While previous versions of Windows Mobile left a lot to be desired, the latest – version 6.5.3 – will arrive with the release of the Sony Ericsson Aspen (Faith). Windows Mobile 6.5.3 may have been unofficially unveiled at CES 2010 – loaded onto the Toshiba TG01 and Pharos Traveller, but only with the release of Sony Ericsson Aspen will users finally get their hands, or rather, fingers on it. With a lot of upgrades, this version of Windows Mobile is significantly different from the 6.5.0, providing a more finger-friendly layout, a new native keyboard, support for both restive and capacitive touchscreens, a platform to enable multi-touch, improved browser performance, and better memory management. The new native keyboard, much required after the criticism piled on it by competitors and users alike, will be fully-customizable, letting users arrange the layout to suit their comfort.
While Windows Mobile 7 is supposed to release by September, 6.5.3 will surely bridge the gap in the meanwhile. Other features of the Sony Ericsson Aspen include a 2.4-inch QVGA TFT touchscreen LCD, 3.5-mm audio jack (handy!), WiFi connectivity, 3.2 megapixel camera (could have done with more), A-GPS with Google Maps, quad-band GMS/EDGE capability, and microSD expansion. Sony Ericsson Aspen is slated to be released in Q2, 2010.
Here’s a comprehensive listing of the specifications of the Sony Ericsson Aspen, a.k.a Faith:
Sony Ericsson Aspen
Size: 117 x 60 x 12.45 mm
Weight: 130 grams
Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™, up to 16 GB
Operating system: Windows Mobile® 6.5.3
Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hours
Standby time: GSM/GPRS: Up to 450hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 8 hours
Standby time: UMTS: Up to 600 hrsMusic listening time: Up to 12hrs
Availability and versions
Networks
UMTS HSPA 900/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS HSPA 850/900/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
Camera
3.2 megapixel camera
4x digital zoom
Multishot
Self timer
Smart contrast
Music
Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Equalizer
Sony Ericsson media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™
Stereo speakers
Windows Media® Player Mobile
Web
Bookmarks
Google™ search
Internet Explorer® Mobile
Pan & zoom
Web feeds
Voice
Polyphonic ringtones
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert
Messaging
Email
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®
Handwriting recognition
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Text messaging (SMS)
Design
Auto rotate
Media browser
Picture wallpaper
Full keyboard
Touchscreen
Wallpaper animation
Windows Phone®
Entertainment
3D games
Facebook
FM radio with RDS
Java
Skype
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube
Organiser
Adobe PDF Reader
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Microsoft Office® Mobile
Notes
Outlook® Mobile
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Connectivity
3.5 mm audio jack
A-GPS
Bluetooth™ technology
Google Maps™
Micro USB connector
Modem
Synchronisation
USB mass storage support
USB support
Wi-Fi™
Applications and panels
SPB Mobile Shell 3.0 (Professional)
SPB Mobile Shell 3.0 (Lifestyle)
SEMC Greenheart Panel
Microsoft Today
Facebook
Panel Manager
SlideView
Google Maps Latitude
Google Mobile Application
Send My Location
Unified Search Application
SPB Traveler and Weather combo
Skype
YouTube panel
Communication City/Day
Communication City/Night
CNN
On-The-Road Panel
Windows Live
Twitter
Gokivo Weather Panel
Eco mate application
GreenHeart indentity
GreenHeart panel
Power saving mode
Eco mate application
E-manual
Waterborne painting
Recycle materials (Green charger, Green PHF, Green Box.
Screen
65,536 colour TFT
2.4 inches
240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)
Accessories
In-Box:
Sony Ericsson Aspen™
Battery
Green charger
HPM-60J GreenHeart™ Stereo portable handsfree
3.5mm jack
Micro USB cable
E-manual
Optional:
Bluetooth™ Noise Shield Handsfree VH700
Dual connect charger
4GB MicroSD card
Car charger
Available in selected markets in Q2 2010
Colour
Iconic Black
White Silver