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RSS feedsOrange's SPV, available next week and manufactured by Taiwan's HTC, is the first handset based on Microsoft's Smartphone 2002 software that builds organiser functions and Web access into a standard-sized phone. Firms may find such devices are a low-cost alternative to issuing both a PDA and phone to staff.
In IT Week Labs tests we found the SPV easy to use, though battery life is shorter than that of a standard phone. The device's colour screen is about twice the size of a typical display, but this means the keypad is much reduced, so using the keypad is tricky. Navigation is via a four-way control key.
The home screen gives an overview of appointments and messages. We were able to send and receive emails by synchronising over-the-air with an Exchange server, and we could browse the Web over an always-on GPRS link, though access was often slow.
Compelling features
The SPV costs £152 + VAT with an Orange GPRS contract. Despite the limitations noted, this price and specification, plus a growing roster of applications, are likely to make Microsoft the leading smartphone platform. The much anticipated Symbian-based Sony Ericsson P800 will have to deliver a compelling set of features if it is to offer a realistic alternative. The Palm platform will offer an integrated option with the launch of a second Tungsten model today.
The SPV will be followed this year or early in 2003 by another Smartphone 2002 product, the Sendo Z100. Slightly more expensive at about £199, the Z100 offers most of the SPV's features and adds Java support and a Bluetooth SD Card option, but lacks the SPV's bundled camera and USB cradle. T-Mobile and Carphone Warehouse will sell the Z100 in the UK.
Microsoft-based phones are being bolstered by added value services. O2 is about to launch two free services for its XDA smartphone, which runs on Microsoft's Pocket PC 2002. These will be Yell directory services and AA travel information.
The offerings are "like 3G services, but on today's devices", said Christiano Pierry, chief production officer at Action Engine, which provides application delivery platform software for the XDA and SPV. The services are already available on Symbian. Orange will also offer a wireless backup service and an automatic update service for features, and for patches against viruses or other attacks.
Extended Systems said its XtndConnect Server will support Smartphone 2002 from next month, to synchronise enterprise information with mobile devices. "It will let an administrator kill a stolen phone, or tell it to wipe all email, even blank the registry," said David Hofacker, Extended's UK manager.
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