Windows Mobile Louisville

AT&T and Samsung Mobile announced today the availability of the Samsung Epix, a Windows Mobile smartphone featuring both an advanced touch screen and new optical mouse technology.

The Epix, which is available exclusively to AT&T customers in the U.S., provides users with a choice of ways to navigate its touch screen, including the first-ever implementation of optical mouse technology on a phone sold in the U.S. Located in the center of the device between the right and left soft keys, the optical mouse allows for quick and easy navigation by simply sweeping a finger over it. To make a selection, a single click will bring users to their desired location within the phone’s menus. The optical mouse can also be switched to a four-way navigation key for more traditional navigation. For those who would rather interact directly with the touch screen, they can either use their finger to navigate or the Epix’s built-in stylus for pinpoint accuracy.

The device runs Windows Mobile 6.1 and has the following features:

• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Built-in aGPS
• AT&T Video Share - the first-ever service in the U.S. that allows users to share live video over wireless devices while participating in a voice call, so they can share family moments, monitor progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to leave the office. 
• Global Capabilities — when abroad, AT&T customers can use the Epix to make or receive a phone call in more than 200 countries and check e-mail, browse the Web or perform other data functions in more than 150 countries, including in more than 60 — such as Japan and South Korea — that have deployed 3G networks.
• 2.0 Megapixel Camera — with video-capture capabilities. 
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Micro SD slot (32GB capacity)

The Epix measures 4.6″ x 2.4″ x 0.5″, weighs 4.4oz. and includes a 2.5″ TFT color display.

The Samsung Epix will be available through select AT&T retail locations or at http://www.att.com/wireless for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a mail-in rebate.

The Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade is now available for the Samsung i760.  WM 6.1 include enhancements such as an improved version of Internet Explorer, threaded SMS messages, and support for YouTube videos.

Hmmm - I guess Samsung added that nifty YouTube feature - it wasn’t included in the Sprint Mogul/Touch ROM upgrades..!

The ROM update is available here.
 

Steve Jobs is supposed to be unveiling the new 3G iPhone today, so Samsung has chosen a very interesting time to announce their latest Windows Mobile creation - the i900 Omnia. 

At first glance, I didn’t think this device ran WM (due to the proprietary-looking interface on the screen) but looking to the top of the screen set me straight.  The i900 will run WM 6.1 and does not have a hardware keyboard.  It’s 12.5mm thick and has a platinum-looking finish.  It features a 3.2″ WQVGA touchscreen, 5MP camera, GPS, FM radio, WiFi, and can handle a 16GB storage card.

The Omnia is quad-band GSM, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA.  It will be released abroad first.  No word yet on a U.S. release date.

If you’re a Sprint customer and you find yourself traveling abroad, there is now a Windows Mobile device in the offering which will work ’round the world.

The Samsung Ace is very similar to the Blackjack II offered by AT&T, and it operates on CDMA as well as GSM networks.

The Samsung Ace is available today in business sales channels and at sprint.com. It will be available at Sprint retail stores beginning in March.

It is selling for $200 with a two-year service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate.