Microsoft Unveils Windows Mobile 6

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Microsoft has reportedly unveiled a new version of it’s Windows Mobile operating system (OS), Windows Mobile 6, which has the look of Windows Vista, plus features that were earlier available only on PCs.

Windows Mobile 6 promises to take advantage of features in Exchange Server 2007, as also provide a richer e-mail experience on devices.

Reportedly, the new version includes Windows Live, offering instant messaging with more than one person at a time, as well as sending files/images and record/send voice notes.

Another new feature that comes from Exchange Server 2007 is the ability to reply to meeting requests made in Microsoft Outlook in various ways such as email reply and forwarding the message to someone else from the mobile device. Presently, a user can either just accept or decline the invite. It now also supports direct e-mail push technology to receive and send e-mails faster.

Windows Mobile 6 also introduces the ability to view e-mails in their original HTML Internet format with live Web links from smart phones.

Moreover, it allows viewing, navigating, and editing documents in original Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint format, without affecting tables, images, or text. Other features include support for synchronisation with Vista via the new Windows Mobile Device Center, improved search, encryption of data stored on removable memory cards, .NET Compact Framework, SQL Server, and usability of the device as a modem for notebook PCs.

According to Microsoft, Windows Mobile 6 will be available in the second quarter of 2007. And, manufacturers that are expected to come out with new devices supporting Windows Mobile 6 include Toshiba, Lenovo, LG Electronics, and Samsung Electronics.

Samsung Unveils “iPhone Killer” with 3G Support: F700

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Samsung has joined Apple and LG into the club of touchscreen mobile phones manufacturers. The company unveiled the F700 handset, which is the only one of the three to support the latest mobile network.

The phone is the first that is compatible with 3G (third generation) WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) in addition to conventional GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). It also works with the companion HSDPA and EDGE data transmission systems so, on 3G networks, it can receive data at up to 7.2Mbps (bits per second).

The phone features a 2.8-inch 440×240 screen to control calling, internet access, and music functions. Media playback support includes multiple AAC audio formats, Real, and variants of MPEG-4 including H.264.

Samsung’s Ultra Smart F700 also includes VibeTonz, a vibration system introduced in the recent W559 that simulates tactile feedback to touchscreen presses. On the iPhone, many reviewers complained about the lack of feedback in typing on such a small surface with your thumbs. Guess what? Samsung’s F700 also includes a slide-out keyboard to accommodate typing and Web browsing.

Samsung’s innovation features a 5-megapixel camera offering auto-focus that bests the iPhone’s 2-megapixel unit. A microSD slot will expand the memory for storing photos and music. Apparently, Samsung will not use Windows Mobile 6.0, also to be unveiled at 3GSM next week.

The F700 will be on show at next week’s 3GSM expo in Barcelona, Spain, and it will become the fourth member of Samsung’s “Ultra” family of phones. Samsung hasn’t decided when or where the phone will be launched nor at what price, said Stephanie Wong, a spokeswoman for the company in Seoul.

Compared to the LG K850 “Prada” and the Apple iPhone, Samsung’s device seems better in most aspects, but its display. It has 2.8 inches against 3 inches on the K850 and 3.5 inches on the Apple handset. However, the LG has lower resolution.

The Ultra Smart F700 measures 4.1 by 2.9 by 0.6 inches, only barely thicker than the iPhone, by about a fifth of an inch. It will also feature Bluetooth 2.0+.

The Samsung Ultra Smart F700 won’t have all the advantages over the iPhone. One disadvantage, aside from the small screen size difference, will probably be its price. The F700 looks, seems and should be a little more expensive, featuring better specs overall.

There is an iPod killer, it’s the iPod!

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Don’t you just love it when some member of some government somewhere says or does something really, really stupid. Well, not to be out done by the bureaucracy of his piers, New York State Senator Carl Kruger has decided to table some legislation to save people from their iPods, cell phones, Blackberries, and other portable electronic devices.

Apparently, people have been killed due the distraction caused by their mobile electronics when crossing New York City streets. I can just imagine; some nameless individual is crossing a busy New York City intersection (Having the right of way none the less) when a Britney (I’m still not a fan) Spears song starts playing on their iPod. In musical frustration, said individual says to themselves “I hate this song! Where’s my Kevin (Will never be a fan) Feterline tunes on my nano.”. As they are distracted by the cute little clicks of the jog wheel . . . WHAM! . . . a New York City taxi cab blasts through the intersection and kills that pedestrian. Tragic.

I’m certain it’s happened elsewhere in the world where distracted pedestrians have been injured or killed while crossing the street at a marked intersection while they have the right of way. Personally, I can barely count the number of times when my dog and I have nearly been mowed down by some careless driver whilst walking the local corner store to grab a drink and requisite pepperoni stick (For my dog). I’ve had the right of way, the little white walking guy is clearly seen, beckoning me to cross, and my dog has been trained as a helper dog (She knows when it’s safe to cross). And since I still don’t own an iPod, I haven’t had those digital distractions. But those motorists seem not to care.

Senator Kruger has said that a government does have an obligation to protect its citizens. I can agree with that whole heartedly of course, but I would ask Kruger to define when that protection shifts from the seemingly obvious (protection) to the blatantly absurd (protection). The government should protect our food and water and air so we don’t suffer from needless harms that could have been prevented. But Kruger’s suggestion that pedestrians should be fined up to $100 if caught talking on a cell phone while crossing the street, well, that’s just plain stupid. And the police or bylaw officers who would issue those fines probably have better things to do. Certainly, the courts would prefer not to have parades of citizens marching through their doors to appeal those fines. Maybe the motorists should be a bit more careful, somewhat more observant of pedestrians. And maybe pedestrians should take some better care when crossing a busy street.

What’s next? Does some some elected official try to pass a law that will have pedestrians wearing bicycle helmets when they walk down the street? I can see it now, “When people are struck by a car, it’s not the car that kills them, but but the impact of their head hitting the pavement when they land. If everyone wore a crash helmet all of the time, we could save countless lives.”

Maybe Senator Kruger should try recall (personally and publicly) all those times he has been walking or driving down the street and chatting away on his cell phone. Everyone’s guilty of chatting on their cell while driving, doing that at least once in their digital lives. Except for me, since I don’t drive.

Briefing: New Windows version set for mobile devices

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AMSTERDAM: New Windows version set for mobile devices

Microsoft on Thursday introduced a new version of its Windows operating system for mobile devices, adding features previously available only on personal computers.

Windows Mobile 6, to be available in the second quarter of 2007, introduces the ability to view e-mails in their original HTML Internet format with live Web links. Windows Mobile 6 also includes Windows Live, a consumer service for sending e- mails and instant messages.

It includes new security features and allows users to view, navigate and edit documents in the original Word, Outlook, Excel and Powerpoint format, without affecting tables, images or text. Microsoft last week introduced Vista, the new version of its personal computer operating system. (Reuters)

Nokia to offer free maps

Bizarre PSP mod adds a cooling fan, utility in question

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The overheating syndrome has struck just about every area of consumer electronics possible, and while spinning that UMD might get your fingertips ever-so-toasty, we haven’t heard any mass outcries of PSPs getting hot enough to cook breakfast on, but apparently none of that matters. In a rare case of besting an already questionable mod just days ago, this DIY installation is a real head scratcher, as Acidmods details how to install an actual cooling fan onto the rear of your Sony handheld. Your guess is as good as ours as to why this hack-job is actually beneifical, but if your only alternative is obliterating your PSP with a sword, we guess we’ll have to recommend you hop on over and get your hot gluing on — but only after you’ve mastered the art of stuffing three AAA cells into its battery pack, cool?

Can be found : http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/07/bizarre-psp-mod-adds-a-cooling-fan-utility-in-question/

No Porn on Blu-ray

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Could this decide the format war?

12 January 2007 - We might not want to admit it, but the porn industry has massive power to influence the technology we use and adopt in our everyday lives.

Over the last 30 years the industry has been responsible for VHS beating competing format Betamax in the early-80s, the development of secure online payments, and even the explosion of the DVD format.

Perhaps spelling the outcome of the latest disc format war between Sony’s Blu-ray and Toshiba’s HD DVD, adult film producer Digital Playground, whose famous adult film titles include the Island Fever series and Pirates - a high budget porn take on Pirates of the Caribbean - has been told by Sony that it will not be allowed to release XXX movies on the company’s Blu-ray disc format.

Digital Playground, which is one of the biggest producers of top shelf material, will be releasing four new movies in the US, with the first, Pirates due out in the States on in the next week on HD DVD instead.

In the interview with German Heise at AVN 2007 show in Las Vegas, Joone the founder of the company said that while he is committed to Blu-ray, he has been forced to use HD DVD because no Blu-ray disc manufacturer would make his discs, because Sony was against it and they would loose their license.

However some stars of the films aren’t looking forward to the move to high-definition and better picture quality.

While Pirates film star Jesse Jane (pictured) told Pocket-lint that she was happy to be filmed in HD, she did tell us that other stars she knew weren’t so keen.

In Hollywood some actresses have expressed concerns that the new high-definition picture quality shows when they’ve used too much make-up to cover un-slightly blemishes.

Why the iPhone may not sell well

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Despite all that hype on the Apple “iPhone”, there are still some reasons why the Apple “iPhone” may suffer in terms of sales. Yes, the Apple “iPhone” might be one of those urber modern gadgets one can find, but is it appealling to everyone?

“iPhone” is 3G-less
There are several reasons why the iPhone lacks 3G compatibility. 3G may not be easily available in certain countries, and that using 3G on a mobile device would drain the power supply (i.e. the battery). But would missing out 3G do any harm to the iPhone? Without 3G, it will be a hassle to stream media to your phone. Besides, Japan, a major user of 3G, might not even bother using the “iPhone” as a replacement for the modern handphone.

Though, there is an alternative way to 3G, and that is Wifi. The Apple “iPhone” has wifi infrastructure support. However, what if you are usually on the move? Wifi hot-spots are usually short-ranged (10m to 50m in radius), while 3G offers a much larger coverage area. So if you are using wifi, you would need to connect and disconnect multiple times to available wifi networks in range when you are moving (like in a car of train).

Cost
Although as pretty and useful as it seems, any potential buyer is turned down by the pricetag of the said gadget. The Apple “iPhone” is one costly gadget, with a pricetag of US$599 for the 8GB model, and US$499 for the 4GB model. This is one cost most people would have to save up for (unless you are extremely). Don’t get me started on the monthly costs like wifi and voice plans.

Performance
The Apple “iPhone” probably performs as fast (probabaly faster) as a modern handphone. But would speed matter for the Apple “iPhone”? Obviously, it is difficult to pack a fast processor into that small stylish casing the iPhone has, so processor speeds are generally limited to that of the most fastest handphones (unless Apple wants to explode the already hefty cost of the “iPhone”). So in other words, the Apple “iPhone” will find it hard to out-perform the latest mobile phones.

“iPhone” does not have iTunes
This feature has been stamped out from the Apple “iPhone”. So would not having this feature matter to the “iPhone”? iTunes is used as a means of managing media. If the “iPhone” were to have iTunes integrated within itself, imagine the ease of managing one’s own music and videos without the need of a computer.

“iPhone” cannot have a change of memory
This means that you will be stuck with the amount of flash memory you have in your iPhone from the day you purchased the iPhone (so choose carefully). You cannot expand the memory via any means (like memory cards), so this limits how many music files you can put in your “iPhone”

Is “touchscreen” good?
The Apple “iPhone” uses a touchscreen. This may be a unique feature, but PDAs already have this. So this isn’t really new. In addition, the “iPhone” functions are usually accessed via touchscreen. While this idea sounds okay, what happens if you wanted to skip the song you are listening while leaving the iPhone in your pocket? You can easily do this using a PSP or a iPod, but a “iPhone”? Remember, most (if not all) functions in the “iPhone” are accessed via touchscreen.

“iPhone” does multi-tasking?
If by multi-tasking you mean downloading a file and listening a song at the same time, then yes, the “iPhone” does support multi-tasking. However, it is difficult to multi-task certain things that you can do on a computer. An example is listening a song and browsing the internet. The computer can do both simultaneously, while the “iPhone” can only either the playing music part, or the browsing the internet part, but not simultaneously.

“iPhone” runs Mac OSX, but…
Yes… indeed, the Apple “iPhone” may run use Mac OS X as the operating system. Howver, the operating system it runs is the scaled-down version of Mac OS X. It can’t run your normal desktop softwre you have in your Apple computer. Though, the “iPhone” would be able to run “desktop-class” applications. The operating system have several restrictions, like no 3rd party applications can be installed in the “iPhone” (meaning, software for the iPhone is severely limited).

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Now with all these “features” the Apple “iPhone” has, do you think it is worth spending your money on the “iPhone”?

(Note that “iPhone” instead of iPhone is used, since the name for the Apple “iPhone” may change due to an ongoing event.)