The Kogan Agora Pro has popped up in Australia as the latest Android handset and is available for international pre-order. The phone has a 2.5-inch resistive touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, 3G and GPS with a processor running at 624 mhz. Shame it only has a QVGA screen but great to see an Android handset with a front facing QWERTY. Full specs and pictures after the break.
Due to the large amount of questions we are getting on the HD we have decided to give it it’s very own post. All the questions and answers from the previous post (review) have been moved here also. One point to note is that after upgrading to Macromedia 7 on the device BBC iPlayer did work although it did still through the script warnings which I ignored and it did glitch a little (opera browser only)
HTC Touch HD
Q. How does it handle PDF files? I have a tytn II but you cannot see much of a pdf without zooming in to around 200% I was wandering how this compared to the xperia x1, same res screen, just bigger as i carry a bunch of printed pdf’s with me for product information. Regards, Phil.
A. At 200% you would never need glasses. The system defaults normally to 78% but I find that 80 to 90% is perfect for the screen size.
Q. Does the proper youtube site work (not the client) after you have installed flash lite 3.1?
A. In short yes.
Q. Is there any chance of bbc iplayer working?
A. Trying to run iPlayer causes script warnings that freeze the device and I have never left it long enough to see it it would work after processing the script Sorry!
Q. Have installed any gps programs, and do they run smoothly?
A. TomTom 6 has been installed and works without issues.
Q. is there absolutely no chance of getting tv-out on this device
A. Not unless HTC re-design the handset.
Q. Do you think can be upgraded to WM7 when it comes out?
A. A device like this would (I’m Sure) be included by HTC and Microsoft for upgrade
Q. Looks like there is no option to attach a Lanyard, is this correct?
A. Correct there is no Lanyard area.
Q. in the unboxing you said 1560mah battery. is that correct?
A. If I did say that then I made a mistake, it’s 1360mAh – sorry!
Q. Does slingplayer use the whole screen?
A. Sorry I don’t have this to test.
Q. Could you see if it plays streaming video such as BBC News or CNN? It’s something that no one thus far has tested on the Touch HD!
A. Since this question was aimed at Tracy or Matt I’m not going to answer it as a matter of Principle.
Q. I would like to see how it handles Excel spreadsheets, also compared with the TytnII or any PDA with QVGA screen, as I own a TytnII and use a lot of spreadsheets.
A. Just for you I had a data analyst in my work run some very complex formulas and move them to and from the HD to the PC and he was well impressed. So much so that he now wants a WM device to do work from home.
Q. Could you let us know how the Touch is as a PDA? – in particular for email (gmail client or gmail via IMAP), text entry and calendar/pim.
A. For me this device works great as a PDA, comes with everything needed to run it as one and has no issue running emails or any of the items above.
Q. I use outlook web access a moderate amount for work email and calendar (since they won’t let unauthorised devices use their Exchange or Blackberry servers). Does either device have an advantage in accessing that?
A. I also use OWA and it works perfect with this phone, all the data you need is transferred from the OWA Server onto your phone and vice versa although I will say I am not a heavy user of this so some items may not run just as well
Q. One of my other options would be a more camera focused phone (eg LG Renoir), to eliminate another device from my pocket. Does the Renoir stack up against the HD in terms of syncing with Outlook, managing calendar/tasks and contacts?
A. Unfortunately until we get a Renoir we cannot answer this question!
Q. Is Matt enjoying the device too much to be torn away and post his thoughts for us minions?
A. Not at all, he would love to but I asked to do this review so blame me for the delay. Sorry!
Q. Is there an on screen keyboard? What is it like?
How does the onscreen keyboard (if there is one!) compare to SPBFull Screen keyboard software?
A. There is indeed an onscreen keyboard although the actual size of the keys does not differ greatly (maybe 1 or 2 mm) from the Touch Diamond.The latest SPB Keyboard software has far bigger keys than th inbuilt keyboard. One thing i do like thought that is quite big is the Phone Pad which can be used like a STD phone pad and with T9.
Q. I currently use a TyTnII and I love the built in keyboard but hate the smaller screen having formerly owned an IpaqHX2490. Bigger screen or built in keyboard?
A. For me it will always be bigger screen but then I like watching streaming and movies on my phone too.
Q. Can this be the iPhone beater?
A. Short and simple answer to this is NO. Why not? It just wasn’t made by Apple. The device is supperior to the iPhone in many ways but the whole iPhone thing is just style. The phrase "I have an iPhone 3G" runs better than "I han an HTC Touch HD".
Q. I would love a comparison between Touch HD, Omina, X1, and Touch Pro.
A. I’ll see what I can do on this one, Don’t have many the Omnia or X1 to compare with just now.
21st November 2008
Q. Does this mobile have aGPS?
A. It sure does
Q. Are you able to test any third party software? something with ‘turn-by-turn’ instructions?
A. Can you give me an example of a piece of software you would like tested?
Q. Is it possible to install VLC player?
A. Unless you use the original test cab by VLC then no. VLC pulled the plug on their Windows Mobile compatible software a while ago and have no intentions to work on it again.
Q. I have read the video recording is 320×240, any truth to that?
A. This is indeed correct.
Q. Is there any itunes compatibility? especially for play-lists. any 3rd party software that does this easily?
A. Still Reviewing
Q. how you would rate this as a business phone?
A. This really would depend on the sort of business you are in. For example is you are a builder, forget it! If you are a business traveller then it would be ideal depending on the apps etc… you would need to be using.
Q. How does it compare against a Blackberry bold or storm?
A. The only one of these that I have had experience with yet is the BB Bold which in my view is not as good as the HD. On the other hand there were several features of the BB Bold which I loved (see my review). I think the more fair comparison should be the Storm and the HD which I plan to do when I get hold of a Storm to review (any offers anyone?)
Q. What size card will this take? I heard that it won’t accept 16gb? Is this true?
A. I’m told that the HD can accept 16GB SDHC cards but I don’t have one to try.
Q. What’s the MP3 playback like? Can you have it constantly on in the background no matter what other application your using? Is the processor capable of keeping it going when using other heavy apps? i.e. GPS?
A. Yes to both of these questions. The processor allows multiple apps to run and have the MP3 playback running smoothly in the background on Windows Media player.
Q. Did the GPS lag?
A. In the tests I done using Google Maps there was slime to no lag at all. The only thing I did notice was that Google maps using the GPS in my area got a little confused as the street layout is at least 7 years out of date.
Q. What would your rating out of 10 be?
A. I personally would rate this phone at 9 / 10. The missing 1 mark would be as a result of the position of the MicroSD slot, the inability to delete more than 1 mail message at a time and the fact that it does not offer portrait mode for a lot of apps.
Posted by: John
There is now a translated review of the Meizu M8. It is extremely thorough and if you are not totally put off by the pigeon English translation then its worth a read. Not only does it look like the iPhone but the UI seems to be rather similar but is apparently Windows CE 6.0n albeit heavily redesigned. If this is ever released outside Asia I would imagine that there would be a great deal of confusion. That said, the device is given top marks!
If you have been holding off taking the plunge on the T-Mobile G1 phone, now could be a good time to get one. T-mobile have just sent us an email letting us now that it is now free on the lowest £30.00 per month contract. They will also throw in an 8 Gig memory card too. Full details after the break.
Telefónica O2 UK has today announced the launch of an energy efficient universal mobile phone charger – the O2 Universal Charger. The first product of its kind to be launched by a UK network, the O2 Universal Charger is amongst the most energy efficient in the UK cutting energy consumption by as much as 70 per cent compared to standard mobile phone chargers.
HTC Corporation today announced the continuation of its design focus with the acquisition of San Francisco-based lifestyle design firm One & Company Design, Inc. (One & Co). Recognized for its award-winning work with some of the world’s best known and most design-savvy lifestyle brands, One & Co will maintain its name and client base while it joins forces with HTC to create an unparalleled force in global mobile design.
The latest mobile phone to pop out and say "Hello Moto" it the MotoRokr EM35. On the 9th of last month we gave you the "Spotted in the Wild" post and yesterday Motorola made it real.
MotoRokr EM35 In Various Views
MOTOROKR™ EM35 boasts audio-enhancing CrystalTalk™ technology and virtual surround sound with elite music functionality
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Dec. 2, 2008 – Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced the addition of MOTOROKR EM35 to the ROKR portfolio. A device designed for supreme audio performance both as a mobile device and music player, EM35 delivers an exceptional audio experience for both music and talk.
“As the popularity of integrated music and talk functionalities on mobile devices increases, so does the demand for enhanced audio to ensure the best experience,” said Tracey Koziol, corporate vice president, mid-tier and feature products, Mobile Devices, Motorola. “With virtual surround sound and an abundance of top features, the EM35 is perfect for the consumer looking to receive the highest multimedia and sound performance. When listening with earphones, a unique algorithm enables music to sound as if it is playing in the space around your head, rather than inside of your eardrums, enhancing the way you listen to music.”
EM35 amplifies your conversations and helps reduce background noise with CrystalTalk technology, so virtually nothing comes between you and your call. From more superior voice quality to personalized noise adaptation, CrystalTalk makes a noticeable difference in the clarity and intelligibility of conversations while in a noisy environment. EM35 further enhances the audio quality with the addition of a second microphone, which helps eliminate more ambient background noise from the call.
ROKR EM35 is a robust music player with a full suite of dedicated keys to easily launch and control music. Whether listening via the built-in dual speakers, stereo Bluetooth wireless technology or 3.5mm stereo wired headphones, the EM35 rocks. Users can quickly access content or search through an entire music library to find a song that suits the mood by simply moving a thumb across the FastScrollTM navigation wheel. Pressing or holding the dedicated “play” key launches shuffle mode.
Slide the device open to send a text or surf the web while listening to music, or to pause the music and make a phone call. Also, find pre-installed and downloadable widgets – third-party web applications – for access to real-time information such as weather, sports scores, stock tickers, flight information, social media, news headlines and more.
MOTOMUSIC player is an exclusive application that enables users to listen to music while simultaneously being connected to the music store. Once connected, users can discover and access new music, preview and purchase music, retrieve artist information, share favourite tracks with friends, gift tracks from the EM35 and watch videos and free podcasts.
Compatibility with Windows® Media Player 11 gives consumers the freedom to manage music on the PC and discover new music by downloading it from a PC to the phone from more than 200 on-line music stores worldwide. ROKR EM35 has an integrated FM antenna that enables FM radio to be played over stereo Bluetooth or external stereo speakers without the use of a headset. FM radio with Radio Data System (RDS) technology makes identifying songs and artists easy by displaying available FM station information like song, artist and genre. SONGID technology completes the music experience and gives you new ways to discover music while on the go.
Availability
MOTOROKR™ EM35 is expected to be available later this quarter. For more information on technical specs, please visit www.motorola.com/motoinfo.
ROKR™ EM35: Rock and Talk with Unmatched Audio
MOTOROKR™ EM35 delivers an exceptional audio experience for both music and talk. The phone features advanced audio-enhancing CrystalTalk™ technology, a robust music player, virtual stereo surround sound– bringing you beyond a typical listening experience to becoming a part of it – and MOTOMUSIC player6 which enables users to play, discover and purchase music. With access to online music stores and stereo Bluetooth®, EM35 offers an all-around multimedia experience.
Audio Excellence Delivered: EM35 delivers incredible audio with virtual stereo surround sound, connecting you with your music like never before. When listening with earphones, music will sound as if it is playing in the space around your head, rather than inside of your eardrums. Whether listening via the built-in dual speakers, stereo Bluetooth or 3.5mm stereo wired headphones, the EM35 rocks.
Hear and Be Heard: Enhanced CrystalTalk technology amplifies your conversations and helps reduce background noise so virtually nothing comes between you and your call.
Bring Your Music Alive: With MOTOMUSIC player1, listen to music while simultaneously being connected to the music store. Once connected, access, discover, preview and purchase music from the phone or a PC, get artist information, share favorite tracks with friends, gift tracks from the EM35 and watch videos and free podcasts1 Over time, MOTOMUSIC player will even make personalized recommendations to match your musical tastes.
Discover New Music: Windows® Media Player 11 gives you the freedom to manage your music on a PC and discover new music from more than 200 on-line music stores worldwide1,3 ROKR EM35 has an integrated FM antenna that enables FM radio to be played over stereo Bluetooth or external stereo speakers without the use of a headset, and built-in FM radio with SONGID technology1 to complete the music experience.
Rock On-The-Go: The ROKR EM35 has an integrated FM radio with Radio Data System (RDS)4 technology that makes identifying songs and artists easy by displaying available FM station information like song, artist and genre. With an optional 32GB micro SD removable storage card, you can store your favorite songs and take your entire music library wherever you go. And use the FastScroll navigation wheel to quickly access content and search for music (music mode), calendar (phone mode) and multimedia (imaging mode).
Create Memories: Catch life’s moments with the 3.1 megapixel camera that captures still images and video. Edit images and share memories with friends and family through the web or messaging features.
Real-Time Information On-the-Go: Pre-installed and downloadable1 widgets give you access to real-time information such as weather, stock reports and more.
|
Messaging |
MMS, SMS, Email, POP3/IMAP embedded), IM (Dwnld Java, Embedded –WVIM, MSN Messenger), Open Source |
|
Audio |
FM Radio, AAC, AAC+, AAC+ Enhanced, AMR NB, AMR WB, MIDI, MP3, RA v10, RA v9, WAV, WMA v10, WMA v9, XMFMIDI |
|
Video |
Capture/Playback/Streaming1, Video-C/P >14fps, Video-Prog Dwnld1, Video-Streaming1, H.263, H.264, MPEG4, RV v9, WMV v10, WMV v9 |
|
Camera |
3.1 MP w/ zoom and fixed focus |
|
On Board Memory |
110MB user available memory5, Optional MicroSD Card (Up to 32GB) |
|
Connectivity |
Class 2 Stereo Bluetooth Wireless Technology2, 3.5mm, USB 2.0 HS, Mobile Phone Tools, OMA DM, OTA ActiveSync, Over the Air Sync (OTA)1, PC Sync |
|
Bands/Modes |
GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EDGE |
|
Weight |
116.00g |
|
Size |
71.50 cc |
|
Dimensions |
49.5(x) 107.00(y) 16.00(z) |
|
Display |
2.2” QVGA TFT 262k TFT |
|
Battery |
810.00 mAh |
|
Standard TT/SB Time |
Up to approximately 400 minutes/400 hours |
|
Baseband |
SCMA-11 |
|
Software |
Linux Java 7.4 |
|
Form Factor |
Slider |
Posted by: John
A little while ago, our friends at Canon provided us with a very smart looking Canon Digital IXUS 85IS. This is the mid range camera in the latest Digital IXUS range of cameras from Canon. The IXUS range has been around for a number of years now, and the latest versions certainly seem to continue Canon’s acclaimed styling, reliability and quality. However, if this new version is anything to go by, I have to say that first impressions show an even higher level of build quality than previous units. This little gem is solid, well built and looks like it would take a few knocks or accidental drops for sure.
Have a look below at the front of the camera and judge for your self…
The Canon Digital IXUS 85IS
Canon have certainly stuck to their initial plans from the very first IXUS ranges, and this latest version doesn’t really differ too much in functionality from some of the original cameras. Obviously the electronics have got faster, lenses smother in operation and Image Resolution has increased but the look and feel remains around the same. Don’t expect technical wizardry, in camera editing or a host of scenery effects with this little camera, Leave that for Photoshop. Canon have however built in a really good Image stabilisation system into this camera so there is a little of something for everyone. The processing power of the DIGIC III engine is actually very good, and whilst some of the options seen on other cameras may not be included, the more important benefits really shine through such as very fast focusing and excellent colour capture and reproduction..
What’s in the Box?
Not surprisingly, pretty normal for a compact Digital camera, LI-ON Battery, Manuals, Charger, USB connection and AV cables. Wish I had the patent for those AV cables everyone uses.
Canon IXUS 85IS Specification
- Type: Type – Ultra Compact
- Pixels: CCD – 10 megapixels / Resolution (in pixels) – 3648 x 2736
- Optical: Optical Viewfinder – Real-image zoom, optical viewfinder / LCD display – 2.5" (6.35 cm) PureColor II TFT screen 100% coverage 230,000 dots Up to 15 brightness settings / Macro Distance – 3 cm / Normal Distance – From 30 cm upwards / Optical Zoom – 3x / Digital Zoom – 4x / ISO range – Auto, High ISO auto (with movement detection), 80, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ISO /
- Storage: Image formats – JPEG / Memory Card Type – SDHC, SD, MMC Plus, HC MMC Plus cards / Included Memory Card – 32 MB / Internal Memory – No
- Video: Video mode – Yes, with sound / Video Sequence – 640 x 480 at 30 images/sec. / TV Output – No / Webcam – No
- Classic IXUS design
- 10.0 Megapixels
- 3x zoom with optical IS
- Motion Detection Technology
- Face Detection Technology
- Red-Eye Correction
- DIGIC III processor and iSAPS
- 2.5" PureColor LCD II
- 19 Shooting Modes
- Creative movie options
General
The IXUS 85IS, takes its lead from the earlier IXUS80 taking the well tried and tested Image stabilisation introduced with this earlier version and increasing the Image resolution to 10megapixels. This should really be enough for almost anyone allowing a substantial range of enlargements whilst retaining high quality.
Looking at the camera starting at the back shows a very uncluttered set of controls.
A simple “Shoot or Play” switch at the top, menu access via pretty standard buttons, but with direct access to some of the most common used controls such as flash, autotimer and macro settings. It certainly would not take anyone who has used any compact camera before very long at all to use this camera to full effect.
Unusually though for a compact camera is a built in viewfinder which in my opinion is a very useful addition. Seeing any compact camera screen clearly in a very bright sunny day can be difficult, and with additional power saving of not using the screen a further advantage.
A standard SD card slot is provided which will take SDHC cards located right next to the battery location.
Shutter controls and zoom functions are located at the top of the camera, initially I thought the zoom control was slightly too far to the centre of the camera but this turned out to be quite comfortable.
With the majority of the case metal, the look and feel of the camera are very good, controls are simple to operate and menu response very fast when jumping through settings.
Highlights
- Very fast to operate – Average start up times of the camera around 1 second
- Fast focusing of the autofocus engine is very good, allowing shots to be taken very quickly. It takes about 1.5 seconds between shots which is average for a camera of this size and type. Continuous shooting allows a couple of frames a second, but the camera does not refocus though.
- Good colour and Saturation of images and shots taken
- Image Stabilisation helps remove lots of camera shake allowing pictures to be taken in lower light levels (This is more important as the IXUS 85IS does suffer from noise at higher ISO levels)
- Simple to use menus and controls
Lowlights
- Noise levels on High ISO values over around ISO 400 do start to affect image quality
- Levels of purple fringing on some shots taken outdoors in bright Sun
Review
This little Canon really looks and feels like its earlier stable-mates from the original IXUS mould. Enhancements have been made, and the increase in image resolution and Image Stabilisation are great benefits but are becoming more and more standard across all manufacturers. What sets Camera this apart is the IXUS style, build quality and performance. Built to take knocks and I’d suggest a reasonable amount of abuse. It’s almost akin to what that certain “Fruit Named” manufacturer did with MP3 players – Added style!
The lens is relatively standard 3x Optical zoom equivalent to a standard 35-105mm lens, perhaps not offering quite the range of some other cameras – I missed a slightly wider angle. Quality though was excellent and zoom in and out times quite impressive. Built into the lens is Canon’s tried and tested image stabilisation which again does the job very well.
Images taken were very sharp and very crisp to view, even when zoomed in at very high levels. The 10MP CCD is certainly well up for almost every demand that most photographers would throw at it. Some issues were seen with shots, mostly with outdoor images in bright sun, with some fringing in a great shade of purple against edges of images. I had seen reports of softening of images towards the corners but I found this acceptable and not overly soft.
Image noise on high ISO values (mostly above 800) was quite high and got worse as the ISO level was increased. I’m sure most users would not really use these high ISO settings on a day to day basis though so probably would never been noticed.
The controls are synonymous with most of the other cameras in the IXUS range as well as most other compact cameras. The simple DPAD and switches to choose Picture, Video or Play mode are located in sensible places, very clearly labelled and simple to understand.
The 2.5” LCD is clear, crisp and very bright in most light levels with the added advantage of a small but very useful viewfinder.
Conclusion
Staying true to the IXUS brand, the IXUS 85IS is a commendable well built and performing compact digital camera. It is very simple to use, light weight (Whilst still feeling very well built) and a fast performer with autofocus taking around ½ second even in low light situations.
The evidence of some fringing in bright shots and the noise on High ISO settings did let things down a little, but most normal photograph takes would never notice these issues.
Overall another worthy contender to the IXUS brand, with prices now coming down on this little unit to very reasonable levels around £140 advertised on various web sites it is a very good day to day camera with some good nifty features.
If you are looking for a reasonably priced, point and shoot camera, with some nice additions this one should be on your list.
Review by: John
Our latest podcast is now available to download, in episode 15 we discuss the Nokia N97 announcement, 10,000 iPhone Apps, O2 XDA Zest, our top three phones of 2008 and much more. You can subscribe via iTunes, RSS or download the mp3 file here. Full show notes after the break.
Former Blackberry and Windows Mobile users who have switched to the iPhone and anyone else who wants to write emails on their iPhone much faster will be glad to see the addition of “typing shortcuts” to the latest update to Wide Email, a landscape email program for the iPhone. Typing shortcuts have been a feature of Blackberry and Windows Mobile email for a long time, and switchers to the iPhone will be glad to have this time-saving feature again.
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