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[Blackhead]

Apparently, Sony Ericsson has some WM7 devices coming soon: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony...n-their-way-flaunting-Windows-Phone-7_id14640

On the other hand, the Xperia X7 mini will feature a 3.5" display, 1GHz Snapdragon QSD8250 processor, 10.1-megapixel camera which will pack 3x optical zoom and xenon flash. Essentially, the Xperia X7 mini is more adept for the casual photo enthusiasts out there.

Is that the first modern smartphone with optical zoom?

 

[Anno]

Apparently, Sony Ericsson has some WM7 devices coming soon: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony...n-their-way-flaunting-Windows-Phone-7_id14640

I'm not really familiar with S-E's offerings; are these expected to be marketed in the U.S.? What carrier do they typically go with? My iPhone contract is up soon and W7 is looking like a serious candidate for me making a switch. These phones in particular are pretty sexy and I like the enhanced camera options.

 

[brotkasten]

Finally a sign from Verizon.

@JmarksPHD As soon as Microsoft has 'em ready, we're excited to offer Windows 7 mobile devices
11:51 AM Nov 8th via web in reply to JmarksPHD Retweeted by 2 people

VerizonWireless

http://twitter.com/VerizonWireless/status/1723501895483392

 

[Walshicus]

So no one knows regarding left-handed control?

What does that really mean? I don't see how you'd be prevented from using either hand with any modern smart phone?

 

[Raistlin]

What does that really mean? I don't see how you'd be prevented from using either hand with any modern smart phone?

Look at a video of the OS.

The main screen and others assumes you are holding it in your right hand. If not, single hand usage is impossible. The scroll strip is on the right side so you can hit it with your thumb. Holding it is your left hand means you can't scroll at all.



I'd hope they aren't this stupid and there's a reverse all sort of thing under options. Otherwise I won't be able to use the phone.

 

[Earl Cazone]

is it possible to use MP3s as ringtones? before launch i read rumors at engadget that it wont be possible to use other sounds than the stock ones

 

[Walshicus]

Look at a video of the OS.

The main screen and others assumes you are holding it in your right hand. If not, single hand usage is impossible. The scroll strip is on the right side so you can hit it with your thumb. Holding it is your left hand means you can't scroll at all.



I'd hope they aren't this stupid and there's a reverse all sort of thing under options. Otherwise I won't be able to use the phone.

I'm sorry, I really don't see that as an issue. The scroll strip is visual only - you can scroll from anywhere on the screen. And for what it's worth, I hold the phone in my left hand as much as I do my right - no issues.

I'm really confused to why you'd think that you can only scroll from certain parts of the screen though - I don't remember seeing anything that would hint at that.

 

[Earl Cazone]

I'm sorry, I really don't see that as an issue. The scroll strip is visual only - you can scroll from anywhere on the screen. And for what it's worth, I hold the phone in my left hand as much as I do my right - no issues.

I'm really confused to why you'd think that you can only scroll from certain parts of the screen though - I don't remember seeing anything that would hint at that.

maybe he is thinking about the arrow in the top right

 

[brotkasten]

maybe he is thinking about the arrow in the top right

But you don't need to hit the arrow. You can always swipe.

 

[Walshicus]

maybe he is thinking about the arrow in the top right

I use my index finger for that. And just for giggles, held the phone in my left hand and used that thumb to press the arrow; no issues.

I'm on the Omnia 7, so *maaaaybe* if there's a phone out there twice the size I can see that being a potential issue... otherwise I really don't think anyone could find fault.

 

[venne]

Apparently, Sony Ericsson has some WM7 devices coming soon: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony...n-their-way-flaunting-Windows-Phone-7_id14640

Those sound great.

Hopefully they're real and coming soon. I remember drooling about the Xperia X1 when I first heard about it, but it didn't materialize until about a year later.

 

[Blackhead]

Look at a video of the OS.

The main screen and others assumes you are holding it in your right hand. If not, single hand usage is impossible. The scroll strip is on the right side so you can hit it with your thumb. Holding it is your left hand means you can't scroll at all.



I'd hope they aren't this stupid and there's a reverse all sort of thing under options. Otherwise I won't be able to use the phone.

I'm still don't understand your concern. You should be able to touch any part of the screen while holding a phone with one hand (unless you get one of the humongous models).

 

[Anton Sugar]

Look at a video of the OS.

The main screen and others assumes you are holding it in your right hand. If not, single hand usage is impossible. The scroll strip is on the right side so you can hit it with your thumb. Holding it is your left hand means you can't scroll at all.

What are you talking about? A scroll strip? I just held the phone in my left hand and I could do everything.

 

[Raistlin]

I've heard about the back button to switch between apps, is there a forward button as well?

I'm still don't understand your concern. You should be able to touch any part of the screen while holding a phone with one hand (unless you get one of the humongous models).

The videos I've seen show you scrolling via the strip on the right. There is no way you could do that comfortable with your left hand.

 

[Walshicus]

The videos I've seen show you scrolling via the strip on the right. There is no way you could do that comfortable with your left hand.

Okay, well rest assured that strip is only cosmetic. You can scroll anywhere on the screen.

 

[Anton Sugar]

The videos I've seen show you scrolling via the strip on the right. There is no way you could do that comfortable with your left hand.

Which video?

EDIT: Fragula is right. You can scroll using the whole screen...much like every other smart phone?

 

[Raistlin]

Which video?

EDIT: Fragula is right. You can scroll using the whole screen...much like every other smart phone?

I believe it was the video in the OP - I'm just now going through the thread.

If you can use anywhere the yes it will be usable. Though still not optimal.

 

[Walshicus]

I believe it was the video in the OP - I'm just now going through the thread.

If you can use anywhere the yes it will be usable. Though still not optimal.

Don't mean to bang on about it, but I'm still unsure what method you think would be best?

 

[Windu]

I believe it was the video in the OP - I'm just now going through the thread.

If you can use anywhere the yes it will be usable. Though still not optimal.

how is being able to scroll from anywhere on the screen not optimal?

 

[Anton Sugar]

how is being able to scroll from anywhere on the screen not optimal?

:lol

Seriously, why is this conversation taking place?

 

[DrFunk]

I'm not really familiar with S-E's offerings; are these expected to be marketed in the U.S.? What carrier do they typically go with? My iPhone contract is up soon and W7 is looking like a serious candidate for me making a switch. These phones in particular are pretty sexy and I like the enhanced camera options.

SE almost always markets their devices in the US, and makes only GSM (ATT, T-Mo) devices

 

[Raistlin]

So, is there a forward button for when jumping between apps?

Don't mean to bang on about it, but I'm still unsure what method you think would be best?

how is being able to scroll from anywhere on the screen not optimal?

The point of the strip is so you can scroll with your thumb one-handed without blocking the tiles. That was the point of incorporating it into the UI.

Obviously you can't do that left-handed unless they give you the option to mirror.

 

[Raistlin]

:lol

Seriously, why is this conversation taking place?

Because I'm trying to get info on the phone?

 

[Walshicus]

The point of the strip is so you can scroll with your thumb one-handed without blocking the tiles. That was the point of incorporating it into the UI.

Obviously you can't do that left-handed unless they give you the option to mirror.

Trust me, just trust me that it isn't an issue. I'm right handed and I don't really use it. It's a non-issue.

 

[Anton Sugar]

Because I'm trying to get info on the phone?

Well, it's purely a visual indicator, at least in IE and most menus. You can scroll anywhere on the screen.

 

[Raistlin]

Well, it's purely a visual indicator, at least in IE and most menus. You can scroll anywhere on the screen.

Well obviously I realize that now

My point still stands though. The intent is to scroll without covering the tiles. I'm sick of left-handed people always getting the short-end.

 

[Raistlin]

Getting back to discussing useful matters ...

For the users, how do you switch forward to an app after clicking back? Is there a forward button?

 

[Walshicus]

For the users, how do you switch forward to an app after clicking back? Is there a forward button?

Nope.

 

[Vanillalite]

Trust me, just trust me that it isn't an issue. I'm right handed and I don't really use it. It's a non-issue.

Fuck I've NEVER used it so far. I forget you can do that honestly cause I just swipe!:lol

Getting back to discussing useful matters ...

For the users, how do you switch forward to an app after clicking back? Is there a forward button?

No but if you go back a screen that screen logically speaking had to have been a screen where you could have gotten into said app or used one of the buttons to get into said app. So I just click it again if that makes sense.

 

[Raistlin]

Nope.

So you can't switch back and forth? Once you go back, you need to relaunch the app?

No but if you go back a screen that screen logically speaking had to have been a screen where you could have gotten into said app or used one of the buttons to get into said app. So I just click it again if that makes sense.

Hmmm ... guess I'll have to wait until I can test one.

 

[brotkasten]

So you can't switch back and forth? Once you go back, you need to relaunch the app?






Hmmm ... guess I'll have to wait until I can test one.

Windows Phone 7 does not support multi tasking with 3rd party apps or app switching.

 

[Firestorm]

omg SE phones =O

I believe it was the video in the OP - I'm just now going through the thread.

If you can use anywhere the yes it will be usable. Though still not optimal.

Although being able to scroll right to left would probably be the best for left-handed users, I don't know if they can go that way due to how the text works in their panoramas. It's a text-heavy UI and we read English from left-right.

 

[venne]

Although being able to scroll right to left would probably be the best for left-handed users, I don't know if they can go that way due to how the text works in their panoramas. It's a text-heavy UI and we read English from left-right.

I think the issue was with the start screen and not the hubs/apps.

I doubt it would be difficult for them to add an option to flip it in an update, but it would probably depend on users requesting it.

 

[PG2G]

I will definitely be feeling kind of jealous if that SE phone is actually real

 

[Jacobi]

Sony Ericcson+WP7 would be a perfect fit, because the software always sux on these phones (because of those special Sony Android versions for example).

 

[Psychotext]

Balls... now I find myself wanting to wait for one of those phones. =/

 

[kazinova]

Balls... now I find myself wanting to wait for one of those phones. =/

If you have any love of consuming music, a WP7 and a Zune pass is AMAZING. Waiting would be difficult for me.

 

[Anno]

Surround owners: hows it working so far? WP7 attention is very much centering on the Focus ATM. I listen to music pretty much all day at work, so if the sound quality is good and doesn't destroy the battery too fast I'd gladly put up with a heftier phone and less bright screen. Can the kickstand be used for turning the phone into a photo frame or weather station or anything like that when not in active use?

 

[Vanillalite]

EDIT: Side note I just help it left handed, and I have smaller(ish) hands. I can easily just thumb tap the arrow button to switch. IDK I didn't see a problem, but like any phone I always say go to the store and try it yourself.

Surround owners: hows it working so far? WP7 attention is very much centering on the Focus ATM. I listen to music pretty much all day at work, so if the sound quality is good and doesn't destroy the battery too fast I'd gladly put up with a heftier phone and less bright screen. Can the kickstand be used for turning the phone into a photo frame or weather station or anything like that when not in active use?

If you want one get one now since it's a penny on Amazon!

 

[Anno]

EDIT: Side note I just help it left handed, and I have smaller(ish) hands. I can easily just thumb tap the arrow button to switch. IDK I didn't see a problem, but like any phone I always say go to the store and try it yourself.



If you want one get one now since it's a penny on Amazon!

I keep hearing that but can't locate it. Even when I was given a direct link it just said unavailable. Out of stock now maybe?

Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out. I'd like to try the phone in store, absent impressions. Is it just this weekend that its basically free?

Edit 2: Damn, looks like it's back up to $199 =/ Oh well. Guess that'll give me time to go to AT&T tomorrow and check 'em out for myself. Probably a good idea anyway haha.

 

[Nobby]

Surround owners: hows it working so far? WP7 attention is very much centering on the Focus ATM. I listen to music pretty much all day at work, so if the sound quality is good and doesn't destroy the battery too fast I'd gladly put up with a heftier phone and less bright screen. Can the kickstand be used for turning the phone into a photo frame or weather station or anything like that when not in active use?

I just got a surround yesterday. The speaker is definitely louder and I would say better than any phone speaker I have used so far (iPhone 3G, 3GS, Captivate). Can't really comment about battery life yet and the phone is definitely significantly heavier and thicker than the Captivate. One thing annoying about the kickstand is that the zune/music player does not go into horizontal mode so you are forced to look at everything oriented sideways. I just loaded up the stock photo app but couldn't see a slideshow mode but I didn't really look too hard for it. The photo app does work in horizontal mode though.

edit - another thing I forgot to add is that the sound only seems to come out through the slide speakers so when the speakers aren't in the 'out' position the sound is muffled somewhat. Kind of weird but not that big of a deal, however the phone is kind of annoying to use in the speaker out position.

 

[antiquegamer]

Look at a video of the OS.

The main screen and others assumes you are holding it in your right hand. If not, single hand usage is impossible. The scroll strip is on the right side so you can hit it with your thumb. Holding it is your left hand means you can't scroll at all.



I'd hope they aren't this stupid and there's a reverse all sort of thing under options. Otherwise I won't be able to use the phone.

I don't see why it would be a problem my daughter if left handed and she doesn't have any problem navigating my new phone.

 

[shantyman]

Surround owners: hows it working so far? WP7 attention is very much centering on the Focus ATM. I listen to music pretty much all day at work, so if the sound quality is good and doesn't destroy the battery too fast I'd gladly put up with a heftier phone and less bright screen. Can the kickstand be used for turning the phone into a photo frame or weather station or anything like that when not in active use?

The Focus's screen in NOT brighter than the Surround's.

After seeing them both in person I am not sold on the super AMOLED hype.

 

[Psychotext]

If you have any love of consuming music, a WP7 and a Zune pass is AMAZING. Waiting would be difficult for me.

I'm in the UK. No Zune pass for me.

 

[brotkasten]

I'm in the UK. No Zune pass for me.

What? Dude, you should check out the OP.

 

[DayShallCome]

I'm in the UK. No Zune pass for me.

Zune Pass is now available in the UK.

 

[Vanillalite]

The Focus's screen in NOT brighter than the Surround's.

After seeing them both in person I am not sold on the super AMOLED hype.

IMO it's not about brightness but the colors and the blacks. IMO it's easy to see the difference if you look at them in person.

Engadget's side by side of some of the EU phones

It's clear which one has a different screen...

 

[Psychotext]

Zune Pass is now available in the UK.

Allow me to clarify. No free Zune Pass for me (like AT&T users got).

Beyond that I really don't care about paying for a Zune Pass. I have a ridiculously large music collection already which serves me pretty well.

 

[Vanillalite]

So the Facebook app doesn't have places. Granted I've never been a big user of it before, but it's the only thing I've found the FB app doesn't really have. Hopefully they add that in eventually like they did with the recent big android update.

 

[Earl Cazone]

I'd love some iphone and [whatever] windows phone 7 comparison shots. i expected to find some on google image search but i didnt. especially curious about the size of them just sitting next to each other. mozart comparison would be sweet