Windows Mobile Devices with no Hardware Buttons

Have you noticed a new “minimalism” trend in Windows Mobile phones designs?

New devices (for example: HTC HD, LG Incite) come with really few hardware buttons.

No ‘OK’ button, no ‘Start’ key, and even… have mercy… no D-Pad buttons!

(hmm… is it something I said?)

   

Knowing the limitations of Windows Mobile, I wonder how good the user experience can get without having some of the traditional hard buttons.

Most of the new applications are designed in a way that does not require a stylus or d-pad: they are what we call: finger friendly.

But the problem is that up to this point - the vast majority of Windows Mobile applications is not yet finger friendly: mails, SMS, calendar, files explorer, different settings, word, excel - all of those are older applications not well designed for finger use.

Few examples:

1. Menus: I often find myself navigating through menu items using the d-pad.

Since Windows Mobile was originally designed for stylus use - the menus are too small to be clicked by a finger. The workaround to this problem is the d-pad - can you imagine using a finger or pulling the stylus each time you need to click on a menu item?

2. Lists: Let’s say I need to scroll down a bit in order to select an image when I’m using the default files explorer. Currently, the fastest way (for me) would be to use the down arrow button (leave it pressed) and this would move the selection down 1 by 1 until it will scroll the entire list down. I personally hate using the scroll-bar with my finger (or pulling the stylus out of its’ endless sleeping mode…)

I assume that if I try harder and can come up with some other examples, but I feel that those 2 are strong enough to prove that Windows Mobile is not yet ready for finger navigation only.

 

This, I hope, is something that will be solved in windows Mobile 7. I’m really anxious to see how the user interface will look like, but until that point, I would rather stick with some hard keys to ease and speed things up when I’m using my phone.

What do you think?

comScore: Mobile "Search" gaining.

From Mobile Marketing Magazine

comScore, which specializes in measuring the digital world, has revealed mobile search is gaining in both popularity and frequency of use in the US and Western Europe.
comScore M:Metrics reports that in June 2008, 20.8  million US mobile subscribers and 4.5 million European mobile phone subscribers accessed search during the month, an increase of 68 and 38% from June 2007, respectively. The UK had the highest penetration of mobile subscribers using search at 9.5%, followed closely by the US at 9.2%.
“It is interesting to note that as we see the number of mobile search users increase, the frequency of activity is also growing,” says comScore Analyst, Alistair Hill. “The number of people accessing mobile search at least once a week grew 50% in Europe, with France and Spain leading at a rate of 69 and 63%, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of US users accessing mobile search has more than doubled as a result of expanded 3G penetration and Smartphone adoption, as well as the proliferation of flat-rate data plans. We have also seen a substantial improvement to the mobile search offerings in the US market.”
Google is the preferred brand for browser-based searches with a 60% share of mobile searchers in all countries measured by comScore M:Metrics. Yahoo! ranks second in Germany, Italy, UK and the US. In the US Yahoo’s  mobile searcher penetration is 34.6%, more than double its share in most other countries

What these statistics also reveal is that the comfort level with viewing a mobile device as “more than a way to make phone calls” really is gaining traction. With regard to brand marketing, (hey, it’s my day job yo) these new mobile search stats are significant for two reasons:

1. It proves that more consumers are doing search tasks out in the field that were once constrained  to their desktop machines, and from a brand viewpoint that could just as likely be product comparisons as it could be looking up word definitions or directions. We know that a major portion of research preceding a brand purchase happens online. Brands that can optimize and reach their savvy users with mobile content on searched demand will have an advantage , especially as the “Power-Users” of today gradually become the average users of tomorrow.

2. With location-based services and software popping up on more and more phones, “Search” is about to get even more granular, more localized, more precise, more useful. These increased numbers justify more development of these kinds of tools and services. Brands that realize this and adapt to this kind of scheme  will also have advantages.

10 Things you probably know by now about the Android

First Android is here! It’s HTC G1!

After watching many videos, reading all the technical blogs and even think about it for a while - here’s couple of things I came up with regarding the Android’s first phone:

5 things I like about HTC G1:

1. It’s Open!

Well, think about the great things the XDA-Developers are doing and now double it up with the possibilities that the Android will bring. No doubt - things are going to get spicy here in the mobile arena.

2. The Google way

As much as I like the Microsoft tools, there are areas in which Google brings simplicity into a higher level: Google Analytics is an example of a great reports dashboard that brings exactly what is expected of it. There are bunch of other useful tools from Google which I find innovative not in their looks but more around functionality.

3. Multi-Task Mobile OS

While Windows Mobile users may find it obvious, other phones don’t have this capabilities; Palm, Rim, iPhone are all running one application at a time.

4. Integration to Google’s Services

Many of us are using different services from Google, in this respect, Google’s Android will enjoy some advantage over his competitors.

5. Hey, it’s just version 1.0 isn’t it?

There are a lot of bad things to say about the Android and HTC Dream, but hey, let’s wait a couple of months and see how it evolves.

5 things I Don’t like about HTC G1 (And the Android):

1. It’s Open…

Well, think of all the problems you may encounter with so many different versions of the OS on top of so many different devices. Not to mention different UI concepts each developer can make, causing the average user a lot of frustration.

Users need clear concepts, seamless look and feel, and consistency. Open source (in this respect) means more troubles for the end users.

2. The Google way

Most of Google’s services are designed for Internet use. As much as I see the benefits of it - I still prefer having all my documents stored and maintained locally. A good example for that is that I no longer write my Mobile Spoon blog from the Blogger interface, instead I’m using Microsoft’s Live Writer which is SOOOOO MUCH BETTER. I would like my phone to be completely functional offline. Can the Android do that?

3. No easy integration with Outlook

From what I’m reading there’s no easy way to integrate with outlook (both over the air and via desktop syncing). Even if it can be solved using 3rd party applications - for me this is not just a disadvantage, it’s a big no-no.

4. Look and feel

You have to be kidding me: After releasing state of the art devices such as the Diamond and the Touch HD - this is the best thing HTC could come up with? Is it a Microsoft scheme?

The Android user interface looks better than the device itself, but still, no big news around here as well.

It all looks a bit too 80’s, don’t you think?

5. Too little, too late?

What will be the positioning of the Android? Did Google think about it?

- Windows Mobile is the powerful platform

- BlackBerry is the perfect tool for business men

- iPhone is shiny and appealing

- Palm is the current looser

What will the Android be?

Are you a Windows Mobile Power User?

Recently, a good friend and writer here at Mobilitysite posted a little Quiz on his site to judge your WinMo Geekness. I can’t tell you who or what site right now or it would give the answers away. I am going to add a poll after the break as well to see where you feel you are on being a power user.

1. What’s the difference between Windows CE and Windows Mobile?
2. What is a soft key?
3. What does this icon indicate when on:
4. In order to install an application you need to click on:
5. Main difference between Standard edition and professional edition is?
6. This icon indicates that :
7. To completely remove a program you need to…
8. The best free alarm application for Windows Mobile is…

Myself or our mystery friend will link his results and answers in a couple days! Make sure to take the poll after the break and also don’t forget about the “E-Ten Glofiish 610 Contest” ending on my wedding anniversary.

[Read more]

Why Don’t Men Like Diamonds?

Well, actually many of them do, but I don’t…

Meetings, first dates, ego, here’s few non-tech reasons why I (still) don’t like HTC’s Star - the Touch Diamond.

Design:

• I know it’s the smallest Windows Mobile phone ever created.
• I know it’s slim and sexy.
• I know the prism design is special too, but hey, call me old fashion, but if I cannot spin my phone on a table when I’m sitting in a bar - what’s the point of having one? The Diamond looks amazing, but I still prefer devices with rounded edges.

[Read more]

$17,100 Blackberry Javelin - What a Bargain!

I hate to really post 2x on this, but holy hell… $17,100? Insert more crack into pipe. Wow! I was pretty surprised to see this phone at $2k early in the bidding as I indicated in this post (Grab the BlackBerry Javelin 8900 for just $2025.00 USD), but more than a small car or a college education for an unreleased phone. Not me. Even though I love gadgets and pay early adopter fees often, there is no way in hell I am spending that kind of money on ANY phone.

Source: Crunchgear

Divergence & Death

I love writing for MobilitySite, and I especially like reading what others’ have to say.  But day after day I read the same thing in every blog.  It goes like this, “The new XYZ phone from ABC has this and that feature.”  It’s grown old.  And boring.  I’m thinking of kicking my excitement level up by taking up Bocce Ball or Bowling.  All the devices are the same.  They are no better than what we had four years ago.  They’re just getting bloated with compromised add-ons. 

Windows Mobile is Dead.  Read on to find out why your next device will not have a Windows Mobile OS.

[Read more]

Off Topic - New Desktop for Chris

Ok, not really Mobility related, but it’s time for me to replace my aging Dell XPS with something cutting edge, again. I know with Alienware and XPS, you are really paying for a name, then quality gear. I know I could hit newegg and put one together for cheaper than going through a company, but I don’t have to time to really spend on that. I have decided to buy a ready made, top of the line video superstar box. I have narrowed the choices of companies down to CyberPowerPC and iBuyPower.com. They might be the same company for all I know, but I like what i’ve seen for the price at these two. I was looking into the VooDoo from HP, but the sales rep said they won’t be shipping until October.

What do I need?
Well, I like to go top end and ride that machine out a year or two, so keep that in mind. My price limit is $3200. I plan to do lots of video processing, some video game play, and lots of photoshop and such. I want more machine than I need really. Here is what I am thinking so far…

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Polo Going Mobile

Courtesy of Reuters (by way of MobileCrunch)

Using phones to buy items such as train tickets or products in vending machines is commonplace in Japan, but the trend has yet to catch on in the United States.

“We recognize that in America this is going after somebody who is more comfortable with technology,” Lauren told Reuters. “The truth is that in other countries, it’s becoming a part of their culture. The trend is coming, and as a fashion company it’s very important to identify trends and get ahead of them.”

While early adopters of new technologies are often young, Lauren said the move is not aimed at a specific age group.

“This is about someone who’s interested in our brand and interested in technology, and wherever the two meet, that’s what’s appropriate,” Lauren said.

I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I find the quotes in bold to be, well… downright courageous! In the advertising world, we have been talking about this concept, technology and its promise (especially QR codes) for years. It’s great to see a company out there that is willing to take a risk and make a statement about their commitment to a market place that, frankly, in another two or three years, we won’t even remember living without. Does that sound bold? Do I jest? Nope.

The biggest issues with any new technology (i.e. M-com) are the hurdles presented by lack of standards (multiple platforms, network specific limitations, multiple deployment schemes, etc). When standards are not in place or are competing for dominance, it makes it harder on the user to have a solution that is “easy”. When its not easy, you will lose brand loyalists that are not simultaneously interested in the brand AND  the new tech bringing them the brand. Polo is cognizant of this and is at least starting, with power users in mind. However once it becomes super easy to, I don’t know, say… BUY STUFF WITH YOUR MOBILE DEVICE WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT MOBILE DEVICES, then a brand could also capture that consumer that couldn’t care less about what kind of phone they are purchasing it with, or how to set up the purchasing app or any of the details of mobile gadgetry that we geeks hold sacred. When a tech like M-com becomes easy and compelling, users will take it seriously.

And when users take it seriously, it finally makes sense for a brand to jump into the space because they can count on a return for their investment. Dig? Brands just worry about which ever methods for purchase by users and deployment by brands are the most popular (which will no doubt be the the one that is easiest  for users) and jump on the bandwagon. Snowball effect. Badda bing. Badda boom. Mobile millions.

I know what you are thinking…. You are either thinking, “duh” or you are thinking, “um, there’s a lot more to it than that dude”.

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Know your enemy

This comment was left recently at my blog  in a post where I was talking about a video showing a laptop thief in plain action:

its actually quite simple go to best buy when its busy, ask for something compact like me i asked for a mac book air, i shoped for a bit hid it under my coat mind you it was winter at the time, so i was not standing out like a sore thumb, picked something out got to the register paid for it, i walked out the alarm went off, and said oops and showed the guy my reciept with my bag and cd i bought, and walked out, went home played around with my new mac book air for a few weeks, and then sold it on ebay now $1,800 richer :D number 1 way to get away with it stay calm, the goon squad at best buy cant touch you or intercept you, all they can do is call the cops but if you notice a lot of store drones looking at you thats a good hint to GTFU and scan your suroundings for signs of the MAN on your tail.

I’m not saying that whoever wrote this is for real a thief but judging by the spelling this could be the case. The main reason I’m posting it now in the main page is to show our readers how these guys work. Every store should train employees in the same way Casinos do. A simple one hour training showing all these little tricks could save them thousands of dollars. Sometimes a video surveillance system is not enough.

ULTRA MOBILE PC TIPS: How to steal a laptop

Red Light Camera Protection For You

In Chicago and many other big cities red light cameras are set up to capture the license plates of drivers who go through red lights. Fines are often $100 or more and can add up. PhotoBlocker.com has a solution.

According to them, “A majority of red light & speed cameras utilize a strong flash to photograph the license plate on your car. Once sprayed onto your license plate, the PhotoBlocker^TM special formula works to create a high gloss that reflects the flash back to the camera. This overexposes the image of your license, rendering the picture unreadable. Ultimately, with PhotoBlocker^TM your license becomes invisible to traffic cameras, yet stays completely legible to the naked eye.” [Read more]

Comcast Faces The Music

Comcast, the nation’s largest cable company, violated fed guidelines when it blocked and degraded web traffic by blocking peer to peer (file sharing) traffic, which it called “reasonable network management.”

Consumer rights groups fought this big brother approach to managing the internet, and the FCC investigated them and found that they viloated FCC Principles.

Kevin Martin of the FCC said, “The commission has adopted a set of principles that protects consumers’ access to the internet,” he told the Associated Press on Thursday night. “We found that Comcast’s actions in this instance violated our principles.”

Comcast faced further public outrage after it admitted to paying people off the street to sit at a public hearing at Harvard, while members of the public were prevented from attending. 

This decision should serve as a warning to other internet providers, and will hopefully prevent them from meddling in internet traffic.

Thanks to Wired for the story.

Do All mp3 Players Sound Alike?

 

Recently I read a review of an mp3 player where the author purposely chose not to discuss sound quality because, in the author’s words, “The chosen player has a great deal to do with how you access your music, but very little to do with how it sounds…”  That got me thinking.  Do all mp3 players sound alike?  They are all digital, so it’s the same 1’s and 0’s playing the music, so how can there be a difference in sound quality?  

I have tested some mp3 players myself and have noticed drastic differences.  I have trouble believing that mp3 players don’t influence sound quality that much.  They have different components, circuitry, software and build tolerances, so how can there not be a difference?  I agree that other factors have an influence on sound quality, namely the quality of the music and headphones.  But if you test mp3 players using the same playlist and headphones, I believe you will hear differences.  This logic works with surround sound receivers, cell phones and recording equipment as well.  But that’s just my opinion.  Let’s explore a little further.

The Big Question

Do all mp3 players sound alike, or are there true, measurable differences that even the average user can appreciate? If a reviewer made a mix tape of high quality music and tested it with the same good headphones on several players, would they not notice a difference?  Read on to see what I have discovered.

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AT&T DSL vs Comcast DSL

I switched my phone service and my DSL Internet from AT&T to Comcast, the cable provider on my area. AT&T Service is the worse you can imagine in all senses in where I live (South Florida). To give you an idea, I called them 40 minutes ago to confirm my service cancellation and I still waiting for anybody to take my call. And it has been on that way every time I call them. But anyway, that’s just part of the reason why I’m leaving AT&T. Comcast has a combined service of DSL and phone over IP that’s a lot cheaper than what I’m paying to AT&T at this moment. The other reason why I’m switching can be seen in the next two screen shots.

Workers Paying for their own Laptops, Gadgets

In an interesting article by Gina Hughes, The Techie Diva, she states that a “recent study by In-Stat discovered that nearly 40% of the professionals surveyed admitted to buying their own work laptop, and it’s likely that countless others have used their personal PDAs, GPS, cameras and even cell phones for work-related projects because most companies aren’t willing to buy them one.”

Recently my boss bought me a laptop for travel. However, I have found it bulky compared to my personal gadget, an HTC Advantage. Would he have bought me an Advantage had I asked? Probably not. Yet I find it a very sufficient gadget for traveling. It stores all my contact information, has GPS, WiFi, all my product information, and is very portable. After using the Advantage I just can’t lug around a laptop.

Gina says, “Apparently, some employers feel electronics are too expensive and aren’t convinced that gadgets boost productivity. However, one In-Stat tech analyst says these companies are being ‘penny wise but pound foolish’ because electronics do add value and cost less than an employee’s time.”

My boss has been very generous, so I have no complaints. But I have spent lots of money on my own to increase my work productivity. It would be nice to be reimbursed for my digital camera, hundreds of dollars’ worth of Advantage software and the Advantage itself. Perhaps my increased productivity will yet pay off. I hope to see a raise and a bonus for my improved efforts. On the other hand, the economy is harsh, so I may be out of luck. But there’s always next year.