Category: Software

  • Windows Mobile 6.5.3 officially acknowledged for the first time

    The latest builds of Windows Mobile 6.5 live in some strange limbo, where we all know Microsoft is developing the software, but Microsoft has never officially admits to its existence.

    Its seems with the launch of newer versions of Windows Mobile 6.5 creeping up that is changing, with this first official mention of the new OS build in MSDN documentation, mentioning the changes to the soft keys and how it affects widgets development.

    6_5_3

    Hopefully this is some indication that we will hear a lot more pretty soon about the latest developments of our favourite OS, and actually in the open rather than through XDA-Dev.

    See more here.

    Via WMExperts.com

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  • Vide:Tweaks and Themes

    This video is just to show off the new tweaks that I found earlier today while browsing the web. The blue clouds tweaks I found on pocketnow, and is really cool how it changes every picture with a cloud to blue, get your self a copy, it works for all WM phones. I also talk about another theme that I found, the theme changes the look of Swype keyboard and gives it a HTC keyboard look while keeping its cool, get yours also. Enjoy

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  • Tekken 3 on the HTC HD2 using FPSECE 0.10

    Talking about emulators, here it Tekken 3 being played on the HTC HD2 using FPSECE 0.10, which we wrote about a few days ago.

    This Playstation emulator was also recently upgraded to support multi-touch on the HD2, and also to support bluetooth controllers, amongst many other features.

    Read more in this XDA-Developers thread here.

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  • The iPod Touch Holiday Sales Spike, or Why Apple is Building a Tablet

    Christmas was kind to Apple this year. The iPod touch seems to have been a popular gift this holiday season, at least according to some interesting statistics regarding App Store downloads over the period leading up to and including Christmas day. App download activity information tracked by Flurry Analytics (via MobileCrunch) shows a massive increase in downloads on December 25.

    The iPhone also experienced a holiday bump, although nowhere near the surge the iPod touch had. That’s to be expected, since people are far less likely to give an iPhone as a gift, considering the attendant cell service contract and recurring fees associated with the smartphone. This also marks the first time app downloads on the iPod touch have exceeded those on the iPhone.

    Overall, the App Store saw a 51 percent increase in downloads from November to December. Note that only downloads are being accounted for here, so it isn’t clear what percentage of these figures are free apps and how many are paid. In either case, it’s good news for Apple, and probably for top app developers as well. Thanks to the way the App Store is organized, many of these downloads probably came from the top 25 and 50 lists available on the mobile version of the software marketplace.

    Apple’s growth rate exceeds that of the Android market by a fair margin, with its 51 percent increase dwarfing Google’s 22 percent spike. Despite the advent of many competitors, and the variety of Android devices available, the App Store’s growth shows no signs of slowing or reaching a plateau.

    Which is why Apple’s plans for a tablet are beginning to make more sense to me. Despite all the buzz online about the device, I had a hard time figuring out who Apple would be able to successfully market such a device to, beyond fanbois and tech enthusiasts. But thought of as another way of extending the App Store’s reach and capitalizing on its success, it begins to make sense. Especially when you consider the latest rumors, which seem to indicate that the device, when it does arrive, will more closely resemble an incredibly versatile PMP than a tablet computer.

    As long as the price point is kept low enough, I can definitely see iPod touch owners trading up, and people more interested in the movie and video side of things making a first iDevice purchase. In fact, the pricing structure of the tablet is the most intriguing aspect, as far as I’m concerned, and I can’t wait to see what Apple thinks people will pay for its latest creation.


  • Resco Photo Manager gets update

    image

    Resco is one of the best software house that Windows Mobile has, well it seems they are still going strong with their apps. The new and updated Resco photo viewer is a faster, smoother and more connected viewer than the previous and the best part is, its still free, for 7 days(If you are a heavy flasher, you know what I mean).

    The change log is the best part of the new version:

    WM 6.5 registration fixed
    Touch friendly user interface
    User interface is in new graphic
    Add GPS position to any  image and make a diary of your trip
    Locate geo-tagged image on map (using Google Maps)
    Different skins available
    Letter & date navigation bar
    Folder content preview
    Rotation, navigation and zoom gestures
    Double tap image to quickly view detail in original size
    GUI animations
    Support of G-sensor
    Convert image to JPG, PNG and BMP
    Text notes can be saved into EXIF
    Upload to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Picasa supported
    Upload image with comment and GPS location

    “Photo Manager is a favorite photo viewing program with features far beyond standards of the classic built-in viewer. Users gain functions of complete image management in a modern looking and easy to handle application. Intuitive way of work, outrageous effects and many slideshow and edit features move other image viewing programs to the second line.”

    The change log brings Flickr(which is one of the first) to your mobile phone. You can get your self one for free(for 7days) at their shop, and look forward for my special software house review featuring Resco and they’re wide selection of apps.

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  • FastMall App Helps Busy Shoppers Find a Mall Restroom By Shaking Their iPhone

    6561574 200x300 FastMall App Helps Busy Shoppers Find a Mall Restroom By Shaking Their iPhoneIt’s too bad this app wasn’t released before the Holiday season began! Fastmall makes your life easier when looking for a specific store, restroom, food courts etc in your local Mall.It will give you turn by turn navigation much like Google maps does outdoors. FastMall does not use GPS inside the mall so it will not crash if a signal fails. In addition, you can chart the best course for a leisurely shopping trip, even at the largest mega-malls like Mall of America. When you need a restroom just tap the toilet icon or shake your iPhone, and FastMall shows you where the nearest restrooms are. Interactive maps that include the option to shake your iPhone for the nearest restroom range from $0.99 for smaller malls to $2.99 for the largest malls. Now come next year I’ll have my holiday shopping done and my hands washed in 15 minutes flat. parkingphoto 200x300 FastMall App Helps Busy Shoppers Find a Mall Restroom By Shaking Their iPhonerr6561575 200x300 FastMall App Helps Busy Shoppers Find a Mall Restroom By Shaking Their iPhone

     FastMall App Helps Busy Shoppers Find a Mall Restroom By Shaking Their iPhone


  • Quick App: Presteroids

    I wanted to point out a nice little app that we approved earlier today in our Homebrew App Gallery: Presteroids. It comes to us by way of kayahr, who humbly describes it as "an early alpha version." I humbly describe it as a fun and somewhat addictive asteroids app that I completely stink at playing.

    If this is the ‘early alpha,’ I can’t wait to see what the Beta will look like. Best of all for you potential coders, kayahr is releasing it under the GPL v3 Open Source license, which means you’re free to dig in, learn from, and use the code (under the same license).

    Never tried Homebrew apps before? Here’s how.

     

  • Touchflo 2.5 Landscape Going on the Touchpro2

    Being a Flashaholic has its perks, like maybe having the newest Touchflo 2.5 running on your device, and now in landscape. The update was released yesterday and it shows off the sexiness of Touchflo in a new landscape view. It was leaked from the Leo that is currently heading to T-mobile. Enjoy:

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  • Intelius Hosting the Date Check Dating Game at CES 2010

    dating game1 300x255 Intelius Hosting the Date Check Dating Game at CES 2010When you go to CES the Dating Game doesn’t usually come to mind. Intelius was so inspired by the success of their Date Check mobile application, they have announced a Dating Game contest for attendees of the annual International Consumer Electronic Show. CES attendees can participate in the classic game show, and they will be offering up three potential techie bachelors for one lucky techie bachelorette. In addition to asking the usual first date questions, each contestant will be put to the test with the Date Check mobile app – an instant background check and a Money feature which will tell you straight up if these guys are just vendors peddling cheap Chinese knockoffs or owners of companies – just kidding. It will actually tell you if they own their own homes and other vital monetary information that can be found.  CES attendees interested in being a contestant in the Date Check Dating Game can register in advance by visiting their site and completing a short online application. Intelius will then select nine bachelors to compete live on stage for one of three dates with a bachelorette. Winners will receive lunch for two with their bachelorette and a pair of tickets to a best-selling Vegas show.  If you don’t feel like putting yourself out there, the app is currently available for download in the App Store and the Android Marketplace. CES is going to be very interesting this year…


     Intelius Hosting the Date Check Dating Game at CES 2010


  • My Bing Translator for Windows Mobile

    my-bing-translator_thumb My Bing Translator is translation software using the online translator at www.microsofttranslator.com.

    The freeware support translation for multiple languages, with the  language list updated constantly. The application does not use much traffic as it works directly through the Microsoft API, which should be useful when using when roaming.

    The software is currently on version 1.01 and can be downloaded here.

    The application requires .Net CF 3.5, available here.

    Via FreewarePocketPC.net

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  • Ringing in a New Year With Predictions for Hot Software Sectors

    Dennis Clerke wrote:

    The constrained venture capital markets and difficult environment for IPOs, will make 2010 a big year for M&A transactions. The leaders in hot new software sectors will be swallowed up at a premium, along with entrepreneurs tired of running on the treadmill as they get closer to retirement, will drive more M&A transactions than ever. I see these theses trends emerging:

    1. Emergence of “Social Commerce”—The continued propagation and expansion of social networks open a significant opportunity for new forms of online commerce. Expect to see integrated commerce applications embedded into the social networks that offer simplicity, security and a unique and integrated understanding of the social network participants. This will drive new forms of commerce with remarkable results in 2010 and beyond.

    2. Greater Performance for Online Advertising—The downturn in gross online ad spending has “weeded out” many undifferentiated online advertising businesses, but has also stimulated ad technology companies that make a measurable difference in converting ads to sales. Expect to see breakthrough technologies in the areas of ad placement and dynamic creative that will improve relevancy and yield from the historical conversion rates.

    3. Better Online Privacy Controls and a Move to Mobile Devices—Today’s myriad of online entertainment and productivity applications, combined with the move to greater “computing on the go” capabilities, have created a privacy conflict between web application providers and users. The application providers want to understand and expose data to improve online presence which, in many cases, is in conflict with individual privacy concerns. The situation is even more concerning for children and with mobile devices. Today’s litany of online games and social communities accessible through phones can result in personal information getting into the wrong hands. While some applications prevent this on PC’s, mobile devices are open terrain. Parents, parents, corporations and users will embrace new forms of privacy controls on mobile devices in 2010.

    4. Broad Adoption of Energy Management Applications—The concentration on clean technology and green energy has resulted in a new class of applications driving energy efficiency. Buildings account for about one-third of all energy use. It is estimated that 30 percent of this is wasted. In order to control energy use, you must measure energy consumption. Many sensor-based monitoring applications will be developed for this purpose. In 2010 you should expect to see a new breed of energy-oriented analytic applications that will help improve efficiency in the home, office, and in energy-intensive locations like data centers.

    5. Software to Manage Food Safety–There is a growing desire to get better information about what we are eating. Not just nutritional labels in the grocery store, but a complete history of food products covering the product from the farm to the kitchen. Consumers want to know more about the food we ingest, including where it comes from, potential exposure to pesticides, oversight of properly controlled transportation and more. To date we have relied on regulatory agencies for such oversight, but the system is far from perfect, as we witnessed with many food scares in 2009. Expect consumer-oriented applications on the web to play a bigger role in 2010 and beyond.

    6. Technology to Manage Water Use—With only 1 percent of the world’s fresh water available as drinking water, water capture, management and retention will become a big focus in 2010. Again, this requires measurement and testing that involves sensor-based applications, collaborative systems among agencies and better storage facilities. Expect to see highly integrated and analytical web applications that will be facilitated by wireless and mobile computing.

    [Editor’s Note: As the decade comes to an end, we’ve asked Xconomists and other technology leaders around the country to identify the top innovations they’ve seen in their fields the past 10 years, or predict the top disruptive technologies that will impact the next decade.]







  • Pocket Divx brings Omnia2 features to all WM phones

    One of the most attractive features of the Samsung Omnia 2 is its Divx support. Fortunately for the rest of us who do not own one, there is software available that support Divx playback on other devices.

    Windows Mobile has had Pocket Divx for some time now, but it just received an update today.

    Sadly it does not include a change log, but I have noted the following additions:

    Features List:

    image

    10-Band Equalizer with Pre-Amp;
    PlayList Support;
    PlayList Editor;
    Web Streaming;
    Brightness Control (ARM devices only);
    File Association Support;
    Hardware Button Mapping;
    Shuffle Play;
    90 degree Rotate ;
    2:1 zoom;
    Bi-linear filtering for zoom mode;
    Dithering (ARM devices only);
    Fast Forward;
    Seek Bar;
    Volume Control;
    Custom File Open Dialog;
    Custom Web View Streaming File Selection Dialog;
    Keep Alive for device shutoff suspension;
    Play At File Open option;
    Definable Caching for performance/power utilization. Supported Audio/Video Formats: Video: Divx, OpenDivX, Avi, MPEG-1 w/ FFMPEG mpeg video decoder;
    Audio: MP3 and Layer I + II Audio w/ MAD MP3 decoder.

    My story: I was on my usual flights between Atlanta and Minnesota and Florida. I had a new episode of house on my phone(don’t ask where I found it) and I tried watching it on my first of two connection flights, but both Windows Media player and HTC players don’t support it. I also tried installing core player and VLC player, but even though the supported the video format, they did not support the audio files. I was lucky enough to be on those new flights that have Wi-Fi in the air(I know, isn’t that cool, I was 40,000ft in the air checking my emails) and I received a free 24 hours use card. I got online to freewarepocketpc.net, and browsed there player selection and found this one. I loved it, I downloaded it, installed it. When I loaded it for the first time, it took a little bit of time, because it searches for all the files that it supports, and adds it to the video selection. It took about one minutes and I was watching House and enjoying it, thanks to the program’s very smooth and constant stream even on high res movies. The flight after that was awesome, I left and was in ATL for a while, but now I could watch all the Top Gear and House that I wanted, and my batteries did not dies till about 3 hours later, since I was using the original Touchpro(with 2 extra batteries).

    If you read my story and want a peace of this App, you can get it at FWPPC.

     

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  • HD2 Touchflo 2.5 Against regular 2.5 & 2.0

    Today I flashed my Touchpro2(if you remember, I am a flashaholic) and the update brought the new Sense Ui that was made for the HD2 T-mobile version to my phone. I had 2 other devices that had the other versions of sense UI, so I put them together in this video that shows you what they look like next to each other and the updates that I have noticed. I think Brandon has beat me to it, but I have more details ;) , Enjoy:

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  • Screenie – Screenshots facilmente no Windows

    ScreenieScreenie é uma ferramenta gratuita para Windows que lhe permite facilmente tirar printscreens/screenshots do seu ambiente de trabalho Windows.

    Para além da funcionalidade básica, é possível também com o Screenie, enviar automaticamente screenshots para um servidor FTP, para o disco ou então para o clipboard e ainda editar a imagem como cortar, redimensionar e destacar conteúdo.

    • Suporta tipos de imagens comprimidos: GIF / JPEG / PNG / BMP / TIFF
    • Suporte DirectX e OpenGL
    • Suporte a Ecrã Duplo / Múltiplo Monitor
    • Edição de Imagem incluindo crop e resizing
    • Ferramenta Highlighter
    • Suporte FTP
    • Screenie pode salvar automaticamente as imagens para o disco com um nome personalizado
    • Gera automaticamente miniaturas
    • Suporte experimental para o ImageShack

    Pode encontrar mais informações acerca do Screenie aqui.

    WebTugaScreenie – Screenshots facilmente no Windows

  • A video guide to flashing custom ROMs on the HTC HD2

    HDblog.it have published the above video guide to flashing a custom ROM to the HTC HD2 using the new Soft SPL.

    While the process seem simple enough to be used by any novice readers should be warned that the process has the potential for bricking their device, and if they do not have an official ROM to flash it with again they will not be able to recover.

    Some new custom ROMs can be found in this post here, and the Soft SPL here.

    Read more at HDBlog.it.

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  • Windows Mobile 6.5.3 for the HD2

    Leo Hot on the heels of SSPL for the HD2, there have been numerous ROM releases.

    On the WM6.5.3 front, I think mine is the only one currently available (it’s uploading as I write this) though as my HD2 is away getting repaired it may well not be the best ROM out there.

    WM6.5 has been more popular, with none of the new UI changes. Itje with the TouchIT series of ROMs has an HD2 ROM here, and there is a Pdaviet ROM as well here.

    I shall keep you posted on ROMs, as and when more pop up, and will (when my HD2 is back) test them and compare them if that is wanted…

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  • Remote Touch updated to version T2

    A new version of Remote Touch, a remote desktop solution for Windows Mobile has been released, with new features on board.

    The software features:

    + Designed with touch screen in mind.
    + Control your PC from anywhere on the planet.
    + Scroll around the desktop with your thumb.
    + Zoom in and out instantly making this app very finger friendly.
    + Overview lets you jump anywhere on the screen.
    + Transfer files and clip board (copy/paste) between your PC and mobile while you control your PC.
    + Full screen keyboard give you finger tapping keyboard to directly type into your PC.
    + Profiles to multiple computers lets you easily switch between different computers.
    + 256-bit Encrypted file & host control.
    + Dual Monitor Support.
    + 5 connection modes from best quality to the best speed.
    + Special Browser Mode: Use the power of your desktop for browsing on your mobile.
    + Powerful keyboards to control your apps face-to-face:
    Mouse, Windows Media Player, VLC and Windows Preview.
    + Create your own keyboard to control any application you need with Remote Touch Keyboard Maker. (e.g. Winamp, Media Center etc.)

    The software allows one to share files between your PC and phone, control your media center, music or video player, and using the Browser Mode faster browser than IE, Opera and Skyfire for Windows Mobile.

    The video above shows an older version in action.

    The software costs $10.99 from our software store and is also available directly from the developers website.

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  • SSPL for the HTC HD2 now out – expert testers needed!

    Bepe has released a Soft SPL for the HTC HD2, meaning unsigned ROM’s can now be loaded onto the device.

    The software is still in beta, meaning there is a risk the device can be bricked, so only expert users are advices to test the software and give feedback.

    To make the software safer however SPL and Radio flashing has been disabled, meaning it should be possible to recover the device by flashing an approved official ROM (so not for carrier devices without for example).

    To use:

    How to use it:

    • Download the SSPL_RUU.exe and put it into an empty folder
    • Add the RUU_signed.nbh that you want to flash to your device into the same folder
    • Connect the device to the PC, device must be running WM, not show the 3 color screen
    • Run SSPL_RUU.exe

    Read this XDA-Developers thread for full instructions.

    Thanks 619619 for the tip.

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  • Microsoft on Windows Mobile “we’re not doing enough to sell (our) enterprise connectivity story”

    Business-Man Microsoft’s Robert Youngjohns, President of  North American Sales and Marketing for Microsoft, was recently quizzed at the Barclays Capital Global Technology Conference on the state of Microsoft, which of course included Windows Mobile.

    Israel Hernandez, head of the Software Group at Barclays Capita, asked about Microsoft’s fading market share in the mobile area.

    His response re-affirmed the importance of Windows Mobile for Microsoft in its “3 screens and a cloud” strategy and noted, in terms of the enterprise market, Windows Mobile was already pretty well featured and offered a very good experience, especially compared to Android and iPhone.

    I’m running an HTC Touch HD2, which I got recently, and I think it’s one of the best handsets I’ve ever, ever had.  With 6.5, with Exchange 2010 back end, I have the best possible e-mail experience on the road that I’ve ever had.  And that includes using Blackberries in the previous job, and so on.  So, I think our enterprise story is already pretty strong.” said Youngjohns.

    He did however feel Microsoft was not doing enough to sell the enterprise market on the capabilities of Windows Mobile.

    “… if I have a complaint, or an observation of our own organization, we’re not doing enough to sell that enterprise connectivity story back into e-mail and collaboration, and so on.”

    He did acknowledge when it came to the consumer market Microsoft could do better:

    “Now, we clearly have a different issue in terms of the consumer market, and I think we have work to do to get there to a point that we can say we have as good an operating environment as, for example, the iPhone does.” 

    He did however express the the belief Windows Mobile 7 would make Microsoft competitive in this area also.

    He also pooh-poohed the idea that Microsoft would make its own handset.

    “… the core of our strategy is to enable our whole bunch of partners to produce multiple form factors in terms of the device.  Not to go for one homogeneous device that we manage end to end.  It’s a huge bet we’re taking in the company that we think that’s the right strategy.  But I think whether it’s with Windows 6.5 now, and enterprise connectivity, or whether it’s consumer space with Windows Mobile 7 next year, I think the ability to go out there with multiple handsets, and multiple vendors, multiple form factors is a differentiator, and one I think we can exploit.”

    Read the full transcript from the presentation here.

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  • Windows Mobile Monitor – keep a spying eye on how your phone is used

    spying-thumb-432x288Windows Mobile Monitor is a software application designed for cell phones running Microsoft Windows Mobile. The application runs silently and invisibly recording all text message and phone call activity that takes place on the phone. You can retrieve the recorded information two different ways: 

    Remotely Retrieve Information

    With Windows Mobile Monitor, you can securely connect the device you are monitoring to the SynergeTech Solutions servers. As long as the phone has a data plan, Windows Mobile Monitor will upload phone call and text message data to your account. You can login to the website anytime and see a realtime view of the phone’s usage!  Unlike some similar products available, there is no charge for the remote monitoring service and you can monitor an unlimited number of text messages and phone calls from an unlimited number of phones!
     
    Windows Mobile Monitor Remote Control Panel - Text Messages
    Windows Mobile Monitor Remote Control Panel - Account Overview

     

    Physically Retrieve Information 

    In some cases, it is not possible to use the remote retrieval method. Windows Mobile Monitor also logs all text message and phone call data on the device itself in a hidden location. This allows you to easily copy the file off the device (using a storage card, infrared, email, bluetooth, or a USB cable). The file can be opened using Notepad or any other text viewer on your desktop computer.

    The developer’s FAQ notes: 

    – What Information Is Collected?
    Text Messages: Outgoing and Incoming
    Phone Calls: Outgoing, Incoming, and Missed Calls

    – Does the name of the caller or sender get recorded?

    Yes, as long as the number is stored in the phone’s contact list. If the number does not belong to a contact, only the number will be recorded.

    – Will text messages and calls that were deleted off the phone still be recorded?

    Yes!

    – How does Windows Mobile Monitor get on the phone to be monitored?

    You will need physical access to the phone to initially install Windows Mobile Monitor. Once installed, it is automatically and silently started whenever the phone is turned on.

    – How do I access the recorded phone and text message logs?

    You can login to your account at the SynergeTech Solutions website and view all the data from the phones you are monitoring. If the phone you are monitoring does not have a data plan, you will need to have physical access to retrieve the logs.  Once you have physical access to the phone, you can sync it with a computer, place the log on a SD card, email the log to yourself, or use another method to copy the log off the phone for examination.

    – Will the user of the monitored phone be aware that their activity is being recorded?

    Only if you advise them. The software is invisible to the user of the phone.

    – Is using this software application legal?

    Most likely the use of this application would only be legal if you own the phone, the phone service, and advise the user of the phone ahead of time. Please consult a lawyer for actual guidance.

    The software only costs £9.99 and works on Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, or 6.5

    Read more at about Windows Mobile Monitor here.

    This post was submitted by Brian Hamachek.

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