Windows Mobile Pocket PC & Symbian Smartphone software and freeware, reviews, tips & tricks

Dec 22 Vodafone Hits German with VPA II Compact Pocket PC Phone Edition
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Devices, Smartphone,

Vodafone Germany has launched its own version of the HTC Wizard Pocket PC Phone Edition. The device is running Windows Mobile 5.0 and comes with a 1.3 megapixel digital camera. The device is SMS, MMS and WAP capable, with other Internet capabilities, such as HTML browsing, email, synchronisation with Exchange servers over the air, and Instant Messaging. For multimedia use it includes the Windows Media Player Mobile 10.

The model introduces a sliding keyboard that will make it easier for users to take advantage of updated versions of office software, including Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and a new PowerPoint viewer.

This quadband GSM/GPRS Pocket PC Phone Edition also comes with Wireless LAN and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, plus a built-in 1,3 megapixel digital camera.

A TI Omap 850 CPU powers this device, and users will have 64MB RAM for program execution and 128MB ROM for OS and permanent storage.

Vodafone New Zealand and Vodafone Australia already sell the HTC Wizard under the brand name i-mate.

The VPA compact II united mobile phone and PDA functions in only one equipment and can simply over the Windows surface be served. For comfortable text inputs and compact dimensions a laterally shove outable keyboard provides. The screen display changes thereby automatically of the PDA Normalansicht in the landscape format.

Users can work on with it on the way very comfortably enamels and appendices of file as well as administer their dates and contacts. Besides has the VPA compact II 1.3 a megapixel digital camera and a multiplicity of helpful interfaces on board. The entrance to the InterNet or firm net can be made not only by means of fast GPRS data links, but also by local w-LAN-Hotspots.

The VPA compact II made possible above all business customer on the way very comfortable working - examples are self-employed persons, in addition, larger enterprises, who want to merge their mobile coworkers smoothly into the operational communication process.

With the VPA compact II can enamels, task lists, calendar and address data be administered and owing to Active Sync software with Microsoft Outlook be synchronized. The handy PDA brings straight once 160 gram on the balance and is at the same time a Quadband-mobile phone, which remains also on international business trips on receipt.

The VPA compact II becomes completely for all Vodafone services such as E-Mail, InterNet, Vodafone live! and SMS before-configures delivered. For communication with stationary computers or other mobile devices stand a Bluetooth -, infrared and US B interface for order. The VPA compact II is immediately available. In connection with a run time contract the PDA costs 149.50 euro. Without contract the price amounts to 799.50 euro.

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Dec 20 Toyspring released 3D Mines for Palm
Published by root in:Games,

The new dimension of MineSweeper is ready for your Palm device. The game is really amazing and the 3D engine provide a unique experience. 3D Mines costs only $7.77 available for order here



Grayscale support Some devices (like Zire 21) only have 4 bit (grayscale) display. The current version of the game is not compatible but you can try the new v1.1 beta 1 (download). Please e-mail the developer if it works on your device!

Here is a screenshot taken in v1.1 running on Treo 600 in grayscale mode.



Game overview
The new dimension of MineSweeper!

* 3D minefields of various sizes and shapes
* View the playing board from any angle
* Beginner, Medium and Expert difficulty levels
* Keeps track of your best times for each board and level
* Both "Long tap" and "Button tap" can be used to mark a mine

# How To Play
# Tap quickly to open a field
# Tap and hold to mark a mine (or: tap while holding the up/down button)
# Tap and drag to rotate the playing board
# Use menu to access more shapes and difficulty levels
# Wrong tap? Slide the stylus off the field to cancel
# In many cases you can rotate the board to gain a better view of the desired region
# You can adjust the sound volume in the system Prefs application (3D Mines respect the Game Sound settings)
# Adjacent fields are automatically highlighted while playing the Beginner level

If you have free time and a Palm OS powered handheld this game is more than recommended ;-)


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Dec 20 Mobile Instant Messaging presented and offered by Openwave and Thumbspeed
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Mobile News,

"Mobile instant messaging allows consumers to access the most in-demand applications from leading instant messaging providers like AOL, MSN and Yahoo!, available conveniently on their mobile phone," said Olivier Bartholot, head of the client business unit at Openwave. "Our agreement with Thumbspeed gives us the opportunity to increase the availability of high-quality mobile IM services and is a win-win for operators and handset manufacturers in raising the appeal of their offerings with an increasingly popular form of communication."

"Thumbspeed and Openwave both share strong backgrounds in the mobile content and messaging space," Hank Skorny, president and CEO, Thumbspeed. "This agreement offers operators and handset manufacturers the freedom to choose how and when they deploy mobile instant messaging services and provides users with a rich, instant messaging experience on the widest possible range of mobile devices."

The Thumbspeed IM client will be offered in addition to the Openwave(R) Instant Messaging Client that is currently embedded on mobile handsets around the world. The new IM client can work across Java (J2ME & BlackBerry(R)), BREW(R), Symbian(R), Windows Mobile(R), and Palm environments on devices from all major manufacturers, giving operators and handset manufacturers the most choice available in adding this solution to their available services. The Openwave Instant Messaging Client offers support for custom operator services and is used as the foundation for building full IM applications and presence- enhanced phonebooks.

The Openwave Instant Messaging Client is part of a suite of mobile messaging software offered by Openwave. Openwave's messaging, location, browsing and content services span all networks and devices. Today, Openwave software is used by more than 100 mobile operators, broadband providers and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to enable access to data services for more than 500 million consumers around the world.

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Dec 20 Car-Pal OBD Interface Unit Works with Pocket PC and Palm
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Hardware,

Vital Engineering Ltd is introducing the Car-Pal OBD Interface Unit. The Car-Pal OBD Interface Unit operates with any vehicle equipped with OBD II, using ISO, SAE or CAN protocols. This covers vehicles built for the USA market since 1996 and for the European and Asian markets since 2001.The product is fully compatible with the CAN protocols used on some vehicles built since 2004/2005 and with PWM, VPWM protocols used on some USA vehicles, including GM, Chrysler and Ford.

The software supplied with the Car-Pal OBD Interface Unit can retrieve and clear both Generic and Manufacturer specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTC); display generic code definitions on-screen; switch off 'Check Engine' Light; reset the ECU to clear fault codes; display live sensor data and freeze frame data (PC platform only); measure performance data, such as 0-60 mph times and Ό mile times (PC platform only); communicate with Engine Management System and Emissions Systems; record your own “freeze frame” data in software with one button click.

Users will be able to purchase a wired (RS232 serial) or wireless (Bluetooth) version of the product, which includes software for Palm OS or Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone.

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Dec 20 Twisted Grille for Pocket PC Released by Moon Valley
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Software,

Moon Valley Software enters the PDA software market with a side-splitting photo editing program entitled Twisted Grille. Using Twisted Grille and a PC or a Windows Mobile Pocket PC, users can take the photos of friends, family and create strange images. A version for Palm OS devices is being developed.The software offers thousands of image add-ons to choose from. Users can customize the original picture with anything from detailed piercings, to a clown suit.

The program has also the ability to photoblog in seconds. Twisted Grille allows users to post doctored photos directly on Myspace as well as Blogger, Xanga, or Live Journal with no knowledge of HTML code required. For users without a blog space, the company offers a hosted solution of its own, Moon Valley Software offers a free 5 day trial after which the software can be purchased for US$9.95.

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Dec 20 iAnywhere Enhances Mobile Sync Software Portfolio with Launch of Updated XTNDConnect PC
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Mobile News,

XTNDConnect PC is a software application that allows users to synchronize contacts, calendars, tasks, email and notes between mobile devices and popular PC applications such as ACT!, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes and Novell Groupwise. XTNDConnect PC was recently acquired by Sybase through its purchase of Extended Systems in October 2005 and is being integrated into Sybase's iAnywhere subsidiary.

"We believe we are well-positioned to provide support for the multitude of Windows Mobile 5.0 devices that are now entering the market," said Gerd Uitdewilligen, XTNDConnect PC product manager at iAnywhere. "In addition, XTNDConnect PC provides great flexibility with its support for numerous phones and PDAs and multiple desktop PIMs in many different languages." Along with Windows Mobile 5.0, XTNDConnect PC 5.4 supports additional Windows-powered devices such as Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone edition and Smartphone devices. Most Palm, Sony Ericsson and NEC phone models are also supported. XTNDConnect PC is available in 11 languages and has been validated in the market with more than 25 million copies shipped.

iAnywhere enables success at the front lines of business. The company holds worldwide market leadership positions in mobile and embedded databases, mobile management and security, mobile middleware and synchronization, and Bluetooth(R) and infrared protocol technologies. Tens of millions of mobile devices, millions of subscribers, and 20,000 customers and partners rely on the company's "Always Available" technologies, including SQL Anywhere, Afaria, OneBridge, and the AvantGo(R) mobile Internet service. iAnywhere is a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY). Visit http://www.ianywhere.com for more information.

Sybase, iAnywhere, iAnywhere Solutions, SQL Anywhere, Afaria, OneBridge, XTNDConnect PC and AvantGo are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Sybase, Inc. or its subsidiaries. (R) indicates registration in the United States of America. The Bluetooth trademark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by iAnywhere is under license. All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

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Dec 20 Turn Your Mobile Phone into a PDA with Remo
Published by root in:Software,

Accessing your Email, Contacts, and Appointment Calendar from Your Desktop Making Your Phone an Affordable Alternative to Complex, Expensive, & Bulky PDA's or Smart Phone Devices.Remo is compatible with Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes, and Palm Desktop software.Remoba Inc. the developers of software solutions for mobile phones, releases its latest build of Remo.

Remo is a software application that provides access to email, contacts, and calendar on every day mobile phones with synchronizing capabilities to your personal or corporate computer. The email application accepts POP, POP3, and IMAP formats as well as any internet based e-mail account such as Hotmail, Yahoo, and gMail. With Remo, regular mobile phones become high-end PDA/Smart Phones for a fraction of the cost. The Key Features of Remo are:
Easy to install, little to no IT support, no upfront fees, and no annual contracts
Get emails from up to ten different e-mail accounts, including corporate POP, POP3, IMAP, and free internet based email accounts such as Hotmail, Yahoo, and gMail.
Receive, read, compose, forward, reply, organize into subfolders, and delete emails
Capable of storing 50 customized Quick Messages with 22 ready to use messages provided by Remo
Integration with your email address book. No need to manually type in an email address, just pull it up in contacts and hit send.
Access to an unlimited number of contacts from your personal or corporate computer to your mobile phone and vise versa.
View, update, or delete events from your personal electronic calendar when and where you need it.
Receive text alerts before meetings or other important events such as birthdays or anniversaries
Search and call contacts by last name, first name, company name, e-mail address, or any combination by highlighting and pressing dial.
Access more than just phone numbers: get e-mail and personal addresses, company names, or anything in the notes field.
Two way sync: Back up the existing calendar and contacts from your mobile phone to your personal or corporate computer and download the new calendar and contacts from your personal or corporate computer straight to your mobile phone at the same time.

For security, Remo supports corporate firewalls, various proxy configurations, and up to 128-bit SSL data encryption to prevent interception of data. E-mails stay on the original server and are not permanently downloaded to your mobile phone Remo is a perfect cost and time saving solution for a gadget-cluttered world. From the student who wants to keep in contact with their friends to the business professional who needs mobile accessibility to their e-mails, calendar, and contacts when on the go, Remo is the perfect alternative to bulky PDA's or Smart Phones says Guru Thalapaneni, President & CEO of Remoba Inc.
Remo is available at Verizon Wireless and many other mobile phone carriers. Verizon customers may download Remo from the Get-It-Now section. For more information about Remo, please visit http://www.remoba.com/remo.html


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Dec 19 SmartProfile for Windows Mobile Smartphone released
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Software,

Will switch sound profile based on appointments that can be filtered by categories and busy status.SmartProfile expands the default sound profile switching feature built into Windows Mobile for the Smartphone. It will allow for filtering of the appointments based on busy status and categories. It also will allow the user to choose the sound profiles to use as normal and meeting modes. If the user wants to simply have the profile switch for a specific amount of time, then simply choose the fix time mode, and the profile will switch for the specified about of time.

Features :

- Filtering based on categories to include or exclude.
- Filtering based on busy status (Busy, Free, Tentative, Out of Office).
- Fixed time mode for switching profile for specified amount of time.
- Optionally loads at start up time.

Should work on any WM 2003 device.

Trial version will last 15 days and then will expire. Otherwise it is a full featured version.

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Dec 19 Freedom Bluetooth Mini PDA Keyboard
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Accessories, Bluetooth,

Freedom Bluetooth is ultra-compact, lightweight keyboard that makes easier entering data while on the move. Although only slightly bigger than a credit card, the keyboard is still easy to use. The QWERTY keyboard allows for easy and precise data entry, without using the touch screen. Easy fits in your pocket and even easier to use, this keyboard is ideal solution for anyone who is looking to enter data quickly and easily. Bluetooth connection and battery powered means there are no wires to get tangled.

Features :

# Lightweight and mini size means it can fit in your pocket
# Bluetooth connection so there are no wires
# Battery powered
# QWERTY keyboard

Ultra compact in design and a wide compatiblity with Bluetooth enabled devices, the Freedom mini Bluetooth keyboard extends the input capability of a PDA or smartphone. Type texts, e-mails or documents quickly and accurately with the metal domed, 39 key standard layout, and navigate using a 4-way 'game pad' control.

Access to key tasks can be customised by using programmable keys and shortcuts, and a backlight to the keys allows use in dim lighting, such as on a train or plane. Two AAA batteries provide enough power for up to 120 hours of continuous use. An auto power off feature conserves battery life when not in use, and a low battery status indicator reminds you when to change the batteries.

Buy this device for $75.95 at http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=1461&t_mode=des

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Dec 19 Build Instant Photo Album with ShoZu
Published by Vesselin Nerdeff in:Mobile News,

In present times camera phones start to offer mega pixel image resolution and they are becoming a real alternative to traditional compact cameras, the companion of holiday makers, day trippers and party goers the world over. The challenge is how to share those pictures.Until recently, uploading through a PC has been the only practical way to do this, hardly the immediate offering that should be possible. Many services allow pictures to be emailed in, but that is slow and laborious, and carries a data overhead.

One option to achieve instant uploads is ShoZu, from British developer Cognima. ShoZu is a free application that runs on a range of S60, UIQ and Java devices It can post photos directly to Flickr, Webshots and Textamerica (with other photo sites to be supported in the future, according to Cognima). ShoZu can also upload videos to Webshots and Textamerica, unfortunately video is not supported on Flickr.

Taking advantage of ShoZu, after creating an account on the chosen photo site, is simply a matter of registering at www.shozu.com and downloading the ShoZu software. The registration process is simple. The user suggests a username and password and authorizes ShoZu to access their account on the photo web site, before downloading the ShoZu software. It is also possible to define default tags for every uploaded item.

The software installation process starts by identifying the device model and phone number, after which ShoZu sends the device an SMS containing a link to download the ShoZu software. Selecting this link initiated the download process, which, when complete, automatically starts software installation.

Once ShoZu is installed the next step is activation. This is done by entering the ShoZu username and password chosen on the Web site.

Activation takes a few minutes. Once it is complete ShoZu is ready to use. ShoZu's default behavior means that each time a photo is taken a prompt asks if the photo should be sent to the user's chosen photo site or if ShoZu should be opened.

Selecting "Save to web" does exactly that and returns directly to the camera application. Opening ShoZu displays a list of the photos on the devices. The primary reason for opening ShoZu is to add a comment and tags to the image.



Comments and tags can be added before or after photos are uploaded. If a comment is added before the photo is uploaded, the upload has to be manually initiated from ShoZu.

ShoZu adds an icon to each photo so its status can be easily identified. A ShoZu logo indicates uploaded photos, a green arrow indicates photos being (or waiting to be) uploaded, and a small speech bubble indicates the photos to which comments have been added.



Uploading from ShoZu is reliable and, as far as can be judged, is efficient with only a small overhead (about 4%) on the photo data used in transmission. (An email might add a 50% overhead.) If the upload is interrupted, by loss of the data connection due to a lack of coverage or an incoming call, the transfer is completed by only sending the outstanding data, not restarting the download.
While ShoZu's default behavior prompts the user as each photo is taken, it can be set to either automatically upload each photo taken (without prompting for confirmation) or to simply save photos into the device's album for later selection to upload. The behavior can be defined separately for photos and videos.
One other notable feature of ShoZu is that it can also send images to an email address via the ShoZu service. This means the phone only sends the data associated with the message, not the entire photo (although if a photo that is not already uploaded is sent, the photo is uploaded too).



The only real drawback to ShoZu is that is does not allow the album a photo is stored in to be controlled. In Flickr photos to be classified as public or private, with private photos visible in either a family or friends album. As part of the user profile the default albums for uploaded photos can be set. So if all photos go to a private album by default making them public must be done in the Flickr Web account.
It is worth noting that when a photo is deleted from the phone (to make space for new ones) they remain on the Flickr account.
For anyone with a camera phone, who wants to share their images, ShoZu is a great option. It is simple to set up using the web interface and simple to use. It has the flexibility to allow the user to shoot in the knowledge that all their images are instantly shared with friends and family - and maybe the rest of the world - but also gives the option to control the images uploaded. The upload process is reliable and frugal, with a small data overhead. ShoZu is free, which is an added bonus, although the user obviously has to pay for the data traffic. (Cognima have indicated a free version, with at least the current feature, will always be available.)

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