Microsoft have updated the Windows Marketplace, found on the Xperia X1 and other Windows Mobile handsets. The update, allows users to save apps to the memory card, instead of just the phone memory. Which, for those with large memory cards and are running out of phone memory, is great news.
You can also purchase full versions of apps from the trial editions. Another change, is a new feature called World View. World View allows you to view what apps are available outside of your country but, it’s more likely that you’ll find more apps in a foreign language, than any must have apps. VoIP calls now now also be made over a mobile internet connection and not just WiFi. Although some carriers may have their own block on this.
For avid Facebooker’s, here’s some good news from Microsoft. Version 1.2 of Facebook for Windows Mobile has been updated. There are two new main features, which most would agree are long overdue. You can now like a post as well as add to the comments. The Facebook app can be updated from the Marketplace. Also if your marketplace app has been updated within the last week, you now have the choice to install the Facebook app to your memory card instead of the inbuilt phone memory. Currently, it’s only available from the US marketplace but, other regions should see the update soon.
For those who can’t wait any longer to run Android on an Xperia handset, fear not, a coder over at XDA Developers has ported Android 2.0.1 over to the X1. Like the Ubuntu port, it is limited but, fun to have a go at. Currently the camera, GPS and bluetooth don’t work. GSM and WiFi however do work, along with the screen still responding to touch. Other features apart from those mentioned should also function. You can view how you can port Android to your X1 here, or view the video of Android on the X1 in action below.
The coders over at XDA Developers really do amazing work. The latest modification for the Xperia X1 is a port of Ubuntu. Fatsal has created a port of Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 for the X1. Of course the functionality is limited but, hopefully fatsal will keep working on it and we’ll see a less limited version soon. That said, a lot of fun can be had with the port. You can view full photos of the port along with the download links, which are over 1GB in size here.
SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Mobile has been updated to version 2.0. SlingPlayer Mobile already supports the Xperia X1 and now the HTC Pure, Touch Pro II and some others. The app has been redesigned, giving a better experience for touchscreen and widescreen formats.
New features included in the update, include unrestricted streaming, a better interface, which is icon based, which essentially eliminates the need to use a stylus, as well as Sling Account support, which means you no longer need to enter your Slingbox Finder ID and password. SlingPlayer Mobile is available to purchase for $29.99, or you can try it for free for 30 days.
The Xperia X1 and other Windows Mobile devices have, since entering 2010 have received text messages from 2016. A small bug, possibly due to the HEX code, is causing text messages received, to display the date as being 2016 instead of 2010. In HEX, 10 is represented as 16. As of yet, there’s no official fix but, a small unofficial CAB has been released which solves the problem for now. The issue hasn’t been found on T-Mobile handsets.
Did you ever wondered why the Xperia X1 keeps on getting low signal/reception? Try removing your unit’s battery cover for a few seconds and watch as your Xperia X1 gets an extra bar or two. Now, while this could be solve by finding a plastic battery cover (if you’re lucky to find one) another issue with the Xperia X1 which hampers its signal reception has something to do with its antenna.
The Xperia X1’s antenna is covered by thick rubberized plastic coating which weakens its capability to get full reception. How to solve that? Take a deep breath and whitesites blog’s method of increasing the Xperia X1’s antenna.
Basically all you need to do is to pull out the antenna module, open it up and scrappe off the rubber coating using a cutter blade. Once done, you can now put the antenna module back and enjoy your Xperia X1 with great signal/reception strength.
Check out the Whitesite’s blog for photos of the actual tinkering with the Xperia X1 antenna.
Many X1 owners have been hoping and asking if the updated version of Windows Mobile will be coming to the Xperia X1. It’s now been confirmed that it won’t be. A Sony Ericsson rep has told Crave Asia that Windows Mobile 6.5 will not be coming to the Xperia X1.
Other handsets have already received the update but, if your an Xperia user, you’re out of luck. Unless of course, you upgrade to the Xperia X2, which comes with Windows Mobile 6.5 pre-installed. From a business perspective, it does make sense but, if you’re not ready to upgrade, or have recently got the X1 and aren’t out of contract, then I’m afraid you’re out of luck, officially anyway. The 6.5 ROM has been floating around, which you can grab from XDA-Developers.
There’s been some speculation over whether Windows Mobile 6.5 will become available for the Xperia X1 officially. There’s already been news about the updated Windows Mobile on HTC Touch Diamond2, Pro2 and Samsung Omnia but nothing about the X1. Some are sceptical about it, as 6.5 is due for release in October, when the Xperia X2 is to begin shipping. Could Sony Ericsson hold off bringing Windows Mobile 6.5 to the X1 in order to boost sales of the Xperia X2, which will come with 6.5? Well, while we haven’t got a definte answer, itje over at XDA-Developers leads us to believe that the X1 get the 6.5 rom. He’s gotten his hands on the official ROM for the X1 and is testing it out.
I GOT A REAL OFFICIAL 6.5 XPERIA ROM, YES, YOU READ CORRECT…OFFICIAL
The Build in the rom is a older 6.5..but what is important is:
-New XIP (real x1 nk)
-New OEM DRIVERS etc
-Some drivers from x2
-New netcf 3.7 (final)
While stumbling through various internet pages, I found one article of interest on IT Pro Portal. They’ve listed the Xperia X1 as being available for free on a 24 month Orange contract. Unlike other vendors however, the handset is free on a sub £40 tariff. The Sony Ericsson X1 is available on a couple Orange 24 month contracts coming in at £35 per month. Previously the lowest I’ve personally seen, is £40 and up tariffs where the handset is free. After researching into the cost it seems that UK consumers who haven’t yet gotten hold of the X1 and want to, may soon be out of luck. While searching through all the major phone stores and websites, including Orange themselves, the handset was only available from BuyMobilePhones.net who are offering the handset for free on £35 tariffs and CarphoneWarehouse. From Carphone Warehouse, the handset isn’t available for free unless taken with a £40 plus tariff, so if you’re looking for the X1, either of these sites are worth checking out.
Many are expecting the Xperia X2 to launch soon and an official announcement to be made next week. However with no official word from Sony Ericsson just yet and the announcement only a rumour, has it been premature for UK phone stores to remove the Xperia X1 from their line up?
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