A NEW podcast has arrived on the scene

…. and you just might like it. 

I have been listening to The Cell Phone Junkie for a little over a year and a half and it is one that I genuinely enjoy.  These guys are always prepared and at the end of every show you always go away saying: “I just got some great information”.  So it appears as if one show is not enough for Mickey and Joey because they have decided to add a NEW show called TCPJ Unlocked.

So why are they calling this cast TCPJ Unlocked?  Simply put, they said “an unlocked handset is free from a carrier’s restrictions, this show will be free from format”.  I like the idea; it is just going to be a free flowing conversation and I am convinced that after you listen to the first show you will add it to your feeds.  With the Unlocked show, you can not only expect to get great information about some facet of the industry but they expect to have some interesting interviews with industry experts, live shows with more interaction from the community and just about anything else they can think of. 

They have recorded and posted the first 2 episodes, so take some time this long weekend and enjoy them.  You can find information and links to everything at www.thecellphonejunkie.com

IE8: The Unboxing Video

The Techno Citric unboxes Internet Explorer 8 beta 2 in its very first review. Watch as he puts new features like Accelerators, Web Slices and In Private Browsing through their paces.

Special thanks to Warner Crocker

Review: Palm Treo Pro

I read this review this morning on WMExperts as I was traveling from Maine to Vermont on a quick trip and wanted to pass it on because it was a great review.  As many of you know, the Treo Pro is the latest addition from Palm featuring Windows Mobile. We can expect it in the US later this Fall in an unlocked, non-carrier-subsidized form for $549. Clearly a business user device, it has some great features that you just might like and I believe that those of you that love Palm’s form factor will love it no matter what you use a device for. 

So what do the folks at WMExperts think about this new entry from Palm?

The Treo Pro is easily Palm’s best Treo yet. It finally hits all of the feature checkmarks that users have been clamoring for and does it in a way that’s well-integrated with the hardware. Where other smartphones have a tendency to just throw hardware onto a device and leave out making it easy to use, the Treo Pro rarely feels awkward.

Just as importantly, the Treo Pro is the first Treo in a long time to sport a thin and sexy form factor compared to other devices on the market. From the packaging to the look to build quality to feature set to battery life, the Treo Pro is a real winner and doesn’t feel like it’s a year behind the smartphone curve.

It is a well done review that you will enjoy reading.  You can check it out here at WMExperts.

MobileMonger

How’s your memory?  Are you always concerned about what is available?  Do you wonder just how it is being used?  Here is a neat program that I found over at PocketNow via WMExperts  that will tell you everything you need to know on how your device’s memory is being used in a graphical format that is very clear. 

From the author:

I recently got a HTC Diamond device and have been very happy with it.  One of the first things I did was load it up with all sorts of applications.  Even though the device has a 4GB Internal Storage card, if you are not careful about where you install things you can run out of Main Memory very fast.

When running out of Main Memory I wondered what was using it.  If you hit the link provided in the Windows Mobile memory settings screen it takes you to an explorer window that shows you all files greater than 64kb.  In Windows CE 1.0 this was probably helpful, but they don’t seem to have updated it since.

The usual tool I use for this job on the PC is the last free version of Space Monger.  I tried to point SpaceMonger at my phone through ActiveSync WMDC but found since its not a real redirection SpaceMonger couldn’t do it.  So I wrote an equivalent for Windows Mobile - MobileMonger.

Download:

• Just the CAB - I know what what I’m doing.
• Windows Installer for ActiveSync/WMDC.

You may need .NET Compact Framework 3.5 if you don’t have it already.

MobileMonger

Want a Free Bluetooth Headset?

There is a promotion going on over at the MoGo Mouse site where you can get a Free Bluetooth Headset with the purchase of any MoGo Mouse.  The headset is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled Cell Phones, PDA and other devices and has an adjustable ear hook for comfort and fit.  You get 8 Hours Talk Time, 300 Hours of Standby time and a 30 feet connection radius.  Not bad as an “extra” if you are having a desire to get a MoGo Mouse.

Check out the Free Headset here at MoGo Mouse.

Final Issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine

It is sad but true, Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine will publish its last magazine in November of this year.  Pocket PC magazine was my first device magazine subscription and it carefully guided me through my entry into the world of Pocket PCs.  It has been a great resource for countless numbers of folks for the past 11 years and it will truly be missed.  Why is it going to fade away? Publisher Hal Goldstein said that it was “because of the difficulty of reaching new Windows Mobile smartphone customers, and the lack of advertising sponsorship from Microsoft, phone companies, and OEMs. We are a very small, self-funded magazine publishing company”.

Being part of the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine blog team as well as a participant in the annual Best Software Awards has been a unique privilege and one that I will remember forever.  Will it be gone forever?  I expect that we just might see it again but at the very least there are plans for adding “a Windows Mobile issue, a Google Android issue, a RIM Blackberry edition, or a generic Smartphone issue depending on where the biggest need and opportunity lies” in addition to the NEW publication, iPhone Life which is scheduled to appear four times a year.

You can read the full text of the Press Release after the break

[Read more]

Nokia N96 … movies and more to North America

Lights! Camera! Action!

Nokia today announced that the highly anticipated Nokia N96, unveiled earlier this year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will be made available for high-speed 3G HSDPA networks widely used in the Americas during the fourth quarter of 2008. Combining a large 2.8 inch screen, 16 gigabytes of internal memory and compatibility with a wide range of video formats, the Nokia N96 is a sleek, smart and powerful device that delivers an outstanding entertainment experience.

Support for popular video download services, including those using Windows Media format, means that Nokia N96 owners can easily explore, purchase and download their favorite movies, television shows and other video content on their PCs and sideload them to their devices to watch at their convenience. The internal 16 gigabytes of memory, and expandable memory card slot, allows up to 40 hours of video content* to be stored on the Nokia N96. Additionally, the built in “kick stand” allows the Nokia N96 to be supported handsfree at an optimal viewing angle to ensure enjoyment of their favorite video content.

[Read more]

Nokia N85 - The definitive entertainment package

Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N85, the latest Nokia Nseries multimedia computer made to set new standards for mobile entertainment, gaming and sharing. Along with an eye-catching 2.6″ OLED screen and smooth, sleek finish, the Nokia N85 redefines the mobile experience. It boasts N-Gage gaming, music with in-built FM transmitter, 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and geotagging capabilities, three month integrated license for turn-by-turn voice navigation and high-speed connectivity, all in one device. The Nokia N85 is expected to begin shipping in October 2008 with an estimated retail price of EUR 450, before taxes and subsidies.

“The Nokia N85 was created to be more than the sum of its parts, offering a complete mobile entertainment package designed for connecting, sharing and discovering,” said Juha-Pekka Sipponen, Director, Nokia Nseries. “The iconic Nokia Nseries dual slider design has evolved to become smaller and sleeker while integrating the newest features and services to deliver the best mobile experience to date.”

With a strong lineup of multimedia features, the Nokia N85 is taking the world of mobile convergence to the next level. Gaming, photos, navigation and music blend together with the newest Ovi and third party services via 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity to make discovering and sharing experiences quick and seamless. 

Read more after the break

[Read more]

Nokia N79 - Powerful fusion of technology and style

Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N79, the latest addition to the Nokia Nseries range that combines intelligent and customizable design with a fully-loaded multimedia computer. Behind its sleek exterior, the Nokia N79 is a technology powerhouse. It offers a full range of multimedia experiences including integrated navigation, music with FM transmitter, high-speed connectivity, superior web browsing, at least 10 pre-loaded N-Gage games and an advanced 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. The Nokia N79 is expected to begin shipping in October 2008, with an estimated retail price of EUR 350, before taxes and subsidies.

“The Nokia N79 packs cutting-edge technology into a compact design - a characteristic of the iconic Nseries - that allows people to discover, create and share their passions with others,” said Juha Kokkonen, Director, Nokia Nseries. “It has been designed for those who want a device that is as appealing as it is powerful and comes with interchangeable covers that have automatically matching screen themes. This balance of performance and style means that it is a powerful and defining step forward from the popular and very successful Nokia N72 and Nokia N73.”

Perfect for the style conscious, the Nokia N79 comes with Xpress-on smart covers that are available in five cool colors: Light Sea Blue, Espresso Brown, Olive Green, White and Coral Red. A combination of three of these comes with each Nokia N79.

The convergence of photos, music and navigation in the Nokia N79 combines with high-speed 3.5G HSDPA and Wi-Fi to make it quick and easy to share experiences on websites, blogs or online communities.

[Read more]

HTC — Something for Everyone

It looks like HTC is trying very hard to satisfy your need for mobile devices by adding another great looking device into the fray.  So you want a QWERTY keyboard and you want a Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard device?  HTC has the solution with the HTC S740.  Very similar to the Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, this device features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard as well as a numerical keyboard.  Very slick and it most definitely gets those device envy juices flowing!

It’s a comfortable size (116.3 x 43.4 x 16.3 mm) with a  2.4″ QVGA screen and a 3.2 megapixel camera for those that want to have the ability to snap that great shot while on the go.  A feature I am really liking is a built-in FM radio when you just have that need to listen to something other than what is on you collection of tunes.

More information will be coming soon but here the list of specs to glance at:

Processor  Qualcomm MSM7225, 528MHz

Platform   Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard

Memory
ROM: 256MB
RAM: 256MB SDRAM

Dimensions
116.3 mm (L) X 43.4 mm (W) X 16.3 mm (T)

Weight
140g with battery

Display
2.4 inch TFT-LCD with backlight LEDs and QVGA resolution

Network
HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz for Europe
(Up to 384 kbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps download speeds)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Quad-band 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
(The device will operate on frequencies available from the cellular network.)

GPS
Standalone GPS / AGPS

Connectivity
Bluetooth 2.0
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)

Camera
3.2 megapixel color camera with fixed focus

Audio
Built-in microphone and speaker
Ring tone supported formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, and WAV.

Battery
Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery
Capacity: 1000 mAh
Standby time:
- Up to 400 hours for WCDMA
- Up to 280 hours for GSM
Talk time:
- Up to 320 minutes for WCDMA
- Up to 380 minutes for GSM
(The above are subject to network and phone usage.)

AC Adapter
AC input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
DC output: 5V and 1A

Can you hear me now? NO!

How many times have you thought of that ad as you looked at your cell phone’s reception signal?  Countless times as I travel the shores of of the Maine Coast I find there is little or no signal for my cell.  Today I saw a piece from GottaBeMobile that may well be a potential solution for those times when a signal is absolutely needed.  The Freedom Antenna  supports broadband capabilities and is designed to reduce dropped calls as well as helping you find service where none is available.  It can be purchased from Buy.com for $31 USD.

Papyrus for Windows Mobile Standard UPDATED

SBSH Mobile Software announced today a new exciting Papyrus for Windows Mobile Standard major update to version 2! SBSH Papyrus 2 for Smartphone is an innovative time management application packed with top quality tools designed to help you bring the most out of your Smartphone!

Papyrus 2 brings a handful of new exciting features: Search View for PIM items searching; Advanced filters management; Automatic attendees notifications, Auto-adopting design to match your device look&feel, Popup selection effect for optimized display, complete PNG graphics support and much more! Papyrus 2 brings a new powerful back-end engine that ensure the fastest experience for the pro user!

SBSH Papyrus 2 Highlights

All new Search View - Introducing extremely effective search functionality for your PIM items! Use the new Search View from any chosen view to easily browse through your different items!

Innovative & powerful new tools - Automatically email change notifications and appointment invitations to appointment attendees; New Pop-out Effect on all different views for better data display for today’s events, Active timeline display, New professionally designed built-in category icon store with PNG format support and much more!

Redesigned interface - Featuring the next generation of user-interface with automatic adoption to your Windows Mobile look and feel and easy to navigate dialogs! Additionally, Papyrus 2 includes especially designed features to take advantage of any screen orientation Smartphone!

More after the break

[Read more]

Resco Keyboard Pro

Now with 60+ new skins and 25% off!

Shortly after being introduced on the market, Resco Keyboard PRO v5.0 became the most popular keyboard for Pocket PC devices. The powerful Thumb and Correction modes proved that the best software input method is stylus free.

Resco Keyboard Pro is literally a handy multi-skin keyboard. Immediately after Resco Keyboard PRO v5.0 was released, users all over the globe started to create new skins that would perfectly fit individual needs. Resco highly values such effort and therefore it organized the Best Skin Contest. During a one month period, a total number of 52 high quality skins were added.  No matter whether you like to type with your fingers or with a stylus, you will definitely find a skin which you can really enjoy!

Features in Resco Keyboard Pro:

1. 60+new skins available for download
2. easier addition of own skins
3. thumb mode
4. correction mode
5. preview mode
6. less memory usage
7. multi-language keyboard support
8. sound addition with the possibility to add any sound

Check it out here at RESCO

Windows Mobile 6.1 for Motorola Q9h

I’m a couple of days late on this but I’ve been canoeing on a few new lakes and streams in Maine.  So this morning I was trying to catch up on some feeds and it looks like there are some very happy Q9h users out there.  The BGR let everyone know that although there has been an unofficial update floating around, the REAL THING is now here for your pleasure. 

There are a moderate number of new features complemented by slightly improved device response and speed. The update itself is a pretty straightforward affair, though make sure you do a full back up before clicking on the “install” button.

Original link from WMExperts

You can get the ROM Download here

HTC Touch Pro unboxed

There is an exclusive unboxing of the HTC Pro over at  Matt & Tracy’s Blog that you just might want to check out.  Initial thoughts, they like it!!  The Touch Pro is a great device having a very sensitive screen and some great refinements over the Diamond. In a word, they call it “fluid”.They expect to have a full review for you soon but this video will be enough to start those device envy juices flowing…..

HTC Touch Pro specifications:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Qualcomm MSM 7201A @ 528MHz
• 512MB ROM / 256MB RAM
• 7.2MB HSDPA / HSUPA
• 2.8″ VGA screen
• WiFi
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• eGPS
• 3.1MP Camera with flash
• Forward facing VGA camera
• G-sensor (same as the Diamond)
• FM Radio
• TV-Out feature
• microSD card slot (thank goodness!)
• 1350mAh battery
• 51×99x17mm
• 165 grams