Sony Ericsson Aspen Launched — First Phone with Windows Mobile 6.5.3
It is just a few weeks until the big Mobile World Congress, the big smartphone show in Spain, but Sony Ericsson wasn’t happy to wait to launch its latest Windows phone. The brand new Aspen is the first phone running the newly released version of Windows Mobile, 6.5.3. The Aspen looks more like a phone from Nokia, and it has features that might appeal to the business user and consumer alike.
Aspen specs:
- 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 450 hours
- Talk time UMTS: Up to 8 hours
- Standby time: UMTS: Up to 600 hours
- Music listening time: Up to 12 hours
Networks:
- UMTS HSPA 900/2100
- GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
- UMTS HSPA 850/900/2100
- GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
The Aspen will be available in the second quarter of this year, but there is no word on pricing as yet. The big story is the inclusion of the newest version of Windows Mobile, v.6.5.3. This version of WinMo has new interface features that make it work easier with touch. A welcome change is the ability to place program icons wherever desired on the Home screen. There is also a new magnifier that makes it easier to touch controls on legacy programs.
It’s easier to show with pictures, so here are some screenshots of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 that have not been seen before.
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Using Windows Mobile 6.5.3 thanks xda on my HD and new HD2, I love it, but nead more improvement…. still waiting for 7.
The problem is it still Windows on a phone…FAIL
It’s all about iPhone/Android in the mobile space. Windows has been relegated to a fringe player.
I moved from WinMo6 to Android 1.x and never looked back, it just so more modern and smooth. The WinMo lovers are just emotionally attached to their weaker platform and they need to break free and make the move away from WinMo: you won’t regret it trust me. You can thank me later. :-)
I have tried and HATE the iPhone. I have tried and LIKE the Android phones (HTC Hero and Samsung Moment at least), but I still wouldn’t give up my Windows Mobile customizations for the world.
I had used WinMo for years before going BB and now Android. The one thing I will give WinMo is that it’s completely limitless to customize. No other mobile platform is as changeable as a WinMo device. BB? Forget it… Android, it’s somewhat customizable once you root it, but a WinMo can be completely changed right out of the box.
I’m curious how farther MS will push 6.5 seeing that 7 is due out H2, and if they continue to support 6.5 after 7 is released.
After all, it would be a shame to plunk down ~$600 on an unlocked TP2 only to see it go without any more updates within a year.