Samsung E2370 review
In an event as large-scale and exciting as the MWC in Barcelona it is no surprise that a number of good new handsets and concepts seemed to slip almost unnoticed under the radar of many. Such was the case with the new Samsung E2370, one of the new members of the range of phones and smartphones unveiled at the conference by the South Korean electronics company.
Samsung's E2370 does not have the new-fangled combination of a touch-screen and QWERTY keyboard so beloved of many contemporary smartphone devices, instead opting for a simple, basic user-friendly appearance that would clearly appeal to users not wishing to be dazzled by high-end specifications. The E2370's major selling point instead is its rubber body that primes it for shock resistance. It both looks and is extremely durable, and will no doubt take plenty of heavy wear and usage in a variety of different conditions before breaking – perfect for those who may have had problems with other devices in the past. Also, not looking like the idealised image of the shiny, sleek smartphone in appearance might also not attract the nefarious roving eyes of thieves.
Samsung are touting the E2370 as a more simple and basic version of the B2100 Explorer, and although no definite price has been announced as yet it is widely anticipated that the eventual price tag will not be overly excessive - especially in the smartphone market. The handset itself is fully IP54 certified and features a 1.77-inch screen, a microSD card slot for memory upgrades, a VGA camera and Bluetooth connectivity. With regards to connectivity - one of the principle considerations of any phone, and especially a smartphone - the Samsung E2370 fully supports the dual-band GSM network, making it fully operative for both European and Asian markets.
There is no support on the device for 3G although the GSM 900/1800 network is fully supported, providing decent connectivity for an entry-level phone. EDGE connectivity is also provided and affords a connection speed of between 236.8 kbps. Despite the fact that the E2370 does not offer Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity users can undertake data transfer via the integral microUSB port as well as the integral Bluetooth c2.1. As a result of these additions data can be transferred either wirelessly or through wire connections, though many people may not be pleased with the lacking connection features present on most other smartphones out there.
In terms of its basic appearance the device has gone for a combination of tough and colourful, with its rugged, rubbery design and its appealing colour combinations working together to create a subtle yet unique look. One look at the device tells you that it will definitely be a hard-wearing phone and will probably take quite a bit of rough handling if need be. In a further nice touch the keys are orange in colour, making for quite a striking contrast for the device. Following the traditional bar phone structure the keypad is located on the lower half of the device with the screen at the top - again, nothing particularly flashy, just tough user functionality.
The screen itself packs a 128X160 pixel resolution on the device's 112x49x19mm dimensions, making it comfortable to handling and carry. With regards to memory storage yet again the Samsung E2370 is not overly-burdened by high-end smartphone specifications and so does not require high-spec memory to support the high end applications and features found on other devices. Still, the device's internal memory can store up to 1,000 contacts in its integral phone book and the capacity can be upgraded via a microSD TransFlash card.
Unlike a high-end device the E2370 doesn't pack a very high-spec integral camera, although the mere presence of one does put it above most other entry level phones. The integral VGA camera packs a 640x480 pixel resolution and is capable of shooting VGA videos. Whilst this is a nice surprise for such an entry-level device it may have been more forward-thinking for Samsung to have opted for including a low-res megapixel device instead as many users may have found it more functional and appropriate to their particular needs. The device also packs an integral music player as well as video playback capacity with the ability to support MP3, WMA, eAAC and MP4 files. To top it all off the phone supports an excellent battery life, with up to 20 hours of talk time in standard mode or up to 1,000 hours in standby mode – good news for those looking to spend long hours on the phone each day without needing to worry about power levels.
Three Chassis, One Mobile Platform
It is still a long way before we actually see the Windows Phone 7 series in an actual mobile phone and yet, news about the device is already getting plenty of circulation.
At the same time that the OS was showed off at the Mobile World Congress, it has been announced that the platform relies heavily on Qualcomm architecture. With the many animations and dynamic elements seen in WP7, it is quite likely that it will need a high speed processor like the Snapdragon –it may even be using the new dual core version of the CPU.
Recent reports have shown that Asus and Microsoft are currently working together in order to create the first Microsoft branded smart phone that uses the new WP7 operating system. No word yet on what the actual specs for the device will be, but we are expecting the phone to be made available sometime later this year (around October). In any case, Microsoft has promised that the device will be out by the holidays.
Now, according to a recent podcast from ZDnet, the new platform will be using three different chassis types.
The first chassis is called the type-1 and it uses a traditional touch screen smart phone layout. It’s the same look we have seen with the many WP7 user interface screenshots. While no word confirms that the phone in the image will be exactly how the new device will look, at least it gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect.
The other two chassis types remain to seen in images. The type 2 is a touch screen with slide out keyboard (which reminds us of the Motorola Milestone); the type 3 on the other hand is reported to be a candy bar phone format.
Get to know more about the WP7 chassis types at Stuff TV.
Apple Purges Apps, Offers Bad Excuse
One would think that Phil Schiller would have a better way of handling a crowd. The man is the head of Apple’s global marketing department, and if you would expect anyone to know how to make a spin, this would be the man.
Well, looks like we were wrong. Not only did people scoff at Phil’s remarks regarding the app purge, many are losing trust in the Apple system.
It is already a known fact that Apple’s app screening program is a waste of time that borders more on red tape formality rather than an actual functional screening process. Often you will find gems and worthless applications side by side. Worst of all is seeing really great applications refused while worthless ones get accepted.
Anyway, the big fuss came about this week as Apple suddenly decided to remove any application with a scantily clad woman. Naughty app games, lingerie stores and even beach apps have been known to be hit by the purge. Ironically, Playboy and Sports Illustrated are perfectly fine.
According to Phil, the move was done in order to address the complaints of women and parents regarding the contents of the app store. While there is no doubt that some people might have protested, the sheer number alone would never be enough to warrant a full purge. The act has brought plenty of loses for many app developers as they suddenly found themselves reading an email informing them about the app removal. No prior notice, no warning to revise the app; just a “we removed your app” email.
Cruel, thoughtless and totally discouraging; with the Apple iPhone relying heavily on app support and the upcoming iPad still needing a solid crowd, this move may cost Apple plenty in the near future.
Read more about the big Apple application purge at the Telegraph UK.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro
At around this time last year Sony Ericsson launched its debut Android OS-based smart-phone called the Xperia X10 and has, just this week, announced two new and much smaller versions of the X10 named the X10 Mini, and the X10 Mini Pro and were unveiled for inspection and initial reactions at the Mobile World Congress trade-show in Barcelona. The two new devices, the X10 Mini and Mini Pro, are fairly dwarfed by the earlier X10 and initially Sony Ericsson representatives were somewhat wary of being able to provide the excellent fast and smooth running of applications that were found on the X10's capacitive touchscreen and software on such small devices as the new X10 Mini and Mini Pro. In fact they stated that the company must, to this end, modify the phone's interfaces a little with shortcuts located in all four corners of the device’s 2.5-inch QVGA touchscreen displays that are highly customisable.
Underneath the user modifications is still Google's Android operating system and it runs extremely well on its 600 MHz processor - especially considering the small size of the screens. The devices will have access to the Android Marketplace for apps and this has rapidly become a serious competitor to Apple's AppStore. Many mobile phone enthusiasts feel that it will be fascinating to see how things develop on this score given the competitiveness of each.
One immediate difference between the new devices comes with the keyboard. The X10 Mini has a rather dainty on-screen keyboard, and the first impression is that users with rather larger than average digits may well stumble over the keyboard and make rapid messaging and e-mailing somewhat irksome. To this end Sony Ericsson put their thinking into the Xperia X10 Mini Pro which features an integral hardware keyboard. This does, however, make the Mini Pro device a good deal thicker and heavier than the X10 mini and would definitely make it rather cumbersome to take on regular travels and trips.
Both devices are GSM phones featuring 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth as well as a GPS receiver, making widespread connectivity easy and pain-free. Both phones also come with a microSD memory cards slot, enabling the user to bulk up on memory storage capacity for those extra photos and videos along with information sharing across social networks. They both also come with an integral 5 megapixel camera - very useful with a flash, affording good performance in most lighting conditions. There will also be an FM radio for listeners who enjoy tuning in from time to time. The X10 Mini specifications stand at a height of 3.3 inches, with a width of 2 inches and a thickness of 0.6 inches while weighing in at 88 grams. Meanwhile, the X10 Mini Pro will be 3.5 inches tall, 2 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick, weighing in at a more portly 120 grams.
It is thought that, with current release dates for the devices still somewhat vague, Sony Ericsson may perform some tweaking with regards to the operating system for the devices and their Timescape facility will be mooted as a central feature that would allow users to access all of their communications with their mobile contacts from one place. It would also allow simple and easy access to the device's history as well as social networking applications like Facebook, Twitter and instant messaging. As for colours the Mini Pro will initially come in just red and black, whilst the Mini will be available in black, red, pearl white, pink, lime and silver, affording far more choice for the fashion conscious. Despite current obfuscation, release date is likely to be some time in the second quarter of this year.
MWC: Windows Phone 7 and Bada
The Mobile World Congress was held at Barcelona, Spain last February 14. The event was attended by many major mobile phone manufacturers and software developers that showcased their latest products. It’s a big event that pretty much set the tone for 2010. No doubt that many of the devices shown would be part of tomorrow’s major headlines.
Right now, we have our eyes and ears peeled for any and all updates on the upcoming Windows Phone 7 series. It is pretty surprising that the upcoming Microsoft mobile platform would be so promising when we originally did not think much of it. To be honest, our feelings towards the OS before the time Steve Ballmer went onstage was that of sheer curiosity –after the presentation, we have found ourselves wanting to see more of the OS, the holiday release date suddenly feels so far.
No other mobile phone OS is as dynamic or intuitive looking as WP7. Microsoft has also incorporated new features such as Zune, Bing and Xbox Live Games and since the system is still pretty much in development, we can expect to see more amazing additions in terms of functions and features by the time the OS finally comes out. According to recent reports, mobile phone manufacturers Asus and HTC are working on their own WP7 devices.
Speaking of release dates, Samsung will be filling in that thirst for trying out some new mobile platform. The new Bada OS has been seen on the Samsung Wave. This phone runs on a 1GHz CPU. The super AMOLED capacitive touch screen is a little small at 3.3 inches, but it is graphically and visually superior to many other devices we have seen. Expect to see the Wave in the next few months.
Read more about the Mobile World Congress on Times Online UK.
The Phone Legend from HTC
The previous years have seen an increase in the number of phone manufacturers come up in such a high rate. This has been occasioned by the demand in the phone market. However, nowadays people do not just buy phones to communicate. Recent innovations have taken the market to greater heights and the sophistications that have characterized the phone market cannot in any way be ignored. Nowadays most of the phones have enhanced capabilities that have made life much easier in terms of information and communication. These changes have caused cut throat competition between manufacturers who try to come up with innovative solutions to retain or attract customers. The companies which stand the test of time get the chance to get a large chunk in the market. Companies will generally be judged on the type and caliber of phones they produce. The consumer is the ultimate judge and he does this by choosing one of the numerous types of phones in the market.
One of the phones that have found favor in the eyes of many customers is the HTC Legend. And as its name states the phone is a true legend and with its sleek design and unique features it will thrive in the market in a marvelous way. The phone right from the outside is very attractive and it gives so much promise to its users through its external artistically designed features. The phone enhances its touch and feel by having a brushed metal like surface. This ensures that once you have it your hand you may never let it go. This experience is one to be cherished.
The phone has a light emitting diode screen which provides its users with a magnificent out of the world experience of entertainment and internet clarity. The phone through its relatively large screen ensures that access and crispness of the photos is at all-time high and thus giving you a scintillating experience. Networking with the phone has been considered with utmost importance and with the HTC Legend then this phenomenon is only made better. The manufacturers of the phone may have had as one of their main aspects in creating it as it almost evident through the customized features which are perfected for this purpose alone. The phone allows the owners to create their own groups where they can interact and communicate with their loved ones and friends. Interacting with other social networking sites such as face book, twitter and the rest has been simplified so as to give the consumer more ease in getting in touch with the rest of the social networking community.
The phone captivates its customer with a larger selection of widgets which widens their scoop on the possibilities that they are presented with entertainment wise. The gadget ensures that the customers enjoy more live contents which in turn translate to more entertainment. This however does not end there, the phone has an online widget library where you can store most of your valuable information online and still have access to it at your own convenient time.
It is often said that little things usually make up big things. The HTC Legend is no exception and with it the small features magnify the magnificence of the phone. One of small features that make a significant difference is the inbuilt sensor which detects that the user has hard the call thus it reduces the ringing volume. This is one of the ways that can effectively reduce disturbance made by the phone in case you are in a situation where silence is highly regarded. The HTC Legend is surely the ultimate legend in the world of phones.
MWC: Device Hit List
Nobody really wants to buy one mobile phone after the other, but if we had the money, here is a quick list of all the devices shown at the Mobile World Congress that we would certainly want to get our hands on.
First off, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10; honestly, it is an odd choice. The X10 is by far one of the least impressive of the many Snapdragon powered devices that got announced. At the same time, it is also one of the very first Android smart phones announced to have the Snapdragon CPU. Blame it on months of longing and waiting, but one way or the other, the X10 deserves to be part of our list. At the very least, the new Timescape and Mediascape user interface looks pretty impressive with the Android OS.
Speaking of the Android, no other smart phone can probably quench some serious Android thirst like the HTC Desire. This Snapdragon Android smart phone was originally announced as the HTC Bravo. When HTC went off with Google to work on the Nexus One, media focus on the Bravo went down; but that did not mean that HTC was not still working on it.
Just a few days after the launch of the Nexus One last January, it was announced that the Bravo would be coming out this March. MWC gave and extra surprise with HTC renaming the phone from Bravo to Desire. Expect this to be the phone of choice for anyone who does not want to order the Nexus One online.
Closing up our list is the soon to come Windows Phone 7 series device. It is confirmed that MS and Asus will be launching the new device on October, but so far, all other details are still scarce.
Get to see more device highlights from the MWC with another top picks list on Stuff TV.
LG Mini GD880
The LG Mini GD880 is a stylish compact touch screen phone. It’s described as the smallest and slimmest full touch screen phone available in the market today. The phone comes with various features that allow the user to keep in touch with family friends throughout. The phone is made to handle various users’ needs. Among the features include an internet browser that allows you to log into popular sites like Facebook and Twitter.
The phones outer casing is user friendly and attractive to the eyes. It has a bar form shape and a stylish bold casing. This casing is simple and the neat edges give the LG Mini GD880 that sophisticated and elegant look. 
Most of the casings that come with the LG Mini GD880 are mostly black in color but with silver accents. The phone has a 3.2 inch wide touch screen with dominates the face of the phone. This screen guarantees the user superb viewing display. The LG Mini GD880 has a resolution capacity of 480*850 pixels.
Users of the LG Mini GD880 are able to access easy to use screen controls and freedom from using the keys. In addition, users can input numeric and alphabetic text using the onscreen keypad. The touch screen keys are also well placed. The phone has 5.0 megapixel cameras that can allow you to record both high quality video and photos. The camera also has an inbuilt auto focus feature that will automatically give a premium view of the each time the button is pressed. The cameras capture key is located in the right hand side allowing the user to place the phone horizontally when recording or capturing a picture.
The LG Mini GD880 comes with an inbuilt FM radio with advanced radio data function ensuring the user can be able to view the onscreen data that is relevant to the station tuned in. In addition, listening to music in the LG Mini GD880 is a mind blowing experience. This is because it has a music player that support high caliber music and which the user can transfer using the different options available. The music player is able to support such WMA and MP3 format type music. They can also use the interactive touch screen buttons.
The LG Mini GD880 allows the user to enjoy different games. Furthermore, they can download other interactive games on the internet. The built in media player allows for the viewing of popular videos in different formats. They can also enjoy watching them in vertical or horizontal mode.
The LG Mini GD880 has a call log feature that allows you to be able to hold twenty calls which have received, dialed or missed. In addition there is an inbuilt speaker which helps you to listen and talk thru the phone while hands free. This feature is great when you are doing different task like driving or cooking. This phone is able to hold up to one thousand names and contact which can be edited thereby allowing the user to update contacts regularly.
The LG Mini GD880 has a photo call feature that allows you to be able to view the picture or photo of the caller if they are saved in your phone book. You can send, receive and store e-mail with the LG Mini GD880.in addition you can be able to create a text message using both numeric and alphanumeric input. This message can also be shared between contacts that use the same SMS format. In addition a multimedia message can also be shared allowing you send photos, music and video messages to another compatible phone.
The LG Mini GD880 uses a Wi-Fi technology that allows the user to browse the internet in places where there are LAN and hotspots. The phone also comes with a GPS navigating function feature. The phone also allows the transfer of data between Bluetooth, EDGE and GPRS type connection. It’s high speed connectivity when browsing or transferring of data. The LG Mini GD880 has an inbuilt memory card slot that can be able to hold more than 16GB of external memory. In addition the phone has one hundred megabytes of internal memory. The user can be able to store their favorite music, videos and games.
Things that Stood Out at the MWC
The Mobile World Congress last Sunday left us with plenty of new things to look forward to in the mobile phone industry. It is not surprising that there are plenty of new innovations every other day when it comes to dealing with technology, but with events like MWC, getting a sneak peek at the what’s lurking just past the corner makes us all very giddy with excitement.
Granted that we did not see any form of innovation for Korean-inspired, sausage based stylus technology for capacitive touch screen phones (har-har), MWC still had plenty in the way of smart phones and new mobile platforms.
Samsung showed off the new Bada mobile platform on the Samsung Wave smart phone. The device was like a mini Nexus One with its own custom open source operating system. It looked cute, and with its 1GHz Processor, the device was pretty impressive for a first shot device.
Too bad for the Bada, one other mobile platform debuted at the MWC which practically stole all the thunder out of everything else. The new Windows Phone 7 series is not going to arrive till the holidays of 2010. But the initial demonstration of the work in progress has left everyone wanting for more. The motto “the phone is not a PC” has rung true for the development and the execution of the design, form and function of WP7 –totally reinventing the mobile experience.
On actual phones, Google’s Android OS has been the favorite platform of choice as several devices from major manufacturers such as HTC and Sony Ericsson showed off their newest smart phones running the little green robot. Coincidentally, the new Android phones (XPERIA X10, HTC Legend and HTC Desire) are expected to pop out sometime March to April.
See images of key products from MWC 2010 at the Guardian UK.
Windows Mobile 7: Reinvent Everything
There are times when you know that a project has to be scrapped and you have to move on to something new. In many ways, that is exactly what the ingenuous folks at the Microsoft mobile labs have decided to do. Though just by looking at the product name, it is hard to see that.
The new Windows Phone 7 series was formerly named Windows Mobile 7. Not much difference in the two titles, and in many ways, it tells us that this is the 7th main incarnation of the operating system. Yes, it’s a sequel, but just by looking at the new OS, it is hard to imagine being the sequel of the previous version. No, this new platform is 7 in name, but it is also the first.
Windows Mobile has always hated capacitive touch screens and our stubby fingers. The new Windows Phone 7 on the other hand fully supports multi touch, gestures and plenty of other capacitive touch screen based features.
Also new in Windows Phone 7 is the inclusion of Zune. Zune has not been around much, especially for the UK. But with this new system for handling music and video media files, expect to get plenty of enjoyment as you organize your playlists and more.
Xbox Games Live also got shown onstage. So far, it shows that player accounts on XBL can be imported, and it may be possible to sign up through the phone. No word yet if achievements and gamer scores will carry over.
At this point WP 7 still has plenty to deliver before it can be considered as a fully ready device. But the demonstration clearly showed that once this OS is over, it will be competing handily with both Google’s Android and the Apple iPhone OS.
Read more about Windows Phone 7 at Pocket Lint.