Review The knack in marketing a product that can perform a multitude of tasks is obviously picking the right ones to focus on but, at the same time, not forgetting to mention anything really interesting. O2 has decided to pitch its new Joggler primarily as an interactive digital calendar for the busy modern family but, after a thorough nose around this oddly named device, we are not entirely sure O2 is focusing on its best side.
O2’s Joggler: silly name, but clever device
In appearance, the Joggler is nothing too out of the ordinary – looking half PMP, half digital photo frame. The body of the device measures 115 x 180 x 25mm and it stands propped up at around sixty degrees by its fixed and non-removable metal stand. The front is of the unit is dominated by a 7in 800×480 LCD screen and, rather unusually, it is completely devoid of controls, buttons or logos.
Without any sort of on/off switch you just plug the Joggler in and wait for it to spring into life whereupon you will be presented with a pleasant green/blue hued home page with fifteen on-screen buttons that provide access to the Joggler’s various functions. These include your O2 calendar, photos, music, videos, games, news – current affairs and sports – weather and traffic information. Read the rest of this entry »
Review Taiwan’s HTC is currently doing very well with its Touch series handsets and it’s been no secret that O2’s very similar XDA range of Windows Mobile phones are actually made by the same company. Indeed, the O2 XDA Guide is very similar to the Touch Cruise, with the focus firmly on satnav and A-GPS, but also incorporating a 2.8in touch screen, 3.2Mp Camera, HSDPA 3G and Wi-Fi.
Locale knowledge: O2’s Xda Guide
The Guide is definitely at the sleek and stylish end of the XDA range, albeit still in an understated, businessy sort of a way. It’s surrounded by gun metal grey plastic with a dark chrome-look band around the sides. It’s small and light at 101×53x14mm and 103g, which also makes it more pocket-friendly than some XDAs. Beneath the touch screen is a metal plate with four buttons: call start and stop, satnav and HTC Footprints – more on that later.
Smack in the centre of this is a large, round D-pad with a spinning circle around its circumference. This can be used to scroll through menus, zoom in and out of web pages or pictures or fast-forward/rewind videos. The display is a 65,000-colour, 2.8in, 320×240 pixel touch screen. The sides feature an elongated volume rocker, USB 2.0 power/headphone slot, a power button on top and a stylus dock. Read the rest of this entry »
