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Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
The SMT5600 contains the very latest version of
the excellent Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphone software. This is a "Second
Edition" version that exclusively features Window Media Player 10, which we will look at a
bit later in this review.
There was no change with the homescreen on this
Second Edition version of WM2003. Under settings, you have the option of
changing the layout of the homescreen as well as choose any third-party
homescreens you may install. Later, we will show you some excellent
alternatives that not only enhance its appearance, but add quite a bit of
additional functionality as well.
One thing the Smartphone 2002 OS could not do
was to set mp3's as ringtones. It only supported much larger .wav files. With this new version of WM2003, you can set mp3 or
wma files as ringtones. Simply copy your edited mp3's to your My
Documents directory and you'll be able to choose it under settings/sounds.
Speaking of sounds, you can also set one alarm under the Data and Time
settings menu. For those looking for multiple alarms, you can get some
third-party tools capable of multiple alarm capabilities.
The included calendar hasn't really changed at
all. You can expand the view by month or day and from the agenda view,
you can schedule audible reminders.
Now, what's really nice about this new operating
system is that unlike Smartphone 2002, this version of Pocket Outlook supports
multiple POP accounts. Now you can check all your email accounts quickly
and easily. It also offers true synchronization with Microsoft Outlook
when connect via ActiveSync.
The Audiovox SMT5600 includes the latest version
of Pocket Internet Explorer that will allow you to connect to the net and
browse just about any website. Browsing the web in such a small screen
can be a bit cumbersome, but for light surfing, it works just fine, especially
if you visit portal sites especially designed for Pocket PC's and Smartphones.
The SMT5600 also includes the latest version of
the popular MSN Messenger that allows you to sign in to your passport account
and instant message any in your buddy list. This works very well,
however, I will be showing you an excellent IM alternative later in this
review.
With a built-in camera, things wouldn't be
complete without a picture viewer. The Audiovox SMT5600 includes a
picture viewer called Photo Album that will allow you to view, send or delete
any of the pictures taken with the VGA camera. We will show you the
actual quality of the camera a bit later in this review.
Finally, the new WM2003 SE Operating System
includes a pocket version of Windows Explorer called File Manager. It
incorporates a few extra features that were typically found in other
third-party file manager applications.
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**click to enlarge** |
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Last but not least, is the inclusion of the new
Window Media Player 10 for smartphones. This new version allows sync
capabilities with your desktops version of the software as well as TV support
for those who run a Media Center PC. While this new version does offer a
slew of new features, I was quite disappointed with its lack of media support.
For one, it will not play mpg video files, which is a feature I would have
liked to see considering I do store a bunch of optimized mpg videos for
smartphones.
**click to enlarge**
You can easily sync your music or video
collection with your smartphone or smartphone's storage card using the desktop
version of Microsoft's WMP 10.
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