So I have been toying around with the idea of creating a game for the new UMPC and then it hit me, what the world really needed first was a UMPC Program Launcher theme creator and packager. (A game will happen a little later.)

So I started development on what is right now called the “Origami Theme Creator” (Not the final name, so other ideas are welcome)

Currently it more or less emulates the program manager icons in a 800×600 window and allows you to view all of the UI items in a “true to life” way.

For the icons that have multiple items there is currently a drop down box that allows you to select the different possible icons that need to be displayed. For example, there are 6 different wireless status icons and each can be displayed by selecting the correct one from a right click popup box.

[img]http://www.origamiportal.com/origami/images/origami_theme_select.jpg[/img]

Currently the network strength status and battery icon support these multiple icons.

Another feature is the background changer. I am currently using it to test some of the few [url=http://www.origamiportal.com/modules/xcgal/index.php?cat=7]Program Launcher backgrounds[/url] we have. It makes it easy too visualize what a background will look like on the launcher, however it is a little stretched out because the backgrounds are created at 1024×512.

As for developments left before release, I need to finish the specs on the XML file that will track all of the theme information and create functions for pulling the image data form multiple locations. Then the data will likely be saved in a zip file that can be uploaded and installed through the theme creator or by hand.

I will also likely be adding text color support for light and dark text before the first release.

I made a quick video of the functionality including background changing and button higlighting in our [url=http://www.origamiportal.com/modules/xcgal/displayimage.php?pid=81]Pics / Videos section[/url]. So, go check it out and give me any feedback for the program or ideas on items that should be included.

According to an article on [url=http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20060419PR210.html]DigiTimes[/url] market sources were quoted as saying that Microsoft originally wanted to partner with VIA to help promote the UMPC. However they didn’t due to the fact that players like Samsung and Asus preferred Intel.

Also according to the article both VIA and Samsung have declined commenting on whether or not Samsung is really releasing a VIA based UMPC.

The only info that was given was from Samsung saying that they have no agreement with VIA.

The price of the Intel will need to come down if a VIA based Samsung device becomes available with the same specs. At that point only die hard Intel fans would even consider paying $400-$600 more for the same machine.

According to [url=http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=14946]Digital Media Asia[/url] VIA has confirmed that the Samsung Q1 will include a version with the VIA chip.

The VIA Q1 will include a C7-M microprocessor and VX700 chipset. Due to the cheaper price of the VIA processor the Q1 including it will be closer to $700 instead of the $1,200 price for the one with the Intel processor.

[Update: This is also known as the Paceblade Easybook P8.] I thought that the smartpad journal entry had turned out to be a bit of a dead-loss (after hearing subsequently that it had been discontinued nearly 2 years ago!) but un unknown ‘Simone’ left an interesting comment on link on that post today to let me know about another umpc-like device. The PMG quadpad from Tronic (and sold in Europe through Akori) has all the right ingredients. It runs on a VIA C3 processor (one generation older than the C7) […]

[Update: 15th April – Zupera Technology returned my email query for more information. The bad news is that they stopped producing this device a long time ago.] Browsing back over some of my ‘draft’ blogs (of which there are many!) I found this article reference. It dates from nearly 2 years ago and shows this little baby. Its the Zupera Technology Smartpad (nice name!) Zupera make industrial equipment but this doesnt look industrial to me. Operating System – Windows CE.NET English VersionCPU – Intel PXA255 400MHzMemory – 64MB Flash ROM, […]

Dustin has just made a new blog entry over at Microsoft’s Origami Project site, and it contains some interesting info.

First off, he is excited about the pre-orders for the TabletKiosk coming through in a couple weeks and the availability of the Samsung device in May. Dustin feels good about both devices and likes the design and hardware buttons of the TabletKiosk and the design, weight, and speakers with the Samsung.

The last paragraph is where it starts to get exciting, as Dustin mentions they will be running some contests soon and giving away some cool free stuff, and I for one, love free stuff (especially if they are giving away one of those dope Microsoft orange hats).

Lastly, there should be a new Touch Improvement blog by Origami Project member Sears soon, and a Pimp your UMPC soon as well! I’m already imagining my UMPC decked out with spinners and a two-tone cherry red/canary yellow paint job.

Pictured above is the new Averatec AHI UMPC concept device that was announced yesterday. Looks a lot like a SideKick to me, but some of the rumored specs are quite appealing.

Set to launch this fall, the price is expected to be between $600 or $1090 (€500 or €900) depending on options. The AHI will be equipped with WiFi, GPS, camera, 3G, 30 GB HardDrive, a six hour battery life, and a touch screen. Having a touch screen suggests that this device will be running Windows XP Tablet edition, even though the picture below (from pdafrance.com) displays Home edition in the specs.

[img]http://www.origamiportal.com/origami/images/averatec3.jpg[/img]

The device measures in at 7.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches and weighs 24 ounces, which certainly makes it an Ultra-Mobile PC. I haven’t heard whether it will come Microsoft Touch Pack equipped, which would make it an Origami device, but either way this device is quite promising (if the rumored specs are true): very good battery life, keyboard, light-weight, 3G connectivity.

Another pic below…

Steve, from carrypad.com has created a new UMPC products section that covers the new Origami Ultra-Mobile PC devices, mini notebooks, and mini tablet devices. Check it out here.

Each device listed has basic specs like RAM, CPU, HD, and screen size, and the more info section for each device goes more in-depth and provides links to external reviews and articles on the device.

Its a great reference for anyone interested in learning about all the different devices out there.