Ok, so now it’s official, the Samsung i600 will be available on Orange ‘soon’. The device is now on the Orange website for all to see.

No details for the exact release date just yet but with the Samsung i600 being made avalable on the Clove Technology website I don’t suppose it will be too long before it becomes available to Orange customers. Probably business customers only to begin with as seems to the the way with Orange.

See for yourself on the Orange website or check out our Samusung i600 video.

Matt

[Post tags: smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Samsung SGH-i600, Orange, Samsung Windows Mobile blog]

Paul from MoDaCo has just been in touch to let us know that there is a new vesion of his excellent CamerAware application available.

This latest BETA version of CamerAware includes the following changes:

– Added additional expert options (exit on disconnect)
– Updated auto bluetooth logic
– Updated GPS subsystem
– Updated installer code
– Added full screen mode
– Added support for night skins (included)
– Added support for customisable alert bar colours
– Improved horizontal alert bar reliability
– Updated power management settings when running but disconnected
– Updated to latest version of support libraries
– More menu options are now accessible without disconnecting
– Just for fun… 0-60 timer function added

Check out the full news item on MoDaCo and don’t forget to have a listen to our CamerAware podcast interview with Paul.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, MoDaCo, cameraware, podcast]

Further to my post earlier this week about the imminent launch of the Orange SPV E650 it would appear that I was right on the money! Just a few minutes ago I received a copy of the official Orange press release which states that the E650 is now available to business customers.

Orange Launches First Windows Mobile 6.0 Device for Business Users

LONDON, April 11

– SPV E650 Combines Latest Microsoft Platform With Dedicated Messaging Features

Orange Business Services today launches the first Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0-powered smartphone on the UK market. Available exclusively from Orange until the beginning of May, the compact SPV E650 combines powerful functionality with sleek design and the ability to connect with Wi-Fi, EDGE and GPRS networks, making mobile messaging easier than ever before.

Designed for business users, the SPV E650 offers all the advantages of a PDA, alongside quad-band functionality for ultimate connectivity. Users can update spreadsheets or documents on the move, using the mobile versions of Microsoft Excel and Word. Windows Mobile 6.0 means that documents appear on the device screen just as they would on a PC, avoiding formatting headaches.

The Orange SPV E650 also conceals a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, making it easier than ever before to respond to emails on the move. A generous screen, which switches automatically between portrait and landscape modes, provides optimum conditions for viewing and amending documents.

“We’re naturally excited to be the first operator to launch a Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone onto the UK market,” comments Nick Horton, Head of Business Devices, Orange Business Services UK. “By offering this powerful new operating system in a device that combines a compact, attractive design with full QWERTY functionality, we believe the SPV E650 represents the best option yet for today’s mobile professional,” he added.

Windows Mobile 6.0 offers full compatibility with Microsoft Exchange Server, ensuring seamless synchronisation between users’ email accounts and mobile devices. Even hyperlinks are supported, enabling web pages to be accessed directly from emails whilst on the move.

Security features are another important feature of the SPV E650, allowing data to be erased remotely in the event of device loss or theft, via Microsoft Exchange Server.

The SPV E650 is now available to UK business customers for GBP165 (excluding VAT), or from free depending on contract. The device is also available to consumer customers from free to GBP161, depending on package.
SPV E650 – Technical Specification

Connectivity
Wi-Fi, EDGE and GPRS

Key Features
Windows Mobile 6® 6.0:
Create and edit Microsoft Word and Excel® and PowerPoint® documents.
ActiveSync® client with push-email support
2.0 megapixel inbuilt camera
Portrait and landscape screen modes
320×240 pixel touch screen with 65k colours
Video player, recording and streaming
Sliding keyboard
Loud speaker for hands free option

Accessories (in-box)
AC adapter with mini USB power plug
Mini USB/USB synchronisation cable
Headset
Battery

Specification
Form factor: sliding keyboard
Size: 101.5 x 50 x 17.5 mm
Weight: 120g
Talk time: up to 5 hours
Standby time: up to 7 days

I suspect that demand for this device will be pretty high and that it will become available to all within the next few weeks.

Now, where is that illusive SPV E600? 🙂

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, HTC Vox, HTC S710, Orange, SPV E650]

Dell launched their Axim range of Pocket PC devices back in 2002 and after 5 short years Dell have officially announced that they are killing off thier Axim range.

Dell spokeswoman Anne Camden said that the Axim X51 family is no longer being offered and there are no plans for future devices. Apparantly sales have not been as good as Dell had hoped and for now it seems that the company is concentrating on its ‘other businesses’.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Dell, Axim]

Lots of rumours circulating about the eagerly awaited Orange SPV E650 as the moment the latest one suggests that the device could be released later this week!

We have already been told that some stores have received shipments of the E650 but I’m not sure how true that is. Anyone in Orange Retail able to confirm?

I’m have an HTC S710 in for review at the moment so will post a review of that shortly. In the mean time I can tell you it’s one of the nicest HTC devices I’ve seen for a while, if you want to ask me anything about it please feel free to contact me.

Orange SPV E650 Specification:

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, HTC Vox, HTC S710, Orange, SPV E650]

Good news for those of you that have an HTC P3600. As you will know, HTC shipped your devices with the GPS unit disabled. This was due to some initial problems with the GPS chipset not playing nice with the GPRS. However, HTC have now worked out the issues and have made a new ROM update available to you. Futhermore they are giving you the chance to test the GPS with a demo version of Tom Tom Navigator 6!

Up until now, the only way to enable GPS on your P3600 was to use unofficial rom builds from other operators.

There are a few other enhancements in the new ROM:

03 April 2007,

Operating System [ROM] UpdateNew features and improvements are available with this operating software update.

GPS receiver capability enabled.

Browser improvements (mobile CSS, WAP, Iframe, etc.).

Bluetooth improvements.

New data network icons to differentiate between GPRS, EDGE, 3G and HSDPA connections.
Streaming player added.

You can find further details of the ROM updates on the HTC P3600 software page at HTC Europe. You’ll need your IMEI number to hand before you can download though.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, HTC Trinity, HTC P3600]

O2 Ireland have launched the XDA Orbit.

The Irish version of the XDA Orbit, which is based on the HTC Artemis, ships with CoPilot sat nav software, whereas the German version includes Tom Tom.

Here’s the official press release:

O2 Ireland today announced the launch of the latest addition to its Xda range, the Xda Orbit. The new PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is the first Xda in O2’s range to offer built-in GPS and seamless door-to-door satellite navigation, in an ultra slim, stylish portable device. Using the latest technology, the Xda Orbit also features a 2 Megapixel camera, MP3 player, radio and WiFi functionality, whilst combining the latest Windows Mobile® OS 5 software – offering mobile Internet and email in the same easy-to-use format as Microsoft® Office on a desktop.

Billy D’Arcy, Head of Business Sales & Services, O2 Ireland, said; “The new O2 Xda Orbit provides our customers with a truly mobile office that offers the latest product innovations, both in terms of satellite navigation and O2 Xda software. Our partnership with ALK Technologies to bundle the CoPilot® Live™ sat nav software is an important development for our customers and will give them the ultimate navigation experience directing them to their chosen destination quickly and safely. With its slim features and lightweight design, the O2 Xda Orbit is the perfect compact device for both business and leisure users, and adds to our already strong portfolio of Xda devices.”

CoPilot Live navigation software is supplied on an easy-to-install memory card that has complete maps of Ireland and the UK preloaded. Detailed routes are calculated in seconds and turn-by-turn directions are provided on-screen and spoken, all the way to the destination. There’s a choice of map views, including ‘non-distracting driver-safety’, ‘itinerary’, ‘where am I?’ and 3D ’bird’s eye’ view. If a turn is missed CoPilot recalculates the best new route in seconds. Users simply type in the chosen destination on the large 2.8 inch full colour TFT LCD touch screen and the O2 Xda Orbit will direct them to their chosen destination quickly and safely.

In addition advanced features enable real-time Internet tracking whereby users can let others view their location via the internet. Ideal for pedestrians as well as car travellers, the O2 Xda Orbit makes dedicated navigation systems unnecessary.

With its WiFi and GPRS features, the O2 Xda Orbit is ideal for users on the go; it provides seamless synchronisation with Pocket Outlook. Offering the ability to open, edit and send Microsoft Office Excel Mobile, Word Mobile and PowerPoint Mobile attachments quickly and easily, it is a true mobile office device. Users also benefit from secure and cost-effective real-time email delivery, with Microsoft’s Push email solution enabling them to work securely from any place at any time. Synchronisation of the Xda with a desktop computer also means both calendar and contacts are always completely up to date.

The Orbit combines a 2.0 Megapixel camera including video capability, FM radio (87.5Mhz–108.5Mhz) and MP3/AAC player, whilst enabling customers to view and play Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. It also offers quad-band functionality, supported by a battery life of up to 200 hours standby and 5 hours talk time. In addition the device features Bluetooth support allowing integration with car kits and hands-free headsets.

The Xda Orbit is available exclusively from O2, priced from €272 ex VAT.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Tracy & Matt, O2, HTC Artemis, XDA Orbit, HTC P3300]