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.

It is with great sadness that we post this news -

After 11 years, Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine has announced that it is going to suspend publication.  They will be publishing a final 2008 issue and are working hard to make it the best Windows Mobile issue ever, a keeper, a reference guide.

You can read the full story at their site.

There are numerous factors which force this decision, and some of them irk me beyond words.  Wireless carriers, hardware manufacturers and Microsoft have given lackluster support to the magazine in recent years.   It is truly a shame and the magazine will be missed.

In case you’re wondering, they DO intend on retaining the website.  A silver lining to this cloud of news…