If your life revolves around making video games, then you would be in San Francisco this week.  The annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (http://www.gdconf.com/) is THE major event for the game development industry.  GDC is five days of educational sessions, specialized summits, networking events, and expo & career pavilions.

We will be roaming the show to bring you tidbits of news that will affect the technology and games you will be playing soon.  Many of the news stories we will bring you will become product reviews in the futures as new products announced at GDC reach your local retail store.

The first two days of GDC are specialized summits including Outsourcing and Mobile.  These summits allow the attendees to get focused instruction on specific areas of the game industry.

Some things that caught our attention today were:

First of all, the Nautiz X5 is fast and powerful. Its 806 MHz Xscale processor, 256 MB RAM and 512 MB Flash memory is just wow. With Windows Mobile 6.1, a full VGA screen, and a battery that lasts more than a full workday on a single charge this handheld takes no prisoners.

The Nautiz X5 has an integrated 3 megapixel autofocus camera, and it also includes integrated 1-D laser barcode scanning or an optional 2-D imager. It offers a standard GSM/UMTS voice and high speed HSDPA data connectivity with lightning-fast, 3G communication. The Nautiz X5 has integrated Bluetooth and 802.11b/g, with WPA2 encryption for improved security and CCX certification for better interoperability. And with state-of-the-art SIRF Instant Fix II technology, the Nautiz X5’s GPS computes positions in seconds.

Did I mention abuse in the title? An IP65 rating means the Nautiz X5 is impervious to dust and highly water-resistant, and it can withstand drops from 1.8 meters and operate in a wide range of temperatures. It weights only 410 g (14.46 ounces) including rechargeable battery and fits comfortably in anyone’s hand, 160mm (6.3”) x 80 mm (3.15”) x 35.5mm (1.4”).

More specs:

Connections:  USB host/client, Serial (ttl), Audio jack, IrDA, Ethernet (via desktop cradle), MicroSD slot.
Communication:  PAN: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, WLAN*: integrated 802.11b/g, WITH WEP, WPA, WPA2, CCX Cisco Compatible extensions, Integrated GPS Sirf III with Instant Fix II, GSM/UMTS (HSDPA/EDGE), Integrated speaker & microphone.
More: http://www.nautiz.com/default.asp
Source: Engadget

The new HTC Touch Cruise, an update to 2008’s HTC GPS device of the same name, sports a new, more compact design and new capabilities.

With HTC Footprints you have the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favourite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific geographical location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS co-ordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area.

When placed into its accompanying car cradle, the HTC Touch Cruise automatically kicks in its one-touch interface that provides seamless turn-by-turn directions for in car navagation.

Key HTC Touch Cruise Specifications

Size: 102 x 53.5 x 14.5mm
Weight: 103 grams
Connectivity: WCDMA/HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
Operating system: Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
Control panel: HTC TouchFLO, 4-Way navigation wheel with Enter and HTC Footprints buttons
Camera: 3.2 MP, with fixed focus
Internal memory: 512 MB flash ROM, 256 MB RAM
Expansion Slot: microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
GPS: GPS/A-GPS
Interface: HTC ExtUSB (mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
Battery: 1100 mAh
Talk time: GSM: up to 400 minutes
Standby time: GSM: up to two weeks
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz

The new HTC Touch Cruise will be available to customers across all major global markets in spring 2009.

http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=81678

We missed this during CES, a pitfall of a small staff. However Engadget caught wind of it. The design is interesting and is squarely aimed at the enterpriser market or uber phone geek. The device is not exclusive to WinMo as it is built around an open platform with an open source u-boot bootloader and the usual toolset to bake your own ROM’s for WinMo, android, and Angstrom Linux.

The Exeda has a 3.5” VGA touch screen, a five row full QWERTY keypad with backlight and a capacitive touchpad acting as a mouse.

More Specs:

- Marvell PXA270 520MB CPU
- 128MB RAM
- 2 banks of internal FLASH, 512MB each
- 2MP camera with flash
- GPS with built-in and external antennas
- MicroSD socket with SDHC support
- Built-in microphone and speaker + 3.5mm stereo jack
- High capacity 3000mAh battery

The Exeda will be available for purchase in March ‘09 pricing to be released at that time.

http://www.exedamobile.com/web/?gclid=CMrT-cH4i5gCFQFqxwod2HPLkQ

More pics after the break…

Here is a brief round-up of the vendors we saw at this year’s Lunch@Piero’s event during CES 2009.

VIA Technologies showcased their latest in ultra mobile and small form factor computing featuring the VIA Nano processor and the VIA C7-M ultra mobile processor. More info at http://www.via.com.tw

VIA Embedded showcased their new ARTiGO A2000 barebone storage system and innovative home server set-up using the touch-screen VIPRO. http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/embedded/

Graphics will demonstrated the latest HD video and image applications using the all-new Chrome 500 series graphics cards running on a VIA Nano processor-based board. http://www.s3graphics.com
Blendtec, famous for their “Will it Blend” videos in which they blended an iPhone in their kitchen blender, was on hand to talk about their highly successful viral youtube campaigns. Blendtec CEO Tom Dickson and VP George Wright was on hand throughout Lunch@Piero’s to blend a phone, a garden rake.  http://www.blendtec.com

Developing and organizing your thoughts isn’t always a straightforward linear process, especially in groups. Comappings “mind-mapping” tool helps you make sense of even the most complex topics and projects with its innovative approach to formulating, developing, and organizing ideas. http://www.comapping.com

Continue reading: Round-up of the vendors we saw at this years Lunch@Piero’s event during CES 2009.

Yesterday, Pharos unveiled the Traveler 137 smartphone, winner of the 2009 CES Innovations award.  The Traveler 137 is an unlocked Windows Mobile phone that is distinguished by its slender profile, cool applications, and bright, 3.5 inch touch screen.  True to Pharos’ roots in the navigation space, the Traveler 137 provides full-featured navigation with voice prompts on a pay-as-you-go basis that spares users an ongoing monthly fee.  In an industry brimming with mobile devices, the Traveler 137 stands apart by offering users great navigation on a powerful, sleek smartphone that runs on the GSM network of their choice. The Traveler 137 will be available late in the first quarter of 2009 from major retailers for a suggested price of $599.95. 

Traveler 137 Specifications

- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
- Hardware partner: Pharos works closely with Inventec
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528MHz
- Memory: 256MB DDR SDRAM, 512MB Flash ROM
- Phone: unlocked GSM quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, EDGE / GPRS, Tri-band 3G, 1700/1900/2100 MHz, UMTS 384Kb/s, HSDPA 7.2Mb/s, HSUPA 2Mb/s
- Talk time: up to 4 hours talk time and 200 hours standby time
- Display: 3.5” TFT LCD with touch panel, 480 x 800 Wide-VGA with 65,000 colors
- Wireless: GPS aGPS compatible, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth™ v2.1 + EDR , FM tuner
- Camera: 3 megapixel for picture or video, .3 megapixel on the front for video conference
- Expansion: USB 2.0, micro SD slot support SDHC, stereo audio jack
- Battery: 1380 mAh Li-Ion, rechargeable/replaceable
- Size: 4.60in (L) x 2.40in (W) x 0.51in (H)
- Weight: 4.9 ounces

http://www.pharosgps.com/default.asp

The next-generation SDXC (eXtended Capacity) memory card specification, announced at the 2009 International CES, dramatically improves consumers’ digital lifestyles by providingup to 2 terabytes storage capacity and accelerates SD interface read/write speeds to 104 megabytes per second this year, with a road map to 300 megabytes per second.

The SDXC specification, developed by the SD Association, leapfrogs memory card interface speeds while retaining the world-leading SD interface. Specifications for the open standard will be released in the first quarter of 2009. SDHC, Embedded SD and SDIO specifications will also benefit from the new SD interface speeds.

SDXC allows users to enjoy more from their mobile phones. Larger capacity and faster transfer speeds allow for expanded entertainment and data storage. A 2TB SDXC memory card can store 100 HD movies, 60 hours of HD recording or 17,000 fine-grade photos.

The SDXC specification uses Microsoft’s exFAT file system to support its large capacity and interoperability in a broad range of PCs, consumer electronics and mobile phones. The exFAT system was designed for increased compatibility with flash media, from portability of data to interoperability with multiple platforms and devices on removable media.

The S740 is designed for flexible and efficient messaging with its 12-key keypad (ideal for super fast one hand messaging) and full QWERTY keyboard (perfect for those who prefer a two handed messaging experience) both input capabilities ensure efficient and accurate typing, as well as support for POP3, IMAP and Exchange push email.  Instant messaging (IM) and SMS can also be accessed through the familiar 12-key interface on the front of the phone.

The S740 follows the sleek design of HTC’s Touch Diamond. This slim smartphone features a matt black facetted back, a 2.4 inch QVGA display and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 7.2Mbps HSDPA on the 900 and 2100MHz bands, quadband EDGE, a 3.2-megapixel fixed focus cam, WiFi, GPS. All that run on Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard and a Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz chipset.

The HTC S740 will be available across Europe from September 2008. [Press Release for the HTC S740]

Palm today introduced Treo Pro, with its streamlined design and Palm shortcuts layered on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Treo Pro is brings email, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities for all. Treo Pro, which will be available from Vodafone and O2 in Europe and from Telstra in Australia, also will be available in an unlocked version in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Treo Pro smartphone, based on the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform with:

* One-touch Wi-Fi button—Easy, fast Wi-Fi connection experience (802.11b/g).(1)
* Today screen enhancements—Web search directly from the Today screen.
* Ringer switch—Silences the device immediately.
* Screen saver—Lets users know at a glance - without turning on the device - what time it is and whether you’ve missed a call or have a new SMS/MMS message.
* New voicemail indicator—The center button flashes to let users know that a voicemail is waiting.
* Dedicated email and calendar buttons—Fast one-button access.
* World phone—With high-speed UMTS/HSDPA network capabilities.
* Integrated GPS—Users can access maps, turn-by-turn directions and point-of-interest (POI) searches.

It will be available in the United States in the fall through the Palm online store (http://www.palm.com/store) as well as select Internet, retail and enterprise resellers for a suggested retail price of $549. The U.S. version is unlocked and unsubsidized, simply insert your existing active SIM card and immediately start using their Treo Pro without a new contract.

Matthew Miller over at ZDN posts his thoughts on the whole 3rd party app failure to launch debacle.

Quote:

“I actually still see the issue on my original iPhone, upgraded to the version 2.0.1 firmware and the reinstall method seems to work for me most of the time. I returned my iPhone 3G last week because I found it to be less stable than my other S60 and Windows Mobile devices who can handle 3rd party applications much better since they are now mature platforms. It seems that the iPhone update and 3G device were a bit rushed to market or else the testing with 3rd party applications was limited. I do look forward to a stable iPhone experience, but it seems we will have to wait until at least September to see such a device.”

On a related issue Mike Temporale of mobilejaw.com has this to say on WinMo 3rd party apps and stability.

Quote:

“In my recent post about stability, I talked about Windows Mobile and how it is a stable platform. The source of all that instability is poorly written 3rd party applications. To help prove my point, I’m taking on the “No Reboot Challenge”. The idea is simple, no more reboots of my phone for any reason and let’s see how long I can go before it starts acting funny or crashing. Furthermore, I won’t be killing or stopping any process’s. I’ll leave that up to Windows Mobile and Microsoft to see if they truly know best when it comes to managing memory on the device. The only applications that I will close are ones that have an Exit option in the menu.”

The lads over at TheTechLounge have put up their thought on the HTC P3450 Touch Smartphone. The HTC Touch seemed to bring in a possitive feel for its excellent call quality, attractive looks, accessories galore in the box, and that TouchFLO is just darned fun to use. Not all was perfect however the unit was hampered by its small screen, lack of keyboard, wird SD card positioning, and hefty price tag.

Quote: Timing is everything. The HTC Touch was introduced on June 5th of last year, 24 days before the first iPhone launched in the US. The device bears great similarity to its cousin from Cupertino, from the simple, largely button-free hardware to an overall focus on operation with the fingers. Although the two devices look like they share some blood, I think that the Touch is special in its own right.

HTC has put a great deal of thought into the design of the Touch, inside and out. They’ve written an entire UI modification suite that actually works the way it should, which is more than can be said for most manufacturers’ efforts in this area. At the end of the day, however, you may just have to look at what you need from a “smartphone,” because the Touch is definitely a different kind of Windows Mobile phone than what you’ve come to expect. That may be a good thing, though.

Read the full review of the HTC Touch Smartphone @ thetechlounge

EngadgetMobile informs us that Skype has laid down the bits for 2.2.0.45 or in other words support for Windows Mobile 6.1 Premium (Pocket PC) and Standard (Smartphone).

You need a minimum 12MB of free storage memory on your device to install Skype or 6MB free if you are installing from a memory card. In order to use Skype for Windows Mobile, your device must have a high speed wireless Internet connection over WiFi or 3G. Take carefull note that data usage costs apply for using Skype over 3G mobile networks (EDGE, EV-DO and UMTS), so better that unlimited data plan.

Download page:

Pocket PC: download the .cab file
Smartphone:  download the .cab file

Get those bits while they are hot.

Skype for Windows Mobile

Our friend Matt Miller over at ZDNet postulates some sort of a Nokia and Zune mashup. Here is a quote:

There have been rumors floating around of a Zune phone and I personally am not that excited about such a device and wonder if many people really are. The latest rumors about the Zune and phones though does seem to make a bit of sense. Zunescene reported that Nokia iw working with the Zune team on integration of Zune Marketplace content. Nokia has a music store, but it is not available in the United States yet and I think if Nokia could get their devices to support the Zune Marketplace they would have a fairly well established library of music content that actually may help sell more Nokia devices in the U.S.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/mobile-gadgeteer/?p=1330

Zunescene has a piece that seems to place this development into further relief with a comment from a well placed source.

Nokia is currently working with the Zune team on integration of Zune Marketplace content according to a well placed source within Microsoft. The joint development is directed at content delivery rather than a hardware device according to the source. It has long been assumed by many tech followers that Zune content and software would find it’s way onto Windows Mobile devices, thereby offering competition to the unfortunately popular iPhone. The interesting thing about the Nokia Zune partnership is that Nokia does not support Windows Mobile. It appears Microsoft may be developing a two front war against the iPhone, namely Windows based smart phones and more abundant “non-smart” phones.

http://www.zunescene.com/nokia-zune-phone/