Microsoft has finally launched ‘Windows phone’, their casual consumer-friendly line of handsets equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5, eager to convince the world that Apple is not the only fruit. Let’s see which phones are on the shelves…
Samsung
Samsung have a wide range of phones, encompassing all form factors and price points in an aim to get the Windows phone party started.
The flagship “Windows phone” for Carphone Warehouse, the Omnia Lite is a great cheap and cheerful option, sporting a 3″ display, 3.15 megapixel lens and 3G connectivity in a compact candybar frame.
Windows Mobile 6.5 is on board enabling a full suite of multimedia, productivity and web functionality, whilst Wi-Fi and A-GPS round out a smart phone featureset at almost a feature phone price.
Samsung Omnia Lite deals are already available from a number of retailers.
The handset that Phones4U have pinned their Windows phone hopes on, the Samsung Omnia 2 beefs up the specs of the Lite to make for a stronger smart phone contender. A 5 megapixel camera and dual LED compliments the 3.7″ AMOLED resistive touchscreen to make for a strong multimedia device, whilst Windows Mobile 6.5 is overlaid with the widget-based TouchWiz UI to make for a more intuitive handset.
Samsung Omnia 2 deals were unveiled as of yesterday, in sync with the launch of Microsoft’s mobile platform.
This QWERTY slider offers a slightly more business-like frame for Windows Mobile 6.5, allowing fans of physical typing and texting to hop aboard the 6.5 train.
Omnia PRO features include a 5 megapixel camera, 3.5″ touchscreen, not to mention that 4-row keyboard which is equally perfect for writing Word documents in Pocket Office as sending a message to a loved one.
HTC
HTC Touch2
The Taiwanese manufacturer’s first WinMo 6.5 phone is a solid effort, the HTC Touch2 is firmly in their comfort zone as far as stats and form factor are concerned.
The stylish design of the device is a bit of a headturner, whilst the silky TouchFLO overlay keeps the essential contacts, messaging and mail information at the forefront of the device, whilst the 3.15 megapixel camera and robust media player make easy work of entertainment.
The 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity are all top-notch, and a good example of the device that might not wow at first impressions, but is strong throughout.
HTC HD2 (HTC “Leo”)
A handset that has taken on an almost mythical status since the initial unveiling, the HTC HD2 is a flagship phone in every respect. The sliver of black metal and plastic is home to a 4.3″ TFT capacitive display – a world first.
Bringing multitouch to Windows Mobile, the HD2 also is the first phone to use the ‘Sense’ user interface, a beautiful and customisable evolution of TouchFLO that was previously only seen on Android devices.
The HD2 has a 1Ghz processor purring under the hood, providing a lightning quick responsive touch ecxperience and the ability to run multiple applications without breaking a sweat. The Sense UI brings the things that we use most – mail, messaging, contacts and even Twitter – to the fore with an array of shortcuts from the homepage.
Toshiba TG01
The Toshiba TG01 was an impressve Windows-powered handset in a lot of ways, not least the huge 4.1″ touch display and interesting ‘Blinds’ interface improving the complex user experience often associated with smart phones.
However, the manufacturer believes that Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade will be so substantial that it turns the handset into an entirely new mobile.
The Toshiba TG01 Windows Phone will be released day and date with Windows Mobile 6.5, on October 6th. In terms of hardware, the new TG01 will be identical, but will have the update pre-installed out of the box.
Were you one of the early adopters to buy Toshiba TG01? If so, worry not.
Toshiba pledges that existing owners will be eligible for a free upgrade to the latest Windows software by going to their site upon its release. How nice.
LG
LG GM750
The LG GM750 is a sleek new touch-driven device, expected to launch day and date with the new packing Windows Mobile 6.5 software update on October 6th.
Seemingly a Vodafone exclusive, the GM750 plays host to a myriad of features and services in a sleek form. The device offers access to personal and work e-mail accounts, calendar synchronization and faster Internet browsing via Vodafone’s high-speed mobile broadband network or Wi-Fi.
With a 3″ full touchscreen facilitating enhanced navigation capability while browsing the Internet, writing text messages and memos, GPS and a 5 megapixel camera, the GM750 offers a powerful all-in-one device.
With support for downloadable applications from the Windows Marketplace, the LG GM750 marries the popular S-Class user interface with a suite of productivity features.