Ok, so I know that the amount of information we have on the Shadow II is scant right now, but I thought this would be an interesting poll. If you haven’t read, this is what we know so far, and this is what it is going to look like. We’re getting trickles of information about a release time frame of the Shadow II and more concrete specifications details, and as soon as we’re confident enough to report something, you’ll be the first to know.

Here is a list of improvements we know the Shadow II will have, some speculation, some that would make sense, and some wants… Feel free to add in the comments and we’ll update. More than likely the hardware has already been developed. Cross your fingers and hope the Software Devs for the Shadow will read this and throw some last minute improvements in.

Confirmed Improvements:

• UMA
• Will work on T-Mobile’s new high speed network (when it goes live)
• Windows 6.1
• Neo Interface as well

Most Likely Unconfirmed Improvements:

• Will work with T-Mobile’s HotSpot@Home
• You will get to type Don’t instead of Font
• Faster Processor
• More Memory

Logical Improvements (things that would make sense)

• integrated GPS
• Higher MP camera
• Recessed Camera lens (so it doesn’t get scratched)
• Recessed Send/End buttons (get rid of accidental calling) 
• Will already come with HTC Streaming Application, HTC Action Screen, etc.
• Themeable Neo Ease (will be easier to switch between different Neo themes)
• Scroll Wheel will have a custom sensitivity setting

Wants

• Options for Neo Homescreen (Add a user pane, switch App X with App Y without hacking registry)
• Complete customisation for Shortcut Key, Volume Keys, Camera Key, Home Key, Back Key (add any app, use ‘Browse’ to assign)
• Built in links to AllShadow.com!

New Network Confirmation

• Yes, they are already testing it
• It will roll out first in Major cities based upon population density per square mile.

New Network Speculation

• New Networks are very expensive to roll out, however T-Mobile has had a lot of time to set their equipment up. It will be a very large zero day roll out

Confirmed Current Features

• Will be a slideout like the current Shadow

This could be the first image of the Shadow II. Not much in the way of specs yet on this one. Rumor has it that this will include UMA and HotSpot@Home capability. Rest assured we are working hard to get you the most details on the next Shadow. SO stay tuned.

There is some buzz lately about T-Mobile’s new MDA Compact IV that is supposedly being released in Europe. The details are scarce but promising and a quick look at the picture and anyone can see it looks incredibly like the Shadow. No official word on if it is coming to the US but we can only hope. Here are the specs I could find and I am sure more are to come so stay tuned.

Rumored Specs:

• 3 Megapixel Autofocus Camera - Even better pictures!

• 4GB Internal Memory - Ready for music and movies right out of the box

• VGA Screen (640×480) - Imagine the beauty of your videos on this one!

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE

• Triband UMTS/HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps - That’s pretty damn fast, I would have to see this in person

• Bluetooth 2.0 - Good to know

• Wifi b/g - Always a plus

• GPS is rumored - If this is the Shadow 2, then it BETTER have GPS. I see no reason why any Windows Mobile phone shouldn’t be rolled out without GPS nowadays

 Sources: Engadget has some more photos of a plastic model here and here. The image above is from CDRinfo.com. More info at PhoneMag as well.

An insider tip says that T-Mobile is finally saying the next gen network they have been working on forever will be going live in the third quarter. Specific details are scarce but one can speculate that major metro areas will more than likely be the release point for this network. Of course all the current handsets will still work so you won’t have to buy a new phone to use the network.

On the other hand, the ability for current handsets to take advantage of the higher speed data rate remains to be seen.

There is a rumor going around that the Shadow is on backorder until February. I just called T-Mobile to verify this and they said that it is indeed IN STOCK. I asked the nice lady to double check and she said there was no indication that it was on back order.

I am going to assume that a store that says it is on backorder is not a true T-Mobile dealer and possibly just an affiliate vendor.

So everyone that is wishing for a T-Mobile Shadow you can rest easy.

There is a rumor going around that T-Mobile has an announcement coming on Dec 6th regarding their long awaited 3G network. That means High Speed Internet Access via Cell Phone. Will all current handsets support this? Probably not. How many cities will this be available in? More than likely it will be rolled out in Seattle and other denser populated areas. Will the Shadow be able to use it? We will have to see

Stay tuned for more info as it comes.

the::unwired tells us about a rumor that Vista users might have the ability in the future to have SideShow on their Windows Mobile device. This is very interesting as SideShow has been largely ignored for the most part.

Rumors include bluetooth control in addition to the interactive interface. For all the Shadow users, are there any features in SideShow that would make this a perfect addition to your Shadow?