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Microsoft: Over 30 Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphones launching before year-end

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 23rd 2009 @ 8:01AM

Does WinMo butter your biscuit? Do you chuckle, not cringe, at the antics of Microsoft's CEO? Then lean in close, we've got something that's going to make your day. Benjamin Tan, senior director of Microsoft's GCR Mobile Team Unit in China, says that more than 30 Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphones from over 15 handset vendors will launch before the end of 2009. And you thought 15 to 20 Android phones were a lot.

Windows Mobile 6.5 'touch interface' update in February to coexist with WinMo 7?

by Thomas Ricker posted Aug 19th 2009 @ 2:06AM

The evidence that Windows Mobile 6.5 could soon be moving beyond the stylus to gather finger-friendly, multi-touch, capacitive screens into its long, loving arms has been mounting with the leak of the HTC Leo ROM and TouchFlo 3D 2.6. Such a move would quickly put Microsoft back on track to compete with the iPhone and Android devices like the HTC Hero. Now DigiTimes, based on sourced information from Taiwanese handset makers, is reporting a "touch interface" version of Windows Mobile 6.5 set for release in February 2010 -- an upgrade to the initial Windows Mobile 6.5 launch expected on October 1st. However, instead of phasing out Windows Mobile 6.5 with the Q4 2010 launch of Windows Mobile 7, DigiTimes asserts that Microsoft will lower the price of WinMo 6.5 to compete against open-source Android devices while positioning WinMo 7 to go head-to-head with the iPhone. In other words, Microsoft appears to be adopting a dual-platform mobile strategy like we've heard before, regardless of Steve Ballmer's recent grandstanding against Google's dual-platform approach.

HTC adopting Android on 50% of its handsets in 2010?

by Thomas Ricker posted Jul 22nd 2009 @ 3:01AM

Uh oh Microsoft, this can't be good news. HTC, the premier manufacturer of Windows Mobile cellphones is rumored to be shifting half of its handsets to Google's Android OS in 2010. To put this in perspective, HTC lists 28 devices on its European website and of those, just 2 run Android, the rest are WinMo. DigiTimes' sources claim that HTC is on track to make 30% of its 2009 handsets Android-based which means that several of Andy Rubin's 15 to 20 Android handsets coming this year would have to be HTC branded for this to be true. DigiTimes also claims that HTC will launch a handset that's simultaneously a "high-profile 3G handset" and "entry-level model" with touchscreen and TouchFlo 3D / Sense UI. HTC is said to achieve this seemingly contradictory feat by basing the handset on Qualcomm's BREW Mobile Platform when it launches in September or October. Of course, none of this is confirmed, but will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion when HTC reports earnings on July 30th.

Nokia launching 'high-end handset' with capacitive touchscreen in Q3?

by Thomas Ricker posted May 15th 2009 @ 4:56AM

DigiTimes has a couple of back-to-back rumors from its industry sources that could be of interest to Nokia fans. Yesterday, the Taiwanese rumor rag said that Nokia will adopt a Synaptics touchscreen integrated circuit (which may or may not support multi-touch) solution for an upcoming "high-end handset" due for launch in the 3rd quarter of 2009. To be clear, this is not the N97 which is expected to go on sale in June. Now DigiTimes adds that capacitive touch panel orders from Nokia have been received from Wintek, the same supplier fitting Nokia's 5800 with resistive touchscreens. We're big fans of silky smooth, capacitive glass panels on finger-friendly touchscreen phones so we'll be stoked if these rumors prove true.

Read -- Nokia adopts Synaptics touchscreen IC
Read -- Wintek lands orders from Nokia

New iPhone parts begin shipping from suppliers for June launch?

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 8th 2009 @ 6:19AM

At this point there's little doubt that a new iPhone model (possibly two) will at least be announced in June. Now the Commercial Times have chimed in with a report saying that components from Taiwan-based suppliers have begun shipments as Apple (or its China-based assemblers, rather) readies for a "June launch" pegged by said suppliers to reach about 2-3 million units per quarter. A phone that looks to be fitted with a 3.2 megapixel still / video CMOS camera, digital compass (magnetometer), possibly 802.11n, more storage, and all the MMS, copy/paste, and push-notifications you can shake a gesticulating finger at. Assuming all the firmware sleuthing and rumors are true, of course.

DigiTimes conjures up 3.2 and 5 megapixel cameras for future iPhone / iPod touch

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 3rd 2009 @ 6:25AM

Ah DigiTimes, where would we be without your river of tattle? The Taiwan rumor-rag just served up a doozy calling for Apple's "next-generation iPhone" to be equipped with a 3.2 megapixel CMOS sensor from OmniVision. Seems logical as a natural update to the existing 2.0 megapixel camera. DigiTimes also has Apple adding a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor to "another Apple product expected to be launched later in the year." Interesting as in-bezel webcams found in laptops and netbooks are typically less than 2 megapixels. If true, perhaps this will be the shooter found on a bulkier device carrying the iPhone3,1 or iPod3,1 identifiers peeped in the 3.0 firmware. Or not.

[Via iPhonebuzz]

Michael Dell does/doesn't confirm Dell smartphones

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 24th 2009 @ 7:18AM

Depending upon which source you believe, Michael Dell either directly commented on Dell's smartphone plans or just hinted at them. DigiTimes has Michael Dell paraphrased as saying in Taipei that Dell will not delay its smartphone lineup and is on schedule to release devices in line with its internal roadmap. The IDG news service, however, has him in Tokyo just hinting at smartphones. "It is true that we are exploring smaller screen devices," said Dell, adding, "We don't have any announcements to share today but stay tuned as when we have new news we will share that with you." Mr. Dell also mentioned Dell's carrier agreements already in place for the 3G radios Dell ships in it laptops. As such, "it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect that we would have smaller mobile Internet devices or smartphones in the future." Look Michael, just spit it out. We don't care how dull they look -- we know you're probably going after the big, fat chewy center of corporate market share here. Just don't call it the Ditty Talker and we're cool.

Read -- Dell on schedule with smartphones
Read -- Dell hints at smartphones

Commercial Times: Palm "smartphones" delayed to end of year (updated with Palm's response)

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 23rd 2009 @ 7:25AM

Here's a murky report flushed from the bowels of rumor-dom that's sure to get investors into a tizzy as information and misinformation spreads. The Commercial Times, with its hit-or-miss record of rumor mongering is reporting that Compal Communications, "will be forced to postpone its shipments of smartphones to Palm from mid-year to the end of the year." It goes on to say that,

"Palm's two smartphones will be delayed as Compal is waiting for Qualcomm's new chipset solutions that will enable better performance."

Now, before you panic, keep a few things in mind. First, the article never specifically mentions the Pre which Palm has emphatically stated (just 3 days ago) is on track for launch in the first half of 2009. Also, DigiTimes which is re-reporting the rumor from the original Chinese-language source claimed last week that Chi Mei, not Compal, was doing the Pre assembly. Also note that Palm has stated that the Pre uses a TI OMAP processor making the Qualcomm quote a bit dubious. Our take? This rumor's bunk, at least as it applies to the Pre. We'll be getting a statement from Palm just as soon as they awake.

[Thanks, Herman M.]

Update: Palm just followed up with us on this, stating that there is "No change in our previously announced plan to have the Pre available in the first half of 2009." Phew!

Samsung launching Android handset as early as Q3, rest to follow

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 19th 2009 @ 7:48AM

Remember that Android handset from Samsung (pictured) apparently leaked on Tuesday? Well, according to DigiTimes' "market sources," we won't be seeing hide nor fuzzy hair from any Android handset touting Samsung DNA prior to July. DigiTimes goes on to say that Samsung will be the first of the "top-five handset makers" to rollout Android. A reference to Motorola, LG and Sony Ericsson's efforts around Android, presumably. Interesting since we had expected LG's first Android device in June and Moto's first effort as early as Q2. Guess it's your game for the taking HTC.

Palm Pre to be assembled by Chi Mei Communication Systems, fairies

by Laura June posted Mar 18th 2009 @ 4:33PM

Information about Palm's hotly anticipated Pre just keeps slowly trickling out... today, we hear that Taiwanese OEM Chi Mei Communication Systems will have the honor of assembling the smartphones. The company's not one of the largest out there, but it also manufactures phones for Motorola. This info comes to us courtesy of DigiTimes, so make of it what you will, but they also say that production could begin as early as March. Considering that it's March now, well... we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?

[Via Brighthand]

Nokia ramping orders in preparation for "several" multi-touch phones?

by Thomas Ricker posted Feb 3rd 2009 @ 4:20AM

While DigiTimes tends to nail rumors focused on Taiwanese companies like Acer and ASUS, its component supplying sources can be hit or miss across other geographies. So take it with the usual lump of NaCl when talkative sources say that Nokia is increasing orders in March as it prepares to "launch several 3G and 3.5G products with multi-touch and multimedia functions in 2009" -- Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, and Synaptics being the chief beneficiaries. Of course, Nokia has been perfectly clear that its 5800 was the just the initial salvo in an onslaught of touchscreen devices to come and led by its flagship N97. Nevertheless, with profits down and the economy mired in the suck, it's nice to have confirmation (as tenuous as it is) that things are on track in Espoo.

Apple orders 50 million iPhone NAND chips from Samsung, rest of world put on hold?

by Thomas Ricker posted Jul 2nd 2008 @ 6:42AM

Daaaamn, talk about clout. If DigiTimes' sources are correct, then Samsung, the world's primary supplier of flash memory, just told its non-Apple customers to suck it in favor of a "large batch of orders" it received from Cupertino. The order, is said to be for 50-million "8Gb-equivalent" (we assume they mean gigabyte, or GB) NAND chips "mainly for use in Apple's iPhone." This order follows a June procurement for 25 million of the same chips. In response, Samsung has reportedly told its lesser customers that it would "sharply cut supply" of NAND to them while the order is being fulfilled. The shortage is compounded by Samsung lowering its manufacturing output in April and May in an attempt to reduce oversupply. Still, if these numbers are true (they seem high and DigiTimes can be hit or miss with its Apple source) then the world is about to be awash in iPhone 3Gs come July 11th.

Update: We've given the Gigabits vs. Gigabytes a bit more thought. If it's 50 million 8Gbit chips as stated, they would divide evenly across about 2.1 million 8GB iPhone 3Gs plus another 2.1 million 16GB models. A reasonable production run for Apple's global launch but an order which shouldn't be so taxing on Samsung's production capability.

Foxconn wins 3G iPhone contract, 3 million units shipping in June?

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 28th 2008 @ 6:59AM

Need more unsubstantiated evidence that the 3G iPhone is near. Good, the Chinese language Commercial Times is quoting sources claiming that Foxconn (aka, Hon Hai) -- the maker of the 1st gen iphone -- is ramping up 3G iPhone assembly by "the end of May" to ship 3 million units in June. It's expected to produce some 24-25 million units before the product reaches end of life. If those numbers are true then Apple had better be prepared for a proper global launch without those pesky revenue sharing schemes seen holding back world-wide uptake.

HTC launching MID devices in 2008?

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 7th 2008 @ 6:33AM

DigiTimes is back with another Taiwan industry rumor. This time they have HTC launching MID handsets in 2008. No surprise there as HTC jumped into the UMPC game long ago with the Shift. Of course, the whole thing becomes suspect when their source claims that MIDs will be "squeezing the market share currently enjoyed by UMPCs." Everyone and their monkey knows that UMPCs don't account for enough market share to warrant joy.

DigiTimes: Google will definitely launch its own branded handset

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 19th 2007 @ 5:07AM

Citing sources at "Taiwan handset makers," DigiTimes is reporting that "Google will definitely launch its own branded handset." However, the Googlephone's OS, hardware specs, production contractor and operating partners have still not been finalized. Given that we're already pretty sure that Google has developed their own mobile OS based on Linux, we'll assume that their use of "finalized" refers to the final feature set and UI polishing -- not the possibility of the gPhone running Symbian or WinMo, for example. DigiTimes' sources also note that Google is contemplating going with a 3G handset instead of EDGE for its initial foray into the cellphone market. However, the choice for Qualcomm's 3G versus TI's EDGE could push the introduction of the HTC manufactured handset into the first half of 2008. Come on Google, it's post-Labor Day now so just go ahead and announce your plans already. We're big boys, we can take it.