I’ve just got my hands on an HTC Snap, the new non-touch screen Windows Mobile device set to go on sale later in May.

It is, as expected, HTC’s version of a BlackBerry, which is no bad thing, and it’s a pretty decent effort too. The keyboard, which can make or break a device like this, seems genuinely good (better, possibly, than my Nokia E71), and the Inner Circle feature, which splits out emails from key contacts, seems like a worthy idea.

Other software features are also pretty good, as HTC has brought over some of the multimedia apps from its Touch devices. They’ve also HTC-ised some of the menus – but not all of them, which results in a rather inconsistent look. It would have been nice if they’d have gone all the way.

Here’s the key screens from the device; and I’ll have some hands-on pics later.

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We’re perhaps as little as three weeks away from the launch of the Palm Pre in the US, and the latest Pre emulator for developers has revealed how polished the UI is now looking. Translucent effects abound in PreThinking’s gallery: if the consistent look and feel is carried through in the way that made the iPhone such a delight then Palm really might be onto a winner. Consider our appetites well and truly whetted.

Via – PreThinking

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Web: www.spbsoftwarehouse.com
Price: $14.95
Verdict: 9/10

The keyboard is so crucial to a touch screen smartphone that it can make or break it. Of the third party solutions that are available, the new features in version 4 of Spb Keyboard bring it into line with the very best.

Like previous versions, Spb Keyboard has a full screen option, turning the entire screen into a qwerty. With large keys it is easier to type, although the text input window is only a couple of words wide, making it hard to keep track of what you have typed without switching out of the keyboard and back into the document you are typing in.

As a compromise a half screen keyboard has been added, with smaller keys and slightly slower input. Both layout include an iPhone-style sliding popup that enlarges the key you are pressing, allowing you to lside your finger onto a new one if necessary. This works a treat. With built in and custom dictionary support for autocomplete typing is arguably as easy on Spb Keyboard as on any other app we have seen, including the iPhone itself.

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The Windows Mobile UI might have been designed for stylus use, but with the right choice of third party software you can transform it into a feast of finger friendliness. Here’s our selection of the best.

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We have so many passwords to remember these days. Now you can keep them stored all securely on your BlackBerry
We’ll be installing SplashID on your BlackBerry and computer so you can carry around confidential information in complete safety. Once SplashID’s been installed you …

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Like free stuff? Well, here’s your chance to get your hands on a couple of our favourite gadget accessories courtesy of our friends over at Proporta.

First, we have the famous Proporta Gadget Bag. Described by none other than Stephen Fry as “fantastically useful”, it will house and protect all of your mobile gadgets.

And then we have their equally celebrated Mobile Device Charger, which enables you to charge pretty much any smartphone or mobile gadget (including iPod) on the road, and has been described variously as “an absolute lifesaver” and “pretty blimmin’ great”.

Entries are through Twitter only; simply follow us at twitter.com/smartphonedaily then send a Direct Message stating which prize you would like to win. The winners will be chosen at random on 8th May.

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Apple’s App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch has achieved the landmark of one billion downloads, just nine months after its launch last year.

The Store has seen phenomenal growth and has now has more than 35,000 titles available. RIM, Nokia and …

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