Microsoft releases Windows Live QnA

What it is?
What do you really want to know? The best chocolate chip cookie recipe? The fastest shortcut through downtown? Elvis’s weight on Jupiter? Somebody out there is bound to have the answers you’re looking for—and you probably know something they want to know, too. Get and give answers based on personal experience and expertise. QnA creates a community of knowledge that grows and gets better every day.

What it gives you?
• A store of human knowledge containing facts, opinions, and experiences
• Reputation-based scoring, so you know which sources are most reputable
• Voting that determines the best answer to any question

Read more...

Get Yahoo! Go™ on your mobile

Get Yahoo for Windows Mobile on your device. Click here to download the software and start the setup process. Will let you know how it works.

6 free new ringtones available

Microsoft has new ringtones available for download on their website. All you need is a .net Passport login and the ringtones are yours. Download here...

Having trouble with installing your new ringtones? Click here to learn how to. Instructions are for WM 2003 and WM5.

How To Speed Up Your Mobile Web Surfing - Ed Hardy

Ed Hardy of Brighthand has posted an interesting article on how quickly the web pages load on your device. The author has done a terrific job by including step by step procedures for Pocket PCs, Windows Mobile Smartphones and Palm OS. It doesn't "matter what type of mobile device you have, there's a fairly simple step you can take that will have a noticeable effect on how quickly web pages load -- at least for some people. All you have to do is change the DNS server your web browser is using." I tried it and I did notice a change. Let me know how it worked for you. Read more...

How to: Remove Hotmail Account and Outlook Account!!!

I came across this post on Pocket PC tweaks that ecplains how to remove Hotmail and even Outlook. I'm just going to try the hotmail part to see if it resolves my problem. Remember that you do this at your own risk.

First go to your messaging accounts and make sure you are at the inbox of your text messages (not in the Hotmail or Outlook accounts) then exit the messaging program. It is important to make sure you exit not just minimize. (tmail.ext) Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Inbox\Svc Remove the entire key Hotmail This works for the Outlook account too. Turn the device off for 15 sec (to allow the registry to save) then soft-reset.

Free: Test your device display with Vsbenchmark 2006

Vsbenchmark 2006 is a free graphic benchmark that test your graphic performance device and compare it with other models. Vsbenchmark boost the limit of the classic 2D graphics with the last visual effect technologies. Vsbenchmark 2006 automatically generate graphics files with your result which you can compare on the site to a list of device. Download here.

Tomorrows Cell Phones

A reader to this blog has brought this Businessweek article to my attention. Take some time and read about handsets with no-buttons and screens that wrap around the phone, necklaces that warn you of incoming calls and the $1.6 million phone. A slideshow of prototypes is also available. Thanks St3v3 for sharing. Read more...

Post to Blogger from your Windows Mobile device

A completely new way to share what you discover on your mobile has just been released. Thanks to Hubdog’s new “Blog it” feature, you can now post to Blogger blogs from Windows Mobile devices. Find interesting News or Podcasts from your Hubdog channels and post them back to your blog within 2 clicks !

Hubdog “Blog-it” Features:
Posts items online or offline.
Support for the most popular blog site on the web; only Blogger is supported at this time. More blog services to be announced soon.
Add images and enclosures to your posts.
Minimal upload bandwidth; text, images and enclosures from a post are not uploaded from the phone, hubdog server manages this process.
Send posts while on the road. Be the first to break the news no matter where you are.

Audience assistance required with Hotmail error

Since last month, I'm having a problem downloading my Hotmail messages and haven't been able to find a fix. When I tap Send/Receive to download my Hotmail, this message appears on the screen: "Downloading a message failed. If you are reading it, please close the message and try again." I don't have any message open. If anyone has a fix for that, please send me an email or just post it in the Comments area. Thanks

Power to the Pocket PC & Smartphone

I recommend that you pay a visit to the Windows Mobile Team blog every so often. This blog provides very useful information that helps grasp a better understanding of our device. I just came across these articles on how Windows Mobile handles power. Read the Smartphone article first before reading the Pocket PC one.

Download Skype for Pocket PC 2.1 Beta

Speak for free with Skype for Pocket PC 2.1 beta. Before you download, make sure you have either wifi or 3G connection. Download

Introducing Windows Live Writer

Microsoft has released a beta version of their blog publisher. The desktop application is available for download here. let's hope Microsoft will offer a mobile version soon. Visit the Windows Live Writer team blog to learn more.

Free: Install CAB files from Windows XP

Doubling click a CAB file in Windows XP and a folder opens up with a bunch of files. CAB files are like setup files for Pocket PC and Smartphones, but you need to copy then to your device for them to work. This link will let you run CAB files directly from your XP machine instead of copying them to your device.

Freeware: Release memory on your Windows Mobile

Oxios Hibernate attempts to release as much memory as possible without damaging the internal state of the Windows Mobile device (Pocket PC or Smartphone).Oxios CloseApps closes down other applications by sending "Close" messages.

Oxios Hibernate 1.40
WM_HIBERNATE is a window message that is generated by the Windows operating system and sent to an application when system resources are running low. All applications should get the message and handle it by attempting to release as many resources as possible by unloading processes, destroying windows, or freeing up as much local storage as possible without damaging the internal state of the system.Oxios Hibernate sends WM_HIBERNATE to all applications.

Oxios CloseApps 1.40
Each process started on a Windows Mobile-based Smartphone allocates memory, which cannot be released but is automatically freed when the application process ends.Oxios CloseApps closes down all applications by sending WM_CLOSE messages.

This application is really neat. It works for both the Pocket PC and Smartphone. You also get a report of how much memory has been released. Download

Press Release: Palm and Yelp Collaborate to Debut Rich Local Content on Treo Smartphones

Palm, Inc. and Yelp, Inc. today announced the release of Yelp Mobile (mobile.yelp.com), which has been optimized for Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones.
The co-branded mobile website will provide Treo smartphone users with easy access to information that enhances their mobile-computing experience.(1) Mirroring the local search website, Yelp Mobile, which comprises hundreds of thousands of reviews, is presented in a small digestible format that enables users to easily read what the local community is saying about a specific business. The cooperative project represents Yelp's first dedicated mobile effort and is available on all web-enabled phones.
"Searching for local information is a vital part of the mobile experience. Working with Yelp will provide Treo owners with incredible, localized content for people on the go," said Page Murray, vice president of marketing, Palm, Inc. "Fast access to Yelp's trusted and insightful reviews will help accelerate user adoption and engagement with Treo smartphone web-based services." Read more...

Free: Capture Screen Utility for Pocket PC released

Fann Software has released free Capture Screen Utility, which works with Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5.0 powered PPCs.

Capture Screen Utility is a useful utility for capturing screenshots and screenshots with displayed menu.
Capture Screen Utility Features:
* Support QVGA and VGA screens.
* Delay capture feature.
* Auto filename numbering for multiple captures.
* Save bitmaps to main memory or a storage card.
* Close the utility after capture.
Download

Tweak Windows Media Player 10 Skin 1.5

Tweak is the latest skin from Twisted Pixels Multimedia, introducing new life-like motion when each button is pushed. Along with this exciting new feature, this skin also includes:

Time Display
Artist and Song Title Display featuring scrolling for longer titles
Large buttons for easy car operation and stylus free use
Video preview area and full screen video compatibility
Support for Album Art
Mute Button
Fullscreen ButtonThis skin includes installs for both VGA and QVGA devices.

Making full use of my PDA touchscreen is what I like most and this skin for Windows Media Player comes in handy and it's cheap.

Bluetooth Bargains

Looking for good quality earpiece? Then check this site. It offers a wide choice of ear piece at a very good price.

"Soon, many state and federal laws are going to require a hands free device, such as bluetooth headsets, while talking on the phone in your car. Don't wait until this happens as shortages of inventory at that time are sure to raise prices. Buy now and beat the rush!"

Download VoiceMinder (Beta)

"VoiceMinder is a simple solution for those of us who keep track of their task items via email. Currently available for the Pocket PC (soon for SmartPhone), once setup VoiceMinder allows you to quickly record a voice note and have it sent on its way to your email address of choice with just two button presses. No user interface to mess with. No complexities. Just drive/walk/whatever and press the user-configured hotkey to start recording and the hotkey again to stop - instant voice mail!Honestly - this is the coolest app I've used in ages! This beta will expire by August 31st and our plan is to have it available for purchase by mid month. We will also be adding SmartPhone versions soon."

Download

Turn your Pocket PC into a two way walkie talkie.

4Talk is the easy way to turn your Pocket PC into a two way communication device suitable for short range transmissions. Pair two or more Pocket PC's to create a mini walkie talkie network, or use it in conjunction with your PC to create a continuous surveillance or baby monitoring device. 4Talk can be used on any local area network using direct cable, Wi-Fi or even Bluetooth, although the later is obviously very short range. As long as your network is configured and your device has an IP address you can use 4Talk. Get both PC and PPC versions. 16 independent channels Emergency channel Microphone Lock Facility Instantly see who?s online and what channel Full Duplex Mode (for headsets). Custom Key Configuration Variable Sound Quality Morse / Beep button Signal Strength Meter Square screen aware, Bluetooth support, WiFi support To ensure compatibility please always test the demo. The software costs $7.45 and a trial is available.

SyncToy: the smart way to copy files

There are new sources of files coming from every direction: digital cameras, e-mail, cell phones, portable media players, camcorders, PDAs, and laptops. Increasingly, computer users are using different folders, drives, and even different computers (such as a laptop and a desktop) to store and retrieve files. Yet managing hundreds or thousands of files is still largely a manual operation. In some cases it is necessary to get copies of files from one place; in other cases there is a need to keep two storage locations exactly in sync. Some users manage files manually, dragging and dropping from one place to another and keeping a mental card catalog in their heads. Others use one or more applications to provide this functionality for them.
Now there is an easier way. SyncToy is a free PowerToy for Microsoft Windows XP that provides an easy to use, highly customizable program that helps users to do the heavy lifting involved with the copying, moving, and synchronization of different directories. Most common operations can be performed with just a few clicks of the mouse, and additional customization is available without added complexity. SyncToy can manage multiple sets of folders at the same time; it can combine files from two folders in one case, and mimic renames and deletes in another. Unlike other applications, SyncToy actually keeps track of renames to files and will make sure those changes get carried over to the synchronized folder.
Download

The Right Menu

Right Menu is a handy utility which extends the functionality of the Menu button on the Smartphone/Pocket PC. With this software, the Menu button will be turned into a cascading Start Menu, providing you convenience of launching programs from the Home Screen. Very Nice. Download trial

ClickToScan wherever you are

ClickToScan is a nice software that adds scanning capability to any mobile with a a builtin camera. It scans in color too and the results are impressive. A trial version is avalaible on their site.

clicktoscan breaks new ground by allowing mobile individuals with camera phones or digital cameras to capture, share and store information that is important, wherever they are.

No matter who you are, you probably have needed at some time a scanner, photocopier or fax machine without conveniently having access to one.

No more time wasted for re-copying important information or simply losing it because you do not have time to copy it. Just take a picture of your document and let us scan it when you are ready to use it. You may also want to fax or email it to someone, and we will do that for you too.

Read more...

Free: ASync PaPro Util

Funny name for a very useful software. ASync PaPro Util stands for ActiveSync Partnership and Profiles Utility and one of it's features is the capability to backup profiles. Here is what it's capable of:
1. Delete all ActiveSync partnership and profiles
2. Invoke creation of new partnership name
3. Backup existing profile

Download (Requires Windows XP SP2)

How To: Record phone calls

You can record your phone calls with just a press of a button and without purchasing any additional software. It's built into Windows Mobile. There are only two steps to it:

1. First we need to assign a button to the recording software. Go to Start > Settings > Button.

2. Select the button of your choice and select RECORD from the Assign a Program list.

From now, when you receive a phone call, just press and hold the assigned button and you'll get your calls recorded.

Microsoft to Charge for Office 2007 Beta 2

Microsoft Friday said that this week it will begin charging US$1.50 for users to download a copy of the Office 2007 beta 2.
"In just the past two months since its launch, more than 3 million people have downloaded the 2007 Microsoft Office system beta 2," the company said in a statement sent via e-mail. "Given how dramatically the beta 2 downloads have exceeded our goals, we have made the business decision to implement a cost-recovery measure for downloading the beta." Read more...

Who wants to pay for beta testing?