Microsoft's Newcomer: Kojax

It's a season of rumors here at the Mobile Spoon.

After talking about some Micro-Phone rumors, here's another one, spotted at ZDNet by Amir (thanks for the tip my friend!).

Kojax is the code name.

Kojax is a mobile development platform that will allow developing 'applets' in an Ajax-like way - using Microsoft's Visual Studio tools.

The technology will enable developing small JavaScript apps in Microsoft's powerful development - compatible with Java-based mobile phones.

According to ZDNet the type of applications that will fit this technology will be things like a virtual wallet for online payments, a group messaging service and photo-sharing app — things that build on top of Windows Live for Mobile services.

"Some of these Kojax-based applets will ad-funded; others will likely be transaction- and subscription-based."

I think that adding Java phones capabilities to Microsoft's great development platform would be a great addition and will give an opportunity for people who know Java but dislike dev Java tools (like myself) to develop for platforms other than PC or Windows Mobile.

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Tip: How to fix the D-Pad problem in HTC Touch Diamond / Pro / Fuze

I hate to be the one saying: "I told you so" but I did tell you so.

It took me couple of minutes of working with the Touch Diamond to notice that the d-pad which is embedded inside those 4 hardware keys is absolutely terrible. The sensitivity is too low, and since it's part of one physical surface holding more buttons many times clicking one of the arrows resulted in clicking 'back' or 'end'.

Here's a full thread in XDA-Developers with many complains about it.

And here's one of my older posts where I spotted it.

But, never mind me, I always complain, especially when it comes to the Diamond which I (for some reason) really don't like.

Today, I found that this problem can be solved, and since looking at my blog statistics I can see that the Diamond is one of the most popular topics (more posts in here) - I thought I will share it with my readers.

According to the thread in XDA - users which were using HTC Diamond, HTC Touch Pro/Fuze complained about the d-Pad, especially the 'right' button which doesn't work properly and many times triggers another hard button.

Luckily, it seems that there's a solution: instead of trying to press the rim of the D-pad, it may be better to actually press between the Back and End Call, or Home and Call button.

Here's some visual explanation:

This may not work properly:

This area is better when you wish to click 'right'

 

 

Here's a full video about this problem and solution:

Hope you find the tip useful.

 

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Sony Ericsson XPeria X2? Sora?

I found a bunch of concept images describing the soon to come Sony Ericsson XPeria Sora (or X1).

According to the rumors it would run Windows Mobile 7, in which case it will probably be released around... 2013, along with Android version 4 and iPhone 3.2.

 

 Source

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Microsoft's 'Micro-Phone' Rumors Continues...

I've posted about the Microsoft's first phone rumors few days ago.

Well, after the trailer, comes some real footage!

So here it is: the first image of the Micro-Phone - including 2 exclusive screenshots! Who's your daddy now Apple?

Of course that any connection between those images and the actual stuff exists only in Fantasy-land but still, it's nice to see people are trying.

Tweak: How to add haptic feedback to your Windows Mobile?

Many of the new Windows Mobile devices come with just a screen and very few hardware buttons.

A nice feature (which already exists in phones like the Samsung Omnia) is being able to get a haptic feedback every time a virtual button on the screen is being clicked.

If your phone doesn't have this built-in capabilities, you can download a small utility developed by Snailslug from the XDA-Developers.

Here's a link to the entire thread, you will be able to find the download link for the CAB file along with some useful information.

Enjoy!

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HTC Touch HD - The Manliest Phone!

Just saw that HTC Touch HD - probably one of the most fascinating Windows Mobile devices today - is one of the 3 manliest gadgets of 2008.

What's a manliest gadget? I guess it has to be big, fast, great looking, probably not something that looks like HTC Touch Diamond... but according to my special sources (Google) the Polish TV channel TVN Turbo is running this kind of contest every year, in order to find the most masculine products of the year.

144 products have already been whittled down to just 12, and the HD is one of the 3 finalists in the gadget section. Cewooool.

The other two products are the Pentax Optio W60 and Sony Vaio series laptops.

I heard that T-Mobile G1 (HTC's Android phone) was also a candidate but the voters thought it looks too old to really exist in 2008...

Here in the MobileSpoon we made our own poll - what is the best smartphone in the world? and so far the Touch HD is performing very wall (number #2 at the moment). Soon the final poll results.

 

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Transformers Zone - Samsung Folding Phone!

Just saw this cool video demonstrating a future phone from Samsung, which combines an OLED display folding into a mobile phone.

Now this is what I'm talking about. Cewooool.

Tak'a'look:

 

Free Mobile Architecture Guide

Found this useful link in Mr. Mobile's blog.

It's a long document holding some key patterns for better mobile development.

Might turn out to be helpful if you are a mobile software developer.

http://www.codeplex.com/AppArch/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=19798

Bring your laptop to a meeting

Attending meetings with laptops is something we all do.

It's rude, it's not efficient, but since time is running out and there's so much to do - there's not other way.

Or is there?

Suggestion: Windows Mobile Touch

If your hooked to the Mobile Blogsphere, you probably heard already about the rumors about Microsoft's Pink: Zune based phone, iPhone rival, Microsoft's first attempt to manufacture a Windows Mobile based phone with Nvidia Tegra. (if not - see previous post)

And I'm asking: what's going on here? Every day we hear new rumors about Microsoft's efforts but so far nothing really happens, and even the new PIE already gets a bad feedback.

I say: Microsoft, stick with the simple things!

Here's 10 things I would do to improve Windows Mobile quickly and with low development costs:

1. Embed a great shell interface into Windows Mobile, some really good ones already exist!

2. Make the user interface lists scrollable by finger

3. Enable resizing the menus, buttons and combo-boxes so people can totally control the "finger friendliness" of their phone (wanna learn how?)

4. Change the size of the top bar so that using the [OK] button with a finger would be more convenient

5. Drop it with those poor Internet explorer efforts - we are all using Opera already.

6. Improve some UI areas around the phone, calendar, email, and contacts functionality - those are the areas where Windows Mobile is very powerful but has a weak user interface.

7. Wrap some admin tools such as the horrible connections dialog with a more friendly UI

8. Add a better built-in network roaming

9. Add some cool animations when opening/closing a window, more than that is just exaggerated.

10. Call it Windows Mobile Touch - the 'Touch' brand seems to work perfectly for HTC!

 

That's it! You are all set!

The infrastructure is already the best, all the manufacturers are just waiting for improvements that will help design slick devices, all we need is few more gimmicks and a spoiling interface and we are all set! (If you think about it - most of it is already there).

Windows Mobile Touch.

The best WinMo version ever created.

Ever.

 

What do you think?

Do I have a case?

Should I contact someone in Microsoft and suggest this roadmap?

 

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Microsoft Phone - Coming Soon?

Heard the rumor about Microsoft's first phone?

Here's a video demonstrating Nvidia Tegra's chip-based mobile device which is running windows mobile.

Nvidia is showing off this tiny yet powerful that can boost up mobile performance and mostly - improve significantly the user interface capabilities of Windows Mobile, including the ability to run high definition videos.

Here's the chip next to a coin. Impressive.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of rumors about Microsoft's intention to produce a real phone based on the Tegra chip. Is it true? Well, with so many rumors running around Microsoft lately - who can tell?

But you know what they say about rumors though...

Watch the full video:

 

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Evolution of Handheld Devices

No words.

(I wonder if people will understand it...)

The poll continues - last call to vote!

Here's the current leading devices in our poll: What is the best smartphone in the world?

HTC is leading without any competition, but it seems like the leading device (HD) is no longer leading (second after Touch Pro who grabs the lead!).

And I'm asking myself: what about my favorite one: Treo Pro!?!?

Can't you see that this is without a doubt the best device ever existed? (and BTW, it is also manufactured by HTC).

Don't you know Palm are having some serious difficulties and need our support?

And what about the Omnia? How come only 12 people thought it is a great phone?)

Here's the current results of the poll (300 votes so far):

If you still didn't vote - do it! it's a matter of life and death!

Link to the poll

A Fun Review of the HTC Touch Fuze

Bubby, who commented in one my posts: iPhone Thoughts - Week #1

put a link to his review of HTC Fuze (HTC Touch Pro).

It's a nice read, coming from a guy that does not write mobile reviews as a professional but gives it a personal touch, so I thought I would show it some link lovin...

So head over to Bubby's review of his new Windows Mobile phone.

I especially liked the pros and cons part.

P.S.

If you have additional comments or few of your own thoughts about your Windows Mobile phones - I would like to invite you to mail me and I will publish them (under your name of course) here.

mailto:gil.bouhnick@gmail.com

LG Incite - Gets Reviewed

A great detailed review of LG's new device - LG Incite can be found in PocketNow.

I was never a big fan of LG as I had few "bad incidents" with their products, but hey, it's just me.

This device looks nice, covered with mirror surface. It doesn't come with a built in stylus, but unfortunately it is not completely finger friendly (you know the story... Windows Mobile...).

Here's a short video made by PocketNow:

Here's some examples of the shell application wrapping the home screen of the LG phone:

Here's a summary of the pros and cons:

PROS

• Sleek design
• Great Today screen experience
• Has a proximity sensor
• Solid battery life
• Automatic screen rotation everywhere
• Capacious landscape keyboard
• Lightweight
• Includes a 3.5mm audio jack
• WiFi/aGPS/HSDPA/FM Radio

CONS

• Performance is lacking
• Lacks D-Pad and enough programmable buttons
• Poor build quality
• Poor camera
• Included NetFront browser is weak
• Automatic screen rotation can be imprecise
  
• Low amount of RAM
• Mediocre screen brightness and color depth
• Has no inbuilt stylus
• Parts of the OS are not finger-friendly (small menus)
• Pandora application costs $8/month
• Includes a lot of java-based trialware

Read the full review in here.

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Is it going to be a knock-out?

I must say I'm amazed by the ongoing results of the poll we did here at the MobileSpoon (Link to Poll).

The votes are still coming in but it seems to me people forgot that there are other options than HTC!

Com'on people, if this is how things are than Palm is in serious troubles and Sony Ericsson should stop the XPeria production.

I will publish the final results in a couple of days.

(Link to poll)

Asus Glide-UI - Video Demonstration

Here's a nice video demonstrating the new ASUS p565 UI.

This interface is called Glide-UI - and to be frank I don't find it amazing.

The design is not as rich and beautiful as the TouchFlo 3D

The buttons are not completely finger friendly

I don't know...

What do you think?

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iPhone Thoughts - Week #1

OK, so if you are following my blog (if you are not - subscribe to the Mobile Spoon and change your life forever!) you know that even though I'm a long time WinMo user (and developer) - I decided to get myself an iPhone.

Why you ask? here is why...

So a week has passed and I thought it would be a good time to share my first impressions.

In General...

The iPhone is without a doubt - an Amazing Game-console... errrr, sorry, phone. Seriously, it's nothing like anything I've ever used. The cutting edge design, the quality of the screen, the perfect touch experience, but above all - so many innovative ideas in one device - amazing.

But, since I don't want you to think I'm such an easy target - I must tell you right now that it's not exactly a smartphone. Well, it is smart, of course, (probably the smartest of them all), but the phone itself is not exactly the best part of it... and mostly the productivity elements, you know - the ones that makes you feel more efficient when using this small gadget called a smartphone.

I am using the iPhone for only a week now, so things may change, but it feels to me as if it's more of an entertainment tool and less of a productivity booster.

 

The Good:

Screen:

Amazing. Forget about HTC devices, this is the real thing. No need to push the hell out of the screen to get some actions - just place it gently and things will rock and roll your way. This is how finger gestures should feel like. This is how finger friendly UI should look like.

The resolution is fantastic, the colors are great too. I love it.

Device figure:

Very elegant but too slim for me. I'm used to Palm devices, stocky, bold, not to say goofy, so heavy you cannot drop them. The iPhone is so slim that it always feels like it's going to fall. I put it under 'the good' as I assume most people will consider the design as a good thing.

Games and Entertainment:

I already managed to put my hands on some amazing applications.

From Face Melter (responsible of the photos in this post) to midomi (finds any song even with my horrible singing!) - there are a bunch of amazing tools which gives a great entertainment.

There are plenty of games too. Some are very cool but I must say most of them are junk. And I find myself wasting too much time installing them and then removing (just like I am doing with windows mobile). Still, few games make me feel like I'm using a game console.

User Interface:

I will write another post about the user interface in the iPhone, as I think Apple gave us all a lesson in user interface design and usability.

I will just mention couple of things I found genius quality around usability:

- The selection magnifying glass (I wondered how I can move the selection mark without d-pad or a stylus - this is the best concept I've ever seen in mobile applications [picture below])

- Disabling the touch screen when bringing the phone close to the ear

 

(More about the UI in my next week's iPhone Thoughts post)

 

The Bad:

As I said at the beginning of the post, I miss a lot of functionality around productivity (or should I call it: my business needs).

Keyboard:

We keep talking about how virtual keyboards are bad for long typing. Today I tried the landscape mode of the keyboard while writing some notes to myself and I was very surprised to see I'm typing extremely fast with it. I still needs to figure out the algorithm there but it's much better than other virtual keyboards I've tried in the past.

I do, however, find it hard to type in the portrait mode, which brings me to ask: why on earth can't I use the landscape mode in all the applications? This is very frustrating! It smells like Apple made a huge mistake with this limitation. Huge mistake.

Copy & Paste:

Boring. You've heard it before. Just wanted to mention. Still missing.

PIM Applications:

iPhone doesn't come equipped enough with PIM and office tools. There are few applications included in the OS but it's not really enough. I like having my Tasks being managed and synchronized by my mobile, I like using the notes, and office papers. So far, I couldn't find a way to use word and excel files.

Every time I feel I miss that area of functionality I open a game and forget about it. More updates on that once I find a proper solution/workaround.

Today Screen:

Call me a lunatic - but I actually like to concept of summarizing the important information in one accessible location. With the iPhone you don't see a snapshot of your day, you need to open the calendar, then the tasks list, then the email. Not nice. Not productive. Windows Mobile has it. Even the Android has it. iPhone does not have it.

Contacts:

Bad implementation.

The scrolling is fun but does not give an accurate experience when working with really long lists. The fast scroll panel on the right does not solve this problem for me.

I miss Palm's quick dial plug-in (in the Treo devices) or Blackberries lookup bar (you just type a letter and this filters the list easily). I actually find myself searching people for just too long. (tip anyone?)

Bad implementation. (already said that, but I find it really annoying)

Lack of administrative capabilities

Yes, I know what your thinking, but I need it. It seems like everything is hidden from me. I want to change the configuration, the layout, all the tweaks I'm enjoy doing. iPhone hides that from me. The idea is that people are not supposed to know those administrative things, which in general is good, but for some people is bad.

 

Coming Next...

In my next review I will cover additional areas such as the amazing Internet browsing experience that the iPhone has and some of the usability elements I liked.

As usual comments are more than welcome!

 

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Assign more shortcuts to your hardware buttons with HButton

With new devices coming with less and less hardware buttons - this small utility can be very helpful.

HButton enables mapping few functions into a single hardware button. Where the difference is the time you hold the button pressed.

It is designed to work on Windows Mobile 5, 6, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 ( what about 7!!!)

Usage is very simple. If you press and hold button on which HButton is assigned, names of selected applications will be shown in given order. When you will see name of application you want to start, just release button. If you want, you can disable displaying names, and use only vibration or beeping

Download HButton

 

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My Device is Dead...

Although I recently managed to put my hands on several devices, I must say that my private one always remained Palm's good old Treo 750 (until I get the Treo Pro of course).

Today, after probably just too many tests, installations, tweaks, and development - this good old bold, stocky, rugged phone, which for almost two years now - never let me down - finally gave up.

Synchronization isn't working any longer, notifications are gone, calendar not working anymore - all are indication that my Treo just couldn't stand it any longer.

(Sad music in the background...)

With backups which are far from being up to date - this is indeed a sad thing to happen.

So, tonight I will perform a hard reset, and build it all over again.

I will take the opportunity to report about the 'must have' applications and free tools that I'm installing - you may find it interesting.

To be continued...

 

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MobileSpoon Poll: The Best Smartphone in the World!

OK, so here's the million dollar question:

With so many amazing new devices out there - which one is the best, which one is the most sexiest one, the one that the most of us crave for?

In other words:

If price and operator were not part of your considerations:

Which Smartphone would you purchase?

Asus P565 - The fastest phone in the world

T-Mobile G1 - The first Android phone

BlackBerry Bold - Probably RIM's best smartphone so far

BlackBerry Storm - RIM's first touch-screen device

HTC Touch Diamond - small, slim, fun, innovative

HTC Touch Pro - HTC's perfect business device

HTC Touch HD - Probably the most amazing HTC device so far

Apple iPhone - They all wanna look like him

Palm Centro - Palm's best seller so far

Palm Treo Pro - the Mobile Spoon's all times favorite!

Sony Ericsson XPeria - The long awaited device - is it really the best?

Samsung Omnia - They call him the iPhone killer - a perfect device?

Nokia E71 - Nokia's most elegant smartphone.

So there you go, those are the options.

What is your favorite smartphone of them all?

Vote (below), so we finally find out which one of the above is truly the best smartphone in the world!

Results will be published in few days.

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Transformers Zone - a Really Creepy WinMo Device!

OK, you thought I was joking when I started the Transformers Zone  here at the Mobile Spoon. But this is no joke - this is one hell of a creepy handheld device - it's called the iCEphone and I wouldn't want to run into it in a dark alley!

The phone has 3 different modes (brrrrrrr... don't let it touch me!) and they say that at nights you can even hear it whispers!

I'm not sure if this is a joke or not - but the guys form EngadgetMobile definitely think - it a serious phone - check out the post for more serious information, I just can't believe someone will actually buy this thing.

Here's a video proof:

 

And they say Windows Mobile devices are not sexy...

 

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Transformers Zone - Mobile Transformers!

We are back with the Transformers Zone, and this time - some cool gadgets transforming from cool robots into... cool mobile phones?

Ha ha ha ha (vicious laugh... [you know, the ones you have in silly movies... {OK, if you never saw one - forget about it...} ] )

 

 

BlackBerry Storm - Reviewed

I saw many reviews of the BlackBerry Storm today.

It seems like many bloggers got a pre-release to this device (why not me? Ha RIM? is that a nice thing to do?)

I've read some of the reviews (links below), and one thing that bothers me is - why did RIM had to create a full touch screen device?

I thought that RIM already have a niche, business phones, not fancy, not shiny, but practical. Perfect for business needs.

This new BlackBerry phone makes me wonder who will be the target customers for that device? business men? children? just people who didn't know what phone to pick?

One of the most important benefits of using BlackBerry so far was the amazing keyboard I never used a better keyboard than my 8800 device. With the Storm - I was certain the experience will not be the same - here's what EngadgetMobile had to write about the virtual keyboard of the Storm:

BlackBerrys have garnered an almost mythic stature as the phone for email and messaging. One of the components of RIM's success for that model has been the inclusion of QWERTY keypads (and more recently the halved QWERTY SureType keyboards) on their phones. As any email addict will tell you, very few devices can compete. The slant from RIM's PR on the Storm is that the new clickable touchscreen delivers another high caliber typist's dream to their roster -- but that couldn't be further from the truth. Rather than the click making things easier, it actually makes them more difficult. As you press down to engage a "key," you're required to release before moving to another, which means that you can only type so quickly. In our tests, we were constantly frustrated by the staggering, laggy movement when trying to type with any speed. You have to let the click depress before you can strike another character, and that makes for a stuttery input process. Additionally, hovering over characters is represented by a blue glow, which looks nice when moving around, but in practice doesn't do a very good job of letting you know what key you're touching. We had spelling errors aplenty. All of this would be helped greatly by an intelligent software component that guessed what you meant to type -- much like the iPhone's predictive element. Unfortunately, what RIM provides is more of a glorified T9, which means if you type "fo," it doesn't know you meant to type "do." Ultimately we found ourselves slowly and carefully pecking out messages that should have taken less time to put together, clicking screen or not.

In addition, from reading the reviews it seems like it takes some time to get used to the selection model: 1 click to highlight an item, another click (hard one) to perform a 'deep selection' and drill down.

Here's a great video review

Great reviews in here:

BlackBerry Storm review - Engadget

BlackBerry Storm Review (Verdict: Not Quite a Perfect Storm)

Hands-on with BlackBerry Storm (Phone Arena)

Mossberg Video Review

Thoughts anyone?

 

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My first impression of the Android

I had a chance to put my hands on the world's first Android-powered handset - T-Mobile G1.

I must admit I had little expectations, as it is the first version of the product and I was always taught that when it comes to technology - version 1.0 never really works.

Though I didn't have too much time to play around with it, I have to admit that it exceeded my expectations.

Here's my thoughts about the first Android phone:

Sticking with some good ideas:

You don't always need to invent the wheel to be successful, and indeed, the design of this phone combines few good elements that can be found in other handheld devices: trackball (BlackBerry anyone?), full sliding QWERTY keyboard (always better than those virtual ones), and the four classic hardware buttons: home, send, end, and back (combined with one additional 'menu' button).

Classy.

The OS tries to follow the touch experience that exists in all the new phones. It is designed in a finger friendly way and does a good job at it even though not always consistent.

The home screen is an interesting combination of a launcher (like iPhone's shortcuts) with summary panels (like Windows Mobile's informative today screen) - all, with the capabilities to define multiple pages.

It seems like Google learned from other's experience: the iPhone misses some summary information in the home screen, and on the other hand - WinMo users always add launchers to their 'today' screen. Google combined the two and did it well.

Other than that, there are many things that reminded me of the iPhone: especially the way that the menus are scrolling using finger gestures. I can't blame Google for doing so, as this is now becoming an industry standard. However, even though the screen technology is the same as the iPhone - the Android does not have the same smoothness.

A nice Innovation:

Something which I did find innovative was the built in 'Menu' button: why wasting important area on the screen with menus or buttons or both when a hardware button can be allocated for that? No matter what application is currently open - the 'menu' hardware button will open a popup menu related to that specific context - it pops up from the bottom and it's very intuitive.  Great concept.

OK.

So far so good, but as always, I never miss a good opportunity to complain. So here are few of the things I didn't like about the Android.

First - the hardware design:

I've said it in the past already; this HTC device looks like it was taken from the 80's. The goofy rounded buttons and the entire design made me wonder if maybe it's some kind of a human experiment to see how far people will go just to be the first to purchase the Android. Holding it in the hand feels OK, but this is no match to the great designs we usually get from HTC.

Having said that, the device feels solid enough and the sliding screen doesn't feel like it will break so fast - which is good.

Having a real QWERTY keyboard is nice, but I found the keys too small and not raised enough over the body which made the keyboard uncomfortable.

Internet Browsing:

Internet browsing is one of the most important things in today's devices. While my new iPhone roamed automatically and found the local wireless connection in 2-3 seconds - it took the android couple of long attempts to get connected. I found that loading my Mobile Spoon blog which has became pretty loaded by now took way too much time (comparing to the iPhone browser). And finally, the browsing itself was not perfect. Some attempts to scroll the page resulted in opening a link, and the general movements inside the page were not smooth.

I noticed a similar problem while clicking some icons and buttons - Some clicks did not react as expected. Checking some other blogs I found that other reviewers witnessed the same problem. (Did I mention version 1.0?)

  

Summary:

If you are looking for a fancy toy such as the iPhone - Android is definitely not the one for you.

If you are looking for a business device - you have few options: Windows Mobile, BlackBerry or Android. The last one tries to combine a friendly user interface (although not completely consistent yet), touch screen, and a powerful platform - all the things we are looking for. But it's still version 1.0.

I personally don't see a reason to purchase this phone right now: the handset design is poor, and even though the OS has a huge potential - there are more mature and attractive options out there. At least for the time being.

All of that can dramatically change, of course, once version 2 is released along with some new (better looking) devices.

 

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How to set up an Out of Office (OOF) auto-reply message from Windows Mobile Standard Edition

Found this tip in Microsoft's Newsletter. It applies to Windows Mobile 6.1 non-touch screen phones.

If you use a Windows Mobile 6.1 phone, you can use Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile to send an automatic Out of Office (OOF) message to some or all of the people who send you e-mail messages. This is especially useful when you will not be able to answer e-mail for an extended period of time.

Here's how to do it:

• Open Outlook on your Windows Mobile phone.

• Click Menu, click Tools, and then click Out of Office.

• Customize your settings, and select Done.

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SpoonAlarm Improvements - I'm Collecting Requests

Hi all,

I've been receiving a lot of requests for improvements in the SpoonAlarm.

I will collect the relevant ones and start working on a new version soon.

 

Here's some of the things I received so far...

Don't expect it to be in the coming days (as my spare time is really limited these days) - but I will keep you all posted.

If you want to stay updates - subscribe to the Mobile Spoon blog and receive new posts automatically (for free of course).

In the meantime, if you have any additional feedback - feel free to comment or drop me an email.

ASUS P565 Revealed!

ASUS has finally unleashed the beast and it's looking beautiful!

Like Apple, Samsung, HTC and even BlackBerry, ASUS created a minimal look excluding a keyboard for a finger friendly UI leaving only few hard buttons.

Do I like it - you ask?

I'm getting used to the idea.

 

 

Here's some of the bullets (taken from Asus site):

Powerful 800 MHz processor for superb multimedia performance

High-resolution 2.8” touchscreen for exceptional clarity and brilliance

Intuitive touch-responsive Glide interface for easy task management

Potent suite of business-oriented features and software

Leather-wrapped battery lid for air of bespoke exclusivity

OK, so let's talk about it:

800 MHZ??? I always knew ASUS's devices were strong, but 800 MHZ?

In addition, see the top and bottom bars - can you see some kind of a difference with the usual windows mobile height? I can.

It seems like Asus created some kind of a tweak to make the bars height bigger - a great idea to make the device more finger friendly.

Last thing - the device comes with a special shell application  called the Glide Interface - if you want to try it out - check out this link (worked a bit too slow for me...). I'm not sure I like it so much, but I need to check it some more.

Full Specifications can be found in here.

Here's a video of the Glide Interface:

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HTC MAX 4G Video

HTC are doing it again... and again...

HTC Max 4G is claimed to be the very first GSM / WiMAX handset in the world.

It is currently planned to be released only in Russia.

Here's a video. I couldn't find a lot of official information about it, but you know how is it with HTC; rumors today - 10000 devices tomorrow.

The HTC Max 4G is based on the company's HTC Touch HD, except it includes support for the next-generation mobile broadband. For now, the device will be exclusive to Russia's Scartel, which is in the process of building a WiMax network throughout the country under the brand Yota.

 

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Opera Mini Version 4.2 (Beta) - Released

I love Opera Mini. I'm using it a lot (mostly from BlackBerry).

Today I found that Opera Mini has a new version (still in beta phase).

If you wish to give it a try - head over to Opera's web site.

What's new you ask? I think I can answer that...

- Color Skins - ability to personalize Opera mini

- Better Performance

- Better Video Support

- In addition - Notes functionality!

The handy Notes functionality from the Opera Desktop Web browser just got more portable through Opera Link. All of your notes are available in Opera Mini directly from the Bookmarks menu.

Fantastish.

Download Instructions:

Point your phone’s browser to mini.opera.com/beta to download the beta version of Opera Mini 4.2.

Opera Mini 4.2 beta installs next to any existing stable Opera Mini version on your device and will not overwrite any of your data.

Alternatively, you may download Opera Mini to your computer for a manual installation.

• Standard Opera Mini 4.2 beta JAR (124 KB)
• Standard Opera Mini 4.2 beta JAD (4 KB)
• BlackBerry Opera Mini 4.2 beta ZIP archive (104 KB)
• Palm (requires JVM installed) Opera Mini 4.2 beta PRC (316 KB)

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Gadget Shoulder Holster

Found a funny post in jkOnTheRun.

For the gadgets geeks among us (hey, that's you!) - a must have addition to the usual outfit.

Gadget Shoulder Holster!

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First Windows Mobile 6.5 Screenshots!

Some kick ass screenshots from Windows Mobile 6.5!

Yes! Soon!

 

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Why Windows Mobile Needs Stylus

As you may or may not know, I'm writing every once in a while for MobilitySite - a really great blog with many writers and lot's of mobile news.

In my last post there (2 days ago) I received an interesting comment from someone called Pony99CA, including a link to a post he wrote about 'Why Windows Mobile Needs a Stylus'.

While I'm always complaining about the lack of finger friendly UI - here's few points I do agree about:

• You'd lose handwriting recognition. While I never got it to work well for me, a lot of people have and love it.

• You'd lose inking in Notes. The ability to add drawings in your notes makes them more useful.

• Selection for copy/paste operations would be more difficult. That's probably one reason that Windows Mobile Standard and the iPhone don't have full-fledged copy/paste yet. You either need to switch into a selection or cursor mode (which wastes time) or have an on-screen cursor like regular Windows with a separate way to control it (using the directional pad means having a cursor mode).

• Scrolling large distances is more difficult.

• Drawing programs would be almost nonexistent. Trying to draw with your finger instead of a stylus is like comparing fingerpainting to ink sketches.

• The learning curve could be worse for experienced Windows Mobile users. New users might like an exclusively finger-friendly interface, but some experienced users might not.

I recommend reading the entire post - it's really good.

HP Releases 2 new iPAQ Messengers

Well, I'm not sure I want to RECOMMEND on having an HP device.

The last 2 HP devices I had were extremely slow and had many unusual problems.

However, since I still have good memories from my first iPAQ device 5-6 years ago (I think) - I felt the need to report that there are 2 new iPaqs being released these days.

 

HP iPAQ Data Messenger:

This one looks nice.

With a sliding QWERTY Keyboard and few buttons on the main surface - this device definitely looks impressive.

 

Visit HP for more information

 

 

Here's a comment I found in HP's site...

"HP Data Messenger vs HTC touch pro
QVGA resolution vs. VGA
128M ram vs. 288M ram
1140mAh battery vs 1500mAh"

HP iPAQ Voice Messenger:

The second device is iPAQ Voice Messenger.

Same look, but without the sliding keyboard. Instead, a 20-key keyboard with alphanumeric/QWERTY layout.

This device is Windows Mobile Standard which means - no touch screen and less applications to download. Many people actually prefer this version of Windows Mobile although I personally always preferred the professional one.

Visit HP's site for more information and specifications

Products Demo can be found in here

 

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What happens when a Windows Mobile Addict breaks his vow and buys an iPhone?

  +

The following events took place between Monday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 12.

 

Nov 10, 2008, 19:00:

I'm on my way to a 'Mobile Monday' event where the main theme is "user interface in the mobile world". Perfect for a guy like me who loves mobile gadgets and develops user interface...

Maybe I'll get to see some new stuff like Windows Mobile 6.5!

 

Nov 10, 2008, 20:00:

What a disappointment... There is almost no one in the event that talks or uses Windows Mobile. Everybody is using those Nokia phones! Nokia here, Nokia there... I don't take kindly for Nokia bears! Also, no one seems to develop in .Net anymore, the mobile software industry is all Java. I don't like Java. Tried it for 2 years, it's a great language - but has horrible environments.

 

Nov 10, 2008, 21:00:

OK, now I'm really pissed off. All the sessions are about usability but the examples they give are all taken from iPhone applications.

What about some Windows Mobile for the SpoonMan over here?

Hey, you hear me? Windows Mobile has some great concepts as well!

You know those... 2 soft keys in the bottom? I guess they are cool...

 

Nov 10, 2008, 22:00:

I'm going home, there's nothing for me to write about - except for some really fascinating iPhone user interface. And since I don't have an iPhone - why should I write about it?

Those Microsoft dudes have got to do something fast if they want to stay competitive with all those great mobile stuff going around.

 

Nov 11, 2008, 09:00:

Morning. New day. Not pissed off anymore. Life is good.

 

Nov 11, 2008, 11:00:

Our IT manager comes to my office full of smiles, and proudly he looks at my mobile phone (the one he gave me...) and says: "Stuck in that primitive world, are you?" and slowly he pulls out his new phone...

iPhone 3G.

Arrogantly he shows me some cool games he just downloaded.

Now I KNOW there's nothing much to do with all of those cool games. I know that, but damn! This is soooooooooo beautiful. The screen quality, the sensitivity - it's a game pad, not a phone!

 

Nov 11, 2008, 12:00:

I'm in a meeting.

Pissed off again.

People are talking budgets but I'm thinking: there's no way everyone is getting an iPhone, the entire world is talking about how great it is, while we, Windows Mobile fans - are still looking for registry hacks and using a stylus.

I love Windows Mobile 6.1 and all, but can't Microsoft release Windows Mobile 7 a little bit faster?

We are dying out here!

 

Nov 11, 2008, 23:00:

Can't sleep. Can't eat.

Can't calm down.

Something is wrong.

I'm a product manager of an important mobile application. I'm designing user interface for thousands of users. I'm spending a lot of money on useless gadgets (and shoes... I like shoes) - How can it be that everything around me is becoming like an iPhone and I still haven't got one?

I need an iPhone.

I need it now! Give it to me!

Before it gets too late. I must hurry.

It's time to let go of those stupid principals.

 

Nov 12, 2008, 10:00:

I'm taking the day off. You know how it is, with the new baby and all I have a lot of arrangements to make.

But I will cancel them all!

I have something more urgent to do!

Today I'm gon'na make a change!

It's time to release myself from this agony!

iPhone 3G - I'm coming to mail you down!

 

Nov 12, 2008, 16:00:

I'm in a hidden place where they sell unlocked iPhones.

(OK, it's not so hidden, but I try not to be seen).

After all, I'm a WinMo addict, and I intend to stay like that. All of this is just a temporary urge I must suppress. What has to be done - has to be done.

I'm getting close.

Can almost feel it...

Precious! My Prrrrreciousssssss!

 

Nov 12, 2008, 17:00:

I'm an iPhone owner now.

Yep. Did it. There's no going back.

(Silence...)

OK this is embarrassing.

Say something.

Anything.

OK, stop it.

You know I know what you're thinking, right? And we all know what I'm thinking (I'm writing it down... Dhaa!) - so stop it.

It's not such a big deal you know. I have few devices, this is just another one. Nothing more. I didn't betrayed anyone, haven't cross sides. Everything is just the same.

Stop it.

Nov 13, 2008, 17:00:

I've been awake for around... 24 hours since I just got my iPhone. This thing is hot. Nothing like other mobile devices I've seen so far. But can it be a replacement for my WinMo or my BlackBerry?

I'm not sure.

In terms of screen quality, Internet speed, ease of download and installation, and mainly: HUGE amount of cooooool stuff - I have got to admit - I'm blown away with it.

In terms of e-mails, notes typing and PIM functionality? hmm, not sure. I don't think I will be able to do all the things I'm used to with it.

But.

The beauty of it is that I have time to decide.

I'm gonna take my time and try to figure out what is best for me: iPhone? Windows Mobile? or BlackBerry.

And as usual: I'm going to share it.

 

So stay tuned with more updates in the Mobile Spoon where I will try to answer a simple question:

What happens when a Windows Mobile Addict breaks his vow and buys an iPhone?

(To be continued...)

HTC Touch HD - Reviewed by PocketNow

PocketNow - a good source for handheld reviews has published a detailed review of HTC's beast: Touch HD.

http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=1111&p=1

This device is very interesting, I believe it's one of the coolest phones today, the review includes a lot of useful information, and here's the summary:

As I mentioned, for the business user, the Touch HD is just not practical. Instead, business users should consider the HTC Touch Pro or SE XPERIA X1. If you're looking for the most flashy/sexy/gorgeous (and capable) multimedia and internet browsing phone that has ever been sold, the Touch HD deserves your serious consideration

 

I believe the most important things are well summarized in this list of pros and cons (followed by my humble comments inline...):

PROS

• Super sexy design (that's right!)
• Has a large, high resolution screen
• Everything is finger-friendly (we heard about many tweaks HTC did in order to achieve this)
• Ships with an 8GB microSD card (I believe that should be enough)
• Includes 3.5mm headphone jack
• Solid performance (Important)
• Haptic feedback on hardware buttons and some icons (Cool, I must try this, can anyone send me one HD please? I want to review it)
• Pouch/screen protector/extra stylus included
• Includes updated version of TouchFLO 3D
• Upload to YouTube right from the device (very cool!)
• Decent battery life
• WiFi/aGPS/FM Radio/HSDPA/HSUPA

CONS

• Feels big in hand (I actually prefer big phones)
• Poor one-handed usability (this one is critical)
• Lacks D-Pad and programmable buttons (wrote about it already)
• Lacks US 3G bands
• Cannot re-orient display to landscape permanently
• Still no Flash support in Opera Mobile
• Needs a more robust built-in video player
• microSD slot and soft reset hole is under battery cover
• Status LED is tiny
• No flash on camera
• Not practical for business users (obviously)

Full review can be found in here.

 

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Free Paint Application for Windows Mobile

Here's a nice way to pass some time around:

PDAcraft Paint v1.1.2 is a cool paint application - very similar to the standard Microsoft's paint (which believe it or not - is a very good working tool for drafts and high level designs if you are a software engineer working a lot with user interface)

So here's a Windows Mobile version - for free - PDAcraft Paint.

There are few advanced features in here which are indeed useful - different drawing tools, undo, zoom in / out etc.

Try it out! It's good. It's goooood.

Download

Visit the developer's website

Enjoy!

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SPB Keyboard 4.0 Released

 

I'm writing this post using a virtual keyboard from SPB.

I must admit this is one my first attempts to use a full virtual QWERTY keyboard and so far things are going ok but slow...

If you are following my blog, I assume you know by now that I always prefer a full physical QWERTY keyboard rather than using a virtual keyboard, but the iPhone and latest cool devices such as the Omnia and HD made me realize many users simply don't need a physical keyboard but from time to time they do need to type a few words...

And when they do - they need a decent way to type.

Few good things I can already say: 4 lines keyboard, good location of comma and period, big space bar, and some kind of automatic typo correction: IT SEEMS like (oops, left the caps lock on...) sometimes after I type a wrong letter - I get an auto correction which is interesting.

The full screen mode is nice, even though I found that the default layout is actually comfortable enough.

In addition, there are many configuration points, including gestures and custom dictionary.

I tested it on 2 devices and the feel is pretty much the same.

The keyboard automatically adjusts itself when changing the screen orientation. Cooooool.

OK. Let's do some testing: let’s try out some fast typing without checking or fixing the text:

My name is Gil Boihnick and I'm currently trying to type really fast with spb leyblard 4.0. This is really a fun game, but im not dure you guys appreciate it...

Ok so let's see how I did, oh, that's embarrassing, my only mistakes were in the names... Mine (Gil Bouhnick) and the product I just reviewed (SPB leyblard was supposed to be keyboard...) How's that for a professional review???

BTW, both of my thumbs hurt right now, I guess it takes some time to get used to a virtual keyboard.

Summary:

A virtual keyboard will never be as good as a physical keyboard, but I must say I am a bit surprised with the ease of typing with SPB Keyboard 4.0. I think it's better than the HTC Touch Diamond keyboard which I tried couple of months ago and didn't like so much.

There are many other new features in this version which I didn't review: check out SPB's press release for a complete list.

 Try it out

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Nimbuzz enters commercial partnership with social network StudiVZ

I received a mail today with a link to the latest press release from Nimbuzz.

I've posted in the past about this cool multi messenger freeware, which supports multiple accounts and VoIP.

 

Here's some of the things included in the press release:

11^th November 2008, Rotterdam – Nimbuzz (www.nimbuzz.com), the most comprehensive mobile VoIP, presence and IM provider today announces its first key revenue sharing partnership with a social network, formalizing its push to provide online communities with real-time web and mobile communication. StudiVZ, the biggest German speaking social networking site, becomes the first in a series of international networking sites to integrate the Nimbuzz technology into its community, bringing real-time web and mobile communication capabilities to members for the first time.

 

By integrating the Nimbuzz VoIP, presence and IM features, social networks can extend their offering beyond their current online networking experience. StudiVZ is the first partnership of this nature to be announced by Nimbuzz with similar deals in Turkey, Asia and Italy imminent.

The Nimbuzz powered web and mobile clients launch in unison today for StudiVZ members. The web chat is fully integrated into the existing StudiVZ interface allowing IM conversations between all community members. The full mobile Nimbuzz portfolio including voice calls, chat, file sharing across popular IM communities will also be available and a link to a bespoke download page will be promoted across the StudiVZ network.

About StudiVZ

studiVZ Ltd. was founded in October 2005. Since January 2007 studiVZ Ltd. belongs to  publishing group Georg von Holtzbrinck. studiVZ Ltd., with its platforms studiVZ.net, schuelerVZ.net and meinVZ.net, is the most successful and influential social Network in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Together, these platforms make up over 12 million users. Growth continues to be exponential.

 

Go to http://www.nimbuzz.com/en/ and get your free copy.

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Pocket Video Poker for Windows Mobile!

Yes!

At last!

It's here!

Video Poker for Windows Mobile!

FRRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

You probably know the story: you go to Vegas, you visit the casino, you start loosing money, then you see this nice innocent video poker machine and think to yourself: "how bad can that be? After all - all of those old ladies seem to get along with this harmless game..."

So you start... and after few days... (twist coming through:) you realize you spent most of you vacation in front of this machine, but didn't lose so much money!

That's almost like winning!

Anyway, I was looking for this game for a while now, and finally found it at the XDA-Developers!

Currently it seems like it was designed for VGA screens (icons are cut when you are using QVGA) - but it's not something that can ruin the game.

Download Pocket Video Poker 4.0

Few Instructions notes:

You can change the initial bet by clicking on the relevant column (thank you very much, it took me a while to discover that one...).

You can use 2 players (but why should I share it? it's mine! MINE!)

To hold cards - click on each card you want to hold (this is simple)

More instructions in this thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436799&goto=nextoldest

 

Enjoy!

P.S.

If you want to support the developer - please do so by donating.

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Mobile Survey from SPB Software

I received a mail from SPB Software today about a survey they are conducting.

The Survey is a mobile software industry report that identifies the changing user profiles, mobile device preferences, and handset use cases. Spb Software will release a report on the results of its fifth annual Spb Survey in the beginning of December 2008.

Nice.

The survey is about the way we use our Pocket PC or Smartphone; our needs, preferences, expectations, and complaints.

The most interesting results of the survey will be published at the popular Windows Mobile websites (= MobileSpoon).

There's also a prize (ha ha!) - a bran new iPhone! (just kidding - you need to pick one. I would pick HTC Touch HD, Samsung Omnia or Treo Pro...)

Head over to SPB site and complete your survey.

And good luck in winning the mobile device!

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Spider-Man is in the house

I promised myself I will not be one of those geeky parents who publish new boring pictures of their kids every 2 weeks, but since many (OK, maybe not so many...) of my friends asked for some updated pictures - I decided to make an exception.

 

So here is Spider-Man, 1 month old.

Still doesn't know how to use a mobile phone (but we are working on it).

     

 

Some Inside Information about HTC

No, I don't know anyone working for HTC. in fact, I know some of their devices and that their name stands for Hi Tech Computers and that's about it.

(Hi Tech Computers? Com'on! This is weak...)

But, apparently, PPCGeeks managed to interview a guy who is working in one of HTC's "repair/order/design" facilities.

Criticalaudioinc likes talking a lot, otherwise how can you explain the 50 pages of posts? (now I understand how HTC are producing so many new devices in such a short time...)

Anyways, the interesting part is that WMExperts has summarized the juicy stuff and you can find it all in here.

Want to know how HTC burn their devices? How their facilities look like? Check out the link and learn more about the number one manufacturer of Windows Mobile devices (and that spooky old looking Android phone...)

James Bond's Sony Ericsson Phone

You know that here at the MobileSpoon we love heroes and super heroes combined with mobile phones.

Why, you ask?

I can answer that easily! But don't want to.

Anyways, we had many of them - the iron man, batman, hulk, and many more. (see them all in here)

Sony Ericsson seems to like the idea as well, and they are releasing a limited edition of the C902 Titanium Silver.

Sony Ericsson C902 Titanium Silver is the same 5 megapixel camera-equipped device that is used by Daniel Craig in QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the 22nd James Bond adventure.

As this is a special edition Sony Ericsson is bundling tons of 007 content with the handset, including:

• Special welcome message
• Dynamic screensavers
• Static and dynamic wallpapers
• James Bond mobile theme
• QUANTUM OF SOLACE movie trailer
• Behind the scenes interviews and footage from the movie
• Activision trailer
• “Top Agent” game

Cool? I guess.

If you are interested in the full specifications - click here. 

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Windows Mobile 6.5 - Coming in 2009!

Wow! This is great!

Few days ago, I've posted about Motorola's head of mobile division accidentally slip of the tongue about Windows Mobile 6.5.

As we learned by now, those things are always an indication that something is truly happening.

And indeed, Steve Ballmer, at the Telstra Briefing 2008 in Australia, said the following:

With releases we’ll make this year - releases we’ll make with 6.5 next year, Windows Mobile 7, I think we have a pretty interesting roadmap.

No one can tell when, or how it will look like, I personally don't expect amazing things; probably just improvements to the current OS, and few small innovations, but nothing revolutionary.

This is also a way to buy some time, as Windows Mobile 7 is delayed.

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Samsung Omnia and Samsung Saga - coming to Verizon

Ohhh, I love it when those WinMo device come with a full QWERTY keyboard!

You get to enjoy both - fun touch screen with lot's of cool posibilities plus - you get all the productivity you need from a great handset.

 

 

 

 

I saw some updates about few new devices coming to Verizon.

Cool.

But, the interesting model I found is the Samsung Saga.

Samsung Omnia is hot stuff, but I'm not sure it's good enough as a working tool. The Saga i770 on the other hand - is exactly the kind of device I like: great design, interesting color, Windows Mobile 6.1, QWERTY keyboard.

Here's some specs:

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HTC Touch HD User Manual and Videos

I was so busy complaining about HTC Touch HD coming with almost no hardware keyboard, that I somehow forgot to say that the design of this device is pretty amazing, with the rounded edges, huge size, screen quality and customized UI.

I haven't actually touched ('touch'ed... got it?) one yet, but as soon as I do I will, of course, write my thoughts about it. 

In any event, HD's user manual can be downloaded from here in case you want to get familiar with it...

Download HTC Touch HD User Manual

Here's 2 nice videos in case you haven't seen many of them yet...

 

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The Evolution of HTC

Found this picture in WMPowerUsers.

It shows a phone taken from the 80's side by side with a phone from 2008.

I call this picture: The Evolution of HTC.

Microsoft RIM Takeover Rumors

Rumors rumors rumors. The mobile industry is just like a big happy soap opera.

After Windows Mobile 7 was rumored to be postponed, Windows Mobile 6.5 became the hot topic of the day.

And today I found an older post in SearchMobileComputing.com about possibilities that Microsoft will take advantage of RIM's share taking a beating (dropped from $148 to around $50) and try to takeover BlackBerry maker.

The article includes few interesting pros and cons. Will Microsoft try to merge between the two platforms? Will enterprise prefer implementing a single platform instead of 2? Does it make sense for Microsoft to buy a company that makes hardware that doesn't run Windows Mobile? And uses... Java?

Thinking about it, if it does happen eventually, I wonder what would be better for us... Running Windows Mobile on a Blackberry device or running Blackberry OS on an HTC device...

Think about it...

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A new Xperia device coming soon?

There are rumors about a new XPeria device from Sony Ericsson that will have a vertical sliding keyboard.

I saw a post about it in MobileCrunch where the author complained about this type of form factor where the keyboard is too narrow to be really useful (comparing to the XPeria full landscape QWERTY keyboard). On the other hand the 2 post comments seemed happy with this design.

Regardless to this rumor (will we see this kind of XPeria soon or not) - I'm wondering which of the alternative keyboards is better:

Full landscape QWERTY keyboard or vertical sliding keyboard?

Frankly, I'm not sure I have a strict opinion here.

The landscape keyboard requires 2 hands, which is not cool, but when it comes to long typing - the keys are definitely wider.

hmmm... thoughts anyone?

 

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SPB Traveler 2.0 Released

If you are traveling a lot, there's a good chance you've found yourself sitting in a restaurant,  trying to figure out if you need to tip the waiters (and how much), wondering if the shoes you just bought to your girlfriend / boyfriend size 44 is indeed size 10.

If you travel a lot, there's a nice product from SPB called SPB Traveler.

 

And the reason I'm writing about it is that I just received this press release from SPB:

St. Petersburg, November 4^th, 2008 - Spb Software, world's leading Windows Mobile software developer releases Spb Traveler 2.0 - an expert mobile travel assistant application that is a pleasure to handle. The new Spb Traveler 2.0 offers a revolutionary animated finger-friendly user interface, a subscription-free flight search engine (powered by OAG), an animated 3D Globe with real satellite image of the sky, and a Geo Game for fun and learning.

Winner in Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine's Best Software Awards, Spb Traveler provides valuable tools and information to travelers such as world time and global weather service (powered by Foreca, the trusted provider of msn.com), tip calculator and multilanguage phrase book, as well as currency, unit, and clothing size converters. In all it does, Spb Traveler 2.0 has the speed and usability of an Spb Mobile Shell-powered interface, topped off with high-class 3D animation and gestures.

I tried SPB Traveler. It's much more fancy than than version 1.0, with finger friendly UI and new enhancements. 

If you are traveling a lot but still finding it hard to adjust to different currency, clothes size, time, and units - check it out.

Definitely worth checking.

http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/traveler/?en

NimBuzz Messenger - Freeware for Windows Mobile

Nimbuzz Mobile lets you call, chat, message, and send files on the go, for free. It combines all your buddies from Skype, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, Google Talk and more. One login, one contact list, all accounts.

See who´s online and where, call/group-call, chat/chatrooms, offline messaging, send photos/music/video, voice messaging.

Nimbuzz uses the internet to let you make free international calls to your buddies. You can also register your VoIP account to call your friends on landlines and mobile phones.

Locate your Friends: Share your location and retrieve the location of your buddies on a map. Great for arranging face to face meetings.

Make yourself heard: If your buddies are offline, let them know you’re trying to get in touch by sending them a "Buzz". It will start Nimbuzz Mobile on their mobile phone.

Never lose your Contacts: Use the Phonebook to back up and restore your contacts. Comes in handy when you have lost your mobile phone.

Nimbuzz Mobile is free to download and use. We never charge or bill for anything. Nimbuzz Mobile uses the internet connection on your mobile phone and provider charges may apply. If you are not using Wifi, we recommed that you get a flat rate (unlimited) data plan from your provider. Further provider charges might also apply depending on the call settings.
Learn more...

Get it! - Simply download, install, and join.

Windows Mobile 6.5 - Coming soon to Motorola?

The following quotation can be found in all the mobile blogs.

The speaker is Motorola's CEO Sanjay Jha:

“Windows Mobile 6 has not delivered the experience that I think Apple has been able to deliver, but as you look at the plan that is Windows Mobile 7 and even 6.5, I think there are significant new added features which will help the platform,” Jha said. “We have now targeted new teams which are focused – in California and Seattle – to deliver experiences. That is where we have to differentiate.”

Hear that? 6.5.

Does it mean that I should postpone my plans to purchase the Treo Pro?

Cool Skins for TouchFlo 3D

I found a nice collection of skins for the TouchFlo down at FreewarePocketPC, enjoy!

R&B Skin

Coca Cola Theme

 

The Blacky Theme

 

Dirty Paper Theme

 

The dirty paper skin is great, don't you think?

P.S.

Always remember to check the comments before you download - it's a good way to see if there are problems.

 

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PC vs. Mac

Few fun videos (in case you don't know the series)