Cecilia over at our sister site CuteGeek.com posted her review on the Pantech Matrix Pro today, and while she liked the way the phone look, her overall impression wasn’t that great for the phone.

She pointed out that the UI for the phone wasn’t that appealing and that pretty much has to do with the fact it’s a Windows Mobile OS, but with Microsoft coming out with a better more stylish version of their mobile OS later this year, her impression might have been different.

Check out the review here.

Not only will Widows Mobile 6.5 have a full fledge browser like the iPhone and Samsung instict but it will also have improved finger navigation, they will also make it easier for Windows Smartphone users to backup their information to the web for free so that when they change phones they can sync that data back to their phone. There will also be a marketplace similar to the Google App and Apple App store.

Check out the video demo below.

“Windows® phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” Ballmer said. “We’re working with partners across the industry to deliver a new generation of Windows® phones that break down the barriers between people, information and applications and provide great end-to-end experiences that span your entire life, at work and at home.”

You can expect to see WIndows Mobile 6.5 phones in the second half of this year (2009), with comitments from LG and HTC to have upgrades for some of their current phones. 

I have multiple Windows Mobile 6.1 phones and each one at 2 am EST reverted back to 1 am EST as they should have. An hour later they reverted again, but when I went to edit the time on my three Windows Mobile Phones, I saw that it had placed me -6 (Central Time) instead of - 5 (Eastern Time).

So if you wake up this morning and your phone is behind, check the time zone you are in as Windows Mobile 6.1 seems to be changing your time zone along with the time.

MS has a patch available for this : http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/downloads/microsoft/daylight-savings-update.mspx

Why this update isn’t included with brand new phones is beyond me. 

Today at&t wireless and Samsung announced the availability of the Samsung Epix Windows Mobile Smartphone for at&t, a phone with a similar design and features as the popular Samsung Black Jack (I and II) but with one major difference the Samsung Epix has a touch screen.

Being that the Samsung Epix is a Touch Screen Smartphone running Windows Mobile 6.1 you won’t get the sexy UI Windows Mobile 6.1 for none touch screens has, but you will get fully functional Office Mobile programs. While the Epix has a Touch Screen I would suggest using a Stylus (It probably comes iwth one) to navigate the menus etc.

Another big difference between the Epix and the BlackJack (I and II) is the optical mouse technology built into the phone under the screen, so basically with the swipe of a finger you can navigate the phone easily, which kind of makes up for not really being able to use your fingers on the touch screen. I mean you can but Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro makes it hard.

I have requested one for review from Samsung so hopefully I can get you guys a review in the coming weeks.

The Samsung Epix for at&t is available now and with a 2 year contract you can get it for $199.99. For more info visit: http://www.att.com/samsungepix

In addition, the Epix boasts an impressive feature set, which includes:
• Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g) — to connect with home or campus networks or access more than 17,000 AT&T hot spots nationwide, including at thousands of participating Starbucks locations.
• Built-in a — for use with AT&T Navigator, AT&T Navigator Global Edition and other GPS-based applications for personal and business use.
• AT&T Video ShareSM — the first-ever service in the U.S. that allows users to share live video over wireless devices while participating in a voice call, so they can share family moments, monitor progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to leave the office.
• Global Capabilities — when abroad, AT&T customers can use the Epix to make or receive a phone call in more than 200 countries and check e-mail, browse the Web or perform other data functions in more than 150 countries, including in more than 60 — such as Japan and South Korea — that have deployed 3G networks.
• 2.0 Megapixel Camera — with video-capture capabilities.
• Slim, Light Form Factor – Equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard, the Samsung Epix measures 4.6 inches x 2.4 inches x 0.5 inches, weighs just 4.4 ounces and includes a large 2.5-inch TFT color display.

Sprint has made available today an update for the Samsung Ace. The Update will upgrade the Windows Mobile application on the phone to Windows Mobile 6.1 and also add Office Mobile to the device.

To get the upgrade follow this link: http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/i325/upgrade

Aside from Windows Mobile 6.1 the upgrade will give you Sprint Navigation and enhanced GPS support.

Here is just a list of the phones that will have a Windows Mobile 6.1 Update come the summer.

Samsung ACETM – The Samsung ACE is the sleekest world phone in the Sprint portfolio with a full QWERTY keyboard, vibrant color screen, and ability to use Phone As Modem service.
Moto Q™9c by Motorola – The MOTO Q9c has a slim form factor with a QWERTY keyboard, extended battery, and supports Sprint Navigation for turn-by-turn directions.
Touch by HTC™ – The Touch by HTC is a full touch screen wireless phone with advanced entertainment features. It is the first device to feature TouchFLO™ and features a new HTC-designed homescreen.
Mogul™ by HTC – The Mogul by HTC is the industry’s first EV-DO Rev A-capable handset, enabling users to send and receive large amounts of data at broadband speeds (comparable to basic DSL) and supports Sprint Music Store.
In addition, all of Sprint’s new Windows Mobile smartphones launching in the second half of 2008 will offer Windows Mobile 6.1 software including a new Palm Treo launching later this year. Additional details will be announced upon commercial availability.

Finally it’s been unveiled! Microsoft’s Robbie Bach at CTIA Wireless showed off the new features which includes enhanced features for socializing like threaded text messaging and features for simpler navigation. He also announced Microsoft’s plans to bring desktop-grade Web browsing experience to the Windows Mobile phone with an upcoming version of Internet Explorer Mobile.

Microsoft says the new IE will be available in Q3 while updates and new phones running Windows Mobile 6.1 will be available this quarter (Q2)

HTC has already announced that it’s HTC Mogul, Touch, Tytn, Tytn 2, Tilt and PPC6800 will have updates to 6.1 available soon.

Today Samsung and Sprint announced the future availability of the Samsung Ace Smartphone. The Samsung Ace is a slim and compact smartphone running Windows Mobile 6.0.

The Samsung Ace will allow mobile professionals to communicate globally on CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks where Sprint has international roaming agreements. Sprint currently has roaming agreements in 180 countries.

“Mobile professionals and consumers alike need to stay connected wherever they are,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of customer equipment for Sprint. “The Samsung ACE combined with the benefits of SprintSpeed, competitive rates and expansive coverage through multiple technologies makes it one of the strongest Windows Mobile devices on the market today, a clear value for customers in the U.S. and just about anywhere else.”

In addition to its international capabilities, the Samsung Ace(TM) offers an impressive feature set, including:

-- Slim, light form factor with a full QWERTY keyboard - The
Samsung Ace(TM) measures 4.65” x 2.32” x 0.46” and weighs just
under four ounces

-- Large 2.3” TFT color display - perfect for viewing live and
on-demand channels available through Sprint TV, as well as
up-to-date information with On-Demand.

-- Slide Click Wheel - Experience easy navigation between a
multitude of applications

-- Stereo Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology - Enjoy the
convenience and versatility of hands free communication by
pairing the Samsung Ace(TM) with headsets, car-kits and other
Bluetooth-enabled devices.

-- External Memory - The Samsung Ace(TM) supports up to 2GB
MicroSD card for storing music, videos and pictures.

-- 1.3 Megapixel Digital Camera and Camcorder - Capture quality
images with integrated digital camera and zoom. Shoot video
clips to share with family and friends.

-- View Documents - The Samsung ACE(TM) allows customers to view
documents and files on the phone with Microsoft Office Word,
Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

The Samsung Ace will be available for $199 with a 2 year contract and $100 mail in rebate. The phone will hit Sprint stores in March.

Pictures coming soon.

Microsoft just announced an agreement to buy the maker of the popular sidekick software Danger.

“Making a big step forward with its commitment to bring compelling new experiences to the mobile consumer, Microsoft today announced its agreement to acquire Danger, a popular software and mobile services company. Danger has a passion for the mobile consumer and combining its services with Microsoft’s connected entertainment and experiences technologies will provide Microsoft with the tools to accelerate its work to create industry-leading entertainment and communication experiences for consumers.” Said Microsoft in a press release about the acquisition.

Microsoft has said that they plan to leave Danger as is but will work with them on improving Windows Mobile. I for one don’t think it is a bad idea to have some people at Danger offer suggestions to Microsoft about Windows Mobile, as they do need some fresh thinking.

I also believe that Microsoft really wants to become a major player in the Mobile Market, they also want to attract more teens to the companies brand. With the purchase of Danger they will obviously accomplish just that.

Today in Barcelona Microsoft announced that Sony Ericsson will deliver a new Smartphone that will use Windows Mobile 6, and some already are saying this new phone will give the iPhone a run for its money.

The XPERIA X1 from Sony Ericsson will feature a 3 Inch WVGA screen, Multiple input and navigation; Touch Screen user interface. A fully functional QWERTY keyboard that slides out, Joystick and 4 way key. The phone will also come with a 3.2 mega-pixel camera for both video and still images, built in WiFi and GPS.

“People should be able to have phones that deliver what they need throughout the day and stay connected with today’s broad array of on-demand information and entertainment no matter where they are,” said Pieter Knook, senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “Our shared vision with Sony Ericsson is to make the concept of ‘One Phone for Your Life’ a reality and finally give consumers the freedom of true mobility.”

The phone will work on the following networks: EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100.

The phone will be available in the second half of 2008 but no word on which providers will have the phone. I personally hope T-Mobile gets it.

“XPERIA is our promise to think foremost about user experience and to deliver on our goal of providing a true premium experience — anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, head of Portfolio and Proposition at Sony Ericsson. “By working with Microsoft on the XPERIA X1, we have been able to couple our excellence in creating compelling consumer propositions with the productivity capabilities of Windows Mobile to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design.”

So will the XPERIA X1 be an iPhone killer? It can be, but it will only be one if Sony Ericsson, Microsoft and the various service providers that pick it up market the phone. Which probably won’t happen.

For more information visit: http://www.sonyericsson.com/x1/