Omio

Sony Ericsson Xperia Panels On The HTC Touch HD, HTC TouchFLO on the Xperia!

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

I suppose, as we covered the fact that the exclusive Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Panels could be modified to work on an HTC handset, that we should cover more recent developments in the crazy topsy-turvy world of XDA Developers!

Firstly, they managed to get the Xperia X1 running the slick TouchFLO user interface, popularised by its use on the HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro handsets. Check out the video below!

Then, they managed to get the Xperia’s Panel interface modded to run on the new humungous screen of the HTC Touch HD! Truth be told, it may be a tad buggy but the Panels seem to run a little bit smoother than on the Xperia itself! Looks pretty creamy on the super high resolution screen of the HD too. Watch the vid below!

Who would have thought that they could get Windows Mobile handsets to run Windows Mobile software? Not me, that Windows is a cruel mistress, wild and unpredictable…

HTC Helped By Magical Elves To Design Touch Diamond?

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

We were the first to champion HTC’s change in direction and subsequent rise to power in recent years, all started by the striking looks of the (then) revolutionary HTC Touch Diamond.

The faceted surface and minimalist design were heralded as a breath of fresh air, and were justly claimed by HTC as the brainchild of their ‘Chief Innovation Officer’ Horace Luke.

Okay, maybe not claimed…but this video led us to believe that was the case!

Except San Francisco design agency One & Co claim on their site case studies to have teamed up with HTC to come up with the Diamond’s unique shape:

“[The Touch Diamond is] a flagship smartphone that establishes HTC as a global leader and harkens a new era for the mobile internet. The design is both modern and clutter-free to allow a strong focus on the innovative interface. The rich materials and diamond-like surfacing convey its power and sophistication creating an instantly recognizable icon.”

So…who made it? Was it the work of HTC’s own personal Jonathan Ive, or did the bright minds at One & Co help to turn the fortunes of the Taiwanese manufacturer around? With recently upscaled shipping figures from 2 to 3 million of the Touch Diamond, whoever came up with it did a good thing.

And judging by the gorgeous design of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, the T-Mobile G1 (ish) and the HTC Touch HD, they don’t need One & Co any more…

Source: MSMobiles

New Japanese Handsets To Make You Weep

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

Just as high quality VGA screens arrive here with the release of the lovely HTC Touch Diamond, Engadget reminds us that Japan will always be light years ahead with Sharp/Willcom’s Summer mobile phone lineup.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Willcom D4, an unassuming little powerhouse that is more PC than PDA. Styled like a creatine-reared Tytn II, the D4 is an ‘ultra mobile’ running Windows Vista on a 5-inch WSVGA (meaning wide and super VGA) touchscreen, with a full slide out keyboard and a 40GB hard drive. So, yeah, it’s boxy but very good. Also makes our excitement at megapixels slightly misplaced.

Oh, and don’t look at the D4 website, this phone is never coming out here and the slickness will only depress you.

The Willcom D3, whilst not as awesome, is still fairly brilliant with the E8-esque morphing buttons and hot pink sliding QWERTY keyboard. The D9 is more of a traditional Japanese phone, a minimalist flip with a huge screen and all manner of quirky features.

It’s only an eleven hour flight…

HTC Touch Pro Priced, Matches Size

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

With the HTC Touch Diamond not quite living up to high expectations in the smartphone arena, all eyes are on the keyboard equipped sibling the Touch Pro to be the Next Big Thing. It sure is big looking at recently released videos, and with Play.com confirming an end of August SIM free release at £549.99 ($1092), it has a price tag to match.

Looking at the Touch Pro’s bulging profile view on the above mugshot, it is clear to see that it has a best side. The front.

The specs of the handset are largely similar to the strong Touch Diamond, and word is that the impressive TouchFLO 3D interface will be spruced up a little before release, both good things as it will need a miracle to detract from the wallet-bursting cost and that shape.

Judging by recent ads, Play want to be known for much more than just DVDs by advertising the cornucopia of wares that have to sell. At this rate, they may become just as well known for leaking new games and gadget costs early…

Clash Of The Touchscreen Titans

By Ernest DokucloseAuthor: Ernest Doku Name: Ernest Doku
Email: ernest.doku@omio.com
Site: http://blog.omio.com
About: I like gadgets, loads! I like talking about them, writing about them, using them, watching other people use them though binoculars... Some would say it was an unhealthy fascination, but then I'd be all like, "Shh...," and go back to doing gadget-related things. Hit me up on Xbox Live or PSN, I'm EJStyleS. I promise to give you a good match as well as talk about things that aren't gadgets. A bit.See Authors Posts (565)

It’s tough at the top, but even tougher just below that. GSMArena has a good look at the HTC Touch Diamond and the Samsung Omnia, pitched head-to-head.

They may not be the current belles of the touchscreen ball with everyone taking it in turns to praise the iPhone 3G, but comparing the handsets to each other allows their merits to come to the fore. And to be honest, these are the most likely contenders to take the number two spot.

Results? Both nice, but neither feels as good as the iPhone, mostly due to Windows Mobile sluggishness. What a shocker! Have a look at their site for a blow-by-blow review of the Pocket PC pugilists and have a look at our Omio Compare to see how the combatants stack up.

“What about the HTC Touch Pro?”, I hear you not say. Well, the Slashgear vid of the handset shows it as…having a fuller figure. Yes, it has a full slide out keyboard, and it is pretty good at covering the bases that the Diamond slept on, but in a world of waif-like phones that bad boy looks bulky.

Rest assured, we’ll give them all the Omio going over in an alleyway near their releases.

Are You XPERIA-nced?

By Kate CrowleycloseAuthor: Kate Crowley Name: Kate Crowley
Email: talk@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Kate's interest in mobile phones began when she realised she was supernaturally adept at Snake 2. She was less good at Battleships and, frankly, we shouldn't even mention Pipes.See Authors Posts (212)

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 has been getting Windows Mobile fans and Sony Ericsson fan in a tizz since it was announced a few months ago. Now models have been released for Joe Public to hold and to love and to review. Now it’s time to present the initial findings for this potential iPhone killer (I haven’t said that in ages so please cut me some slack).

The handset has a beautiful screen. Boy Genius Report reckons it’s the best screen they’ve ever seen on a Windows Mobile device. It helps that the screen is an 800×480 VGA screen, but SE have done themselves proud. It has crystal clear resolution and unfazed by sunlight, which Samsung would do well to take note of.

The XPERIA has some issues with speaker volume, which could be off-putting if you plan to use the handset as a media device. Obviously this problem carries over to the speakerphone. However, call quality is crystal clear. The person BGR called said it sounded like they were using a landline, which is high praise indeed.

It’s packed to the gunnels with connectivity: it has HSDPA, WiFi and GPS. Web browsing has been described as “abnormally fast” using both WiFi and HSDPA.

Now what of its appearance? The XPERIA is not the smallest handset around, but it makes up for this in quality of build. The handset isn’t your standard slider phone, but the mechanism is incredibly smooth. Could it even be as high quality as the iPhone?

The XPERIA is great to use. BGR are extremely complimentary about it – they say it’s the best Windows Mobile device they’ve ever used. With the keyboard hidden, the handset allows access to all the necessary shortcuts via buttons on the front. Slide the keyboard open and you can do everything a (rational) heart desires on a mobile phone. A qualm for some has been the XPERIA’s lack of directional keys on the keyboard. This shouldn’t be an issue though; the handset has a brilliant optical joystick. It’s easy to use and shouldn’t take much getting used to.

One downside could be the keyboard itself. The keys are flush with the keyboard and don’t give great tactile feedback when pushed. Obviously they can’t be bouncing around all over the place with a dirty great sliding mechanism above them, but it’s still disappointing to hear.

So, keyboard aside, the initial feedback on the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 sounds good. Will it be the best Windows Mobile device ever to roam God’s green earth? Is it better than the iPhone/HTC Touch Diamond/IBM Roadrunner? As more reviews and information are released, we’ll let you know.
Source: Boy Genius Report

HTC Touch Pro – It’s Official

By Kate CrowleycloseAuthor: Kate Crowley Name: Kate Crowley
Email: talk@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Kate's interest in mobile phones began when she realised she was supernaturally adept at Snake 2. She was less good at Battleships and, frankly, we shouldn't even mention Pipes.See Authors Posts (212)

HTC have announced the HTC Raphael, officially called the HTC Touch Pro. Although it’s pretty much a pull-out QWERTY keyboard of the HTC Diamond, it offers some improvements on the Diamond’s specs. It has a 1350mAh battery with up to 8 hours of talk time, a 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, GPS, HDSPA 7.2 and HSUPA connectivity.

For more specs and pictures, check out Boy Genius Report.

Quite Possibly The Hottest Threesome Ever

By Kate CrowleycloseAuthor: Kate Crowley Name: Kate Crowley
Email: talk@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: Kate's interest in mobile phones began when she realised she was supernaturally adept at Snake 2. She was less good at Battleships and, frankly, we shouldn't even mention Pipes.See Authors Posts (212)

WMExperts have piled up the unholy trinity of super-hyped smartphones for your viewing pleasure. The iPhone doesn’t look quite so sleek with the HTC Touch Diamond riding it like a cheap slag. The Sony Ericsson Xperia has a QWERTY keyboard, so we’ll forgive it its inflated waistline.

The question is, which one would you most like some alone time with?

Diamonds: Everyone’s Best Friend?

By Robin LandycloseAuthor: Robin Landy Name: Robin Landy
Email: talk@omio.com
Site: http://www.omio.com
About: See Authors Posts (19)

Want a cool smartphone? Don’t want to look like a frothing-at-the-mouth Apple fan-boy? HTC might have you covered…

The new Touch Diamond - launched yesterday in a not-quite-as-slick-as-Apple press event (hosted by the superbly monikered Horace Luke) does all the regular smartphone stuff and then some. It is compact (11mm thin), has a hi-res VGA screen and an accelerometer for those vital ball-in-the-maze games.

But the thing that HTC really wants you to notice is its fancy-dan TouchFlow 3D interface. And the thing they really want you to ignore is Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system. Remember when, as a child, your mother would bury the vegetables in ketchup & cheese in the vain hope that you wouldn’t see them? Same thing with the HTC Diamond.

Conspicuously absent from HTC’s demos was any hint of the traditional Windows Mobile interface. Instead, HTC dazzled onlookers with iPhone-style swooshing icons, a custom YouTube app and morphing weather graphics.

Yet, as any Windows Mobile aficionado knows, as soon as you try to actually do anything with it - like ooh, write an email - you’ll be catapulted back into the arms of the antediluvian stylus-based interface.

Still, HTC have probably made the Diamond thin enough and shiny enough to push it into the hands of eager punters on all networks this summer. Get ready for Orange to ruin it with one of their craptastic customised homescreens.

Update: Orange have already done it.