My iPhone Blog

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1. It’s Sony Ericsson’s brand new smartphone flagship and features just about everything you could want in a Windows Mobile-powered smartphone. We’ve had some hands-on time with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 over the past several months. From our limited time with the handset, we could say that the build quality and the overall fit and finish on the device was top-notch. The XPERIA X1 is manufactured by HTC, so there’s no doubt that it’s one high-quality package. The spring-loaded slide mechanism is satisfying slick and reminds us that HTC really knows what they’re doing with QWERTY sliders. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 is, however, more than just the sum of its HTC-made parts. Sony Ericsson is making a statement with their inaugural XPERIA handset’s Panel UI - the company’s take on the Windows Mobile experience. . There is some confusion as to exactly what the Panel UI is meant to do. Let’s clear it up right here. The Sony Ericsson Panel UI is intended to provide the user with multipe, user-configurable homescreens that can be tailored to a user’s changing needs. Going to the gym? Fire up the media Panel (homescreen). Headed to the office? Try using the Email and Calendar-oriented Panel. But, there’s more. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 boasts a gloriously high-resolution 3-inch WVGA (800×480) touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, 3.2 megapixel camera (autofocus and flash), Bluetooth A2DP, microSD card slot, and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Enjoy the unboxing pics! (after the jump) Related News from IntoMobile:

• Best Buy now offering Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1a pre-orders!
• Sony Ericsson demos Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 and Panel UI
• Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 and the future of the Panel UI
• Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 gets new Facebook Panel
• Another Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 review - pictures galore

Tags: Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

With the iPhone 2.2 OS having just gone live, users are no doubt flocking to iTunes for the iPhone OS update that boasts Google Maps Street View, voice call and email enhancements, and a refreshed iPhone Safari UI. Of course, iPhone 3G users looking to preserve their older baseband firmware in hopes of a future iPhone 3G software unlock, will be holding out for just a bit longer. But, with droves of iPhone users upgrading to the iPhone 2.2 OS, reports of bugs and problems were bound to start rolling in. iPhone Atlas is reporting a number of problems associated with the new iPhone OS update. Problems with broken third-party applications to internet connection issues are making for a pretty choppy ride for early iPhone 2.2 OS adopters. Users are reporting issues with third-party application no longer working correctly under iPhone 2.2 OS. The issue is apparently rooted caused by changes to the iPhone OS, including modifications to the CoreAudio code. Uninstalling and reinstalling the application might help, but users may have to wait for the developer to release an update before the application works again. For others, iPhone 2.2 OS has caused data connection issues. The dreaded “Could Not Connect To Internet” issue can sometimes be remedied with by switching your iPhone 3G’s internet connection from “3G” to “EDGE” (or “GPRS”) and then reverting back to “3G.” Some updated iPhones are throwing errors that insist that the “SIM card not inserted” or that a PIN lock has been activated. In this case, removing the SIM card, restoring the iPhone through iTunes, and then re-inserting the SIM card may resolve the problem. There are also reports of WiFi problems after upgrading to iPhone 2.2 OS. WiFi network connection problems may be resolved by cycling the WiFi toggle (turn WiFi off, then back on), “Forgetting” the WiFi network and then re-connecting to the network, turning off network security (WEP, WPA), or changing the WPA password. Lastly, email deletion problems are affecting some users, especially those with AOL accounts. If you’re having problems deleting email, try re-configuring your email settings. Navigate to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > (Your account name) > Advanced > Deleted Mailbox on your iPhone and then set the emails to be deleted “On My iPhone” or “On the Server,” depending on whether you’re dealing with a POP or IMAP account. The vast majority of iPhone users are humming along quite nicely with their iPhone 2.2 OS, so rest assured that the new iPhone OS update will probably work just fine for you. Again, if you have any desire to preserve your baseband for any future iPhone 3G unlock solutions that might come to light, you’ll want to wait for the official PwnageTool-based iPhone 3G software unlock solution before updating your iPhone 3G. [Update] Post updated with WiFi problems. [Via: iPhone Atlas] Related News from IntoMobile:

• iPhone 2.0.2 OS update doing more bad than good?
• iPhone Dev Team proclaims iPhone 3G unlock breakthrough, urges caution
• iPhone 2.0.1 OS update causing GPS problems?
• iPhoneSIMfree starts selling wholesale licenses for iPhone unlocking software
• iPhone 3G SIM unlock gets real - Hardware SIM unlock to ship for iPhone 3G

Tags: Problems with iPhone 2.2 OS

As I already said it before, after using the Nokia E71 for two weeks, I fell in love with it. The full QWERTY keyboard and the overall look and feel are two key factors why I think it’s the single best Symbian S60 smartphone released to date. However, something’s always missing and it’s a result of Nokia’s (and any handset maker’s for that matter) product differentiation. What is missing is the better multimedia experience, primarily a better camera. That being said “I have a dream” of a perfect Nokia smartphone, which will merge all the features of N and E series. An NSeries device with full keyboard, or an ESeries device with powerful camera with Carl-Zeiss optics. A new device that will blend differences between the two Nokia series of devices. A touchscreen is a plus, but not a must as far as I’m concerned. That would be a single device everyone would want. The price may be steep, but after buying it, one wouldn’t have to buy another smartphone for quite some time. Alternatively, Nokia could create a whole series of such devices, each having a different form factor. Naturally, I would expect a larger screen on a slider or clamshell-shaped (Communicator-like) phone, than on a candybar. And all this goes in line with my previous “I need the E61i with VGA screen” post. The device I talked about previously could be one of these. Not that I wouldn’t be interested to buy the E61i even without an NSeries-like camera, it’s yet another compromise I’m unfortunately willing to accept as part of the mentioned handset maker’s product differentiation scheme. Now comes the part where I try to predict the future. I do believe such a device will appear during next year. The introduction of the Apple iPhone and Google’s Android platform pushed consumers’ expectations through the roof. This is not to say the product differentiation will die. Quite the contrary, there will be more options than ever before. However, at the very high end of the spectrum, my belief is that we’ll see not one but few devices that match the criteria mentioned above — to combine great multimedia capabilities with ready-for-business functionality. Question is whether Nokia will release such device(s), or some of their competitors. We know Samsung is very familiar with Symbian OS and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them releasing such a device before Nokia. After all, it was Samsung not Nokia which made the first 8 megapixel S60 smartphone (INNOV8) and the first S60 smartphone with 5 megapixel camera and optical zoom (G810). There’s another company that also has a compelling offering. It’s HTC which Touch Pro and T-Mobile G1, as well as the Sony Ericsson with its Xperia X1 smartphone (also made by HTC) look very promising. All these handsets lack is a better camera, but it’s something that looks easily upgradable in future models. Back to Nokia and you? Have any comments? Do you love/hate their E/N series product differentiation? Don’t hesitate to drop your two cents in the comments form. We (and I hope Nokia, as well) are listening… P.S. Now I remembered. I want a built-in FM transmitter, too! Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung i7110 S60 smartphone leaked
• In search for a perfect all-in-one device
• Nokia 6290 smartphone preview
• Nokia 7310 Classic, E66, E71 official press photos leaked
• Flickr photos show Nokia N79, Nokia N85, Nokia 5800 XpressMedia Tube in the flesh

Tags: apple iphone, carl zeiss optics, full qwerty keyboard, Nokia E71

iPhone-shunning, Storm-averse touchscreen fans, rejoice! Your day has arrived. The touchscreen-slate alternative to the iPhone 3G and the BlackBerry Storm has finally touched down on Verizon Wireless’s network. The Samsung Omnia i910 is now live on Verizon! As you’re probably already aware, the Samsung i910 Omnia is the Verizon-branded i900 Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional-powered touchscreen handset wrapped in Samsung’s widget-friendly TouchWIZ UI. Like the touchscreen offerings from Apple and RIM, the Samsung Omnia features a slate form-factor that boasts a full-face 3.2-inch haptic feedback (entire device vibrates with every touch-input) touchscreen with minimal use of buttons. And, with a 5 megapixel camera (LED flash, face detection, and panorama mode), WiFi, GPS (VZ Navigator), Bluetooth A2DP, 3G (EVDO Rev. A), optical mouse, accelerometer, and a full-HTML web browser, the Samsung Omnia is about as close to an iPhone 3G fighter as Samsung has ever released. In line with our predictions, the Samsung Omnia will be available through online sales and business channels starting November 26. Verizon Wireless will offer the Samsung Omnia for $249.99 (after $70 mail-in rebate) with new two-year contract. Verizon Wireless stores should have stock and be ready to sell you a Samsung Omnia in-person on December 8. Full spec-sheet after the jump. Customizable Touch Screen Menu with Drag and Drop Widgets

• CDMA/PCS 1x, EVDO Rev A
• Windows Mobile 6.1® Professional with Office Mobile Suite
• Full HTML Web Browser with flash support
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• 5.0 Megapixel Camera with Auto-Focus
• Visual Voicemail
• FM Radio
• 8GB of Internal Memory
• Motion Sensor
• Optical Mouse
• Bluetooth® Profiles - headset (mono/stereo), hands-free, serial port, object push (vCard only), basic printing, phonebook access, file transfer and human interface device
• Dimensions: 4.41” x 2.24” x .52”
• Weight: 4.34 ounces (standard battery)
• Display: 240 x 400 Pixel, 65K TFT
  • 3.2” active screen are
• Memory:
  • PDA - 128MB RAM/256MB ROM
  • Phone - 32MB RAM/64MB ROM
  • 8GB Internal User Memory
• microSD™ card (supports up to 16GB)
• Usage Times*: Up to 330 minutes with standard battery
• Standby Times*: Up to 300 hours with standard battery

Samsung Omnia Related News from IntoMobile:

• Verizon’s Samsung i900 Omnia launch date and pricing information leaked!
• Samsung i8510 Symbian S60 smartphone with 8 megapixel camera in works?
• AT&T launches Samsung Epix - Windows Mobile touchscreen handset with optical mouse
• Hands-on review of the AT&T Samsung Epix
• Samsung Omnia, Samsung Saga and HTC Touch Pro Coming to Verizon in November

Tags: Samsung Omnia i910

Not feeling the drab, Fall-inspired Black and Bronze colors that T-Mobile has been offering with their T-Mobile G1? Not buying into the notion that “Bronze is the new brown?” Good news! T-Mobile has just made the White T-Mobile G1 official. T-Mobile has announced that all T-Mobile retail channels are now offering up the decidedly lighter-hued T-Mobile G1 to round out the Black and Bronze G1 lineup. The White T-Mobile G1 commands the same $179.99 price tag (with two-year contract, of course) as its darker-colored brethren. Related News from IntoMobile:

• Verizon launches Pink LG Venus
• HTC Touch Diamond Coming in White
• Possible launch details for AT&T Tilt, Duo, Inferno
• T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl Flip priced?
• T-Mobile Set to Offer Sony Ericsson TM506 in Black and White?

Tags: blackberry pearl, T-Mobile G1

China is the land of cheap handset rip-offs and otherwise low-quality handsets. Unfortunately for Nokia, that means Chinese-made clones of popular Nokia handsets are undercutting Nokia’s sales in emerging markets like India. The clones are made en masse and boast feature-sets that, on the surface, match those of the real-deal. But, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Chinese handsets are seriously lower quality than their legitimate counterparts from Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Nokia is making a big push to dominate emerging markets and so the prevalence of cheap, Chinese knock-offs is a significant threat to Nokia’s bottom line. To help combate Chinese manufacturers’ infringement on Nokia’s turf, the Finnish cellphone giant has take out a huge ad in the Mumbai Mirror that warns customers against buying those “puny,” “low quality” Chinese handsets. Nokia warns that Chinese rip-offs could threaten national security by failing to have an IMEI number, might not come with “bill and warranty,” and won’t have the ICA hologram. Conversely, Nokia flaunts their legitimate handsets as being safe and secure with IMEI numbers assigned to each handset, come with bill and warranty, and sport ICA holograms. Not to mention you actually get some high-quality hardware that doesn’t break down after a couple push-ups calls or fails to look like their online profile picture deliver on promises of smartphone capability or high-resolution cameras. [Via: Only Gizmos] Related News from IntoMobile:

• Nokia copies Apple iPhone with pride
• Chinese Nokia N95 clone with a laser pointer
• Fantastic four rip-offs: Nokia 5300, LG VX8600, MOTOKRZR K1 and Sony Ericsson W850
• Nokia opens mobile phone design studio in Bangalore, India
• Nokia’s touchscreen Nokia 5800 XpressMusic misses 2008 for mature markets

Tags: feature sets, imei number, nokia n95

iPhone apps are all about making compartmentalizing mundane daily tasks into niche-applications that actually make those tasks a bit more fun. Take, for example, the prospect of making a dinner reservation at the tapas bar down the street. First, you decide where to eat. Next you look up the restaurant on Google Maps and call the phone number. Then you actually talk to the host and work out a dinner reservation for you and your party. There really isn’t anything too fun about making a dinner reservation. Unless you’re using the new OpenTable application on your iPhone, that is. OpenTable is an online reservation service that allows users to look up available tables at participating restaurants, and they’ve launched a new iPhone application that puts the power of OpenTable’s reservation system in the palm of your hand. OpenTable for iPhone is simple to use. The application can detect your current location automatically and offer restaurant suggestions near you. Or, if you know where you want to go for dinner, you can choose a particular city (and even a specific neighborhood). You can view a list of all available tables from restaurants in your selected area, or you can choose a specific restaurant to check for available tables. And, with a side-sliding interface, scroll-wheel menus, and a detailed list of restaurant availability (broken down by time-slots) and food-cost, OpenTable turns the mundane act of making a dinner reservation into an iPhone-based joy! Find OpenTable for iPhone here. (iTunes link)

Tags: iphone apps, niche applications

Fans of the no-frills, messaging-oriented Pantech Duo with that dual-sliding hybrid keyboard/keypad setup will be glad to hear that the AT&T Pantech Duo 2 is almost ready to prime-time. The Pantech C820 has been spotted hanging out at the FCC with a refreshed, shiny exterior and cleaner, sleeker lines. And, that means we’ll likely see the Pantech C820 dropping on AT&T’s network as the AT&T Pantech Duo II in short order. The Pantech C820 Duo 2 features the same dual-sliding keyboard/keypad setup that makes for quickness in numeric or QWERTY typing. The Pantech C820 Duo II runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard (no touchscreen here, folks), features a 3G data connection, and sports a 2 megapixel camera. Unfortunately, the Pantech C820 Duo II mirrors its predecessor with its lack of a WiFi connection and GPS receiver. Still, the Pantech Duo 2’s expectedly entry-level price-tag should make it an appealing messaging handset for text-message-crazy QWERTY lovers. FCC [Via: PhoneArena]

Tags: megapixel camera, Pantech C820

It looks like you won’t be able to buy The Beatles music on iTunes this holiday season, which threatens to take a bite out of Apple revenue for the all important holiday quarter. Talks between Apple and The Beatles’ record label Apple Corps Ltd. have “stalled” according to Beatles guitarist Sir Paul McCartney speaking at the [...]

Tags: Beatles iPod

The Android web browser that powers the T-Mobile G1’s web surfing experience is a mighty fine browser in its own right. The G1’s capacitance-based touchscreen (like that on the iPhone) makes navigating web-pages almost as smooth and easy as with the iPhone Safari browser. And, with speedy page-rendering times, the T-Mobile G1 isn’t lacking in the mobile web browser department. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for competition. Following on word that Opera was working to port their proxy-server-assisted Opera Mini browser to the Android platform, the good folks from Norway have finally launched their browser-alternative through the Android Market. Opera Mini 4.2 for Android is now available for download and brings with it the usual fare - proxy-server parsed web surfing, skinning, bookmark sync, full-page view, and more. Opera Mini 4.2 beta on the Android-powered T-Mobile G1 is everything you’d expect from Opera’s lean, mean web-parsing machine. Web pages load nice and fast. Web pages are processed through Opera’s proxy servers, so that page-rendering times are limited only by Opera’s super-fast servers. The proxy-servers push fully-rendered web-pages faster than any mobile browser tied to a handset’s CPU. In the end, Opera Mini for Android requires a bit of getting used to, but with the speed and quickness that only Opera Mini can serve up, the Android browser has some tough competition in Opera Mini. Related News from IntoMobile:

• Opera Mini celebrates its first birthday
• Baresite makes mobile web-browsing “bare-able”
• Opera launches new Opera Mini beta for faster mobile web browsing
• Opera Mini 4 goes gold!
• IntoMobile’s 3G vs EDGE webpage load-time shootout - just how slow is the iPhone?

Tags: Opera Mini 4.2 beta