Archive for August, 2009

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Software: Torch Button v.1.5

August 29, 2009

Found another neat little application for all those WM device (with flash) out there.

Torch Button Ver 1.5

Basically, it is a application that uses your built-in flash as a “torch light”, “SOS signal” or simply just blink for attention.

So, if you are stranded on a deserted island and wants to signal to a nearby passing ship, fear no more! 🙂

Credit goes to “NetRipper” of XDA-developer

I only tested on HTC Touch Pro and works perfectly. So, if you want to download, please click on the link.

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New Price: Acer PDA Price Update!

August 27, 2009

Acer Logo

Today Acer reviewed their pricing of their PDA. Below are the new pricing!

Acer DX900 – RM1,899

Acer DX650 – RM1,299

Acer X960 – RM1,499

Acer F900 – RM2,099

Acer M900 – RM2,399

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Review: Samsung Omnia II (8GB) – GT-I8000

August 24, 2009

Samsung Logo

Available Date: 21st August 2009

Launch Price: RM2,399 (8GB)

Fresh Gear rating: 9/10

Note: This is a follow up review of the previous post.

Samsung Omnia II - Overall 1

Specification

  • AMOLED resistive touchscreen, 65K colors
  • 480 x 800 pixels, 3.7 inches
  • 118 x 59.6 x 11.9 mm (117g)
  • 2/8/16 GB storage
  • Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate and Motion UI
  • 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, Dual Power LED flash
  • Samsung S3C6410 800MHz processor, dedicated graphics accelerator
  • Bluetooth, Wifi, GPS
  • Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh
  • Standby: Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G)
  • Talk time: Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G)

Unboxing the Samsung Omnia II – i8000

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 - Box

Samsung Omnia II - Content

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

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

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

Samsung Omnia II - Cube Button

Located on the right is the LOCK button, and the UP DOWN button on the left.

Samsung Omnia II - Device front

Samsung Omnia II - Device Back

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.

[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qtLNx9hqMs]
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-3Vyra622I]
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypdONDcDLcc]
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDCtEVwkSXE]
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=930vu1nTKVY]

I will attempt to only go through those features which are not found on standard Windows Mobile devices.

1. Widgets

Omnia II - Main ScreenOmnia II - Main Screen2

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”.

Omnia II - ProductivityOmnia II - Multimedia

Omnia II - InternetOmnia II - 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.

Omnia II - Reject Calls1Omnia II - Reject Calls2

Omnia II - Reject Calls3Omnia II - Reject Calls4

4. Smart Converter

Instead of installing additional software for unit converter, Omnia II has built-in Smart converter.

Omnia II - Smart ConverterOmnia II - Smart Converter1

Omnia II - Smart Converter2Omnia II - Smart Converter3

Omnia II - Smart Converter4Omnia II - Smart Converter5

5. Audio Note

Previously hidden in “Notes”, Omnia 2 now comes with it’s very own Recording software.

Omnia II - Audio Note

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!

Omnia II - Smart Memo

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.

Omnia II - MidomiOmnia II - Midomi1

Omnia II - Midomi2

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.

Omnia II - Digital Photo Frame

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 🙂

Omnia II - Video Editor

11. Dice

A simple party game of dice.

Omnia II - Dice

12. RSS reader

This RSS reader is an improved version on the standard RSS reader found in most Windows Mobile devices.

Omnia II - RSS

13. Podcast

Omnia II - 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.

Omnia II - Task SwitcherOmnia II - Task Switcher1

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.

Omnia II - Cube

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.

Omnia II - CommunitiesOmnia II - Communities1

Other Screen shots

Omnia II - ContactsOmnia II - SMS

Omnia II - Lock ScreenOmnia II - Making Call

Omnia II - Calculator

Omnia II - Calls IncomingOmnia II - Call Log

Samsung Omnia Ii - Icon 1

Samsung Omnia II - Icon 2

Samsung Omnia II - Icon 3

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 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 Credit Card

Omnia vs iPhone

Omnia vs iPhone

Sample Photos taken using the Samsung Omnia II (Click to Enlarge)

Samsung Omnia II - Photo Sample - SNC00004

Samsung Omnia II - Photo Sample - SNC00003

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.

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