Insider - the eXpansys staff blog

The Samsung i780 Smartphone comes complete with Windows Mobile 6 Professional (touch screen), 3G with HSDPA up to 3.6 mbps, AGPS, Wi-Fi and a QWERTY keyboard. Samsung have also added an optical joystick (finger mouse) that replicates a mouse cursor on screen and in typical Samsung fashion make the handset slimmer then the competition.

Being a Windows Mobile Professional device you get full Microsoft Office document editing, including the newest Office 2007 formats along with Exchange support. Samsung have added several other applications; an excellent RSS reader and Podcasting application, a size converter and the excellent Opera web browser.

Samsung have put a lot of thought into ergonomics of the Samsung i780. The back is coated with a soft rubber paint making it easier to hold. The front QWERTY keys have a slightly domed shape, making them easier to press and locate. An extra large Windows menu key and OK key are placed next to the optical joystick which creates a user friendly, natural feel.
 
The optical joystick is one of the most unique features of the Samsung i780. It works on a similar principal to a track pad found on laptops. Simply scroll your finger over the optical joystick and the on-screen mouse follows your finger. The optical joystick is designed to respond to fingers only, so as preventing accidental presses in the pocket. Despite being a touch screen device the inclusion of the optical joystick makes one handed use possible. You can comfortably hold the Samsung i780 in one hand and still access all the features, even writing e-mails with just one hand. Cleverly the optical joystick also doubles as a button, so highlight an option/icon and simply click the optical joystick like a mouse button to open. Normal touch screen devices don't lend themselves to single handed use so this is a great, unique feature from Samsung.

The i780 compares favorably with the older model Samsung i600.  It is an even smaller device, which is quite incredible considering the increased technology present in the device.

For those after a device with BlackBerry style QWERTY keyboards, the Samsung i780 is it.

Singapore based start-up announce their entrance into the European market and unveils their latest Windows Mobile handsets

London, 8 May 2008 – Mobile and Wireless Group (MWg) today announced their entrance into the European market and unveiled their latest Windows Mobile handsets, the Atom V and Zinc II. The former is a full-featured, touch-screen operated device with in-built GPS, while the latter features a sliding keyboard and will be amongst the first Windows Mobile 6.1 devices available in Europe.

MWg is a Singapore-based company, recently established by the former management of O2 Asia, which develops and markets premium converged devices for the global market. Since its birth in November 2007, the company has consolidated its presence in Asia with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Middle East as well as expanded into Europe through its UK-based office and the Americas through its US-based office. Leveraging the investment by London-listed online e-tailer eXpansys, MWg will also expand its channels to cover the online demand for its products.“We see ourselves in a unique position of having inherited the premium heritage of a global brand and the agility and flexibility of a start-up.” said Mark Billington, CEO of MWg. “As a start-up, we naturally work with like-minded and innovative partners to offer an engaging experience for our customers. Our devices are designed to complement the consumers’ lifestyle needs.”

“Windows Mobile is about creating mobile connections, helping people do more with work play or anything in between no matter where they are”, said Alfredo Patron, EMEA Regional Director, Microsoft Mobile Communications Business. “We are excited to see MWg expand their innovative Windows Mobile phone offerings to Europe and look forward to compelling new hardware designs and device specs that will expand the possibilities of what people can do while on the go.”

The Atom V, which became available in Europe in mid April, is MWg’s first exclusively designed product. It features an in-built SiRF Star-III GPS chipset, 3.5G HSDPA with speeds up to 7.2Mbps, onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 and even FM radio with RDS. Its attractive design, slim 14.95mm profile and brilliant 2.8” LCD touch screen make the Atom V desirable for its looks as well its features. The Atom V retails for £399.95 (inc. VAT). The Zinc II, which will become available in mid May, offers many of the same features of the Atom V with the addition of a semi-automatic sliding keyboard ideal for messaging & internet browsing, a sleek & slightly more compact form factor and the incorporation of Microsoft’s latest OS, Windows Mobile 6.1. The Zinc II will retail for £449.95 (inc. VAT).

MWg offers both Atom V & Zinc II users an easy-to-use touch-driven interface called “Quick Menu”. Each device has its own version of Quick Menu, which allows users to tap large graphic icons with their fingertips as well as flip between menus by dragging their finger across the screen. “Quick Menu makes it easy to navigate the device without a stylus. Additionally, users have the flexibility of customising the icons & menus to their own needs. MWg products can already be purchased from a variety of retailers, e-tailers and distributors in the UK and Europe, including e-tailer www.expansys.com for end-users across Europe and distributor www.portix.com for resellers in the UK and Ireland. Distributors & resellers in other European countries wanting to become channel partners can contact MWg directly at EUSales@mwg.com. The full MWg range and the detailed specifications for each product can be found at www.mwg.com. A further three to five products are planned in 2008.

About MWg
Mobile & Wireless Group (MWg) is a Singapore based start-up company established to develop and market premium, converged mobile devices. Founded by the team responsible for O2’s groundbreaking range of PDA-phones, MWg will meet growing global customer demand for customised devices with an emphasis on design, technology, reliability and service.

 

The HTC Touch Diamond was officially released in London today - showing that HTC has set the Apple iPhone firmly in it's sights.

It is marginally thinner than the iPhone and has a much-improved, responsive touch-screen to make typing much easier. A new interface has been introduced to make accessing key applications on the device simpler, a key component in making this Windows Mobile smartphone a true crossover device for the general consumer market.

The hardware specifications are impressive -the HTC Touch Diamond features a powerful 528MHz processor, high-speed HSDPA wireless data connectivity, a 3.2 mega-pixel camera and 4GB in-built memory storage.

To find out more details and to place your order, click here.

It's smaller than I thought! That's the first reaction most people have when they see the Samsung F490. Looking at the specs you'd be forgiven for thinking it should be bigger; 5 mega-pixel camera, LED flash, 3G with HSDPA, Bluetooth & expandable memory in a phone that's only as thick as a CD case.

Its not just the specs but the screen that make the Samsung F490 stand out. At 3.2 inches, the touch sensitive screen covers most of the front of the phone. Coupled with the microSDHC memory card slot the Samsung F490 becomes a very capable movie player.

Most of the Samsung F490's features are controlled by the touch screen which has Samsungs new Croix interface. Sweeping cross hairs follow your finger on screen. Choose an item and the menu fades away as the new screen fades into view. It even lets you drag your finger while playing a song to choose how far to forward or rewind a song. The screen in the Samsung F490 one of the new breed of capacitive screens, so the front is completely smooth and level, made from a hard plastic that should be more resistant to wear and tear then previous touch screens.

Wisely Samsung have included separate buttons to manage all the basic phone options. Under the touch screen you have an answer, hang up and menu key. The side has volume control, camera, short-cut and a sliding key lock/power key.

Its a nice looking handset finished in a dark metallic, almost mirror like grey which looks surprisingly modern. Included with the phone are two back covers, one in matching dark grey and another in matt black.

If you want a phone that excels at media, movies, music and photos, but don't want the bulk the Samsung F490 is it. Office document viewers, e-mail and 3G (HSDPA) support is the icing on the cake for the F490.

The UK warehouse and call centre will be closed on Monday the 5th of May for a public holiday. Normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday the 6th of May.

Get the Samsung i600 for the great price of only £99.95!

With Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi and a QWERTY keyboard, its a pretty capable Smartphone that's also surprisingly thin.

The handset is unlocked to work with any SIM card but has been pre-configured for Orange. This does mean if you want to use it on a different network you'll need GPRS, WAP & MMS settings for your network of choice.

If you’re looking for quality GPS maps form a name you can trust then look no further than our latest GPS deal. Tele Atlas is the company that develops the maps for the likes of TomTom and they’ve released a feature-rich GPS software for an unbelievable price. With massive map coverage on the included 2GB mini-SD card, plug and play usage and full features like lane control, this could be the deal of the year!

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=167452

Following the video we posted last week, here are some more photos from the MWg Atom V and Zinc II launch in Hong Kong recently:

   

  

Want all your important phone book entries, notes and schedule information automatically backed up for your without using a PC? Want that for free as well? Welcome to My Nokia Backup!

Nokia have relaunched their Nokia owners service (Club Nokia for those of you with long memories) as My Nokia. As part of this they have introduced the My Nokia Backup service.

My Nokia Backup takes all the important information on your phone and stores a copy on Nokia's own secure servers. It works by using a technology called SyncML (Synchronisation Markup Language), a service that's built into most handsets. SyncML works by remotely connecting to an authorised sever and synchronising information remotely, using your mobile phones data capability (either though GPRS, or 3G). It works much like PC sync software, but without a PC.

To use, all you have to do is sign up to My Nokia (if you haven't already) and choose the My Nokia Backup service. Choose your phone and they will send you a text message that configures your phone for you. From there simply click sync on your phone and everything will be backed up in a few seconds. You can synchronise manually or set your phone to auto synchronise at specific times.

Log onto the My Nokia website and edit the backed-up information. On the next sync these changes replicate themselves automatically to your handsets! The best bit? If your phone ever gets lost, stolen or damaged, log back onto Nokia Backup and have everything restored onto your new phone in seconds.

If you don't have a Nokia mobile phone, then there are plenty of other SyncML services, some free, some chargeable. A Good place to start is the Wikipedia page on SyncML technology here.

Top of the range Bluetooth headsets and car kits:

INNOVATIVE

Bluetrek UFO Bluetooth Headset (black)

Is an elegant, flat bodied, ultra lightweight sleek cordless Bluetooth headset that enables comfortable hands-free communication with your Bluetooth mobile phone.  Offering good value the Bluetrek UFO has hours of talk-time and 8 days of standby-time, whilst providing background noise cancelling and full Bluetooth 1.2 support.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=159697

 

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

Bluetrek BIZZ USB Flash Memory Bluetooth Headset

A Bluetooth headset which offers up to 6 hours talk time with 10 days of standby time. However it is also a USB flash memory device and a microSD reader. The headset reveals a 2.0 USB connection that is compatible with microSD cards up to 8GB.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=163358

 

Bluetrek DUO Stereo Bluetooth Headset (glossy black)

The DUO Stereo can be used as a standard small and slim mono headset for communication, however when connected to an earphone, it turns into a high quality stereo headset (thanks to the A2DP functionality) so you can enjoy your music.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=163367

 

VALUE

Bluetrek Sense Bluetooth Headset (black)

Is an elegant and sleek cordless Bluetooth headset that enables comfortable hands-free communication.  At only 8g, the Bluetrek still manages to cram 4 hours of talk-time and 5 days of standby-time. With background noise cancelling and full Bluetooth 1.2 support, the Bluetrek offers the best value around.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=159722

 

GLAMOUR

Bluetrek SUGAR Bluetooth Headset (Diamond)

Light and compact and offers 7 hours talk time with 10.5 days standby time.  It has a range of up to 10m, dual colour LED to show the status of charge and you can programme two numbers by end-user or pre-programmed for carrier favourite number.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=163324

 

WATER, MUD, DUST RESISTANT

Bluetrek X3 Bluetooth Headset (black)

A headset designed for outdoor use. Aimed at sporty types, the X3 is water, shock, mud and dust resistant.  Offering a talktime of up to 9 hours and stand-by time of up to 8 days.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=163375

 

STEREO

Bluetrek ST1 Stereo Bluetooth Headset (black)

Pair headphones to your mobile phone and treat your ears to rich sound from the tunes locked inside, without any wires tangled around your neck.  Capable of almost 9 hours of playback and 400 hours of standby time, the headset also includes play / pause, track direction, and volume controls on the earpiece itself. Incoming calls are also handled through the headset.

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=148949

 

CARKITS

Self-Install

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact Bluetooth Car Kit

Uses flat panel speaker technology (NXT) and has an ultra slim form factor.  The car kit also includes: Voice Alert: A built-in voice alert that reminds you of the actions in your car kit such as: redial the last number, reject a call, when your car kit needs to be charged and if your car kit is connected / disconnected from your car kit.
 
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=159706

 

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact DUO Bluetooth Car Kit

Automatic call switch between headset & speaker without hanging up the call.  You can have dual use:
1] Headset alone can be used for private conversations
2] When the headset is connected to Surface Sound base it becomes a Car kit
Also includes Voice Alert.

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=163256

 

Bluetrek KR1 Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree

This handsfree unit plugs into the vehicle lighter socket and connects to a compatible phone via Bluetooth wireless technology for in-car handsfree use.

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=145264

 

Are you tempted?  Improve the communication in your life by placing an order with eXpansys today.