MS Giving WM6 free to OEMs for upgrades

It looks like WM6 may eventually come to many more mobile devices that expected. It also leads me to think that it may be a less than painful upgrade process and put some new life into some older equipment… assuming they could run WM5 easily

It looks like Microsoft’s making it a little bit easier for manufacturers to release updates to Windows Mobile 6. The company is giving free licenses to any vendors who issue upgrades for their devices. Just because the license is free doesn’t mean manufacturers won’t charge the consumer. Customizing Windows Mobile 6 for each device is still a lot of work.

But does that mean we’ll see updates issued for Dell Axim or HP iPaq models anytime soon? I wouldn’t hold my breath. But it’s possible.

Source: Windows Mobile 6 free to PDA manufacturers issuing upgrades

 

Real-life Tricorder

While this isn’t a PocketPC, it is a portable gadget that may eventually become ubiquitous in people’s lives in some future day.

Imagine this type of technology in your PDA for everyday use… no more food poisoning at you local greasy Chinese restaraunt.  Identify the mysterious residue on your kid’s dresser, etc.

Purdue University researchers have created a handheld sensing system its creators liken to Star Trek’s "tricorder" used to analyze the chemical components of alien worlds. But the system could have down-to-earth applications, such as testing foods for dangerous bacterial contaminants including salmonella, which was recently found in a popular brand of peanut butter.

Source: Scientists invent real-life ‘tricorder’ for chemical analysis

 

Sidekick 3 Sweepstakes - Win a Dwade Sidekick

A lucky member of the Sidekick Wiki will be one of the first people to own the limited edition T-Mobile Sidekick 3.

The new T-Mobile Sidekick 3, D-Wide Edition is presented in the crisp white color of Miami’s South Beach and paired with tan and copper accents that emulate the upscale look and feel of luxury automobiles. Wade’s signature “3” is emblazoned in gold on the face, symbolizing his NBA championship trophy win, certain to be just the first of many. The device debuts another Sidekick first, a realistic basketball-textured backing for added grip and comfort.

Win a T-Mobile Sidekick 3, D-Wade Edition!

• Go to the Sidekick 3 Sweepstakes page and learn how to enter.

• Read the complete Official Sweepstakes Rules.

• Learn more about the The T-Mobile Sidekick 3, D-Wade Edition. 

Pocket Now reviews the E-TEN glofiish M700

Shine Little Glowfiish; Glimmer, Glimmer. What a goofy title, but very fitting for a phone with a goofy name.

Our buddy Chris Spera has published a review of the E-TEN Glofiish M700 over at Pocket Now. This is the phone that has a similar form factor as the kjam and hermes. Check out what Chris has to say.

…The keyboard implementation, which is the big draw for the M700 could have been a lot better, too. It’s not bad, but could have been better. The biggest problem I’ve bumped into is the tactile feedback. The keyboard is VERY stiff, and could be a little easier to work with. I’m also not pleased with the alternate key layout, AND the fact that the backlight only lights the letters and not the entire key.

However, I see the M700 as a first generation device. This is the first E-TEN device with a slide out keyboard, targeted at the Enterprise. I suspect that future generations will be much improved.

read the entire review at pocketnow.com

PDF on Windows Mobile 5 devices

Want to make PDF files on your Pocket PC/Smartphone. Well now you can, with this new software from Rain Effect. It has been a long time coming (I remember doing this on an old Psion many years ago) but it is a feature that will be useful for a lot of people, and it’s not that expensive either.

Now there are a couple of downsides…  You do need to install the .net compact framework 2, and you need to be running WM5 which rules me out (grumble grumble moan… stupid Dell upgrade.. mumble… moan)

Source: MSMobiles

Mobile Amnesty Donations

If Windows for warships isn’t your thing, and you want to use your technology to make a difference you may be interested to know that Amnesty International has just launched a digital wallet service to allow you to donate to them via your mobile phone. Instead of calling a premium rate number you’ll be able to use PayPal rival LUUP to donate direct to them. Apparently the lower costs of doing things this way will let them gain an extra 15% on donations.

The first Amnesty International campaign where it will be possible to donate using LUUP will be related to a crisis campaign highlighting atrocities perpetrated against the people of Darfur. Launched today, this campaign will focus on the abuse of women’s rights in Darfur where rapes perpetrated by the state backed militia, the Janjawid, are a daily occurrence. Donations to the campaign will help Amnesty International to lobby the United Nations and the government of Sudan to deliver an effective peace-keeping force in the region as soon as possible.

Source: PC Pro

They Might Be (Free) Ringtones

Wired Magazine has some exclusive free ‘They Might Be Giants’ ringtones in Mp3 format for you to download and enjoy. For those that are interested mine is now set to ‘Phone Phone Phone’ apart from when MrsPsionandy calls when it’s ‘Ring, Ring, Ring’

And on the subject of Free Ringtones they’ve also got an article explaining why we should never pay for ringtones ever again. I’m assuming we all know this, but if you’re one of the billion people who does pay for them then it will be of  interest. (and if you’re one of the people who paid for the Crazy Frog Ringtone then hang your head in shame

Source: Wired

CompUSA - Fighting to stay alive!

DailyTech reported today that CompUSA has announced plans to close nearly 130 Stores.  Personally, I am sad that this is about to occur.  The CompUSA store near me has been a wonderful source of supplies and most importantly information when I needed it. 

Earlier this year, Circuit City announced a handful of store closings in the United States along with 60 more in Canada.  Today electronics retailer CompUSA is taking more dramatic steps. The company announced that it is closing 126 stores nationwide (DOC) leaving just 109 stores in 39 states and Puerto Rico.

“Based on changing conditions in the consumer retail electronics market, the company identified the need to close and sell stores with low performance or non strategic, old store layouts and locations faced with market saturation,” said CompUSA CEO Roman Ross. “The process began last week with the closing of four CompUSA stores and over the next 60-90 days.”

Click this link to see if locations in your area will survive or be closed due to restructuring, you can  if you want to see if your store will be amongst the missing.  Click on the link above to read the rest of the story.

If your location is not shown in the list of stores, it will be closed within the next 90 days.

Gigabyte U60 UMPC … nice!

 …to be announced at CeBit 2007

The Unwired View had a story today about a new UMPC from Gigabytethat will be announced during CeBit this year. 

Called Gigabyte U60 this UMPC will have an interesting slid-out keyboard and will be based on Via C7-M mobile processor.  Gigabyte U60 UMPC will also come with 6.5″ (800×600) screen, 1.8″ 20 and 30 GB HDD, Wi-Fi b/g, 2 USB ports and SD/MMC memory card reader.

Source: clubic.com via Unwired View

Video Glasses that look pretty cool as sunglasses too

In continuing the pursue their goal of being the world’s leading distributor and online reseller of video eyewear, glasses, goggles, head mounted and wearable displays, 22Moo expands the current range with no less than 11 new models with another 7 on its way.

22Moo’s current range of video eyewear weighs only a fraction more than a pair of sunglasses and features far less cabling. No longer an item just seen on sci-fi movies, it is now becoming more and more popular amongst commuter’s, dental surgeries and hospitals, PC gaming clubs, internet cafes and etc.
Over the last couple of years, the increase in the availability of mobile audiovisual content has seen many people purchase a MP4 video player, such as the iPod Video, and filled it up with movies and video fragments.

Simulating virtual screen’s of 35" to an incredible 80", the video glasses / eyewear range is creating a mobile virtual theatre experience for your favorite music video, TV shows, movies, and video pod casts while on the move.

[Read more]

VaJa - for the Zune!

And they continue in a fine tradition of outstanding cases for mobile devices!

Vaja is proud to announce the release of one of its most anticipated products, the i-Volution for Microsoft Zune

Features:

• Full access to main functions
• Removable front protector
• Access to hold button and headphone plug
• Cutout for charge & sync
• Several colors available
• Optional clip system
• Optional personalization

Available at http://www.vajacases.com

HP iPAQ Daylight Savings Time Fix

I haven’t tried it out on any of my iPAQs yet, but here it is for those that desire to give it a whirl…

“This package contains a patch for the listed iPAQ handheld models and operating systems. This patch complies with the Energy Policy Act, which extends daylight saving time by four weeks in 2007. “

Support for the following models:

HP iPAQ h1930 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h1940 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h2200 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h3800 Pocket PC series with Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2003, HP iPAQ h3900 Pocket PC series with Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2003, HP iPAQ h4100 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h4300 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h5100 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h5500 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ h6300 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hw6500 Mobile Messenger series, HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger series, HP iPAQ hx2100 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx2100b Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx2400 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx2400b Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx2700 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx2700b Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ hx4700 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ rw6800 Messenger series, HP iPAQ rx1950 Pocket PC series, HP iPAQ rx3100 Mobile Media Companion series, HP iPAQ rx3400 Mobile Media Companion series, HP iPAQ rx3700 Mobile Media Companion series, HP iPAQ rx4200 Mobile Media Companion series, HP iPAQ rx4500 Mobile Media Companion series
HP iPAQ rx5700 Travel Companion series, HP iPAQ rx5900 Travel Companion series, and HP iPAQ rz1700 Pocket PC series

Now that’s alot of models!!!!

1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.
2. Establish an ActiveSync connection between the iPAQ handheld and a host PC.
3. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTES:
- If a hard reset is performed on the iPAQ handheld, this patch must be re-installed.
- Some devices may report that this program is from an unknown publisher.  If this occurs, choose “Yes” to continue.
- Some devices may report that the program may not display properly because it was designed for a previous version of the Microsoft Windows Mobile Software.

HP iPAQ Daylight Saving Time Fix - HP Business Support Center

Vista Gadgets running on Windows Mobile

Jason Langridge had this piece up today that immediately caught my attention as I finally got to look at my feeds.   He let us know that Laura Foy had a nice piece about Vista Gadgets running on Windows Mobile on Channel10.  In part, she said:

Windows Vista has so many great features and I know a favorite at the top of everybody’s list are the gadgets. “But Laura…” you say…”I love my gadgets so MUCH that I wish I could take them with me everywhere!” Well, stop you’re whining I say and check out this application that Mel Sampat is creating.

Vcast Mobile TV coming March 1

It looks like Verizon Wireless will start their mobile television on March 1 with anticipation that this will be a big plus for their customers.  Not much information is available as of yet but you can see their website here.

Apparently only a few “select markets” will be able to get this service on March 1.

Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide 2007

 20% off at Astraware

The movie awards season has drawn to a close and many fantastic films have been honored and highlighted in the last couple of months. If you’re feeling like you’ve missed out then Astraware has a great offer that will help you catch up with the latest and greatest movies at the cinema and on DVD. For one week only they’re offering 20% off the regular price of Landware’s excellent Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) application, Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide 2007.

Featuring complete details and capsule reviews for over 21,000 films, more than 9,100 DVD, 7,100 Laserdisc and 15,400 Videocassette entries, filmographies for over 39,000 actors, actresses and directors, and free updates during the year that encapsulate new film releases, Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide 2007 is an absolute must for every film fan!

This special offer is available for a very limited time, so pick up your copy today at Astraware - http://www.astraware.com/all/lmmovie.