Mereja

Author: Surur

  • Microsoft backs on on KIN sexting accusations, apologizes for pec-gate

    pecgate

    Microsoft has never been one to be known to stand by the courage of their convictions, and I am sure the furore surrounding the showing of the male chest caught them very much by surprise.

    It is therefore also no surprise that they have backed down pretty quickly and removed that part of the video, and has tweeted via their Safer Online Twitter account that they do not endorse sexting in any way.

    While we can appreciate that perception is very important for a phone aimed at younger people and which in many cases will have to be paid for by parents, we cant help but feel that Microsoft had an opportunity to gain some Cool points with exactly their target market and completely dropped the ball.

    What do our readers think?  Let us know below.

    Source: LA Times via Techflash.com


  • MotoGP Pocket 2010 reviewed

    Today we take a closer look at the MotoGP Pocket 2010 app, does the UI look familiar ? It should if you have been following our reviews we looked at F1 Pocket 2010 a few days back this app does the same thing but instead of F1 this looks at MotoGP.

    Read the rest of the review at BestWindowsMobile.com


  • KIN rapidly gaining fans … on Facebook

    kinfansPocketnow reports on the interesting phenomena of Microsoft’s KIN fan page on Facebook rapidly gaining a massive fan base. It appears the page, which has opened only a few days ago, has gained nearly 20 000 new fans over the last 12 hours, and current stands at more than 42 000.

    It seems the phone meant for the masses has caught the imagination and attention of exactly that group, already far exceeding the paltry 2367 fans for Windows Phone 7, and appearing very likely to exceed the 107 000 registered for the very successful Windows 7.

    Hopefully all this attention will translate into sales on release of the device in little more than 3 week.

    Is Microsoft on the road to consumer success? Let us know below.


  • Vote for WMPoweruser.com at the Wirefly blog awards!

    blogawards_winmo

    WMPoweruser.com has made it through to the final round of the Wirefly blog awards in the Best Windows Mobile Blog category!

    Voting has now opened and closes on the 30th April 2010, and winners will be announced on May 1, 2010 and receive $250 in prizes and promotion across Wirefly.com and other Wirefly web properties.

    Help us win the category by voting for us at Wirefly here!


  • ZuneHD jailbroken, Windows Phone 7 hopefully next

    microsoft-zune-hd-nvidia-tegra-small The ZuneHD is a pretty locked down device, with development only possible using the XNA framework. This means no access for 3rd party apps to the 3D graphics accelerator, no internet access and slow software.

    No longer however, as residents of the ZuneBoards have released a hack that allows applications to escape from the Zune sandbox and run directly in the Win CE framework.

    The OpenZDK has just been released, which should soon see a wide range of hobbyist software being released. The hack will allow developers to use the  full power of the Tegra APX2600 using custom vertex and fragment shaders with OpenGL ES 2.0, programmed using lightning fast C++ and without the arbitrary limitations of XNA.

    The hack brings hope to future Windows Phone 7 users, which are subject to similar arbitrary limitations designed to improve performance and reliability but which significantly bound user freedoms.

    Interested developers can read more here.

    Via Engadget.com


  • Comic Book Reader for Windows Phone 7 developed

    Clarity Consulting has developed this amazing-looking comic book reader application for Windows Phone 7, and what is particularly striking about the software is how it maintains the look and feel of Windows Phone 7.

    Clarity consulting notes:

    While devices like the iPhone have changed the way we interact with our mobile phones, there is still a long way to go to help mobile workers better manage their personal and professional lives," added Smith. "Windows Phone 7 Series is positioned to succeed where others don’t by enabling seamless integration, better development opportunities and lower cost of entry. Clarity is excited to be part of the mobile enterprise revolution and looks forward to actively shaping the next generation of mobile experiences."

    Are our readers looking forward to much more such high quality software in the future? Let us know below.

    Via Frogz.fr.



  • LiveJournal for Windows Mobile 1.0 now available for download

    Its not exactly WordPress for Windows Mobile, but if you maintain a blog on LiveJournal and have a Windows Mobile phone this may be the software you have been waiting for.

    The software first showed up in a Russian handset by Rover, but now appears to have been made available for wider consumption.

    LiveJournal 1.0 for Windows Mobile lets you:

    * Read Friends Pages
    * Post to your Journal or Communities
    * Leave comments
    * Post photos
    * Communicate via personal messages

    Download the software and try it for yourself at FreewarePocketpc.net here.


  • Android called closed, cunning, evil

    Print

    Research Director Andreas Constantinou from analyst firm Vision Mobile has laid out a pretty detailed explanation why Android is possible the most closed open source OS in the world, and how Google continue to control both companies and end users who use the software.

    Noting the free software came with an elaborate set of control points that allows Google to bundle its own services and control the exact software and hardware make-up on every handset, they claim Android is the best example of how a company can use open source to build up interest and community participation, while running a very tight commercial model.

    They have identified 8 control points:

    1. Private branches. Some companies have privileged access 6 months before everyone else to new development lines, meaning the ones that toe the line get to tout the latest version of the OS, while everyone else ships devices that look old when they are brand new.

    2. Speed of evolution. Related to this, Google iterates the Android platform at a speed that’s unprecedented for the mobile industry, releasing 4 major updates (1.6  to 2.1) in 18 months, causing OEMs wanting to build on Android to have no choice but to stay close to Google so as not to lose on new features/bug fixes released.

    3. Closed review process. All code reviewers work for Google, meaning very few community contributions get  in and often no reason is offered on rejection.

    4. Incomplete software. The public SDK lacks key building blocks missing are radio integration, international language packs, operator packs – and of course Google’s closed source apps like Market, Gmail and GTalk.

    5. Gated developer community. Control of the Android Market is one of the strongest control points as no OEM would dare produce a handset that doesn’t tap into it.

    6. Anti-fragmentation agreement.  OHA members have signed a commitment not to release handsets which are not Compatibility Test Suite compliant . CTS precludes OEMs from creating stripped-down versions of Android that would fit on mass-market phones

    7. Private roadmap.  Currently the roadmap published publicly is a year out of date (Q1 2009) and to get a sneak peak into the private roadmap you need Google’s blessing.

    8. Android trademark. Google holds the trademark to the Android name and it can only be leveraged with Google’s blessing.

    In short, it’s either the Google way or the highway.

    Constantinou concludes that Android is no more open – and no less closed – than Windows Mobile, Apple OSX or PalmOS, despite its Open Source veneer, and is simply a tool for Google to achieve its own ends, currently advertising but ultimately much wider, including mobile payment and voice traffic control.

    Read the full thesis at VisionMobile.com here.

    Is Google pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes?  Let us know your views below.


  • Google Nexus One selling slower than Palm Pre?

    sadandroid Google’s HTC made Nexus One is well known for not setting any sales records, but now Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster is predicting sales that in this day and age can only be called abysmal.

    Munster said in a research note:

    While we view Google’s Nexus One as the most advanced Android phone available to date, we believe that based on checks from Piper Jaffray analyst Mike Walkley and data released by mobile analytics companies, the phone has not seen the same success in the market as the Droid and other alternatives. Previously we expected the phone would ultimately reach carrier stores for sale, which has not yet happened. Our prior estimate of 350k Nexus One’s sold in Q1 appears aggressive and we believe the number may be closer to 160k for Q1; this represents a $100 million reduction to top-line revenue, but a $0.06 improvement to earnings as we expect Nexus One to carry a lower operating margin than Google’s core search product, for which we increased estimates.

    The handset was called the first “super smartphone” by Google, but has been plagued by issues such as poor screen responsiveness, poor daylight performance and lack of support by Google which has seen both enthusiasm and sales flag very soon after release.

    Read more at ZDNet here.


  • Caver 0.9.1 side-scroller reviewed

    We folks at BestWindowsMobileApps.com love our mobile game and due to the many new games that come out for Windows Mobile we forget some of the old games. One of our reader Harry recently sent us an email about a game that we saw a while ago and we though why not review that so here we are with a review for Caver.

    Read the rest of the review at BestWindowsMobileApps.com here.


  • 23 minutes with the KIN

    Matthew Miller from the ZDNet blog have published this 23 minute demo by John Starkweather of the KIN phone from Microsoft.

    Of note is that he said the Loop is RSS based, and can take input  from any RSS feed. When asked why the device lacked games, an apparently essential feature of a phone these days, John hinted that the phones were not feature complete, and can be expected to add new elements in the future.

    Read more at the ZDNet blog here.


  • Consumer Report calls KIN ad “creepy”, Consumer Reports called old

    CaboJPool3GuysGalConsumer Reports have taken the unusual step of reporting on the advertising of a phone, in this case the KIN, and it is not to complain about consumers being misled, but rather at seeing the disturbing sight of  a male nipple.

    This horrendous sight has put the consumer product review company in a spin, suggesting Microsoft is intent on corrupting the youth with this villainous sight.

    They complain:

    The video, on a promotional site for the new phones, includes a downright creepy sequence in which a young man is shown putting a Kin under his shirt and apparently snapping a picture of one of his naked breasts. The breast is then shown on the phone’s screen, just before the guy apparently sends it to someone. Next we see the face of a young woman, seemingly the recipient, with an amused expression on her face.

    Thank god we have Consumer Reports thinking of the children for once.  They have already announced their next target is Spring Break.

    Via CNET.com


  • New HD video-out plug for phones in the works

    mobilehdmi

    Nokia Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Silicon Image, Inc. , Sony Corporation  and Toshiba Corporation today announced the formation of the MHL™ (Mobile High-Definition Link) Consortium to develop a new mobile audio/video interface standard for directly connecting mobile phones and other portable consumer electronics (CE) devices to high-definition televisions (HDTVs) and displays. The MHL standard features a single-cable with a low pin-count (and therefore smaller) interface able to support up to 1080p high-definition (HD) video and digital audio while simultaneously providing power to the mobile device. The MHL Consortium is also announcing the availability of an abridged draft specification available for review at www.mhlconsortium.org.

    The MHL Consortium was established by the Mobile High-Definition Interface Working Group announced on September 28, 2009 and is responsible for developing, licensing and promoting the new mobile connectivity technology as an industry standard open to anyone desiring to become an adopter and enabling the development of compliant mobile and display products across a broad connectivity ecosystem. Products implementing MHL technology will feature:

    · HD Video and Digital Audio

    Consumers will be able to display HD video content with up to 1080p picture quality and digital audio from their mobile device on an HDTV.

    · Low Pin-Count Interface

    HD video and digital audio is transmitted via a low pin-count interface simultaneously providing data, control and power, which allows mobile devices to maintain their small form factor and keep implementation costs low.

    · Provision of Power to the Mobile Device

    Digital HD content can be output from the mobile device over a single cable while power is provided to the device.  For example, a mobile phone can play back a full-length movie on an HDTV without draining power, so when the playback is completed the mobile phone can continue to be used for other purposes, such as calls and emails.

    · Content Protection

    High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) technologies protect high-value digital motion pictures, television programs and audio against unauthorized interception and copying.

    Silicon Image had previously developed a physical connector on which the standard will be based, and importantly the connector was also compatible with the USB standard, making it useful as a general purpose connector rather than just a new mini-HDMI replacement.

    Now that microUSB is just catching on, do we really need another connector?  On the other hand, with our devices set to become particularly media-heavy, now may just be the right time. Let us know your thoughts below.

    Via Phonescoop.com


  • HTC crowd-sourcing name of next device

    htc-facebook-poll

    When HTC started using their code names as the real names of the devices (think HTC Legend, Hero and Incredible) their names started becoming a bit more important.

    To that end they are soliciting suggestions on their Facebook page for a new mystery device.  The names up for vote suggests a pretty youthful device, but HTC has not revealed any information about the handset.

    Add your vote at HTC’s Facebook page here.

    Via Engadget.com


  • How Microsoft came up with the name “Windows Phone 7 Series”

    1355

    All credit to the Joy of Tech.


  • India will get smaller, cheaper Windows phone 7?

    wp7worldwide Sudeep Bharati, Director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team has revealed that Microsoft may make a special version of Windows Phone 7 for the low cost developing market.

    The handset will share many features with the Windows Phone 7 already announced, but will have lower requirements for screen size and memory, with apparently only 128 MB of RAM and smaller screens required for certification.

    Microsoft is also in talks with OEM’s about this new version of the chassis to gain their feedback, which may see even more radical changes being made to the base model.

    Certainly for Windows Phone 7 to be successful world wide there needs to be a lesser emphasis on always on data connections and lock-in to services which may not be available in that region, such as Zune.

    Bharati notes the cost-effective version of the phone will have a different framework than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end and ultimately hoped the Windows Phones will retail in the region of $500 to $600, around the same as the Nexus One.

    Is Windows Phone 7 fragmenting even before release or is this an appropriate response to the differences between markets across the world? Let us know your thoughts below.

    Via Economic Times of India


  • Platinum Roulette 5.1 reviewed

    Get the fun of the Vegas strip in the palm of your hand with your Windows Phone. Platinum Roulette brings Roulette, one of the most popular casino games, to the windows mobile. Place your bets, spin the wheel and count your winnings or lose everything. Check out the full review of this game at BestWindowsMobileApps.com.


  • HTC HD2 shown using DoubleTwist to access iTunes music

    T-Mobile’s version of the HTC H2 is the first to come bundled with software which allows Apple computer users to access their iTunes music.

    The free DoubleTwist software is available via a stub downloader which mounts automatically, as seen in the video above, and allows access to even DRM’d music purchased from Apple.

    If you are not lucky enough to have the software bundled with our device it can be downloaded here.

    Video via Youtube.com


  • Want DropBox on Windows Mobile? Vote now!

    dropbox-logo Dropbox is a popular file hosting service which uses cloud computing to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization. The Dropbox client enables users to drop any file into a designated folder that is then synced to the cloud and to any other of the user’s computers with the Dropbox client, similar to Live Mesh but much more actively developed.

    Files in the Dropbox folder may then be shared with other Dropbox users or accessed from the web. Users may also upload files manually through a web browser.

    DropBox is currently asking users to vote on new development features, and included in the list is Windows Mobile support.

    If you want this awesome feature on your Windows Mobile phone, and are a DropBox member, cast your vote at Dropbox here.

    Via 1800pocketpc.com


  • HTC HD Mini compared to the HTC HD2

    Pocketnow have published this video comparing the recently released HTC HD Mini with the older HTC HD2. Despite the HTC HD mini being called simply a smaller HTC HD2 the video actually shows significant differences in performance, user interface and application compatibility, with Pocketnow saying the smaller device with the HVGA screen does not support common applications such as SPB Mobile Shell or Skyfire, due to its lower resolution non-standard screen.

    Read more at Pocketnow here.