November 2005
Pocket PC Phone Tools 5 available
Avanquest Softwar introduced Pocket PhoneTools 5 PRO, the latest version of its PDA communications software tool compatible with all PDAs using Pocket PC 2002, 2003 and 2003SE. The new version provides access to high-speed 3G cellular networks and compatibility with even more cell phone brands and models than ever before – including Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony-Ericsson. Pocket PhoneTools 5 PRO automatically configures an Internet connection using the cell phone as a modem so you can quickly connect and also maintain an Internet connection using high-speed wireless networks via an integrated database of 320 major operators in 87 countries. The software is an ideal tool for users who need Internet access in places where Wi-Fi access is unavailable, for business travelers conducting eCommerce, and for people who want to download email quickly and navigate the web faster. A free trial version is available at www.avanquest.com. -- Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2005 by chb
Microsoft tweaks Hosted Messaging and Collaboration for Mobile
Microsoft announced its Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5, a hosted solution that enables service providers to equip small and midsize businesses with enterprise-class email services, mobile device data access, team websites and online presence information. In version 3.5, Microsoft incorporates new mobile synchronisation capabilities taking advantage of Windows Mobile 5.0, direct push of email and PIM data without the need for SMS, remote device wipe of sensitive data from lost or stolen devices, a variety of security enhancements, and new tools that lessen management time and extend customer acquisition opportunities for hosting partners. Sign up for free Hosted Messaging seminars -- Posted Monday, November 28, 2005 by chb
CommonTime releases MNotes 4.1 for Windows Mobile 5.0 PPC
CommonTime, market leader in mobile computing solutions for Notes/Domino enterprises, announced the release of mNotes 4.1 for Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC, which enables the use of Lotus Notes functionality on a handheld device. The robust nature of mNotes ensures that user experience on the newly launched Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC devices is of the highest quality.
-- Posted Tuesday, November 22, 2005 by chb
New rev of Zagat To Go
PDA software and mobile media specialist Handmark announced the availability of the new 4.0 version of ZAGAT TO GO, the mobile version of Zagat Survey's hugely popular restaurant and entertainment guides, for Palm handhelds, Treo smartphones and Windows Mobile Pocket PCs. In addition to its comprehensive ratings guides, ZAGAT TO GO now offers many new features including wireless content updates, detailed street-level maps, and turn-by-turn driving directions to the user's desired destination. [see full Handmark release or Zagat's ToGo page.] -- Posted Monday, November 7, 2005 by chb
PDA sales UP! No, DOWN! No, UP! No, DOWN!
Mobilemag.com: "Gartner predicts PDA sales to sky rocket this year -- According to a report by Gartner, the shipment of PDAs in Q3, 2005 has registered a staggering growth of nearly 21 percent over the corresponding period last year. The total shipment figure in the given period stood at a commendable 3.45 million units. On the basis of this trend, Gartner has projected a record sale of nearly 15 million units of PDAs this year which will far exceed the best ever PDA shipments figure of 13.2 million units registered in 2001."
Betanews.com: "PDA Sales Continue to Decline -- Handheld devices continued to fall out of favor with consumers, according to a report released by market research firm IDC. In the third quarter of 2005, handheld sales fell 8.8 percent compared with last quarter, and 16.9 percent year over year. Even with the declines, device manufacturers are continuing to release new products, many featuring some type of wireless connectivity. While IDC expects an uptick in sales sequentially from quarter to quarter, sales will likely miss last year's numbers." -- Posted Monday, November 7, 2005 by chb
MobileSpeech 1.0
In Windows CE's past, there have been a whole bunch of voice recognition systems, but most are no more. Microsoft's own does a good job, but now there's a contender: Lab9's US$15.95 MobileSpeech 1.0, available for Pocket PCs and Smartphones. MobileSpeech 1.0. MobileSpeech is a speech-enabled Contact & Digit Dialer, program launcher and lookup service with efficient hands & eyes free operation. The MobileSpeech Platform is actually an extensible platform for executing integrated sets of speech based services. Each service has a unique name, and a specific command set or dialect. Check it out Lab9. -- Posted Monday, November 7, 2005 by chb
Two new Asus GPS Pocket PCs
Asus announced two new "Global Positioning Systems devices" (is Pocket PC becoming a dirty word?) that for now are available in Europe and Taiwan. They are the MyPal A632 and A636. Both use the Sirf Star III GPS module, use a 416MHz Intel PCA processor and run Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC. Other specs: 128MB Flash ROM and 64MB RAM, 1,300mAH removable Li-Ion battery, Bluetooth, dimensions of 4.8x2.9x0.75 inches, and a weight of 6.7 ounces. The A636 model (projected at US$560) has one SDIO slot and 802.11b WiFi, whereas the US$500 A632 model has no WiFi but, interestingly, dual SDIO slots that also support MiniSD. -- Posted Friday, November 4, 2005 by chb