Free: Epilepsy Phone application

It's great to see technology helping with health issues. If you know anyone epileptic arround you, Epdetect is an application to have.

"Epdetect is an accelerometer based mobile phone application that uses advanced signal processing to detect epileptic seizures. It runs on most mobile phones that support SMS messaging, movement detection and GPS position location.

The addition of the seizure detection signal processing enables the phone to function as a wearable seizure detection system, with remote signalling to carers. Epdetect monitors the wearers movements, distinguishing between normal movement and movement associated with a Tonic–clonic seizure. If a seizure is detected, Epdetect will contact your carer with your status and GPS position."

Download and learn more here?

Motorola announces Moto Cliq powered by Android

Motorola's Cliq is the first Android device that managed to catch my attention and the interface developed by Motorola is for something. They named it Motoblur. The latter allows you to stay connected and up to date with Twitter, Facebook etc right from the main screen without having to enter your credentials more than once. I really like the looks of it and it has a sliding keyboard. Hmmm, could the Cliq be my next device??? Watch the short video below.

Windows 7 commercial.

This is a cute one. Say hi to Kylie.

Press Release: Palm introduces Pixi

I wonder when this cute device will make it to Mauritius and if I’ll ever get a chance to review it.

Palm, Inc. (NASDAQ:PALM) today introduced the Palm(R) Pixi(TM) phone for faster, more intuitive and personal communication in a compact and customizable design.(1) With the instinctively useable Palm webOS(TM) platform, strikingly thin design, a visible full keyboard and fashionable personalization options, Palm Pixi lets you express yourself in amazingly useful ways. It's scheduled to be available exclusively from Sprint in time for the holidays.
"With Palm webOS, we're creating a new, more intuitive smartphone experience defined by unmatched simplicity and usefulness," said Jon Rubinstein, Palm chairman and chief executive officer. "Palm Pixi brings this unique experience to a broader range of people who want enhanced messaging and social networking in a design that lets them express their personal style."
In addition to linking your information from Google(TM), Facebook and Exchange ActiveSync, Palm Pixi adds Yahoo! and LinkedIn integration to Palm Synergy(TM) and assembles it all in a single view.(2) You can get your Yahoo! contacts, calendar and IM, and access to your LinkedIn contacts, including job titles. Synergy on Palm Pixi makes messaging easier by showing you all your conversations with the same person in one chat-style thread, so you can start a conversation on AIM Instant Messenger, Google Talk(TM) or Yahoo! Messenger and continue it by text message later.(3)
Complementing the phone's already rich Facebook integration with the contacts, phone, calendar and photo applications, a new Facebook application will be available with Palm Pixi so you can see and comment on all the latest news from your friends, as well as easily update your status. The phone's full QWERTY keyboard puts it all at your fingertips, and the multi-touch screen lets you move back and forth between open applications using natural gestures.(4) The unique removable back cover is rubberized, making it scratch-resistant, slip-resistant and durable.

Personalization with Style
For those who want to express themselves with some extra style, Palm is introducing the Palm Pixi Artist Series. Designed by some of today's most unique and compelling artists, these numbered, limited-edition back covers let you change designs to suit your mood. You can see the first collection in the series, as well as information about the artists, at www.palm.com/artistseries. Palm will be showcasing the fashionable new Palm Pixi with the Artist Series covers this week at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York (Sept. 10-17).
You can also tailor Palm Pixi to your interests with downloadable applications from the Palm Beta App Catalog, including the latest entertainment and social networking applications such as Local Concerts by iLike, and Yelp(TM).(5) You can use Palm media sync to customize your phone with music, photos and videos from iTunes (Versions 8.1.1-8.2.1)(6), or use the on-device Amazon MP3 store to purchase individual songs or full albums over-the-air.(3)
"Palm Pixi continues Sprint's leadership in providing useful and innovative devices on America's most dependable 3G network,"(7) said Dan Hesse, chief executive officer at Sprint. "We are pleased to be the first carrier to bring this device to market and offer both devices in the growing Palm webOS family. Sprint's Everything Data plans, which provide unrestricted access to the Internet, mobile content and applications, and our Ready Now retail experience make for a perfect combination with these new Palm products."
The Sprint Mobile Broadband Network reaches more than 271 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports, and Sprint's networks are now performing at best-ever levels.
Customers who purchase Palm Pixi will benefit from Sprint's Ready Now, which the company pioneered to help customers leave the store educated, comfortable and confident about the phones they're taking home. It is like having a free personal trainer that educates you on all your phone can do by setting up all the applications you want to use on the device.
Palm Pixi is also the perfect complement to Sprint's Simply EverythingSM plan, which provides unlimited nationwide calling, texting, email, social networking, web browsing, GPS navigation, Sprint TV, streaming music, NFL Mobile Live, NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile and much more for only $99.99 per month. It's a savings of $1,200 over two years versus some comparable competitor plans.

Palm Pixi Features
High-speed connectivity (EVDO Rev. A)
2.63-inch multi-touch screen with a vibrant 18-bit color 320x400 resolution TFT display
Gesture area, which enables simple, intuitive gestures for navigation
Exposed QWERTY keyboard for fast messaging
Robust messaging support (IM, SMS and MMS capabilities), including Google Talk, AIM and Yahoo! IM
High-performance, desktop-class web browser
Integrated GPS(8)
Multimedia options, including pictures, video playback and music, and featuring a 2-megapixel fixed-focus camera with LED flash, and a standard 3.5mm headset jack
Email, including Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) (for access to corporate Microsoft Exchange servers), as well as personal email support (Google push, Yahoo! push, POP3, IMAP)(9)
Bluetooth(R) 2.1 + EDR with A2DP stereo Bluetooth support
8GB of internal user storage (~7GB user available)(10)
USB mass storage mode
MicroUSB connector with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
The first handset to launch with Qualcomm's high-performance MSM7627(TM) chipset
Proximity sensor, which automatically disables the touch screen and turns off the display whenever you put the phone up to your ear
Light sensor, which dims the display if the ambient light is dark, such as at night or in a movie theater, to reduce power usage
Accelerometer, which automatically orients web pages and photos to your perspective
Ringer switch, which easily silences the device with one touch
Removable, rechargeable 1150 mAh battery
Dimensions: 55mm (W) x 111mm (L) x 10.85mm (D) [2.17 in. (W) x 4.37 in. (L) x 0.43 in. (D)]
Weight: 99.5 grams (3.51 ounces)
Sprint services, including Sprint TV(R) and Sprint Radio, Sprint Navigation, Sprint's exclusive NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile Live

Availability and Pricing
The Palm Pixi phone is scheduled to be available from Sprint in time for the holidays. Pricing for the phone, as well as the limited-edition Palm Pixi Artist Series covers, will be announced closer to availability. Customers who would like to register to receive additional information about Palm Pixi and be notified when it's available can register at www.palm.com/pixi.

In addition, effective today the Palm Pre(TM) phone from Sprint is available for $149.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. You can find this great pricing at Sprint stores, on the web (www.sprint.com) and by calling Sprint's telesales group (1-800-SPRINT1). With the new Palm Pixi phone, and Palm Pre at a lower price, Palm and Sprint are bringing greater choice of Palm webOS phones to a larger audience.

Buy a Vista PC and get Windows 7 free.

I thought this offer was restricted to the American market only and I was happy to find out that Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands was also offering a buy-a-Vista-PC-And-Get-Windows-7-free. Well, it’s almost free. Actually, you have to pay for the shipping of the CD, which should be about $10 (Rs300), to get the upgrade. This is a limited offer as you need to buy the PC as from the release day of Windows 7 until January from a Microsoft partner.

This is quite a great offer. So make sure you buy your new computer from a Microsoft partner. If, like me you do  not know who the  partners are, feel free to contact Microsoft at the address below:

Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands
3rd Floor Barkly Wharf
La Caudan Waterfront
Old Pavilion
Port Louis
Mauritius

Phone: +230 202 8100

Fax: +230 210 1558

Or you can ask the Microsoft employee at the Microsoft stand at Phoenix Les Halles.

Now is the time to purchase a PC. Windows 7 is awesome.

Posting using Opera mini.

Here I am watching TV with my two year old daughter on this Friday afternoon. I've been watching cartoons over cartoons for over 30 minutes now. While this is fun, i would prefer watching some tech stuff. While my daughter is focused on the show, I thought I would post about how Opera Mini is helpful when I'm away from my PC and netbook. FYI, i'm posting using my HTC S620 Smartphone.
Even if the device only has GPRS connection, I very happy with it. Opera mini is so fast; lightweight. It works with with almost every site I want to access. Except some Google sites like Adsense for exemple. It's awesome for mobile banking, even if the banks themselves are unaware about this.
by the way, I prefer to use Opera Mini to keep in touch with the news rather than a RSS reader.

What is your experience with Opera Mini? Don't you think it's the best mobile browser out there?

New HTC Touch2™ Smartphone Delivers Full Touch Experience

Now it’s HTC’s turn to announce the Touch2 that will be powered by Windows Mobile 6.5. Of course, the device will be in customers hands as from October 6. I have no information about when such devices will be available in Mauritius. I will investigate.

Click the link below to read HTC’s press release.

http://www.htc.com/www/press.aspx?id=109430&lang=1033

Sony Ericsson Xperia 2 announced.

A few days back, the Windows Mobile team announced the launch of Windows Phones powered by Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 6. This announcement seems to have paved the way for manufacturers to showcase their first WM6.5 phones. This is the case of Sony Ericsson with the Xperia 2. A device, which besides running Microsoft newest version of Windows mobile, has a 8.1 megapixel camera with photo light and 16x digital zoom. In comparison, HTC devices, even the latest are still limited to 3 MP.

Click here to learn more about the second version of the Xperia. Check out the video interviews as well.

Nokia Booklet 3G first impressions.

Nokia officially announced its booklet 3G yesterday at Nokia World and those who had the chance to attend, were able to play with the device a bit. Mark Guim over at the Nokia Blog gives us his first impression of the netbook along with some nice pictures.

More on http://thenokiablog.com/2009/09/02/nokia-booklet-3g-hands-on-first-impressions/.

Windows Mobile 6.5 coming on October 6.

This is an official announcement made by the Windows Mobile team on their blog. Below is a list of operators, device manufacturers who will be launching Windows Phone next month.

I find this paragraph to be quite interesting: “When we started work on Windows phones, we met with people all over the world who were likely to buy a smartphone and talked with them about what’s important to them in their phone. Looking at the U.S. market, for example, we found that about 15 million people in the next year will buy a new smartphone.” I cannot help but wonder who these people are? Note that Windows Mobile 6.5 offers some great improvements. The one I like most is the ability to read new emails, SMSs etc without unlocking the phone first. Slide your finger on the new email icon and it opens the email account or the new email itself if there is just one. Simple but efficient.

Read more about Windows Phone release here.

Here’s the list:

· In North America: Mobile operators AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers HP, HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba Corp.

· In Europe: Mobile operators Orange, Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone Group Plc, and phone manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

· In Latin America: Mobile operator TIM Brazil, and phone manufacturers HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung

· In Asia Pacific: Mobile operators NTT DOCOMO Inc., SOFTBANK Mobile Corp., SK Telecom, Telstra and WILLCOM Inc., and phone manufacturers Acer Inc., HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

About Windows Mobile licensing.

A few years back I purchased what I think is the best Smartphone ever, the HTC S620. With it came a companion CD that contained sync software, some third party apps, a user manual and a ROM image. The ROM image was particularly useful when I messed up with the device. Now it appears that HTC does not ship the image anymore and I find this to be unacceptable.

During the week, I messed up with my HTC Advantage x7510 and I contacted HTC to provide me a ROM image since they do not bundle it on the companion CD anymore. Unfortunately, the support desk was unable to help. They came up with all sort of baseless reasons to not give a ROM image which I think is mine. I always thought that by purchasing a Windows Mobile phone, that the price included the OS licensing. Therefore, they should include the image on the CD. Apparently, I’m wrong. HTC has made it clear that they will not give the ROM image. Isn't that scandalous?

What are your thoughts?

My first Windows 7 RTM BSOD

As I’m writing this on my Asus netbook, my desktop PC is continuously rebooting. I got two blue screen of death tonight and I’m unable to determine why because the screen just appears too fast for me to see the reason. The first time it occurred was when I was writing the previous article about Microsoft opening a tech corner in Mauritius. Duh, I may be the first to report a Windows 7 RTM BSOD. I will report back once I determine the cause.

Update: After multiple reboots, the startup repair is doing its thing.

further update: screen is pitch-black. I think it’s a memory problem.

Microsoft to open first tech corner in Mauritius. Not permanent though.

Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands (MS IOI) has had a presence, if I’m not wrong, in Mauritius since 2001 and they never had a direct communication with the Mauritian public, except through partners. This is something I’ve always complained about and this is about to change. I’ve learnt during the week that Microsoft will open a corner in a trendy mall in order to promote and educate Mauritians on their products; specifically and unsurprisingly on the upcoming Windows 7 operating system. This is good for consumers.

Microsoft competitors are being quite aggressive on the market with a few iShop here and there. Recently, Google has started luring local developers towards its platform. Is the corner a way for Microsoft to counter attack? Yes and no. No because the corner is not permanent. According to the deal, its existence will last for a year only at a trend that still needs to be determine. I expect to see the corner manned by a “product ambassador” mostly during the weekends. That is when most Mauritians go to the malls. The “ambassadors” job will be to promote, educate users, and get feedbacks on Microsoft products. But is a week end enough? I doubt that. At least Microsoft is doing customer oriented projects other than just enterprise business via partners.

The latter will still have a role in this corner business with product demos. By the way, I may myself, as a Microsoft MVP for Windows Mobile, do some Windows Mobile demos. The mobile OS is still unknown in Mauritius as opposed to the iPhone. So I’m quite excited at the idea to educate my country men to a more open and robust system.

I definitely believe that Microsoft will benefit by establishing a direct communication with the population. Not only Mauritians will get to know more about MS products, it will also make fighting piracy more efficient. Kudos to the MS team. I also expect to see Microsoft going well beyond just a corner. A Microsoft store would be the next logical step.

Ask a Mauritian where in Mauritius is Microsoft office located and, most often, the answer is “ Microsoft has an office in Mauritius???”. The Microsoft corner is just the beginning of a great relationship between the software giant and paradise. Or so I hope.

Free translator

Do you need to tool that will translate over 20 languages on your device? FreeTranslator is the software that you need. I have not tried yet, so do not hesitate to post comments to share your experience.

www.nicolaottomano.it/freetranslator.htm

Technorati Tags: FreeTranslator

Press Release: Nokia Booklet 3G brings all day mobility to the PC world

Interesting to see Nokia releasing a netbook running Windows 7. I assume the later is the Starter edition. Anyway, Nokia’s netbook is the first to run Windows 7.

Powered by the efficient Intel Atom processor, the Nokia Booklet 3G delivers impressive performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, enabling people to leave their power cable behind and still be connected and productive. Delivering the rich experience of a full-function PC inside an ultra-portable aluminum chassis, the new mini-laptop weighs 1.25 kilograms, measures slightly more than two centimeters thin, and has the features one would expect from the world's leading mobile device manufacturer. A broad range of connectivity options - including 3G/ HSPA and Wi-Fi - gives consumers high speed access to the Internet, including Nokia's broad suite of Ovi services, and allows them to make the most of every moment and every opportunity.

Read more here.
Pricing and availability will be announced at Nokia World on September 2.

Contacts generated with Outlook won’t sync and lead to Support Code 0X8503001C

Technorati Tags: Support Code 0X8503001C

I answered to this thread on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile forums and thought I’d post a link to it here. Might be useful if you ever encounter this problem. Hopefully you won’t.

http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsmobileactivesync/thread/7030ce5b-ba61-4d9e-beb4-d91281c0b211

What a week

Indeed, what a week. On one side, Microsoft and Nokia partnering to take over mobility in the enterprise; on another Mr J. gold announcing the end of Windows Mobile. No to mention that most specialized sites see the Microsoft/Nokia partnership as the last move of the giants to combat the smaller Blackberrys and Apples or Androids. Notice here that I did not name Google since Android is an open source mobile operating system.

As I write this, Windows Mobile is still in the game; same for Nokia. The iPhone has exploded in the face of two kids in France and UK; HTC has announced that they sold a million Android device; Dell is to launch an Android-based device in China (go figure why in China only). What else? Oh yes, the Zune HD will reach the market in September. I have nothing much to say here. No new cool apps to announce, no new phones or OS; Microsoft still silent about Windows Mobile in Mauritius despite the fact that HTC, Samsung and Palm have a presence on the island. As an announcement, I’ll just say that no iPhone has exploded in Mauritius and another friend of mine has purchased a fruit phone. Yes there are a few Apple store in Mauritius.

If you are planning vacation in Mauritius and hoping to buy some Microsoft stuff, then you are out of luck. Even the Zune is not available here. Hopefully that will change with the Zune HD. I will ask my Microsoft friends about Zune HD availability. So stay tune. But…

For those of you following this blog, you know that I’ve been testing Windows 7 and that I’m now using the RTM version. Before you ask, I’m not aware yet of what Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands plans to do on the 22nd of October. I can only guess that there will be an impressive launch. Just like Vista...

To whom it may concern: Windows Mobile is, after all, an enterprise-based mobile OS.

Good Week end to all.

News: Microsoft and Nokia announce collaboration.

It is now official, Nokia and Microsoft will work together and the latter will bring Office Mobile to selected Nokia phones, namely the E series. Not only that, Nokia phones will also be able to access intranet and extranet portals built on SharePoint server. Office Collaborator is also part of the deal.

Learn more at www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/aug09/08-12pixipr.mspx

Sent from my Windows® Phone.

Mr. Gold has it all wrong; Microsoft will not drop WM.

Mr. Gold is the founder of J. Gold Associates, an IT analyst firm. In his latest publication for BusinessWeek, he stated that Microsoft should hang up on Windows Mobile as it is “losing support of many of its leading device makers”. He adds that HTC is “making a major commitment to Android. So is Motorola”. As a refresher here, HTC also made a major and firm commitment to Windows Mobile and has done that for years. HTC did indeed allocate some of its resources to Android development, the same way it did for Palm.  I admit that Windows Mobile has some catch-up to do, but that is no reason to kill it Mr Gold.

Windows 7 RTM is up and running.

I’ve just finished installing Windows 7 RTM on my desktop. It took me about 20 minutes to get it up and running and the first thing I did was to connect my HTC S620- after installing Office 2007 of course. Windows 7 immediately recognized my device, installed the drivers for it and also installed Windows Mobile Device Center(WMDC). So yes, WMDC is built into the OS.

Synchronization was fast and flawless. Not that I’d anticipated trouble, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I did not notice any change with WMDC itself. Looks pretty much the same.

Ok, I must admit I expected to see some kind of errors pop up. That is why I connected my Prophet to sync immediately after the S620. Here again, no errors. I did get some errors when testing Windows 7 RC though, but nothing dramatic.

Overall the system is stable and fast. Ciao Vista.

Resco audio Recorder 4.60 Beta 1 released

Do you have a need to record your phone conversation? If yes, then Resco Audio Recorder is probably what you need.

Changes and new features in Resco Audio Recorder version 4.60:

• Improved core of the application

• Improvements were necessary to make the application launch faster, especially with call recording. The modifications also brought less system load.

• Support for more devices

• Problems with call recording have been fixed and troubleshooting devices are finally good to go. These include Touch HD, Touch Pro 2 and other.

• Recorded file is saved as caller’s name

• There are many ways how recorded file can be saved. Although, this option has already been available, in most cases it didn’t work well. This problem is now fixed.

Plans for the near future

• Compatibility with Resco Contact Manager

• You are able to mark contacts whose calls are to be recorded automatically. On the other hand, when someone’s calling you, you get an option to choose whether to record the call or not yet before answering the call.

Learn more here.

Free chrome themes

Do you use Google Chrome? I used to. I did for a short while and was not at all impressed. Chrome looks like a retro toy to me and not so funny to use. It has to do with the looks of it I guess, because Chrome has a lot of great features. Before anybody asks, I have IE8 and Safari installed on my Windows 7 netbook.

For the Chrome users out there, 29 Chrome themes are available free of charge from https://tools.google.com/chrome/intl/en/themes/index.html.

Communicator Mobile updated

This new update contains a feature that lets you join conferences with a single click. A new “ Join Conference” option has thus been added into the Menu.

http://communicatorteam.com/archive/2009/08/02/864.aspx

Palm coming to Mauritius.

I saw an ad in l’Express yesterday (P.73) showing the Palm Pre, Treo Pro and Centro that will be available soon in Mauritius. This is great to see more mobile players coming here. Recently, MauriSystems released the Google phone (HTC Hero) for Rs19,900. A bit expensive for an open source OS. But that is nothing compared to the HTC Snap which is being offered at the same exaggerated price. If you are wondering what’s my point here, well it’s quite simple: The HTC Snap runs Windows Mobile Standard, a non-touchscreen device. Those devices generally cost much less than touchscreen phones for obvious reasons. Glad I can get it for a good price on Amazon or Expansys. Add shipping and taxes, you’re well behind the Rs19900 + VAT asked by MauriSystems.

Enough of the rant. Palm’s reseller does not have a website yet(neither does MauriSystems.), hopefully we’ll get to learn more about prices and store location soon.

SPB Radio announced

SPB announced today “a high-quality internet radio player for Windows phones, which gives subscription-free access to an unlimited number of live streaming radio stations from all over the world”. Add to this new gestures and skins makes SPB radio finger friendly.

For more information, check out www.spbsoftware.com/pocketpc-software/radio or www.spbsoftware.com/smartphone-software/radio.

SBSH GoNews Touch Updated

If you need a newsreader, consider GoNews Touch from SBSH. Among the new features, you will get to automatically sync your Google Reader content ; swipe between articles etc.

To find out more, browse to http://forums.sbsh.net/index.php?showtopic=25945.

Resco Contact Manager 2nd edition released

If you are not happy with the built-in Contacts application and feel that you need something more powerful and good looking, then you should consider Resco Contact Manager.

Features:

• Enhanced Facebook Integration
  Get all available information from your Facebook friends to the phone and message them straight to Facebook.

• Support for Google Maps Application
  Locate contact on Map supports the application instead of online Google Maps.

• Customizable Today Plug-in
  Add or remove phone tools, applications, documents or simple contacts. Changing of phone profiles is also available now.

• Group Operations
  Determine a group of contacts and set a ringtone, delete or SMS to all the members.

Download a trial here.

Microsoft makes new proposal to EU Commission

In my opinion, the EU Commission has bullied Microsoft for some years about Internet Explorer bundled into Windows. Microsoft is now offering that European users get the choice to install the browser they want upon setting up Windows 7. While I do not consider the fact that IE is the default browser as a business malpractice, I think Microsoft’s offer as fair enough. But you never know with those dumb stupid politicians. By the way, It’s time for them to go on Safari.

Read Microsoft statement here.

Free: Silent Spy for Windows Mobile

Silent Spy is a useful application that may help you recover your Windows Mobile phone in case the latter is stolen. A nice application to have on your phone.

 

How does it work?

Install Silent Spy on your device and use it to register your SIM card. Register a phone number for an alert to be sent to in case your phone is stolen. If the your SIM card is swapped out, Silent Spy automatically starts sending out SMSs to the registered phone number. The alerts contain the thieves phone number. Do not try to recover the phone yourself, call the police instead.

Download a free copy of Silent Spy from http://www.codexistence.com/projects.php?id=1

Try the new Samsung Omnia II online.

Samsung has done a great job by posting the Omnia II emulator on their website. Customers now can play with the device before making the decision to buy it. Nice initiative Samsung. hopefully you’ve set a trend…

http://omnia.samsungmobile.com/omnia2/

About build 21925

Most likely you’ve come across posts on the web that say that Microsoft has added a new feature to Windows Mobile 6.5 that, supposedly, makes it more finger friendly. These post are actually based on ROMs found on the XDA forums. What is it all about?

In Windows Mobile 6.1 and previous versions, you had to either use the finger to press or the stylus to switch tabs. For example, the Settings window has three tabs: Personal, System and Connection.  You could only move between tabs with your finger and stylus. According to some websites, build 21925 does not have tabs anymore. that may be true. but that does not mean that the swipe feature was not there. In fact, it was since build 21234 even though the tabs were still there.

If build 21925 is really from Microsoft and not one developed by XDA, then Microsoft simply removed the tabs and added arrows at the top of the screen to indicate that it is possible to swipe to move to the right or left.

Don’t know if you will agree with me, but there is not much of an innovation here since that feature already existed in Windows Mobile 6.5 build 21234.

Any comments?

Microsoft Recite

Recite is really a cool product. Basically, just speak to your device to record a note and listen to it later. Unfortunately, it does not include a reminder function. Overall, it works well and I like the Search feature. Microsoft is a free download.

http://recite.microsoft.com/Pages/about.aspx

Google My Location

Have you downloaded the latest Google Maps yet? No! You should, the My location feature is great. I did download it earlier today and even invited some friends to join in. It’s great to follow up on your friends whereabouts with Google maps with a Windows Phone.

Download your free copy from http://www.google.com/mobile/products/maps.html#p=default

Send/Receive emails in one click.

It has always been a hassle to check my multiple emails account everyday. Windows Mobile does not let you click once to download all, so you have to open each account and click Send/Receive. Starting tomorrow, I won’t be doing that anymore as i came across a neat application developed by Krazy_about_technology over at XDA forums. The application, named SendReceiveAll, calls the Outlook Send/Receive function for every email account on your device and starts synchronizing them all. I told you it was neat.

Download your free copy here.

Microsoft to provide Marketplace access to WM6 & Wm6.1 phones

It was previously announced that the Marketplace would be accessible from the yet-to-be-released Windows Mobile 6.5 phones. According to a report by Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft has announced that it will allow users of Windows mobile 6.0 and 6.1 to access Marketplace. This move will allow Microsoft to tap into a much larger market estimated at 30 million users than rely on the sales of Windows mobile 6.5.

Todd Brix, Senior Director of Mobile Services said that Microsoft is working with its partners to devise a way to provide access to Marketplace for older mobile phones. Maybe an opportunity here to use Windows Update on the phones.

Read more here.

Bing.mu hacked by…Google!!!

The title is just a joke (Relax Sergey and larry:)). However, when you type www.bing.mu you get a screen with a  Google text box. Go figure.

Skyfire 1.0 is here.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the  highlights:
Thumbnail interaction.  Click on links immediately after the page loads without having to zoom in. This is especially helpful for high resolution phones, and for familiar sites where you know right away where you want to click. It makes getting to the content you want on the page simpler, quicker and more efficient.
Improved zoom. Double-tap or double-click to zoom over any element, including links, images or videos. The zoom interaction is smoother and more responsive as well. Best of all: when you zoom in you will get readable text instantly.
Enhanced navigation. When  you  navigate back or forward, you return to the last viewport (e.g. zoom level and portion of the page). Thus eliminating the need to pan and zoom into the section you were viewing on the previous page. We remember even the viewport when you select a page from your history. We have also added shortcut keys, (9) for forward and (7) for backward navigation.
Improved page handling.  AJAX-intensive sites such as Facebook and Gmail work smoothly. If larger parts of the page get updated then the client will more quickly and accurately reflect this.
iFrame handling. We have a solution for full-width iFrames in Skyfire
Fast start.  Put Skyfire to work before the start page is even loaded . Now, you can  type  a search or URL in the Superbar while Skyfire is connecting in the background.. Plus, we’ve improved connection performance.
Reconnect to last state. Leave Skyfire in the background Skyfire will disconnect to preserve battery life. Once you come back to it (after minutes, hours, days) it will reload the same page to the same zoom level and focus. Thus you can continue right where you left off. When you exit and start again, Skyfire you will always land on the start page.
Connection helper.  Skyfire provides suggestions when a network connection cannot be established. If it’s due to a network configuration (common in GSM land), then we provide suggestions to help out. This is especially useful if you are with a carrier/data plan that places restrictions on certain APN configurations, which interferes with Skyfire.
Enhanced search results.  Google results now include video, news articles, local results all blended on a single results page and ordered by relevance.  Vertical search categories are still available.
Improved RSS feed search.  Find your favorite custom RSS feeds through the improved Add-Feed feature, found under the Customize menu on the start page.  Search by site domain, feed URL, or even topical keywords.
Easier sharing of RSS items from start page.  We’ve exposed a simple “Share this article” link below each RSS story displayed on your start page to make it easier to share interesting items to Twitter and Facebook
Remember last connection (Symbian only). Skyfire can now remember the last connection for you, so you will not have to choose a connection every single time. In addition if you want to change the connection type while you are in Skyfire you can do so.

http://www.skyfire.com/

Fun Contact 3x released.

Fun Contact 3x gives a whole new experience in managing your contacts with its new and exciting features:

• New User-friendly interface

• Categories support

• New Favorites with photos: grid and list

• Start calling or enter contact card from Favorites

• Call history editing: filter or delete

• Individual call history: filter or delete

• Full-screen Dialer

• Quick keypad contact search

• 3 skins available: Dark, Clear and Bright

New FunContact 3x is simple, straightforward and quick to use. With less tabs and more built-in functions it makes your contacts' list more useful and fun. You can manage individual contacts grouping them in the editable categories, selecting and filtering individual call history and add pictures for your favorites.

Alongside with all these new functions FunContact 3x preserves unique features that none of the competitors have, for instance, you can edit and add new contact info straight in FunContact without going to standard WM interface.

The major upgrade is paid for all current users of FunContact and Communication Suite.

FunContact is available for $19.95 at http://vitotechnology.com/contact-manager.html.

Free Fireworks for Windows Mobile

Today, the Americans celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the independence and Handmark is offering free fireworks applications for Windows Phones and other phones. Go to http://store.handmark.com/products/detail.php?id=2689&&&#product_reviews to download a free copy.

Happy Independence day to my American friends.

Roman characters converted on the fly to Arabic

Microsoft Maren, developed by Cairo Microsoft Innovation Center, is an extension that lets you type Roman characters and have them converted on the fly to Arabic. This is a great tool and hopefully we’ll see the technology ported to other languages as well and Windows Mobile. Did I say that it’s free???

www.GetMaren.com

Google now available in Creole

It made me laugh when my brother sent me an email containing a snapshot of Google’s search page in creole. At first I thought it was a joke and did not pay much attention to it. Out of curiosity, I started my preferred browser and typed www.google.mu. Lo and behold, Google really had their search page in Creole. This is awesome. Of course the search results are still in English but it’s a start and I cannot help from feeling a sense of pride at seeing our mother tongue on Google. Good job Google.

New: Skype 3.0 for Windows Phone released

If you are a Skype user, go ahead and download the new free version here.

Features:

Send files.
Free to send spreadsheets, photos, music and other files Skype-to-Skype.

Send texts (SMS).
Great value texts to mobiles abroad, and a great way to avoid roaming charges abroad if you text on Skype from a WiFi zone.

FaceBook IM client for Windows Mobile

By now, you have probably downloaded the official Facebook application from Microsoft site. I blogged about it on it’s release sometime back. And by now, you may be asking why they did not include the chat feature. I do not have the answer, but I did come across an application named Facebook Instant Messenger for Windows Mobile. It works well and wish it could be integrated with Facebook mobile. The one thing both apps have in common is the free availability.

To download, point your mobile browser to www.mosko.mobi.

SPB Geo Game released

SPB Geo game is a fun way to discover the world’s capital cities and national flags. “"Getting to know all the countries in the world with their capitals and flags is something a lot of us always wanted to do, but never had the time, - comments Vassili Philippov, SPB Software COO - "SPB Geo Game grants the opportunity to test ourselves and study the world's diversity in a fun and relaxing manner, within the few spare moments we have," Vassili concludes. SPB Geo Game offers two separate game modes: Capitals and Flags. The 'right answer' and its location are shown on a 3D globe.”

For more information, visit http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/geogame

Vito Technology bundles SMS-Chat & ZoomBoard for Quick SMS

If you do not enjoy threaded sms on your device yet, Vito Technology is offering a new package that includes SMS-Chat and ZoomBoard for $19.95. ZoomBoard is a softkeyboard-type application that lets you quickly type an email or text message. It  displays a zoomed image of the key you pressed. This makes for fast and accurate typing.

Check out Vito Technology’s Quick SMS offer at http://vitotechnology.com/offers.html

Check out the specs of the new Omnia series

Samsung posted the specs and pics of the new Omnias on their website and they look great. I’m not sure they all run Windows Mobile, but I do like the Omnia Pro B7320 for its front-faced keyboard. The Omnia II and Pro B7610 runs Windows Mobile 6.1. Why not Windows Mobile 6.5? Check out the full press release here.

Google maps finally found me

Last week I posted about Google Maps setting my location in…Singapore.  Check out the article here. After a week, Google Maps finally found me in my home town in Mauritius. Previously, Google maps had set my location in Outram in Singapore. I did nothing to fix the issue. It did it all by itself…after a week. Better late than never :)

Free: Forgotten Attachment Detector

I spotted this utility on Microsoft Steve Clayton’s blog and thought I would pass it along.
Forgotten Attachment Detector or FAD, scans your email for keywords that indicate you intended to add an attachment and merely forgotten. If it detects those keywords, you get the notification above.

Now, isn’t that cool.

Download your free copy from http://www.officelabs.com/projects/forgottenattachmentdetector/Pages/default.aspx

Posted using Windows Live Writer.

Try Windows Mobile 6.5 on your computer

I have been playing with the Windows Mobile 6.5 emulator for a week now and I have to say that it's awesome to be able to run the software on my PC and test some of its new features. I do not plan to buy a WM6.5 phone because of obvious financial reasons, so the emulator gives me a great opportunity to play with the software and get ready to answer to users issues on the Microsoft forums. If you have not downloaded the emulator yet, go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=20686a1d-97a8-4f80-bc6a-ae010e085a6e.

It's free. And if you're a developper, you can start developping applications for upcoming phones.

Sent from the Windows Mobile 6.5 Emulator.

Google Maps looses its bearing

I’m having some issues with Google maps on my HTC advantage X7510 and I thought that warrants a post. Ever since i got my device, Google maps has been working great. It would show up my location within a 100 meters. Which is not so bad for a free internet location-based service. I do not own a GPS device, thus I do not have any experience with GPS. There is no need for me to own one on this small rocky island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. However, I noticed that Google Maps was acting funny since last week.

Yesterday I launched the application and instead of showing my location, it displayed my location within 2500 meters. Instead of my home town, I had the capital city of Mauritius on my screen. Today is even worst, as it’s showing my location within 5000 meters. Google has me now in Outram in Singapore. I have come to even doubt that Singapore is within 5000 meters from Mauritius (or I’ve lost my bearing) Come on Google, it would be awesome if you could have your software physically send me there. Don’t you think?

Opera announces Opera Mobile 9.7 beta

Wait a minute, I’m still running Opera Mobile 9.5 beta on my devices. One of them even came pre-loaded with it. So how come that Opera is announcing a new beta while they never released the full version of 9.5? They posted an answer here.

Opera Mobile 9.7 beta is not available for download yet, so check the video in the link http://my.opera.com/operamobile/blog/2009/03/26/opera-mobile-9-7-beta-for-windows-mobile

Hotfix: resolving difficulties finding or locating a position when using GPS for HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro

If you are having GPS problems with the Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, visit HTC's website and download these updates. Make sure you read the installation instructions before applying the updates.
 
HTC Touch Diamond - http://www.htc.com/www/SupportViewNews.aspx?dl_id=569&news_id=164
 
HTC Touch Pro - http://www.htc.com/www/SupportViewNews.aspx?dl_id=570&news_id=165

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Bing goes Mobile

Have you been using Bing lately? Do you know that Microsoft has quietly released the mobile version of their Search engine? They did and just cannot understand why they did not buzz about it.

Point your mobile browser to http://m.bing.com.

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Vito Technology Press Release: Give a new face to Winterface

Vito Technology is getting ready for the summer and announcing its Summer Actions - 

a lot of cool initiatives to enjoy the hottest season of the year!

 

First of all the Vito Technology contest 'Give a new face to Winterface' opens today. A lot of Winterface fans have expressed the desire to create new skins for Winterface and now the opportunity is there for them to grab. So get creative and send Vito Technoogy your new Winterface skins.
ü  Vito Technology will collect them and show them on the http://blog.vitotechnology.com selecting "staff favorite" each week.

ü  Vito Technology will select the best skins, adapt them and let our users download freely additional skins for the new Winterface version coming out in summer

ü  with previous creators' agreement Vito Technology will name the new skins with the title given by its creator (feel free to use your personal name or use your creativity for it)

ü  Great prizes are available for the best skins: a mobile device for the winner and bonus cards ($) for second and to fifth place. 

 

Few tips on how to take part in it:

• format of skins should be png or psd, each element in the separate layer (further details on how to make it and an example psd file find on our blog)
• send your skins via email to Olya at vitotechnology dot com
• follow updates and see your skins published on Vito Technology http://blog.vitotechnology.com/?p=78   
• send skins in the following 3 weeks 
• winners will be announced one week after

 

Please note that Vito Technology designers will have to work on the files sent by the participants or make sure they fit with the new Winterface technical requirements. Some changes might apply.

 

Vito Technology also understands that during summer a lot of people feel like changing style. No better opportunity than this one to enjoy the super discount on Communication Suite now at only $24.95 (you save another $15). Communication Suite changes the style of your Windows Mobile Phone giving it a complete remake and functionality. It includes 5 programs: Winterface, Fun Contact, SMS Chat, ZoomBoard, Weather and you pay for each of them even less than $5.

 

 

Not feeling like a whole new suite? Look at the discounted ZoomBoard , now at $9.95 (you save $5). ZoomBoard makes chatting, texting and writing on your phone just smooth and fast. We suggest to use it together with our new SMS-Chat. Think at how quickly you will communicate with everybody to organize that summer drink with all your friends. With ZoomBoard writing texts has never been so easy and quick.

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Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

My Phone service upgraded, open to all

Microsoft has announced that they upgraded the My Phone website to support 19 additional languages plus some improvements based on users feedback. There is no details about the improvements. From now on, the My Phone beta is open to the public. Promotional codes are no longer needed. To start using the service, point your Windows Phone's browser to http://myphone.microsoft.com.
 
For an overview of the Microsoft My Phone service, visit http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0905/1000882/My_Phone_Overview.asx
 
Help topics: http://myphone.microsoft.com/mkweb/Help.po
 
 
Also announced is an upcoming upgrade for phones.







 

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What's new about Windows Mobile 6.5?

The video in the link below gives a nice preview of the upcoming Mobile operating System fom Microsoft. This video features Chris DeHerrera and Dave Coffing. Enjoy!
 
http://www.msteched.com/online/view.aspx?tid=5471dd4c-9d1f-47c8-85df-c3bf5bfe678c

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Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

New Jigsaw puzzle game for Windows Mobile released.

SPB just announced the release of SPB Puzzle 1.0 for Windows Phones and Symbian. The classic game was specifically designed for touchscreen devices and offers various set of animations, "haptic response, and real-looking puzzle pieces that are thoroughly crafted, down to the effects of light and anti-aliasing. Spb Puzzle offers 10 puzzles preinstalled, more free puzzle for download, and can make custom puzzles out of any image".
 

 

Key Features of Spb Puzzle 1.0:

• Versions for Windows Mobile and Symbian S60
  
• High-quality graphics and finger-friendly interface
• Custom puzzles from any image or photo
• Free additional jigsaw puzzle packs
• Flexible puzzle difficulty – fit for any age
• 10 preinstalled puzzles in "Classic" pack
• Pause and resume, autosave on exit, never lose a puzzle until it's complete

 

SPB Puzzle runs on Windows Mobile 5 or above and is available at $9.95.
 
Download Page:
Spb Puzzle web page (Pocket PC)
Spb Puzzle evaluation copy downloading page (Pocket PC)






 

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What can you do with the new Windows Live? Find out

Tips: Quickly filter your messages.

Applying a quick filter helps find your messages faster. This will work if you have a device with a full keyboard, one that has 5 rows like the HTC Advantage or the Touch pro. Using the CTRL and letter will apply a filter and display messages by sorting them using the letter you chose in the key combination. You must not press and hold the CTRL key. If you do so and press the letter A, you will end up selecting all your messages. So, press and release CTRL, press the letter you want as your filter and your messages will be sorted accordingly.

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check out the rest of the Windows Live™. More than mail–Windows Live™ goes way beyond your inbox. More than messages

Facebook application for Windows Mobile released.

Well, I never thought that soon would be so soon. The Facebook application for Windows Mobile I blogged about yesterday has been released during the night. Here is a list of features:

Send messages to any of the people in your Friends list.

Take pictures and videos on your phone, then upload them right to Facebook.

Send messages or call people in your Friends list.

Manage your profile and post anytime, anywhere.

Windows Mobile 6 and above are supported. It seems that the application will be built into the Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM. Follow the link below to download a free copy:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/downloads/facebook.mspx

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Official Facebook application for Windows Mobile available soon.

Official means that it is/was developed by Microsoft. The application will be built into the Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM. But the good news is that it will be available as a free download soon. No date has been announced though. To learn about its features, follow the link:

http://www.windowsmobiletraining.com/Connection/forums/t/2857.aspx
 

SPB releases SPB TV updates; 40 new channels added

The ability to watch TV on a device wherever I am is cool. I have SPB TV on my device and hardly ever use it. This is because the channels I would like to see are simply not there. Maybe SPB should negotiate with major broadcasters to offer their shows or sports events against a fee; sort of a pay-per-view scenario. That way i would be able to watch a basket ball game while my wife finally makes a decision to buy that dress she wants at the mall.

Today SPB announced the release of a new version of SPB TV with 40 new channels. Here’s an excerpt of their press release:

 

Spb TV is a subscription-free mobile IPTV viewer, designed for tuning in to publicly available digital TV channels from all over the world.  A downloadable software client, Spb TV makes a wide range of international live TV channels available for viewing directly on Windows Mobile phones.  Spb TV does not only provide users with access to a world of live TV streaming on the go, but it offers exclusive on-screen controls and an integrated TV guide.  Spb TV supports fast channels switching, use of intelligent stream correction, picture-in-picture mode, and export of show reminders into Outlook, brining the genuine TV watching experience onto mobile.  Spb TV requires a high speed mobile data connection which may be available via 3G, Wi-Fi, or WiMax networks.

You can suggest new channels through the link below:

http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/tv/suggest-channel.html.

SPB TV is available for $14.95 at www.spbsoftwarehouse.com

10 helpful tips for the Omnia

Gil Bouhnick from MobileSpoon has published a list of helpful tips to enhance your Samsung Omnia. See how to increase the screen sensivity, install HTC's Task Manager etc. Some of the tweaks require registry edits, so be careful and backup your device, just in case. Read the article at http://mobilespoon.blogspot.com/2009/05/10-tips-for-true-happiness-with-samsung.html.
 
Credit: Gil Bouhnick.

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SMS-Chat 1.2 released; SMS Backup supported.

Vito Technology has announced the release of SMS-Chat 1.2. This new version includes 3 new skins and a backup function to save your messages to a storage card on the device. If you're looking for a graphically pleasing threaded SMS application, SMS-Chat is worth the purchase. Try it first before purchasing. Price: $14.95 at vitotechnology.com.

 

Credit news: http://vitotechnology.com/news.html

 

 

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Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

SPB Mobile Shell 3.0 is finally here

I've been looking at the screenshots on SPB's website and version 3.0 of the Mobile Shell does look awesome. Just look at the features:

 

Professional and Lifestyle home screens (for work and for play)

Widget-based photo contacts with Facebook integration

Widgets

3D carousel and hardware accelerator support

Ringtones, Contacts, Profiles, and Wireless management

Many integrated tools such as Weather, World Time, etc.

Highly customizable for the needs of phone makers and mobile operators

 

For further information, check out the links below:

 

Spb Mobile Shell product page
Spb Mobile Shell video tour
Spb Mobile Shell screenshots page
Spb Mobile Shell evaluation copy downloading page

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Hotfix for resolving skipping during audio playback for HTC Touch Diamond

If you are facing the issue in the title line above with your Touch Diamond, you will be happy to know that HTC has released a hot fix for you. Download the executable file to your device and tap to run. Save the file to your storage card card for future use; after a hard reset for example.
 
Here's the link for MEA users:
 
http://www.htc.com/mea-en/SupportViewNews.aspx?dl_id=538&news_id=143

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New customizable interface for Windows Mobile

There is a new interface for Windows Mobile on the market and it's called YRGO version 3.0. The application looks promising and I'm downloading it to my HTC Advantage as I'm writing this. Watch for a review soon.

 

In the meantime, check it out at http://www.2daysoft.com/yrgo/2009/04/10/yrgo-30-announcement/. A couple of tutorials videos are posted there.

 

Features:

 

• completely new design
  • new graphical icons
  • new default desktops arrangement
  • new and more flexible menu items with online help system
• Plenty of new gadgets
  • desktop switcher
  • most used calls, most used applications, most used settings, etc.
  • volume control
  • connection manager
  • big SMS panel and more
• lot of new functionality
  • registry viewer
  • volume control
  • powerful file explorer (supporting file and folder operations like copy, paste, new folder, etc.)
  • existing gadgets has more options
  • up to 64 independent desktops
  • desktop arrangement and settings are described in the XML files
  • …and much more

Pantech Matrix Pro giveaway started yesterday

The Pantech Matrix Pro is, unless I'm wrong, the only Windows Mobile device with two slide out keyboards; one for dialing and the other for typing emails, texts etc. The device does look interesting and runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard. I'm just sad that I cannot participate and get  chance to win one of the 26 devices that Pantech or AT&T are giving away. It seems that only U.S. residents can participate (Globalization????).
 
Anyway, if you're in the U.S., Pantech will be offering 26 Matrix Pro devices through 26 tech sites. Each site will have there own rules though. Note that it started yesterday on http://tools-for-thought.com/ who will announce the winner on April, 19.
For a list of participating websites, check out Jack Cook's blog at http://experiencemobility.net/?p=2090 and good luck.

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Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! Try it!

Twikini (beta): The fastest Twitter app for WM?

I tend to think so. Twikini is the latest application developed for twittering on Windows Mobile phones. Currently in beta, Twikini "offers a powerful and efficient way to use Twitter on your phone. It conveniently updates your favorite feeds in the background, and leverages the camera, GPS, media, touchscreen, keyboard, graphics and storage capabilities of your device.

I strongly recommend you give Twikini a try. Even the cab file is small.

www.trinketsoftware.com/twikini/default.aspx

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Microsoft releases Windows Live with Messenger

A new release of Windows Live is avalaible for free from Microsoft. The good news is the updated version now includes Live Messenger. IF your device does not come with it, point your mobile browser to Http://mobile.microsoft.com/live/en-us/mobile.default.mspx.

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Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out!

The HTC Snap is awesome

HTC has announced the successor to my favorite HTC S620 and that is the HTC Snap. The picture shows a slick device with interesting specs and a whole lot of improvements over my good old and faithful S620. Some of the specs are a Qualcomm 528MHz processor, ROM: 256MB, RAM: 192, HSDPA, a Trackball, a 1500 Mah battery. Thanks goodness they got rid of the touch strip.
 
Software-wise, HTC introduced the Inner Circle application: "Life seems to be speeding up. And with more to organize and less time to do it, your phone should help prioritize the people who matter most to you. HTC Inner Circle keeps you connected to your exclusive few. With the touch of a button, e-mails from your "inner circle" rise to the top for quick access and streamlined communication."
 
I hope to get to review this device.
 
Check out the Shap overview page for mor info and pictures:
 
http://www.htc.com/us/product/snap/overview.html

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Design your own comics with Radical Comic Designer for Windows Mobile.

It's been a long time since I last saw a really inspired application for Windows Mobile. Radical Comic Designer Mobile was designed to let you add dialogs to your pictures. Isn't that nice? Just imagine taking pictures of your friends and having them saying funny things. Things that they actually never said. All that with bubbles like you see in comics. Really inspired. Good job folks.

Radical Comic Designer Mobile is not free and available for purchase for $9.95.

Have fun.

http://www.radicalbreeze.com/rcdwm.html

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Seems like there is a new Youtube application for Windows Mobile on the net which has been developped by Google or Youtube. It is free and can be downloaded from http://m.google.fr/m/download/youtube/apps/v2.0.2/L1/youtube.CAB?dc=mv-google&hl=fr

Enjoy.

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Vito Technology releases new version 1.8 of iWindowsMobile Communication Suite.

The one thing that I appreciate with Vito is that they are always updating there software. Of course the updates are to make their software better. The “new version includes new Winterface 1.31 and new Weather 1.3. New Winterface now has a new bright skin and improved functionality. Weather app has been upgraded with additional options like update frequency, language, skin and more.” If you have never tried Vito’s products before, now is the time. It’s really worth it. Check it out at http://www.vitotechnology.com/communication-suite.html.

Free: Manage your text message from your PC.

There are a few applications out there that lets you use your computer to manage and even send and receive sms. The most popular being Jeyo Mobile Companion from www.jeyo.com. This is achieved with your device connected via USB.
If you cannot afford Jeyo, check out Efficasoft Mobile Express from www.efficasoft.com/mobileexpress/index.html. It does exactly what Jeyo Mobile does but with more simplicity and it's free. Mobile Express is definitely worth a try.

Features:

Manage Text Message Inbox, Outbox, Sent Items, Deleted items.

Send, reply and forward text messages directly from desktop PC.

Supports text messages delivery notification request.

Export text messages to txt file in chat-history style.

Organize phone contacts.

Sync text messages automaticall.

New text Message arrival tray notification.

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Smartphone sales reached its lowest growth rate in 2008

3.7% increase in the fourth quarter of 2008 according Gartner Inc. 139.3 million devices have been sold in 2008. That’s an impressive number despite the low growth rate. I think that sales figure for 2009 might be even lower due to the global economic recession. Let’s hope the World recovers quickly from this situation.

Read the press release.

Free: Copernic Mobile 1.0

Copernic Mobile allows you to search and access your computer's content from anywhere, using a mobile device (phone, PDA, etc.) or a remote PC. Providing access to content such as files, emails, calendar items, music and pictures stored on your PC, Copernic Mobile's lightweight and friendly user interface seamlessly adapts your computer's content for quick and easy viewing on your mobile device.

Copernic Mobile works with XP and Vista and is not compatible with Windows 7. I just downloaded the program to my windows 7 laptop and got a message on the screen saying that Copernic Mobile requires “XP or later”. But wait a minute, isn’t Windows 7 the latest??? Ok, still in beta, but the latest nonetheless.

Anyway, I‘ve started my Vista PC to try Copernic. Another issue there. I’ll have to wait a bit as it seems my Vista needs some repairs. Right now it’s attempting repairs… This might take over an hour to complete. We’re celebrating our National day here today. Maybe I should just  stay away from all my devices. They probably just need a break.

Download your free copy of Copernic Mobile from here.

Tips: An error occurred. The document could not be opened.

You're trying to open a Word document on your device and keep getting the error in the title above. This indicates that Word template is missing on your device. To verify, open File Explorer on your device, open the Templates folder under My Documents. The folder may be empty, so click Menu > Show all files.

If you do not see any Word template there, you will see the error above. I have posted the templates to an online storage. Here's the link:

http://www.4shared.com/account/file/58985910/1c9e2283/wordtemplate.html

Save the files to the template folder and the issue will be resolved.

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Devices that Microsoft MVPs use

PocketNow posted a nice video shot at the MVP summit hosted by Microsoft last week. If you’re wondering what device MVPs use, check it out. Myself, I currently use a HTC 8125 running WM6, a HTC S620 and a HTC Advantage X7510. My friend and fellow MVP Johan Van Mierlo, who appears in the video, could not pick up one device. Instead he has four; lucky guy. and there is this MVP who uses a Google Android device. Check out the video at http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1408996393/bctid14927221001

Remotely lock and wipe your lost/stolen phone, localize via GPS.

Long a corporate feature, remote wipe and lock are now common features; No need to have an Exchange server. And thanks to the vibrant Windows Mobile developer community. Safe.My.Windows.Phone is a nice but not free application that lets you do the following in the event that you lose your phone or it gets stolen:
 

lock your phone from anybody use

localize your phone ^*)

hard-reset to the factory default settings, what deletes all your sensitivity data

 

Download the desktop installer from safe.my.windows.phone.setup.exe.
 
Download cab file directly to your device from safe.my.windows.phone.setup.cab
 
Website: http://www.jgui.net/safe.my.windows.phone/index.html

Spb Software House released Spb Weather 2.1.1.

This upgrade is free for all registered users of Spb Weather 2.X.

New Features:

- XPanel for all Sony Ericsson XPeria devices
- "64K Download" problem fixed
- Adding city by GPS fixed
- Minor fixes

http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/weather/download.html

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.

Microsoft Honeycomb is pure genius.

This is according to Long Zheng of www.istartedsomething.com Who wrote a short explanatory article about Microsoft choice for a hexagonal arrangement for Windows Mobile 6.5 rather than a grid.

I won't write more about this, but I just want to quote this comment that appears to be directed towards the journalist over at Engadget and which, in my opinion, is correct:

"...but that's what happens when misinformed "journalists" try to appear smart".

http://www.istartedsomething.com/20090302/windows-Mobile-65-honeycomb-menu-simple-ingenuity/

Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.