Interface
HTC's TouchFLO 3D interface, which sits on top on the Windows 6.1 operating system is back and better than ever.
You can scroll through the functions using the menu bar along the bottom of the screen or go straight to the Windows menu, accessible through the usual button in the top left of the screen, or via the hard button beneath it.
Either way, there's a surprise waiting when you get there, for instead of the usual drop-down Windows menu there's a series of iPhone-like thumb-sized app icons, which you won't need the stylus to access.
Several other aspects of the TouchFLO interface have been tweaked too, including a new calendar and calculator, and the keys of the still rather cramped keyboard can be set to vibrate with haptic feedback, which makes it a little easier to use, as well as an eerily accurate word correction tool that seems to know which word your sausage-shaped fingers are fumbling for.
While HTC has managed to disguise the Windows Mobile system better than anyone before with the Touch Diamond2, when it comes to writing a new message the familiar clunky WinMo interface reared its ugly head again, with a sluggish interface and a convoluted method of adding in recipients.
HTC has tried to divert the user away from having to use the Windows Mobile interface by allowing direct messaging from the (pretty decent) contacts entries, with a conversation history between the user and the designated contact as well as the ability to write new messages from the entry as well.
It appears this is just another left over element from Windows Mobile 6.1, otherwise you'd imagine HTC would have skinned this element too, so we've now got to have faith that Windows Mobile 6.5 will sort this problem later this year.
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rovingrowe
November 4th
1. I bought my phone from Handtec in May. The screen is fantastic and I rarely have to reset it - a big improvement over older phones. Video streaming works a treat and the built in YouTube app is great. Sound quality is fine and it is handy to be able to pull the micro SD storage card in and out without resetting the phone. So far, I haven't had a problem with software running off the storage card locking up after the phone has been in standby mode - a big irritation with WM5.
A few gripes and 1 major ISSUE:
- Touch Flo looks great but irritates as it takes more steps to get to all the detail of a contact, diary, etc. I end up working around Touch Flo rather than using it much
- The HTC browser looks great but doesn't seem to work that well. Big delays and oversensitive zoom slider. I end up using Internet Explorer - much better than earlier versions but still nothing like as good as iphone browser
- Touchflo has a nice feature on contacts where commonly used contacts can be selected and listed on the top Contacts screen. Unfortunately the PC sync software regularly loses its mind and does a complete re-sync, overwriting these selections on the phone. Looks nice but I have lost patience reinstating them every couple of weeks and now just ignore it.
- The headphone socket is combined with the mini USB sync/charge socket is a HTC variation of the mini USB plug. You need to use HTC headphones or buy an adapter - cheap on Ebay but a little annoying
- The casing and screen are very sensitive to finger prints – I end up wiping it constantly. The screen is pretty useless in sunlight.
- MAJOR WATCHOUT: The reset button is under the back cover. Right next to this is a recessed casing screw with an anti-tamper 'void' sticker. It is very easy to stick the stylus into the screw instead of the button by mistake. I found out the very expensive consequence (£70) when the touch screen developed a fault after only a few weeks. I then spend many more weeks arguing with Handtec and HTC to no avail - I had to pay up. HTC even emailed a photo of the damaged 'void' sticker which had pretty clearly never had a screwdriver in it. There is very little clearance inside the casing to put tape over the screw hole and if you block the hole with something you would again risk damaging the sticker in some way. All this would be avoided if the 'void' sticker were simply put on a different screw. If I were cynical I might think this was deliberate to avoid paying out for warranty claims!
- The phone Handtec provided is apparently an Eastern European model. I found this out when I tried to download the Win 6.5 upgrade and was refused. A support call to HTC clarified why. Apparently the E European version will be released later in Nov.
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