Still want a Windows Mobile handset for your next smartphone? Have it your way. If you're looking for the best the platform has to offer, there's really only one unanimous choice: the HTC HD2.
Physically, it's a heck of a looker and is arguably HTC's most beautiful release. While build and construction feels solid, it's a tad big (67 x 121 x 11 mm). You can fit it into a pocket, but probably not when you're wearing your skinny jeans. It's tough to complain, though, when you glance upon the gorgeous 4.3 inch capacitive touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution.
Despite the generous screen size, the device didn't turn out as huge as I expected. Credit to the company's design wizards here. Not only is the screen bright and detail-rich, the extra size actually makes using Windows Mobile easy (especially the parts HTC didn't cover up).
As a phone, it manages excellent calls - clear sound, no interruptions and natural voices. Speakerphone performed similarly, although there was noticeable tinniness at the upper ranges. Battery life didn't disappoint either. Despite the huge display, it lasts for a good two days of regular use before requiring a recharge.
Now, HTC has become the most popular Windows Mobile handset maker for one reason - they craft amazing UIs for the platform. The same holds true for the HD2, especially the social network-friendly homescreen, although they did leave out some parts (such as Activesync and the email viewer). Props should be given for the onscreen keyboard (easily one of the best I've ever used) and the multi-touch implementation (across many apps).
On the features end, the phone doesn't let expectations down either. It's got the Windows Mobile staples, from heavy messaging capabilities to useful PIM tools to a bevy of preinstalled apps. Software runs fast on the HD2, by the way. Sure, Android will probably be faster on this kind of hardware - but this isn't bad at all.
With both 3G and Wi-Fi available, getting online is a pleasant experience here. It comes with Opera Mobile as the default browser and looks amazing on the bumped-up display size. You might want to switch between Opera and IE, though, as the latter supports some amount of Flash.
Media playback, by the way, is excellent, whether you're watching a video from a microSD card, using the built-in YouTube app or listening to music. It's a very capable entertainment phone. The 5.0 megapixel is decent, but nothing special. Other features include aGPS, stereo Bluetooth and, of course, support for the Windows Mobile Marketplace.
Overall, there's not a single Windows Mobile phone that can claim they're better than the HTC HD2. Not by a mile. We know not everyone loves the Androids and iPhones of the world, so there's a huge market out there for this handset. The Euro version is priced between $700 to $800 unlocked (costs may vary depending on where you purchase), which is admittedly expensive. If you want the champion of Windows Mobile phones, though, there's nowhere else to turn to.
Good things may not necessarily come to everyone who waits, but American users looking to grab an HTC HD2 sure will. Released in Europe and Asia back in November of last year, it did seem odd that the US was at the rear end of the handset's rollout schedule. Now we know why: they're getting a better version of the best Windows Mobile phone currently around.
According to the smartphone's official page (link below), the T-Mobile USA version will come with 576MB of RAM and 1GB of ROM. That's a serious upgrade from the 448MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM on the previously-released variants. It will also get a 16GB card preloaded, compared to the default 2GB on the lowly European and Asian versions.
Apart from memory, the rest of the HTC HD2 will remain unchanged. To recap the specs, the handset features a 4.3-inch touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), aGPS, a 5.0 megapixel camera module and high-speed connectivity (both HSDPA and Wi-Fi). The US version will also come with Windows Mobile 6.5 pre-installed.
Now, why is memory such an issue? Because the Windows Marketplace insists on installing apps on internal storage. That means, the bigger your memory, the more apps you can cram into the phone. More importantly, though, Windows Mobile 7 will require 1GB of ROM - a spec HD2s in other regions won't be sufficiently qualified for.
The HTC HD2 will debut in T-Mobile USA's roster beginning early Spring. Pricing isn't known yet. Given the tendency for smartphones to use the iPhone as the bar, though, expect it at around $200 with a two-year tie-in.
[HTC via WM Power User]
Despite Google's continued denial, rumors of a much-anticipated Google Phone persisted among the tech media. With this week's distribution of the aforementioned device among Google employees, there's no denying it anymore - the search giant is entering the hardware market.
According to the latest buzz, the new HTC-built handset will be called the Google Nexus One and will carry the Mountain View company's branding. There's still some amount of debate about the phone's actual specs, but early claims insist it's based on either the Windows Mobile-powered HTC HD2 or the upcoming HTC Passion.
Those who have seen the phone earlier in the week say it looks like a smaller, slimmer HTC Hero, with a large, hi-res touchscreen and Android 2.1 at the helm. The entire experience has been designed by Google from the ground up, including both the hardware that went into the device and the software apps that come with it (including a much-ballyhooed animated wallpaper).
The Wall Street Journal has said that Google itself will sell the phone online, in unlocked form, beginning next year. Carriers will also likely carry the phone eventually (if you want it subsidized), although only the primary retail channel (Google itself) and a rumor about Best Buy placement (also unlocked) seems confirmed.
While a company releasing a new phone may not sound like a big deal (seriously, it will be the best Android phone for three months and then another manufacturer will come out with something else), the fact that it's Google is why so many tech sites are getting their panties in a bunch. Google is a giant, with a large amount of resources at its disposal. Once it enters hardware, it could be an entirely new ballgame for everyone involved.
No pricing yet for the Google Nexus One, so stay tuned for reports surely to come within the week.
[via WSJ, photo via Corey O Brien's Twitter]
Availability of the HTC HD2 (formerly known as the Leo) has already been confirmed for France. Today, sources have announced that the handset will be released in unlocked form in the UK beginning November 11 for £469, excluding VAT.
As HTC's most well-featured release to date, it's actually pretty surprising that carriers aren't angling for exclusive rights to the phone. Instead, it will hit Blighty streets with no carrier attachment, although both O2 and Orange are expected to offer it later in their roster as well.
If you're late to the news about the HD2, it's a feature-heavy smartphone running Windows Mobile 6.5 and HTC's Sense UI. That's right - the same eye-popping interface found on the Android-powered HTC Hero is now on their Windows devices, too. Even better, this version of the Sense features built-in integration with both Facebook and Twitter right out of the box.
Hardware details of the follow-up to 2008's HTC HD include a 4.3-inch WVGA touchscreen display, a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 448MB of RAM, 512MB of ROM, a 5.0 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, stereo Bluetooth and a 1,230mAh battery. It also boasts quad-band GSM and dual-band HSDPA/HSUPA connectivity.
Europe appears to be the planned destination for the HTC HD2, at least, for the last quarter of the year. No word on release schedule for other markets.
[via Unwired View]
