iPhone vs HTC TyTN II: Apple vs Microsoft on new stage

Stan Beer
Sunday, 11 November 2007 17:34

Business IT - Technology

Now a product such as the HTC TyTN II comes along. It's not quite as elegant as the iPhone and certainly not as cool. However, it does have many similar features and some real advantages.

The TyTN II runs on a 3G network enabling fast data transfer rates and web surfing; it has a full QWERTY slide out keyboard with a horizontal screen that tilts; it has an excellent built-in GPS; it has an excellent tablet style handwriting recognition system; removable battery; touch screen with finger scrolling (but not multi-touch pinching); it automatically changes its aspect from vertical to horizontal and vice versa; and - here's the kicker - it has a pretty easy to navigate interface built on Windows Mobile 6.

Some may dread the thought of Microsoft dominating the mobile smartphones space like it does with computer desktops. However, for users who want to take their Windows desktop on the road, a device running Windows Mobile 6 is a compelling thought.

The iPhone has a bigger and better screen than the TyTN II (and a better name); with multi-touch it's better for web surfing; and of course it's also an iPod. However, no matter how great it is, it's only one hardware product from one company. The TyTN II is also one product from one company but it provides a glimpse of a future where many products from many other companies will offer similar and improved features all based on the same Windows operating system.

Of course, Windows Mobile 6 is still a minnow compared to Symbian OS. However, looking at products like the Nokia N95 compared to the iPhone or even the TyTN II, one wonders if the handset manufacturers tied to Symbian should think about whether it's the best platform for next generation mobile devices. Ever tried to surf the net on the N95? For that matter, how many users even know how to navigate the ridiculously complex keyboard?

I sincerely hope the next generation of mobile phones doesn't turn out to be another Apple versus Microsoft replay because the last thing the mobile market needs is another proprietary Microsoft monopoly. So now that Apple has set the standard, can at least some of the handset makers please bring to market a few smart, easy to navigate Linux phones with a similar design.