Never have prototypes been as well-performing as the hottest ones at Mobile World Congress this year. But which prototype strikes us as the most anticipating?
| Nvidia APX 2500 Prototype |
Video » Gallery » |
 We've seen hints of the Nvidia APX 2500 prototype and user interface before, but this is our first time playing with the device and UI, and we were absolutely stunned by its polished, smooth look. Nvidia has created a truly gorgeous phone mock-up, and we we're shocked that nobody has released this as a retail device. The menus and lists flow as smoothly as they do on the iPhone, and the Nvidia even tops Apple's device with more graphical effects and dazzling app ideas than the latter phone possesses. Nvidia calls this a prototype, but also told us that the phone is just about ready for prime time. So, theoretically a manufacturer could simply buy the platform and pop it into a device for an instant iPhone killer. We're looking at you, Motorola. Release: January 2008.
Pros: Brilliant interface, among the best we've seen for a mobile phone. Smooth animation, great colors, sparkling effects.
Cons: Nobody is building this into a phone . . . yet.
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| Google Android Prototype |
Video » Gallery » |
 This was our first look at the Google platform, and we must say we came away impressed. We weren't expecting much. After all, the bulk of the development will be handled by the open source community, or the carriers themselves. But what we saw was a smooth interface that responded very quickly to our input, as well as some nice visual flourishes to round out the experience. The Google apps worked very well, especially the Google Maps program, which loaded quickly and looked great on this device. What device you might ask? Well, our Texas Instrument rep hinted that the first two letters in the prototype number might be a clue. In any case, the Google Android phone may not be an iPhone killer, but from what we saw, it is certainly ready for retail. Release: January 2008.
Pros: Smooth interface. Open source platform. Support for lots of Google apps. Ready for store shelves?
Cons: Not as dazzling as the iPhone. Lacks killer apps, and even some basics. No announced retail product . . . yet.
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| Nokia S60 Touch Prototype |
Video » Gallery » |
 The touch interface for Nokia's S60 platform is certainly as nice looking as plain old S60, but it just didn't seem to go far enough. Sure, we tried scrolling through lists with our finger, and using gestures to move between images in the gallery, but seriously, Nokia, have you tried the iPhone? Of course, S60 is a massive platform, so perhaps Nokia had to design a touch interface for the mid-range, instead of only the flagship N-series phones. But just as they've added and improved to the media interface on the N-series phones, we hope that the S60 touch interface is adaptable enough that the first high-end touch device will go way beyond what we saw here in Barcelona. Release: January 2008.
Pros: Touch on an S60, just like folks have been asking for. Still looks stylish and colorful.
Cons: Doesn't come close to the iPhone's slick interface. Touch features seem shallow, we want to see much more.
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