Pocket PC Thoughts.com

Resco Bubbles Released for Touch Diamond/Pro

Darius Wey — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:50:00 GMT

http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/bubbles/default.asp

"Resco Bubbles is an action puzzle game where the idea is to clear the grid of bubbles in order to advance to the next level. You are given a sequence of bubbles, which should be quickly and efficiently popped. Numerous explosive, speed-up, slow-down and damage bubbles keep the game play exciting and challenging."

Got a Touch Diamond or Touch Pro? Resco Bubbles is for you. It costs $14.95, but there is a free trial version, if you prefer trying before buying. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the game supports gravitational sensors, which is why the list of compatible devices is ever so short.

Sony Ericsson Releases Xperia Panel Interface SDK

Jon Westfall — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:55:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/...anel-interface/

"We know what you're thinking -- it's Windows Mobile 6.1 fool, we've got the developers kit already. True, but not the SDK that allows developers to create custom, interactive panels for the touchscreen QWERTY's Panel Interface. Sony Ericsson claims that, "The Xperia X1 will offer the richest mobile user experience, putting the world at the fingertips of the user." In other words, the expectations have been set, developers, so you'd best get to downloading the free SDK -- you've got your work cut out for you. Sony Ericsson will offer a panel download service in the future, showcasing all the panels built by you, Google, and other partners."

The Xperia may run Windows Mobile 6.1, but it's panel interface isn't a stock item from Microsoft and thus isn't covered under the regular SDKs released by Microsoft. Thankfully Sony Ericcson has made a SDK available so coders can get busy with Xperia apps taking advantage of the panel.

HTC's Dream in the Flesh (Well, Plastic)

Jason Dunn — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:58:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/30/...ous-spy-photos/

"Sure, we've seen some blurry videos and managed a few stolen glimpses when Andy Rubin demonstrated this beast, but now we've gotten our hands on a slew of pictures showing off a very real T-Mobile-branded Dream in all its Android-running glory. Not only does this confirm the design spied in those FCC docs as well as show off that nearly-done version of Android, but it seems to confirm the fact that this will be headed to T-Mobile, and sooner rather than later judging from the looks of the above device."

Will Android be a real compeditor to Windows Mobile? A lot of people are hoping so, but I'm reserving judgment until I see it in action myself. It looks like there's a lot to like, but building a mobile operating system isn't a a cakewalk and until seeing Google's new Chrome browser, I had very little faith in Google's ability to develop desktop software. I do like the look of the user interface above - looks quite Mac-like, and that's not a bad thing on a mobile device.

Spb Software House Announces Spb Online

Darius Wey — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:45:00 GMT

http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pro...ucts/online/?en

"Today at ITU Telecom Asia, Spb Software, the world's leading maker of Windows Mobile software, releases Spb Online to mobile network operators. Spb Online is a set of premium online services for 3G networks that stimulates subscriber uptake of mobile entertainment. Spb Online makes the following services easily accessible from handsets: Mobile TV, Online Radio, News, Weather, Online Games, On-device Catalog. Spb Online radically changes the on-device user experience, functioning as a clear single entry point to advanced online services from mobiles, and allows mobile network operators capture multiple benefits from 3G networks: Increased ARPU, Branding through fully customized content and UI, Improved subscriber loyalty through quality mobile experience. Spb Online, with its breakthrough patent pending TV technology and unparalleled on-device usability, is a solution that tackles the issue of weak user interest in multimedia services, fuels subscriber content discovery, and unlocks the potential of 3G."

Spb has just announced the availability of Spb Online for Windows Mobile Standard and Professional. But, before you rush off to the Spb Software House web site hoping to download it - while salivating uncontrollably, of course - you should know that it's only available for mobile carriers at this stage. End-users will get a shot later this year.

Jump the break for more screenshots.

Google Launches "Chrome" Web Browser

Jason Dunn — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:50:00 GMT

http://www.google.com/chrome

Yesterday, Google launched their own Web browser. Since this is pretty big news, I decided it was worth posting network-wide. Do we really need another browser? Before yesterday, my answer would have been no - I'm a very satisfied Firefox user, and Internet Explorer 8 is shaping up quite nicely. But after watching the 90 minute Google Webcast yesterday, I was very interested in with what Google had created.Â There's a greatÂ online comicÂ that walks you through why Google created the browser, and what kinds of things were important to Google when creating Chrome. I think this comic is also how the browser was leaked before Google was ready to announce it.

The features list is pretty impressive for a beta, but the real proof is in using it: I just started doing that this morning, and I have to admit, the speed differeces that Google talked about really do make a difference. I have a fast cable modem connection (10 mbps, but I just tested it and it benchmarked at 25.2 mbps) so I don't usually think of the Web as being slow in general, but after hitting a dozen or so sites with Chrome, everything really does seem faster. Web pages seem to snap into place quicker, and Chrome itself is extremely responsive. The work that Google has done focusing on speed seems to have paid off in a big way.

Beyond speed, the way that Chrome works from a stability standpoint is fascinating: each tab is actually a separate running process. That means that if one Web page crashes your browser, it only takes down that one tab, leaving the rest intact. I've lost more work than I care to admit through Firefox and Internet Explorer crashes, so this is hugely appealing to me. Being a beta, there are some bugs and quirks, but I found that with the import of all my Firefox bookmarks, usernames, and passwords, I was up and running really quick. It includes an install of Flash (or maybe it's using what was already installed on my computer), so I was able to see and interact with everything on the Web easily.

The user interface and design of the browser is typical Google: minimalist, but well-thought out and quite effective. I really like the "Omnibox" which is a combination of address bar and search box. You just start typing something, and it quickly gives you options for searching Google (or whatever search engine you have configured) or going to that Web site. Chome still needs more polishing, but it's shaping up to be quite impressive. Check it out for yourself.

Live Mesh for Windows Mobile Surfaces at Tech.Ed Australia

Darius Wey — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:10:00 GMT

http://www.istartedsomething.com/20...-client-teased/

Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Indeed, that's e.aspx">Live MeshÂ for Windows Mobile running on a Palm Treo Pro. And there's word coming out of Tech.Ed Australia (where the aforementioned was demoed) that it will soon be available for public consumption. Any Live Mesh users here looking forward to this?

Windows Mobile Development Webcast on September 3rd

Rocco Augusto — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:30:00 GMT

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/W...&CountryCode=US

"Tomorrow (September 3rd) there is a webcast available for those of you considering starting to develop applications for Windows Mobile. The webcast is an introductory session on developing managed applications for Windows Mobile devices. It will cover the tools that are available as well as giving guidance on how to best approach developing applications."

I just ran across this interesting little tidbit on Jason Langridge's blog. If you are looking to get into software development for the Windows Mobile platform, this would be an ideal starting ground. To sign up for the MSDN Webcast and for more information point your browsers over here.

Cage Match Between HTC Phones

Jon Westfall — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:30:00 GMT

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/30/...o-head-to-head/

"Now that the cat's out of the bag it was no trouble tracking down HTC's S740 this morning, and just for kicks we rammed the phone up against the Touch Pro, which we subsequently rammed against the Touch Diamond and an iPhone for a generally violent display of smartphone force. It is worth noting that while the S740's keys are similar to the Touch Pro's, they're not quite as deep or clicky, which leads to a rather sub-par typing experience by HTC's standards. That glossy mirror finish on the phone screens isn't doing them any favors either -- even when wiped smudge free it seems to impede viewing -- and we must say the Touch Pro's matte finish makes the Diamond and iPhone 3G look cheap in comparison"

Engadget is pitting brother against brother in their short note regarding the HTC s740, the Touch Pro, and the Touch Diamond. the s740 is a lovely device - now why can't they make ones this sleek with a touch screen yet? The size of the components was an issue years ago - shouldn't that have been resolved by now. In my mind, the Touch Pro should have the same dimensions (albeit with larger screen) as the s740.

Palm Treo Pro Reviewed Over and Over and...

Darius Wey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Want Palm Treo Pro reviews? You got 'em!

Skymarket - Microsofts Own Application Store For Windows Mobile

Ed Hansberry — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMT

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10...g=2547-1_3-0-20

"It appears the software giant expects to launch an applications store called Skymarket this fall for its Windows Mobile platform, if a recent job posting spotted by Long Zheng at Istartedsomething.com is accurate. According to the ad posted Sunday on Computerjob.com, the Skymarket senior product manager will head a team that will "drive the launch of a v1 marketplace service for Windows Mobile."

There is a link to the job posting in the article if you are interested. It is great to see Microsoft doing this, but it seems once again it took Apple to do it first and show that it really can help drive the market. Any bets MS has something along the lines of a MobileME in the works, but one that works correctly of course.

Hurricane Information Optimized For Your Mobile Device

Ed Hansberry — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT

http://bevhoward.com/storm/ppcrad.htm

Bev Howard has set up his mobile web page with tons of links to sites optimized for mobile browsers over any speed to keep you up to date on the latest track of hurricate Gustav or other tropical storms that may be brewing. If you are interested in hurricane activity in North America, you should click on the link above and add it to your mobile favorites.

Samsung Omnia i900 Reviewed by MobileTechReview

Paul Martin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/pho...-Omnia-i900.htm

"The Omnia (Latin for "all") in fact has it all: a WQVGA haptic touch screen, quad band unlocked GSM, Euro-only 3G, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, FM radio, DivX certification, a 5 megapixel camera, 624MHz CPU, 8 or 16 gigs of storage and an SDHC microSD card slot. For those of us in the US, the Euro-only 3G takes "all" down one notch. The Omnia works fine on both T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, but you're stuck with EDGE for data. Really, it's hard to imagine that Samsung's flagship PDA phone leaves out triband HSDPA. No carrier offers the Omnia in the US; instead it's sold by online importers for approximately $700 (the 16 gig model sells for approximately $60 more than the 8 gig model). Prices may come down when the phone isn't so new and hot."

Beyond the nice video review, MobileTechReview has done an indepth writeup of the Samsung Omnia i900. With very few actual hardware controls, the i900 relies heavily on the touch-based interface. As noted in the quote above, the Omnia sadly left behind any 3G goodness once it crossed the pond so North American users will encounter more online speed limit signs. Read on to see what Editor-in-Chief Lisa Gade thought, despite the loss of 3G.

Egress RSS Reader Quietly Updated to Version 4.0.2

Paul Martin — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT

http://www.garishkernels.net/egress.shtml

In the past month, the Egress RSS reader has received an update to version 4, followed by 2 point updates and bug fixes. Some of the features of version 4 include:

• New user interface with touchscreen kinetic scrolling (PocketPC)
• New channel wizard can now import multiple channels at a time
• Added ability to search Google for feeds
• Greatly reduced speed of feed retrieval
• Repaired Newsgator synchronization
• Added all podcasts view filter
• Added option to set number of lines to scroll with up/down dpad
• Double-tap on image (within viewer) will change zoom level

You can see some of those new features in these screenshots:

You can find a full list of updates and improvements here. Egress offers a lifetime of upgrades with purchase, though Paypal tips are appreciated.

FOX Business Showcases Windows Mobile Devices

Rocco Augusto — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:30:00 GMT

http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/w...red_on_fox.html

"Microsoft Mobile Communications Group Manager Scott Rockfeld was on Fox Business chatting up quite a lot of Windows Mobile devices. The context of the discussion is basically 'competitors to the iPhone,' which is a little aggravating because, let's face it, the iPhone and Windows Mobile aren't always going for the same demographic. Some of the smartphones shown off: HTC Diamond, HTC Touch Pro, and the BlackJack II."

I've watched this video several times, mostly because the Touch Diamond looked so swanky in it, but also because I thought Scott Rockfeld, Microsoft Mobile Communications Group Manager, handled himself brilliantly. Scott came out swinging showing off some of the more popular Windows Mobile 6.1 devices on the market, including the HTC touch Diamond, and was really hammering home that the Windows Mobile platform is all about choice. This seems to tie in exactly with all of the recent talk on the Internet of Microsoft’s new "Windows Not Walls" campaign. On top of that you throw in the fact that every device featured in this segment has sold over a million or more devices it starts to make a lot of the recent Apple sales hype start to look a little sad.

Microsoft builds fantastic products but unfortunately they're not the best when it comes to feeding the publicity machine. One of the biggest hurdles for Windows Mobile has always been lack of visibility in the public’s eye. All of us as Smartphone and Pocket PC fans have heard the pitch that Scott gave in this video dozens of times over but I think Microsoft is finally understanding that we are not the ones that need to be told this over and over again but instead the general populous needs to know. I just hope Microsoft does more of these segments on other news networks. So what did you guys think of the video?

New Mobile Portal in v2 Beta: KeyToss

Paul Martin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT

http://www.keytoss.com/

"KeyToss mobile is extremely customizable, and similar in concept to iGoogle for mobile, but it's got a lot of cool and unique features, including: the ability to search using dozens of different search tools (e.g., Google, Amazon, IMDb, UPS Package Tracking, Acronym Finder, Dictionary.com, Wikipedia) from one search bar; local searches on Google Local, Yelp, and yellowpages.com based on your stored location; RSS and Atom newsfeeds with mobile-optimized links; localized links (so you don't have to enter your location when you click on Fandango, for example); the ability to organize modules on multiple pages; and file transfers between PC and phone. You can also get sports scores for your favorite (US-based) teams, weather, stock quotes, etc. And you can manage your site from your desktop at www.keytoss.com."

Mobile data is great to have, but while some sites either scale nicely or offer a seperate mobile version, others can crash your browser as you see "heavy" entry pages. A mobile portal is a convenient way to be able to pull frequently requested data into one location. Speaking of location, KeyToss will access location-aware data without requiring GPS so you won't have to re-enter a zipcode on some sites. WapReview compared it very favorably to iGoogle. You can check out a desktop representation or visit the site directly on your smartphone or other mobile device at http://m.keytoss.com. For those that use a mobile portal, does KeyToss offer enough unique features for you to switch?

Even Critics Give Apple a Pass on iPhone 3G Woes

Pete Paxton — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080828...pple_s_luster_2

"Such a string of mishaps and missteps might throw another electronics company into crisis. But of course, Apple Inc. isn't just another electronics company. Even as iPhone griping rages online, it looks like Apple's sterling reputation will emerge untarnished. Baba Shiv, a professor of marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, compares Apple's fan base to Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders who pass over arguably higher-quality Japanese bikes.Shiv said Apple's fans play down negative information to explain their relationship to the brand - and justify spending more for products that may not be better than the competition's. Once that loyalty is formed, "the transgression has to be so egregious for someone to completely change the narrative," Shiv said. 'If something like this had happened to Microsoft, the long-term impact would be much more for Microsoft than for Apple.'"

I'm just curious what you all think of this article. Apple and it's beloved iPhone have certainly had their share of mishaps lately. They've had some real problems with MobileMe, 3G, the App store, syncing, freezing, security and so on and yet it seems that no matter what they do, there's a strong loyal crowd that will defend them to the hilt. Yet when Microsoft has issues or flaws with just about anything, forums around the web seem to rip them apart. So after reading the article, do you agree that "Apple's sterling reputation will emerge untarnished?" Do you think there's a bias towards Apple sometimes? Are Apple and MS really on playing fields that are that different or is it just easier to pick on one more than the other?

ROM Updates for Tilt and XV6800

Jon Westfall — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:30:00 GMT

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008...ps-locked-down/

"The new ROM for the XV6800, Verizon's version of the HTC Titan, doesn't feature any surprises, but will hook your device up with the usual array of enhancements, including threaded SMS, improved battery life, and more. Sadly, Verizon has kept the GPS functionality locked down so anyone hoping to make use of VZNavigator, or any other 3rd party nav apps will find themselves SOL. Honestly, why Verizon? Why?"

Both the Tilt and the XV6800 recently received ROM update goodness. No GPS for the XV6800 though - VZW simply hasn't figured out a good way to make money off of opening it up, most likely.

HTC Dream Skinny Compared to iPhone?

Jon Westfall — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMT

"Attempts to keep the most hotly anticipated consumer electronics devices under wraps these days are getting more and more futile. It's hard enough for companies to control disgruntled employees and leaks in the international supply chain, stir in a giant government organization and things quickly unravel. Case in point: T-Mobile's HTC Dream, widely believed to be the world's first Android handset. After Engadget loosed the Dream from its FCC constraints on the 18th of August, HTC contacted the agency on the 19th with a request to use a less detailed diagram for the FCC label placement. Fortunately for us they complied, giving us what can only be construed as official measurements in the process. The newly unveiled 115 x 55-mm dimensions tell us that it beats the iPhone 3G in terms of length and width but is almost certainly thicker than the iPhone due to the Dream's sliding QWERTY"

Everybody has news on the Dream, whether you want to hear it or not. Engadget speculates repeatedly (here and here) on it's dimensions via FCC documents. And the above video with the Darth Vader like breathing? Well it's probably the lord of the Sith playing with a Dream, if you're to believe the hype surrounding it. I guess we'll know more in coming days, but at this rate I have to let Dream information sit in my inbox for a day or two before posting to make sure it's not changed, updated, debunked, or clarified. I wish this thing would just appear in the marketplace!

Microsoft SyncToy v2.0

Chris Gohlke — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:30:00 GMT

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...&displaylang=en

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

I installed this yesterday and I really like it. It has finally let me set up backups the way they should be done and should be much speedier. I've actually set it up to do three separate synchs of my user data (which totals 82 GB). The first synch goes to a second hard drive installed in my PC. I set a Windows task to automatically perform this synch ever time I boot up. A second synch occurs weekly to network storage. Finally I set up an on-demand synch with a USB drive to let me quickly update my off-site backups. Now that they are all set up, synching the changes will be MUCH quicker than the full backups I was previously doing. Plus, having a fully automated synch will protect me from my own laziness!

Apple iPhone Ads in UK Declared Misleading

Jason Dunn — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:36:00 GMT

http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=5176

"Apple has come under scrutiny on its iPhone 3G for false advertising, and now the Advertising Standards Authority, a UK ad group, has come forth to declare a specific television ad for the touch-based smartphone to be misleading to consumers."

Above is the ad in question, and while I'm not normally a fan of the Eurocratic system of slapping fines on every company they can find, it's pretty easy to see their point here: Apple makes some very bold claims about having the best browsing experience on a mobile device, but that browsing experience comes to a screeching halt as soon as you hit any Web site that uses Flash - and many of them do. These commercials fail to mention that. They also fail to highlight that nothing happens that quickly on a 3G network, but that might be splitting hairs. Java is also mentioned, but I can count the number of times I see the Sun JVM fire up on my PC on one hand - and it's almost always when I'm uploading photos on Smugmug. Is Java on a phone really needed for Web browsing? I don't think it is.

So why did Apple leave Flash out of the iPhone, even in the second generation product? This article has some insights, but I suspect the truth is somewhere along the lines of Adobe wanted "x" amount in royalties off every iPhone sold, and Apple balked at that. That's just my guess mind you, but the iPhone has a lot of power under the hood so I find it likely that the blocking point here is business negotiations, not a technological limitation.

Adobe has fumbled the ball for years on mobile devices. Their model on the desktop has been giving away the player for free to encourage developer adoption of Flash, which in turns sells all their commercial Flash development tools - and we've seen how that's worked out extremely well. For reasons of short-sighted profit, they turned that around on the mobile device side of things: they seem to want licensing fees to put Flash on any mobile phone. And that's the reason why to this day we haven't seen any great Flash implementations on a Windows Mobile device. Maybe there's an opportunity here for Microsoft to steal some Flash thunder with Silverlight? If they released Silverlight clients for the iPhone and Windows Mobile, they'd give Flash developers a viable alternative for mobile device playback?