I must admit I am very amazed by Samsung effort in improving the Samsung Omnia II! The new UI is just awesome and very pleasant to use which I will come to later in the “Using the Samsung Omnia II” section.
Samsung Omnia II - Box
Samsung Omnia II - Content
Samsung Omnia II comes with the following accessories in the box.
A PVC pouch (with a dedicated hole for the ringer, how thoughtful)
External Stylus
CD and Manuals
Headset/Handsfree
Charger
USB Sync cable
Would be nice if it comes with Screen Protector too!
First Impression
The device looks big but the weight is surprisingly light.
Samsung Omnia II - Top
The most amazing part is when you turn the device on. The very bright, good contrast AMOLED screen spring into life, arguably as nice or even better than the iPhone.
Samsung Omnia II - i8000
The front is pretty straight forward with a call, hangup and “CUBE” button. However, I was hoping the “CUBE” button doubles as a directional pad too.
Samsung Omnia II - Cube Button
Located on the right is the LOCK button, and the UP DOWN button on the left.
Using the Omnia II – i8000
Like I have mentioned before, this Omnia II has gone through lots of changes and updates. This is basically a Windows Mobile device but when you start using it, you don’t really get to see and feel any “Windows mobile” icon. Like the HTC with their HTC Touch Flo 3D, Samsung have their very own Touch Wiz which overlap the boring Windows Mobile interface.
I will attempt to only go through those features which are not found on standard Windows Mobile devices.
1. Widgets
Widgets can be added, removed or relocate at all 3 different “virtual” desktop. You can also customize each “virtual” desktop with their own widget and wallpaper. More widgets can also be downloaded from Samsung website.
2. Programs
Samsung replaced the standard “Start–>Program” screen with their own “Productivity”, “Multimedia”, “Internet” and “Office”.
3. Call Filter
You can now create a call list which you want to pick up or ignore easily right from the Omnia II.
4. Smart Converter
Instead of installing additional software for unit converter, Omnia II has built-in Smart converter.
5. Audio Note
Previously hidden in “Notes”, Omnia 2 now comes with it’s very own Recording software.
6. Smart Memo
I had lots of fun with this app. Simply put, it is a “Paint” software in Omnia. It allows you to change background, insert image and voice note too!
7. Touch Player
This built-in player plays most of the video file format (It supports MPEG4, WMV, DivX, XviD, H.263 and H.264). I do not need to install coreplayer or TCPMP.
8. Midomi
Ever wondered what is the name of the song currently playing in the radio? Guess no more, this neat little app basically records a 10 second music and search through a database for the closes match. I tried 3 times and it was accurate on all 3 attempt.
9. Digital Frame
Not really a “must have” but since it is built-in, I will show you some screen shots of it. Basically, you can set this up to display your photos with time/date. Do not really see how is this useful without a proper docking station.
10. Video Editor
A very powerful application which allow you to import a video file, add text, add sound, cut and duplicate video files.
Perhaps this is the answer to iPhone 3Gs video editor
11. Dice
A simple party game of dice.
12. RSS reader
This RSS reader is an improved version on the standard RSS reader found in most Windows Mobile devices.
13. Podcast
14. Task Switcher
Because Windows mobile is a multi-tasking OS, you can un-unexpectedly open too many application. Hit the “CUBE” button and click on “Task Switcher” and it will bring you to the screen below.
It also comes with a “snapshot” of the task so you can easily recognize it.
15. CUBE
A multi dimentional CUBE where you can access all your most frequently used program. Just use your finger to flick and flip it around.
Personally, I find it quite hard to use. Pressing the quick access button at the bottom is perhaps much faster.
16. Communities
This application allows you to upload or share pictures/video onto 6 different social networking site like Facebook, Flickr, Friendster, MySpace, Photobucket and Picasa.
Other Screen shots
Comparing the Size
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia II vs Touch HD vs Touch Diamond 2
Omnia vs Credit Card
Omnia vs iPhone
Sample Photos taken using the Samsung Omnia II (Click to Enlarge)
Emulator
Want to try out the Omnia II before your purchase? you can do it right here!
Conclusion
Pro:
Superb wonderful bright screen
Excellent Camera
Built in many useful software; Namecard reader, call filter, video editor, Midomi…
Built-in Memory (2GB/8GB/16GB)
Very fast processor
Cons:
I would prefer a D-pad at the bottom for easy navigation
Would prefer to have the stylus built-in rather than an external one
Touch Wiz UI not as “smooth” as HTC Touch Flo
Even though it comes with 800Mhz processor, there are times it felt laggy.
There are 3 general methods to install a software on a Windows Mobile Phone.
Method 1. Install using your computer, via Active Sync/Windows Mobile Device Centre.
Method 2. Install using CAB file, directly running the installation on the PDA itself.
Method 3. No need to install, just copy the entire folder over to the PDA and run it.
Method No. 1: Via ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center
This is the most popular method. Before you can even get going on software installation, you need to first download “Active Sync” if you are using Windows XP and below. Or Windows Mobile Device Centre if you are using Windows Vista or above. This installation method is still required for software which need to synchronize between the PDA and computer.
Active Sync looks something like this.
and Windows Mobile Device Center looks something like this.
Having that installed and running properly, just connect your PDA and you will be greeted with the screen of selection on your PDA. Choose “ActiveSync”.
If everything is done properly, you should see the word “Connected” or your PDA phone name on both the “ActiveSync” or the “Windows Mobile Device Center” screen on your computer.
All is left now is to double click the EXE file you have downloaded and the software will start installing on your computer. Once it is ready to be installed on your PDA, you will get this screen.
All you have to do now is decide where do you want to install the software to. The internal memory or the storage card. We usually recommend installing all software onto the storage card to save up precious space on the PDA. If you decide the install on storage card, do take note of the following.
If you remove your storage card, the software will not run
So install backup software, movie player onto the internal memory
Software installed on storage card run slightly slower compared to internal memory. This however is very insignificant.
You are done!
If you are having troubles with ActiveSync or the Mobile Device Center, check out this forum.
Method No.2: Via CAB files
CAB files, also known as Cabinet files with extention .CAB are a collection of files compressed together ready to be installed on your PDA. With the abundance of Internet connection available, this method also known as OTA (Over the Air) is slowing becoming the popular method. Much like Apple iPhone or Google Android, you can just download a CAB file software over the Internet and install it directly onto your computer without using a computer like method 1 above.
All you need to do is to copy the CAB file using either a card reader or download via the Internet. After that, locate the CAB file using your Windows Mobile’s File Explorer and click it. The CAB file will run immediately.
Just like method 1, it will ask you whether to install onto Internal Memory (Device) or Storage card. Choose either one.
You are done!
Method No. 3: Copying the Entire Folder
This method is NOT recommended and it does not work with MOST of the software. Most software requires a proper installation via either method 1 or 2. Method 3 is only good for software like games where they only have 1 EXE file and will probably work even without installation.
This method also requires you to understand the file structure and know which folder to copy/extract.
Might not work on some software
Do not create a Program shortcut on your PDA (you will have to manually create one).
Not recommended for critical software like Backup, Registry Editor, Movie player…
If you would like to learn about a particular subject, please leave us a comment and we will try to include them into the next entry.
I had the chance last week to play with Samsung latest smartphone; Samsung Omnia 2 aka i8000. I must admit the new Samsung Touch Wiz Interface is just AWESOME! The scroll is smooth, functional, predictable and surprisingly nice to look at. There were lots of additional softwares added by Samsung too.
Nothing like the previous Samsung Omnia. I was also told it will be priced somewhere around RM2,599 (head on with HTC Touch Diamond 2).
Stay tuned for the followup review on the actual units of more screen shots and pictures!
The Asus P835 comes with the following accessories.
A/C Charger
USB Sync Cable
2 Stylus
Manual + CD
Pouch
Wired Headset
Car Charger
Screen Protector is missing from the package.
Asus P835 - Content
First Impression
The Asus P835 looks very professional with its brush aluminum back cover and leather like front cover. The track ball also gives it a “BlackBerry” feel. Excellent job on the outlook department. Someone actually mistaken it as an Omnia which I first took it out to review. However, I must say it looks far BETTER than OMNIA!
Asus P835 - Box
On the left side sits the Volume UP DOWN button and also the hold key. This is a very welcomed button which is usually found in Palm devices.
Asus P835 - Left Side
On the right side sits the MicroSD slot as well as the dedicated Camera button.
Asus P835 - Right Side
At the bottom are collection of buttons, “virtual” buttons and a trackball. The Mini USB connector and RESET button is located at the bottom.
Asus P835 - Buttons
The top of the PDA sits the 3G camera, Light sensor and the obvious speaker.
Asus P835 - 3G Camera
Behind the PDA is the 5.0MP autofocus camera and speaker. The battery cover is made from aluminum and it feels very solid! (But makes it heavy)
Asus P835 - Rear Camera
Asus P835 - Battery Cover
Using the Asus P835
I must say the screen on the Asus P835 is just stunning as well as sensitive! The 3.5″ WVGA Hi-res screen makes web surfing a breeze and coupled with Opera Mobile, it just makes things perfect.
Like most serious WM manufacturer, Asus replaces the boring, standard Windows Mobile with a what they called; Asus Glide.
Asus P835 main screen
Asus P835 - MultiHome
You can change to any one of the 3 themes; Business, Life, and Original. I don’t really like the ASUS Glide because it find it slow and un-responsive at times. The scrolling effect sometimes confuses me.
There are 4 quick access “Virtual” button located just below the screen. Quick Access, Start, OK and Internet Button. Pressing on the “Quick Access” button gets you the below nice little interface.
Asus P835 - Quick Access
There are
Favourite Programs
Favourite Contacts (Quick Dial)
Message Center (Email, SMS and Miss Call)
Internet (Share Flickr and YouTube)
Multimedia (Photo, music, camera and camcorder)
My Settings (Alarm, Ringtone, Theme and Device Lock)
Recent Program
Some of the extra features not usually found in other PDA phones.
WiFi Access Point
It basically creates an Access Point whereby the PDA itself becomes a “Wireless Router” to enable up to 10 other devices to connect to it (Using WiFi) to go on Internet. It is high recommended to connect to A/C power when using this feature as it will drain your battery pretty quick according to Asus.
Call Filter
Asus comes with the built-in software which filters calls. Handy tool if you are avoiding a certain number (Spam, marketing…).
Asus P835 - Call Filter
Backup
Asus very thoughtfully included a Backup software which enable the users to Backup and Restore their PDA.
YouTube and Flickr
You can upload video and pictures directly to YouTube and Flickr (you need to sign up first).
Asus P835 - YouTube and Flickr
More Screen Shots of ASUS P835 (Click on Enlarge)
Sample Picture taking using Asus P835
Asus P835 - Sample Pix of Camera (Click on Enlarge)
Conclusion
Pro:
Useful Hold-switch
Useful Trackball for easy navigation
Good Built quality and look great!
Nice 3.5″ WVGA screen
Good 5MP Camera with Auto focus
Built-in WiFi Access Point software/capability
Cons:
Built-in User Interface; Asus Glide (UI) is not smooth
Doesn’t comes with any other input method other than the standard Windows Mobile
Inside the box comes with the following accessories.
Travel adapter
USB Sync Cable
Handsfree headset
Manual + Installation CD
Screen Protector
What’s missing from the content is a pouch/case.
First Impression
Acer X960 3G Camera
The Acer X960 scores high on the specification department and the build is pretty solid. For RM1,799 this is basically the most value buy PDA currently in the market. The size is ideal and feels pretty comfortable in a normal slack pocket.
Acer Tempo X960 - D Pad
There is quite a lot of button on this PDA. Besides the usual Call, Hang-up, Power and Volume button, there are also a “Satellite”, “Home”, “Camera” and a “Voice Recording” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Top side
Is it necessary to have such huge “GPS” word on the top of the PDA?
Acer Tempo X960 - Left side
Left side you will find a lanyard slot, “+” and “-” Volume button, Reset hole and a “Voice Recording” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Right Side
Right side you will find the “Power”, hot-swappable MicroSD memory slot and “Camera” button.
Acer Tempo X960 - Camera Button
The camera button on the PDA sits slightly bulged. I can only assume it makes it easier to press on the camera button while taking pictures. But personally, I find it pretty irritating because I keep accidentally pressing it while holding the PDA.
Acer Tempo X960 - Back
The back cover of the X960 is made/covered with a kind of rubbery material. This makes it not a finger print magnet, which is good!
Acer Tempo X960 - Rear Camera
Behind the PDA is a 3.2MP Auto-focus camera with flash, self-portrait reflector and two speakers.
Acer Tempo X960 - Battery & Stylus
Acer Tempo X960 - Memory Slot
Using the Acer Tempo X960
On the outside, the Acer Tempo X960 looks like any regular PDA but once you turn that thing on, there is where the “regular” ends. Acer comes installed with their very own User Interface much like how HTC’s Touch Flor 3D. Acer calls it the “Acer Shell“.
Each of the “Item” on the virtual desktop represent a function and it can be re-arranged. For a while, it kept me busy “poking” around the virtual desktop trying to find if there are any “hidden” function. There aren’t any anyway..
At the Virtual Desktop, flick up and you will get a list of programs/quick access like the one below.
Tapping on the “Window” on the Virtual Desktop gets you this.
Tapping on the CD cover/player gets you this gorgeous looking media interface.
Another new feature I found on the Acer is the “BLOG” function on the Picture & Videos Program.
Not too sure if it is by Acer or there is a new version of Windows Mobile. Anyone knows, perhaps you could share. To use the blog function, you need to have either a Google Account or WordPress Account.
Other than the obvious difference above, the interface looks and feel just like any regular Windows Mobile devices. You can view more screen shot of Acer X960 below.
More Screen Shots of Acer X960 (Click on Enlarge)
Conclusion
Pro:
Nice and useful Acer Shell (Virtual Desktop)
Value buy, host of features for a reasonable price
Nice bright screen
Nice Blog feature in the “”Picture and Video” program.
Windows Exchange Server 2010 will bring a lot of new features to Windows Mobile for those that use the service. Some of the reported new features are
conversation for email
message preview
device-end rule creation (currently only server side)
SMS sync!
Imagine all your SMS intact when you switch devices. Something which I will absolutely love. Ofcourse, the only problem is that, I don’t run Windows Exchange Server Perhaps Google can offer something similar for free?
Below is a screen shot of the SMS sync option on an Xperia running Windows Mobile 6.5
Most of the screen shots are specifically for Windows Mobile 6.5.
Perhaps Google can offer something similar for free?
