News

OQO Model e2 officially announced

OQO, Inc. today introduced its first ultra mobile PC, OQO model e2, optimised to meet the needs of the European mobility marketplace. The model e2 signals a strategic expansion by OQO into the European mobility market in response to tremendous interest from international customers. In addition to announcing its first international product, OQO opens its first international office in the UK, and has retained Martin Day, former Head of Enterprise Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Palm, to lead the European expansion.

OQO Model e2

“There has been significant demand from international customers for the OQO ultra mobile PC (UMPC). These customers want access to all their information, applications, and the Internet in a truly mobile form factor that fits conveniently in pocket, handbag, or briefcase” said Dennis Moore, chief executive officer of OQO. “The opening of our new office in England and the launch of our first international product demonstrates OQO’s commitment to meeting the needs of our international customers. We’re excited to be partnering with several international resellers to bring the OQO model e2 to the European market.”

The creator of the ultra mobile PC category, OQO has enjoyed significant success with its top-selling line of UMPCs and has won numerous accolades including Microsoft’s 2007 Windows Vista PC Innovation Award. With the addition of the OQO model e2 to the product line, OQO extends its position as the category leader. Now European users can benefit from a truly handheld, yet fully-functional, computer that enables a highly productive, mobile computing experience compatible with the tremendous range of applications available for Windows® XP and Windows Vista®.

The new OQO model e2 features a UK-optimised keyboard and system software, and is certified for international distribution. OQO has launched a new international website that features comprehensive online knowledgebase and support resources and other corporate information. The OQO model e2 offers the following category-leading features:

OQO Model e2 Specification

Available desktop docking station with adjustable cradle arm and dual layer DVD±RW/RAM optical drive With the OQO model e2 ultra mobile PC, mobile professionals and field workers – ranging from mobile executives and field sales people, to field service technicians and operations managers – can now access full enterprise applications and IT systems in the field. The OQO model e2 provides full and uncompromised access to CRM/ERP systems, customer and product databases, email, office productivity tools, custom enterprise software applications, and IT service and support systems. At the office, on the road, or wherever life may take you, the model e2 makes it possible to contact the office and other team members, access customer information, troubleshoot systems in the field, monitor inventory, logistics and production lines, collect and transfer data in real-time, and access the full Internet and web-based applications. Furthermore, the OQO model e2 allows IT departments to utilise the same system management, security, and support tools as conventional PC’s existing in the enterprise.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC news, Windows Mobile news, UMPC, OQO Model e2, Laptop, Tracy & Matt]

HTC Juno appears on the web

You may recall that we mentioned the HTC Juno some time ago when the device was believed to be not much more than an HTC Vox variant. However, new pictures and information have recently come to light which leads us to think that the Juno may in fact be a HTC Nike variant.

HTC Juno

The Boy Genius has this to say: “While Juno is the codename, we haven’t got word of the official launch name yet. It’s a Windows Mobile based device and has a “consumer friendly interface, most likely HTC’s TouchFlo,” says our source. He also goes on to tell us that it will have a QWERTY keyboard, but from the looks of things, is that SureType? T-Mobz should be positioning this phone as an “adult Sidekick” and the phone has a “wow screen and interface.” It is currently a T-Mobile USA exclusive and set for a mid to late October release.”

HTC Juno Specification:

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, HTC Juno, HTC, TouchFLO]

Skype virus warning

Skype, the internet messaging and voice over IP service, has been hit by a malicious worm that is infecting Windows users.

The worm sends an instant chat message to other Skype users in the person’s contacts, which contains a JPEG image. The image actually links to a virus file, which will ask for permission to save or run a .scr file on the user’s PC. Users who do this will find their PC is infected.

“The chat message, of which there are several versions, is cleverly written and may appear to be a legitimate chat message, which may fool some users into clicking on the link,” Skype claims on its blog.

Skype claims the leading anti-virus vendors have already updated their products to combat this worm. It also provides a guide to removing the virus via the Registry on its blog.

Just a reminder that anyone wishing to contact us can do so via our Skype username: tracyandmatt or using our Skype-in phone number: 0208 123 3757. We are always happy to hear from our readers! Why not leave us a voicemail with your questions.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Skype, virus, VoIP, Tracy & Matt]

NTT DoCoMo FOMA HT1100 specification revealed

We recently mentioned the anticipated release of the NTT DoCoMo FOMA HT1100 (aka HTC Nike) the device that has been commonly called the Touch II.

DoCoMo FOMA HT1100

The full, albeit unofficial, specification has just been published over at pdadb.net .

DoCoMo FOMA HT1100 Specification:

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, FOMA F1100, DoCoMo, FOMA HT1100]

XDA Comet appears in Germany

O2’s latest Windows Mobile device, the O2 XDA Comet, has just appeared on the O2 website in Germany and is now available for pre-order in their online shop.

O2 XDA Comet

The O2 XDA comet is the German version of O2 Asia’s XDA Atom Life and like the Atom Life, the XDA comet features Windows Mobile 6 Professional and a super-fast Marvell XScale PXA 270 CPU at 624 MHz as well as featuring amazing 1 GB ROM and 64 MB RAM.

O2 XDA Comet Specification

More details can be found HERE.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone news, Pocket PC news, Tracy & Matt, O2, XDA, Comet, Atom]

Vodafone annouce Christmas(!) lineups!

Vodafone Group today announced its range of Christmas 2007 consumer handsets offering the widest choice of exclusive and Vodafone branded handsets ever. The line-up includes the latest premium models from leading handset supplierss such as HTC, a range of open system devices enabling easy downloads and a compelling set of Vodafone branded handsets.

In the UK Vodafone has also announced its range of handsets for Christmas as well as MusicStation, a new, unique and exclusive music service from Omnifone, the UK based mobile music company. This offers customers unlimited music downloads direct to the mobile from all the major record labels, as well as leading independents, on a raft of new handsets for Christmas. The service will work on Vodafone UK’s new handsets as well as current 2.5 and 3G mobiles.

The Group selection of handsets offers customers further choice of stylish, easy to use mobile phones which deliver best in class internet services as well as the best in music and entertainment at prices to suit everyone’s needs. Handsets are also smaller and lighter with longer battery life. By closely working with handset suppliers, platform and application providers, Vodafone is on track to deliver fast and easy access to the internet this Christmas.

Some more details on what to expect:

Highlights include:

The range of internet ready mobile phones will meet a variety of customer preferences, from advanced mobile phones such as the premium touch screen Samsung SGH-F700V or the Samsung SGH-i640V to mid-tier priced handsets in classic ‘candy bar’ design such as the Nokia 6120c .

The Christmas line-up also includes new Vodafone branded 3G phones. The Vodafone 810 is a stylish slider in luxury metallic-silver finishing and packed with latest multimedia features. The Vodafone 720 comes in a modern clam shell design with an innovative hidden display and super flat keypad.

For customers looking for some of the best music devices, the Vodafone exclusive Sony Ericsson V640i will be available in a fresh new candy bar design offering 3G broadband (HSDPA) to support faster downloads of music services.

Posted by: Mark

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Vodafone, Tracy & Matt, N95 8GB]

SanDisk announces the new Sansa View

SanDisk today announced the new Sansa View – a video MP3 player with a vast array of features and generous capacity, at an unbeatable price. The sleek-looking Sansa View marries the finest MP3 player attributes with full-motion video support (typically found in larger portable media players), a larger screen, long battery life and generous capacity—all in a thin, easy-to-carry package. Expected to be available in October, the Sansa View will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99 (around £100) for a 16GB flash-based player and $149.99 for the 8GB, far surpassing the competition with respect to value and price.

SanDisk Sansa View

A significant step-up from the company’s award-winning Sansa e200 music player series, the slim Sansa View features music, photos, FM radio and audio books, plus easy video transferring capabilities and hefty memory capabilities of up to 24GB (by using an optional 8GB microSD/microSDHC card).

“The Sansa View is a new video MP3 player that combines all of the great characteristics of a MP3 player with the video capabilities of a PMP, and packs it into a pocketable device,” said Eric Bone, vice president of marketing for SanDisk’s Sansa audio/video product line. “What’s more, we’re once again showing that category-leading technology can still be very affordable.”

SanDisk’s Sansa View video player innovates beyond the typical video loading procedure, making it easy for consumers to transfer videos natively using widely available software. Most popular formats are supported via embedded player functionality (H.264, WMV and MPEG4), or via a one-time software download of the Sansa Media Converter which quickly transcodes numerous video files, including DivX.

Consumers can purchase and insert one of SanDisk’s microSD/microSDHC cards to play up to 24GB of music, video and photos on their Sansa View. (Today, SanDisk has announced microSD/microSDHC card capacities of up to 8GB.) In addition, the microSD card allows users to easily move their content to a cell phone or other mobile device.

A MP3 player at its core, the Sansa View device comes equipped with all the soup-to-nuts features typically found in the Sansa audio line. The smooth, backlit scroll wheel and vibrant 2.4” widescreen display make it easy to navigate to: a music library; video collection; digital photos; digital FM radio with 20 pre-sets; an integrated microphone and voice recording, and Audible audiobooks.

Posted by: Matt

[Technorati tag(s): MP3 Player, SanDisk, Sansa View, media player, SanDisk Sansa View]

VITO AstroNavigator II updated to v1.3

VITO Technology announces a new version of VITO AstroNavigator II. It comes just in time to watch the Solar Eclipse on September 11, 2007 at 12:44 pm GMT.

VITO AstroNavigator II

The Partial Solar Eclipse will be visible to the lucky minority from South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Are you longing to be a part of this great event and there is no chance to go to any of these countries?

Do not give way to despair because with VITO AstroNavigator II you may gaze at any Solar Eclipse. VITO AstroNavigator II allows you to choose the exact time and the location where the eclipse is expected to be seen – and there you have it in front of you. Enjoy being a part of the Universe and be aware about the most significant events happening over there.

Great news for Samsung BlackJack and Moto Q users: new version of VITO AstroNavigator II supports these Smartphones. The GPS search has become much faster. In addition to this VITO AstroNavigator II supports landscape devices now. The bug with distorted image on incoming calls has been fixed.

VITO AstroNavigator II is available for $ 19.95 at http://vitotechnology.com. Free trial provided. Updates are free for customers who purchased VITO AstroNavigator II within a year’s time.

Posted by: Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Vito, VITO AstroNavigator, Tracy & Matt, Smartphone Software]

Vodafone TyTN II coming soon as v1615

This week the news has been all about the TyTN II and today is not much different. Taking a look at the Vodafone website today you’ll find the new v1615 listed as coming soon. The v1615 is the Vodafone version of the TyTN II.

Vodafone v1615

Intersting that Vodafone state that the TyTN II is only 170 grams on their specificaion page. The TyTN II is 160 grams without the battery and 192 with. Would you like to borrow my scales Voda?

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, v1615, HTC TyTN II, Windows Mobile Blog]

Removing the TyTN battery cover

Just a quick video here for you as I’ve had quite a few emails today from people struggling to get the back cover off their new HTC TyTN II. You need to remove the cover in order to insert the battery.

It does feel like you are pushing the cover too hard when you first do it, it’s pretty stiff.

EDIT: You can see our TyTN II review HERE.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, WM6, HTC TyTN II, Windows Mobile Blog]