Dec 01 Software Streams Media To Mobile Devices In Real Time
Found in:Software,

Entertainment services company Thomson is testing software it developed that manages encoding and decoding of encrypted media in real time as video and audio stream from broadcast stations or telecommunications carriers to cellular phones and hand-held wireless devices.

The unnamed software, took two years to develop, the company said. Trials began in the second quarter of this year. "The software is being tested in France by most of the carrier operators, and we are in discussions in the United States and in the United Kingdom with others," said Jean-Charles Hourcade, senior executive vice president and chief technology officer at Thomson, a global media technologies and creative services company for the entertainment industry.

Hourcade, who is convinced tomorrow's mobile devices will have enough power to manage several critical tasks with software rather than application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), expects to talk about the project Wednesday at the Digital Entertainment & Media Expo in Los Angeles.

Written in C++, the software runs on the Microsoft CE, Symbian, and Linux operating systems. It controls the quality of the transmission as it travels on cellular or wireless networks. There are plans to license the technology to telecommunication carriers and cellular phone manufacturers.

The software is being tested on 2-inch by 3-inch displays. The content is encoded through the software in real time, and is then streamed to the mobile device at between 250 kilobits and 300 kilobits per second in real time.

The content is encapsulated in Internet protocol (IP) real-time transport protocol (RTP), and sent to an access point, such as Wi-Fi. From there the signal is transmitted and captured on a Dell Inc. PDA or Nokia cellular phone, for example, and then encrypted video and audio is decoded in real time on the mobile device.

One benefit to consumers is that with the software, streaming media could be viewed on upgradeable rather than disposable devices. Controlling the quality of the content with software, rather than integrated circuits, however, will require industry standards.

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Nov 17 Elements Interactive Releases Mobile Game Engine Edge SDK 2.00
Found in:Mobile News,

Elements Interactive B.V. releases the first public version of their mobile game engine Edge. The Edge SDK, with current version 2.00, supports the development of true multi-platform mobile games for Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Symbian Series 60, Symbian UIQ and Windows desktop. Key features of the Edge SDK include true multi-platform development, high-performance graphics, RGBA surfaces and PNG support for all platforms, 3D graphics and both Bluetooth and TCP/IP network support.


"As we are mobile game developers ourselves, the design and development of Edge was aimed on performance, a rich feature set and the creation of a true multi-platform mobile game development environment" says Danny Hoffman, Elements Interactive CEO. "We wanted every feature to work on every supported platform."

Licenses of the Edge SDK will be available for $950 for the first year and $650 for subsequent years. Danny Hoffman continues: "With this relative low license fee, we wanted to create a solution for both small and large game studios. The Edge license enables game developers to do what they're good in: developing great mobile games. Edge takes care of the multi-platform issues."

Edge licensees are entitled to create and release as many commercial games and applications as desired for all supported platforms during the licensing period. An evaluation version of the Edge SDK is also available.

Commercially available game titles like the action platformer Li-Nuggz, space shooter Blazar and popular multi-player puzzle game Quartz 2 are powered by Edge.

More information can be found on the product website located at http://www.edgelib.com.


ABOUT ELEMENTS INTERACTIVE
Founded in January 1996 in the Netherlands as an agency for webdevelopment, Elements Interactive B.V. opens its mobile game division officially in late 2003 by releasing the first game, S-Tris, as freeware. The in-house development of mobile game engine Edge enables Elements Interactive to develop quality games for a variety of mobile devices more efficiently. Game titles of Elements Interactive include S-Tris, E-Ball, Foo Fighter, Li-Nuggz, Blazar and the Quartz series of puzzle games.
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Nov 25 EMCC Software: An Introduction to PTT
Found in:Mobile News,

This months technical briefing from EMCC Software looks ta the increasingly popular push-to-talk (PTT). The article reviews how PTT works and the standards that underpin its successful widespread adoption.

There is an alternative to circuit-switched voice calls tha become very popular recently, especially in the US. It is push-to-talk (PTT).

Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) is a half-duplex, two-way communication service. It basically works like a walkie-ta where only one participant at a time is allowed to speak not meant to be a replacement for normal circuit-switch voice calls, but was designed for a quick exchange of information between users.

It is very easy to use a PTT application. The user s contact from the contacts list (which typically also display presence status of the contact) and holds down the dedic PTT button while speaking. The voice is immediately transferred to the other call participant(s) in real time.

Until now, only proprietary protocols were used to implem PTT functionality. However, in order to guarantee interoperability, the open mobile alliance (OMA) is in the process of specifying an open standard for PTT. OMA mem include wireless vendors like Nokia or Motorola, informat technology companies, mobile network operators as wel application and content providers. At the time of writing latest version of this standard is candidate version 1.0 (6th October, 2005) [1]. A number of OMA-compliant servers a clients are currently under development.

What are the main building blocks of a PTT system? Apa a PoC client, there is obviously a need for a PoC server as The PoC server's responsibility is to allow clients to regist to manage PTT sessions. As soon as a PoC session is established, the client can transmit audio data.

The user's contact lists are stored on the shared XML document management (XDM) server. These lists are stored an application-independent format and therefore can be sh with other applications. PTT-specific data structures like Po groups are stored on the PoC XDM server. In order to acces any XDM server, an aggregation proxy implements an HTTP proxy that forwards any incoming requests from the client t the appropriate XDM server.

As mentioned above, presence is a feature which is suppor by most PTT clients. It allows the user to view the current presence states of the contacts in the user's contacts list. Possible presence states are for example “online”, “busy” o not disturb”. A presence server stores the presence inform and notifies the client about presence changes. The user c also set his or her own presence. Presence functiona optional for OMA PoC.

Another optional building block of a PTT system is the devic provisioning and management (DM) server. It is used to initialise and update all configuration parameters necessary the PoC client.

In addition to “normal” one-to-one PTT calls, the OMA specification describes calls which involve a group of subscribers. Pre-arranged groups contain a number of contacts and can be called by selecting the group in the PTT application and pressing the PTT button. Ad-hoc groups only exist during the lifetime of the call. The user has to select the group participants before calling this group. When a pre-arranged or ad-hoc group is initiated, all members of the group are invited to the call. This is not the case with chat groups. A chat group is a group where users can join and leave whenever they like. In order to share groups, group advertisement is defined.

So how does PTT really work? Under the hood of a PoC client, a number of important protocols exchange messages with a server.

The first is the session initiation protocol (SIP). It is a general purpose protocol which can be used to establish any kind of session. It is used to register with the server and send invite messages which start a session. SIP uses the session description protocol (SDP) to agree on media parameters for a PoC session.

For the transmission of audio data between clients, the time transport protocol (RTP) as well as the RTP contro protocol (RTCP) are used. The latter is used to ensure t quality of the audio channel.

Before the user can speak, the client has to request the floor from the server. This is necessary to guarantee that only one participant at a time is allowed to transmit audio data. When the server receives such a request it can allow or reject it. Additionally, the server can revoke the right to speak any time. The protocol that is used for floor control is called talk burst control protocol (TBCP) and is uses RTCP messages for the exchange of information.

For the implementation of a fully OMA-compliant PoC solution, several hundred pages of specifications have to be read, understood, and correctly implemented. It is no surprise that most implementations wouldn't be able to interoperate smoothly without any testing. In order to ensure interoperability between PTT solutions, the OMA regularly hosts so-called TestFestivals or TestFests. During this event, OMA members can test crossvendor combinations and make sure they interoperate correctly.

To summarise, PTT is a solution which has its place alongside circuit-switched and voice-over-IP calls. Its main advantage is instant access, simplicity, as well as the efficient use of network resources. But the functionality described above is only the beginning of a whole series of so-called push-to-X services. Like PTT, the point of these services is instant access. Examples are push-to-view, which allows users to share images during a PTT call or push-to-find, where location information is transferred.

About EMCC Software Limited

EMCC Software is a leading Symbian, Series 60 and UIQ Competence Center, providing software development service and solutions to the mobile industry. They have been worki closely with Symbian and the device manufactures for over seven years, helping to develop the Symbian OS platform, mobile phones and innovative applications and solutions. Building on their reputation for technical excellence, EM CC has recently received accredited certification against the ISO9001:2000 standard and TickIT Guidelines Issue 5. Fur information about EMCC Software Ltd and the services they offer can be found at www. emccsoft. com.

[1] The OMA PTT specification can be found at
http://www.openmobilealliance.org/release_program/poc-v1_0.html

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Nov 17 Google Goes Mobile with Local Service
Found in:Mobile News,

Google's beta launch of Google Local for mobile, a free JAVA app download that gives users the ability to locate addresses or businesses in the U.S. from a mobile phone.

The app offers "several features that are mobile-phone specific, like a click-to-call capability. It also provides small interactive maps that let users zoom in or out of a specific location, as well as satellite imagery that can provide a bird's eye view of a site."

Yankee Group analyst Linda Barrabee noted that "Google has been aggressive in the wireless space," citing the "company's SMS-based search capabilities that use text messaging for getting driving directions and finding business locations."

Barrabee said, "For customers who like Google, and want access on their phones to the same applications offered on the PC, such as Local, this could be popular. In the wireless environment, local information is critical."

Barrabee added. "Most carriers want their users to stay on the company's home page, yet this could drive usage of data services. The bottom line, though, is how Google makes people aware of this application."

Barrabee suggested that Google "needed to extend the service to additional devices and platforms, such as BREW, Palm, and BlackBerry."

I had a chance to play with it today and it is a cool little app. Very easy to set up as I had Google text me the link for downloading. I can definitely see myself using it when I'm out and about and need to find somewhere to eat or something...
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Feb 13 HP announces new iPAQ phone - hw6900 series
Found in:Devices, iPAQ, Smartphone,

Couple of months ago there was a rumour about a new HP iPAQ hw6900 phone and today it's finally confirmed at the 2006 3GSM World Congress.

The hw6900 is the successor of the hw6500 series and features similar 240x240 pixels 65k color touch display and full QWERTY keyboard. The hw6940 runs the latest version 5.0 of Windows Mobile Operating System for Pocket PC Phones and improves CPU power to 416 MHz, through Intel PXA270 Processor. HP iPAQ hw6940 main specifications are:

• Quad-band GSM phone; GPRS/EDGE support
• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 OS for Pocket PC Phones
• 3.0-inch 65k color touch display
• 1.3-megapixel camera with flash and mirror for self-portrait
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 802.11b support
• miniSD expandable memory

source Phone Arena

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Apr 03 HP iPAQ hx2000/hx4700 Series Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Driver Update
Found in:iPAQ, Pocket PC,

HP has just released an update for iPAQ hx2000/hx4700 Series running Windows Mobile 2003 which enables the Pause and Next/Previous Track buttons to work properly with Microsoft Media Player 10. It's recommended to download and install the update if you are using a BT headset.

The update requires:
* Microsoft ActiveSync 3.7 (or later) is required.
* One of the listed iPAQ handheld models with ROM version 1.01 installed.

HOW TO USE:
1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.
2. Establish an Activesync connection between the handheld and host PC.
3. Execute the downloaded file. When the installation is complete, the handheld performs a soft reset.

Supported Models:
HP iPAQ hx2700 Pocket PC Series
HP iPAQ hx2400 Pocket PC Series
HP iPAQ hx4700 Pocket PC Series
HP iPAQ hx2100 Pocket PC Series

more info and download here
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Nov 01 HTC Universal (i-mate JASJAR) released
Found in:Devices,

The HTC Universal is one of the most eagerly awaited devices of the past few months (and perhaps years) among all fans of pocketsize computers with a Microsoft operating system. Bill Gates himself used this device to present a new version of the OS called Windows Mobile 5, which is "faster, more stable, more intuitive, more sophisticated and user-friendlier" TM than all the previous version combined. This would have wreaked panic among piggybanks had they have access to online tech news. Few had expected that it would take another four months for the threat to materialise when the device eventually hit the shelves.
Like many other Pocket PCs from HTC, the HTC Universal, too, is marketed under several different brands. This is important, because vendors may offer slightly modified versions, differing in anything from accessories to pre-installed software. I had a model from i-mate name i-mate JASJAR. I would like to thank AH Mobile for lending me the device for review purposes.
What is in the box?

The contents of the package may seem quite low-profile considered the price. Although it includes everything you need to start using the device straight away yet a few more accessories would certainly be welcome. So, what is in the box?
The box The device in my hand

* HTC Universal
* 2x stylus
* Pouch
* Battery
* Stereo headset
* USB data cable
* Travel AC adapter
* 1x application CD-ROM
* User guide
* Quick-start guide

Although the HTC Universal is very tempting, we will leave alone for now and take a look at the accessories first. The package contains two 95-millimetre styluses that are different from usual touch-screen writing aids - these are not round but rectangular. The main part is made of light metal, the tip and the top are plastic. The shape of the stylus is so intricate that its description is beyond my linguistic skills - please refer to a photo below. Even though it is not very long, I was much more comfortable with it than with the stylus supplied with MDA Compact. The difference is that the top of the Universal's stylus did not scratch my palm, unlike the Compact's.
HTC Universal and the stylus
I have somewhat mixed feelings about the pouch bundled with the device. It is hard to think of any innovative case considered the hinge-mounted display. However, the pouch shipped with the device is too simple by me. It is good one is included, nevertheless, most users will probably buy a different one or do without it. It is nothing more than a strip of leatherette forming a pocket, holding together by rubber strips on the sides. It is softly padded on the inside; large surfaces are reinforced with solid plates. It will prevent scratches when you carry the device in your briefcase rather than provide protection against brutal force. Some parts of the device are not protected at all, so the first fall on the ground may well be the last. Another big disadvantage is the absence of any belt clip or hook or something. It seems that HTC thinks the device's weight will deter anyone from carrying the device on the belt.
Case Device in the case
A stereo headset is supplied with all phone-enabled pocket computers. The one bundled with the HTC Universal is cut above the average. Its 3.5-millimetre jack is gold-plated; the standard type of connector makes it possible to use any other pair of headphones. The earplug-type headset includes a remote control with an integrated microphone, volume control, and call make/break button. The shape of the earplugs is unusual yet they feel quite comfortable in the ear.
Headset Close-up of the headset
The USB data cable is the most ordinary one you can imagine, with a standard connector on the one end to plug in the PC and a miniUSB connector on the other end to plug into the device, with 120 cm of insulated wires in between.
USB data cable
The AC adapter is relatively small, with a 175-cm cable. I had to use a mains plug adapter but the device should ship with standard plugs used in the given geography.
AC adapter
The rest of the package includes common items, such as an applications CD. No localisation SW is included but again, it should be present depending on the target market. A quick-start guide is there for impatient users, others can learn everything from a detailed 190-page manual. And that's about all of some interest in the box:)
DESIGN:
If you are considering HTC Universal as your next pocket device, you need to answer a fundamental question first: do you really want to have a pocket-size device that will not fit in any pocket? However funny the question may sound, the size of the device is a fact you either have to accept or look elsewhere. On the other hand, size is not the only parameter that matters. If you compare the device with other Pocket PCs, you need to bear in mind that although the operating system is the same as that in the MDA Compact or iPAQ, it is a completely different category. I hate that word but the HTC Universal is a full-fledged communicator. The dimensions are exactly 5.00 x 3.19 x 0.98 inches / 81 x 127.7 x 25 millimetres and the device weighs 10 ounces / 285 grams. If you compare the HTC Universal with other VGA Pocket PCs, you will find that two of the three dimensions are not far from the average, the only big difference being the thickness (especially when considered it offers only one SD expansion slot and no CF slot). In To sum it up, the HTC Universal is quite bulky and heavy to carry around in the pocket. Considered the large size, it is good that the designers abandoned traditional silver colour and opted for glossy dark grey instead. t is a mater of discussion whether the colour makes it appear smaller but I like it better than the silver colour of Compact, anyway.

It is somewhat more difficult to describe the shape of this device than that of other Pocket PCs. This is because, as you may know, the HTC Universal can change its configuration. The device comprises two parts joined by a hinge - a larger part with a keyboard and a smaller part with a display that can rotate around two axes: around the hinge and a swivel built in the middle of the hinge. This makes it possible to use the device in two modes. You can either open the display and use the device as a miniature laptop, controlling it mainly by the keyboard, or turn the display around the swivel and close down to the main part to create a rather bulky Pocket PC that you can control using a touch display and stylus. I believe a series of photographs can tell more than a thousand words, so take a look.
HTC Universal HTC Universal HTC Universal HTC Universal

When the device is closed, its two part are not fastened together, so it is quick and easy to open the display. The display can be left in a range of positions but won't work with the stylus properly if it is not open fully - if the upper part is not fully open, it will yield under the pressure of the stylus until it reaches the end position. In this position, the display works in the landscape mode, creating a perfect impression of a "bonsai laptop".

If we turn the display vertically by 180 degrees and fold up the device, the Universal will become a classic Pocket PC. The display will automatically switch to the portrait mode and we can work. Over the few days I tested the device I could not get accustomed to this mode because of the device's weight, which is 300 grams. I should start working out:), to say nothing about female users. I let my wife try the device and its compatibility with her hand was yet lower. One would need to get used to but having used MDA Compact for several months, the difference is really big.

Moving on to design and we start with the device when closed. To make it clear, the device is lying on the table, with the inscription i-mate on the top facing the observer. Besides the inscription, there is only a loudspeaker on the top side. When we turn the device, we will find the lens of the better of the device's two integrated cameras, a high-power led that acts as a flash, and a cover of the battery compartment and SIM card slot. In order to prevent sliding of the device on the desk and scratches on rough surfaces, there is a rubber pad in each corner.
The front is a feast for symmetry lovers, with two loudspeaker grills, three buttons, a volume slider and an infrared sensor. Two out of the three buttons arte user-definable. The first one controls the camera, i.e. launches the camera application and releases the shutter. The second one starts sound recording and enables voice control of the device. The third one toggles backlight.
The right- and left-hand sides are less populated with controls, the right being totally bare, the left hosting an SD slot and the power switch.
Close-up of partially ejected SD card Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700 Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700

From this view, the rear somewhat resembles a full-fledged laptop computer with a headphones jack, a soft reset button, miniUSB connector for the synchronisation cable or power cable, two phone control buttons, two capped connectors for external antennas (GSM and WCDMA, respectively) and the stylus shaft.
Rear side Close-up of the rear side and hinge with pone control buttons Close-up of partly ejected stylus Comparison (top to bottom): MDA Compact, HTC Universal, iPAQ hx4700

That's not everything, of course. When we unfold the device, we can see another two large areas full of interesting elements. Most notably, it is the base part with a keyboard - more on that later. There are two rubber stumps in the right and left bottom corners that hold the display and keyboard at a sufficient distance to prevent the two parts from scratching each other. There are two curved LED indicators at the hinge. Both of them are two-coloured and inform about status and events: the left-hand one blinks green or blue to indicate wireless activity, while the right-hand one blinks green or orange to notify of alarms and appointments and charging. A microphone is hidden in a small notch on the left edge next to the green call answer button. There is yet another element in the area above the keyboard worth attention: it is located above the i-mate inscription and looks like a soft reset button but in reality, it is a light sensor that activates red backlight of the keyboard whenever it comes to the conclusion that it is too dark around for comfortable typing.
HTC Universal HTC Universal

Finally, lets take a look at the last part we have not mentioned yet. the inner side of the upper part. It is dominated by a VGA display 3.6 inch in diameter. To the left of the display, we discover a small hole - a speaker for the phone. On the opposite side is a cursorpad with a separate central button and a miniature camera for videocalls. The cursorpad deserves more attention for several reasons, the main being its unsuitability for gaming: it is a standalone control (user-definable buttons are somewhere else), and it supports only the four main directions, no diagonals. Speaking about buttons, I should add that they can be locked to prevent accidental presses.
HTC Universal Close-up of the loudspeaker Close-up of the cursorpad and camera for videocalls

Overall, I consider the HTC Universal as very well designed, especially in this dark grey variant. It is assembled well and does not look like the manufacturer economised on materials, even though the body of the devices is almost completely made of plastic but a few small parts. The biggest question is if the hinge and swivel are durable enough of in the long run or if going to service will become a new pastime of users. It is impossible to find out in just a few days, so I have no answer to that question.

Keyboard

HTC Universal is not the first Pocket PC with an integrated QWERTY keyboard. However, apart from dead-end Handheld PCs, this is the one of the best keyboards ever implemented in MS OS-based mobile devices, or perhaps the very best. I believe it is a microswitch keyboard rather than a membrane one. An advantage of microswitches is longer travel, better response and therefore better experience of typing. A disadvantage is relatively noisy clicking, which some may find disturbing, especially in quiet environments (e.g. you wife trying to fall asleep:). The keyboard consists of 62 buttons arranged in six rows. Normal buttons are 9.5 wide and 8.5 millimetre long but there are some keys of different size. First of all, it is the entire top row, buttons along the margins (the shape of the keyboard is not rectangular but I-do-not-know-how-to-describe-angular - see photos). Spacing between the keys is immeasurable by ordinary means, it is just tiny. The F and J key have the usual stops that make it easier to type without looking at the keyboard.
Close-up of the keyboard Keyboard backlight setting

The keyboard includes two types of keys - system/function and alphanumeric. There are 12 system and function keys, including a red and a green key that control the phone (call make and break), two program control keys (the two horizontal lines whose press is equivalent to tapping on the left- or right-hand side of the bar), an OK key (equivalent to tapping the upper right corner of the screen), a function key for typing the secondary character (red characters in the upper left corner of alphanumeric keys), a Win button to invoke the Start menu, a SYM button that makes it possible to type accented characters, such as "Ç" (type C and then press repeatedly to switch between various accents; however, some letters of the Czech alphabet are not supported - a task for localisers), and 4 application buttons (two of them are user definable, mail and Pocket Internet Explorer cannot be changed).

I should not forget about red backlight which is both appealing and efficient. When the sensor detects bad light conditions, it will activate the backlight upon a press of a button. The Universal then looks like a device from a sci-fi film:) The red light is not overly intensive, so it does not become obtrusive even when typing for a long time. It is possible to set for how long the backlight will shine or deactivate it completely.
Keyboard backlight

My real-life experience is mostly positive. When I laid the device on the table, I could type with four fingers quite comfortably. Yet I found it much more convenient to hold the device in both hands and type with the thumbs as I could reach all the keys without any problems. I chatted over ICQ and typed text messages this way. It was significantly more comfortable than with the Compact. I would not probably type the whole review this way but it was perfect for shorter texts. However, it is not all praise: there are a few minor issues, too. One of them is the presence of just one SHIFT key (located on the left). If you want to type capital A or Z, you need to reach it with the other hand. The clicking of the keyboard is tolerable but those who prefer an absolute quiet may find it annoying. Finally, the spacebar occupies the same space as two ordinary keys. Unfortunately, it has two microswitches, which is why I sometimes accidentally typed two spaces instead of one. The keyboard is generally very good and surely competitive in its category.
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Nov 21 Microsoft ActiveSync 4.1.0 Build 4841
Found in:Software,

Microsoft ActiveSync is the latest synchronization software for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones.
Microsoft ActiveSync provides a great synchronization experience with Windows®-based PCs and Microsoft Outlook right out of the box. ActiveSync acts as the gateway between your Windows-based PC and Windows Mobile-based device, enabling the transfer of Outlook information, Office documents, pictures, music, videos and applications from your desktop to your device.

In addition to synchronizing with a desktop PC, ActiveSync can synchronize directly with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 so that you can keep your e-mail, calendar data, notes and contact information updated wirelessly when you’re away from your PC.
NOTE: Faster file transfer speed and photo sync via Outlook are only available for Windows Mobile 5.0-based devices.
Remote PC Sync (via Wifi or LAN) has been removed due to Enterprise customer feedback around security issues. If you are using this feature on a Windows Mobile 2003-based device, please continue using ActiveSync 3.x or earlier.
Beginning in 2006, customers using Microsoft Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2 with devices running the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0 will benefit from the following feature enhancements in ActiveSync 4.1: DirectPush Mail, local device wipe, and certificate-based authentication to Exchange Server.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 for Itanium-based Systems; Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition; Windows XP Media Center Edition; Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition (Itanium) ; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Microsoft® Outlook® 2000, Microsoft ®Outlook® XP, or Microsoft® Outlook® 2003 messaging and collaboration clients required for synchronization to the desktop or portable computer of e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes. (Outlook 2003 is recommended)
• Microsoft® Office 2000, Nicrosoft® Office XP or Microsoft® Office 2003
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (required)
• Microsoft® Systems Management Server 2.0
The following mobile device operating systems are supported by ActiveSync 4.1:
• Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0
• Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 5.0
• Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 2003 Second Edition
• Microsoft® Windows Mobile® 2003
• Microsoft® Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft® Windows® CE OS version 3.0
• Microsoft® Smartphone 2002, Microsoft® Windows® CE OS version 3.0
The latest synchronization software for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones.
What's New in This Release:
· New partnership wizard to help customers more easily setup a sync partnership
· Faster transfer of data files including media
· Ability to sync photos assigned to contacts from Outlook on the desktop
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Oct 16 Microsoft offers free webinars to Mobile Technology developers
Found in:Mobile News,

Microsoft offers free webinars to Mobile Technology developers Mobile application development using .NET technologies enables you to reduce development time while easily creating new applications or porting current desktop applications to mobile devices. Tune in to this series to learn more about the Windows Mobile platform and the Visual Studio .NET toolset. Experts from Microsoft and our partner community will cover a wide array of topics including secure data connectivity, API support, the .NET Compact Framework, and native versus managed code.
Bonus: Attend any live webcast in this series to qualify for a chance to win your choice of a Pocket PC or Smartphone (official rules) or a Portable Media Center (official rules) pre-loaded with our best MSDN webcasts. Offer open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.


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Jan 03 Pocket Informant, WebIS Mail, WeBIS Toolbox Prices Reduced
Found in:Software,

Late in 2005 WebIS put out a broad discounting of their products to test the market. It seems the response was great, because the company has just announced a wide reduction of prices on software for Windows Mobile Pocket PC. New reduced prices for WeBIS software are now permanent. Pocket Informant is now US$24.95. WebIS Mail is US$19.95, and WeBIS Toolbox is now US$12.95.

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