I was glad to attend PPCSG event. Rather, it is a gathering of Windows Mobile handphone enthusiasts in Singapore. During this event, we have a chance to look at Windows Mobile 6.5 OS running Live in front of us. We also had PPCSG to introduce us their top 5 recommended software (freeware) and also an introduction of SPB Shell 3.0 plus the finale of the night, HTC Touch Diamond2, HTC Touch Pro2 and something I was not expecting, HTC Snap.
The event was held at One Marina Boulevard, Microsoft HQ. I always like the view from the 21st storey.
Here is another shot of the Singapore Esplanade.
Here are the receps of PPCSG.
Waiting time. Notice most of us are busy with our devices 🙂
Finally, the event begins. First by Ecelon giving a welcome speech. Followed by Chris from Microsoft presenting to us Microsoft strategy and direction, plus the highlight, Windows Mobile 6.5.
Unfortunately, we are told not to take video or pictures as the WM6.5 is not ready. Anyway, I found a video with similar content that was on the Internet. It is slightly more than an hour but I think you can see the latest (at that time) built of WM6.5
Click here to View the Video
Actually, I blog about this video in March.
Click here If you Wish to Read the Blog Post
After the presentation, we had many questions. As Mr. Chris is from the Dev team, many developers were eager to understand MarketPlace.
Some information on Marketplace.
- It will be launched in Mid-May when WM 6.5 launches.
- Developers can submit apps in July.
- Developer can take a look at this website http://developer.windowsmobile.com/
- Even if Marketplace is launched, developers can still have the flexible to sell their products on their website. There is no need to go through Marketplace.
Most information about Marketplace is covered in the video above.
The highlights of WM6.5 is the Titanium Mainpage, the honeycomb layout, the new mobile IE has flashlite and can play youtube video. According to Mr. Chris, MyPhone will be officially launched with WM6.5.
The Lowlights, in my opinion, is that there is no multi-tab on mobile IE, the Titanium Main Screen cannot be customised (based on the version shown), Java applet is NOT going to be a priority to Microsoft (there goes our Internet banking and etc).
Some people asked about the SDK. According to Microsoft, SDK for 6.1 is totally compatible with 6.5 except for GAPI (Game API) which is not supported in WM6.5. The emulator for WM6.5 will be available in June 2009.
If anyone thinks that the information is incorrect, let me apologise first. Please do let me know.
Next up is Rivaldo from PPCSG. He presented some applications which I think are very useful and they are free!
Please use them at your own discreet. But I have used most of them without problem. Just a note that Mobile Express is a desktop software that will also install a software into your mobile devices. Read them thoroughly before installation.
The next presentation is on SPB Shell 3.0 presented by Vicott from PPCSG. I have a video of it. But if you are too impatient, here is the video of SPB Shell 3.0 in action.
Click Here to Go To SPB Website
10 lucky winners were drawn to receive the SPB Shell 3.0
Finally, the finale of the Event is HTC latest phones. We have Elecon presented to us the HTC Touch Diamond2, the HTC Snap which was not even launched in Singapore and lastly, HTC Touch Pro2. Specifications were shown. I have the video but you can take a look at HTC website. You can find the details there.
HTC Website
What everyone is interested is the hands-on. Thanks to PPCSG and HTC (thanks Gina from RightSpin for bringing down the handsets).
HTC Touch Diamond2
Comparing with HTC Touch HD
HTC Touch Snap
This is really a bad picture. I was too engrossed to video the Snap and forgot to take some good pics.
HTC Touch Pro2
Again, too engrossed to take pictures.
Do wait for my video of the devices.
Finally, here are the people who made this event possible.
Hope that you enjoy my event coverage. More video will be posted.
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