In my experience, loading the app is faster than Opera Mobile and the interface is very similar to Opera Mobile 10. It seems to load the pages zoomed in, as opposed to the zoomed out view in Opera Mobile, and there's no apparent setting to change this behavior. What are your opinions? You can discuss it in our forums here.

From their FAQ:

Why can’t I download Skype Lite or Skype for Windows Mobile?

Unfortunately, Skype Lite – a version of Skype for your mobile phone – and Skype for Windows Mobile are no longer available for download from our site.

We’ve chosen to withdraw Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile because we want to offer our new customers an improved mobile experience – much like the version that has proved so popular on the iPhone, and which is now available on Symbian phones. Our focus is on providing a rich user experience that allows you to enjoy free Skype-to-Skype and low cost calls as easily on the move as you do at your desktop.

We felt that Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile were not offering the best possible Skype experience.

Can I still use Skype Lite if I already have it?
Yes. People who have already installed Skype Lite can continue to use it throughout 2010.

Can I still use Skype for Windows Mobile if I already have it?
Yes. People who have already installed Skype for Windows Mobile can of course continue to use it.

For now, you can still download it from here, but there's no telling how long that link will work.

Source: WMPowerUser

Source- MSMobile via WMPowerusers

HTC and T-Mobile are teaming up for their latest campaign to sell you phones, and this one is a dandy folks. Anybody who signs a new 2-year contract with T-Mobile between January 20th and March 23rd of this year and decides on getting either a HTC Touch Pro2, a T-Mobile Dash 3G, or a T-Mobile Shadow is eligible for up to $500 in rewards. But instead of the usual "blah-de-bleh", these rewards are worthwhile (for some at least).

As seen below, one reward is awarded each month. It begins in April of this year and continues on until March 2011. Some of the rewards include-

• April (2010): Buy one night, get one night free at participating IHG properties (including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn®) in the US and Canada (up to $350 value)
• June (2010): 40% discount on phone accessories at HTC.com (up to $32 discount)—US customers only. Puerto Rico customers eligible to receive a $25 flight discount on any airline.
• January (2011): $10 off purchase of an EA SPORTS video game at www.eastore.com (up to $10 value)

Does this entice you enough to switch to T-Mobile? Or are you waiting for the HTC HD2 to come out before making the move? Either way, this is a creative way to get new customers.

If you are interested, go here for more details!

Full list of rewards after the jump!

Here are two possible "facts" that I have found about Windows Mobile 7. I found the first while looking at a slide entitled "Personalizing Mobile Technology To Enhance Learning And Organizational Skills" and it indicates that Windows Mobile 7 will support gesture control via it's front-facing camera. The presenter of the slide, a Mr. Neil Milliken, is the Head of Mobile Development of a British company, so he may well have this high-level information handy.

If you remember a while back, the 'required specs' that Windows Mobile 7 purportedly has includes an optional 2nd camera under the Peripherals. This could foretell hand gestures being able to control the device, as opposed to just hand and vocal interaction and would put Microsoft ahead of Google and Apple in user interaction, as the iPhone and Android OS only support voice and mult-touch input.

The second finding is of a resume I found. In it, it states that-

• Enablement and bring up of Windows Mobile 7 (for Smart phones) on chipsets with the scorpion processor, which have ARMv7 architecture.

Again, pointing back to the leaked spec sheet for Windows Mobile 7, it states that it will run on ARM v6+ chipsets and above, which would mean ARMv7 is a viable solution for WM 7. Looking at the information ARM provides about it's ARMv7 processor, it is below the performance of the all-conquering ARMv8 processor, but does "includes the NEON™ technology extensions to increase DSP and media processing throughput by up to 400 percent, and offers improved floating point support to address the needs of next generation 3D graphics and games physics, as well as traditional embedded control applications." This could be an indicator of a lower rung of WM 7 devices, such as a business-oriented device that does not require the HD-level graphics support ARMv8 includes.

As the MWC inches closer, expect to hear a lot more news, rumors, and analysis by your PPCGN news staff about Windows Mobile 7!

(Updated 2/7/10)

Another screenshot after the break.

Source: XDA via PocketNow

Definition of workaround-

• A workaround is a bypass of a recognized problem in a system. A workaround is typically a temporary fix that implies that a genuine solution to the problem is needed. Frequently workarounds are as creative as true solutions, involving outside the box thinking in their creation.

Google has definitely engaged in a workaround of Apple's App Store as they have updated their mobile Google Voice web site to make Google Voice features accessible to iPhone, WebOS and Windows Mobile users (see below). Through a HTML5-based web app, anybody with a HTML5-capable web browser can access now Google Voice.

HTML5-capable mobile browsers include all Webkit-based mobile browsers, which includes Safari in iPhone 3.0+,the Palm WebOS browser, and the S60 web browser for Symbian as well as Chrome on Android. For Windows Mobile devices, Skyfire 1.5 (verified by myself) and presumably the Iris browser works. However, Opera Mobile 9.5 on Windows Mobile does NOT work  nor does Internet Explorer Mobile (also verified by myself).

After the break is a video by Google showcasing this new-found workaround.

Source- DailyMobile.se

Features
* - Showcase brings you the latest and most popular free apps
* - Categories, browse thousands of organized apps
* - Search for freeware
* - My Apps lets you get updates for your previously installed apps

OpnMarket is compatible with most of the Windows Mobile Professional devices with touch-screens, once installed it lets you browse, download and install FREE applications directly on your device. OpnMarket will use you mobile network connection or a WiFi connection to download softwares to your phone. It's simple, instant and FREE !

Source: MobileTechWorld / Download from here. ]]> http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/18/opnmarket-freeware-marketplace-for-windows-mobile/feed/ 7 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/09/windows-live-for-windows-mobile-updated/ http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/09/windows-live-for-windows-mobile-updated/#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:04:40 +0000 BigDiesel07 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=2479 Windows Live for Windows® phone has been updated to version 10.7.0061.0500.2000 from the previous version of 10.7.0060.2300.3000. Not a major update by any means, but an update it is. I can spot no changes, visually or otherwise, but if you do, please share in the comments below!

You can go here to download via your computer or go to http://wl.windowsmobile.com/ via your phone to download the update.

*Please note that WindowsLive_0409.PPC2005_arm.cab is English-only. ]]> http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/09/windows-live-for-windows-mobile-updated/feed/ 6 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/06/lg-states-windows-mobile-7-will-ship-in-2010/ http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/06/lg-states-windows-mobile-7-will-ship-in-2010/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:33:55 +0000 mindfrost82 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=2393 LG just announced, at their CES event, that they will be shipping new Windows Mobile 6.5 AND Windows Mobile 7 devices this year.

Source: MobileTechWorld

Source: InformationWeek via WMPowerUser

This app lets you download the maps you need and store them on your phone or storage card. It was developed by Cipher at XDA-Developers and uses data from OpenStreetMap.org.

Source: WMPowerUser

Download: XDA-Developers (must be a member to download attachments)

There are two ways you can access Sly Dial. The first, which is free* but ad-supported, is by calling 1-267-SLY-DIAL (267-759-3425). A short ad will play once you are connected and then it will ask for you to input your victim's contact's phone number, after which it will connect your call. I tried it several times and every time it worked, connecting me to the voicemail prompt quickly.

The second way you can access the service is through the SlyDial Application. They currently have apps that work on the iPhone, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile.

I was able to review the Windows Mobile version of this app. There are two versions for Windows Mobile: Touchscreen and Standard (non-touchscreen). Both are compatible with Windows Mobile  5 and 6. I have received confirmation from MobileSphere that the  SlyDial application is also compatible with WM 6.5.

After installing the .CAB, I opened the application up. Minimalistic interfaces that get the job done without clutter are something I really enjoy, and this one is simple and easy to use. To note, I am using this application on my Touch Pro2 and, as you can see in the image, the words are readable, but blurry. I hope that they release an update that make viewing on a variety of screen resolutions clearer.

SlyDial worked flawlessly, as I was able to connect directly to my contact's voicemail when selected from the contact list in the application. In all, it took 10-15 seconds to go from the contact list to the voicemail prompt. Of course, results will vary if you are in a poor coverage area.

SlyDial will work in the U.S. for most carriers, but it will not connect to someone who has a prepaid mobile phone (Virgin Mobile, TracFone, etc.), does not have voicemail on his/her phone (like Zach Morris), their voicemail is full, or if they have a third-party voicemail service (e.g. Google Voice, Youmail).

While this application is not freeware, the service itself is free. Is SlyDial worth purchasing? Personally, I would say yes because I have difficulty remembering numbers  which complicates dialing in. For others, the call-to service may suit them just fine. So readers, what do you think of this application?

There's not a whole lot of information about carriers, bands, or US release dates. There's mentioning of expected release dates, but our best guess is that this will be the release dates of unlocked versions from HTC, not necessarily when a US carrier will see them.

Check back after the break for images, descriptions, etc. You won't be disappointed!

So, if all of these devices came to your carrier (which we know is unlikely), which one would you pick? There's a good mixture of specs and a mix of Android and Windows Mobile. We want to hear your opinions!

Source: XDA via Engadget

More discussions also going on in our forums here!

The first two phones fall into the Design/Lifestyle category.

Legend: This looks to be the successor to the Magic (and possibly the Hero, too), featuring an 11.4mm metallic frame that we're already dying to hold along with a clickable optical pad, 5 megapixel AF cam, and 3.2-inch AMOLED display. T-Mobile is mentioned by name, though we're not sure which markets will get it; retail in March.

Salsa: We bet you've never seen a released Android handset quite like this one -- it's portrait QWERTY, not unlike Google's early Android prototype. 3.2 megapixels and an FM radio paired up with a Qualcomm MSM7225 at 528MHz. This one's coming in June.

The following phones fall into the Social category.

Tide: Here's another Android form factor we haven't seen before -- full touch with a numeric keypad below the display. 3.2 megapixels and a 528MHz MSM7225 mean it should be pretty reasonable on a contract. April is the target release.

Buzz: This is a funky one in the same vein as the Tattoo with changeable backplates available in a variety of interesting designs; it's got full HSPA and a 5 megapixel AF cam with flash to boot. Like many of the others here, it has T-Mobile's name attached to it, which leads us to wonder whether this whole thing wasn't done as a presentation for T-Mobile -- we'd be shocked if the carrier's various markets around the world actually ended up getting all of them.

The following phone fall under the Performance category.

Bravo: Now this is what we're talking about -- HTC finally marries Android with Snapdragon to make the device we suspect that many of us are going to be lusting for in 2010. It's got DivX support, 720p video capture through a 5 megapixel AF cam with flash, a mighty 3.7-inch AMOLED display, and that Qualcomm Snapdragon humming along at 1GHz. If all goes well, we should start to see this (hopefully everywhere) in April.

The following phones fall into the Productivity category.

Photon: If WinMo 6.5 is more your thing, the Photon looks like it could be a winner. 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive display, 5 megapixel cam, and a 600MHz MSM7227 all suggest that this is a likely successor to the Touch Diamond2; it should swing by around April.

Trophy: This could very well be the coolest portrait QWERTY phone ever released -- at least, the coolest running Windows Mobile 6.5 -- thanks to a 3-inch VGA capacitive display atop the keyboard. Like the Photon, it's rocking a 600MHz MSM7227, but it's scheduled to hit a month later in May.

Tera: If the Touch Pro2 needed a little brother, the Tera could be it; it preserves the form factor but moves down to a 3-inch WQVGA resistive display. It's expected in April.

Below is the blog post by the Google Mobile team. You may download the .CAB here.

As told by the Google Mobile team-

Google Maps for mobile has long allowed you to add stars on a map to mark your favorite places. You may have noticed a few months ago that Google Maps for desktop browsers introduced the ability to star places as well. Unfortunately, there was no way to keep these starred places in sync with Google Maps on your phone. With today's release of Google Maps for mobile 3.3 on Windows Mobile and Symbian phones, you'll now be able to keep the starred places on your phone and on your computer completely synchronized.

For users upgrading from an older version of Google Maps for mobile, you'll be asked, when you log in, whether you'd like to synchronize your existing starred items with your Google Account. This means you can preserve all the work you've put into customizing your map on your mobile, and have it show up, conveniently, in Google Maps in your desktop browser.

Source- WMExperts.com

AdMob, recently acquired by Google, has released its latest report breaking down the US Mobile Web Traffic by OS. The winner, the iPhone, which accounts for 55% (including both the iPhone and iPod Touch).

HTC is up, mainly because of its Android devices. RIM/Blackberry is also up, but very little. Nokia and Palm took the biggest drops.

Source: AdMob PDF via The iPhone Blog

"Your phone stores the predefined DST dates in a table in its memory. Changes in DST causes the following problems for Windows phones in the affected time zones if the update is not applied:
*The phone will have outdated DST rules and will not honor the new DST transition time. The clock will read one hour off actual time during the new DST period.
*Calendar items will be displayed one hour off actual time during the new DST period."

Download it from MS here.

It appears as though this update is only for specific countries, and the US and Canada aren't listed. To see the list, go to the above link and scroll down to the table called "Changes in the Windows phone DST update".

Groovefish will allow you to search for and play virtually any song in the world for free via your Windows Mobile 6.x device.

Groovefish is built upon Grooveshark's PC application that allows streaming of music to your PC.

Currently running on less than 2% of all smartphones, Gartner Inc. predicts it will surge to 14% of the global smartphone market by 2012 -- ahead of the iPhone, as well as Windows Mobile and BlackBerry. 

By 2012, Gartner forecasts that Android will rank second in the global market behind the Symbian OS.  Symbian is used in Nokia devices that are very popular in Europe and other countries outside the United States. 

What's driving this surge?  The primary predicted increase in popularity comes from Google Inc.'s backing of Android and the increase of cloud applications and functions.  Google will continue to increase their cloud infrastructure in the coming years. 

T-Mobile's G-1 (the first Android release) was released to mild consumer and critical praise.  However, Google is continuing to refine their operating system and more Android-based handsets are becoming available.  Additionally, Android is much more open and easily tweaked as compared to Apple and their iPhone.  Pair Android with Google's near-world wide services and you have a pretty convincing argument for it's predicted increase in popularity. 

Smartphone interfaces seem to have headed off in two divergent ways: iPhone's heavy focus on applications versus Windows Mobile's and Symbian's focus on tasks and communications. But Android has blended a focus on applications and tasks pretty well.

Android's inface allows a user to perform frequently needed tasks without going back to the top of the logic tree. 

Here's the predicted forecast for smartphone OS's by 2012:

• Symbian, 203 million devices sold (39% of the market)
• Android, 76 million devices sold (14.5% of the market)
• iPhone, 71.5 million devices sold (13.7% of the market)
• Windows Mobile, 68.8 million devices sold (12.8% of the market)
• BlackBerry, 62.25 million devices sold (12.5% of the market)
• Palm's WebOS, 11 million devices sold (2.1% of the market)