Crave

The Samsung Omnia 2 was announced for Verizon Wireless back in June, but an official release date and pricing were not disclosed at that time. Unfortunately, CTIA Fall 2009 didn't reveal any new information, but we did finally get some hands-on time with the device.

Both Samsung and Microsoft had the Omnia successor displayed on the show floor, but a Microsoft employee was kind enough to part with his personal GSM version of the Omnia 2 so we could check it out. The smartphone was running Windows Mobile 6.5, but there's some question as to whether the Verizon Omnia 2 will ship with Windows Mobile 6.5 out of the box or Windows Mobile 6.1 with an option to update the OS. Let's hope it's the former.

Let's also hope it ships soon. With the release of the HTC Imagio and the upcoming BlackBerry Storm 2 and Android devices, the competition's getting pretty stiff. Check out our hands-on photos of the Samsung Omnia 2 below and just remember that this isn't the Verizon model, but it'll at least give you an idea of what to expect.

Samsung Omnia 2 photos

HTC HD2

(Credit: Bonnie Cha/CNET)

Of all the Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphones announced this week at CTIA Fall 2009, the HTC HD2 is arguably the sexiest and most powerful of the bunch.

The HD2 boasts a 4.3-inch WVGA (480x800) capacitive touch screen and is powered by Qualcomm's new 1GHz Snapdragon mobile processor, all while measuring just 0.43 inches in thickness. It also offers an HTC Sense user experience, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 5-megapixel camera, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack--the works.

With those kind of impressive specs and sexy looks, can you blame us for being disappointed when it was a no-show at Wednesday night's Mobile Focus event? Well, someone must have heard our nighttime prayers because HTC America's vice president of sales and marketing, Jason Mackenzie, presented us with a surprise this morning: the HTC HD2.

Though it wasn't running final software, we were impressed with the phone's responsiveness, the customizable user interface, and then there's the screen, oh, the beautiful screen. Images and text absolutely pop and you can see so much more at a glance given the extra-large screen. Perhaps the best part? HTC has added multitouch capabilities so, like the iPhone and Palm Pre, you can pinch your fingers to zoom in and out of Web pages, photos, and e-mails.

When can you get your hands on this thing? Well, as SlashGear reported Wednesday, HTC CEO Peter Chou said the company is working on a U.S.-compatible version of the HD2 for release in 2010. HTC America would neither confirm nor deny this, but Mackenzie added that the intent for the device is global distribution. When asked about possible U.S. carriers, Mackenzie didn't get into specifics but did say that the good thing about the HD2 is that it wouldn't be hard to pitch, and we certainly agree.

So while we wait, you can check out some hands-on photos of the HTC HD2 below. We'll add more commentary and first impressions soon, but feel free to get the discussion going on your thoughts of the HD2.

HTC HD2 photos

Start configuring Twitter from Slacker.com.

(Credit: Slacker)

At the CTIA Wireless conference (see all stories) this afternoon, Slacker Radio showed off its new applications for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows phones. Unfortunately, Slacker isn't sharing a time line for those release dates. That's not to say we'll walk away empty-handed. On Wednesday, Slacker will turn on Twitter integration, so registered members can tweet songs they're listening to in real time.

Know up front that this is a limited service that Slacker will flesh out later with those updated smartphone apps they teased us with. Think of the Twitter feature as a working preview.

Using a new feature, tweet your tunes from Slacker Radio.

(Credit: Slacker )

Starting tonight at 9:00 p.m. PT, a Twitter box will appear on the Community tab of Slacker.com. (If it doesn't, wait a few minutes and try again.) After signing into Twitter, you'll be able to configure Slacker to auto-tweet any combination of the following: whenever you change or play a station, a favorite song, a banned song, or a banned artist. According to Slacker, when the Twitter integration appears on those future Slacker Radio apps, you'll be able to manually tweet any of the above from the mobile interface so you won't bludgeon your buds with your musical taste, no matter how impeccable it is. Until then, it's automatic tweeting or nothing for you.

After integrating Twitter, Slacker will look to other social networks, such as Facebook and MySpace.

While Slacker's new Twitter integration gives cell phone rockers and crooners the chance to share streaming ditties within the Slacker Radio experience, it's not the only service to tangle with Twitter. Here are six more ways to tweet your musical faves.

Bonnie and Kent are in San Diego this week covering the CTIA wireless trade show, so Nicole roped in Jason Howell and Donald Bell to cover all the week's news. We talk about the new Android phones, Windows Mobile 6.5, new phones for AT&T and Verizon, and of course, this week's reviews.

News
CTIA Fall 2009
Two Verizon Android phones in 2009
T-Mobile introduces Android-powered Samsung Behold II
Samsung Moment revealed as Sprint's second Android phone
T-Mobile rolls out Android 1.6 Donut to G1 and MyTouch 3G
Kyocera to announce Android phone
Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade details
Windows mobile app store, My Phone service officially opening
AT&T unveils Windows 6.5 phones: HTC Tilt 2, Pure
HTC HD2 revealed with HTC Sense
Sprint introduces Samsung Intrepid
AT&T reveals two new Pantech handsets
Samsung launches Mythic, Flight
Verizon Wireless introduces HTC Imagio
Verizon Wireless dazzles with the Razzle
Nokia 2705 Shade comes to Verizon Wireless
A Moto Barrage for Verizon

Reviews
HTC Imagio
HTC Pure
Samsung Instinct HD
Motorola Entice W766

Upcoming reviews
Motorola Barrage
Garmin Nuvifone G60
LG Bliss
Pantech Reveal

Windows Marketplace for Mobile is a brand-new app store for Windows phones.

(Credit: Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET)

This week, Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 phones jumped onto retail shelves. There's a lot to know about the launch, from news of the platform's availability to hands-on reviews of the app store, and some of the services. We've rounded up stories, pictures, and videos here, and will continue to add links as news streams out.

News

• Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade details
• With My Phone mobile sync, Microsoft reinvents the wheel
• Shazam debuts in Windows Marketplace for Mobile
• Windows mobile app store, My Phone service officially opening
• IE 6 for Windows phones: Interface improved
• Microsoft's Windows phones hit the market

Windows Mobile 6.5 phones

• Fall collection: Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphones
• AT&T unveils Windows 6.5 phones: HTC Tilt 2, Pure
• Microsoft to launch more than 30 Windows Mobile 6.5 devices by end of year

In pictures:

• Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone photos
• Windows Marketplace for Mobile--screenshots
• Inside Internet Explorer for Windows Mobile 6.5

Windows Mobile 6.5 videos:

Internet Explorer Mobile 6: First Look video

Samsung Moment

(Credit: Sprint)

On the opening day of CTIA Fall 2009, Samsung and Sprint started things off with a bang by announcing the Samsung Moment, the second Google Android phone to be released for both companies in the United States. The Moment will be available starting November 1 for $179.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate, but customers can preregister for the smartphone starting today at Sprint's Web site.

Unlike the Samsung Behold II, which will be available from T-Mobile on November 2 for $199.99 with contract, the Moment features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard in addition to the 3.2-inch AMOLED touch screen, which has a proximity sensor and accelerometer. The smartphone is powered by an 800MHz processor and is stocked with all the necessary wireless options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and support for Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A network.

Like the carrier's other Android device, the HTC Hero, the Samsung Moment offers access to various Sprint services, such as Sprint Navigation, Sprint TV, NFL Mobile Live and, of course, you can download more apps and widgets through the Android Market. The handset also has a 3.2-megapixel camera, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, Visual voice mail support, and up to 32GB expandable memory.

In addition to the Samsung Behold II and the Samsung Moment, Verizon Wireless and Google announced a partnership to bring two Android devices by the end of the year--rumored to be the Motorola Sholes and another version of the HTC Hero.

Samsung Moment hands-on photos

(Credit: Screenshot by Bonnie Cha/CNET)

By now, you've heard about the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 and some of the new features added to Microsoft's mobile operating system, such an improved Internet Explorer Mobile, My Phone backup service, and Windows Marketplace for Mobile. However, what if you want to get the benefits of 6.5 without having to get one of the new smartphones?

Well, to help current Windows Mobile phone owners, Microsoft has posted an update guide that outlines upgrade eligibility. Essentially, devices running Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6.0 are out, but Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphones, such as the Samsung Jack, the T-Mobile Dash 3G, and the HTC Touch Pro2, have the green light. That said, release schedules and availability will be up to the carriers.

Kyocera is no stranger to the U.S. market, but the company has long kept a low profile by producing low to midtier handsets for minor carriers. But at the fall CTIA show, Kyocera announced several new initiatives that could change its stateside image.

• The company will launch a Google Android phone next year. Details on the device are unknown, but like other Android devices it should offer a touch screen and multimedia features.
• The Google handset will be part of the company's shift to high-end devices.
• Kyocera also will launch LTE devices by 2011. The company didn't discuss specs or carriers for the handsets, but we know that they will will support Android and other operating systems.

(Credit: Shazam)

Shazam, which has long been helping users identify songs, artists, and albums on other mobile platforms like the iPhone, BlackBerry phones, Nokia phones, and Android devices, now makes its Windows Mobile app store debut as a freemium application. That is, anyone can use the basics for free, but a few more-advanced features will cost you.

Here's what you can do for free: When you activate Shazam and hold the phone near the source of the recorded music, the app checks the sample against Shazam's online database and returns suggestions to you. The app also leads you to opportunities to buy the song if you'd like. You'll get five chances a month to identify songs.

A one-time fee of $4.69 gets you unlimited searches, called "tagging" in Shazam's lexicon. The premium version, called Shazam Encore, also features popularity charts for all songs tagged by all users, artist and band bios, a discography, and music and albums reviews. It will also include an Amazon-like recommendation feature that suggests songs based on your other preferences.

Shazam's freemium model is the first the company has attempted , though CEO Andrew Fisher notes that Shazam is sold as a premium app in 70 percent of its worldwide markets. Factoring in exchange rates, Shazam sells for the equivalent of $5 on most platforms. So does a major mobile competitor, Midomi, which already offers a rival product (that also lets you hum or sing a tune) on the same mobile platforms. In fact, Midomi costs $4.99 in the Windows phone marketplace.

Music lovers will get to try Shazam Encore for free on Windows phones. After seven days, they can pay to upgrade or can continue using the basic features five times a month. Fisher told us that Shazam users tag an average of 10 songs per month.

Shazam will roll out to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile in English in 30 countries, with multilanguage support expected to follow some weeks later. It wasn't in our Marketplace at the time of writing, but we'll keep you posted.

Related: See how Shazam works on iPhone.