MWC Impressions
The World Mobile Congress (or MWC for short) is finally here. This is the big trade show where all the mobile phone producers start showing off their new goods for the upcoming year. So far, we have seen a new version of Windows Mobile, a few new Android devices, and a bunch of other new phones. Since we are about half way through, I figured I would throw up a quick post about my initial impressions.
Windows Mobile 6.5—On Monday, Microsoft showed off Windows Mobile 6.5. The new version of the OS includes a new home screen, a new application selector screen, and a bunch of new ancillary pages (contacts, settings, etc.). My first impression is that these new screens look really nice. From an aesthetics point of view, it looks like the Windows Mobile platform is now on the same level as the iPhone, the G1, and the Blackberry offerings (depending on personal preference). But, from a pure technological point of view, it does appear that WM6.5 still lags behind some of its competitors (notably the iPhone). According to most early news, it appears that WM6.5 will only support resistive (versus capacitive) touch. While there are arguments for one versus the other, my initial inclination would lean toward a preference for capacitive. With that said, I do not think that is a deal breaker for me, because I have always preferred a physical keyboard over a touchscreen. So, if Microsoft can manage to port WM6.5 on a finger friendly device like the Epix or HTC Touch Pro and provide a few other compelling services (e.g. My Phone, Marketplace, and Zune), I would be sold.
Android—The first day of the MWC was a bit quiet on the Android front. But, day two brought the HTC Magic. This looks to be the second iteration of the G1 (the first Android phone). This version is much better looking than its predecessor, but lacks the keyboard that made it appealing to me. I personally do not like this form factor a whole lot, but I think this device marks the beginning of a wave of new handhelds loaded with Android. Personally, I am pretty excited about this. While I do not like the Android interface as much as WM6.5, I think the software behind the device is more promising. It is integrated with all of Google’s services, which I use quite a lot. And, it also supports Amazon MP3 (my favorite non-DRM music provider). If HTC and other companies roll out improved form factors, the Android platform will definitely be on my short list when I start looking for a new phone later this year.
Other Devices—Of course there have been a number of other great devices shown at MWC this year. My favorites so far (in no particular order) are the HTC Touch Pro 2, the Toshiba G01, the Nokia N86, the Sony Idou, and the HTC Touch Diamond 2. If I had to buy a phone today it would be the HTC Touch Pro 2, (1) because it has a physical keyboard and a great screen, and (2) because according to Microsoft it will be upgradeable to WM6.5 in the future.