If you promise not to tell anyone, I’ll tell you a secret: I use an Android phone. If you’re wondering why this is a secret, perhaps if I expand it out, you’ll see why: I am a Windows Mobile MVP, who used the platform exclusively for 7 years. I have written for a website focusing on Windows Mobile devices for over 5 years, and I own multiple Windows Mobile Devices. Yet still, I use a Nexus One as my daily driver. See, that’s why it’s a bit of a secret. And I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m telling you this.

Well, I’m not telling you this as a prelude to a “I’m leaving the site” post or a “I’ve used Android but it sucks compared to WinMo” fanboy post. I use an Android phone because the platform excites me, the same way that Windows Mobile and Windows Phone still excite me, and I believe that by using each platform I can write more informed posts on each side and contribute to both platforms (I also own an iPod Touch, for the same reason). In other words, Win Mo didn’t “lose” me, we’re just not “exclusive” anymore.

And I’m wondering how many other Thoughts readers may be seeing Android devices on the side (or full time)! If you’ve gone to the Android side, what do you like or dislike? What do you miss about Windows Mobile? And does Windows Phone 7 tempt you back (as it does me)? Don’t be afraid to admit it, android-ers, stand up and be counted!

This was originally posted at Windows Phone Thoughts, check out the the source for discussion.

“One of our ninjas just dropped some tantalizing and blurry details for us to feast on. We’ve been informed that T-Mobile will be releasing the Motorola CLIQ XT on March 10th, the HTC HD2 (listed as “Dark Handset” on the screen capture) is confirmed on March 24th, and a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook, complete with T-Mobile broadband access, on the 24th as well.”

While technically a rumor since we haven’t had an official announcement yet (Come on T-Mo…!), this looks pretty solid as we’ve seen other references to the HD2 as the “Dark” handset. I predict come March 24 I’ll be visiting a T-Mobile store!

This was originally posted at Windows Phone Thoughts, check out the the source for discussion.

“So, we had a few precious moments to play around with Garmin-Asus’ latest Nuvifones here in lovely Barcelona today — the M10 and A50, running on Windows Mobile 6.5.3 and Android 1.6, respectively — and even better, we did so in the back of a black Mercedes expressly purposed for testing out the integrated turn-by-turn capabilities”

The Windows Mobile 6.5.3 powered Asus Nuvifone M10 (And it’s Android 1.6 powered brother, the A50) got a bit of hand-time with Engadget in Barcelona. Check out their piece for more details and impressions on both phones. Personally I’m thinking both phones operating systems seem a bit dated though. Android 2.1 is running on some devices, and 6.5.3 seems way too long of a version number. Perhaps we’ll a shorter Win Mo version number soon…

This was originally posted at Windows Phone Thoughts, check out the the source for discussion.

“Verizon Wireless, provider of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network, today announced the launch of VZ Navigator® 5.0, the newest version of its award-winning map, navigation and local search service, which helps users find their way around town. Powered by TeleCommunication Systems, Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator is a GPS-enabled service that transforms a wireless smartphone or handset into an all-in-one powerful navigation and communication device, enabling customers to find useful information and discover new places and destinations.”

$9.99 a month (or $2.99 a day) will give you access to, well, something Google is giving away for free. But those who don’t have an android phone to switch into for navigation may appreciate big V’s offering. It runs on Win Mo (hence this post) and also on blackberry. The attractive part may be the traffic updates that are provided by the network in response to what actual users are experiencing. So heavy commuters who are perpetually late (But have enough time to power up a GPS for a route they know by heart) may be interested.

This was originally posted at Windows Phone Thoughts, check out the the source for discussion.