A year and a half after the release of the HTC Touch first name, the
Taiwanese manufacturer decides to give a second youth to his favorite
Smartphone. At the time, the dean of the line of "Touch" distinguished
himself by incorporating a "Cube 3D" menu, which allows instant access
to the main functions of the phone. This time, the Touch 2 intends to
seduce its audience by offering natively (Windows Mobile 6.5) and a leading version of TouchFLO. But was this achieved? This is what we will see below in the new Smartphone from HTC.
The HTC Touch 2 is the first Smartphone brand natively integrating
Windows Mobile 6.5, the latest mobile operating system from Microsoft.
As we said during our test, it is clearly not a major overhaul.
Finally, at little importance since HTC did not expect Microsoft to
enter the ground floor (or almost) in the era of all touch. In effect,
an overlay optimized to be handled without stylus called TouchFLO is
integrated on all devices of the mark for over a year. Small surprise,
more or less fortunate are not lacking, see more closely what the
device holds.
The lines of the device are rather successful, the mobile is small and
does not spoil, its lightness is such that we can consider without
problems casually drop it into the pocket of his shirt. Furthermore,
with the Touch 2 HTC proves that the reduced form factor does not
necessarily resonate with the poor battery life. As you can see the end
of the article, the Touch 2 is sufficiently durable.
Camera and video capture
The HTC Touch 2 is equipped with a digital camera with 3.2 Mega pixels
devoid of flash. Worse yet, when we thought that now, the presence of
an autofocus was acquired on models of entry-level Touch 2 disappointed
by the stalemate on this basic feature yet, but decisive. Ultimately,
the accumulation of weak (low resolution, no autofocus, and average
target) gives us snapshots passable. In all honesty, this module photo
is of another age. It is inconceivable that an old HTC p3600 (released
late 2006 anyway) is able to compete with this Windows Mobile 6.5
Smartphone. To get a better idea of the final quality, we took some
photos. The Touch 2 can troubleshoot to make "pictures memo" outdoors,
but we should not ask him more. In indoors, the result is simply
devastating. Unsurprisingly, the result of the videos is just as bad.
The software layer that manages the photo part is just like the rest.
While usual, HTC spoils us by integrating a small module photo editor
offering fancy frames, the Touch 2 is limited to a minimum. After
completion of shooting, the program proposes to send the photo by mail
or MMS, throwing the shot, or browse the photo directory. However, the
photo manager is also practical as well designed. Not only the viewer
is optimized to be controlled using the index, but in addition it
benefits from the touch zoom bar located on the bottom of the screen.
Tour of activities (telephone, surfing, multimedia, video, etc…)
1. HTC Touch 2: and the phone?
The presence of features particularly extensive is that the device can
also be used for phone calls. Prospective users can be reassured about
the quality of the phone module. The audio quality is good and no
regrets no untimely cuts. However, we may perhaps regret the absence of
a proximity sensor which would have shut down and lock the screen of
the mobile when it is brought to the ear. Other small dark point while
the other mobile brand we had used a direct access to keyboard touch by
simply pressing the button "win" with the Touch 2, we systematically go
through the start menu and click the shortcut to launch the telephony
layer.
2. Surf the Internet with the Touch 2
Requires Windows Mobile 6.5, the Touch 2 is the first Smartphone brand
natively integrated with Internet Explorer 6.5. For those who have not
gone through the test we have spent the last nomadic system from
Microsoft, remember that this browser has been optimized for touch, it
is now the Flash support, a full screen mode is part but the
performance is still far from the rendezvous. On the other hand, on the
Flash, it must curb his enthusiasm. While compatibility is quite good,
it will not be expected to make the same actions on a computer classic.
This technology is particularly resource-intensive, it is logical that
it is not very comfortable on mobile environments.
In short, you understand that Pocket IE new vintage is not as bright as
it could be hoped. HTC seems to have understood this, explaining that
the alternative browser (Opera Mobile) which is integrated over a year
on all units of the brand is always present. This program is efficient
and has excellent ergonomics. Moreover, as the Diamond 2, HTC’s
engineers have had the good idea to incorporate a touch zoom bar on the
bottom of the screen. In practice, this turns out to be at least as
practical as a manipulation based on the multitouch. The Touch 2 would
be a beast of surfing? Unfortunately, this is clearly not the case for
two reasons. Firstly, the device is hampered by its low resolution. A
mobile browser needs to have a higher resolution of 320 x 240 to
express them fully. Finally, we bitterly regret the lack of
accelerometer that can switch to landscape mode with ease.
3. Multimedia (audio and video)
The musical part of Touch 2 contains several positive points and others
are not. Start with the strengths of the device. Firstly, users need
not fenced with disastrous usability of Windows Media Player Mobile.
Indeed, the Touch’s TouchFLO interface 2 includes a small reading
program that gives complete satisfaction. The grip is very good, the
main file formats are supported and the sound quality is simply
excellent. Better yet, if the tone curve was not appropriate, users
would still be able to finely adjust the different frequencies using
the program aptly named "audio amplifier". To avoid spoiling anything,
the small intra ear headphones supplied by HTC offers made very
correct. Note that this time HTC has not made the mistake of forgetting
the standard jack of 3.5 mm. It is therefore possible to replace the
original helmet using any other wired headphones (not an old wired
headset of HTC USB format, the latter not recognized). On the other
hand, if necessary, it is always possible to replace this device by a
wireless Bluetooth headphones (the device supports A2DP and AVRCP). For
all these good things we can add the presence of an FM tuner really
appreciable. Now that we had reviewed the strengths, its weaknesses
turn.
No remote is supplied, but that figure is almost fully in light of
major bug which severely handicaps the party. Indeed, the key volume
setting proved ineffective for much of our use. To better understand
the audio portion of Touch 2, try to imagine an excellent audio player
which you pull the volume knob. On the video, the Taiwanese
manufacturer has not made specific efforts (outside of the integration
of YouTube Mobile). The device is not compatible with the Divx format;
it will always pass through the excellent tandem
TCPMP/PocketDivXEncoder to transform the device into a cinema pocket.
4. The office
The new version of Windows Mobile that comes with the Touch 2 contains
no new significant for the Office suite. Despite this, Microsoft
remains a leader in office programs pocket. As with all Windows Phone,
found pleasure with mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
OneNote. Compatibility is certainly relative, but in most cases, the
files smaller or medium sized open without difficulty. In addition, HTC
has had the good idea to preload the official version of the Adobe PDF
reader. All these programs will be valued at fair value through
advanced users (which is when most Bluetooth keyboard is available).
HTC Touch 2: TouchFLO interface bonus
HTC did not expect Microsoft to dust off the aging interface system
through optimization for all touch. Given the limited progress of
Windows Mobile 6.5, it would seem that the Taiwanese manufacturer was
right to take lead. Unsurprisingly, the HTC Touch 2 is again
accompanied by the famous TouchFLO interface that was introduced with
the first Touch Diamond. At the time, the touch menu was not really
convincing, but he has finally matured. When the module has been
launched (after a boot or a soft reset) shows that the flow is perfect,
and perfectly follows the ring index.
For those and those who do not know, the home screen of HTC is based on
a relatively simple principle: a ring located on the bottom of the
screen provides instant access to key sections of the phone. By moving
from left to right, the main screen will display different information
or will a series of shortcuts available. The system is fundamentally
revolutionary, but it must be admitted to use it proves to be rather
convenient to use.
HTC Touch 2: Performance
Even if the HTC Touch 2 is not a lightning war, we must admit that his
power is sufficient to run most applications without problems. That
being said, to locate the mobile device relative to competitors, we
conducted a series of technical tests. To begin, we tested the main
processor. Recall that the Touch 2 is equipped with a Qualcomm MSM7225
chip running at 528 MHz. In the second part, we situate the autonomy of
Touch 2 by comparing the results we obtained with other Windows Mobile
Smartphones. Finally, we will see if the speed measurement of the GPS
chip is up to the expectation of users of location-based applications.
1. Technical tests
To turn to the test, we used Spb Benchmark 1.6. This program tests the
speed of writing to memory, processor speed, the memory bus, the speed
of the display, etc… To better locate the mobile, we faced the HTC
Touch Diamond 2. Little Touch 2 is in compliance with the Diamond 2 in
the graphics but a little less efficient in other areas. Remains to be
seen what happens to autonomy.
2. Self Test
To test independence, we conducted a simulation activity (backlight
switched to 50%) without ActiveSync connection (after a soft reset).
Throughout the test, we allow the Bluetooth circuit switched (many
mobile users are using stereo headphones and/or atria) and the GSM
circuit.
Under these conditions, the HTC Touch 2 can hold 340 minutes. By
comparison, Touch Diamond 2 first of the name was a little better,
taking 353 minutes. At first glance, the difference is not huge, but we
must not forget that the Diamond 2 is much faster. At equal power, the
batteries of Touch 2 would have some difficulty holding the comparison.
3. Speed Detection GPS
The speed of the GPS sensor is important. Good news on this (at least),
the HTC Touch works wonders (it’s the least we can say). In the first
test, we left the circuit GSM enabled. Result: in GPS positioning is
simply instantaneous. The performance is excellent, but one would think
it results from a pre-positioning imprecise location based on GSM. The
GSM layer has been disabled for the second test.
The result is spectacular in itself; the GPS chip can establish a valid
position instantly. In addition, we had not updated the ephemeris with
the program "Quick GPS" which is supplied by HTC. This excellent
performance is quite surprising.
Product Highlights
- Stay tuned to
your work and social life with Outlook and personal email in your hand,
as well as Facebook and Windows Live Messenger standing by. - Get
the most out of your phone by visiting Windows Marketplace to browse
and download applications and games to make your phone fit your life. - Sync
and access pictures, contacts, appointments and other valuable
information from your phone on the web with Microsoft My Phone services. - Surf
the web, check the weather, view photos, and more with just a simple
swipe or a tap of your finger on the touch friendly display.
HTC Touch2 Specification
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM7225, 528 MHz
- Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
- Memory: ROM – 512 MB; RAM – 256 MB
- Dimensions (LxWxT): 104 X 55 X 12.9 mm (4.1 X 2.16 X 0.51 inches)
- Weight : 110 grams (4 ounces) with battery
- Display: 2.8-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with QVGA resolution
- Network:
- HSPA/WCDMA –
- Europe/Asia: 900/2100 MHz
- Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds
- Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE –
- Europe/Asia: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
- HSPA/WCDMA –
- Device Control: Zoom bar
- GPS: Internal GPS antenna
- Connectivity:
- Bluetooth 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate and A2DP for wireless stereo headsets
- Wi-Fi – IEEE 802.11 b/g
- 3.5 mm audio jack
- HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0)
- Camera: 3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus
- Audio supported formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV, MIDI, M4A
- Video supported formats: WMV, ASF, MP4, 3GP, 3G2, M4V, AVI
- Battery:
- Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery with 1100 mAh capacity
- Talk time –
- Up to 370 minutes for WCDMA
- Up to 440 minutes for GSM
- Standby time –
- Up to 500 hours for WCDMA
- Up to 370 hours for GSM
- Expansion Slot: microSD memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
- AC Adapter:
- Voltage range/frequency – 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
- DC output – 5V and 1A
Conclusion
With our test model, we found a number of bugs more or less
troublesome. Information taken from the manufacturer, we have many of
the ROM that will power mobile market. For example, sometimes the
preview screen keyboard does not work properly (missing characters).
Worse still, sometimes, with the compact QWERTY keyboard, pressing ‘a’
valid a "q"! The worries do not stop there unfortunately. Even after a
soft reset, we often found that the only physical buttons side
management did not work its just not! To top it off, it is not possible
to access the volume management through the tray, HTC has slightly
changed interface. Clearly, when the volume keys are inoperative, it is
impossible to change the volume with ease. These problems may disappear
with the arrival of any update (which is absolutely guaranteed by). In
the meantime, we preferred to go back this information.
At first contact, many items do not fail to amaze. Firstly, although
the compact design is particularly successful, we may regret that HTC
has instead opted for a low resolution (QVGA, 230 x 240). At a time
when high definition generalizes Mobile (Wide VGA), this choice may
seem curious. Even if the Smartphone is small, HTC has still been able
to increase user comfort by ingesting a VGA screen. Even if the
resolution of Touch 2 does not pose any problem to engage in most
activities, it will not even surf. This is particularly unfortunate
when one considers that ‘HTC has bothered to natively integrate the
excellent Opera Mobile, a program that will not give the best of
himself in QVGA. Another small disappointment with the browser (and
other activities): the early minutes of use, an attempt to tip the
phone horizontally to take advantage of any landscape. No luck, none of
the accelerometer is part damage. Finally, while the Touch first name
playing in the big, teasing the iPhone, is coming this time to position
it alongside other models range from entry.
The word is out: Touch 2 is not a monster of technology. Is it
necessarily sulking? After a brief period of use, one is tempted to
answer this question in the negative. The final evaluation also depends
on prices in this area; we can say that the Touch 2 defends himself
quite well. For a little over Rs. 21k free subscription (at the time of
this writing), the HTC phone offers an excellent price/features. Only
problem, when the investigation grows, it becomes clear that the
appliance is accompanied by a series of bugs that we would be well
spent. All this is unfortunate: although some technologies are missing
(accelerometer and high resolution screen), the phone was not too
ashamed of the competition. All wireless interfaces of last generation
are well represented (with the exception of Wi-Fi which is almost never
used on Smartphone) and additional GPS applications can enjoy the
excellent integrated chip geolocation. On the other hand, compared to
the beast of mobility, small size is a factor for some users. Like its
predecessor, the Touch is part 2 of the smallest Smartphones on the
market. Finally, even if Windows Mobile 6.5 does not convince, the
overlay HTC Touch (TouchFLO) has proven long ago. In conclusion, given
the bugs, pending a possible update of the manufacturer, it is strongly
recommended to move on.
