Experience Mobility moves to new home

I received an email from my friend and fellow MVP Jack Cook about his site having moved to a new domain after spammers exploited a vulnerability (Read Jack's statement below). Both the site and the database have been littered with spams and Jack had to start fresh. His blog is now at http://experiencemobility.net. If you subscribed to Jack's feed, please update to http://experiencemobility.net/?feed=rss2.
Good luck with the new site, Jack.

"Sad but true, I'm starting over after finding that Experience Mobility was infiltrated with a serious amount of hidden SPAM within my blog. Evidently there was a vulnerability that was exploited at sometime and no matter what I did to remove it, it kept coming back. I suppose I could have left it there but it was just the point of having it that bothered me. Because it was not only in the blog but was also riddled through my database, it was decided that the best tact to take was to start fresh.
So what about all my previous posts and reviews? I am not going to make an attempt to retrieve the old posts but over time, I will try to bring back my reviews but that will be a time consuming project and I am thinking it may well be a great Winter project".

Press Release: Task2Gather.com released - One Place for All Your Tasks

As we get more and more connected and our devices get smarter, it's great to see new services/products being released to keep us in sync with and manage our data. Vito Technology today announced the availability of Task2Gather, a free Web 2.0-based online service that lets you manage your Tasks. Unless I'm wrong, this is the first ever online service offering Tasks management service. The others out there tend to focus more on Contacts, Calendar, E-mails etc. Task2Gather is an innovative service which I recommend you try. For personal or professional use, Task2Gather can prove handy wherever you are.

Press Release
VITO Technology is proud to present Task2Gather - a brand-new free service for online task management. Task2Gather is one place for all your tasks and projects: family, social, business, and private. Task2Gather lets you put your tasks online and invite family members, colleagues, or clients to participate and achieve common goals.
Our guiding criteria for developing Task2Gather were simplicity, high performance, sharing, flexibility and mobility. As a result there has been developed a completely unique service applicable for successful collaboration practically in any sphere of life.
Simplicity. Task2Gather is so simple you can use it as a shopping list or as a to-do list and enjoy advantages of the online accessibility of this information at the same time. Task2Gather offers you unbelievably easy start as there is no need for training, reading manuals, or other time consuming activities. Sign up takes literally a couple of seconds and after this you see self-explanatory clear interface with useful tips for next steps.
Flexibility. Task2Gather can be used literally anywhere. It can equally well serve students, social service, construction teams, small businesses, and housewives. Task2Gather allows you to organize all your tasks & projects exactly the way you like. You can see yourself using Task2Gather for your work when in fact you started to use it for managing your personal tasks.
Sharing. Task2Gather is even more useful for collaboration and team-work. To invite somebody to a project you need to type in their email and press invite. After invitees logs in to their Task2Gather account they see not only their own projects & tasks but also the projects & tasks you have shared with them. Now you can assign each other responsible for particular tasks and start achieving your common goal.
High performance.Task2Gater for desktop computers is entirey web-based application (like Google Dos)... but you will never notice it. It works very fast and steadily.
Mobility. The soon coming Task2Gather clients for iPhone and Windows Mobile will prove that online task management can be as easy as a shopping/to-do list and very efficient at the same time.
Sign up for Task2Gather at www.task2gather.com. Task2Gather is a completely free service available on any computer with Internet access. It will be later available via paid subscription with more advanced features.

Credit news: http://vitotechnology.com/en/support/news/news_detail.php?ID=2076
Screenshot: http://task2gather.com/site/images_index/tree.gif

Opera releases fix for notification bug

Opera released a bug fix for Opera Mobile 9.5 beta 1. Since I've installed the beta version, I've lost notification sounds for new emails and text messages. I'm going to apply the fix to see if that solves the problem.
Now, I hope Opera will resolve major issues soon, like the out of memory probably which does not exist in the previous version. Support for Javascript will also be much appreciated. Read more on Opera's blog: http://my.opera.com/operamobile/blog/2008/07/29/updated-beta1

Windows Mobile G-Sensor Enabled Alarm Clock

If you own a sensor-enabled phone, you might want to try Klaxon. It is a simple alarm clock that uses the sensor to "shake off" the alarm.

G-Sensor Instructions:

Flip your phone over to snooze.

Shake your phone to turn the alarm off.

Klaxon can be downloaded free from http://www.koushikdutta.com/2008/07/klaxon-windows-mobile-g-sensor-enabled.html

Watch total solar eclipse with AstroNavigator II

The total Solar Eclipse takes place on the 1st of August 2008. It will be visible from a narrow corridor through northern Canada (Nunavut), northern part of Russia, western Mongolia, and China. You are far from that places but you still want to watch it? AstroNavigator II by VITO Technology gives you an opportunity to gaze the Eclipse right on your PocketPC.

With VITO AstroNavigator II you may gaze at any Solar Eclipse. To do this you are to put the exact time and place on the Earth where the eclipse is expected to be seen. Now you can enjoy being a part of the Universe knowing about the most significant events happening over there.

VITO AstroNavigator II is available only for $13.95 at http://iwindowsmobile.com/astronavigator.html. The 30% discount is available starting from 29th of July till the 2nd of August. Updates are free for customers who purchased AstroNavigator II within a year's time.

101 Ways to make your smartphone smarter

Here's a nice article on how to use your favorite to its full potential. Written by Jessica Merritt, the suggested tools are grouped by categories such as Communication, Finance, Travel, entertainment, security etc. Each proposed tools have links to the software vendor/developer. If you are new to Windows Mobile and are not sure which software to choose to maximize the efficience of your device, I recommend you go through this article.

Link: www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/101_ways_to_make_your_smartphone_smarter/

New version of Windows Live available

What appears to be a new version of Windows Live for Windows Mobile has been released. It can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobile/wl/download-en-us.mspx. Note that this version does not include MSN Messenger. Therefore, if you are running a version of Windows Live with Messenger, do not install that one. Also, before installing, read the release notes first - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobile/wl/releasenotes.mspx.

Windows Live is available for Standard and Professional devices.

Stream live video to the web from your phone with Qik

Qik, which is actually in public beta, allows you to publish your videos to the web. You will thus be able to send videos to your loved ones wherever they are in the world, provided they have internet (of course). I wanted to give it a try, unfortunately only four Windows Mobile powered devices are supported and they are the Samsung SGH-I600 and the BlackJack II; Motorola Q9h and Q9c. Qik website states that the HTC Shift, Touch, Touch Diamond and the TyTN II will be supported soon.

Qik website: Http://qik.com/

Tips: Disable threaded SMS in Windows Mobile 6.1

Threaded SMS in Windows Mobile 6.1 is a great feature. But if you would like to disable it, follow the instructions below:

First, you will need to download a registry editor. PHM Registry Editor is the one I use and it is free. It can be downloaded from http://www.phm.lu/Products/PocketPC/RegEdit/

Open the editor and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Inbox\Settings.

Create a new DWORD value called SMSInboxThreadingDisabled and set it to 1. Close the messaging application or restart your device. Open Messaging > Text and you'll see the classic view. To revert back to threaded view, change the value to 0.

Opera Mobile 9.5 beta 1 released

Opera Mobile 9.5 Beta has finally appeared on Opera's website for download. I have been waiting for this release for months. However, I'm sad that they released the touchscreen version only.

"The first beta of Opera Mobile 9.5 comes outfitted with added performance, faster speed, a new UI, and Oper Dragonfly, and is ready and waiting to bring users the Web everywhere."

Download a free copy from http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/
Read the press release: www.opera.com/pressreleases/en/2008/07/17/

Zeemote - a Wii-like joystick for mobile phones

The Zeemote is a wireless joystick for your mobile phone. It connects via bluetooth and lets you control your games like you would do using Wii or Xbox console.

"Sleek, ergonomic and, above all, easy to use, the Zeemote™ JS1 is here and gaming on your mobile phone will never be the same. Its small, sleek design features a full analog thumb-play joystick, four action buttons and a light, ergonomic design for optimal comfort. The Zeemote™ JS1 wirelessly communicates via Bluetooth with your phone. No cords -- just a mobile phone and the Zeemote controller and you can get your game in anywhere.

Games that work with the Zeemote controller deliver a near-console experience. Take a racing game as an example. Move the joystick to the left, and the car turns left. Move it to the right, and the car turns right. Move it a little, and the car turns a little; move it a lot and the car turns hard. It's really that simple!"

Read more: http://www.zeemote.com/features.html

Opera Mobile 9.5 launch delayed

Arne Hess reports that Opera Mobile 9.5 for Windows Mobile will not be released today as previously announced. Instead the beta version of the browser will be released on Thursday. According to Arne, "Opera's developers wants two more days to run the build through its quality assurance testing". We've waited so long, now two more days only prolongs the excitement.

Read more: http://www.theunwired.net/?item=delayed-opera-postpones-opera-mobile-9-5-launch-to-thursday

Palm Treo 800, the best ever?

Paul Loeffler over at Palm, has put together available reviews on the web of Palm latest device, the Treo 800w. The device looks great, but unfortunately I won't get a chance to play with it because Palm has no reseller in this part of the world (sigh!). Here's the link to Paul Loeffer's post: http://blog.palm.com/palm/2008/07/the-best-treo-e.html

Press Release: iWindowsMobile Communication Suite now to Include Winterface

VITO Technology releases iWindowsMobile Communication Suite v 1.05. The Suite contains #1 finger-friendly contact manager FunContact, unique texting application SMS-Chat, zooming onscreen keyboard ZoomBoard, and now outstanding mobile shell Winterface instead of GoodWin! The price is $39.95, not $70 when purchasing separately.

With iPhone 3G out rocking the market even the users of the foremost flagship Windows Mobile devices may feel they are a tad behind progress. iWindowsMobile Communication Suite proves that Windows Mobile still can impress its users. Taking the best from iPhone interface the four applications included in iWindowsMobile Communication Suite build on the strengths of Windows Mobile and greatly enhance its standard interface.

Instead of putting on the usual marketing blurb, let me quote independent customer reviews from Handango for each product from iWindowsMobile Communication Suite.

FunContact (5 stars): "This really puts the default contact manager to shame. Even the souped up HTC Touch Contacts app looks pretty poor compared to this…"

SMS-Chat (5 stars): "…Look no further, bought this within 10 minutes of downloading. Brilliant, clear to view and does exactly what is says. Really useful for keeping track of conversations with different clients."

ZoomBoard (5 stars): "The zoom modes really make it easy to make sure that you are hitting the right letter on your screen board!"

Winterface (user comment at MyTodayScreen): "This thing simply rocks! It is responsive and attractive, it's clearly the start of something big…"

iWindowsMobile Communication Suite is available at http://iwindowsmobile.com for $39.95. The users of SPB Mobile Shell get a 30% discount during this week on the Suite and on Winterface - Mobile Shell of next generation.

Download desktop installer: http://iwindowsmobile.com/files/iWindowsMobileCommunicationSuite.exe

Program page: http://iwindowsmobile.com/communication-suite.html

SmileySMS for Windows Mobile

One missing feature in Windows Mobile is the ability to add smileys in text messages. This is now possible with SmileySMS, a nice little application developed by Roozbeh over at XDA Developer forums. SmileySMS can be downloaded free from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=328363.

New version of MobileArchiver released

There is a great demand, both from individuals and businesses, for the ability to archive SMSs. In some cases, this is a requirement in order to be in compliance the regulations. MobileArchiver lets you easily archive your SMSs to Outlook on your computer. Better yet, send SMS from your desktop.
To learn more and download a trial, go to http://mobilearchiving.com/.

Press Release: VITO Technology releases Winterface

A major breakthrough in the world of Windows Mobile interface. Winterface is the Next Generation Shell for Windows Mobile comprising the options of a launcher, a task manager, and a multitude of Today plug-ins. Winterface gives the user unprecedented freedom to easily lay out interface exactly the way they like it.

As a shell Winterface removes the necessity to turn to default Windows Mobile interface: Today screen and Start menu. Winterface opens instantly whenever users draw a simple gesture on the screen. It allows users to have as many screens as they need and put on them icons for applications, settings and contacts. The screens are flipped through with sliding finger gestures. The icons for such applications as phone, sms, email, battery, clock, calendar, memory, etc. - all show relevant information and thus replace a number of Today plug-ins.

As a launcher Winterface features one tap launch of any installed applications and settings. A tap on a contact icon opens a menu with contact details from where you can call, send text message, email, browse URL, etc.

As a task manager Winterface lets you easily switch between running applications. A fixed icon on the first screen lets users see running programs, switch between them or close them.

It is very convenient to organize icons on screens by a certain topic. Users can set up a screen with favorite contacts, a screen with most used applications, a screen with icons-indicators (battery, memory, calendar, clock, etc.), and so on, as far as their fantasy goes! Icons are easily moved on the screen and between screens by drag'n'drop gestures.

Winterface is available for $19.95 at www.iWindowsMobile.com/vito-mobile-shell.html. There is also a free 14-day fully functional trial available as a cab or exe installer.

Download desktop installer: http://iwindowsmobile.com/files/Winterface.exe

Download mobile (on-device) installer: http://iwindowsmobile.com/files/Winterface.cab

iGate for Windows Mobile 6/6.1 released

iGate - Nice Idle Screen is the first software that can replace system idle screen on Windows Mobile 6.0 or 6.1. With iGate you can get all necessary information on idle screen.

The Pocket PC provides very simple password protection that is pin or password entry. Especially, when the idle screen activated, you cannot see your device status and other information, let iGate protects your PDA and solves the problems.

As many questions to us, iGate is not Today replacement, it is System Password Screen Replacement. iGate used system password technology so it is very safe and secure.

Make sure you read the quick guide on the website before installing iGate - http://www.ppclink.com/?ppclink=product&do=view&id=63

O2 releases upgrade to WM6.1 for XDA Stellar

O2 has an upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 on their website. If you own a Xda Stellar, go to www.my-xda.com/software_updates.jsp

Credit: Jason Langridge - Http://blogs.msdn.com/jasonlan/

Free: Scroll Launcher for Windows Mobile

A new finger enabled software has just appeared on Xda Developers website. It's a simple application that picks up the .lnk files in the Start Menu folder to build its own scrolling list.

Requirements:
.NET CF 2.0
WM2003 and above Pocket PC device

Scroll Launcher can be downloaded free from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2364563#post2364563

New Multilingual onscreen keyboard released

Paragorn Software Group announced the release of the new onscreen keyboard Interkey for Windows Mobile.

"Tired of pressing little indiscernible keys and typing on unsuitable languages on standard keyboard? Need for effective text input tool for fingertip or stylus typing? In this case, Interkey for Windows Mobile will be the best solution. Interkey software provides multilingual onscreen keyboards for accurate text input. With new version of InterKey you can use up to 6 national layouts and enter words just by hand thanks to large finger friendly keys".

Interkey is compatible with Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC, WM6 and 6.1 Professional and Classic edition.

More about InterKey from www.penreader.com/pocket-pc-software/Interkey.html

FunContact gets new skin

Vito Technology released FunContact 2.15 and gave it a new dark skin similar to SMS-Chat and ZoomBoard. The original skin is still available so you can switch. Besides the aesthetics, FunContact 2.15 now supports joystick. According to Vito Technology, "Joystick support has been the outcry from our customers since FunContact was released. New FunContact gives you the choice: you can scroll the list with a finger or with a joystick. Both variants are very convenient, and though the main idea of FunContact is to manage contacts with finger, some FunContact users addicted to joystick now can also benefit by performing all the basic operations in FunContact like calling, texting ,etc. with joystick".

FunContact is available for $19.95 at iwindowsmobile.com/contact-manager.html. FunContact supports English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, Portuguese, Greek, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.

Download FunContact:
iwindowsmobile.com/files/FunContact.cab
iwindowsmobile.com/files/FunContact.exe

Checkout GottaBeMobile.com amazing giveaways

GottaBeMobile.com is giving away a lot of interesting stuff that is filling up their office. In the list, one can find the HTC Advantage and Tilt, Zunes, T-shirts, UMPCs etc. Quite frankly, if I could get my hands on that Advantage...

Here's a list of the stuff they are giving away:

• 1 HP TC1100 Tablet PC + Docking Station + rubber flap.
• 1 Samsung Q1P Ultra-Mobile PC with extended battery and organizer case
• 1 BatteryGeek.net Portable Powerstation
• 1 HTC Tilt - unlocked
• 1 HTC Advantage - unlocked
• 1 Vista Ultimate
• 1 Tom Bihn Ristretto Bag
• 1 Limited Edition Microsoft Surface Bag
• 10 Bluebeam PDF Shirts
• 3 Lenovo 2 GB USB drives
• 5 HP shirts
• 1 limited edition GottaBeMobile.com shirt
• 1 GottaBeMobile.com coffee mug
• 1 2007 Streets and Trips
• 1 2006 Streets and Trips
• 1 Planon Universal Mobile Charger
• 1 Linksys 8-port workgroup switch
• 1 iPod Shuffle
• 1 Red Zune (4 or 8 GB - I forget which one it is)
• 1 Black Zune (30 GB)
• 1 Lenovo portable mouse
• 1 Lenovo portable power kit
• 1 Labtec PC Mic
• 1 Neat Receipts folio
• 2 TabletKiosk stands
• 2 Shwame cleaning cloths
• 1 Kensington lock cable
• 1 Otterbox waterproof cellphone case
• 1 Lapworks Laptop / Tablet PC stand
• 1 Sony Portable CD DVD/RW Drive
• 1 Windows Vista USB file transfer cable
• 1 DocuPen scanner
• 1 Dazzle USB multi-card reader
• 1 BlueAnt Z9 Bluetooth headset
• 1 Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
• 1 autographed picture of Warner Crocker
• Some Splotches
• 1 Linksys Portable Wireless Router
• 1 $50 HPShopping.com Gift card

If you want to know how to win, check out the instructions on http://www.gottabemobile.com/Ho+Ho+Ho+It+Is+Christmas+Time+At+GottaBeMobilecom.aspx

Astraware brings 4th of July fireworks free to your device

On Friday 4, our American friends will celebrate their independence, one of the most important holidays in the U.S. On this occasion, Astraware is offering a free fireworks software that lets you display 4th of July fireworks on your device screen with sounds and patriotic backgrounds.

"Astraware Fireworks is a simple FREE application, showing sequences of fireworks flying and exploding into the air. As 4th July is traditionally a time for fireworks and celebrations in the USA, the features have been created to help our American friends highlight one of their major holidays - Independence Day!"

Happy 4th of July to the American people.

Free: New Task Manager released

DotFred relased a new free Task Manager that can be downloaded free from http://www.dotfred.net/TaskMgr.htm. The application runs on Windows Mobile 2003SE and above. However, some functionalities like the Device Manager works with Windows Mobile 5 and above.
Task Manager features are:

- Process manager
- CPU usage
- Application Manager
- Service Manager
- Device Manager (only WM2005 and above)
- Windows Manager
- Notification Manager
- IP Config utility
- Ping utility
- Net Stats utility
- Registry Editor
- Run program utility

Visit DotFred's space to learn more and download Task Manager 3.1.