remo-knops.com » Windows Mobile 6.1

PATCH: Microsoft releases hotfix for Windows Mobile 6.1 e-mail issue

Remo Knops — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00:16 +0000

For about six weeks ago Matt from Tracey and Matt’s Blog, described an smtp problem which in the end would affect all Windows Mobile 6.1 devices.Working on the problem ever since, resulted in an official hotfix which can be downloaded directly HERE at Microsoft.

In a very brief summary the problem can be described as the official statement below:

This behavior is associated with a feature that is introduced in Windows Mobile 6.1. The feature allows for mobile operators to specify an alternate SMTP server name that is used if e-mail messages cannot be sent by using the user-specified SMTP server name. If the mobile operator does not specify an alternate SMTP server name and if the Windows Mobile 6.1-based device does not connect, the e-mail account is corrupted and cannot send e-mail messages. [ref01]

However the references to Tracy & Matt’s Blog, as well as the Outlook Mobile Team blog provide some interesting reading material on this annoying bug. I think Matt has done a great job providing a platform for the problem, and testing an unofficial bug fix in the whole problem solving cycle. So thumbs up for Microsoft, Tracy & Matt, and of course the readers !! Go ahead an grab your copy HERE.

Reference list:

NEW: HTC’s touch clone-ing (HTC Opal & HTC Touch HD) [UPDATED]

Remo Knops — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:00:55 +0000

You all probably remember the huge success of the HTC Touch, where actually HTC solf 1 milllion units in 5 months [ref01]. Both de mass consumermarket as well as the business market liked the device because of it’s break-through formfactor and TouchFLO interface.

This week two new devices leaked to continue the HTC Touch-saga, namely the HTC Opal and the HTC Touch HD. The HTC Opal has a similar casing like its predecessor, but the device has a Windows Mobile 6.1 ROM onboard. The other specifications look rather similar, the device is positioned as a low-entry device, so the pricepoint should be really interesting.

The second device has still the “touch” in its naming, where the characters HD are added. Pocket PC Thoughts has a really nice description for the HTC Touch HD, while for additional info and visual size comparisons you should check out Modaco [ref01]:

What you see on-screen is an HTC Touch HD sized the same as an iPhone 3G, but with so much more: a 480 x 800 (WVGA) touch screen, a Qualcomm 7201A 528MHz CPU, 288MB RAM, 512MB ROM, HSDPA connectivity, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 5.0-megapixel camera (sans flash, unfortunately), a microSD slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. Word on the street is it’ll be here before Christmas. [ref05]

Both the devices are interesting due to its positioning. With the whole hype around the “touch-based” devices HTC might persue to get some market share in the “budget market”, where Nokia has some large share in Europe.

The HTC Touch HD is a real nice competitor for the Samsung Omnia, and the WVGA screen really is a unique selling point. Also it might be a competitor for Apple’s iPhone since the physical appearance shows anologies.

With a 3.5 mm headphone jack it also has good music player capabilities, so I could think of a version without a GSM module and a large ammount of flash memory added.

Concluding I would like to recommend to check out the additional eye candy on Modaco !!

UPDATE:

According to Windows Mobile Italy, the HTC Opal is officially called HTC Viva. There are also some real nice pictures available as well as a data- / specificationsheet !!

Reference list:

NEW: HTC S740 the smartphone brother of the HTC Touch Pro ? [UPDATED]

Remo Knops — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:30:29 +0000

Early this morning HTC announced their newest Windows Mobile standard device. The naming, HTC S740, seems to tell it’s the further development of the HTC S730. Design wise, there are also huge visible influences of the HTC Touch Diamond.

But let’s have a closer look. The most striking difference is the numeric keypad on the front of the device. If the device is slide-ed open, a 4-row full QWERTY keyboard shows its face. With this approach the text input is very versatile and flexible depending on your own personal usage scenario. The formfactor is probably closest to a candybar design (like to good old Nokia 6310i). But let’s have a look at the specifications:

Specifications:

Processor: Qualcomm® MSM7225™, 528MHz
Platform: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Standard
Memory: ROM: 256MB / RAM: 256MB SDRAM
Dimensions: 116.3 mm (L) X 43.4 mm (W) X 16.3 mm (T)
Weight: 140g with battery
Display: 2.4 inch TFT-LCD with backlight LEDs and QVGA resolution
Network: HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz for Europe (Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps download speeds), GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad-band 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz. (The device will operate on frequencies available from the cellular network.)
GPS: Standalone GPS / AGPS
Connectivity: Bluetooth® 2.0 / Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g / HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker, Ring tone supported formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, and WAV.
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery, Capacity: 1000 mAh
AC Adapter: AC input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz , DC output: 5V and 1A

Although the specification list sums up some impressive technologies, I do have some first thoughts about this device and it’s probable positioning.

Design wise there are strong influences of the HTC Touch Diamond, however the supreme VGA screen isn’t included on this device.
Furthermore HTC has chosen again for a slider mechanism. If HTC would have chosen for a clamshell design and put a larger screen inside, this device would have been a killer for the Asus M930, the Nokia E90 and the Toshiba G910 devices.
Another option could be leaving out the QWERTY keyboard and make the device much thinner. Having a really nice and thin mobile device (if messaging is not in top of your usage scenario’s).
The device has a similar form factor to the popular business phones Nokia E50 and E51, while there is a full QWERTY keyboard embedded.

Overall it seems to be a promising device, which I’m really excited about.

UPDATE:

There are some really nice early reviews, with lots of high resolution photo’s available through the newly added links !!