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Tungsten W receives major update
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By Jørgen Sundgot, Tuesday 9 September 2003  
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Palm releases the first major update for its Tungsten W wireless handheld, improving a slew of functions and adding new features.
Just shy of a year after introducing the Tungsten W, palmOne has issued the first major upgrade for the device, featuring a battery of updates to the software and hardware functionality of the company's first GSM wireless handheld. Now at Palm OS version 4.1.2, the Tungsten W catches up to some of the features long offered by competing products based on the Windows Mobile for Pocket PC and UIQ platforms.
 | palmOne's Tungsten W gets a solid refreshment
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Most of the changes in the upgrade relate directly to software functionality, and range from individual applications to the operating system itself. Starting off with the VersaMail e-mail client, this is now at version 2.5.2 and offers features such as Auto Get mail with notification, the ability to synchronize with Lotus Notes and mail folders, the ability to view detailed information during the HotSync process, and read rich-text messages in color. Also, VersaMail has been fitted with improved attachment support and now supports receiving SSL e-mail.
As a result of the upgrade, the Web Pro 2.1 browser can now be enabled to work without a web proxy, likely to be of great comfort to enterprises as this removes one potential security risk. User interface improvements are also present, and selecting the browser from the launcher screen will go to the last previewed web page rather than the homepage, enabling application switching without having to repeatedly re-load the last web page.
On a more basic level, users now have access to keylock functionality, improved LED notification configuration and also TTY support (for hearing impaired users). Also, the upgrade improves always-on connectivity to enable the data connection to stay active after the device goes to sleep - a feature greatly anticipated by users.
Also new in the upgrade is the Graffiti2 software, which allows users to enter characters with applications such as Jot and a stylus as an alternative to the Tungsten W's thumbboard. After upgrading, however, users are required to install an updated version of Jot.
A range of mobile phone features have been improved and added, including the ability to let users access volume control when the device is powered off; enabling calls to be transferred to a 3rd person; accessing personal, SOS, own and service dialing numbers from the SIM card; copying personal and services numbers to the Address Book; dialing numbers directly from the SIM card; and more. Also, the Tungsten W can post-upgrade be set to keep the screen on and non-backlit during calls.
SMS has also been given a workover in the upgrade, and the SMS Alert dialog will now look up and display a sender's name provided the phone number is stored in the Address Book; SMS messages can be forwarded; a drop-down list of the 7 most recent SMS numbers has been added; numbers embedded in an SMS message and from field can be dialed, SMSed or saved to the Address Book by tapping on these; and more.
Other user interface improvements include the ability to access the time via the WorldClock application with the device turned off, while the signal strength indicator now shows the full range of possible data connection states and is displayed both on the launcher screen and in the SMS application. And lastly, users can choose to have the time of their handheld synchronized with that of the GSM network, provided ones carrier offers support.
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iTunes-enabled Motorola RAZR V3im now available
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| Hands-on impressions, news, reviews, prices and release dates; now all-in-one-page: |
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| Hands-on impressions, news, reviews, prices and release dates; now all-in-one-page: |
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