Microsoft releases Windows Live Messenger for Symbian BEFORE releasing it for Windows Mobile !

Ohhh this is not a good thing, how oh how can they forget windows mobile devices! And for all things ... SYMBIAN !!! symbian isnt even a proper programming language, its more like a deformed nokia version of java. from the comments ive seen alot of windows mobile people are upset by the recent deployments, Theres more Here...

Download and watch videos on the go

If you want to download and watch videos to your device while travelling, this application might prove useful and keep you from getting bored. Scott Robin has developed this web based application that strips the AVI file from any Google Video. It also works like a search engine whereby you can search and download Google videos. The service is free, but requires a fast connection, enough storage space and an application capable of playing Avi and MP4 files. If you have UMTS (3G), give it a try. This is the link to the site: Http://srobbin.com/mobilevideo.

psShutXP - turn off, display off and restart your Pocket PC

I came across this nice little software that lets you turn off, restart and even hard reset your device. The author has an entensive library of skins that you can download. The default being Windows XP shutdoen screen. The hard reset feature is hidden. You need to click on the icon at the top right side of the screen and you will be asked twice if you really want to hard reset. Read more here...

Kevtris

I love the Tetris style of games, if you want a game that you can sit for hours and listen to a book or music a tetris or tetris clone is the best game to do it with. you can even download it for free, yes thats right free. If you like the game alot then please think of the developer and drop him a little something via paypal.

Website found here...

PocketXpdf

PocketXpdf is a PDF viewer for Pocket pc (WM03 and WM5) and it is absolutely 100% free, yeah I like those words too. Well worth the download and is next to nothing in size whats more it actually works better and lighter than the official Adobe Pocket PC program. More...

Happy 4th Birthday Smart Phone

Twas a dark and stormy night 4 years ago when Orange first launched the Orange SPV, with 32 meg of flash and SD and MMC slot and even a plugin adaptor for a camera. This 2002 state of the Pocket PC featured a 132Mhz CPU featured in a stunning silver case and was adorned with the Orange brand. To think in only 4 years my Imate Jam has 4 times the processing power, just makes you wonder how far they will come in 4 more years, read more from Jason at Microsoft Here...

Free: Mobile Secretary

Windows Mobile team blog has a Mobile Secretary application available for download. For developers, the source code will be posted soon. Mobile Secretary has lots of features. Download here: http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/

Smartmovie

This is my all time favourite way of watching Movies on my Pocket PC device, i first started using Smartmovie when i had a nokia N-Gage. Smartmovie comes in two parts, a Converter that runs on your PC and the player which is for your device. Providing you have the right codecs available will allow you to convert various AVIs into a smaller format supporting landscape or portrait modes (i much prefer landscape as its a bigger picture). It will even allow subtitles to be loaded into the conversion (making these from scratch takes along time however). For those on the go ,if you have a 2 hour trip to and from work each day, this means you can watch your favourite TV shows and movies on the run. Trial and Purchasable via the lonelycatgames site here.

Scarabeus

Nice clean free flowing graphics on this support otherwise addictive gameplay, its taken me 2 days to finish the first floor (level) of the pyramid. The trick with this puzzle game is to not panic which is easy to do as you race to place all the marbles before each marble timer runs out. This is a puzzle game with a difference and scores quite highly on most Pocket PC gaming sites, the only draw back is the rotation of the turnstyles which has to be very spot on. Available for trial or Purchase here.

Pocket Ping

Well, did you ever miss a ping function on your pocket pc like you find it on Windows XP? Pocket Ping is a small software wich allows you to execute a ping from your pocket pc device.
Features:

This program runs on pocket pc.
You can ping an IP address or a host name.
It shows you the IP address of an enterd host name.
Also your own IP address is shown and updated, if it changes.

http://www.luzerner-singknaben.ch/kalian/pocketping.php

Opera 8.60u1 for Windows Mobile 5.0

Opera 8.60u1 for Windows Mobile 5.0 is available for download on Opera wesite as a 30 day trial. I don't know much yet about what is knew, but I'll post an article later. in the meantime, you can download it here: www.opera.com

Star Enforcer helps you recover your device

Yet another utility that can help you recover your device in case of theft. a few month ago, we talked about Eye on Thief. Just like Eye on Thief, once your SIM card is replaced, Star Enforcer will start sending sms to preconfigured numbers. Unlike Eye on Thief, Star Enforcer is available as a free download and works on WM2003 and WM5. read more here: http://www.fightersoft.ro/sef/index.htm

Free: V2R Photo Dialer Plug in

V2R Photo Dialer is a tool that allows you to quickly call your favourite people from the Home screen image gallery.

Just select the photo of the caller and the quickly dial the person.

Read more here: http://www.v2r.ag/

Dual SIM card pdaphone

That would be nice to have a dual SIM device as I won't have to carry two phones/PDAs around anymore. The phone, from Chinese Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific Co, runs Windows CE but lacks bluetooth, wifi etc. It is very unlikely that I'll add it to my wish list, but it has quite a nice design. More...

Gigabyte unveils PDA-phone

Announced today is the new Gigabyte series which incorperates analogue TV into a WM device. This seems to be a going trend lately with GPS and TV appearing in the new Pocket PC devices but at what cost, from the look of the new Gigabyte serires they are no longer what i would call a pocket device but more of a communications and media hub. i sure hope they make bigger pockets once these things come out. More...

Microscope cell phone strap

I love weird inventions from Japan. This is a cell phone strap microscope (its really more of a magnifying glass if you ask me) It magnifies whatever you're looking at by 15x and is supposed to be the best for a cell phone strap magnifier, I guess we cant really debate that one much can we. Here is the site to buy from but its in Japanese.

The retro handset is...bluetooth enabled

Picture this: You're walking the streets and you get a phone call. Since your cellphone has bluetooth, obviously you'll use your handset. Yes I really mean handset. People are staring at you holding a wireless retro handset and actually talking into it without the cord. Thinkgeek has updated this good ol'phone with bluetooth. The device is available for sale for $39.99. Read more...

Free: SmartFlash v1.0 final

SmartFlash is a tool that will help you to play macromedia files (.swf) in your Pocket PC. smartFlash will play your selected macromedia file fitting it in your device screen no matter if it's a QVGA, 240x240 or a VGA screen. It will allow also to fullscreen landscape or portrait mode in devices with Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition and Windows Mobile 5. This tool requires Macromedia Flash 6,7 installed in your Pocket PC. Download

Free: Invaders for Windows Mobile

Whether you’re on the go or waiting for your next meeting, entertain your brain with your favorite music and games from Windows Mobile. Register now for your free application, and sign up for the newsletter to receive regular e-mail alerts when exciting new games and music are available for free download. Attack wave after wave of cunning aliens as they drop toward you on the screen. Tailor your game experience with easy, medium, or difficult levels of play, three different display modes, and customizable waves of aliens. Register now and get ready for the invasion. Download: Invaders for Pocket PC and Invaders for Smartphone.

Wireless USB (UWB)

The WiMedia Alliance is planning to make the technology known as "ultrawideband," or UWB, work among a wide variety of consumer electronics devices, from PCs and printers to external hard drives and MP3 players. The USB Implementers Forum, the 1394 Trade Association and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) have chosen the WiMedia Alliance's version of UWB technology as the foundation for their next-generation networking technology. UWB technology can deliver data rates at up to 480 megabits per second at around 3 meters, with speeds dropping off as the range grows to a limit of about 10 meters. Real-world speeds will probably be a little slower, but this is as fast as the wired version of USB 2.0 and much faster than current Wi-Fi networks are capable of transmitting data. More...

Spectec launches microSD Wi-Fi card with 802.11g support.

The reality is that most newly released Windows Mobile phones don't have SD card slot, don't have miniSD card slot but are equipped only with microSD card slot! For these phones, if they don't have Wi-Fi built-in, it was impossible to use Wi-Fi cards because such cards are available only in full size SD and miniSD formats. Now it all changes. More...

Franklin Wireless USB EVDO Card

This revolutionary product will enable Tablet PC and Mac laptop and desktop users that do not have a PCMCIA card slot to connect to the Internet or company information with broadband-like download speeds using Sprint Mobile Broadband Services operating on the Sprint Power Vision Network. Not much information is out on this card but our early tests have shown remarkable speeds! Previous ultra mobile portables have had the "ball and chain" by tethering their EVDO phones/pda's More...

TCPMP player renamed to CorePlayer

For anyone using the old TCPMP player this means you gotta pay for it now, but its still one of the best media player players available, it plays most common formats (including MP3 with album art) and video (including DiVx). Also supports just about every pocket pc in existance. check it out here...

Oil cooled computer

Sorry this isn't about Pocket Pc but this was just way too funny not to post. Yes the title is right some guy built a canola oil cooled computer More...

Some nice themes/skins for your PPC/Smartphone

Check this site. It has some cool themes and skin dialers for your device and they are free.

How to: Import Contacts from Excel to Windows Mobile

This article will outline the steps to import contacts stored in Microsoft Excel to your Contacts on your device. Note that this will work for both Pocket PCs and Smartphones. Before we start, make sure that you clear your Excel spreadsheet of any unwanted or unnecessary info.

Open your spreadsheet

Select all data

With your list selected, create a Name Range (Insert > Name > Define) and give it any name you want.

Save and Close Excel

Open Outlook on your computer

Click File > Import & Export (I&E)

In I&E wizard, select Import from another program or file. Click Next.

In Import a file window, select Microsoft Excel.

Browse to the location where you saved your Excel file. Click Next.

Select the destination folder, which should be your default Contacts folder. Click Next.

Check the Name range you defined in Excel.

Click the Map Customs Fields button.

Drag values from the source file on the left & drop them on the appropriate destination field on the right. Click OK.

Click Finish. Outlook imports the file.

Connect your device to your PC and synchronize.

Jobs not worried about Zune

In an interview to Newsweek, Apple's boss stated that he is not worried at all by Zune. Excerpt...

"Microsoft has announced its new iPod competitor, Zune. It says that this device is all about building communities. Are you worried?

In a word, no. I've seen the demonstrations on the Internet about how you can find another person using a Zune and give them a song they can play three times. It takes forever. By the time you've gone through all that, the girl's got up and left! You're much better off to take one of your earbuds out and put it in her ear. Then you're connected with about two feet of headphone cable." Read interview here

ACER announces GPS Pocket PCs

A couple of new Acer Pocket PCs have been spotted and should be released in Europe soon... They have dimensions of 5.8 x 10.8 x 1.7 centimeters, a weight of 122 grams, and displays of 2.8 inch TFT LCD Touch Screen, with 320x240 pixels resolutions. The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating systems run on Samsungs S3C2442XL processor. More...

Microsoft limits Vista transfers

This was talked about alot during Windows XP build and Beta Phase and was looked upon as being a very bad move for Microsoft. While it will limit Piracy (for a little while) a lot of people will find it very annoying when they change Motherboards or CPUs, not to mention costly. More...

TransSend

TransSend is a unique product that enables Internet content such as addresses, phone numbers, event calendar, maps, and other text and images to be wirelessly transferred from a Bluetooth enabled PC to another mobile Bluetooth device such as a phone or PDA.

Using TransSend and a PC connected to the Internet, a user is able to wirelessly deliver select web content to a mobile device over a Bluetooth connection. More...

MacroRecorder For Windows Smartphones

Hope you all enjoyed your week end. Imagine how life would be if you find yourself doing the same things repeatedly everyday. Saying the exact same words with the same person, eating the same food etc. That would be freaky. Now, imagine that you could repeat some operations on your Smartphone. This is possible with MacroRecorder which "records and playbacks any operating process on Smartphone device easily". A trial version is available for download here. Grab the user manual here.

uBreakup.com (US and Canada only)

So, you decide to try online dating or you're out on the scene as a frequent dater and it doesn't work out. You find yourself in that awkward situation: You need to break up with them but you are stuck for words. Simply record your message and schedule it to arrive on his/her phone. More...

Warning: Tears can damage your cell phone

According to this article recently published on CNET Tears damaged a cell phone, which wouldn't be entirely impossible. But does go to show that no matter how robust you make a phone someone will always find a way to break it more...

Egress - RSS Reader for the PocketPC

This is my choice for RSS reader on my Pocket PC, out of all the ones i tried this one came out infront of all others.

One thing that really stands out is the HTTP proxy support which works great with a corporate firewall. Egress Website

The Quest 1.01

Don't let the ordinary name fool you for anyone that is a hard core RPG lover like myself this is by far the best RPG available on Pocket PC. The graphics are are based on a FPS but it really does work for it. There is a number of features in game that you just don't get in RPG much these days (like the book system and magic) the only thing I think that does let this game down is the turn based movements. Developers website available here with a decent demo and (purchasable) full version

Call of Duty 2

Call of Duty 2 is "optimized for Intel's newest processor family for portable devices (codenamed Monahans) based on third-generation Intel XScale architecture. Activision's Call of Duty 2 is an award-winning, intense and cinematic first-person action game that transports gamers to the front lines of World War II.

"With exceptional AI that fights, evades and acts realistically, chaotic battlegrounds with exploding artillery and whizzing bullets, authentic battleground recreation, a vast arsenal of weaponry, and a highly polished gameplay progression, the excitement of the original PC version has been optimized and transported to handhelds." More...

Flight (Pocket PC) v1.07

There really isn't many games I've found on Pocket PC that really are worthy of a highlight however this is the latest version of a flight simulator from smartmobilegames that I highly recommend. Other than the graphics being a little 90's and reminiscent of a late and great Amiga the game play is addictive and enjoyable, Just remember to watch the fuel gage. There is a demo version available for download or the full version (purchasable) via here ...

Siemens VDO Traffic Sign Recognition - So We Can Get Some Sleep

Siemens knows that driving is really hard with a phone, PDA, GPS and stereo to worry about, so they've invented a system to read signs for you.
A camera scans the field ahead while an onboard computer searches for patterns. In the case that a speed limit sign is detected, a windshield display will place the new speed limit next to your current rate of travel. The system can also be configured to automatically adjust your cruise control. Read more...

What is Slam?

Slam is a Microsoft Research Community Technologies Group research project, developed in conjunction with the Microsoft Photo and Imaging eXperience (PIX) team. It is a mobile device-based application that enables lightweight, group-centric real-time communication, location awareness and photo-sharing.
The core concept behind Slam is a “Slam”, a group of people with whom you can exchange messages and photos. When you send a message in Slam, it is automatically sent to everyone in the group to which you sent it. For smartphone users that have the Slam client installed, their phone will buzz and they will have an indication on their phone’s home screen that there is a new message. For SMS users, they will receive the message as an SMS from the Slam server. Like smartphone users, SMS users can be members of multiple slam groups. SMS users will send / receive messages to a different phone number for each slam group they a member of.
The Slam application will run on any Windows Mobile SmartPhone. Read more...

Google maps for Treo Smartphones

Palm, Inc. today announced that it will deliver the popular interactive mapping experience of Google Maps to millions of Palm Treo smartphone users. Google Maps for mobile optimized for Palm OS based Treo smartphones is a free downloadable Palm OS application that offers directions, local search, moveable/scalable maps, location satellite imagery and traffic updates while on the go. Read more...

Palm unveils Treo 680 Smartphone

Palm officially annouunced its Treo 680 yesterday. The smartphone runs Palm OS and is available in four colors: red, orange, white and silver. According to Palm's press release, unlike the Windows flavored Smartphones, the Treo 680 will be sold unlocked. "The Treo 680 is the smartphone for everyone. It's small, sleek, fast and comes in a variety of fun colors," said Ed Colligan, president and chief executive officer of Palm, Inc. "It's a great phone design, great for messaging and email, and provides users easy and fast access to the Internet and to their favorite music and pictures, and makes it easy for people to manage and balance their business and personal lives while on the go." Read more...

Multimedia Gallery

New: Eten "ugly" X500 pda phone

Eten, according to rumors, is about to release a new pda phone which does in no way differ from its predecessors. Besides the change in design, which by the way is shockingly ugly, there is absolutely nothing new. It has the same features of the M600+. For a change they could have added UTMS. Have a look at the pictures:

Picture one Picture two Picture three

A6.Shopping - A new shopping experience

A6.Shopping is a Pocket PC application that was created to be the perfect shopping companion. With A6.Shopping, the little pieces of paper on which you would write down items to buy are now a thing of the past. Your next visit to the grocery store— or any other store — can now be quickly planned.
A6.Shopping has a very appealing look and a user interface that automatically adapts to your handheld’s current Today theme. A6.Shopping is also compatible with Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 2003 second edition and Windows Mobile 5.0.
A6.Shopping is very user friendly: you enter the products you would like to buy and then you use these products to create shopping lists. Read more...

Final version of Internet Explorer 7 available this month

The Microsoft Internet Explorer Weblog annonces the availability of Internet Explorer during the month of October. Microsoft previously announced that IE7 would be available via Automatic Updates. The weblog article provides tools "to test and ensure your sites, extensions, and applications are ready for IE7".
Download, install and test your products with IE7 RC 1 –This is the fastest and best way to test for compatibility issues.
Download the IE7 Readiness Toolkit - This toolkit pulls together a number of important resources to help you prepare for IE7:Developer and IT Pro readiness check lists,Detailed documentation on important changes in IE7,Testing and debugging guidance,Tools for testing, debugging and investigating issues, and more…

Free: GA Playlist manager

Windows Media Player Mobile does not support playlist, unfortunately. The good news is that the next update of Windows Mobile, Crossbow/AKU5.3, will contain this feature. Hooray!!!
If you can't wait until then, you can still download GA Playlist manager. This nice software lets you create, edit, rename and delete playlists. It's really worth the download. However, the developer requires that you register to his forum. Click Here

Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3 for Windows Vista™ (x86)

The Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3 enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with any Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5.0 powered device. Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3 is only supported on builds of Windows Vista™ RC1 or later.

Download: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c23c8e6a-a72d-4aef-9663-31ce2fefbada&DisplayLang=en

The Emperor Has No Close

Windows Mobile Team blog hits again and want to set matters straight about closing applications and memory management by Windows Mobile. I have to admit that I fully agree with them and it's quicker to manage programs running in the background than to access the Programs folder everytime. I do it all from my Today screen. Bear in mind that Windows is a multitasking OS. Now, think about it, If you spend money to purchase apps to "really" close your applications, then you should consider switching to another OS for your PDA and be leftout of the mainstream because it defeats the purpose of a multitasking OS.

"The base philosophy, that users shouldn’t need to manage their memory, is pretty hard to argue against. Come on, tell me that users should be required to manage their own memory. I dare you. You can tell me that you can do a better job. You can tell me that we don’t do a good enough job. You can tell me that in some cases we do a fine job, but in the cases when we don’t, the world comes to a screeching halt, time goes backwards, and history is rewritten to be somehow more dark and foreboding than it already is. But you can’t tell me that users should be required to manage their own memory. That’s like saying that car owners should be required to change their own oil. I don’t think so." Read more...

PowerPal Emergency charger

If you run out of power, PowerPal will recharge your mobile using one "AA" battery giving you up to 2 hours of talktime. The charger is said to work with all Nokias. Check the following compatitbility list:
Compatibility:
Nokia - All Nokia phones

Samsung - A300, A500, C100, C110, C120, D410, D500, D600, E300, E310, E330, E350, E400, E600, E630, E700, E710, E730, E770, E800, E820, P400, P510, S400i, S500i, X700, T100, V200, X100, X450, X640, X660

Motorola - A780, E1070, E770V, L2, L6, L7, U6 PEBL, V3, V3i, V3X, C975, C980, E398, E550, MPx, MPx220, ROKR E1, T280i, T720i, V1050, V300, V500, V525, V545, V547, V550, V60, V66, V70, V600, V620, V635, V80, V975, V980
Buy here

Free: Call-in-Sick (U.S. & Canada only)

Call-in-Sick is a revolutionary new FREE service that allows you to call in your sick message to your boss or employer from anywhere, any time.
Picture the scenario: You stay out too late on a workday night and decide to call in sick the next day. The next day you drag yourself out of bed at 5am because you know your boss won't be there to answer the phone.
With Call-in-Sick you can record your sick message the night before then schedule it to be sent directly to your boss's phone early in the morning without you even getting out of bed! Try it here.

Cellphone sensor warns of terrorist threat.

Gentag, a Cell-phone-sensor technologies specialist, patented a new technology that is capable of detecting biological attack by terrorist. I don't want to comment on this new technology, but I just hope that nobody gets to test/use it. "Handset makers who employ the new Gentag technology can program their devices to detect virtually any kind of chemicals in the environment, from pollen and carbon monoxide to the noxious gases dispersed by criminals or terrorists." Read more...

Free: SMS Threader for Pocket PC

Were you a Treo 650 user? Miss the old threaded "Chat Style" of the text messages? Well, you don't have to be sad any longer! With the SMS Threader application, you can now send and receive your text messages just like you used to! The program will even automatically open even if it's not running! Also includes the ability to send a text message to an email address. All threads are automatically backed up as HTML files, for easy viewing on any machine! See additional info below.

This program is really neat though a little bit slow on my Eten and some features are missing. For example, it's not possible to send to many recipients. I experienced some crashes of the program and it doesn't work on WM2003. Download

Zune on the shelves on Nov. 14 for $249.99

Microsoft Corp. is putting the social into digital music, starting this holiday. Today the company announced that the Zune™ digital media player and online service will be available to consumers in the U.S. on Nov. 14, 2006, just in time for the holidays. The Zune device will retail for $249.99 U.S. (ERP) and will create new ways for entertainment fans to connect and share media experiences device-to-device through the use of wireless technology and new software scenarios.
For $249.99, consumers will get an incredible entertainment experience right out of the box:

30GB digital media player will come equipped with wireless functionality for Zune-to-Zune sharing of music, pictures and home recordings; a bright, three-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode to view pictures and videos; and a built-in FM tuner. The device will be available in three colors: black, brown and white. Read more...

Free: Open With... for Windows Mobile

Open With.. is another Windows Desktop feature brought to the Windows Mobile platform. Tap and hold on any file in File Explorer, and choose "Open [FILENAME] with..." from the menu. Select a previously used application for this extension from the drop down list, or type or browse to a new program to execute. Download

Microsoft, Peter Jackson to Team on Xbox 360 Titles

Microsoft, the world’s leading producer of software, and Peter Jackson, the award-winning director of the Lord of the Rings films and King Kong, are teaming to create two interactive gaming franchises for the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant’s Xbox 360 console and Xbox Live Web gaming network, according to a Sept. 27 company press release posted on Yahoo Finance.
The news was announced at Microsoft’s yearly X06 event in Barcelona, Spain.
Microsoft Game Studios will join forces with Jackson and renowned screenwriter Fran Walsh to develop the two new gaming series, the first of which will be an extension of the popular game Halo, and the second will be completely original, according to the release.
Jackson and Walsh will also partner with Microsoft Game Studios to form an organization called Wingnut Interactive that will be dedicated to creating interactive video games for use with the Xbox Live network. Read more...

Keep your storage cards in perfect shape with Flash Format!

With Flash Format you can get detailed information and statistics about your storage cards, including physical characteristics (FAT type, sectors, cluster, cylinders, etc.) and analysis of file allocations (slack space). Of course, you can also use Flash Format to perform integrity checks, repair allocation errors, and re-format compact flash cards, secure digital cards, mmc cards and MicroDrives to original conditions, directly on your handheld device: whenever and wherever you need it. Flash Format supports all ATA compliant and SD compliant storage devices, including:
Compact Flash cards
Secure Digital cards (SD cards)
Mini SD and Micro SD cards
Multimedia Cards (MMC cards)
Microdrives (including 2GB and 5GB large capacity media)
SmartMedia cards and Memory Sticks
PCMCIA memory cards.

Flash Format also includes options to choose FAT type and cluster size when formatting, the ability to create a backup FAT to improve storage reliability or to automatically create special folders that may be needed by your devices.
Download trial

Register

Thoughts: Why can’t Pocket IE access secure websites?

This article is not about all the limitations of Pocket IE, but only one of them. Pocket IE is not a full fledge internet browser. I consider the inability of the browser to access secured site extremely obnoxious to my productivity. What’s worst is that I came across several sites or forums with a trick that supposed to make Pocket IE a full version of Internet Explorer 6.0. This involves a registry tweak of course. This fix does let you access some sites, but did you ever try to access a secure website. Take your bank’s website for example. If Pocket IE doesn’t have the required SSL, there is no way you can make any transactions online, not even log on to the site. What’s the purpose of the tweak? And the “full IE 6.0” does not even squeeze the site to fit on your screen.

To solve this problem, I simply purchased Opera 8.60. No limitations uncovered yet.
I would suggest to the Microsoft folks that they deliver a completely revamped version of Pocket Internet Explorer that will let me access my company’s secure website while I’m on the road. This is what mobility is all about.

Free: DevState - v1.5 plugin

DevState is an all-in-one utility for your Today screen. It displays on your Today screen system information (free RAM, remaining space on the Storage card, status of the battery) and shortcuts. It also includes a launcher and a task manager. It offers handy shortcuts and easy ways to create yours, including the settings, or Wireless conections. It is compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 and WM5.Everything is very easy to set up. An excellent plug in. Download...

"Move"ing messages across accounts

Why is it not possible to move emails across two accounts? Outlook Mobile Team blog provides some answers and hints that this feature may be part of a future release. "On first blush the real limitation is in our UI. We simply don't expose the trees of folders for other accounts in our Move Message UI. " Read more...

Features of Windows Mobile 6

I have been able to grapple some information on some new features in Windows Mobile 6.0. Before I go to the facts, let me emphasize that I’m not sure if these features are just part of a new AKU for WM5, codenamed Crossbow or simply WM6, codenamed Photon. Anyway, the upgrade should be available by January 2007.

What’s new?

This new version will contain a Language Pack, a feature that was missing in WM5 and previous versions. However, changing the language after setup will require a hard reset. WM6, will support external display available on some clamshell Smartphones. For example, if the External display shows a new message, open the phone and it will display your inbox on the main screen. This feature is customizable.
One nice feature that will please a lot is the Internet Sharing feature. Theoretically, it will allow easy sharing of internet connection with a desktop PC through either USB or a Bluetooth PAN. This feature never worked on my Eten WM5. Hopefully WM6 will handle this better.
WM6 is wizard driven. At first boot up, you’ll be able to configure basic stuffs such as date and time, password and even email accounts (POP3 and IMAP). This one will be most welcome by newbie. This will avoid a lot of fiddling with the device.
Changes have been made to text messages handling. It will now be possible to save sms to the sim card too. Sending text to multiple recipients has also improved. If sending to one recipient fails, you will know to whom it didn’t make it.
Windows Media Player will include Video Scaling, a simple equalizer and a better search tool.
That’s it for now.

Tips: Where to Run in Windows Mobile?

I tried hard to come up with a funny title, so hard actually that I nearly forgot about the topic of this article. If the title didn't at least make you giggle, I promise not to try again.

I accidentally discovered that Windows Mobile has the same Run functionality that is present in the desktop version of Windows (Start > Run). The Windows Mobile version lets you run any application from the today screen. For that you need to know the name of the application you want to launch. And this is not so easy. For example,to launch word, type pword; pxl for Excel etc.

To start the Run dialog box, press and hold the joystick button, then tap and hold the clock and release the joystick. A menu appear with two options: Run and Clock .

You will soon find out that the Run tool is not very efficient, but at least you've uncovered a hidden feature of your PDA.

Windows Mobile 6.0?

A french website is offering a glimpse of what's supposed to be the next version of Windows Mobile, codenamed Crossbow. You might want to check it out here.

How often do you charge your battery?

So many times I’ve unsuccessfully tried to get an answer to this but there seems to be no definite one. After making research using thousands of parameters on the internet, I’ve decided to sit back and come up with something of my own. Now, I can hear your heart pounding with excitement, just calm down.

I have a spare battery which I hardly ever use. But it remains in the cradle in case of emergency. I’m always charging my PDA when I’m not using it. I’ve been doing this for well over three months now and my battery does not show any sign of fatigue. On the contrary, it seems in much better shape than before and lasting longer, much longer.
I know that Christopher Columbus discovered America a very long time ago and that all of you out there are probably doing the same or have a more efficient strategy. This is the purpose of this article. Share it with us.

Please use the blog to post your comments instead of sending your emails directly to me. Share with others what you know. Thanks in advance.

Activesync 4.5 includes a Troubleshooter Utility.

ActiveSync 4.5 is available for download, free of course. According to Microsoft this version "help resolve issues related to setup, partnerships, and connectivity with the PC and Microsoft Exchange. In addition, it includes a troubleshooter utility that scans your computer and device to identify problems and offers information and corrective actions to solve them."

For me AS4.2 works very well and there's no need to upgrade. But when I read the part about a troubleshooter utility, I thought that this is a great addition. I'll try it out and see what comes up. I'll keep you posted of course. Outlook 2000 is not supported anymore.

Download

Intel, UC Santa Barbara Develop World's First Hybrid Silicon Laser

This is a very technical article and what I've understood is that future devices might be cheaper and faster. "Researchers from Intel Corporation and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) have built the world’s first electrically powered Hybrid Silicon Laser using standard silicon manufacturing processes. This breakthrough addresses one of the last major barriers to producing low-cost, high-bandwidth silicon photonics devices for use inside and around future computers and data centers.
The researchers were able to combine the light-emitting properties of Indium Phosphide with the light-routing capabilities of silicon into a single hybrid chip. When voltage is applied, light generated in the Indium Phosphide enters the silicon waveguide to create a continuous laser beam that can be used to drive other silicon photonic devices. A laser based on silicon could drive wider use of photonics in computers because the cost can be greatly reduced by using high-volume silicon manufacturing techniques." Read more...

Control your house from your Pocket PC

The PocketPC Viewer brings the simple and effective OneHome interface to the PocketPC, enabling control of all your house systems from anywhere in the home. You get control over your security, climate, lighting, audio, video, irrigation and messaging in a package that is easy to carry around and use. Change your climate settings in the living room, monitor your kids in another room with the video camera, or check and listen to messages from anywhere in the house. Read more...

How to Upgrade, Repair, Disassemble a Mobile (Cellular) Phone

Need to repair your mobilev (cellular) phone? Need to fix a broken display? Want to know what chips are actually inside your mobile phone? Or just in the mood of modding your mobile gadget? Here is a collection of links to take apart instructions, disassembly pictures, upgrade and repair manuals, as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) tips and tricks for mobile phones.

http://repair4mobilephone.org/cell_phone.htm

Virtual Earth Mobile 1.67

Recently there was a change to the Virtual Earth server that required a change to Virtual Earth Mobile in order for "Find Business" to work. Attached to this blog entry is the updated version that fixes this.

In this version, I've also added support for colored traffic overlays. If you choose "Map Type/ Traffic" you'll see major roads highlighted in red, yellow, or green, indicating how fast the traffic is moving. (Red = 0-25 mph; Yellow = 25-45mph; Green = 45 mph or faster) For now, I expire the traffic data when you exit the app. Eventually I plan to have a smarter, timed expiration. Traffic data is provided by Traffic.com and is available in selected major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Via Windows Mobile team Blog

Free: Wayfinder Earth Beta

Yet another program that brings the world, actually Europe and the United States, at your fingertips. It includes currency converter, weather info, and train schedule. Wayfinder works with both GPRS and GPS. Download

Microsoft unveils details about the Zune

Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.
“The digital music entertainment revolution is just beginning,” said J Allard, vice president, design and development, at Microsoft, who is leading the charge for building the family of Zune products. “With Zune, we are not simply delivering a portable device, we are introducing a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections.” Read more...

Video Podcast Encoding Guide for Windows Mobile devices

Mobile entertainment enabler, Hubdog, has produced a guide that assists video publishers to encode video podcasts designed to be efficiently playback by a maximum number Windows Mobile Pocket PC & Smartphone devices. Hubdog Quick Guide to encoding Video for Windows Mobile devices is available here: www.hubdog.com/learnmore_encoding.aspx
“The wide diversity of devices available for Windows Mobile (WM) has made it very difficult until now for video podcasters to provide a smooth, lag-free encoding format universally compatible with all types of WM Pocket PCs and Smartphones. By putting together this free guide, we hope to eliminate a significant entry barrier and drive far more independent and mainstream producers to create video podcasts for the fast growing Windows Mobile market”, says Patrick Hanchay, Hubdog CEO.
Hubdog’s ultimate goal is to provide an unmatched solution for bringing together web publishers and Windows Mobile users.

Academics: Windows Will Overcome Linux Threat

This is an interesting article from CIO.com. Sit back and read. "Major customers such as governments and large corporations are critical if Linux is ever to knock out the Windows monopoly, according to an upcoming economic study authored by two Harvard faculty members.
The academic paper, "Dynamic Mixed Duopoly: A Model Motivated by Linux vs. Windows," was written by assistant professor Ramon Casadesus-Masanell and professor Pankaj Ghemawat of the Harvard Business School, and will be published in a special issue of Management Science. " Read more...

Microsoft announces Live Search

Microsoft Corp. today announced the release from beta of Live Search and of Live.com in 47 markets worldwide, and final availability of Live Local Search in the U.K. and the U.S. Microsoft also announced that Live Search will now power the Web search capability on MSN®, the company’s media and entertainment portal, attracting more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month.
“The launch of Live Search is a significant milestone for our services business, with our core search and monetization platform ready for prime time for MSN and Windows Live™ as well as for partners through syndication deals,” said Christopher Payne, corporate vice president of Live Search at Microsoft. “We now have the base to weave search through our services in ways that bring value to customers. This is just the beginning. We look forward to continued investment in search to deliver services that bring new levels of control and personalization to the Web experience.” Read more...

Tips: Can't uninstall software. Would you like to remove it...

Ever encountered an error message saying that you “can't uninstall software - would you like to remove it from the list of programs”? Click yes and the program is indeed removed from the list of installed software, but not completely as there is still some process of it still alive in the background. An attempt to re-install will be unsuccessful. There is no way that I know of that will let you selectively kill them. To avoid this more than annoying error message, always perform a soft reset before removing a program, especially if you want to perform a re-install or an upgrade afterwards. To be safe, also perform a soft reset after removing the program.

Tips: How to remove remaining shortcuts?

All third party software that you install creates a shortcut in the Programs folder. However, when you remove the program from your device, sometimes the shortcut just won't go away. Then you'll have to manually delete them by starting File Explorer, navigate to \Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Tap and hold the recalcitrant icon and select Delete from the menu. Hopefully, you won't have to do this often.

Freeware: Today Plugin Uninstaller for Pocket PC

According to the developper some uninstallation process does not entirely remove every files of a software. There's always residues. "As Today Plugin DLLs are loaded during the Pocket PC boot & they are never unloaded, some times normal Uninstallation process may not uninstall the Today Plugin as the DLL is still in use. Use Today Plugin Uninstaller in such cases, where developer has to provided a successful uninstallation script."

How Today Plugin Uninstallation works
Today Plugin DLLs are loaded during the Pocket PC boot & they are never unloaded (even when you deactive the particular plugin)
The uninstaller has to remove the related registry entries (the DLL is however still unloaded from the memory)
A Soft-reset may be required to finish the process (or) a particular Windows Message has to be posted to reload the today plugins which will release the DLL without requiring a Soft-reset.

Download here

Free: Windows Mobile Network Analyzer Powertoy

Microsoft has recently released a powertoy that lets you use tools such as Ping or Ipconfig on your Pocket PC and Smartphone running Windows Mobile 5. This tool may come in handy if you want to troubleshoot coonectivity problems. You can download .msi file here.

Tips: What to do when Wifi Card stops responding

A customer requested support when his Sandisk 256mb+Wifi card stopped working. Though he could still access the 256mb, Wifi was not responding. To fix the problem, I asked the customer to soft reset his device with the card inside. This way, the card driver would re-initialize.
How did this happen? I think that at some point the customer had rebooted his pda without the wifi card. Most likely, the wifi software did not load because the card was not present. Maybe there's another reason, but rebooting the device with the card inside surely did fix the problem. I think that copying a shortcut of the wifi executable file to the Startup folder might help avoid the problem from happening again. Please feel free to post your comments on this issue.

HTC announces 4 new devices

HTC Europe added four new devices to their website. The HTC P3300 marks the entry of HTC on the GPS market. This particular device uses a new technology dubbed HTC RollR™ (Trackball/Trackwheel) for easy viewing and navigation. The other three models are HTC S620, HTC S310 and HTC P3600. Note that HTC has modified the naming scheme of its devices to include S for Smartphones and P for Pocket PC phones and they are numbered as well. Read more...

Yahoo! Go v/s Emoze

I received a request from a customer asking for the differences between Yahoo! Go and Emoze. I'll try to list the differences I found and similarities if any. Note that this my point of view after having carried out some test. You should also know that I am actually using Yahoo! Go.

Yahoo! Go is a simple program that let's you connect to Yahoo servers to download emails, synchronize your address book and Calendar or upload pictures. In short it has nice features. To install the program, you just have to run a Cab file on your device. After that you provide your Yahoo credentials (Yes you need to have a Yahoo account) and the synchronization starts. You can choose what you want Yahoo to synchronize. Even if you cannot select the connection schedule, the folks at Yahoo have done a great job so as to connect only when necessary. I noticed that a connection is set only when new email reaches my inbox. Which is very convenient. Emoze lets you set the time you want it to connect to check for new messages. It will do so even if you don't have any.

Emoze is a "Battery-Eater". After a day of automatic connection, your device needs to be recharged. Emoze needs to be installed on your device and your home computer. Your home PC remains on all day with outlook running. Then Emoze desktop synchronizes with your device over the internet. The program comes free but what a huge cost to incur. Yahoo has no visible effect on the power consumption. Sometimes Yahoo! Go will synchronize data without initiating internet connection.

Note that I've configured my Gmail to forward all new mails to my Yahoo account. Right now, I don't have to worry about downloading my emails anymore. It's fully automated.

For all those reading this, feel free to share your comments or your choice. As far as I'm concerned, the choice between Yahoo and Emoze was obvious.

Details around the support lifecycle of Windows Mobile 2003

Jason Langridge provides interesting info about Microsoft support lifecycle for Windows Mobile 2003. "Windows Mobile 2003 (both Pocket PC and Smartphone) move out of mainstream support on 14/7/2009 and Extended support will be retired 08/07/2014 so we basically provide a 10 year support lifecycle." But in the end it comes to the device manufactures or OEM to decide about product support. Read more...

Windows Earth Mobile

Powered by Windows Live Local, Windows Earth Mobile lets you get maps on your WM5 devices. Normally, Google Maps and the like don't work very well with pocket IE or Opera Mobile, but using this, you...

Posted by a Windows Mobile Device from channel : Windows Mobile News :: Hubdog Fetch www.Hubdog.com

Virus: "Mobler" worm moves between Symbian and Windows platforms

According to F-Secure, the "Mobler" moves between Symbian and Windows platform so make sure that you update your antivirus. "Mobler poses no immediate risk to mobile device users in its present form. However, it's possible that virus writers might use it as a basis for more malicious malware. But then again, that could be said of previous cross-platform viruses and thus far a heavy hitter has failed to materialise."

Remember again to regularly update your antivirus on both your PC and mobile. Read more...

Free Screen capture tool: VH PocketPC Capture v0.9

VH PocketPC Capture is a tool which allow you to capture from Pocket PC or SmartPhone and CONTROL it. Even better, the software is free. Download here...

How to: Enable Cleartype in Landscape

If you've enabled Cleartype on your device, you must have noticed that when you switch to landscape mode, the settings don't apply anymore. And you just wonder why? Since we'll never get any answers, this is how you do it. Fire up your Registry Editor and carefully change these settings:

HKLM\System\Gdi\ClearTypeSettings\ and change the key OffOnRotation to 0 (Zero).

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