Being a Mac guy, I've always felt a little awkward around the Windows operating systems.
And, having reviewed numerous mobile phones, I'd say Windows Mobile-based phones have always been my least favorite devices.
Until now.
Verizon Wireless offered me an HTC Imagio running Windows Mobile 6.5 and V CAST Mobile TV. It doesn't feel like a Windows Mobile touchscreen device and is Verizon's first smartphone with V CAST Mobile TV (December press release).
Interface
Let's start with the interface. The initial setup for the Imagio is simple and very customizable. You can tweak the look of the interface like never before as HTC has done an excellent job of letting you cover up the rigid feel of Windows Mobile 5 and 6. HTC dresses up the interface by skinning the OS to make it much more appealing.
The Imagio also has something called Touch FLO 3D, software that can detect your location. Thus, the GPS will follow you as you travel.
Also, the weather on the home screen will change as you bounce from region to region.
The only problem I can see is that with Windows Mobile 7 rapidly approaching, the Imagio's lifespan might be short lived.
Design
The Imagio is an attractive phone with an even better feel in your hand. Not many phones can boast it's pleasant design and these features: a 3.6-inch screen, Wi-Fi , GPS, a 5-megapixel camera, and microSD storage. The phone is about the same thickness as Apple's iPhone and has a durable, won't-slide-out-of-your-hands texture on the back of the device. It is a well-made smartphone.
The Imagio has a kickstand in the back that can prop up the phone, giving you a good viewing angle when watching video or TV on the device. The kickstand doubles as an antenna for the V CAST Mobile TV service.
Turning the phone onto it's screen makes it a very nice unit for conference calls. Overall clarity was very good on this phone.
The two design beefs I have are that the screen isn't as responsive as other touchscreen devices and some of the touchscreen buttons (notably the "Start" button near the top and the two menu items on the bottom) are small. But if you've used Windows Mobile in the past, you won't have a problem. For those that have issues, the HTC comes with a stylus.
Camera
The Imagio has a 5-megapixel camera. What stands out is that you can choose the area where you want the camera to focus. There is a cross-hair icon on the screen. Tapping an area on the screen moves the cross-hair lines, bringing focus to a specific area.
While the camera shoots video, there is no true editor and the still camera can be slow in focusing and taking a picture.
Battery life
I was neutral on battery life. With normal use, you'll have to charge this battery every day. If you watch TV and use the 3G network a lot, you might want to invest in a second battery.
V CAST Mobile TV
V CAST Mobile TV is a Flo TV-based live streaming service that costs $10-15. The service is quite impressive (December review). It's like having a cable box in your hand. The video quality is good, but watching a sporting event on it is a little rough. But if you're a business traveler who can't miss CSI or SportsCenter, this service might be for you. The program guide is a nice touch.
Flipping through live channels is neat, but video on demand would put this device over the top. For the price, I don't think people will be completely satisfied with the channels that are offered, but if the lineup grows, I can see this service doing well.
Conclusion
I liked the concept of being able to watch television in such a small package. The phone is kind of a nice tease of what type of technology is in the hopper for Windows Mobile 7 and mobile TV.
The FM radio software was a nice touch, the setup was a breeze and the skinned OS is friendly to navigate. It's a solid phone, but I would expect to see a price drop on it after the CES and after new Android phones appear with the ability to broadcast mobile TV.
The Imagio goes for about $200 with new activation. A rebate might be involved, as well. Visit Verizon Wireless for details.
Specs (courtesy of Verizon and HTC)
-- Display: 65K color resistive touch screen. Screen size diagonally: 3.6". Resolution: 480 x 800, with accelerometer.
-- Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable. 1500 mAh.
-- Performance: Qualcomm MSM7600 528 MHz processor. 288 MB built-in RAM. 512 MB Flash ROM with 245 megs available.
-- Size: 4.65 x 2.43 x 0.55 inches. Weight: 5.26 ounces.
-- Phone: CDMA dual band digital 800/1900MHz with EV-DO Rev. A and fallback to 1xRTT. GSM quad band GSM world phone (850/900/1800/1900MHz) with 2100MHz 3G HSDPA for Europe and Asia.
-- Camera: 5 MP with autofocus lens. Can shoot video up to VGA resolution at 20fps and take photos in normal and wide screen aspect ratios.
-- GPS: Has GPS with aGPS. VZ Navigator included. Other location and mapping applications can access the GPS as well.
-- Audio: Built in speaker, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack.
-- Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
-- Software: Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional. Windows Mobile Office suite, Messaging (Outlook mobile with calendar, contacts, tasks and notes), HTC Album, HTC Streaming Media Player, HTC YouTube player, Visual Voice Mail, Opera Mobile web browser, V Cast Mobile TV, V Cast Videos, V Cast Music with Rhapsody, RSS Hub, FM Radio, Windows Mobile Marketplace, Mobile IM, Internet Explorer Mobile 6, Quick GPS, VZ Navigator, Teeter and other games.
-- Expansion: 1 SDHC microSD card slot.
-- In the box: Phone, stylus, world charger with various prong adapters, USB cable, printed manuals and software CD with full PDF device manual.
