http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//microsoft-launches-new-windows-embedded-handheld-mobile-os.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-launches-new-windows-embedded-handheld-mobile-os.htm

The stripped-down version of Windows Mobile 6.5 and the next-gen Windows Phone 7 OS will be aimed at niche enterprise and mobility devices.]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-rolls-out-three-new-android-handsets-plus-wave-2-duo-for-bada.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-rolls-out-three-new-android-handsets-plus-wave-2-duo-for-bada.htm

While yet to release the latest Android and Bada smartphones in Australia, Samsung already has a fleet of new Android ‘Galaxy’ and Bada ‘Wave’ handsets on the launchpad.]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-ties-with-blackberry-in-mobile-browsing-market-share.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-ties-with-blackberry-in-mobile-browsing-market-share.htm

The just-launched iPad already equals the BlackBerry in mobile Web browsing, but Android smartphones are making a dent in the iPhone’s previously all-conquering lead.]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//app-developers-abandon-windows-mobile-for-iphone-android-and-blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//app-developers-abandon-windows-mobile-for-iphone-android-and-blackberry.htm

Windows Mobile is officially the last platform that developers want to write for, according to a US report, with more than 50% of code-cutters now building apps for Apple’s iOS.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//android-overtakes-iphone-in-us-smartphone-market.htm http://apcmag.com//android-overtakes-iphone-in-us-smartphone-market.htm

A surge in Android sales has seen Google’s open-source smartphone OS shoot past the iPhone in the US consumer market as Windows Mobile slumps towards single-digit insignificance.]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-shows-off-office-on-a-windows-7-series-phone.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-shows-off-office-on-a-windows-7-series-phone.htm

Can Microsoft make a dent in the smartphone market by appealing to the mobile-worker?]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:55:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp-to-buy-palm-for-us12bn.htm http://apcmag.com//hp-to-buy-palm-for-us12bn.htm

Palm may get a new lease on life thanks to the overnight buyout by HP, which was once Palm’s biggest competitor owing to its range of Windows-powered iPaq PDAs.]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:37:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-to-reveal-new-hiptop-smartphones-next-week.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-to-reveal-new-hiptop-smartphones-next-week.htm

The next-gen Hiptop will sport a slick UI inspired by Windows Phone 7 and take aim at the twittering tweens, teens and twentysomething social networking set.]]> Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:09:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm

A fistful of phones running Google’s open-source OS are set to launch next month, giving Android a boost while Microsoft waits for Windows Phone 7.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-no-windows-phone-7-upgrade-for-windows-mobile-6x-devices.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-no-windows-phone-7-upgrade-for-windows-mobile-6x-devices.htm

Microsoft’s tight hardware spec for Windows Phone 7 smartphones means that Windows Mobile 6.x devices – including HTC’s just-launched HD2 – can’t be upgraded.]]> Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-what-we-learnt-from-the-iphone-and-what-apple-can-learn-from-us.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-what-we-learnt-from-the-iphone-and-what-apple-can-learn-from-us.htm

Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software pointed the way for Windows Phone 7, admits Microsoft, but it sledges the iPhone’s UI as out-dated.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-locks-out-windows-phone-7-customisations-from-htc-and-telstra.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-locks-out-windows-phone-7-customisations-from-htc-and-telstra.htm

Microsoft confirms that UI overlays such as HTC’s Sense will be banned from Windows Phone 7 platform, with carrier rebranding also being slapped down.]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:08:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-windows-phone-7-will-be-a-skin-free-zone.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-windows-phone-7-will-be-a-skin-free-zone.htm

Having been initially impressed by the style of Microsoft's new mobile system, difficult questions are coming thick and fast, such as: why has Microsoft banned skins on WinMo7?]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-unveils-hd-mini-smartphone.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-unveils-hd-mini-smartphone.htm

HTC’s deliciously big-screen HD2 is downsized into the new HD Mini, with Telstra tipped as the Australian launch partner.]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-7-phones-arriving-christmas-2010.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-7-phones-arriving-christmas-2010.htm

It may be Christmas before Australians will be able to get their hands on a mobile phone with Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Series platform installed on it.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:39:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-with-windows-phone-7.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-with-windows-phone-7.htm

Windows phones should no longer look and work like Windows PCs, says Microsoft, as it overhauls its mobile OS in a ‘last chance’ catch-up to Apple and Google.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:38:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-unveils-two-more-android-xperia-phones.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-unveils-two-more-android-xperia-phones.htm

In an increasingly cluttered smartphone market, Google’s open-source mobile OS continues to gather support.]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:48:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsungs-new-bada-os-wave-smartphone-and-app-store-due-mid-year.htm http://apcmag.com//samsungs-new-bada-os-wave-smartphone-and-app-store-due-mid-year.htm

Australia will catch the Samsung Wave, powered by the manufacturer’s own Bada OS and accompanied by Samsung’s app store, in the middle of this year.]]> Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:46:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsofts-zune-phone-on-the-horizon.htm http://apcmag.com//microsofts-zune-phone-on-the-horizon.htm

As Apple moves from phones to tablets, Microsoft is rushing the other way, with news that a Zune phone is definitely on the cards. ]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:35:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphone-overtakes-windows-mobile-in-sales-and-usage.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-overtakes-windows-mobile-in-sales-and-usage.htm

2009 has been a much better year for Apple than it has for Microsoft, with the iPhone eclipsing Windows Mobile in the US market.]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:12:32 +1000 http://apcmag.com//opera-mobile-10-makes-life-tougher-for-microsoft.htm http://apcmag.com//opera-mobile-10-makes-life-tougher-for-microsoft.htm

With HTC and Samsung pre-installing Opera Mobile as the default browser on their Windows Mobile smartphones, the newest version 10 ups the ante for Internet Explorer Mobile.]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-home-server-gets-power-pack-3-update-next-week.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-home-server-gets-power-pack-3-update-next-week.htm

Got Windows 7 on your PCs and a Windows Home Server box sitting in the corner? Then you’ll want to grab the Power Pack 3 update as soon as it’s released next week.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-details-new-bada-smartphone-os.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-details-new-bada-smartphone-os.htm

Do we really need another smartphone OS? Samsung thinks so... its new Bada OS will debut next month, with the first handsets and Bada app store due by min-2010.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//office-2010-beta-released-to-public.htm http://apcmag.com//office-2010-beta-released-to-public.htm

Microsoft has opened the floodgates for public downloads of Office 2010 Beta 2, along with its smartphone sibling Office Mobile 2010.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:47:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//app-stores-converge-at-app-planet-2010.htm http://apcmag.com//app-stores-converge-at-app-planet-2010.htm

App stores are where it's all happening – so much so that the annual Mobile World Congress is launching the App Planet 2010 expo to claim slice of the action.]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smartphone-shake-up-windows-mobile-falls-behind-iphone-and-blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//smartphone-shake-up-windows-mobile-falls-behind-iphone-and-blackberry.htm

Microsoft’s slice of the worldwide smartphone market slumps into single digits and is barely twice the share of newcomer Android, while the iPhone and BlackBerry pull well ahead.]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:25:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-htc-and-telstra-to-launch-windows-mobile-65-this-week.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-htc-and-telstra-to-launch-windows-mobile-65-this-week.htm

Microsoft is set to lift the covers off Windows Mobile 6.5 this Wednesday, with local launch partners Telstra and HTC joining in for the occasion.]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:08:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-opens-windows-cafe-in-paris.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-opens-windows-cafe-in-paris.htm

Drop in for some coffee, a croissant and free Wi-Fi, and you can get a side serve of Windows 7...]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:59:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//spy-shots-reveal-microsofts-project-pink-smartphones.htm http://apcmag.com//spy-shots-reveal-microsofts-project-pink-smartphones.htm

Microsoft is set to stamp its name onto a new wave of Windows Mobile smartphones aimed at the social networking set. Here’s a sneak peak at ‘Project Pink’.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:42:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-brings-push-gmail-to-iphone-and-windows-mobile.htm http://apcmag.com//google-brings-push-gmail-to-iphone-and-windows-mobile.htm

Gmail joins Calendar and Contacts as a Google Sync service with instant delivery to any mobile device that supports Exchange ActiveSync.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:16:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-aims-windows-embedded-at-smartbooks.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-aims-windows-embedded-at-smartbooks.htm

The pint-sized ‘Windows Embedded’ OS is set to join its desktop and smartphone cousins in Microsoft’s war against ‘little Linux’ distros such as Android and Mobilin.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:18:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-lands-blackberry-wanna-be-htc-snap.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-lands-blackberry-wanna-be-htc-snap.htm

HTC’s Snap boasts familiar Berry-esque design and features but starts at $100/month when paired with Telstra’s push email service.]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:48:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-android-smartphone-for-aussie-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-preps-android-smartphone-for-aussie-launch.htm

Next month sees Samsung roll out its full line of touchscreen ‘Icon’ mobiles, among them the Android-powered Galaxy Icon.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:17:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-ericcsons-rachel-set-to-join-android-friends.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-ericcsons-rachel-set-to-join-android-friends.htm

It’s codenamed Rachel but we’ll see this Android-powered smartphone debut as the Xperia X3 and sporting a custom Sony Ericsson UI.]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:29:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows-home-server-gets-ready-for-windows-7.htm http://apcmag.com//windows-home-server-gets-ready-for-windows-7.htm

The newly-released ‘Power Pack 3’ beta for Windows Home Server adds support for Windows 7 libraries and other features of the forthcoming OS, as well as better backup for netbooks.]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:02:37 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-to-offer-office-web-apps-for-free.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-to-offer-office-web-apps-for-free.htm

Microsoft borrows a page from Google’s playbook with free and paid-for versions of its Office Web apps online suite, but also offers DIY hosting on your own server.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:46:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//skyfire-mobile-browser-released-for-windows-and-symbian-phones.htm http://apcmag.com//skyfire-mobile-browser-released-for-windows-and-symbian-phones.htm

Finally out of beta, the fresh-baked Skyfire promises to bring desktop-class browsing – with full support for Flash and AJAX – to Windows Mobile and Nokia Symbian S60.3 phones.]]> Sun, 31 May 2009 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-moves-windows-mobile-my-phone-online-backup-service-into-open-beta.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-moves-windows-mobile-my-phone-online-backup-service-into-open-beta.htm

The cloud-based My Phone service stores text messages, contacts, photos and video clips from Windows Mobile phones on the Web.]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 11:34:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm

What other phone lets you fake an incoming call, complete with pre-recorded dialogue, so you can escape from a boring meeting or social situation?]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 16:44:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//acer-launching-first-non-windows-smartphone-of-the-year.htm http://apcmag.com//acer-launching-first-non-windows-smartphone-of-the-year.htm

With the smartphone market booming, Acer is going for a piece of the pie, but much to Microsoft's chagrin, they are not doing it with Windows Mobile.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bill-gates-bans-ipods-iphone-at-home.htm http://apcmag.com//bill-gates-bans-ipods-iphone-at-home.htm

Microsoft supremo Bill Gates' kids have to put up with Zune and Windows Mobile, his wife has revealed.]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:42:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-and-nokia-launch-mobile-app-stores.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-and-nokia-launch-mobile-app-stores.htm

Two of the biggest mobile phone players join the app store stampede, with Windows Mobile and Nokia phones to get over-the-air software shops by mid-year.]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//getting-to-grips-with-microsoft-my-phone.htm http://apcmag.com//getting-to-grips-with-microsoft-my-phone.htm

Microsoft's recently-announced My Phone service offers cloud storage and synchronization services to Windows Mobile users. But what's it actually like to use?]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sols-stolen-phone-wiped-remotely.htm http://apcmag.com//sols-stolen-phone-wiped-remotely.htm

The pickpocket that scored Sol Trujillo's prototype Windows Mobile 6.5 phone will be very unhappy. Very unhappy indeed.]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:49:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-pickpocketed-secret-phone-stolen.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-pickpocketed-secret-phone-stolen.htm

Telstra's CEO has been left red-faced after a pickpocket stole a prototype mobile phone with unreleased Windows Mobile 6.5 Software at 3GSM Barcelona.]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:59:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsoft-opens-my-phone-cloud-service-for-windows-mobile.htm http://apcmag.com//microsoft-opens-my-phone-cloud-service-for-windows-mobile.htm

New cloud-based service to sync and backup Windows Mobile phones goes live on an invite-only basis, but an open public beta will follow. Plus: how My Phone will be woven into Windows 7.]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:07:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-to-launch-big-pond-app-store.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-to-launch-big-pond-app-store.htm

Telstra is working on an Apple-style app store for mobile phones. The icon even looks like Apple's one.]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobileme-be-gone-google-sync-comes-to-the-iphone.htm http://apcmag.com//mobileme-be-gone-google-sync-comes-to-the-iphone.htm

Google Sync now supports iPhone, Windows Mobile and other devices that support SyncML.]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//Microsoft_readies_Windows_Mobile_65_and_app_store.htm http://apcmag.com//Microsoft_readies_Windows_Mobile_65_and_app_store.htm

Redmond’s oft-criticised smartphone OS gets a make-over before Windows 7 arrives, while Microsoft is also set to announce a Windows Mobile app store and Mobile Me-style service. ]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//obama_to_keep_his_beloved_blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//obama_to_keep_his_beloved_blackberry.htm

The President-elect gets to hang onto his favourite gadget, although he’ll also have to carry a chunky second super-secure mobile for “government” use.]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphonelike_htc_touch_hd_set_for_aussie_launch.htm http://apcmag.com//iphonelike_htc_touch_hd_set_for_aussie_launch.htm

HTC’s Touch HD smartphone has a huge, lush high-res screen -- twice the resolution of the iPhone 3G's.]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_pro.htm http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_pro.htm

It's not as supermodel-sexy as the Touch Diamond, but the Pro makes up for its thicker waist with a full QWERTY keyboard, faster performance, and beefier battery.]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_omnia_sghi900.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_omnia_sghi900.htm

It may look like yet another iPhone clone, but the Samsung Omnia is an excellent smartphone in its own right, with a few surprises up its sleeve.]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//coming_soon_firefox_for_windows_mobile.htm http://apcmag.com//coming_soon_firefox_for_windows_mobile.htm

Mozilla to the rescue! A mobile version of Firefox is in the works that'll bring desktop-class browsing to Windows Mobile]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp_ipaq_612c.htm http://apcmag.com//hp_ipaq_612c.htm

The iPAQ name doesn’t command the same respect that it used to, but will the wireless hat trick of Wi-Fi, 3G and GPS in the 612c be enough to turn the brand’s fortunes?]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:17:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_diamond.htm http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_diamond.htm

Naming a smartphone after one of the most sought-after gems in the world is a big call, and unfortunately for HTC, it isn’t perfect.]]> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:42:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//microsofts_phone_data_manager__not_quite_cloud_computing.htm http://apcmag.com//microsofts_phone_data_manager__not_quite_cloud_computing.htm

Want to sync your phone's contacts with the cloud? Sure, Microsoft says, just let us stick a Windows PC in the middle.]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:18:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_diamond.htm http://apcmag.com//htc_touch_diamond.htm

Did somebody say iPhone killer? HTC's latest handset is a formidable smartphone with just enough features and style to take on the Messiah of mobiles.]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:13:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_i780.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_i780.htm

Samsung's latest BlackBerry-killer offers all the high-tech goodies in a remarkably compact package.]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc_remains_committed_to_android_first_phones_will_ship_this_year.htm http://apcmag.com//htc_remains_committed_to_android_first_phones_will_ship_this_year.htm

Despite delays in the release of Google's Android mobile OS, Taiwanese manufacturer HTC says it is still on track to have its first handsets in the market before Christmas.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung_enters_the_touchscreen_race.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung_enters_the_touchscreen_race.htm

New Omnia is a ‘smartphone with the lot’ – including several features which Apple left off the iPhone.]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:43:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows_mobile_61_gets_new_look_interface.htm http://apcmag.com//windows_mobile_61_gets_new_look_interface.htm

Microsoft’s updated mobile OS sports a smarter home screen, zoomable IE mini-browser with YouTube support and threaded ‘chat mode’ for SMS. ]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:47:14 +1000