Yesterday at a press event hosted in London, HTC unveiled its latest Windows Mobile device, the diamond.
The device is equipped with a generous 528 MHz processor, 4GB storage inbuilt, HSDPA, FM Radio, 3.2MP camera and GPS built in. The Diamond runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 which is the latest offering from Microsoft. Unfortunately Microsoft hasn't made many great improvements to the user interface of Windows Mobile recently and HTC have built applications and customizations for their devices.
The most important factor of this new device is HTC's new Touch Flo 3D interface. The new interface aims to compete against Apple's iPhone touch interface. From a video demonstration by MoDaCo it appears that the technology suffers from some common drawbacks to Windows Mobile's own interface and system. Occasionally freezing and not always responding to screen taps correctly. Checkout the video below to see what I am referring to. HTC has integrated Opera's mobile browser into the device and it appears to offer an improved interface for web browsing on Windows Mobile devices. A YouTube specific application features on the device almost like the iPhone equivalent.
In my own opinion, until Microsoft revamp Windows Mobile so that any area you navigate to on the device you can use gestures and the Touch-Flo like interface, these devices cannot compete with the interface of the iPhone. The iPhone is specifically built with touch in mind. Unfortunately there is no synergy with Windows Mobile yet and you feel frustrated when you navigate to an area of the OS that does not function the same as another. I am hoping for bigger things with Windows Mobile 7 and Microsoft has promised them.
Video: >> Click here <<
View: HTC Diamond
The device is equipped with a generous 528 MHz processor, 4GB storage inbuilt, HSDPA, FM Radio, 3.2MP camera and GPS built in. The Diamond runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 which is the latest offering from Microsoft. Unfortunately Microsoft hasn't made many great improvements to the user interface of Windows Mobile recently and HTC have built applications and customizations for their devices.
The most important factor of this new device is HTC's new Touch Flo 3D interface. The new interface aims to compete against Apple's iPhone touch interface. From a video demonstration by MoDaCo it appears that the technology suffers from some common drawbacks to Windows Mobile's own interface and system. Occasionally freezing and not always responding to screen taps correctly. Checkout the video below to see what I am referring to. HTC has integrated Opera's mobile browser into the device and it appears to offer an improved interface for web browsing on Windows Mobile devices. A YouTube specific application features on the device almost like the iPhone equivalent.
In my own opinion, until Microsoft revamp Windows Mobile so that any area you navigate to on the device you can use gestures and the Touch-Flo like interface, these devices cannot compete with the interface of the iPhone. The iPhone is specifically built with touch in mind. Unfortunately there is no synergy with Windows Mobile yet and you feel frustrated when you navigate to an area of the OS that does not function the same as another. I am hoping for bigger things with Windows Mobile 7 and Microsoft has promised them.
Video: >> Click here << View: HTC Diamond
I'm sold. Looks like $99-150 after rebate. My 2-yr contract ends soon
I'm sold. Looks like $99-150 after rebate. My 2-yr contract ends soon
My experiences with my PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 (rather old) weren't that bad. Your problems may be as much hardware related as software related. Beyond the bugs you have to deal with, what is your opinion of the interface and the software available for your PDA? IMO Windows Mobile has more to offer than an iPhone does. Of course, Windows Mobile is targeting business types who need a mobile device to stay organized with their chaotic schedules, while the iPhone is designed to be more like a shinny toy targeting young folks who want to be cool.
Don't get me wrong...I'd really like to have an iPhone. I like shinny toys
I'm sold. Looks like $99-150 after rebate. My 2-yr contract ends soon
You are thinking of Symbian. That's a bad OS.
$150? Dream the impossible dream!!! No carrier even has this phone, yet, and with those specs, you can bet your a$$ it's not going to be $150 after rebate. My guess is more like $400.
it's windows. When you close touchflo, you got to the old crappy look of windows 95
TouchFLO 3D looks really impressive too. But the lack of memory card slot is rediculous...HTC just never seem to get everyting right with one PDA...only some good things on some PDAs.
Um? Windows Mobile can be operated without a stylus...if the device supports it or not is a different matter, but then practically all devices do.
When was the last time you used a Windows Mobile Device?
It's split into 2 main categories, one is the PDA-style category that typically uses touchscreens, the other is the standard mobile category that usually DOESN'T have a touch screen.
I agree with you BUT you can do what you're saying only if standing still or while seated. You cannot do this while walking (for example) and THAT's a major step back from the buttons-do-it-all era.
have you ever used "Point UI"? ...its very fast & good in response (it has good animations too)...its all bcos they way they program...
I think this does everything I need!
OK, it doesn't have keyboard but I can make a compromise.
ALso, this site handtec site says it takes MicroSD!!!!
Lags and jags are to be expected of windows mobile os. What you get in return is the ability to install almost any kind of application you can dream of.
I'm definitely getting this one.
Embarrassing,
That is embarrassing and a discrace.
Like I said the basic visuals are nice. I don't even mind the weather animatons. But they could have stopped the rain animation at that, and not included the windshield wipers. Thats the type of thing I'm calling over the top.
So I didn't read the rest of the post!
Also, has anyone any experience with the new timing system in modern PC hardware (the high resolution timer and related APIs and BIOS stuff) and if so is it any good? Drop me a PM if you like.
That notwithstanding, please do carry on on your own topics as you would otherwise already be aware. Morning!
Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!
Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.