The Windows Mobile 6.5 update for the T-Mobile Touch Pro 2, which leaked out a while ago, is now available through official channels, if you're into that sort of thing. (Looks like that rumored Jan. 20 date got blown, eh?) You're going to need your IMEI number (look under the battery), and then head here to get it. [via TmoNews]
Headline pretty much says it all here. TMoNews has it on good authority that updates to Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Touch Pro 2 and Dash 3G (aka the HTC Snap) will be coming on Jan. 20 (after that rumored Jan. 6 date came and went). Here's exactly what they heard:
Touch Pro2 and Dash 3GOn January 20, the Windows Mobile 6.5 software upgrade will be available for customers with the T-Mobile Touch Pro2 and the Dash 3G. Customers can obtain the update on T-Mobile.com at www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade.
Considering T-Mobile was the first carrier to launch the Touch Pro 2, it's an update we're very happy to finally see. Now, where's that HD2?
Looks like we might be in store for a new Windows phone marketing push, right about the time of CES. Gizmodo snagged shots from a Crispin Porter ad agency wall (note to any business that splurges on a projector -- that's how it's done!) showing real-time jobs. Listed under Jan. 4 is "Windows Phone Banners - Phase 2 Media." Jan 8 brings "Windows Phone Q3 Media Refresh."
Breaking out our crystal ball, that could mean a few things:
Regardless, we'll keep our eyes peeled in Las Vegas for anything new. (And we'll keep our eyes peeled for those Burger King funnel cake sticks, too.)
Myriad metaphors come to mind when thinking about Palm and Microsoft. David and Goliath. A young upstart fighter who took a couple of punches, versus an aging but still powerful opponent. A young executive overtaking the old man in the corner office. Take your pick.
In the past year, Palm announced and delivered on a new (and some say revolutionary) operating system and a pair of new phones. Microsoft announced and delivered another iteration of its operating system, which has found itself on a number of new devices. Their stories parallel each other, though many say the companies and their platforms are traveling in opposite directions.
After the break, we go in-depth with Palm's webOS from a Windows Mobile perspective, Smartphone Round Robin-style.
SPB Backup, one of our top choices for full-device backups, got a slight spec bump this week. Tilt Mobility spied it and notes the following changes:
You can snag the new download over at SPB's site.
AdMob, which, "serves ads for more than 15,000 mobile Web sites and applications around the world," recently released its October smartphone numbers. [pdf link] And as expected, Windows Mobile isn't exactly causing anyone to faint. The most damning chart shows Windows Mobile with a mere 4 percent of requests (as in hits) from smartphones, compared to 5 percent from WebOS, 12 percent from BlackBerries, 20 percent from Android and a whopping 55 percent from the iPhone.
Really, that's no great surprise. And we'd expect Windows Mobile's numbers to tick up a bit over the November, December and January, after the flurry of phones that hit the market upon launch of Windows Mobile 6.5.
But what's even more intriguing to us is the breakdown of Windows Mobile phones (these aren't Windows phones, as they're not running WinMO 6.5). Take a look at the chart below.
The most recent phones on there: The HTC Snap, at No. 20, with 0.9 percent share of requests. A couple versions of the Samsung Omnia come in at Nos. 6-7, and the Treo Pro's at No. 9. The HTC Touch Pro is at No. 1, and we have to remind ourselves it's not THAT old, but still ... There are some aging (as in gray hair and hearing aids) devices on that list.
And that says to us a couple of things:
1. You guys and gals love your Windows Mobile phones. So much so that you're still rocking last year's (and beyond) devices. Good for you.
2. You have some tough choices ahead of you. Windows Mobile 7 still hasn't been officially announced, and we still don't know exactly what to expect (other than much better hardware). So, to upgrade, or not to upgrade. We'll revisit that soon. In the meantime, sort things out in the comments.
Those of you holding out hope that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will get an official update to Windows Mobile 6.5 can let that dream die. An SE rep apparently has told Crave Asia that there will be no update, quit asking, now go buy the Xperia X2. (OK, we made up those last two parts.)
The good news? Unoffocial ROMs have been available for quite some time now in the usual places, so long as you don't mind a little hardSPL trickery. And as a reminder, here's the link to the semi-official (and still rather sparse) upgrade list, so check it to see if good news is headed your way. [Crave Asia via wmpoweruser]
Here's the Toshiba Dynapocket X02T from Japan's Softbank. If it looks familiar, it should. It's really just a rebranded Toshiba TG01. But what's new this time is that Softbank has U.S. filmmaker Quentin Tarantino (perhaps you've heard of him) shilling for it, and it's definitely entertaining. Peep video of the Q-Man (that's what he asked us to call him -- really) and more of the Dynapocket X02T (great phone, lousy name) after the break. [dvice via newlaunches]
Fess up: You can't leave good enough alone. You can't just use the stock Windows Mobile 6.5 interface. You have to crack open TouchFLO 3D and tweak every little setting you can. SPB Mobile Shell. Point UI. The list goes on.
After the break, see what we're all rocking here at WMExperts. Then, it's your turn. We want to see what you guys and gals have come up with on your Windows phones. (But let's keep it clean, folks. PG-13 and under.) Head into the forums and show us your stuff. And no need to fret if you don't have Windows 6.5 yet. We want to see from you guys, too.
For our German brethren, you lucky ducks get to update your Touch Pro 2 to Windows Mobile 6.5 with HTCs new ROM (version:1.86.407.5) today. HTC doesn't list too much except for some typical generics:
1. HTC phones featuring Windows 6.5 are designed to handle your daily life, with only one consideration: You.
2. You can customize with programs, ringtones, TouchFLO 3D options, and more.
3. Connect with the people you care about most using Windows Live, Facebook and other chat clients available for download.
4. Backing up with Microsoft My Phone is as easy as typing in a username and password and selecting what you want to back up. Everything else is automatic. You can even let it run in the background while you surf the net, chat with friends, or have it just resting in your pocket while you relax on the couch.
5. All this and increased convenience with a one stop shop for applications available for free and for download in the brand new Marketplace.
Still, if you're not using a custom ROM already and want the official version, well here ya go. Get it here.
Thanks @msh441
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