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Windows smartphone maker, O2, has announced a beefed up
version of its Atom line with the release of the Xda Atom Exec.
A more powerful processor up from 416MHz on the Atom to a 520MHz
XScale processor on the Exec, is designed to counter some complaints the device
was a bit of a dog. There's more memory too which should help with
multitasking. But short of that the upgrade seems more like a tweak to correct
a few problems with earlier models.
One of those tweaks is a new casing which replaces the
fingerprint-susceptible glossy black of the original Atom with a "gun-metal"
matte finish. O2 released a glossy white version of the Atom earlier this year.
Another advantage of the new model is the inclusion of the latest
Windows Mobile 5.0 release which brings enhanced security and direct push email
capabilities that lets Microsoft Exchange Server keep your email, calendar,
contacts and tasks up-to-date automatically.
Thanks to the new operating system, confidential data is now
secured with a Messaging & Security Feature Pack. Businesses have the
option to install compulsory PIN passwords and the device also supports remote
data wipe in case the thing goes missing.
Another feature, called CodeWallet Pro lets you store
sensitive information with strong encryption and password protection. There's
also a Global Address List feature which allows users to access corporate
contacts remotely.
When the work is over O2 provides a media dashboard it calls
MediaPlus which offers a single interface for the phone's multimedia
capabilities.
These include an FM radio, 2.0 mega pixel camera with flash,
an application that lets you adjust equalizer settings for Windows Media Player
10 playback, and there's a Photo Editor application.
The specs include Intel's XScale PXA 27x 520MHz processor,
which feeds off 192MB of expandable memory, which the company says will deliver
faster application launch and better multitasking capabilities.
The PDA/Phone naturally comes bundled with a heap of
software such as Mobile Office and ActiveSync to keep your desktop in your hand.
The Atom Exec's other new features include a Wireless Manager application which
allows you to more easily configure the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as
well at the phone's GSM/GPRS/EDGE settings. A 3G version of this device would
be nice to increase the data rate, though.
There are also a couple of other tweaks such as the addition
of a message button to the front which offers much easier access.
It is a stylish looking device though and pretty light at
only 140 grams. It's also small, if a little thick, at 58 (W) X 102 (L) X 18.5
(T) mm and the display takes up nearly all the front of the handset. The lack
of a keyboard could also put off some users, but for
Priced at $1229 the Xda Atom Exec should be available from
retailers now.
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