itself to grab TV set-top marketshare from TiVo.
DetailsMOT AIMS WINDOWS MOBILE-BASED Q PRO AT ENTERPRISESMotorola unveiled a new version of its Windows Mobile-based Q smartphone, featuring expanded enterprise-level functionality, at CES in Las Vegas this week. The Moto Q Pro boasts enhanced security software, document editing capabilities, call center support, and extended battery life, among other enterprise-oriented features.
DetailsUMPC PACKS SOLID-STATE DISKSamsung introduced a new ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The Q1P SSD is claimed to be the first UMPC to replace the 1.8-inch rotating-media drive with a 32 GB NAND flash memory storage device.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE TREO 750 ARRIVES STATESIDEThe Palm Treo 750, introduced in Europe as the 750v last fall, is now available in the U.S. From Cingular Wireless. The five-band Treo 750 runs Windows Mobile 5.0 and works with Cingulars 3G/UMTS network, said to be available in "dozens of countries."
DetailsMICROSOFT AND FORD GET IN SYNCFord Motor Company has announced a new factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system based on Microsoft Auto, recently renamed from Windows Mobile for Automotive. Dubbed Sync, Fords new capability will become available later this year in a dozen 2008 vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury.
DetailsVIAS INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MOBO LINE SPAWNS PICO-ITXVia is readying a media-oriented motherboard in what could be the next popular size for small form-factor PCs: Pico-ITX. The Epia PX board measures 3.9 x 2.8 inches and features a 1GHz C7 processor, along with rich audio/video I/O, albeit mostly on pin headers.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE PDA SPORTS DETACHABLE QWERTY KEYBOARDT-Mobile of Germany has released a new Windows Mobile PDA based on Taiwan ODM HTCs Athena reference design. The Ameo, which is usable with or without the keyboard, features a QWERTY keyboard that attaches via a magnetic strip.
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FEBRUARY
MOTOROLA READIES WINDOWS MOBILE 6 PHONESMotorola has announced two smartphones that will run Microsofts just released Windows Mobile 6 software platform. The Moto Q q9 and the Q gsm, with full QWERTY keyboards, are successors to the original Moto Q, which entered the market last May.
DetailsWINDOWS CE SMARTPHONE FEATURES ASSOCIATIVE ARRAY MULTIMEDIA ENGINESwedish mobile phone maker Neonode has introduced a new model in its line of diminutive Windows CE-based mobile phones. The N2 features the same touchscreen-only interface as its predecessor, the N1, and incorporates an application processor with an associative processor array multimedia engine.
DetailsHP SMARTPHONE FEATURES VOWIFI, WINDOWS MOBILE 6Hot on the heels of the official release of Windows Mobile 6, Hewlett-Packard announced its first smartphone running the new platform.
The quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE iPAQ 500 series Voice Messenger features hands-free operation with more than 20 voice commands.
DetailsVEHICLE-MOUNT COMPUTERS RUN WINDOWS XP EMBEDDEDPsion Teklogix is shipping a pair of rugged, vehicle-mount computers targeted at harsh warehouse and cold storage environments. The 8580 and 8590 run Windows XP Embedded and include a built-in environment controller that "ensures adaptability to changing conditions."
DetailsWIDE-SCREEN, WIRELESS TABLET RUNS WINDOWS MOBILESharp is set to release a Windows Mobile 5-powered tablet that bears a striking resemblance to Nokias recently introduced N800. The EM-ONE, initially available in Japan only, features HSDPA, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity, a wide 800x400 screen, and an unusual dual sliding QWERTY keyboard.
DetailsCOMPACT GPS/PDA RUNS WINDOWS MOBILEMio Technology has added a new model to its line of GPS-enabled Digiwalker Windows Mobile Pocket PCs. The sleek P550 fits comfortably in a suit pocket, purse, or briefcase and sports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with GPS navigation and a full media player.
DetailsFIRST AM2 MINI-ITX MOBO TARGETS 64-BIT APPSTaiwanese boardmaker Albatron has unveiled what it claims to be the first mini-ITX motherboard built around AMDs new AM2 processor socket. Mated with a low-power, small-form-factor AMD processor, the KI690-AM2 could suit a variety of space-constrained embedded and consumer-device applications where 64-bit processing might work well.
DetailsLOW-COST WINDOWS CE-POWERED COMPUTING APPLIANCE REINCARNATESData Evolution has reintroduced AMDs low-cost Personal Internet Communicator, aimed at developing regions of the world. The decTOP runs Windows CE 5.0, includes a suite of basic software, has built-in dial-up and broadband networking and a 10GB hard drive, and uses an external keyboard and monitor.
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MARCH
WINDOWS MOBILE PDA BOASTS GPS, T-DMB, SURROUND SOUNDDevice-maker LG Electronics has introduced the first PDA to feature SRS Labss mobile surround sound technology, SRS announced this week. The LG N1 boasts a large, full-color LCD screen, is based on Windows Mobile, and integrates PDA, GPS, and T-DMB (terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting) digital-TV reception.
DetailsSAMSUNG ADDS WINDOWS VISTA-EQUIPPED UMPCSamsung has added a Windows Vista-based model to its UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) tablet family. The Q1P for Windows Vista UMPC has achieved Windows Vista certification, and boasts a 1GHz Intel Pentium M ULV processor, 60GB hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth wireless, and a 7-inch wide-VGA touchscreen.
DetailsHTC DEBUTS WIRELESS QWERTY HANDHELD DUO AT CTIAHTC unveiled a pair of self-branded handheld computers at the CTIA Wirelesss show in Orlando, Florida. The Advantage, running Windows Mobile 6, is a richly featured PDA/phone, while the Shift, running Vista, appears to be an interesting variation on the UMPC theme.
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APRIL
HTC SHIFTS INTO UMPC GEARHTC has disclosed further details on its first UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) reference platform, the Shift, which the company unveiled at CTIA last month. The device is based on Intels new Ultra Mobile Platform 2007 spec and incorporates low-power Intel Pentium M processor technology.
DetailsPANEL PC AIMS WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED AT FORK LIFTSNoax Technologies has introduced Windows XP Embedded support for its family of rugged panel PCs which target mobile vehicles such as forklifts, cranes, construction equipment, and freight carriers. The Mobile PC devices combine an embedded PC with a touch-screen display, storage, wired/wireless networking, and expansion slots.
DetailsATM MACHINE RUNS WINDOWS CE 5.0ATM manufacturer Triton demonstrated a new ATM (automated teller machine) powered by Windows CE 5.0 at its annual sales conference in Mississippi this week. The RL2000 is a low cost, flexible off-premise ATM that targets small convenience stores, restaurants, hotel and retail chains, and off-site banking.
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MAY
TINY CLAMSHELL MOBILE PC DOES VISTAFlipStart, founded in 2002 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, earlier this month began shipping its first product. The FlipStart 1.0 squeezes the power of a full Windows PCincluding a 1.1GHz processor, hard drive, display, keyboard, and wireless communicationsinto an ultra-compact, palm-sized package.
DetailsLOW-COST UMPC SPORTS SWIVELING DISPLAYData Evolution has announced an aggressively priced ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) device with a unique, swiveling display. The Cathena CX cuts cost, complexity, and power consumption by using a low-power AMD Geode LX800 processor, but consequently lacks the processing muscle of typical UMPCs.
DetailsRUGGED HANDHELD DOES VGA, RUNS WINDOWS MOBILE 6Psion Teklogix has introduced the second generation of its Workabout Pro line of rugged industrial handheld computers. The new devices feature a faster processor and full VGA display, and are available with either Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic or Professional editions.
DetailsFUJITSU DEBUTS SMALL-FORMAT UMPCFujitsu announced a line of ulta-mobile PCs (UMPCs) aimed at business users. Billed as the worlds smallest tablet-convertible UMPC, the FMV-U8240 sports a 5.6-inch 1024 x 600-pixel LCD, weighs 20.5 ounces, and will be offered with either Windows Vista or Windows XP Professional.
DetailsPOCKET PC PHONE SPORTS VGA, WINDOWS MOBILE 6Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer) E-ten has released a successor to its Glofiish X500 Pocket PC phone introduced last fall. The Glofiish X500+ features a full VGA screen and an improved auto-macro camera, and runs Windows Mobile 6.
DetailsNEW T-MOBILE PDA/PHONE RUNS WINDOWS MOBILE 6T-Mobile has introduced a new Pocket PC phone manufactured by Taiwanese phone-maker HTC into the U.S. The T-Mobile Wing features a blue soft-touch exterior, a touch-sensitive QVGA LCD screen, and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and runs Windows Mobile 6.
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JUNE
WINDOWS MOBILE HANDSET SPORTS INTUITIVE TOUCH UITaiwanese ODM HTC Corp. on June 5 unveiled a new Windows Mobile phone that features the companys newly developed intuitive touch screen navigation user interface (UI). The deceptively small and stylish touch implements a an innovative new concept in intuitive touch screen navigation, the company claims.
DetailsTHIN CLIENT NOTEBOOK RUNS WINDOWS XP EMBEDDEDAT Labs has added a new model to its line of wireless Windows XP Embedded thin client notebooks. The NB-7500 NetBook provides all the connectivity features of a standard notebook computer, controlled from a single point of update and management.
DetailsASUS REVEALS $190 MINI NOTEBOOKAsus chairman Jonney Shih introduced an ultra-low-cost, ultra-portable notebook computer at a Computex keynote this week. The Eee PC (3ePC) features a 7-inch display, weighs about two pounds, and runs either Windows XP or Linux from 2-16MB of internal flash memory.
DetailsVISTA-FRIENDLY NETWORKED PROJECTORS RUN WINDOWS CE 6.0NEC Display Solutions of America has introduced a line of intelligent, networked projectors claimed to be the first to support the Windows Vista Connect to a Network Projector wizard. The Npx150 series projectors run Windows CE 6.0 and target corporate, educational, and government applications.
DetailsSPRINT READIES WINDOWS MOBILE 6.0 EV-DO HANDHELDSprint is readying a new Pocket PC phone manufactured by Taiwanese device-maker HTC. The Mogul will eventually support EV-DO Rev. A download rates up to 3.1 Mbps, and will be the first CDMA phone in the U.S. To run Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional Edition, Sprint claims.
DetailsWINDOWS EMBEDDED THIN CLIENTS HIDE BEHIND MONITORI-O Corp. has launched a new line of thin clients small enough to mount on the back of standard LCD monitors. Described as about the size of a three-CD set, the Pro|Edge thin client series is available with either Windows CE or Windows XP Embedded.
DetailsDRUG/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION GADGET RUNS WINDOWS CEDetectaChem LLC has released a multipurpose handheld detection device that incorporates an Atmel ARM926-based embedded processor running Windows CE 6.0. The Seeker CDU 220 can detect a wide variety of explosives, drugs, biological agents, and chemicals, and it integrates a barcode scanner and optional GPS receiver.
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JULY
WINDOWS CE HANDHELD SCANS BARCODES AT 50 FEETIntermec has introduced the CK31ex, said to be the first handheld computer with integrated near-far imaging technology. This allows the Windows CE-based device to read barcodes and other symbology at distances from six inches to 50 feet.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE PHONES BOAST FINGERPRINT AUTHENTICATIONToshiba Europe says it is now shipping two new phones featuring built-in fingerprint authentication. The Portege G500 and G900 are also claimed to be among the first shipping Windows Mobile 6.0.
DetailsWINDOWS CE-POWERED PMP TO OFFER WPS, VOIPiRiver will release a new portable media player (PMP) running Windows CE later this year, according to its European website. In addition to playback of numerous multimedia formats, the W10 integrates an FM tuner, WiFi positioning system (WPS) technology, and, it is rumored, VoIP phone-call capabilities.
DetailsICONIC FIAT 500 OFFERS WINDOWS MOBILE INFOTAINMENTFiat has launched its latest car using Microsofts Windows Mobile-based Blue&Me infotainment platform. The Fiat 500 has been designed to evoke the original Cinquecento, an iconic vehicle that made its debut 50 years ago.
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AUGUST
CAMERA RECOGNIZES LICENSE PLATES, RUNS WINDOWS XP EMBEDDEDAppian Technology has introduced a camera that recognizes vehicle license plates, then reports the results to traffic and police authorities using integrated wired or wireless communications. The Stinger Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera is based on a 1.4 Ghz Pentium processor running Windows XP Embedded.
DetailsJAPANESE TV PORTAL TO DEPLOY STBS RUNNING WINDOWS CEA2i has announced a Windows CE-based set-top box (STB) that supports IPTV (Internet protocol television) and video-on-demand (VOD) features. The company currently expects at least 10,000 units of its X-720 STB to be deployed by an unnamed Japanese TV portal service over the next 12 months.
DetailsRUGGED UMPC BOASTS GPS/GSM/GPRS OPTIONSActurion Datasys has released an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) intended for use outdoors in harsh environmental conditions. The Victum-Tablet 8 UMPC has a completely sealed light-alloy metal housing and uses a 1.2 Ghz Pentium M processor to run Windows XP Tablet Edition.
DetailsCOMBO GAME CONSOLE, PMP, PDA RUNS WINDOWS CENewman has announced a device it bills as a combination PDA, PMP (portable media player), game console, and mobile Internet machine. Whatever you want to call it, the Newsmy MiniAll VX1000 runs Windows CE 5.0 and includes integral WiFi.
DetailsDUAL-DISPLAY PMP/GPS RUNS WINDOWS CEIriver has introduced a new combination portable media player (PMP) and GPS device that features both a 7-inch LCD screen and an organic LED (OLED) display for showing menus. The iRiver NV runs Windows CE 5.0, with a custom GUI created in Adobe Flash Lite 2.1.
DetailsHANDHELD GPS, PMP RUNS WINDOWS CEClarion has introduced a pair of seven-ounce, personal navigation devices meant for use in cars, on bicycles, or on foot. The MAP770 (in Europe) and DrivTrax P5 (in Japan) run the Windows CE 5.0 core OS, and can play WMA/MP3 files and display JPEG/BMP images.
DetailsAUTOMATED BARTENDER RUNS WINDOWS XP EMBEDDEDDigital Beverages has announced a computer-controlled beverage dispenser that runs Windows XP Embedded. Aimed at both home and institutional users, the MyFountain can automatically pour hot, cold, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Details3.5G SMARTPHONE FOLDS LIKE A TINY LAPTOPProlific device-maker HTC has introduced yet another mobile handset, this time a smartphone design featuring a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 3.5G HSDPA connectivity. The TyTn II runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional.
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SEPTEMBER
ULTRA-MOBILE DEVICE HAS WEBCAM, QWERTY KEYBOARDPackard Bell has introduced a notebook-style ultra-mobile device that includes a 7-inch display and a full QWERTY keyboard. The EasyNote XS also incorporates a webcam and a 30 GB hard drive.
DetailsTINY THIN CLIENT SPEEDS UP MULTIMEDIANEC has turned to Windows CE for its latest thin client, designed to work with the companys server products via the Vmware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). The company says its tiny US110 offers enhanced multimedia performance, along with added support for RSA SecureID VPN connectivity.
DetailsHP UNVEILS NEW SMARTPHONES, PDAs, GPSAt a Sept. 5 gala event, HP debuted 56 different iPAQ-branded products, including five mobile software programs, twelve mobile services, almost three dozen handheld accessories, and five new handheld devices.
Underlining the companys longtime Microsoft relationship, the new handhelds all run Windows Mobile or Windows CE.
DetailsTHIN CLIENT NOTEBOOK TO RUN WINDOWS CE, XP EMBEDDEDNeoware has announced development of a notebook-style thin client claimed to be the fastest and most powerful mobile thin client available. The Neoware m2000 will use a yet-to-be-disclosed Intel processor and, unlike the model it replaces, be offered with both Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE PHONE LEVERAGES INTEGRATED GPSMio Technology has announced a Windows Mobile 6-based phone with built-in GPS. The companys DigiWalker A702 also includes a 3.2-megapixel camera, photo geotagging, and business card scanning.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE 6 PHONE HAS SLIDE-OUT KEYBOARDSamsung has announced a mobile phone with a novel keypad layout and slide-out keyboard. The Verizon-branded SCH-i760 runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional and features both WiFi and Bluetooth.
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OCTOBER
DEVICE MERGES PHONE, SCANNER, CARD READER, PRINTER4P Mobile Data Processing has announced a novel device that integrates a phone, scanner, card reader, and printer. The Windows CE-powered FDA600 Field Digital Assistant is said to be suitable for sales, field service, or mobile ticketing and fare collection applications.
Details3.5G PHONE BOASTS TOUCH, SLIDE-OUT KEYBOARDTaiwanese device-maker HTC has finally introduced a much-rumored handset that combines the companys distinctive touchscreen interface with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The Touch Dual runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional, and boasts 3.5G wireless technology claimed to transfer data up to 9 times as fast as 3G.
DetailsMOST FEATURE-PACKED U.S. WINDOWS MOBILE PHONE DEBUTSAT&T has released a Windows Mobile 6-based phone claimed to be the most feature-packed smart device available in the U.S. The HTC-manufactured AT&T Tilt sports a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and offers UMTS, EDGE, or GPRS data roaming in more than 135 countries.
DetailsI-MATE AIMS QUARTET OF HIGH-END SMARTPHONES AT ROAD WARRIORSDubai-based i-mate has unveiled four high-end Windows Mobile phones and a plan for targeting U.S. business professionals. The Ultimate smartphones can drive external XGA-resolution displays and will be sold as unlocked GSM devices, aimed at frequent travelers who can use them as laptop replacements. Learn more from these two stories:
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Further detailsPOWERFUL THIN CLIENT SUPPORTS DUAL DISPLAYS, EXPANSIONWyse has announced what it is touting as the industrys most powerful thin computer. The G90, based on a 1.2GHz Via C7 processor, includes dual-monitor support and runs Windows XP Embedded.
DetailsPANEL PC SUPPORTS WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED, WEPOSBelview Technologies has released an all-in-one touchscreen computer based on a 1.5 Ghz Celeron processor and running Windows XP Embedded (Xpe). The PP8500 is aimed at point-of-sale (POS), point-of-information (POI) and stand-alone kiosk applications.
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NOVEMBER
WINDOWS CE POWERS HANDHELD TRANSLATION DEVICEEctaco has introduced an electronic dictionary and translation device based on Windows CE. The iTravl is claimed to use the worlds most sophisticated speech recognition to understand what a user says, then provide spoken translation from English to any of eight different languages.
DetailsWINDOWS CE-BASED GPS MAPS U.K. NATIONAL PARKSSatmap Systems Ltd. Has introduced a sport GPS system specifically aimed at those who want to enjoy the U.K.s national parks. The Active 10 runs Windows CE and, in addition to GPS, includes a 2-axis electronic compass.
DetailsDUAL-KEYBOARD 3G HANDSET RUNS WINDOWS MOBILE 6AT&T has introduced an interesting new 3G mobile phone running Windows Mobile 6. Within one model, the Pantech Duo offers a choice of two keyboards, and also a choice between dual-band domestic and quad-band world phone wireless calling modes, plus several high-speed data transfer technologies.
DetailsWINDOWS MOBILE 6 SMARTPHONE HAS SLIDE-OUT KEYPADT-Mobile has announced a new phone that features Windows Mobile 6 and a slide-out QWERTY-like keypad. The Shadow is a quad-band world phone usable in any country where the carrier provides its GPRS service.
DetailsWINDOWS GOES ON A DIET FOR MINI-LAPTOPSMini-laptops are suddenly in season. After months of anticipation and rumored shipments to Brazil and Mexico, Intels ClassMate PC has been sighted in the wild by U.S.-based reviewers, and Asuss much-heralded Eee PC made its debut in the U.S.
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DECEMBER
WORLDS SMALLEST WINDOWS XP SYSTEM?DMP Electronics (aka Icop) has announced a tiny silent PC claimed to be the smallest system in the world capable of running Windows XP. The eBox-4300 measures 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.4 inches, has a 500MHz x86-compatible Via processor, and supports up to 1GB or RAM.
DetailsMICHELIN GUIDE GOES WINDOWS CEKnown for tires and restaurant guides, Michelin has now announced an in-car GPS unit that runs Windows CE 5.0. The compact X-970T includes hotel and restaurant reviews from the Michelin guide as well as maps of the U.K, Ireland, and mainland Europe, according to the company.
DetailsVIA OFFERS DIY PICO-ITX KITVia has discovered a cheap source of labor to build ultra-mini PCs based on its pico-ITX boards: its customers. Vias $300 Artigo pico-ITX kit provides a Via C7 1GHz-based pico-ITX motherboard, a case, and everything else do-it-yourselfers might need except storage, RAM, and an operating system.
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