Although Motorola is getting big success with it’s Android phones, it doesn’t mean they don’t care about other platforms anymore. A new Windows Mobile 6.5 based Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA) ES400 was introduced yesterday. Just like the name, the ES400 is a business-class device intended for enterprise managers and workers across multiple industries combines the most powerful aspects of mobile computing with push-to-talk capabilities in a compact and lightweight design. The ES400 will be the first Motorola device to be carrier-branded and sold to enterprise through the Sprint Direct and Business Solutions Partners sales channels.

The Motorola ES400 equipped with 600 MHz ARM 11 processor, 256MB RAM/1GB Flash, PenTile 3in color display with resistive touch and VGA 640×480, QWERTY keyboard, microSD slot support up to 32GB and 2.5mm audio jack. One of the key enterprise features of the ES400 is the customizable Motorola Enterprise User Interface (MEUI) includes one-touch access to applications, a business-focused home screen, a single touch bar-code scanner, an enterprise-class camera application and a simplified call management screen with touch-friendly dial-pad.

Another enterprise features include:

One button push-to-scan: 1D and 2D bar code reading fulfilling the needs of mobile workers.

Built on the standards-based Windows Mobile 6.5 platform to power seamless connectivity, application compatibility and support for industry-specific applications and advanced security and device management mobility needs.

Large, super-bright, three-inch VGA screen (750 NITS – nearly twice as bright as consumer devices for usage indoors and outdoors) plus integrated keyboard.

Easy and accurate input with stylus and touch-screen allowing signature capture that is often necessary for completing field tasks.

Standard battery power to endure full shifts in nearly any work environment. An extended-life battery is also available.

True worldwide communications with user-selectable 3.5G WAN: GSM HSPA and CDMA EVDO RevA compatibility.

Broad WLAN functionality supporting 802.11 a/b/g, enabling data, and in 2011, an application for push-to-talk over VoIP compatibility.

Durable construction to withstand dust, drops and bumps occurring every business day. Meets MIL-STD 810G drop specifications leading to lower total cost of ownership.

Enterprise-class security including built-in biometric fingerprint reader.

Three-year life cycle for easier, better IT support and product management, support and service programs designed for business, adding to a better return on investment.

The Motorola ES400 EDA will be available later this year through the Motorola EMS sales team, Sprint and members of the PartnerEmpower channel program.

Here is quote from the xda-developers,

I GOT A REAL OFFICIAL 6.5 XPERIA ROM, YES, YOU READ CORRECT…OFFICIAL

The Build in the rom is a older 6.5..but what is important is:
-New XIP (real x1 nk)
-New OEM DRIVERS etc
-Some drivers from x2
-New netcf 3.7 (final)

I’m sure the cooked version will be available soon but not for the official one. I guess Sony Ericsson will have to wait for sometimes after the release of the Xperia X2 in October to let the X1 users to upgrade their device. But at least this is a good news for X1 users as well as the confirmed devices that will get a free and official Windows Mobile 6.5 update such as the HTC Touch Diamond2, Touch Pro2, and Snap, plus the Samsung Omnia II and Omnia II Pro B7610.

[Source]

In February LG signed a deal with Microsoft to make Windows Mobile as LG’s primary smartphone platform although currently LG also a member of the Symbian Foundation and is developing model based on Google’s Android software. With the release date of Windows Mobile 6.5 on this October 6th and April 2010 for Windows Mobile 7, seems like the first three smartphones that are coming this year will run on Windows Mobile 6.5 while the rest of them are expected to run Windows Mobile 7.

The HTC Touch2 will be available on October 6th, the same day with the announcement of Windows Mobile 6.5 by Microsoft.

The HTC Touch2 will be available on October 6th, the same day with the announcement of Windows Mobile 6.5 by Microsoft.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice

[via: HTC]

Basically there’s not much surprise except the announcement of the phone it self. All specs and photos has been already spread across the internet in the last couple of months. The interesting thing is Sony Ericsson managed to break the dateline of Windows Mobile 6.5 and get the Xperia X2 to be the first official phone running Windows Mobile 6.5 or called Windows Phone that supposed to be announced on October 6th according to Windows Mobile Team blog. But looking at the specs of the Xperia X2, this Windows Mobile 6.5 is probably the customized version for Xperia X2 since still according to the news reported before that Windows Mobile 6.5 is supposed to be intended for low end phones and i don’t think Xperia X2 is one of them.

Anyway, it’s great to hear the news and some of you may celebrating the phone now. For more details read the Xperia X2 Press Release.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X2 at a glance

XPERIA™ X2
Camera

• 8.1 megapixel camera
• Up to 16x digital zoom
• Auto focus
• Geo tagging
• Image stabilizer
• Send to web
• Touch focus
• Video light
• Video recording

Music

• Album art
• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
• Equalizer
• Sony Ericsson media player
• Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• Equalizer
• Sony Ericsson media player
• Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• PlayNow™ arena*
• Stereo speakers
• Windows Media® Player

Web

• Bookmarks
• Google™ search
• Internet Explorer®
• Pan & Zoom
• Web feeds

Communication

• Call list
• Conference calls
• Polyphonic ringtones
• Speakerphone
• Vibrating alert

Messaging

• Email
• Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
• Handwriting recognition
• Instant messaging
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Predictive text input
• Text messaging (SMS)

Design

• Auto rotate
• Media
• Picture wallpaper
• Touchscreen
• Wallpaper animation
• Windows Mobile® 6.5

Entertainment

• 3D games
• Java™
• Motion gaming
• Tracker
• Video streaming
• Video viewing
• YouTube™ application

Connectivity

• A-GPS

Bluetooth™ technology

• DNLA Certified™
• Google Maps™
• Modem
• Synchronisation
• TV out
• USB mass storage
• USB support
• Wi-Fi™

Organizer

• Adobe® PDF Reader
• Alarm clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Flight mode
• Microsoft® Office Mobile
• Notes
• Phone book
• Stopwatch
• Tasks
• Timer

Accessories
In-Box:

• XPERIA™ X2
• Battery
• Battery Charger
• Stereo Portable Handsfree MH500
• USB cable
• TV out cable
• 4GB SanDisk microSD™ memory card
• User guide

Optional accessories:

• Bluetooth™ Headset PV740
• Car charger AN300
• Video Viewing Stand IM920

Facts and Figures 1)2)

• Size: 110 x 54 x 16 mm

• Weight: 115 grams

• Colours: Elegant Black, Modern Silver

• Main screen: 65,536 colour TFT
• Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels (WVGA)
• Size: 3.2 inches

• Phone memory: Up to110MB
• Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™ and microSDHC™, up to 16GB

• Talk time GSM: Up to 10 hrs
• Standby time GSM: Up to 500 hrs

• Talk time UMTS: Up to 6hrs
• Standby time UMTS: Up to 640hrs

• Music listening time: Up to 20hrs

Availability and versions
Networks:

• XPERIA™ X2
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS/HSPA 900/1900/2100

Available in selected markets from early Q4 2009.

Reportedly there are more than 10 operators and phone manufactures will take part on this announcement including HP, Acer and Sony Ericsson. It’s interesting since people are expecting something to announce from those manufactures especially Sony Ericsson and seems that it could be the announcement of the long awaited phone Sony Ericsson Xperia X2. Take a look at the list of operators and phone manufactures below:

• In North America: Mobile operators AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers HP, HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba Corp.
• In Europe: Mobile operators Orange, Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone Group Plc, and phone manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba
• In Latin America: Mobile operator TIM Brazil, and phone manufacturers HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung
• In Asia Pacific: Mobile operators NTT DOCOMO Inc., SOFTBANK Mobile Corp., SK Telecom, Telstra and WILLCOM Inc., and phone manufacturers Acer Inc., HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

[via: WindowsMobileBlog]

As we reported few weeks ago, the Windows Mobile 6.5 is intended for low cost devices while the Windows Mobile 7 is prepared for premium hardware experience. I’ve seen the final Windows Phone GUI demoed on Video and i was so impressed as many people too. And now we’re excited to see what Microsoft is going to deliver on the Windows Mobile 7 devices. Is the stategy will work? We don’t know and we’ll see.

[via: Digitimes]

Looking at the video i would say this is a very good milestone for Microsoft smartphone platform and looks like Microsoft has done their best to compete with iPhone and Android. In summary there are few highlights of this video:

• Completely redesign of Windows smartphone. It’s a Windows Phone, not the Windows Mobile 6.5
• Zune like interface, however the iconic GUI is also available
• Access to Windows Marketplace for Mobile
• MyPhone short demo both on the phone and the PC
• Full desktop version of Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Demo of the new feature called Microsoft Tag works like a barcode reader
• Full flash support

So the Windows Phone will come with the Windows Mobile 6.5 and it will co-exist with Windows Mobile 7 when it comes out. The interesting thing is that the Windows Mobile 6.5 will be for low cost devices while the Windows Mobile 7 is for premium hardware experience. It’s something like what Microsoft does with the desktop products.

[via: theinquirer]