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User Turns Touch Pro2 into Frankenstein, Hacks with 32 GB Memory Card

CJ Lippstreu — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:48:01 -0700

Windows Mobile users, specifically the guys on PPCGeeks, sure do love tinkering with their devices. In the last couple months, we�ve seen Touch Pro2 mods for gaining access to the soft reset button through the battery cover and also custom dye jobs. So, it�s not surprising to see yet another modification.

A Sprint Touch Pro2 user, 510jungleboy, couldn�t sit around and wait for 32GB Micro SDHC memory cards to finally hit the market, so he decided to hack his device to register full sized SD cards. The hack involves using an SD to Micro-SD flexible adapter and some precision hardware dissection. This isn�t his first stint with such an endeavor either. He actually performed the same modification on his HTC Touch and Touch Pro over the past year. Of course, this time he had to figure out a way to make it work, as best as possible, with the Touch Pro2�s side mounted card slot.

While 510jungleboy has become a seasoned pro at hacking his phones for 32GB memory glory, he seems to be the only user willing to do it. For that, we applaud him. The hacked Touch Pro2, pictured below, clearly won�t win any beauty pageants, but it�s what�s on the inside that counts, right?

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Unlock The Sprint Touch Pro2 Radio To Get US GSM.

Daniel Webster — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:29 -0700

For those that had purchased the Sprint Touch Pro2 it was quite the surprise to find out that the GSM, although SIM unlocked, would not work with US service providers. In this video we demonstrate how to unlock the radios and then reflash the device with the correct US radios to be able to make calls under AT&T, T-Mobile, or any other GSM provider that utilize the GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100 bands (US 3G will not work).

The program that will unlock the SIM, CID, and radios is brought to us by HTC-Unlockers. Although the whole process takes a few steps and costs a little money it is well worth it. When the device is all unloked and the new radio is installed the data settings may need to be changed or added to use cellular data service. The program is donation-ware and costs at a minimum of about $15 USD. The correct US radios were spotted on XDA-Developers.

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Comments [6]

Android Dell Mini 3ix Coming to AT&T

Chuong Nguyen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:15:13 -0700

Once the proud Windows Mobile licensee who created the Axim line of PDAs, Dell has its sights set on Android with the Dell Mini 3ix. The device's information is spotted going through the FCC for US regulatory approval, complete with WiFi and US 3G bands that are compatible with AT&T's wireless network. Also included are a 3.5-inch 360 X 640 display, 3-megapixel camera, GPS, and Exchange support.

(via: UnwiredView)

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Comments [1]

Open-Source Windows Mobile: Is Microsoft's Current Licensing Model Dated?

Chuong Nguyen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:31:28 -0700

Windows Mobile has long been an "open" and extensible platform built upon the Windows CE core, but openness doesn't translate to open-source, and that might mean adoption problems for the software maker in the future. We've seen some Windows Mobile licensees--both large and small--either defect from the platform or transform to incorporate other open-source OSes like Symbian (which has gone open-source) and Google Android into their product lineup. As manufacturers attempt to keep costs low and introduce powerful features at lower price points--a move ignited by the iPhone's cheaper, on-contract pricing--the licensing costs of Windows Mobile may not be viewed favorably by OEMs and may price the smart operating system out of the reach of consumers, a market that Microsoft is keen in courting.

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The Cheapest Way to Get an HD2

Brandon Miniman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:11:03 -0700

If you're looking for the cheapest way to grab an HD2, we may have found it. We should preface this by saying that the version due to be released next week is the European version. While it'll work on T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, you'll only be able to get EDGE data speeds. If you want 3G, you'll have to wait until early 2010 when the HD2 is released in the US, probably on T-Mobile.

After poking around on eBay, eXpansys, Google Shopping, PriceGrabber and others, we've found the lowest price for the HD2. It can be found on Clove, where the device is selling for about �439. With shipping to the US (and no VAT), that comes out to about �457, or $760. Yes, this is still extremely expensive for a mobile device, but as the device sees a release on various carriers and as the months go by, prices will indeed go down.

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Comments [8]

Give Windows Mobile 6.5 Titanium a Hero Style Sense UI Makeover

CJ Lippstreu — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:40:53 -0700

The Zune-like Titanium interface for Windows Mobile 6.5 is insanely fluid and gives users access to a bevy of features. Just like with any interface, however, the visual appeal can become a little too familiar, leaving the user looking for other options. What better way to spice things up than with a custom theme? Not just any theme, but one that actually transforms the interface into something else.

If you�re running Titanium and want some Sense action of the Hero variety, you can download/install a theme that will alter Titanium into just that. It doesn�t necessarily have the customizing abilities of the real Sense UI, but it certainly does hold its ground on the visual side of things. Continue reading to learn more about �Titanium-Hero Sense UI.�

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Peter Chou Shows How HD2 Trumps iPhone

Brandon Miniman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:39 -0700

What a lot of people forget--and it's nice to see HTC CEO Peter Chou make a good point of this--is that the iPhone sports a relatively low screen resolution...480 pixels down and 320 across. The latest Windows Mobile device, like the HD2, has 800 pixels down and 480 across. This means that more data can fit on the screen at a time, translating to less scrolling in email (as we get to see in this video), a higher resolution view of photos, and a better web experience.

(via: msmobiles)

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Comments [14]

Verizon Makes It More Expensive To End Your Smartphone Contract

Chuong Nguyen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:33:41 -0700

If you're on a plan or wanting to be on a plan with a Touch Pro2, HTC Imagio, or Motorola Droid on Verizon Wireless, you may want to think again about switching to a different carrier. The nation's largest carrier will be raising its early termination fee (ETF) beginning November 15 for "Advance Devices," making it more costly to terminate your contract.

The move can be seen as being pre-emptive to prevent users from scamming the carrier as smartphones get a large subsidy. Some users may find it profitable to open a second line, get a new device subsidized, then cancel the contract and pay the older, cheaper ETF charges and sell the device for a profit. Under the new scheme, it may not be profitable or less profitable to do that.

(via: BGR)

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HTC HD2 User Manual & Quick Start Guide Available

CJ Lippstreu — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:43:28 -0700

If you just can�t get enough of the HTC HD2 and want to know more about it, other than what�s usually seen in quick overview videos, the user manual and quick start guide are now available from HTC. Combined, there are over 350 pages of detailed information (with colored images), so get a hot cup of coffee and start reading.

For those in the States, this probably won�t hold you over until early next year; but at least you�ll be thoroughly prepared!

(via: XDA-developers)

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Comments [4]

Windows Mobile 6.5 Upgrade Hits Samsung Jack on AT&T

Chuong Nguyen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:40:40 -0700

Samsung and AT&T have been hard at work to bring the Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard upgrade to the Samsung Jack, which operates on Microsoft's non-touchscreen operating system. The Samsung Jack for AT&T is said to now include the following new features:

Windows Marketplace for Mobile: Discover apps that unlock the power of your Windows Phone, shop securely with confidence, and download instantly to your phone.

-Internet Explorer Mobile: Internet Explorer Mobile 6 delivers the same high quality browsing and media viewing experience that you�ve come to expect on your desktop computer. If you can see it in Internet Explorer on your PC, you�ll be able to see it just as well on your Windows Pphone, whether the content you want is on YouTube, a game using Flash animation, or on a social site like Facebook or MySpace.

-AT&T WiFi: Automatic access to over 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide is available on the Samsung Jack and is included in select smartphone data plans. This allows for fast and easy downloads of your favorite music, streaming videos, games, and more.

-Vlingo for Windows Phone: Instantly send a text or email message, call a friend, search the Web, open native applications and more, all by speaking into your Samsung Jack Windows Phone.

I am traveling through the end of this week. We'll give you a video tour of the Jack with Windows Mobile 6.5 next week. For now, if you do own a Jack and want to hop in on the updated OS, you can check out Samsung's upgrade portal.

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TouchFLO 3D 2.5: New Calling Features

Brandon Miniman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:11:11 -0700

There are two new calling features set to debut on the new version of TouchFLO 3D 2.5 on the HD2. The first is Quiet Ring on Pickup which will lower the volume of your ringer when it senses that you have moved the device when a call comes in. The second is Pocket Mode which will increase the volume of the ringer if the device is in your pocket or in a bag.

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Comments [10]

BlackBerry Bold 9700 To Compete Against WinMo Epix, Intrepid, Jack

Chuong Nguyen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:46:42 -0700

With the candybar QWERTY making the news and the Jack recently getting Windows Mobile 6.5, it seems that Research in Motion doesn't want to lose out on making the headlines. The company recently lifted its embargo for the Bold 9700, successor the flagship QWERTY candybar design that brings an optical trackpad instead of the traditional trackball. Although the device lacks a touchscreen, it will closely be able to compete against device's like the Windows Mobile Samsung Epix with touchscreen and trackpad, the Sprint Samsung Intrepid with a touchscreen, and the touchscreen-less Samsung Jack.

Early reviews seem positive with the Bold 9700, which is now more narrow and thin than the original Bold released on AT&T. The new device has a smaller keyboard than the original, but the keyboard is still getting good reviews from some of the blogging sites out there. The screen is a tad smaller, but carries the same resolution, meaning that it will have a higher pixel density. Additionally, the faux leather lives on and the device sports a similar styling to the BlackBerry Tour on Verizon Wireless and Sprint. The Bold 9700 will be available in the US on AT&T and T-Mobile for $200 on contract (and after a mail in rebate on AT&T) later this month in time for the holiday shopping season.

(via: CrackBerry)

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Study Shows iPhone Owners Need "Ms. Manners" App for Dating

Chuong Nguyen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:25:59 -0700

Apple boasts that "there's an app for that" but according to a recent study conducted by Retrevo looking into the social and dating behaviours of iPhone owners, there isn't a little Ms. Manners guide to acceptable social conduct. The study, summarized on Gizmodo, mentions some things that some users may be abhorred about--breaking up with a significant other via SMS, insecurity with a partner who loves a gadget more, and twice as many iPhone users watch adult content on their phones compared to BlackBerry owners:

� One in three iPhone owners has texted or emailed their significant other to break up.

� One in four iPhone users has broken up with their partner because that person spent too much time on their mobile device.

� One in five iPhone owners admits to frequently watching "adult material" on their iPhones. (Twice as many as BlackBerry owners).

� One in three iPhone owners say that, if their partner had out-of-date gadgets, it would be a turnoff.

Well, the last one we can kind of understand. When Windows Mobile 7 hits, would you date a companion with Windows Mobile 6.5 or 6.1? That will be so yesteryear!

(via: Gizmodo)

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Comments [2]

HTC HD2 Video Playback Demonstration

Anton D. Nagy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:13:31 -0700

If you've ever wondered how a video would look on the huge screen sported by the HD2, WinMo.nl has reviewed the device and posted a video on their Youtube channel demonstrating video playback.

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Comments [3]

General Comparison of Android 2.0 and Windows Mobile 6.5

Chuong Nguyen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:16 -0700

In this video series, we take a brief and general look at some of the main differences between Windows Mobile 6.5 running TouchFLO 3D on the Verizon Wireless HTC Imagio compared with the Android 2.0 Motorola Droid. The 3-part video series is not targeted at advanced users to either platform, but rather is a brief introduction to some of the nuances and differences between the Microsoft/HTC and Google way of doing things for beginners.

Part 1: User Interface, Voice Control & Multimedia Features

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Comments [19]

Just Skip the Marketplace, Here's Our Widget

Brandon Miniman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:27:20 -0700

We released a widget earlier this week that has been only intermittently available on the Marketplace. While XDA has found a work around for this problem, a lot of you just want the direct download link for the widget. Well here it is!

Download the Widget
Run this file first to authorize the widget to run

Update: Specific steps to run the widget:

1. Run the authorization CAB
2. Run the widget. It will install the widget to your Start Menu folder so that you can access it from the Start menu

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Comments [21]

pocketnow.com Widget for Everyone

Anton D. Nagy — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:22:02 -0700

Funny I should post this, but XDA Developers have managed to find a way for everyone to download the pocketnow.com widget we launched yesterday, even if your location is outside US.

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Comments [6]

SPB Software Updates Mobile Shell to 3.5.1 Beta

CJ Lippstreu — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:40:37 -0700

SPB Software has posted an update to their rather popular and highly customizable user interface, Mobile Shell, in their forums. It�s now at 3.5.1 Beta 1 (build 9666) and brings mostly bug fixes. In a recent poll on favorite interfaces among our readership, Mobile Shell took second place with over 700 votes (TF3D claimed 1st). Continue Reading to see a full list of changes, bug fixes and to get the download.

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Comments [3]

Nokia N900 Keyboard Gets Compared to the HTC HD2

Chuong Nguyen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:16:56 -0700

The Linux-Maemo OS Nokia N900's keyboard got compared to the HTC HD2 and SlashGear finds that the on-screen software keyboard does a better job than most hardware keyboards on the market today. In part, this is due to the HTC HD's large capacitive touchscreen. However, as I found in my keyboard comparison with some HTC devices, HTC also implements a great auto-correction and predictive input mechanism making the on-screen keyboard great to use.

According to SlashGear, "Even in the short time we�ve had the HD2, we�re already faster at typing on it in than we are with most hardware keyboards on smartphones." This should be welcomed news for those who are anxiously, eagerly, and impatiently awaiting for the HTC HD2 to hit the market.

(via: SlashGear)

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