software Windows Mobile Pocket PC news, reviews, tips & tricks

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 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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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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Nov 30 10,000 apps now available to iPhone users
Found in: iphone, apps, programs, software,

There are now 10,000 apps available for iPhone users in the iTunes app store, including 2,420 freewares.
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Jun 30 1Touch Contacts 3.0 for Pocket PC
Found in: Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, Software,

It’s contacts day today since they are an important part of our lives. We’ve seen a good looking FunContacts before and now we’re going to take a look at 1Touch Contacts 3.0 for Pocket PC.


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Mar 13 20% off your next order at PocketGear
Found in: Pocket PC, Software, Mobile News,

The leading Pocket PC software reseller PocketGear.com has announced their spring madness sale a 20% off coupon code for a limited time ! We suggest you to hurry up and check their top Windows Mobile applications. To take advantage of this promotion just enter this coupon code "MARCH20" at the software order page. Click here to browse PocketGear's ppc software.
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Jun 10 2dial IVR voicemail call automation for Treo
Found in: Software, Palm, Treo,

2dial application for IVR voicemail call automation for Treo.

"To play the message, press 1.
To pleay all messages, press 11.
To delete the message, press 76.
To save and play next, press 3.
..."

Unless you memorize all the commands, you need to listen to this menu every time you call your voicemail.
And another menu when you call your bank, And another one...

Why not let your Treo handle this for you ?

With 2dial, you can define a "profile" for every number of an IVR system you call.

You can have 2dial popup automatically when the IVR answers, and show you a screen of 12 buttons. You can assign each button to a command, and pre-program it with a name, an icon, and the digit sequence needed to execute the command.

This way - all you need to do is tap the button (or select it using the 5way navigator) to play, delete, save etc.

As a side bonus, 2dial can also turn on SpeakerPhone when the call is answered.

You can get your copy of 2dial here.

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Jul 10 9 More Companies Join the Symbian Foundation
Found in: Software, Symbian,

Since Nokia announced its intention to go open with the Symbian platform after fully purchasing Symbian, more and more companies were aroused by this new development in the mobile OS world. And more and more companies started joining the newly formed Symbian Foundation.


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Jul 08 A Fresh Look at Windows Mobile Interface - Winterface by VITO
Found in: Interface, Themes, Skins, Today Screen, Pocket PC, Software, Customization,



VITO Technology has just released new application which is highly customizable shell and has the purpose to improve standard WM interface. It is called Winterface and according to them is major breakthrough in the world of Windows Mobile interface.

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


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May 05 A Look at What is New With Free Voice Over IP Providers
Found in: Tips, Software, Pocket PC, Linux,

What you should know before signing up with a voice over IP provider. The information provided in this article is geared toward people who operate a Linux operating system and are interested in converting their Pocket PC into a free Voice Over IP Phone. At the end of this article you will see a comparison chart, which will show the following:

* What operating system/platform do you need? Will you be running a Linux, Macintosh, Pocket PC or Windows Microsoft operating system?
* What is the pricing structure?
* Will you be able to make calls from your computer to a real landline phone?
* The ability to use videoconferencing or not
* Where can you buy it?
* How is the sound quality?

I trolled the Internet for something new, interesting, unusual and perhaps something you’ve never heard about in the Voice Over IP or digital telephone markets. Before going further, I would like to define the following important industry terms:

* What is Voice Over IP?
* What does the term server-side mean?
* What does the term client-side mean?

In a recent article, Peter Wolchak of Backbone Business Technology Lifestyle, interviewed Mario Belanger, president of Avaya Canada to get his perspective on the Voice Over IP market. Mario Belanger said, "Over the next five years, we expect the Canadian telecom market will shift offering fully converged IP telephoning solutions. Globally, there are approximately 400 million business lines and only about 18 million to 20 million are IP based business phone lines, which works out to 5% of the market. We're seeing a dramatic growth in IP telephony we think it will continue over the next five years. Our goal over the next five years is for Avaya's communications solutions to become designed into the offerings from the Canadian service providers. For example, customers will be able to call their service providers in Avaya solutions designed to fit their needs. This is likely not going to happen within five years, but is a longer-term goal." Mario Belanger also shared that the new features such as: meet me conferencing and unified messaging will put Voice Over IP in a competitive advantage over traditional long-distance services.

What is voice over IP?

Simply put, Voice Over IP is the ability to make a telephone call from your computer. The call on the Internet that you make from your computer, Pocket PC, tablet PC or laptop is turned into a voice signal, which is patched into your callers’ regional telephone network. Voice Over IP, digital telephony or Internet telephony is a technology that brings both Internet and the phone together. Internet telephony is an exchange of voice data over a network. Your local telephone company has a dedicated network to transmit voice data. However, with Internet telephony, the voice data streams over a general network, which in this case is the Internet.

Here is what you need to make calls on your computer or Pocket PC:

Plug your landline phone into a broadband Internet router
* Plug the broadband router to your electrical outlet for power
* Connect a cable from your Internet ADSL or cable modem to the broadband router/Voice Over IP phone adapter unit
* Connect a cable from the voice over IP broadband router / phone adapter to a router or hub switch
* Connect your desktop computer, Pocket PC or laptop to a router / hub switch

If you do not understand this information, please click on this link:http://www.broadvoice.com/support_install_SPA2100-bv.html where you'll be directed to a diagram, that visually explains what you need to do to make calls on your computer or Pocket PC.

As a business user, it's important to take into account that there are problems in using this inexpensive technology to make long-distance calls from your computer. Please keep these in mind:

* When making an outgoing long-distance call, you may or may not connect. Voice Over IP is still in its infancy in development.
* If you're using a 56K modem as your Internet connection speed, your voice will have a delay in the connection. You can remedy that by subscribing to a broadband cable Internet service provider.
* Before calling your local telephone company to disconnect your landline, the Voice Over IP technology has a lot of catching up to do.
* What if you need to make an emergency call and call 911? You're not guaranteed 100% that you Voice Over IP call will go through. In my previous article Voice Over IP Comparison, which you'll find by clicking on this link: http://www.symbianone.com/content/view/2123/31/ I discussed how there are full-service Voice Over IP providers, that will allow you to make 911 calls. Both Vonage and Net2phone have this service.
* Another problem with digital telephony is that there is not an E.164 standard like the ones set up to assign cell phone or landline phone numbers.

Eavesdropping On An Internet Telephone Call

Since Voice Over IP is still a developing technology, it's really easy for even a high school student to hack into your system to spy on your Internet telephony conversation. Encryption is not available on Voice Over IP. I wouldn't advise you to throw your Mickey Mouse telephone away just yet!

What Does the Term Server-Side Mean?

The server-side in the Voice Over IP equation would be the Internet telephony service provider. You need to sign up with a Voice Over IP provider if you want to make Internet telephone calls. There are full-service telecommunication firms such as : SIP phone, SIP Broker, Vonage, lingo, AOL, Total Talk, Verizon Comcast, Shaw cable, and Baby Tel, which are Voice Over IP service providers. These providers offer web-based Voice Over IP service for a monthly subscription fee. Some digital telephony providers are free such as: Skype and X-lite Counterpart Solutions Inc. Watch how Skype lets you make Voice Over IP calls to a conventional landline. In this case, you'll only be able to make PC to PC calls. Forget about ordering pizza or Chinese food on a Friday night if you are Skype user.

Pocket PC Voice Over IP - A Surprising Feature

Pocket PC owners, you'll be glad to know there is a company called Counter Path Solutions Inc. who will sell you a single user license for your Pocket PC for only $29.95 USD. It's called a Pocket PC 2.2 Sip SOFT Phone. Best of all, you can make videoconferencing calls if you upgrade to the next level. When you save money by using your Pocket PC to make free long distance calls, it’s like crispy, salty beer nuts - it's addictive! Once you start, you can't stop. To find out how you can use your Pocket PC as an Internet phone, please click on this link: http://www.xten.com/index.php?menu=Products&smenu=PPC. Best of all, you don't even need a headset to make or receive calls using the Pocket PC 2.2 Sip SOFT Phone application.

What Does the Term Client-Side Mean?

There are generally three types of standards or protocols in a typical Voice Over IP solution.

• 1) H.323
• 2) SIP or Session Initiation Protocol
• 3) There are also third-party proprietary protocols used by: Skype, SCCP, CISCO.

What's the difference between the session initiation protocol and the rest of the different standards? SIP stores the VoIP customer's IP address in their own package. This can be a problem when your Linux, Macintosh or Microsoft Windows operating system is behind a firewall.

Both Gnome Meeting and Microsoft NetMeeting use the H.323 protocol. Apple's iChat, SIP phone and Microsoft Messanger use the Session Initiation Protocol(SIP).

Hardware for you - The Client

If you want to have the highest possible sound quality, consider these two options:

1) Purchase a TALKPro USB 100 parrot translator from VXI Corporation for only $129.00 USD. You can call them toll free at (800)742-8588. Their Corporate website is: vxicorp.com. Hours of operation are from 8AM to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Some of the features I really enjoy on this Macintosh certified headset include: volume dial control, the mute on and off button, the quick disconnect switch, Echo reduction, noise canceling technology ensuring higher speech recognition accuracy. Once you start using the VXI talk Pro headset, you'll never consider any other brand name. If you are also a Macintosh user, you'll be glad to know that these headsets are compatible with Macintosh laptops and computers. If you would like to read a recent press release on the talk Pro USB 100, please click on this link:http://www.vxicorp.com/about/Press/2006/2006-04-04.asp. In addition to the noise canceling technology, you'll also appreciate the very high call quality coming through on your TALKPro USB 100 parrot headset. This product comes with a two-year unconditional warranty.

2) In addition to considering your network architecture, look at how much available bandwidth you can access. I tested a Voice Over IP call using a slow dial-up 506K modem. The call was not even, there were dead gaps where I couldn't hear anything from the other caller. The static and connection was really poor and inconsistent. I tested another call using my Talk Pro USB 100 headset from VXI. This time using a high-speed broadband cable connection provided by Shaw cable, the call had clarity, there were no echo sounds, and I could hear the person very clearly through out the duration of the call. I was really impressed. I run a Linux operating system and installed Gnome Meeting on my computer and have found this to the best option.

If you want a use your Pocket PC as a Voice Over IP phone, your best bet is a Pocket PC 2.2 SIP phone from www.xten.net. Here is a comparison chart of four applications, which I tested. Comparison Chart.

	Gnome Meeting	Kphone	Skype	X-Lite
Licence	Open Source / GPL	Open Source / GPL	Proprietary free ware	Proprietary free ware
Operating System	Linux	Linux	Linux, MS windows, Mac	Pocket PC, Linux, MS windows, Mac
Make Calls from your computer to a real phone	Yes	No	No	No. But Pro-version. Possible
3 way calling	Yes	no	no	No. only in Pro-version
Sound quality	Very good, consistent	Good enough for me since I use Broadband connection	Good, sometimes choppy & flaky	The sound was good in both directions, sometimes on a subsequent call, there was static in the speech
Requires Headphones to work	yes	Yes	Yes	No
Protocol	H.323, SIP	SIP	Has their own proprietary Protocol	SIP
Where to buy it?	Gnome Meeting	Kphone Website	Skype Website	Buy it from the Xten Website

You are not bound by a fixed location. Like the old adage, have phone will travel; only now it's the broadband router and phone adapter that travels with you. Simply pack the adapter in your suitcase and at your new destination just plug it into a broadband connection. Say hi to your friends and neighbors back home just by using one of the Voice Over IP providers recommended above. Source: The Linux Journal issue 145.

Source: Rene Tse.

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