Mobility Digest » Tilt II

Smooth YouTube Downloader Updated (version 2.1)(8/31)

Albert Bunn — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:17:53 +0000

On August 31st, popular XDA DEVELOPERS member Zorc released version 2.1 of one of the community’s favorite Windows Mobile freeware tools, Smooth YouTube downloader. Since its inception, Smooth YouTube Downloader has helped the prolific community of Windows Mobile device holders around the world to download YouTube videos to their device’s more reliable onboard storage or media card without having to worry about data speeds, network coverage, or WEP keys. While ironically many companies are trying to move our “personal belongings” to overloaded “cloud servers” in the sky that require constant and reliable network access, having your files with you reduces the wait and saves precious battery life, not to mention the bandwidth that would’ve been otherwise wasted (which isn’t a good thing in this day and age with so many carriers charging massive costs for extremely small amounts of data). Smooth YouTube downloader comes with a nifty skin and allows you to pick the desired resolution for your download from QVGA size FLV files to WXGA size MP4s and everything inbetween. The program itself supports many common device resolutions too from QVGA to WVGA so that more Windows Mobile enthusiasts can enjoy the software, thanks to Zorc.

::AB

Mobility Digest Review: Naztech Ultima 5 Horizontal Case

Jim Szymanski — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:30:49 +0000

In my continued quest for cases large enough to handle an extended battery Tilt2, I picked up a Naztech Ultima 5 Horizontal Case and it has turned out to be an almost perfect solution. As a point of information, I stretch (train) my cases using a block of wood cut slightly larger than my phone. The blocks stay in the cases when not in use, so they are always ready when I need them. I would rather my case be slightly loose than too tight.

The Naztech Ultima is an elegant all leather case, available in; brown (pictured), black, and according to the manufacturers website, "a plethora of sizes and colors". It has a leather covered 8 position metal belt clip on the back and a large magnetic flap on the front that covers about half the phone. The top corners of the phone are exposed, so this case is not designed to be worn hiking or on the job site, but fits right in with any formal or casual attire. The case measures; 4.875" x 2.50" x 1.25" (1.75" including clip). There are finger holes at the bottom and at both corners, to assist with lifting the phone out of the case, which can be done with one hand but works better with two (damn slippery phone). The top flap is soft in the hinge area so it easily folds flat helping to facilitate phone loading & removal. The Naztech logo debossed on the front flap and the belt clip are nice added touches. After some training, my thick phone fits easily into this case, but will only work facing inward as the stiff leather corners are rounded and follow the contour of my extended back cover nicely. The stock Tilt2 actually wobbles a bit (see photo comparison below) facing both inward (worse) or outward (better), so unless you like a loose fitting case, I would not recommend this model for a standard battery Tilt2. The inside of the case is the same leather as the outside, so its not all that soft and smooth like other felt lined cases, but I think it would be fine provided a device has a screen protector.

I did start out this reviewing saying “almost” perfect. While I like most everything about this case, when you insert or remove the phone, especially when using one hand, you stand a pretty good chance of turning the phone on when the bottom of the phone sweeps against the opened top flap. Unlike what many people contend (the phone turns on because of the stylus sensor-wrong) the magnet actually activates the slide out keyboard sensor, which I assume is located somewhere near the bottom of the phone. I can confirm this because I have the Xylophone tone set to activate when I slide out my keyboard and that’s what I hear when I insert/remove the phone from this case. Additionally, the phone turns on in horizontal mode, then quickly switches to portrait. I only need to get within about 3/4" to make it activate. You will also trigger an on action if you touch the mini USB connector to the magnetic flap. Not that big a deal when removing the phone (as you probably want it on anyway), possibly even a "feature", but it could be a nuisance when inserting your phone. Since I started using S2U2 which reliably turns off my phone in 20 seconds even if you press against the screen, the impact of this problem has probably been reduced. But with the built-in lock screen, your phone could be on for hours without you knowing about it if you are moving around and retapping/pressing the screen. With a little practice you can avoid activating most of the time (insert/lift straight up without twisting), but it is still a potential hazard so I wanted to point it out.

Overall, this is the nicest, best fitting case I have found for an extended battery Tilt 2. The all leather build, magnetic flap (no Velcro rip in a quiet setting) and classic styling make this case a perfect match for the busy executive, while carrying a reasonable price tag. I still prefer vertical cases for ease (one handed) of phone removal, but this is a close second. I look forward to adding a black version (actually, just ordered one) to my collection to cover almost any wardrobe option. Available at online retailers from $14.95 to $19.95. Worth every penny if you ask me. You can take a closer look at the Ultima and other file leather Naztech cases by visiting their site: http://www.naztech.com/naz_catalog/cases/cases.html

Hands on HTC AT&T Tilt 2 with Android 2.2 and SOUND!

Chris Leiter — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:58:36 +0000

Seriously… just watch the video.

If you find this too painful to watch, I don’t blame you.

That about sums up my opinions about the Android experience on the Tilt 2. I even recorded a 8 minute video that I ultimately scrapped in favor of this since I had so many issues. It’s nothing against the XDAndroid blokes.. no, they’re awesome. Doing great work with limited resources. It’s the Tilt 2. I mean, the damn thing is slow as hell and there’s no saving it. Please, don’t come up with some excuse for it. It’s just NOT GOOD. And fighting with WinMo before I booted into android (and yes, it’s a custom ROM from NRGZ28 on XDA) was a very painful and humbling experience. I have officially adopted the iPhone 4 as my device of choice and will remain there until something better comes along. Will it be Windows Phone 7? Time will only tell. All I know, is that it sure as hell won’t be Android hacked onto an inferior device like the Tilt 2.

To all you Tilt 2 owners and operators: I’m sorry that I just crapped all over the Tilt 2. I really am. In the past, I honestly thought that I liked my phone. Now I see that I was just a little crazy. I just hope that you don’t use an iPhone 4 or an Evo 4G (or hell, ANY 1GHz+ phone w/Android) without having some extra cash laying around, cause you’re going to want one of those INSTANTLY.

If you’re still curious about experiencing the eye gouging I just endured, click over to the Android section of the Rhodium forums on XDA-Developers.com by clicking HERE.

I feel that I need to reiterate that I’m not hating on the XDAndroid people, the OS, or anyone that uses it. In fact, I like Android. I am however, hating on the Tilt 2 something crazy.

Mobility Digest Review: Seidio Multi-Function Battery Charger

Jim Szymanski — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:04:46 +0000

Having an extra battery handy for our power hungry devices (sorry iPhone fanboys) is always a welcome option. But not having a simple way to charge it creates a real hassle. Charging one battery in your phone and then switching out and charging the second is no fun, especially because you need to remain tethered for hours and hours. And the charged spare battery loses juice while it sits around waiting to be used. Stand alone chargers are OK but as soon as you replace your device, your investment becomes obsolete. Wish there was a charger that would work with my current device battery as well as future batteries. Well, my wish has been granted.

The Seidio Multi-Function Battery Charger changes everything. Instead of a dedicated charger for a specific battery, this "why didn’t I think if that" device is comprised of two components; a base and a battery charging plate which is designed for each specific size/shape battery (pretty much everything is 5V today). Currently plates are available for; TouchPro2/Tilt2, Droid Incredible/Evo, Droid2, Eris/Hero, Nexus One, Touch Diamond, TouchPro/Fuze, Tilt, etc. More plates are added as new devices hit the market. Simply pop out one plate and pop in the other and you are ready to start charging. This feature alone would make the charger worth its $29.95 price tag (for base and one plate or $12.95 for a plate alone) but there is more, plenty more.

The Multi-Function Charger lives up to its name as you can use the flip-out, two prong AC plug or connect (with an optional standard USB cable) to any USB port. There is a switch on the side of the charger that allows you change power sources. Additionally, you can plug the charger into an AC outlet (I presume with/without a spare battery) and use the supplied USB to Mini USB (or micro USB) cable to charge both your spare battery and device at the same time. Ingenious. That means this spare battery charger can serve double-duty as an all inclusive travel charger. BTW, the charger handled both my standard and extended capacity battery without issue, as I am sure it would with any extended battery as they all have the same footprint/pin configuration (per device design).

There is a single LED on the front of the unit that turns RED when you insert a discharged/partially discharged battery and changes to GREEN when fully charged. I would not consider this a quick charger, as it might have taken a bit longer to charge my spare battery. But that can be explained with the specs: Input 100-240V, 0.2A – Output: to USB Port: 5V, 1A Max (same as a standard device charger) – Output: to Battery Port: 4.2V, 500mA Max (for a slower trickle charge). Input to USB Port: 5V, 500mA (when charging spare battery via USB). The charger measures: 3.875 x 2.50 x 1.06 and weighs in at about 3.0 oz. (base & plate).

Glad to have found an accessory that won’t become obsolete (like the spare batteries) as soon as I grow tired of my current device. Definitely a keeper. You can find the Multi-Function Charger along with spare/alternate charging plates at Seidio’s site, http://www.seidioonline.com/ or at other online retailers.

HTC 2150 mAh Extended Battery

Jim Szymanski — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:25:26 +0000

Virtually since the minute I got my new Tilt2 I have used the HTC 2150 mAh extended battery, which provides 43% more lasting power than the stock 1,500 mAh battery. I had used an extended battery on my Fuze the past year and have come to depend on the added capacity. While it does add some bulk to the phone, depth (thickness) has never really been a big issue for me, at least not as much as length and width. With a physical keyboard I already know that my phone will be a bit thicker than most others.

I got my Extended Battery from WM Experts ($49.95) which offers both the battery and replacement back cover for $65.00. The battery itself is about .150″ thicker than stock, .350″ vs. .200″ and weighs about a half ounce (1.5 oz. vs. 1.0 oz.) more. With the battery and extended cover installed the Tilt2 measures .850″ thick vs. .700″ for the stock phone. Overall weight increases to about 6.7 oz. compared to 6.0 oz. for stock. The extended back cover has a depression to accommodate the camera, speaker and mute button, so all the normal functionality is still there. As this battery and extended cover are both manufactured by HTC there are no issues with compatibility or fit. The back of the stock Tilt2 is already a little slippery so the extended cover doesn’t make things any worse. Actually the extended cover feels more comfortable in my hand.

While certainly possible, its pretty hard to wear this battery down over the course of a day. I put my phone on charge every night and it is typically between 45 and 60% when it gets plugged in. That’s usually at the end of a 17+ day, along with 3 or 4 hours of uptime (screen on activity). I have had some days with as much as 8 hours uptime and it just keeps, going, and going and going….. On days I do drain down to 30% or less (too much YouTube or TV watching) I am thankful that I didn’t have to tether my device to a charger or switch out the battery for a backup. So, even though I don’t need the extra power ever day, I like knowing it’s there. And should I really want to slim down for a special event, it only takes a couple minutes to switch battery/cover, but that’s not very often. There is so much you can do with this phone, why not have the power available to do it.

Hey, did you know we have forums? Check them out for more information! CLICK HERE

Tilt 2 Soft Reset Button Modification

Jim Szymanski — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:57:41 +0000

I sure hope that most everyone who owns a Tilt2 has already done this mod, but for the few of you out there who have not, keep reading. For whatever insane reason (what were they thinking) HTC decided to “hide” the soft reset button under the battery cover of this otherwise well designed device. Did they really believe that Windows Mobile had suddenly undergone some form of transformation that would no longer require soft resets. I think not.

While I have several soft and hard button options to soft reset my phone, none of those options help much when the device is frozen solid. The thought of popping the back cover every time I needed to soft reset was not something I ever considered and constructed the fixture pictured in preparation even before I had received my first Tilt2. I was amazed that at least a third of negative comments posted on the AT&T website regarding the Tilt2 had to do with frequent soft resetting and most especially having to take the phone apart to do so.

The soft reset button is on the upper right side of the phone just below the microphone. You can try to measure or just eye things up, but I prefer to use a fixture for accuracy. The phone and back cover are almost flush along the upper edge, so you start by placing the phone, minus the back cover, into the fixture facing down. Simply transfer the location of the reset button onto the fixture using a pen. Now apply an address label to your back cover (don’t worry it peels right off) almost flush with the front edge and making sure to keep the microphone hole uncovered. Place your back cover in the fixture facing down and transfer the mark you made on the fixture onto your back cover. Remove the back cover and complete the vertical line down to the front edge. Using the microphone hole as reference, and referencing the microphone and soft reset button on your phone, make a horizontal mark about 3/32″ from the front edge of the cover. Now you are almost ready to drill your hole. As the back cover is slightly shorter (the chrome bezel around the phone protrudes a bit) you will need to make your hole just slightly (about 1/32″) to the left of your mark. I used a 3/32″ drill bit in my Dremel to make my hole. You can use a 1/16″ drill bit but you will need to be really accurate with your hole. After making the hole, remove the label and wipe around the hole with your finger to remove any burrs. Reassemble your phone and check to see if the hole aligns properly. As the point of the stylus is pretty small you don’t have to be dead on. Think I am 1 for 3 on DNP (damn near perfect), but that’s close enough for me.

I have already drilled out the standard covers on my Tilt2 and backup 1 cent Tilt2 (thank you AT&T) as well as the new back cover that came with my extended battery (use the exact same instructions as above) so the fixture has really come in handy. Sure, now I can inadvertently introduce foreign matter or moisture through my modified back cover, but I stopped playing in mud puddles quite a long time ago so I am not too worried. I don’t need to hit the physical soft reset button often, maybe once or twice a week, usually when testing new software, but I am sure glad I can do it without a hassle.

For more infromation and Discussion, check this out over at our Forums: CLICK HERE

AT&T Sale On Windows Mobile Devices for 1 Cent

Doug Smith — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:06:42 +0000

If you are looking for a decent Windows Mobile Phone, AT&T is having a 1 Cent sale. I own a Tilt 2 which I reviewed and is a pretty good device. But why in the world AT&T skipped right over the HD2 is beyond me. Epic Fail in my book. There are a ton of custom ROMS available for the Tilt 2 and a ROM Upgrade coming that will put Sense 2.5 on your device.

Click Here for more: Windows Mobile 1 Cent Sale

AT&T Tilt 2 Official ROM Update Coming

Doug Smith — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:44:20 +0000

Conflipper is gone but his gifts have still not been fully discovered yet. XDA is reporting that there is a ROM Update discovered on Shipped ROMS for the AT&T Tilt 2:

RUU_Rhodium_S2_Cingular_US_2.10.502.4_Radio_Rhodium_4.49.25.95_Signed_Ship.exe

This looks to be a Sense 2.5 update that also includes a new Radio: ATT_Radio_Rhodium_4.49.25.95

chadster214 has posted the package contents of the ROM here for you to check out, but as he says, there’s a ton of bloatware in there so we all know it is the genuine AT&T ROM!

You can download the Radio here and the ROM here.

[read]

Mobility Digest Review: HTC Tilt 2 USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle

Doug Smith — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:26:40 +0000

When you think of must have accessories for your brand new device, probably the most popular that comes to mind is a case to protect your device. Maybe the second is a travel charger, and then third might be screen protector. For me, one of the most important accessories I purchase is a cradle. Sitting on my desk it allows me full view of the screen so I can stay productive. Another advantage I see is that it keeps it up off my desk and away from possible damage by getting scratched. As a major geek, I now have all my devices on my desk cradled. My original AT&T Tilt, AT&T Fuze, and now my AT&T Tilt 2. The original Tilt and Fuze are just plugged into wall outlet to stay charged and I connect/sync my Tilt 2.

So today I am going to be reviewing the HTC Tilt 2 USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle from WirelessGround.com. As I say, for me, a cradle is very important part of my Mobility Accessories that I require to stay productive. So jump after the break and read my full review!

HTC Tilt 2 USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle Review

Author: Doug Smith

Vender: WirelessGround.com

Price: Regular price: $49.95 on sale for $24.95.

Part Number: 16140

Overall Rating: 4/5

Introduction

Synchronize and recharge your HTC Tilt 2 with the USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle. The USB Docking Cradle holds your HTC Tilt 2 at a comfortable reading angle and provides convenient access on your desk. With this device, you can charge your second battery and your phone at the same time. Charge and synchronize data simultaneously when connected to your PC.

Features

Portable design
Charge a second battery while you charge your phone
Mini USB cable included
Blue light LED indicator

Compatible with the HTC Tilt 2 phone model.

What’s In Box

Instruction Manual
USB To Mini USB Sync Cable
Part Number 16140 Cradle for AT&T Tilt 2
DC Power Cord

First Impression

Even though HTC Tilt 2 USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle from WirelessGround.com comes in a plain white little box, it has everything you need inside. I was very impressed with the DC Power Cord and thought it was of a higher quality than what I have been used to seeing in the different cradles I have owned. The actual cradle itself is probably consistent with the other cradles I have owned in build quality. It is very solid, and comes with some anti-slide pads on the bottom to keep the cradle in the same spot you put it. One of the differences I noticed is that this model has a clear plastic support incorporated into the design. It is a nice feature, but I am not convinced that it is all that necessary. The idea is to take the strain off of the mini USB male plug and not loosen up the female plug in the device. The only downside to this good idea is that it makes it a little less compact and harder to stow in my backpack that is already full. On some models in the past, the stand is recessed in the front allowing more of back support to be used from the base of the cradle. Other than that, I found all the components to be of very good quality.

Video Unboxing and Review

Conclusion

I thought the HTC Tilt 2 USB Sync and 2nd Battery Charge Cradle from WirelessGround.com did everything I needed a cradle to do and it did it well. I liked the quality of the components and thought that $24.95 was a fair price for a cradle of this quality. I definitely would recommend this cradle for anyone looking to maximize the productivity of their AT&T Tilt 2.

PROS:

Very Good Build Quality of components
Visible LED Lights
Second/Spare Battery charging Capability

CONS:

Clear Plastic Stand to hold up device takes up too much room when stowed.
No Audio Out Capability/3.5mm jack
Price was good, but other “Good Enough” quality cradles will be on eBay for less money.

Push Your Buttons

Doug Simmons — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:21:30 +0000

My biggest complaint about stepping over to the Fuze from the original Tilt was the loss of all those buttons. I liked those buttons. Damnit. Don’t get me started. Have you heard of AEButton? Well it’s a hard button mapper (hard meaning the buttons you can feel on the phone, not buttons to press on the screen, mapping meaning you can tell that button to do something you specify) that’s been around for a while, and I appreciated having had it. The thing is it hits you with a splash screen on boot which I could do without, on some roms it randomly stops working or only works on some buttons and in recent 6.5.5 builds that I’ve used it doesn’t appear to work at all. Not to mention they’ve got a .ru domain …. j/k! Nothing wrong with that. But still.

Not a problem because my main man tarkim hooked us up with Keyboard Controller. “What is it?” tarkim asks himself rhetorically. “It’s a modified keyboard driver with configurator application for keys setup. Any key (yeah, I mean ANY, including Home and Back keys) can be reassigned to perform any desired actions.” So you can assign the volume up button, for instance, to make the volume go up on a single click like it normally does if you love manipulating the volume frequently, to start up Google Maps on a double click, to fire up your RSS reader on a triple click and the camera on a long press, but for any button on the phone including the mute button on the back of the Tilt 2. That should be enough to cover you for all of the programs you regularly use, otherwise you are what they call a power user. And it doesn’t even drop anything in your StartUp folder. That pleases me.

Its configuration interface ain’t winning any beauty contests but if you can’t figure it out, c’mon man step your game up. This is Windows ~~Mobile~~ Phone baby, you’re in the big leagues now. Here are his threads for the Fuze / Touch Pro, the Tilt 2/ Touch Pro2, and the Pure / Touch Diamond2. Note those are unique threads with unique versions for each phone so I encourage you not to click the wrong link. They should work for all carriers’ versions of each phone, and only each of the phones I listed, GSM and CDMA alike.

Doug Simmons

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