By Tony Bradley
December 7, 2009

The 2010 product roadmap for mobile device maker HTC has been leaked. The detailed product specifications and gallery of device photos makes me wonder whether it’s a “leak” or just buzz marketing. Regardless of how the HTC 2010 roadmap became public knowledge, it looks like HTC is fully embracing the Android platform.

The HTC 2010 roadmap includes a variety of Android-based offerings. Five of the eight devices getting most of the attention are built on Google’s Android operating system. Three devices, the only three in the Productivity device category, are based on Windows Mobile 6.5. There is no mention on the roadmap of Windows Mobile 7.

HTC has always been a strong partner for Windows Mobile. Not only has HTC produced a number of Windows Mobile-based devices, but HTC’s innovative designs and customizations have arguably made Windows Mobile better, and have been one of the few factors keeping Windows Mobile in the game.

The increased focus on Android and relative decline of Windows Mobile devices doesn’t bode well for Microsoft. The HTC 2010 roadmap could be a sign that HTC has seen the writing on the wall and is making the transition to the emerging Android platform, or it could just be a symbol of the delays Microsoft has faced in bringing Windows Mobile 7 to market.

If Microsoft loses HTC’s attention, it could be the final nail in the coffin for the languishing mobile operating system. Even if Windows Mobile 7 lives up to market expectations, by the time it hits the street it could be a case of “too little, too late”. HTC is doing what it can for Windows Mobile 6.5, but Microsoft needs to give HTC and users something more to work with.

The HTC 2010 roadmap is great news for Android, though, and illustrates the growing presence of the Android OS. Device manufacturers and wireless providers alike have jumped on the Android bandwagon and 2010 looks like it could be a significant milestone in terms of Android’s ascendance.

HTC has a flare for creating slick handsets, and for developing innovative customizations that make the resulting devices greater than the sum of its parts. While it was lost in the shadows of the Motorola Droid marketing blitz, HTC’s Droid Eris is a compelling Android-based device.

If HTC brings the same inventive style to Android devices as it has for Windows Mobile devices, competing handset manufacturers and competing mobile operating system platforms need to watch out.

For Microsoft’s sake, hopefully the waning presence of Windows Mobile on HTC’s product horizon is a reflection of a holding pattern just waiting for Windows Mobile 7, rather than an indication that HTC is abandoning Microsoft’s mobile operating system platform altogether. I guess the ball is in Microsoft’s court to finally get Windows Mobile 7 delivered.

By Chris Brandrick
December 3, 2009

Although cell-phone cameras are improving in quality, offering higher pixel counts and better lenses, they still lack the photographic punch of a more advanced camera or DSLR. However, if you want to get more from your current cell phone camera without splashing out, you can by adding a macro magnifying lens to your device.

A recent modification by a modder by the name of Mathijs did just that. The modder took a macro lens from an old unused camera and strapped it to his HTC phone. The simple, yet slightly undignified, modification as seen in the video below, has surprisingly positive results.

A slightly more ridiculous modification, which includes taping an SLR lens to the back of the iPhone, can be found over at Hack A Day.

By Ian Paul
November  18, 2009

Google phone rumors are back with a vengeance, spurred on by reports that the Internet behemoth Google is partnering with phone maker HTC on a “super” Android device thinner than the Droid and iPhone. The release date for this Google-branded phone is early 2010, according to TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington, who reported a Google Phone was in the works Tuesday.

Rumors of a Google phone are nothing new, although speculation did start to disappear once Android-based phones hit the market last year. But this is the second time a Google phone rumor has popped up in recent weeks, and Arrington’s rumor bear a striking resemblance to what we’ve heard before.

The Real Google Phone

Taking a page out of Apple’s “we control the customer experience” playbook, Google reportedly wants to produce a handset that will be completely dictated by the team in Mountain View. Details about the phone are incredibly thin. There’s no word on what kind of specs the handset would have, but potential manufacturers for the phone, according to Arrington, include LG and Samsung. A major advertising campaign introducing the phone could reportedly start as early as January 2010.

Google will reportedly sell its phone directly to customers as well as through retailers. That suggests the search giant may not have a network partner on board, and would sell unsubsidized phones instead. Phones sold outside of the carrier system means the Google phone could cost as much as $500, and would have to run on a SIM-friendly GSM.

While a carrier-free Google phone would be an unusual move in the age of exclusivity contracts, it’s not unheard of. Handset makers such as RIM and Palm sell unlocked versions of their smartphones through Amazon and other retailers.

The suggestion that the phone will not be tied to a specific carrier, backs up a previous assertion by Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumor who made similar claims last month after Google’s “design partners” filled him about the phone, according to the Street.com.

The iPhone is Not Beta
A phone experience created and designed exclusively by Google will inevitably draw comparisons with Apple’s iPhone. And, as Arrington points out, for good reason. Just as the iPhone is Apple’s vision of the handset, a Google-branded phone would be a competing vision of what the smartphone should be.

But while dictating the phone experience makes sense for Apple — a company that has a long history in designing polished hardware — Google is not about launching polished products. Can the company that made beta a punchline deliver on a complete customer experience the first time around? Sure, the original iPhone lacked smartphone basics like cut-and-paste, video capability, and MMS. But with the exception of video, those are all software issues. The fact is, from a hardware perspective, the original iPhone was a revolutionary and complete product. There’s no question iPhone hardware has improved over time, but that doesn’t take anything away from the original design.

Google, on the other hand, is all about delivering an incomplete product and then fixing and improving it over time. But you can’t do that with a physical product. For smartphones there is no such thing as beta. You either get it right at launch or you don’t. It’s as simple as that.

Another question is how Google’s Android partners will react to a Google phone? As my colleague JR Raphael pointed out last month, Google has worked hard to convince manufacturers to embrace the Android platform. Changing roles from Android facilitator to Android competitor, could hamper those efforts.

Shaking hands during the signing rites are YTPI executive VP and treasurer Tomohiko Yoneko (left), Oracle Corp. VP for Commercial Applications Darren Rushworth. Witnessing the event are (back row, from left) Oracle Corp. Philippines territory sales manager for Commercial Applications China Amigo, SCC director Raymond Lacdao, YTPI assistant vice president and head for Corporate Planning Angelina Casasola, YTPI Information Technology section head Alvin Taruc, and YTPI Human Resources head Egelberto Dolo.

Yokohama Tire Philippines (YTPI) recently sealed an agreement with Oracle (Philippines) Corporation to increase its human resource (HR) operational efficiency and productivity as well as to better manage its larger workforce.

Under the agreement, Oracle partner Supply Chain Consulting (SCC) will implement Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Human Capital Management, including Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Human Resources and Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Time and Labor and Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition in YTPI’s HR system.

The deployment of Oracle’s HR applications is seen to help YTPI remove loopholes in its HR processes, produce higher productivity for its HR department and be able to drill down to transactional level for any employee inquiry.

The new system, which is expected to be fully up and running before the year ends, will finally be able to record  YTPI’s real time employee nonattendance, overtimes, change in time shift of employees, and determine the best person to stand in for an absent employee.

YTPI is one of the largest company in the Clark FreeportZone in Pampanga with more than 1,600 regular employees and more than 350 agency workers.

As the local subsidiary of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. of Japan, the company produces quality passenger car radial tires and recreational vehicle tires for the global market.

“YTPI’s people is one of our greatest assets but managing it has always been a challenge for a company such as ours whose operations run nonstop, 24/7,” said Tomohiro Yoneko, executive vice president, YTPI. “To help us gain significant HR intelligence and performance and boost our plant’s productivity, we chose Oracle’s PeopleSoft Enterprise Human Capital Management applications because of its leadership in HCM technology, which we expect to be implemented smoothly and without interruption to our business operation.”

“We are glad that YTPI has tapped Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise HCM solutions as it takes it HR systems on a higher level,” said Ryan Guadalquiver, managing director, Oracle (Philippines) Corporation. “Oracle is committed to helping our customers transform their businesses’ most important resources – their employees.”

Shown in photo shaking hands during the recent signing rites are YTPI executive vice president and treasurer Tomohiko Yoneko (left), Oracle Corp. vice president for Commercial Applications Darren Rushworth. Witnessing the event are (back row, from left): Oracle Corp. Philippines territory sales manager for Commercial Applications China Amigo, SCC director Raymond Lacdao, YTPI assistant vice president and head for Corporate Planning Angelina Casasola, YTPI Information Technology section head Alvin Taruc, and YTPI Human Resources head Egelberto Dolo.

Cherry Mobile, a new player in the local mobile communications industry is set to capitalize on the growing market need for multi-network mobile communications with its new line of NTC-approved, dual SIM card cellular phones. 

With average prices well below the P7,000 mark and features comparable to high end devices, the new products from Cherry Mobile is expected to make a big impact on the local mobile communications industry upon release.

The demand for true dual SIM phones has been steadily rising as SIM cards from different mobile service providers have become cheaper and cheaper.

Consisting of four handsets, the new range from Cherry Mobile is designed to suit various Filipino lifestyles. The phones will allow users to simultaneously use and manage two separate pre-paid or post-paid subscriptions.

Cherry Mobile D20 Life

•          VGA Camera
•          Large 1.8-inch TFT LCD Display
•          MP3 / MP4 Player
•          FM Radio
•          Voice recorder
•          microSD card up to 2GB
•          Bluetooth 2.0
•          Dual Active SIM / Dual Standby

The D20 Life model is Cherry Mobile’s entry-level handset. D20 Life is packed with the basic mobile phone features that consumers need in an entry level phone-Dual Active SIM / Dual Standby capable, with a built-in camera, 1.8-inch 65K TFT LCD, an MP3 / MP4 player, FM Radio, Voice Recorder, microSD card up to 2GB and Bluetooth.
 P2,990

 Cherry Mobile D50 Inertia

•          1.3megapixel Compatible Camera
•          MP3 / MP4
•          FM Radio
•          Motion Sensor
•          Bluetooth 2.0
•          microSD card up to 2GB
•          GPRS

The D50 Inertia is the “Motion in Action” handset of Cherry Mobile. With its rugged construction and sporty design, it caters to the active cell phone users who love sports and the outdoors. The D50 Inertia is Dual Active SIM/Dual Standby capable and is packed with a 1.3 megapixel compatible camera, MP3/MP4 playback, built-in Motion Sensor, Bluetooth connectivity, a microSD Card up to 2GB, and GPRS.
P3,690

Cherry Mobile M35 Integra

•          Free- to-Air TV Phone
•          TV Function
•          2megapixel Camera
•          2.2-inch QVGA TFT LCD Display
•          Dual Camera
•          MP3 / MP4 Player
•          FM Radio
•          Motion Sensor
•          microSD card up to 2GB
•          Bluetooth 2.0
•          GPRS

The M35 Integra is Cherry Mobile’s “Entertainment anytime, anywhere” phone. M35 Integra is the perfect leisure companion with its classic metallic design that has houses a host of multimedia features such as Free-to-air-TV reception, TV function, Dual Active SIM/Dual Standby, a 2.0 Megapixels compatible camera, a large 2.2-inch QVGA TFT LCD Display, Dual Camera, MP3 / MP4 playback, FM Radio, Monitor Sensor, a microSD card expandable to 2GB, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPRS.
P5,690 

Cherry Mobile S11 Blade

•          VGA Camera
•          1.8-inch 65K Color TFT LCD Display
•          Pitch Changer
•          MP3 / MP4 Player
•          FM Radio
•          GPRS / MMS Capable
•          microSD card up to 2GB
•          Bluetooth 2.0

The S11 Blade brings great class and style in a fully-featured multimedia handset. The model has a sleek glossy finish and has all the expected multimedia features for consumer’s leisure. Other features include a built-in VGA camera, a 1.8-inch 65K color TFT LCD Display, Pitch changer, MP3 / MP4 playback, FM Radio, GPRS / MMS capabilities, a microSD card expandable up to 2GB, and Bluetooth.
P2,690

“As mobile technology becomes more and more sophisticated, users demand so much more from their cellular phones. It is not uncommon these days for a single user to have multiple SIM cards from various networks, or to have two or more active phones. Our dual SIM handsets save consumers a lot in terms of time, effort, and money,” said Mr. Maynard S. Ngu, Cherry Mobile CEO.

“With today’s economic climate, we feel that this is the perfect time to be releasing our dual SIM devices. Consumers, even in trying times, demand nothing less from the products they buy. We bring incredible functionality at a price that just can’t be beat in the local market,” said Mr. Roger Chiu, President, Cherry Mobile.

The new phones will be distributed locally by Cosmic Technologies Inc.

Nokia is bringing the Internet closer to reality in emerging markets with the new mobile phones and solutions that open the door to information, entertainment, family and friends. The Nokia 2330 classic is now available in stores while the Nokia 2323 classic, Nokia 2700 classic and Nokia 2730 classic will be commercially available soon. All these phones come Internet-ready and work with Ovi Mail, giving first-time e-mail users the opportunity to set up and start using an e-mail account (username@ovi.com) directly on their mobile phone.

“The power of the Internet is undeniable,” says William Hamilton-Whyte, general manager of Nokia Philippines. “We’ve seen mobile technologies catalize the growth of the informal sector across the world, empowering local entrepreneurs and having an immediate and lasting impact on people’s lives. Services like Ovi Mail, combines with the mobile phones we’re showcasing today, bring powerful solutions that can be the gateway to knowledge, entertainment and people, without the need for a PC.”

According to extensive Nokia consumer research, nearly half of the emerging market customers state that they would rather connect to the Internet over a mobile phone than a PC. As a result, Nokia has developed locally relevant solutions that consist of affordable mobile phones and applications, designed and built from the ground up to meet the specific needs of customers in the developing world. Hamilton-Whyte adds, “while many people are still primarily using voice and text, the Internet does offer a whole new range of opportunities. Ovi Mail has the potential to be the first digital identity for many people in emerging markets. Unlike most other e-mail services, an Ovi Mail account can be created and used directly on a Nokia device without ever having to use a PC. Since the launch of the beta stage of the service in December 2008, around 90% of the e-mail accounts have been created on a Nokia phone.”

Nokia 2700 classic

The Nokia 2700 classic is one of Nokia’s most affordable, full featured handsets. Offering up to 2GB of storage via the memory card slot, the phone also has an integrated digital music player and a 2.0megapixel camera, making it equally competent for imaging and music. The Nokia 2700 classic also allows users to set up an Ovi Mail account directly on their device. Anounced earlier this year, the device is to be released commercially in the third quarter of 2009.

Nokia 2730 classic

The Nokia 2730 classic, which works with Ovi Mail, is Nokia’s most affordable 3G phone offering faster access to the Internet and a richer browsing experience. With the steady spread of 3G data networks across the developing world, it’s ideal for staying connected with friends and family, and sharing one’s life with others. The Nokia 2700 classic is expected to be commercially available in the third quarter of 2009.

Hamilton-Whyte concludes, “With our longstanding commitment in emerging market, a Nokia customer can be confident that any product we offer meets a strict and consistent set of high-quality standards. This is particularly important in markets where technical assistance and repair shops are not easily accessible.”

HTC Corporation unveiled two new flagship devices, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2. Integrating innovative simplicity with unique style and an intuitive interface, the new devices balance function, form and cutting-edge technology to personalize communication and mobile Internet experience.

“The HTC Touch Pro2 and HTC Touch Diamond2 introduce a mobile communication experience that simplifies how we communicate with people in our lives whether through voice, text, or email,” said Peter Chou, President and CEO, HTC Corp. “HTC is delivering the latest, cutting-edge sophistication in a broad portfolio of mobile phones that improve how people live, work and communicate.”

HTC TouchFLO 3D Integrated With Windows Mobile
The HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 utilize HTC’s latest TouchFLO 3D interface. TouchFLO 3D has been more deeply integrated into a customized version of Windows Mobile 6.1 to deliver more consistency throughout Windows Mobile applications and menus. Focused on making navigation easier and more intuitive, TouchFLO 3D brings important information to the top-level user interface, including quick access to people, messaging, email, photos, music and weather.  As part of this improved Windows Mobile integration the touch focus areas have been enlarged to be more finger-touch friendly.

Bringing People Together
With the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2, HTC is introducing a new people-centric communication approach, providing a single contact view that displays the individual conversation history of contacts regardless of whether voice, text or email were used.  This can be viewed from the contact card or the in-call screen during a phone conversation, ensuring the latest communication contact-by-contact is always at hand.

Simplifying How People Access Their Information
Continuing its commitment to making the mobile Internet easier and more enjoyable, the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 introduce HTC’s Push Internet technology.   HTC Push Internet alleviates slow downloading and rendering of Web pages on a mobile phone. Users can preselect their favorite Websites to get immediate access to them when needed.

HTC Touch Diamond2

The HTC Touch Diamond2 is the next step in the evolution of the successful HTC Touch Diamond. Crafted to fit perfectly into one’s hand, the Touch Diamond2 evolves the compact design and iconic style of the original HTC Touch Diamond. It incorporates a larger 3.2-inch high-resolution wide-screen VGA display for greater viewing area in a design just 13.7mm thick. The phone also includes a new touch sensitive zoom bar for even faster zooming of Web pages, emails, text messages, photos or documents.

Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D experience combined with a people-centric communication approach and HTC’s new Push Internet technology, the Touch Diamond2 offers an advanced touch experience that is optimized for one-hand use. 

With 20% larger battery capacity, a five mega-pixel auto focus camera, expandable memory, gravity sensor and an ambient light sensor, the Touch Diamond2 brings the most sophisticated capabilities to a broad consumer audience looking for the professional benefits of a smartphone without sacrificing size, looks or functionality.

HTC Touch Pro2
Designed for business professionals, the HTC Touch Pro2 is architected with distinct style and strength while delivering the most powerful productivity experience available on a mobile phone.  Leveraging HTC’s TouchFLO 3D, people-centric communication and Push Internet technology, the Touch Pro2 features a high-resolution 3.6-inch widescreen VGA display for an expanded viewing area and large finger-friendly QWERTY keyboard. With improved battery life, expandable memory, a touch-sensitive zoom bar as well as gravity, proximity and ambient light sensors, the Touch Pro2 is optimized for touch as well as heavy email use. 

Introducing HTC Straight Talk For HTC Touch Pro2
The new HTC Touch Pro2 leverages voice in a new way to create one of the most sophisticated communication experiences found on a mobile phone.  HTC’s new Straight Talk technology delivers an integrated email, voice and speakerphone experience. Users can transition seamlessly from email to single or multi-party conference calls and turn any location into a conference room.

In addition to the new simplified calling experience, Straight Talk includes an innovative mechanical and acoustic design that features a sophisticated speakerphone experience similar to those found in corporate boardrooms. Straight Talk delivers a high-fidelity voice and sound experience enhanced by asymmetric speakers and advanced noise suppression with full duplex acoustics. When the Touch Pro2 is flipped over it automatically turns into a conference room speakerphone system.

Pricing & Availability:
The new HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2 will be available from end May and end June 2009 at all authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of Php 36,900 and Php 48,900 respectively.

Samsung Preston (S5230) & Samsung Star (S5600)
www.samsungmobile.com

Samsung has unveiled the Samsung Star (S5230) and Samsung Preston (S5600) for the global market. Boasting a compact design and intuitive usability, the products answer today’s customer needs of a full touch phone at affordable prices. Supporting 2.5G networks (Star) and 3G networks (Preston) respectively, Samsung is able to expand its full touch product portfolio and target various consumers.

Prior to their market availability, the Samsung Star and Samsung Preston have attracted tremendous market interest and demands.

“Samsung Star and Samsung Preston are significant additions to our full-touch screen mobile portfolio, featuring all the essential functions in one single device,” said JK Shin, executive vice president and head of Mobile Communications division at Samsung Electronics. “I am pretty confident that the products will be one of our historical best selling mobiles. Focusing on our consumer-oriented strategy, Samsung will deliver various full touch products for every lifestyle,” he added.

In line with product launching, Samsung will conduct various marketing promotion activities. ‘Samsung Mobile Live’, which is the company’s “experiential marketing” program will be held at popular spots in major launching countries from June. At this event, consumers will be able to touch and learn about newest features of Samsung’s full touch products without the pressure of a sales pitch. Throughout the program, Samsung will deliver the core message of ‘Get in Touch’ in a compelling way to solidify its leadership in full touch products.

A new television commercial for the Samsung Star will be aired in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East Africa, South East Asia and South West Asia by the end of May.

Samsung Star (S5230)

Samsung Star comes with the latest multimedia features in a slim and compact body that measures a mere 11.9mm. Adopting a 3.0-inch WQVGA full-touch screen and Samsung’s TouchWiz User Interface with Mobile Widgets, the phone enables its users to enjoy their mobile easily and intuitively. Using “Photo Contact,” users can call a contact by simply touching an appointed image.

The Samsung Star boasts various multimedia features including a 3.2 mega-pixel camera and video recording supporting QVGA@15fps. It supports multi-format and DNSe for ease of use and better sound quality. The phone also features music recognition using Shazam’s “Find Music” service. To enjoy various multimedia content, Samsung Star supports 50MB memory capacity with an external memory slot up to 8GB. The users can enjoy full Internet browsing with an accelerometer sensor for auto-rotation. For convenience, the phone also supports a QWERTY soft keyboard, “Gesture Lock” and handwriting features. The product also comes with various colors including Soft pink and Snow white.

Samsung Star will be available in Europe, Middle East Africa, South East Asia, South West Asia and Latin America from April.

Samsung Preston (S5600)

The Samsung Preston attracts style-conscious users with its slim and compact design. Full Internet browsing support with an accelerometer sensor for auto-rotation also gives users exciting mobile Internet experiences via 7.2Mbps HSDPA connectivity.

Equipped with a 2.8-inch QVGA full-touch screen, Samsung Preston adopted the TouchWiz User Interface and “Gesture Lock” feature, designed to customize and personalize the way you use your phone. Mobile widgets can be placed on the screen for one-click access to your favorite applications. Samsung Preston comes with a 3.2 mega-pixel camera, Music Recognition using Shazam’s “Find Music” service, and Multi-codec support including H.263, MPEG4, and WMV. The handset’s generous memory (80MB and Micro SD slot up to 8GB) ensures ample storage space for multimedia content. Samsung Preston will be available in Sweet pink, Snow white, and Charcoal grey colors.

Samsung Preston will be available in Europe and Asia from May.