If you’re not using an HTC Touch device, with
HTC’s iPhone-esque Touch Flo interface, but are using a different
Windows Mobile smartphone, the only professional game and alternative
in town has been the very cool Spb Mobile Shell.
With
version 2.1 launched on April 29, 2008, the user experience is so
radically different to that of corporate-boring Windows Mobile, and so
reminiscent of the iPhone, that Spb’s claims its software “reignites
interest in Windows Mobile and changes the device experience
completely” are totally spot on.
Of course, when you get past
the navigation menu and into actual applications, you’re in the same
corporate-boring Windows Mobile applications as ever, but despite their
uninspired look, those apps work as advertised, are solid and have
resulted in tens of millions of Windows Mobile handsets shipped over
the years.
It’s just that the Spb could easily help Microsoft
sell many more, and it’s a wonder that Microsoft’s Windows Mobile
division hasn’t bought these fellows out and put them in charge of the
whole operation.
So what is the new Spb Online Shell exactly?
Using
the Spb Mobile Shell as the software and interface engine, the Online
Shell is, according to Spb, a convergence of online and media tools,
targeted to helping mobile network operators expand their online
services portfolios and deliver improved content experiences to
subscribers.
This means bringing together a whole swag of online
services into an easy to navigate on-screen environment, from weather,
to video-on-demand and music, TV and radio streams and shopping
opportunities – including the ability to deliver a “single entry portal
for online services and payments.”
In addition, Spb know where
their bread is buttered, and will happily customise the software to
“strictly adhere to, and enhance, a carrier's unique identity and
brand”, while hopefully totally reinvigorating excitement for mobile
data and entertainment.
Why isn't Microsoft doing this? Pleae read onto page 2.
Spb mobile shell puts Windows Mobile interface to shame
Based on the high popular Spb “Mobile Shell”, Spb Software House has
showcased a new “Online Shell” at Australia’s CeBIT tech conference. It
brings a range of online multimedia entertainment and information
services using the Mobile Shell interface, which itself brought a very
iPhone-esque experience to drab Windows Mobile devices.
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One of Australia’s best-known technology journalists and consumer tech experts, Alex has appeared in his capacity as technology expert on all of Australia’s free-to-air and pay TV networks, including stints as presenter of Ch 10’s Internet Bright Ideas, Ch 7’s Room for Improvement and tech expert on Ch 9’s Today Show, among many other news and current affairs programs.
