over! :D If you are a Dash owner then head over the T-Mobile Web site and grab the official Windows Mobile 6 upgrade. This upgrade will definitely keep you busy over the weekend. Do keep us posted on how the upgrade is working out for you, or if it is giving you trouble. In case you are looking for information on Windows Mobile 6 then check out this discussion thread where our readers are talking about the T-Mobile Dash Windows Mobile 6 (leaked version), and check this link for the demo created by Microsoft. For the folks who downloaded and installed the leaked version, it seems like official version has the same ROM version but I would recommend that if you have the time then please re-load the official ROM. And finally, thanks to our reader Prosper for spotting this upgrade.

Update: Edited the link associated with this post, so that it goes to the main T-Mobile Windows Mobile Upgrade page. Now there should be no confusion about the authenticity of the download. :)

"There has been recent activity on message boards speculating that May 4th could be the day that T-Mobile will drop the WM6 ROM upgrade for the T-Mobile Dash... Although unconfirmed, it is hot on the heels of the HTC Europe announcement, so is not unexpected. Anyone out there able to confirm/deny this rumor?"



Is it to be true? Could the Windows Mobile 6 standard (I don't really like that name) upgrade be coming to my cute, soft, and cuddly little T-Mobile Dash within the next two weeks? Pocketnow is hearing rumors and I for one hope they are true. If any of you have any information about this please come forth. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to stare at May 4th on my calendar for a while. :D

"On June 1, 2007, the charge to send a picture, video, or multimedia message (MMS) to a US wireless number from the US or Canada, and the charge to receive an MMS message from a US wireless number while you are in the US or Canada, will decrease from 25� to 15� per message.* The same day, the charge (a) to send a text or instant message (SMS) to a US wireless number from the US or Canada, and (b) to receive an SMS message (including a scheduled alert) from within or outside the US while you are in the US or Canada, will increase from 10� to 15� per message.* If you subscribe to a monthly messaging bundle, then each of these rate changes will apply to MMS and SMS messages in excess of your monthly allotment.** All per-message and messaging bundle charges are subject to applicable taxes."



T-Mobile is making it tough for its customers to stick to the T-Mobile network. Recently it had started restricting the access to its lower priced data plans. Now it is following the other carriers, and raising the SMS rates. T-Mobile used to be a network that offered cost benefits, compared to its competitors, for every billable mobile feature. Not anymore, it seems like they are now on par with Cingular and Sprint when it comes to their rates. What are your thoughts?

Update: I would like to clarify that T-Mobile has not changed the data plan features, but they have started enforcing the restrictions in accordance with the data plan features.

"I have been using a T-Mobile Dash Windows Mobile 5 smartphone for almost a week now and enjoying the seamless web integration that T-Mobile has put into the Dash. Push email, the T-Zones connectivity, even web browsing on the Dash has been a real joy. I have especially liked using the Mobile Google Reader to keep up with my RSS feeds when free time makes itself available. Until this morning, that is. Sometime this morning I lost all ability to connect to the web. Nothing is working, I get various error messages indicating the server is unavailable."

Have any of you experienced this? If you read the blog article it is theorized T Mobile is trying to stop people who are abusing their system. In the process they are snagging legitimate customers in the net. I hope this is not the case.

"Reports from HowardForums members indicate that the T-Mobile Dash (HTC Excalibur) will be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6 (also known as Windows Mobile Crossbow). These reports come from T-Mobile Engineering, the sector responsible for testing and approving updates for devices. T-Mobile representatives declined an opportunity to comment."



Nothing solid to go on here, but I have a very strong hunch this is accurate. Great news for T-Mobile Dash owners (I count myself among them, it's an awesome device).

"The T-Mobile Dash has been available in the USA for quite a while now, so it's good to see that it'll soon be available back in Europe as the T-Mobile MDA Mail. Made by HTC, it's known as the HTC Excalibur and comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, 1.3 Megapixel camera, Stereo Bluetooth, quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GPRS/EDGE, MicroSD and WiFi. The T-Mobile MDA Mail will run Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone, so although there's always-on email etc, you'll not be able to edit Word / Excel documents on this device. There is though the innovative JOGGR strip on the side for easy navigation."



Important details like the launch date and price are not available at this time, but the important thing is that our friends across the pond will soon be able to enjoy this wonderful device. I believe the Internet data plans are pretty pricey in Europe, which makes this device even more attractive for our European friends because the Wi-Fi works great on this device. 8)