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Toshiba ships phone with "Russian" user interface
Jun. 25, 2008

Toshiba is shipping a Windows Mobile 6.1-based phone with a user interface developed in Russia. Along with a customized version of Spb Software's Mobile Shell, the Portege G810 features GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, dual cameras, and HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access) connectivity, the companies say.

(Click here for a larger view of Toshiba's Portege G810)

Ever since HTC's ground-breaking introduction of its TouchFLO add-on for Windows Mobile in 2007, third parties have hastened to graft enhanced user interfaces onto Microsoft's smartphone operating system. Microsoft itself even got into the game, creating a customized UI for the T-Mobile Shadow.

Though Windows Mobile 6.1 now sports a new "sliding panel" home screen, this hasn't stemmed the flood of would-be replacements from around the world. Just yesterday, for example, Singaporean manufacturer Verzio announced "Flick Dynamic Menu" software for its Envii smartphone.

Toshiba now joins the fray with its Portege G810, dressed up with a customized version of the Spb Mobile Shell from Russian developer Spb Software House. St. Petersburg-based Spb says the G810 also includes versions of its Spb Full Screen Keyboard utility and a smart scrolling component from Spb Pocket Plus. Collectively, these add-ons improved the phone's support for one-handed operation, Sbp claims.


The Portege 810 supplements the standard Windows Mobile Today screen (left) with Spb's enhanced replacement (right)
(Click to enlarge)

On its web site, Spb Software House has posted screen shots and details of the changes made to Windows Mobile for the Portege G810. For example, the operating system's standard Today screen (above left) has been replaced by an "uncluttered status screen" (above right) with a central clock, weather information, and other features. Charging that the standard Windows program launcher (below left) "looks like a holdover from the one we enjoyed so much in Windows 95," Spb says its replacement (below right) provides faster, more convenient operation, and is designed for one-handed operation.


The Portege G810 has a replacement program launcher (right)
(Click to enlarge)

Spb's Full Screen Keyboard covers the entire display area when invoked, providing keys that are touted as being large enough to press without the aid of a stylus. In addition, Spb has reskinned the G810's Dialer and Wireless Manager utilities, both to match the device's black scheme and to provide for easier finger operation.

Hardware features

Beyond its user interface enhancements, Toshiba's Portege 810 boasts GPS functionality, quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and tri-band UMTS connectivity, and an HSDPA data mode said to provide downloads up to 3.6Mbps. It combines Qualcomm's MSM7200 chipset with 128MB of RAM, 256MB of flash, and up to 4GB of microSD-based memory expansion.

The G810 has a 2.8-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution. Typical multimedia playback capabilities, via Windows Media Player, are enhanced here via the inclusion of an FM receiver. Like an increasing number of phones, the G810 also includes dual cameras: a three megapixel main unit with autofocus, and a VGA-resolution unit for videoconferencing.

Features and specifications listed by Toshiba for the Portege G810 include:
  • Processor -- Qualcomm MSM7200, clocked at 400MHz
  • Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash
  • Display -- 2.8-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution
  • Wireless interfaces:
    • WAN:
      • UMTS, 850/19002100MHz
      • GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 850/900/1800/1900MHz
      • HSDPA (3.6Mbps)
      • HSUPA (2Mbps)
      • Class B GPRS
    • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
    • LAN -- 802.11b/g
    • GPS
    • FM receiver
  • Cameras:
    • main camera -- 3 megapixel resolution
    • secondary camera -- VGA resolution for videoconferencing
  • Other I/O -- USB
  • Expansion -- microSD slot
  • Battery type/life:
    • 1530 mAh lithium-polymer battery
    • up to 315 hours standby
    • up to four hours talk time
  • Dimensions -- 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.54 inches (112.5 x 61 x 13.9mm)
  • Weight -- 4.3 ounces (123g)
Further information

Toshiba did not release pricing information for the Portege G810, but the device is available now. For further information on its user interface, see the Spb Sofware House website, here.



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