The Microsoft Corporation is going to develop its first patented smartphone dock that will feature USB ports, a connection for an external display and an Ethernet jack. This device is targeted towards the emerging smartphone markets. Many consumers today are addicted to their smartphone and totally depend on it for their work, entertainment and other day to day tasks. As a result Microsoft has decided to make a universal smart interface for smartphones. It will not only charge the advanced mobile phones but will also provide options to interface the phone to external systems such as larger external displays, networks, printers, input devices and other peripherals.
According to the Microsoft’s patent, “The cost of cellphones is significantly less than computing systems at many levels. However, the cellphone is rapidly evolving into a smart communications device that can provide sufficient computing power and functionality to drive a wide variety of peripherals as well as access network services. A major impediment to taking advantage of this evolving technology in the cell phone, for example, is the inability to connect the phone to peripheral devices and systems.”
The multi-purpose smartphone dock will also feature a lightweight operating system, processor, memory and solid state drive (SSD) to support all the external devices. No word yet on whether the dock will only function with Windows Mobile smartphones, like the Sony-Ericsson Xperia X1, or whether it will work with every kind smartphone. The dock will also bolster the processing power of the phone if the phone’s own processor and memory are not sufficient to carry on some tasks.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
More and more manufacturers are specifying high-resolution screens in their top-end smartphones. The much-anticipated Xperia X1 is one of four in this Labs to do it, matching the HTC Touch HD for sheer resolution at 480 x 800.
But we’re not as impressed with the X1 because the screen, at just 3in from corner to corner, isn’t big enough to take advantage.
At this size, a high resolution can be more of a disadvantage than a boon, especially as it’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that underlies this phone’s fancy-looking finger-driven interface.
And that interface isn’t much help. We liked the fact you can choose between different types of home screen layouts and download new ones for free, but once you go beyond basic program selection, contacts and media management, you’re stuck with Windows Mobile.
To make matters worse, the touch-sensitive five-way control below the screen doesn’t make it any easier than the touchscreen to navigate around. And those user interface enhancements aren’t particularly snappy, either.
Taps to the panels often result in a second or two delay, which is frustrating, although pressing the pick-up call button does at least bring up the dial screen instantly.
It’s a shame, since there’s plenty to like elsewhere. The build is solid with a metal back and brushed aluminium-effect keyboard surround.
And the keyboard itself is pretty good: the keys are well separated, have a good click to them, and the layout is sensible.
The list of hardware on offer is as impressive as most of the other high-end phones here, with HSDPA, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an FM radio tuner.
There’s a good-quality wired headset thrown in – the best here – as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket, and battery life is respectable at 70hrs 42 mins.
But the usability issue just won’t go away and, coupled with a high price, is enough to push this phone well down the list of contenders this month.
But we’re not as impressed with the X1 because the screen, at just 3in from corner to corner, isn’t big enough to take advantage.
At this size, a high resolution can be more of a disadvantage than a boon, especially as it’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional that underlies this phone’s fancy-looking finger-driven interface.
And that interface isn’t much help. We liked the fact you can choose between different types of home screen layouts and download new ones for free, but once you go beyond basic program selection, contacts and media management, you’re stuck with Windows Mobile.
To make matters worse, the touch-sensitive five-way control below the screen doesn’t make it any easier than the touchscreen to navigate around. And those user interface enhancements aren’t particularly snappy, either.
Taps to the panels often result in a second or two delay, which is frustrating, although pressing the pick-up call button does at least bring up the dial screen instantly.
It’s a shame, since there’s plenty to like elsewhere. The build is solid with a metal back and brushed aluminium-effect keyboard surround.
And the keyboard itself is pretty good: the keys are well separated, have a good click to them, and the layout is sensible.
The list of hardware on offer is as impressive as most of the other high-end phones here, with HSDPA, assisted GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an FM radio tuner.
There’s a good-quality wired headset thrown in – the best here – as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket, and battery life is respectable at 70hrs 42 mins.
But the usability issue just won’t go away and, coupled with a high price, is enough to push this phone well down the list of contenders this month.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Google "Error"
Last night when I was surfing the web and in the middle of doing some research, I noticed that all Google results had "warning, this site my harm your computer" on it. Like most of you, I pannicked! I tried a different browser, ran my anti-virus software, and spamware, Then noticed a twitter alert saying it was all world wide. Phew!
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-site-may-harm-your-computer-on.html
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-site-may-harm-your-computer-on.html
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