WINDOWS MOBILE NEWS
By
Pen Computing staff
Full review: Handheld US M3 Mobile
Those who need a rugged yet light and compact industrial multi-function PDA should take a look at the M3 Mobile offered by Handheld U.S. It's a Pocket PC, a GSM/GPRS/EDGE voice/data phone, a 2-megapixel camera, and a terrific data capture device thanks to an extended keypad and either a laser scanner or 1D/2D imager. You can also get integrated GPS and the battery can last through a full 8-hour shift. While light and handy, the M3 Mobile has a wide operating temperature range and can handle 5-foot drops. [Read full review of the Handheld US M3 Mobile] -- Posted Monday, December 29, 2008 by chb
Two Technologies unveils Safari rugged handheld
Two Technologies introduced the rugged Safari handheld computer designed for a broad range of outdoor and indoor applications. The IP65-sealed Safari can handle 5-foot drops, a wide operating temperature range, and runs Windows CE .NET 5.0 on a 520MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor. There is a 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, various keypad layouts, integrated barcode scanning, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a variety of options including GSM/GPRS/EDGE, GPS and RFID. [Read description and specs of the 2T Safari rugged handheld computer] -- Posted Friday, December 5, 2008 by chb
Trimble adds more powerful versions to its Juno lineup Trimble added two models to its lineup of Juno handheld computers. The Juno SB and Juno SC handhelds are pocket-sized devices with integrated GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth, a 3-megapixel camera, a 533 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, a MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot, an all-day battery and a 3.5 inch display. -- Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2008 by chb
BSQUARE acquires TestQuest Remember BSQUARE from the early days of Windows CE? They are still around, providing software and engineering services to developers of Windows-based embedded devices worldwide. BSQUARE also just acquired TestQuest, a leader in test automation and management solutions for mobile and embedded devices and applications for accelerated time-to-market. -- Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2008 by chb
SBSH Pocket Weather 2.1 There are many good Today Screen weather programs available these days, but SBSH Pocket Weather is one of our favorites. [Read Tim Hillebrand's review of SBSH Pocket Weather 2.1] -- Posted Monday, November 24, 2008 by chb
Final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine We just received the 2009 Smartphone & Pocket PC Super Resource Guide, an awesome compilation of anything and everything dealing with the Windows Mobile platform. Due to lack of support, it is also the final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. That is a crying shame. [Read Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine -- the shortsightedness of letting an incredible resource die] -- Posted Friday, November 21, 2008 by chb
PhatWare judged Best in Notes and Handwriting Recognition PhatWare Corporation has again claimed "Best of Category" honors in Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine's Best Software Awards competition. The company has earned the top spot in two different categories: PhatWare's PhatNotes won twice in the "Utilities-Notes" category for both Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms, while the company's CalliGrapher handwriting recognition software took top honors in the "Utilities-Handwriting" category. -- Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2008 by chb
Review: SPB’s new WinMo keyboard Our Dr. Tim has probably reviewed all of the on-screen keyboards for Windows Mobile devices by now. However, he is always glad to see a brand new one. SPB’s new keyboard is a welcome addition to the stable of inputting workhorses. [Read review of the new SPB keyboard for Windows Mobile] -- Posted Wednesday, November 12, 2008 by chb
Full review: RMT DAP CE8640B
RMT DAP Technologies' C8640B may look like a ruggedized UMPC, but it's not. It is a super-rugged Windows CE 5.0-powered handheld PC merging a 640 x 240 half-VGA touchscreen and a compact QWERTY keyboard into a handy and eminently useful package for a wide range of field-based applications where small size, total reliability, near endless battery life, and invincible toughness matter. [Read full review of the RMT DAP CE8640B] -- Posted Monday, November 3, 2008 by chb
ActiveCaptain Mobile for Windows Mobile ActiveCaptain Mobile's marine navigation tools, chart archive and electronic guidebook is now available for Windows Mobile phones. It's like TomTom® for a boat. ActiveCaptain Mobile for Windows Mobile combines chart archive and marine navigation with access to ActiveCaptain's wiki-style database of cruising information. Users can browse NOAA charts, create routes, track their location and check on thousands of marinas, anchorages, bridges, boat ramps, and other important boating data on their Windows Mobile phones. [Check out ActiveCaptain for Windows Mobile] -- Posted Monday, October 27, 2008 by chb
Motorola to offer Windows Mobile 6.1 on its rugged handhelds Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business from Motorola announced the availability of Windows Mobile 6.1 on its rugged mobile computers and enterprise digital assistants to better manage and deploy devices throughout the enterprise. Initial products to support the new platform will include Motorola's flagship MC9000 rugged mobile computers, the ergonomic MC3000 mobile computers and the size-optimized MC70 and MC75 Enterprise Digital Assistants (EDAs). -- Posted Monday, October 27, 2008 by chb
Unlocked Zinc II -- worthy Windows Mobile smartphone
inc II is the latest MWg Windows Mobile device to be released in the U.S. market following the Atom Life earlier this year. Its major features include a horizontal slide-out keyboard, build-in GPS, a 2.0 Mpx camera, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 with unlocked UMTS Tri-band, and GSM Quad-band phone functionality. The US$599 Zinc II measures 109.5 x 59 x 18 mm weighs 159g, and has a 250 x 320 resolution 2.8 inch QVGA touch screen. Sporting a 500 Mhz Samsung processor, it only has 64 MB RAM and 256 MB ROM with a Micro SD memory slot. See Dr. Tim's full review of the Zinc II] -- Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 by chb
Motorola releases advanced VC6096 in-vehicle computer
Motorola introduced a very interesting addition to its line of vehicle-based panel computers. The VC6096 combines a robust Windows CE 6.1-based computer with GPS, integrated 3.5G wireless voice and data, engine computer connectivity, as well as digital I/O for communication with various sensors into an all-in-one transportation logistics solution. The VC6096's design combines a 6.5-inch full VGA display with a large backlit keyboard that actually provides an almost full-scale QWERTY layout (96.5%). [Read description and specs of the Motorola VC6096] -- Posted Monday, October 6, 2008 by chb
Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine Best Software Awards 2008 Winners Announced
The Winners in Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine's Eighth Annual Best Software Awards for Windows Mobile software have been announced at www.Smartphonemag.com/Awards. Eighty members of the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine Board of Experts judged 936 Windows Mobile products in 194 Pocket PC and Smartphone categories. Winners are also listed in the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine 2009 Resource Guide first seen late November. -- Posted Sunday, October 5, 2008 by chb
Microsoft won't drop Windows Mobile license fee According to PC Magazine, Microsoft will continue charging handset makers a license fee even though Google and Nokia offer their software technologies for free. CEO Ballmer's comment: "Handset makers are skeptical of Nokia, operators are skeptical of Google, I think by actually charging money people know exactly what our motivations are." -- Posted Thursday, October 2, 2008 by chb
Unlocked Palm Treo Pro now available in the US Palm announced that the unlocked Treo Pro smartphone is now available in the United States. The Windows Mobile-based Treo Pro is unlocked, giving end users the flexibility to simply insert their existing active SIM card and immediately start using their Treo Pro anywhere there is GSM coverage, without a new contract. Worldwide travelers using the Treo Pro can cut costs on international roaming charges by popping in a local country SIM card wherever they go. -- Posted Friday, September 26, 2008 by chb
CE-based Advantech VITA-350E Automatic Vehicle Location Device
When it comes to GPS, most people think of mapping and navigation, but GPS also has other applications interesting for business as well as specialized commercial applications. We're talking GPS-based vehicle tracking. We reviewed the rugged Windows CE -based Advantech VITA-350E device that, when placed in a vehicle, knows its location through its integrated GPS receiver and then communicates that GPS data, as well as other data collected through its digital I/O ports, to a central dispatch via an integrated cellular data module. This enables the dispatch to track the vehicle or even take manual or automatic action. The potential of this technology is tremendous. [Read review of the Advantech VITA-350E Automatic Vehicle Location Device] -- Posted Wednesday, September 24, 2008 by chb
Psion Teklogix introduces NEO
Psion Teklogix introduced the compact and handy NEO rugged terminal for retail and light industrial applications. The Windows CE 5.0-based NEO uses a 312MHz version of the Marvell PXA270, has a 2.7-inch QVGA sunlight-readable display with LED backlight, can be ordered with a numeric or alphanumeric keypad as well as with Bluetooth, WiFi and either a imager or laser scanner. The NEO can be use din extreme temperatures, survives 4-foot drop and carries IP54 sealing. [Read decription and specs of the Psion Teklogix NEO] -- Posted Monday, September 22, 2008 by chb
Treo software roundup The folks at TreoCentral.com issued their latest Treo software roundup, both new and updated, both Palm OS and WinMo. Go check it out! -- Posted Friday, September 12, 2008 by chb
WinMo 6.1 to be on 25 smartphones by holidays Six months after the launch of its Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, Microsoft announced that more than 25 phones powered by the platform are expected in market by holiday 2008 with many available today. Offering form factors ranging from touchscreens and QWERTY keyboards to dual sliders, the diverse spectrum of smartphones will be available from a wide range of device makers and mobile operators. -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb
Intermec introduces CK3 rugged mobile computer
Intermec added a new rugged mobile computer to its growing lineup of mobile data capture and communications handhelds. The CK3 is a rugged, multi-purpose flashlight-style device designed for warehousing and retail markets. The compact and handy CK3 weighs about a pound, is based on Windows Mobile 6.1, can accommodate 1D and 2D scanners, an RFID reader, as well as a variety of wireless communications methods and keypads. [See description and specs of the Intermec CK3 rugged mobile computer] -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb
iPhone Life Magazine premieres on newsstands!
Now on newsstands and in bookstores is the premiere issue of iPhone Life, a glossy, perfect-bound 100-page magazine chock-full of the best iPhone coverage anywhere. iPhone Life comes courtesy of Thaddeus, one of the original, and most dedicated, publishers in the mobile enthusiast space. What's Apple's gain is Microsoft's loss as Thaddeus was forced to suspend publication of its excellent Smartphone Magazine due to lack of Microsoft, TelCo and OEM support and interest (what else is new?). Check out the iPhone Life Table of Contents and show your support by subscribing to iPhone Life. -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb
Intermec CN3 now available with Windows Mobile 6.1
Intermec announced that their CN3 rugged mobile computer, a compact PXA270-based handheld with extensive wireless communications capabilities, now uses Windows Mobile 6.1 that offers a variety of improvements and advanced features including enhanced virtual memory, increased application speed, faster boot-up and an improved user interface with increased performance and stability. [Read description and specs of the Intermec CN3] -- Posted Thursday, September 11, 2008 by chb
NVIDIA and Opera team to accelerate web on mobile devices NVIDIA and Opera think that browsing the Internet on a mobile device will take a leap forward with the announcement thatthey are collaborating to bring the full desktop Web-browsing experience, including support for JavaScript, accelerated vector graphics, and video content, to smartphones and mobile Internet devices. As a result, NVIDIA will offer an optimized Opera 9.5 browser in its suite of pre-integrated, in-house and third-party software for the NVIDIA(R) Tegra family of computer-on-chip Windows Mobile and Windows CE solutions. [See Opera for Devices and NVIDIA's Tegra page] -- Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2008 by chb
Palm introduces unlocked WiMo 6.1-based Treo Pro
Palm introduced the unlocked Treo Pro, a smartphone for businesses that seek to simplify their IT infrastructures and reduce costs. With its streamlined design and Palm shortcuts layered on top of Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the Treo Pro, powered by a 400MHz Qualcomm MSM7201 processor, supports HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM and includes Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, a 320 x 320 transflective touchscreen, a 2mp camera, and a microSDHC slot. See description and specs of the Palm Treo Pro. -- Posted Wednesday, August 20, 2008 by chb
The waterproof, ultra-rugged Two Technologies Hydrus
Two Technologies has introduced the Hydrus, a PXA270/Windows CE 5.0 powered ultra-rugged handheld computer with stunning battery life in the 40-hour range. The 2.4 pound Hydrus carries IP68 sealing, which means it is totally waterproof. It can also handle extreme temperatures, and includes a 5-megapixel CMOS imager for pictures and barcode reading. The 55-key keypad is customizable and there is between 2GB and 32GB of Flash. [Read description and specs of the Two Technologies Hydrus] -- Posted Friday, August 15, 2008 by chb
Juniper Systems releases new version of the ultra-rugged Allegro Field PC
Juniper Systems, Inc., a provider of innovative field computer solutions for rugged applications, announced the new Allegro MX Field PC. Based on the company's Allegro CX but including many technology updates, the ultra-rugged Allegro features Windows Mobile 6.1, IP67 rating, a robust full keyboard, integrated Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g option, long-term battery life, host and client USB, and large and highly outdoor-visible displays. The Allegro MX runs Microsoft® Windows Mobile® version 6.1 and is powered by the 624MHz version of the Marvell PXA270 processor. Durable in extreme environments, the Allegro is a premier choice for those who need a rugged field computer with a full keyboard. [See description and specs of the Juniper Systems Allegro MX Field PC] -- Posted Monday, August 4, 2008 by chb
Full review: Palm Treo 800w It has been quite some time since Palm has come to the table with a new Windows Mobile Professional device: enter the Treo 800W, WM 6.1. At first glance it doesn’t appear all that different than its predecessor, the Treo 750W. But there are some subtle and not so subtle differences. Read Tim Hillebrand's comprehensive review of the Palm Treo 800w. -- Posted Monday, July 28, 2008 by chb
Full Facebook on your Mobile Phone Have you ever wished you could be notified automatically on your phone what’s happening on your Facebook site? Better yet, what if you could see what’s transpiring and be able to interact with Facebook on your phone just as you would on your desktop? A free application from Macrospecs, Inc. called FriendMobilizer makes this possible. [Read review of Friend Mobilizer] -- Posted Monday, July 28, 2008 by chb
Palm releases handy Windows Mobile-based Treo 800w
Palm introduced the Treo 800w, a Windows Mobile 6.1-based smartphone for the Sprint network. The new Treo measures 4.4x2.2x0.7 inches and weighs five ounces. It has a small 2.5-inch 320 x 320 pixel display, integrated GPS, a thumb-type keyboard, a 2-megapixel camera that can do video and a microSD card slot. The 800w is larger than the Centro, but smaller and handier than the old Treo 700. [Read description of the Palm Treo 800w] -- Posted Wednesday, July 16, 2008 by chb
Filing made easy with SimplyFile It is probably safe to say that most of the world uses Outlook. As Windows Mobilers, we use it on our handhelds as well. So, what happens on the desktop usually carries over to the handset. Accordingly, I would like to tell you about an application that I recently discovered that I think will make your life easie It’s called SimplyFile. [Read review of SimplyFile] -- Posted Sunday, July 6, 2008 by chb
InterKey Keyboard for Windows Mobile There is a proliferation of SIP keyboards for Windows Mobile touch screen devices lately. A longtime favorite is Tengo because it uses only six keys to get the basic job done. Some other new arrivals include TouchPal and ZoomBoard, both interesting choices to consider as well. InterKey derives its name from its International aspect by supporting 36 languages and 60 keyboard layouts: “Inter” for international and “key” for keyboard=InterKey. [Read review of the InterKey keyboard] -- Posted Sunday, July 6, 2008 by chb
Honeywell announces Dolphin 9900 Series
Hand Held Products, now part of Honeywell's Imaging and Mobility group, announced the Dolphin 9900 Series of ruggedized data collection and communications terminals. The 9900 runs Windows Mobile 6.0 on a 624MHz Marvell PXA270 processor, has 256MB of RAM and a full gigabyte of Flash. It can scan 1D and 2D symbologies, and supports WiFi, WWAN and GPS. There's a choice of two shifted and full alphanumeric keyboards and the battery lasts for over ten hours. [Read description and specs of the Honeywell Dolphin 9900 Series] -- Posted Thursday, July 3, 2008 by chb
Advantech MARS-1031N rugged Windows CE 5.0 handheld
Rugged Windows CE-based handheld terminals are used in tough jobs around the world by the hundreds of thousands. The Advantech MARS-1031N is a prime example of an ultra-rugged yet compact and lightweight handheld computer for a large variety of field service, logistics, and data capture applications. Based on field-proven technology (Windows CE 5.0 running on a Marvell PXA 27x processor), the MARS-1031 is a highly configurable workhorse that can handle data and voice communications and 1D/2D scanning in addition to conventional data capture. The availability of two different keyboards (16 and 44 keys) helps in customizing the unit for a given task. [Read full review of the Advantech MARS-1031N] -- Posted Tuesday, July 1, 2008 by chb
Review: SPB Backup 2.0 SPB allows you to create backup copies of your entire Windows Mobile system, not just your data. So, in the event of a crash, you can restore the whole system just as it was without having to go through the laborious process of reinstalling all your applications and re-registering them. [See review of SPB Backup 2.0 -- Posted Monday, June 30, 2008 by chb
Datalogic Kyman now with Windows Mobile 6.0
We added the Datalogic Kyman rugged handheld computer, a modern data capture device now available with Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional. The IP64-sealed Kyman, which can be ordered with either a 36 or 58-key keypad, has a very powerful battery, a variety of data capture options (RFID, imager, laser, long-range laser), supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE, and is able to survive 6-foot drops and opeate in a wide -4 to 122 degree Fahrenheit temperature range. [See description and specs of the Datalogic Kyman rugged handheld.] -- Posted Sunday, June 22, 2008 by chb
Microsoft releases Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 Microsoft announced the availability of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, Microsoft's first embedded operating system designed specifically for OEMs building handheld portable navigation devices (PNDs). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps developers and OEMs quickly bring to market smart, connected, service-oriented PNDs that easily connect to online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, Windows-based PCs and the Internet. Embedded NavReady 2009 is based on Windows Embedded CE is Microsoft's second device category-specific offerings after Windows Embedded POSReady. -- Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2008 by chb
NVIDIA releases powerful rival to Marvell PXA chips NVIDIA introduced the Tegra family of processors, a single-chip package smaller than a dime capable of the high definition and internet experiences you'd expect from a PC, but on small pocket type devices. Tegra uses multiple processors, each designed for a specific class of tasks - an 800 MHz ARM CPU, a HD video processor, an imaging processor, an audio processor, and an ultra-low power GeForce GPU. Expect to see Tegra in some stunningly powerful new Windows Mobile devices and other smartphones/internet access gadgets. [See NVIDIA Tegra page] -- Posted Monday, June 2, 2008 by chb
Handheld US introduces slender, versatile rugged PDA
Handheld U.S., a North American subsidiary of Europe's HHCS, announced the M3 Mobile handheld computer that combines extreme ruggedness, versatility and a slim profile to make a compelling package for a variety of applications and markets. The M3 Mobile runs the Window Mobile Phone Edition, but can also accommodate a laser scanner or imager, and GPS. It has an integrated 2 megapixel camera with LED illuminator and a Mini-SD slot for memory expansion. It can survive drops from 5 feet and carries IP64 sealing. [Read description and specs of the M3 Mobile by Handheld U.S.] -- Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2008 by chb
Trimble releases major tech upgrade to GeoExplorer series
Trimble introduced a major tech upgrade to its GeoExplorer series of ruggedized GPS handhelds. Now called the GeoExplorer 2008 Series, the line consists of the GeoXM, GeoXT, and GeoXH models, all designed for use in geographic information systems applications. They are technologically identical except for varying degrees of GPS accuracy and performance. The new models, now based on Windows Mobile 6 Classic, are faster, have twice the memory and Flash, have full VGA (480 x 640 pixel) resolution, have faster WiFi, offer better water sealing, and have an even wider operating temperature range. [See description and specs of the Trimble GeoExplorer 2008 Series] -- Posted Friday, May 16, 2008 by chb
HTC Touch Diamond
HTC is first to bring a 3/3.5G touch device to market. The Touch Diamond is a very small and light smartphone with an ultra-high resolution screen, an elegant 3-D user interface sitting on top of Windows Mobile 6.1, a 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS, and 4GB of storage for music, pictures and video. Our sister siteHHCMag.com examined HTC's latest and compared its specs side-by-side with the iPhone. [Read description of the HTC Touch Diamond] -- Posted Tuesday, May 6, 2008 by chb
Datalogic Pegaso now with Windows Mobile 6 and E-GPRS
Datalogic announced that its Pegaso compact industrial PDA is now available with Windows Mobile 6 and optional E-GPRS (GSM/GPRS/EDGE). The IP64-rated device has a full VGA 480 x 640 3.7-inch display, a center-mounted Class II laser scanner and an optional magnetic stripe reader. The upgrade enhances the Pegaso in applications where users need to access their enterprise network when outside the four wallls, such as mobile POS, route sales, direct store delivery, and parcel delivery. Datalogic Pegaso] -- Posted Monday, May 5, 2008 by chb
How to create a lean, mean, and clean Windows Mobile machine Time for Spring cleaning on that Windows Mobile device of yours, Dt. Tim says! See How to create a lean, mean, and clean Windows Mobile machine! -- Posted Thursday, May 1, 2008 by chb
Full review: HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion
Our first impression of HP's iPAQ 310 Travel Companion was very good. It has a large 4.3-inch display with very high 800 x 480 pixel resolution, 2GB of Flash, a SD Card slot, a snazzy interface sitting on top of Windows Mobile, and in addition to navigation, it plays games, lets you view pictures and video, listen to music, and you can use it as a handsfree speakerphone with your Bluetooth cellphone. In real world use, however, we ran into some snags and found there can be too much of a good thing (like icons). [Read full review of the HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion] -- Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by chb
Socket offers Windows Mobile 6 for SoMo 650 handheld Socket announced that support for Windows Mobile 6 Classic will be available on the Socket Mobile SoMo 650 handheld computer as of May 1, 2008. Available as an option to new customers or as an upgrade to existing customers, Windows Mobile 6 Classic will deliver advanced mobile communications capabilities to SoMo 650 users, improving overall mobile productivity. -- Posted Wednesday, April 9, 2008 by chb
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1 At CTIA, Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.1. Among the benefits: texting that looks like instant messging; improved browsing with zoom and overview; simpler email and Bluetooth setup, and easier WiFi connection; a new "Getting Started" center; better security; more personal settings; and a new home screen interface. [See Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 page] -- Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by chb
SMS-Chat revisited When we first tried SMS-Chat we were enthusiastic about it because it was fun, flashy, and new. We also liked the finger scrollable screens. But, after having used it now for a while, our Tim Hillebrand is developing a wish list for the next version of this Windows Mobile SMS messenger that organizes your SMS correspondence into threaded SMS conversations. [Read SMS-Chat Revisited] -- Posted Monday, March 24, 2008 by chb
Unitech lineup of durable and rugged data collection PDAs and terminals
 We've added the Unitech lineup of durable and rugged point-of-sale and data collection handhelds. Unitech, a Taiwanese company, has almost 30 years of experience in data collection handhelds with integrated laser scanners, imagers, and RFID readers. Read description and full specs of the enterprise PDA Unitech PA500, the somewhat more rugged Unitech PA600, the rugged Unitech PA966/967 with a 36-key keyboard, the very rugged Unitech PA982 that can handle extreme temperatures and full immersion, and RFID reader Unitech RH767. All unit's are Windows Mobile or Windows CE-based. -- Posted Saturday, March 22, 2008 by chb
SPB Plus or Shell: that is the question Spb Software has two excellent Today screen launcher type programs with a great deal of overlap. Which should you choose to enhance your pocket pal? [Read Tim's thoughts on SPB Software's launcher programs] -- Posted Tuesday, March 18, 2008 by chb
AstroNavigator v2.01 What I would have given for AstroNavigator when I was earning my Boy Scout Astronomy Merit Badge. With Astronavigator on board and hooked up to a satellite feed, you just face in any direction, and a picture of the heavens will appear on your screen. [Read Tim's review of AstroNavigator v2.01] -- Posted Monday, March 17, 2008 by chb
SPB Weather Release 1.7.4 Spb Weather is clearly one of the top weather programs available for Windows Mobile devices. If you are already a user, you will want to take advantage of this free upgrade. Otherwise, you may wish to check it out and add it to your bag of tricks. [Read review of SPB Weather 1.7.4] -- Posted Thursday, March 13, 2008 by chb
SPB Mobile Shell 2.0 There’s a whole host of new features in the latest release of SPB Mobile Shell. It seemed to me that it hasn’t been that long since it first appeared on my Windows Mobile screen, but I guess it was actually a year ago this month. How time flies when you’re having fun with your pocket pals. [Read review of SPB Mobile Shell 2.0] -- Posted Monday, March 10, 2008 by chb
Dual personality rugged military smartphone
Though it looks a bit like it, the Sectéra Edge by General Dynamics is not your average Blackberry clone. Instead, it is a SME-PED — a Secure Mobile Environment Portable Electronic Device. The Windows Mobile-based device was specifically developed for the National Security Agency's SME-PED program and is certified by the NSA. It's fully rugged and can be operated both in classified and unclassified mode. [See description and specs of the General Dynamics Sectéra Edge] -- Posted Thursday, March 6, 2008 by chb
Casio's tiny DT-X7 industrial handheld
Weighing just over five ounces, Casio's DT-X7 industrial handheld data entry and collection terminal fits anywhere. It's an ergonomically designed, Marvell XPA270-powered marvel with an integrated imager and a handy 29-key keypad. The DT-X7 is IP54-sealed and can handle three foot drops, making it perfect for any number of warehousing and inventory applications. It has a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD, runs Windows CE 5.0 and won a prestigious 2008 iF product design award (International Forum Design of Hannover, Germany). [Read description and specs of the Casio DT-X7 data entry terminal] -- Posted Friday, February 22, 2008 by chb
Sony Ericsson launches Windows Mobile-based XPERIA platform
Unwilling to let Apple get all the attention with its sleek iPhone, Sony Ericsson launched XPERIA and announced the first XPERIA phone, the X1. A bit smaller, but thicker, then the Apple iPhone, the X1 has a slider QWERTY keyboard, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera, and displays 800 x 480 pixels on its 3-inch screen. This makes for stunningly high resolution and enables the unique XPERIA desktop that's operated via touch. The X1 supports quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as quad-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA. [See description and closeups of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1] -- Posted Monday, February 11, 2008 by chb
Can Raketu replace a SIM card? Raketu is a VoIP-based service that has been available for desktops, but is now offered for Windows Mobile devices as well. It is supposed to enable you to use your handset to make calls anywhere in the world free. [Read Tim Hillebrand's review of the Raketu social networking meets communications meets media in one application.] -- Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2008 by chb
Psion Teklogix adds rugged PDA
Psion Teklogix added the ikôn Rugged PDA to its lineup of rugged handhelds, vehicle mounts, and terminals. The compact and lightweight ikôn is powered by a 624MHz Marvell PXA270, has a full-VGA outdoor-viewable 3.7-inch display, runs Windows CE 5.0 or Windows Mobile 6.0, survives 5-foot drops, and has an impressive IP65 ingress protection rating. [Read description and specs of the Psion Teklogix ikôn Rugged PDA] -- Posted Monday, February 4, 2008 by chb
Skyfire browser beta for Windows Mobile Skyfire unveiled a new mobile browser that makes browsing on a smartphone just like browsing on a PC. Smartphone users can experience the "real Web" to access and interact with any Web site built with any Web technology, including dynamic Flash, advanced Ajax, Java and more - at the same speeds they are accustomed to on their PC. Check the skyfire.com website for the private beta that supports Windows Mobile phones, both touchscreen and non-touchscreen, in the U.S. The company will introduce a version for Symbian smartphones in the coming months and other platforms and geographies are on the product roadmap. -- Posted Monday, January 28, 2008 by chb
Free WinMo 6 upgrade for Samsung BlackJack Samsung announced the availability of the Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for the BlackJack, which is available in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T. BlackJack users can update their devices from Windows Mobile 5.0 to the new Windows Mobile 6.0 operating platform with a free desktop download available directly from Samsung. The Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for the BlackJack(TM) is available at http://www.samsung.com/us/i607/windowsupgrade. -- Posted Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by chb
Added two new rugged Windows CE devices
We added detailed descriptions and specs for two interesting new Windows CE devices. The Metrologic SP5700 OptimusPDA is a compact rugged handheld running Windows CE 5.0 on a 520MHz PXA270. It has an integrated scanner or imager. The Data Ltd DLI 8300 is a tablet that can run any number of operating systems, including Windows CE 6.0. It is powered by a 500MHz AMD LX800 Geode and can have screen resolutions up to 1024 x 768. Both devices are IP54 rated and can take a beating. -- Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008 by chb
NeoMagic releases smartphone manufacturing kit NeoMagic, whose MiMagic 6+ applications processor powers the Neonode N2, announced the availability of their Windows Mobile-based Smart Phone Manufacturing Kit. The kit is designed for OEMs that wish to significantly reduce development and design time, enabling them to put feature-and-application-rich smart phones in customers' hands in approximately six months rather than the typical 18 month process. The kit comes with a complete software package, and includes a form-factor reference design, schematics with walk-through documents, the board layout with a layout guidelines document, a full BOM, the Windows Mobile BSP, a software design guide, a user's guide, complete download utilities, optimized GSM/GPRS image code, all drivers and codecs. -- Posted Tuesday, January 8, 2008 by chb
MobiForms 4 now certified with Open-Source HSQLDB database
MobiForms announced the release of MobiForms 4.0. MobiForms version 4.0 has been certified with the open-source HSQLDB database. MobiForms includes a free copy of HSQLDB for server, standalone or mobile database applications, complementing the MobiForms Developer tool and the Mobiforms runtime interpreter. MobiForms offers all the tools in one "box"for the creation and deployment of any type of mobile application - from surveys to field service, from signature capture to bar coding. -- Posted Monday, January 7, 2008 by chb
How to Customize SPB Mobile Shell You have no doubt heard the aphorism “be careful what you wish for because you just may get it.” Well, my first encounter with SPB Mobile Shell (SMS) was as a pre-installed bonus on a Pharos 600 GPS unit. [Read Tim Hillebrand's How to Customize SPB Mobile Shell] -- Posted Saturday, January 5, 2008 by chb
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