Thursday, March 30, 2006
James Turner had originally written a glowing review of the Windows Mobile powered Treo 700W for personaltechpipeline.com. So much so he went out and purchased a unit for himself. It would appear that after a couple months of use, James now has a different opinion on the device.
"One of the dangers of reviewing hot new products is that you may not have time to really settling in and learn all the quirks of a new technology before being required to formulate a very public opinion. What may seem like a cool feature after a day or two of playing around may turn out to be more trouble than it's worth, while real warts may not become apparent until weeks later"
Click the link below to read the details of the problems he encountered with using the 700W as his full time device.
"One of the dangers of reviewing hot new products is that you may not have time to really settling in and learn all the quirks of a new technology before being required to formulate a very public opinion. What may seem like a cool feature after a day or two of playing around may turn out to be more trouble than it's worth, while real warts may not become apparent until weeks later"
Click the link below to read the details of the problems he encountered with using the 700W as his full time device.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Two of the more popular websites dealing with Pocket PC news and information have joined forces, combining to create one site.
"Brighthand.com and BargainPDA.com have combined to create one of the largest handheld computing focused sites on the web, bringing the latest industry news, reviews and support to consumers around the world. Going forward the Brighthand.com brand will prevail and the key personnel from both sites will continue with the combined site, including site management by Ed Hardy.
I happen to be a fan of both sites, so it is good to see that the content offered by both will remain. If you are interested in reading the article discussing the merger you can get to it by clicking the link below.
"Brighthand.com and BargainPDA.com have combined to create one of the largest handheld computing focused sites on the web, bringing the latest industry news, reviews and support to consumers around the world. Going forward the Brighthand.com brand will prevail and the key personnel from both sites will continue with the combined site, including site management by Ed Hardy.
I happen to be a fan of both sites, so it is good to see that the content offered by both will remain. If you are interested in reading the article discussing the merger you can get to it by clicking the link below.
Monday, March 27, 2006
E-Mobile Software, Inc. has released a software product to enable mobile users to create notes, organize notes by categories, color, subject and creation date just like Microsoft Outlook Notes on Pocket PC and Smartphone.
Some of the features in PocketNotes:
Pocket Notes can be downloaded from either Handango or PocketGear. You can read the full press release by clicking the link below.
Some of the features in PocketNotes:
- Create notes just like MS Outlook!
- Associate notes with colors and multiple categories.
- Sort notes by date, subject and color.
- Filter notes by categories.
- View notes any way you want, category tree view, note list view and note detail view.
- Support Outlook synchronization via manual import/export process.
Pocket Notes can be downloaded from either Handango or PocketGear. You can read the full press release by clicking the link below.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Sling Media has announced the release of SlingPlayer Mobile, the mobile version of there software designed for Windows Mobile devices.
" SlingPlayer Mobile is a new software package that gives Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home TV from any network-enabled mobile phone or handheld computer (PDA) powered by Windows Mobile. The SlingPlayer Mobile software available today is compatible with devices that run Windows Mobile Pocket PC 5.0 and 2003 Second Edition."
While this is good news for Slingbox owners, it seems to me that Orb (www.orb.com) provides the same service without the hardware investment. Click below to read the Sling Media press release.
" SlingPlayer Mobile is a new software package that gives Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home TV from any network-enabled mobile phone or handheld computer (PDA) powered by Windows Mobile. The SlingPlayer Mobile software available today is compatible with devices that run Windows Mobile Pocket PC 5.0 and 2003 Second Edition."
While this is good news for Slingbox owners, it seems to me that Orb (www.orb.com) provides the same service without the hardware investment. Click below to read the Sling Media press release.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Prevelant Devices has announced the launch of thier new finger typing application for mobile devices, Phraze-It.
"Phraze-It is a breakthrough on-screen keyboard application that enables comfortable finger-typing or thumbing text entry and editing on large, adult-sized touch screen buttons on your Windows Mobile Pocket PC. The Phraze-It soft keyboard significantly improves text entry and mobile productivity by enabling comfortable and efficient finger typing of a lot of text, and easy correcting and editing."
You can learn more about the Phraze-It program, or download a free 7 day trial version of Phraze-It by clicking on the link below.
"Phraze-It is a breakthrough on-screen keyboard application that enables comfortable finger-typing or thumbing text entry and editing on large, adult-sized touch screen buttons on your Windows Mobile Pocket PC. The Phraze-It soft keyboard significantly improves text entry and mobile productivity by enabling comfortable and efficient finger typing of a lot of text, and easy correcting and editing."
You can learn more about the Phraze-It program, or download a free 7 day trial version of Phraze-It by clicking on the link below.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
It would appear theat the long awaited Windwos Mobile 2005 Upgrade for the Ipaq 4700 is finally available on the HP website.
"The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade is currently available on CD for the HP iPAQ hx2000 and HP iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC. The downloads are currently available just for the HP iPAQ hx2000. The downloads for the HP iPAQ hx4700 will be available soon."
Just what we wanted to hear, another delay. Seems to me it should be easier to release via download vs. on a physical CD, but not much about the 4700 upgrade has made sense since WM5 released, so why start now...
"The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade is currently available on CD for the HP iPAQ hx2000 and HP iPAQ hx4700 series Pocket PC. The downloads are currently available just for the HP iPAQ hx2000. The downloads for the HP iPAQ hx4700 will be available soon."
Just what we wanted to hear, another delay. Seems to me it should be easier to release via download vs. on a physical CD, but not much about the 4700 upgrade has made sense since WM5 released, so why start now...
Monday, March 20, 2006
The upcoming release of Windows Vista will see some important changes for the way that you connect your mobile device. Activesysnc as we know it will go away, and be replaced with the new Windows Mobile Device center.
"Windows Mobile Device Center is the new name for ActiveSync in Microsoft Windows Vista, and provides overall device management features for your Windows Mobile-based devices in Windows Vista, including smartphones and pocket PCs. All of the features previously available in ActiveSync are available in Windows Vista, including synchronization and setting up your partnership. However, most of the user interface has changed in an effort to enhance your ability to easily and intuitively find device-related tasks and improve the overall usability of those tasks.
You can find out some more initial information by clicking below, and visiting the Mobile Device Center page on the Microsoft web site.
"Windows Mobile Device Center is the new name for ActiveSync in Microsoft Windows Vista, and provides overall device management features for your Windows Mobile-based devices in Windows Vista, including smartphones and pocket PCs. All of the features previously available in ActiveSync are available in Windows Vista, including synchronization and setting up your partnership. However, most of the user interface has changed in an effort to enhance your ability to easily and intuitively find device-related tasks and improve the overall usability of those tasks.
You can find out some more initial information by clicking below, and visiting the Mobile Device Center page on the Microsoft web site.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
A new site has been launched that optimises Wikipedia for mobile devices. It can be found at www.3g.co.nz/wiki/.
"The version is incredibly simplified, helping you keep the data transfers to a minimum while keeping your knowledge to a maximum. Instinct, based out of New Zealand, has made it all possible. The interface is graphic free, but the information is all there, including both internal and external links. The only thing missing is all the multimedia that you would normally find accompanying the site."
Click the liink below to head on over to check it out. Thanks to mobilemag.com for the tip.
"The version is incredibly simplified, helping you keep the data transfers to a minimum while keeping your knowledge to a maximum. Instinct, based out of New Zealand, has made it all possible. The interface is graphic free, but the information is all there, including both internal and external links. The only thing missing is all the multimedia that you would normally find accompanying the site."
Click the liink below to head on over to check it out. Thanks to mobilemag.com for the tip.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Every once in awhile a new site or service pops up that makes you wonder how you got by before you used it. Orb just may be one of those sites.
The idea behind Orb is simple. Take your digital media with you, everywhere, to any location where you have a high speed internet connection. The best part about the service? You guessed it, it's free, and it is accessible from your Pocket PC device. To use it, you need to register, and then walk through a quick configuration utility that includes the location of your media, as well as configuring your local TV listings (only needed if you have a tv tuner installed on your PC.) I would like to tell you it is much more difficult than that, but its not. Simply access www.orb.com, log in to your account and your media is presented to you in a clean and easy to use interface. Since it operates through a browser you can access from either your Desktop, laptop, or Window Mobile device.
It also has a bunch of other useful add ins like weather, your favourites, contacts etc. To check out Orb simply click the link below.
The idea behind Orb is simple. Take your digital media with you, everywhere, to any location where you have a high speed internet connection. The best part about the service? You guessed it, it's free, and it is accessible from your Pocket PC device. To use it, you need to register, and then walk through a quick configuration utility that includes the location of your media, as well as configuring your local TV listings (only needed if you have a tv tuner installed on your PC.) I would like to tell you it is much more difficult than that, but its not. Simply access www.orb.com, log in to your account and your media is presented to you in a clean and easy to use interface. Since it operates through a browser you can access from either your Desktop, laptop, or Window Mobile device.
It also has a bunch of other useful add ins like weather, your favourites, contacts etc. To check out Orb simply click the link below.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
As had been widely suspected (and previously reported on this site), Microsoft unveiled the details behind the "Origami" project last week at CEBit in Germany. The project is the launch of a new breed of hardware device, the "Ultra-Mobile PC"
A cross between a tablet PC and a Portable Media Center, the device appears to be a hyper functional competitor for the soon to be announced video ipod, that will feature a 4" landscape widescreen. While the portable media abilities of the device cannot be understated, it is really the computing power that will make or break this device. Running special touch pack software on top of a full edition of Windows XP, the question is can any device that does not include a keyboard seriously take advantage of the power of running the full version of XP in a mobile device.
Either way, I don't believe this will have much effect on Microsoft's strategy for Pocket PC type devices. Like the Tablet PC this is simply a new breed of hardware, and only time will tell if there actually is a need for it.
A cross between a tablet PC and a Portable Media Center, the device appears to be a hyper functional competitor for the soon to be announced video ipod, that will feature a 4" landscape widescreen. While the portable media abilities of the device cannot be understated, it is really the computing power that will make or break this device. Running special touch pack software on top of a full edition of Windows XP, the question is can any device that does not include a keyboard seriously take advantage of the power of running the full version of XP in a mobile device.
Either way, I don't believe this will have much effect on Microsoft's strategy for Pocket PC type devices. Like the Tablet PC this is simply a new breed of hardware, and only time will tell if there actually is a need for it.
BenQ has officially announced the long rumoured P51 Pocket PC, thier latest entry into the mobile device market. The device runs Windows Mobile 5, and was announced earlier this week at CEBit.
"The QWERTY keypad and 2.8 inch touch-screen make data entry effortless. Bluetooth, USB and WLAN 802.11 b/g give you the great flexibility to connect to every network. Using the ergonomically shaped, optional Headset Bluetooth Comfort HHB-160/161, optimum sound quality is guaranteed in wireless handsfree speech. Once you have an online connection, you can even make phone calls via the Internet using Skype. The BenQ-Siemens P51's extensive multimedia equipment includes a 1,3 megapixel camera with video function, as well as a music player with equalizer and 3D sound."
Click the link below to view photo's, as well as read the full article from the Unwired.
"The QWERTY keypad and 2.8 inch touch-screen make data entry effortless. Bluetooth, USB and WLAN 802.11 b/g give you the great flexibility to connect to every network. Using the ergonomically shaped, optional Headset Bluetooth Comfort HHB-160/161, optimum sound quality is guaranteed in wireless handsfree speech. Once you have an online connection, you can even make phone calls via the Internet using Skype. The BenQ-Siemens P51's extensive multimedia equipment includes a 1,3 megapixel camera with video function, as well as a music player with equalizer and 3D sound."
Click the link below to view photo's, as well as read the full article from the Unwired.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
In an announcement that hits close to home, Toronto is set to become the first Canadian city to offer city wide Wi-Fi.
"Wi Fi technology is the new benchmark for urban living. It's standard equipment in
many electronic devices, from laptops to portable entertainment units. We
think it's time to enable that technology to be used in what will be the
largest Wi Fi zone in Canada. Today we're opening the door for Toronto to join
the ranks of other major international cities such as San Francisco,
Philadelphia and London, England."
I think this is great for two reasons. One is the obvious unlimited access without having to search out hotspots, and the other is the additional competition for Rogers and Bell as providers of Internet access. The project is set to be completed by December 31st, 2006. You can click the link below to read the full release.
"Wi Fi technology is the new benchmark for urban living. It's standard equipment in
many electronic devices, from laptops to portable entertainment units. We
think it's time to enable that technology to be used in what will be the
largest Wi Fi zone in Canada. Today we're opening the door for Toronto to join
the ranks of other major international cities such as San Francisco,
Philadelphia and London, England."
I think this is great for two reasons. One is the obvious unlimited access without having to search out hotspots, and the other is the additional competition for Rogers and Bell as providers of Internet access. The project is set to be completed by December 31st, 2006. You can click the link below to read the full release.
Monday, March 06, 2006
The "Webby" Mobile web browser is a freeware program for the Pocket PC, created by Australian software architect and developer Julian Biddle. He says he created Webby Mobile because he found the lack of multi-window support in Pocket Internet Explorer to be "really annoying."
"The Webby Mobile software promises a desktop-style browsing experience on the Windows Mobile Pocket Pc platform. Besides tabbed browsing Webby automatically provides the ability to scale web pages using the two microbrowsers, Skeezer.net and Google Mobile. As part of the interesting features list, the software includes tabbed browsing, support for multiple resolutions, support for landscape mode, "View Source" option, option to delete temporary files on exit to save memory."
The software requires that the .Net Compact Framework 2.0 be installed on your device. To download the software directly you can click here, or click the link below to read the full article.
"The Webby Mobile software promises a desktop-style browsing experience on the Windows Mobile Pocket Pc platform. Besides tabbed browsing Webby automatically provides the ability to scale web pages using the two microbrowsers, Skeezer.net and Google Mobile. As part of the interesting features list, the software includes tabbed browsing, support for multiple resolutions, support for landscape mode, "View Source" option, option to delete temporary files on exit to save memory."
The software requires that the .Net Compact Framework 2.0 be installed on your device. To download the software directly you can click here, or click the link below to read the full article.
After months of speculation, Hp has officially unveiled the Ipaq 6940 PDA.
"The HP iPAQ hw6940 is powered by a 416 MHz Intel PXA 270 processor, and runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition with Messaging and Security Feature Pack. The unit also has several business programs that other PDA phones do not have. It is not all work for this unit though, as it could also play music and videos through the Windows Media Player 10 Mobile."
The connectivity options for the device are Bluetooth 1.2, Wi-Fi, GPRS and EDGE, as well an integrated GPS receiver.
"The HP iPAQ hw6940 is powered by a 416 MHz Intel PXA 270 processor, and runs on Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition with Messaging and Security Feature Pack. The unit also has several business programs that other PDA phones do not have. It is not all work for this unit though, as it could also play music and videos through the Windows Media Player 10 Mobile."
The connectivity options for the device are Bluetooth 1.2, Wi-Fi, GPRS and EDGE, as well an integrated GPS receiver.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
If you are not familiar with the Origami project from Microsoft, it is a new "Ultramobile" PC that looks like it is about to be confirmed on March 9th.
"There was a good deal of confusion caused among tech watchers by the Origami Project website and the timing of the Origami announcement by Microsoft. If you Haven't been following it, Origami is the ultra-mobile PC project that has rapidly gone from rumor to announcement. The company launched a website-based viral marketing campaign that mysteriously teased us with information."
This will be of special interest to Windows Mobile users as it has the possibility to significantly impact Microsoft's go forward strategy for mobile devices. Click the link below to read the full article.
"There was a good deal of confusion caused among tech watchers by the Origami Project website and the timing of the Origami announcement by Microsoft. If you Haven't been following it, Origami is the ultra-mobile PC project that has rapidly gone from rumor to announcement. The company launched a website-based viral marketing campaign that mysteriously teased us with information."
This will be of special interest to Windows Mobile users as it has the possibility to significantly impact Microsoft's go forward strategy for mobile devices. Click the link below to read the full article.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Looks like there is an updated version of the popular Opera browser that was recently released for the Pocket PC.
"Opera has quietly released beta 2 of the Opera for Pocket PC browser that supports both WM 2003 and WM 5.0. The new version adds tabbed browsing, support for http uploading and keyboard shortcuts. A great addition is the ability to scroll down one page at a time via the space key on the keyboard."
To read the article over at "jk on the run" click the link below, or alternately you can go straight to the download page on the Opera website by clicking here.
"Opera has quietly released beta 2 of the Opera for Pocket PC browser that supports both WM 2003 and WM 5.0. The new version adds tabbed browsing, support for http uploading and keyboard shortcuts. A great addition is the ability to scroll down one page at a time via the space key on the keyboard."
To read the article over at "jk on the run" click the link below, or alternately you can go straight to the download page on the Opera website by clicking here.
Spb Software House, a leading Pocket PC software developer, has released a new update for Spb Pocket Plus, the award winning application that is also the best selling Pocket PC program world-wide in 2004 and 2005. Spb Pocket Plus version 3.1 performs better than the previous version and uses less memory. Now the user has the freedom to choose which particular features of Spb Pocket Plus he or she wants to have installed to the device. And the most exciting new feature of Spb Pocket Plus 3.1 is the improved appearance of the Today plug-in icons, giving the device today screen a beautiful new design.
To read the full press release you can click the link below.
To read the full press release you can click the link below.