Smartphone Roundup: Windows Mobile and Android Supplemental

By MW2ML Technology, on September 23rd, 2009

If you’ve read my original Smartphone Roundup, or my follow-up (Smartphone Roundup Supplemental) about the Nokia N900, you’ll know that I’m a fan of devices that *just work* and that can do anything I throw at them. While I’m still a fan of Blackberries for their versatility (I currently have mine attached to 3 different email accounts), I’ve been watching the market closely and have noticed a number of announcements about upcoming Android and Windows Mobile 6.5 devices. Many of these announcements also have me considering a switch away from the Blackberry game to Android.

With such a large number of new Android phones coming to market in 2009/2010, it’s impossible to ignore the increasing adoption rate of this phone by manufacturers, carriers, and consumers. While it seems to be an awesome handheld for home users (particularly those that are Google and Internet-centric – Gmail, Picasa, Flickr, Twitter, etc), I was curious as to whether it may merit a look by Small Business owners. I was reading an article at Geek.com, which listed some of the top new features for the new release of Android (version 1.5 at the time): Better Security (due to upgraded linux kernel), smart virtual keyboard, “widgetized” home screen, live folders (for items such as rss feeds, which are constantly updated with new information), video recording and Picasa integration, and voice search. I also found some postings which suggested that the newer Android phones will be compatible with “Google Apps For Your Domain” (i.e. Google Apps Standard or Google Apps Premier). This means that you can integrate your Android phone with your email, calendar, contacts, etc. UPDATE: Google has released Android 2.0, and many of the manufacturers have been adding it to their phones. Check out this great review (with pictures) at Gizmodo! I’ve also found the following Android 2.0 Platform Highlights: multiple accounts with email and contact syncing, quick contacts, exchange support, better camera support, and a few other items. With the maturity of this platform growing (and growing at an increasingly fast pace), it is DEFINITELY worth a look for small business professionals that are looking for a versatile phone that gives them the best of the office world and the entertainment world in a single device!

Some of the phones you may want to consider:

Google Nexus One (Sidenote: This one is pretty pimped out!)

HTC Hero

Motorola Droid – Verizon Only

Samsung Moment – Sprint Only

HTC Droid Eris

Samsung Behold II

HTC MyTouch 3G

Motorola Cliq (Sidenote: See the list of applications included on the Cliq)

As for Windows Mobile 6.5, around 30 new phones are set to be released by the end of 2009. The update to Windows Mobile offers mostly cosmetic enhancements, making these devices seem a little more user-friendly. However, Windows 7 is set for release this year and the mobile version of that OS is set for release to device manufacturers around the middle of 2010. As such, you may want to hold off on considering a Windows Mobile handset until next year, and instead take a look at the offerings from Apple (iPhone), Research In Motion (Blackberries), or manufacturers utilizing Android.

As always, feel free to Contact Me if you have questions about smartphones or need help finding the right phone for you!

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