Its time to say goodbye to an old friend…The Windows Mobile Marketplace is apparently no longer accepting new app submissions as of July 15th. There hasn’t been an official statement by Microsoft yet, but Edgeway Software has made an MSDN forum post stating that Microsoft is sending out letters to developers. The Marketplace will still be open for users and there will still be paid apps, just don’t expect anything new.

I remember back when I used Windows Mobile and when we were trying to get the Market to work on different devices. It had issues with some custom ROMs. Those were the days! I never really really used the Market very much, but it was nice that you could update your apps right there.

For those of you still on Windows Mobile, is this a shock to you? Is it something you will miss, or did you ever use it?

Source: WMPowerUser

There are many GEEKsters out there looking for some numbers from MS to help them make a decision on their next smartphone. Judging by some of the numbers released by MS, things are moving in the right direction. The number of developers downloading the needed tools to develop apps are great considering this is a new platform.

What’s very interesting is the number of apps MS has released does not include the lite versions, ebooks, wallpaper and the apps that have multiple languages count as 1. We all know that the Android and Apple market counts each one of these apps as a seperate app.

Last year many were calling WP7 the new Kin. The numbers are proving many of the nay sayers very wrong.

What do you GEEKmeisters think about this development?
What will the other platform fans say?
Inquiring GEEKS want to know..

Read more here: Intomobile

Ever since Android came out, I’ve been wanting to try a device with it. I did the Android 2.0 port to my Fuze, but at the time it wasn’t very refined and not everything was working. Of course, At&t was one of the last carriers to get an Android device, probably because of their exclusive deal with Apple for the iPhone. I was jealous of T-Mobile users once the Nexus One was released, I even thought about buying it even though I knew it wouldn’t work with At&t 3G. Last week, Google released an At&t 3G-compatible version of the Nexus One (with no previous announcement other than a FCC approval), and of course, I was all over it.

After having it for a week now, I must say that I’m very impressed. For such a young OS, it feels much more responsive than Windows Mobile. Of course the hardware is a lot better than the Touch Pro, and I’ve never used a HD2 to compare it to another Snapdragon phone. If I had to compare it, I think Android is a cross between Windows Mobile, Blackberry, and the iPhone. It is very finger-friendly and doesn’t come with any sort of stylus. The screen is brilliant with AMOLED and is very bright. It has a thin form factor, which I’ve always loved.

Android 2.1 comes with 5 homescreens, which you can customize with shortcuts or widgets. For shortcuts, the layout is similar to the iPhone, with an icon and short description. The app menu is similar to all over smartphones, with 4 columns and the ability to flick-scroll through pages. You can do shortcuts to contacts for quick dialing or messaging. Widgets can be live, downloading information from the internet, or offline, with different parts of apps. You can drag things around to organize them however you want. The notification panel works quite well. You drag the titlebar down to see all of your notifications. If you’re in an app and you get a text message, it will scroll through it in the title bar. I haven’t found much use for the trackball yet, but I’m sure some people like it. It also serves as your LED notification light.

Battery life for me has been about the same as Windows Mobile phones, which usually gets me through the day, but not much past that, especially with heavy data usage. The touchscreen work similar to Windows Mobile devices too, which allows for kinetic scrolling. It also features mutlitouch, which most Windows Mobile phones don’t have yet. I know there are lots of people on this site that say they “must have” a hardware keyboard. I thought I was one of those people too, but I can actually type about the same speed with the Nexus One’s onscreen keyboard as I could with my Touch Pro’s hardware one. I suggest trying Better Keyboard over the stock one though. Both platforms also offer a new app called Swype, which is gaining popularity fast.

Another thing to remember with Windows Mobile is that TouchFlo3D (aka Manila) is a HTC add-on. While it improves the user experience greatly, its not actually a part of Windows Mobile from Microsoft. With Windows Mobile 6.5, if you don’t use TF3D, then you can use Microsoft’s Titanium interface, which is similar to their Zune homescreen. Some people like it, but most prefer TF3D.

One thing Windows Mobile has over Android is its Microsoft Exchange support. With Android, you can only sync 1 month worth of emails, which is a big disappointment. You can sync your calendar (which probably requires an additional install) and your contacts. There’s no support for syncing notes or tasks. There are third party apps that gives you much more flexibility with Exchange though, but they’re not free.

The Android Market is a lot better than the Windows Marketplace. There are a few developers that take advantage of the system, but for the most part, there are quality apps in both. Gaming is another story. Windows Mobile has always been marketed for the business user, so there were never many game developers for WM. I know as a WM user, I was jealous of all the 3D iPhone games that I saw on the commercials. Now, I can finally say that I have a phone that has some good quality games. There are smooth racing games and first person shooters. There are quite a few free ones, but even the ones you have to buy are cheap, usually less than $5.

Just like Windows Mobile, you can unlock the phone and flash custom ROMs. Most of these offer HighMem support, giving you access to more RAM than the stock ROM. Some of them let you put HTC’s SenseUI on the Nexus One, and some just offer other improvements. The unlocking procedure is easy once you download the correct drivers. The flashing process is also easy once you do it a few times. The ROM I use even has an app in the Market that will check for updates and can install them by itself. The other benefit of this is if you’re updating the same ROM, you won’t lose your data! With Windows Mobile you basically wiped everything from the device and had to reinstall or use a customization script. With Android, an update will keep your apps and settings. If you move to another ROM you will have to perform a wipe though.

I know there are many people that are excited about the upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series, but there are just as many people that think it will be a disappointment. Only time will tell if it turns out to be a success or a flop.

In the mean time, Android is on a record pace. In different forums around the internet, I’ve read where lots of people have given up their iPhone for the Nexus One, which is saying a lot. CNet recently said the Nexus One was the best smartphone for March 2010, with the iPhone 3Gs in 2nd place. More and more people seem to be moving to Android, and I can’t say that I blame them. For a young OS, its very fast and stable and has a lot to offer. As people move away from Windows Mobile 6.5, I believe most will either stick with Microsoft and use Windows Phone 7, and others will jump to Android. There’s not much hate between the two platforms.

With the announcement of Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G (aka Supersonic), and the rumored HTC Incredible coming to Verizon, I think even more people will make the jump to Android, especially since neither carrier has the HTC HD2. Many people already upgraded to the Touch Pro2, but its specs are weak compared to the HD2, and especially compared to the Evo.

I will probably give Windows Phone 7 a chance, but as of now, I’m the happy new owner of the HTC Google Nexus One and I’m not looking back.

Time for some feedback. Have you made the jump from Windows Mobile to Android? What has been your experience?

Our user platin465 was kind enough to post an image of the Sprint Small Business Catalog.

Update: Our user 99accordv6 was nice enough to give us thetip that the update will be available this Friday, March 19th.

Source: Slashgear

As we all know, the HD2 has a 4.3″ WVGA screen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 5MP camera, but may or may not be upgradeable to Windows Phone 7.

The CLIQ XT, also known as the Quench, sports Android 1.5 with MOTOBLUR, a 5MP camera, and a 3.1″ 320 x 480 OLED touch display.

Source: IntoMobile

In the mean time, you can always sign the online petition we talked about here.

In other news, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Mobile 6.5 will be called Windows Phone Starter Edition, so even though Windows Phone 7 is coming out, development shouldn’t stop on WM6.5

Source: APCMag

• Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional.
• Tri-band HSPA (850/900/1200) and quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)
• Size: 117x60x12.45mm
• Weight: 130 grams.
• 2.4-inch touchscreen at 240×320 (QVGA)
• 3.2MP camera with 4x digital zoom.
• Bluetooth with A2DP
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• aGPS
• MicroUSB for sync and charge.
• WiFi
• 4GB MicroSD card (supports up to 16GB)
• SPB Mobile Shell, Traveler and Weather are all built in.
• Talk time rate at up to 10 hours/standby time at 450 hours on EDGE.

Full press release is here.

Last spring, there was also talk about the HTC Tachi, which was supposed to be released in China around July. According to our information, this device should be released sometime in 2010Q1 and is listed to support EVDO+ GSM just as the Oboe above.. Another EVDO device is the HTC Buzz#C with a 3.2″ QVGA display and WM6.5.

WCDMA devices include the Bravo with a 3.7″ AMOLED screen running Android, the Buzz with a 3.2″ QVGA screen running Android, and the Rome with a 2.8″ QVGA screen. The devices are slated for Q2-Q3 2010.

Now for some HSDPA devices. We have the Huashan (4.3″ WVGA with Android or WM6.5, 2010Q3), the Qilin (3.6″ WVGA with WM6.5, 2010Q1), the Dragon (3.6″ WVGA with Android, 2010Q2), the Hengshan (3.4″ HVGA with WM6.5, 2010Q3), the A6388 (3.4″ HVGA with Android, 2010Q2), the Tianshan (3.2″ QVGA with Android, 2010Q4), and finally the Songshan (2.8″ QVGA with a keyboard and Android, 2010Q4).

Remember, some of these devices may just be concepts, while others are planned or in development. We may not see all of these hit the streets, but most of them will probably be released somewhere. As with most high-end devices, they will probably arrive in Asia/Europe before the US sees any of them.

Now that the HTC product page is live, you’ll see that the US version will come with some nice boosts in its specs compared to the European version currently on the market. It will have 1Gb ROM (up from 512Mb), and 576Mb RAM (up from 448Mb). It will also be coming with a 16Gb microSD card in the box instead of the 2Gb one. Yes, we said it, 16Gb!

Feel free to discuss this in our forums too!

Source: Engadget

In other news, the sources have also said that WM7 is delayed until 2011 instead of the end of 2010 like was originally rumored.

Source: DigiTimes

Of course Windows Mobile 6.5 isn’t the wonderful dream that microsoft wants us to believe that it is, and we hope that Windows Mobile 7 brings us much closer to that dream, but it is a notable upgrade that certainly resolves many issues in Windows Mobile 6.1. The new interface is also a refreshing change and definitely a step in the right direction.

Before I pass along the links for download, I want to make sure that you are aware of the upgrade ramifications. When installing one of these updates, you will lose all personal information and customizations that you currently have on your phone. So make sure to backup your personal information to save yourself a lot of sadness with your new update. There are a number of commercial and freeware backup solutions available and you can get more information, including download links, here.

That said, you can get your update for the Touch Pro 2 here and for the Ozone here. Happy downloading and let us know about your experience in the comments.

Source: MobileTechWorld

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?

It will be available on Dec. 7th at www.att.com/lgexpo for US$ 199.99 after mail-in rebate. The LG Mobile Projector will be available in the coming weeks for US$ 179.99.

Source: The::Unwired

Currently the ROM is available in six languages. They are English, Russian, Norwegian, Danish, ELL, and SVE. ]]> https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/26/official-6-5-rom-update-for-diamond2-released/feed/ 27 https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/13/official-htc-touch-pro-2-rom-with-windows-mobile-6-5-released/ https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/13/official-htc-touch-pro-2-rom-with-windows-mobile-6-5-released/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:01:20 +0000 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=627 Official HTC Touch Pro 2 ROM with Windows Mobile 6.5 for GSM carriers.

Get it Here!!!

This is for WWE, Orange_UK, Voda_UK, and EU.

QWERTY: Yes

Device Type: PPC

Platform: Windows Mobile 6.5

Chipset: TI OMAP 3430

Speed: 600

ROM: 512M

RAM: 256M

Display Size: 3.6″, WVGA (480×800)

Band: GSM; SPRS; EDGE; TD-SCDMA

USIM/SIM: SIM; USIM

GPS/A-GPS: SiRF (GPS/A-GPS)

Camera: 5 MP Auto Focus

Second Camera: VGA

Sensors: G-Sensor (ST-Micro Electronic); Light Sensor; Proximity Sensor

Qilin will be running Manila 2.6 and will feature China Mobile TV, Virtual Desktop, and some other gems.

We’ve also learned that OMAP 3 and OMAP 4 will be updating to Windows Mobile 7.

Microsoft has promised that the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile phone software will deliver new customer experiences through and improved easy-to-use interface, better browsing capabilities and access to valuable services, including Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone.

Industry Players Rally Behind Windows Phones

Partners from around the globe are committed to updating or expanding their portfolios to include phones with Windows Mobile 6.5.

• In North America: Mobile operators AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers HP, HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba Corp.

• In Europe: Mobile operators Orange, Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone Group Plc, and phone manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

• In Latin America: Mobile operator TIM Brazil, and phone manufacturers HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung

• In Asia Pacific: Mobile operators NTT DOCOMO Inc., SOFTBANK Mobile Corp., SK Telecom, Telstra and WILLCOM Inc., and phone manufacturers Acer Inc., HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

This list is very interesting to say the least since several of the players haven’t been big in Windows Mobile phones in the U.S. or Canada. While Toshiba debuted one of the first Windows Mobile phones in the U.S. in 2005, it hasn’t shipped a phone to the U.S. in years. HP’s phones haven’t appeared on official carrier rosters for a while. While LG announced in February that they would develop up to 10 Windows Mobile phones this year, they only have one on the market right now, the Incite for AT&T.

It’s a little easier to guess which Samsung and HTC phones will lead the Windows Mobile 6.5 charge: the upcoming Samsung Omnia 2 for Verizon, and the HTC Touch Pro2. The Touch Pro2 is currently out on Sprint and T-Mobile running Windows Mobile 6.1, though T-Mobile is missing from the 6.5 list. HTC’s Touch Diamond2 is also expected to come to the US and to be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5.

AT&T confirmed that some devices will be upgradeable from Windows Mobile 6.1 to 6.5, though the company didn’t say which ones. Samsung said in its original Omnia 2 announcement that the Verizon Wireless Omnia 2 would come out with Windows Mobile 6.1 and be upgradeable to 6.5.

Toshiba currently makes a powerful Windows Mobile phone called the TG01 which has not been introduced in the U.S. HP’s Windows Mobile phones, such as the Editor’s Choice iPAQ 910, are sold as part of big-business deployments and not typically sold through carriers.

Thanks mindfrost82 for the tip original Press Release can be viewed here.