Press Release: WorldMate(TM) Goes To Europe!
WorldMate, the frequent traveller?s dream, now available in most European languages
Lod, Israel, June 29th, 2004 ? New and improved versions for Palm and Windows Mobile Pocket PC of WorldMate 2004 Standard Edition, the best selling travel companion software from MobiMate Ltd. were announced today. WorldMate 2004 Standard Edition now includes better support for wireless access, and will be available in most European languages: German, Italian, French and Spanish. WorldMate Standard Edition is now one of the first
applications in the market to be compatible and enhanced for Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition with landscape support.
Jennifer Charny, MobiMate?s Marketing Manager, was quoted stating ?We salute our European customers with versions in their own languages.?
About WorldMate
WorldMate is a leading handheld travel application for smart-phones with hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. In 2004, WorldMate won the Handango Champion awards as the ?Best Travel application for Palm OS? and the ?Best Travel application for Symbian OS?. In 2003, WorldMate won the Handango Champion awards as the ?Best Travel application for Symbian OS? and the ?People?s Choice Awards?. WorldMate also won the Pocket PC Magazine awards as the ?Best Travel-Time application for Pocket PC? in 2003, and was nominated as a finalist for Ericsson?s 2003 Mobile Applications Award. Its key features include world clocks with automatic DST calculation, a world map with day/night display, 5-day worldwide weather forecasts from The Weather Channel updated on-line, a currency converter with daily exchange rate updates, measurements converter, and more. It is available for Palm OS?, Pocket PC?, Symbian UIQ, Series 60 and Series 90, and the J2ME platform. WorldMate?s unique on-line capabilities make it a natural complement for wireless mobile devices.
For a FREE trial download & more information, please visit http://www.mobimate.com/worldmate
Press Release:Dr. DWG launches PDA based drawing viewer
Drawing viewer for Field Engineers and Sales teams
Pleasanton, CA, June 23, 2004: Dr. DWG solution Center, a division of California Software Labs (CSWL), leading provider of CAD Solution for the engineering community today announces the launch of its PDA based solution - Mobilite. Dr. DWG?s Mobilite targeted at field level engineers offers comprehensive features like viewing, redlining and zooming. The new solution enables field staff easy and quick access to drawings for maintenance reference, layout reference, design verification, sales presentation and cost estimation.
Mobilite can be integrated with a drawing or PDM servers to provide an ideal solution for archive data reference. ?Mobilite is a powerful tool for field sales engineers, maintenance personnel and field project manager who require online access to the design data.? said Sam Santosh, Chief Executive Officer of CSWL. ?Mobilite enhances decision making by allowing the users to view drawings any time anywhere. We are confident that the field engineers will find this tool handy?, he added.
With this launch Dr. DWG users now have the flexibility to access drawings through most of the popular platforms. Over the years, Dr. DWG has emerged as a leader, with a client list exceeding 3000 and servicing over 25,000 end users worldwide. Dr. DWG is represented in US, Europe and Asia.
About Dr. DWG: Dr. DWG is a division of California Software Labs. For over a decade now Dr. DWG Solution Center has been continuously innovating product lines that have a high demand and acceptance among the engineering, scientific and related communities. Dr. DWG Product Suite consists of products ranging from stand-alone viewers to Software Development Kits (SDK) for AutoCAD drawings and other image formats. Today, Dr. DWG suite of products is the industry?s most preferred review, markup, measure, and plotting tool for digital design data. Dr. DWG Solution center also offers a wide range of services including software development, CAD customization and product implementation support. Dr. DWG Solution Center is perhaps the only place, which caters to the product engineering needs of both vendors and end users of the Engineering and Scientific community.
For more information visit www.drdwg.com
Press Release: Spb Software House Announces Results of Extended Theme Design Contest
June, 24th, 2004 - Spb Software House announces the results of Spb Extended Theme Design Contest. The contest has been run among user-designed extended Pocket PC themes. The designed themes received during the contest were judged by visitors of several Pocket PC-related web sites and they made their choice. We thank all the participants; the themes were all professional and you can see the results here:
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/pocketplus/themecontest.html
*** About Extended Themes ***
Being a Pocket PC theme, an extended theme changes what a standard theme should change (background, system colors, etc). However, it additionally changes the design of Pocket Plus indicators, taskbar battery indicator, and Close button task manager. Moreover extended themes contain native support for landscape mode.
*** Extended Theme Generator to Come Soon ***
Creating extended themes for Pocket PC will soon become much easier for everybody. In about a week Spb Software House will present the Extended Theme Generator. Using this program a user that has no experience in Pocket PC design would be able to build an extended theme in a minute. This will be the first theme generator allowing you to create themes for landscape mode and for VGA screens.
*** VGA Themes Coming ***
Spb Software House is the first company on the market that started producing Pocket PC themes for VGA screens. On the page linked below you will be able to download extended themes for VGA.
http://www.pdagold.com/themes/list.asp?tp=5
Pocket PC Magazine 2004 Best Software Awards
It’s that time of year again! Pocket PC Magazine is accepting nominations for the 2004 Best Software Awards, and yours truly is a judge for the competition for the second year in a row. This is a great service to the Pocket PC community; it’s a very thorough and unbiased judging of the best software for the Pocket PC world with over 50 knowledgeable people making the tough decisions.
Click the icon on the left hand side of the site to see how you can nominate YOUR favorite Pocket PC software if it’s not already on the list. You have until July 31 to get the software nominated, then it’s up to the judges to test and rank the applications.
Helpful Hint: Don’t Forget The MSN Messenger Update!
Just a quick update - if you do the HP iPAQ 4150 ROM Update (see below), remember to go out to Microsoft’s website and re-run the MSN Messenger Update. If you don’t, MSN Messenger will NOT work on your device. I’m really kind of surprised that HP didn’t work this into the ROM update so this didn’t have to be done after the fact, but I guess they were focused on fixing THEIR problems instead of Microsoft’s!
The link for the MSN Messenger Update is here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/msnmessenger/pocketpc.mspx
ROM Update for iPAQ 4100 Series
HP has released a ROM upgrade for the iPAQ 4100 series (4150, 4155) devices. According to the download page, the upgrade supplies the following fixes and enhancements:
Fixes
SD Card:
Fixes issue where the SD card is not recognized if the handheld enters Suspend/Resume during file transfer between SD card and desktop using ActiveSync.
Fixes issue where the handheld stops responding after a cold reset if an SD card is inserted.
System:
Fixes issue where handheld stops responding after warm reset if WLAN is off and Bluetooth is on.
ActiveSync:
Fixes issue where a third-party application caused the inadvertent deletion of the contact database during a sync.
Calculator:
Fixes issue where “Set Memory dialog” remained on screen.
Connection Manager:
Fixes issue where PPP Authentications did not succeed when renegotiating CHAP authorization on LAC/CHAP LNS/CHAP extended networks.
Connections:
Fixes issue where zero configuration did not use the correct WEP key for the connection.
Fixes issue where wireless tab did not remain if a passthrough connection was installed.
Contacts:
Removes default birthday and anniversary dates in Contacts.
Inbox:
Fixes issue where “friendly names” that contained a comma or accent mark were not handled properly.
Fixes issue where cursor position changed from original location after switching tasks.
Pocket Internet Explorer:
Improves WAP browser so that it passes additional cache-management tests.
Enables Pocket Internet Explorer to correctly handle Suspend mode.
Shell:
Fixes issue where File Explorer would stop responding (crash) if the location it was exploring was removed.
Fixes issue where Voice recordings could not be saved to the selected location.
Fixes I-cache corruption issues.
Enhancements
Improves roaming performance for wireless LAN (WLAN).
Updates Splash screen to include the new Microsoft Windows Mobile brand.
Adds a DRM enhancement to the reader.
Updates .NET Compact Framework to version 1.0 Service Pack 1.
Adds ability to configure the ordering of favorites in Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer (pIE).
Adds GeoTrust SSL certificates to root certificate store.
Adds M2M certificates to Privileged root store.
Adds ability to save voice notes even if the Notes application is not active.
Adds ability to use Autorun with three storage units.
Adds the ability to intercept Connection Manager Errors that happen in the background.
Adds wireless network support for an SSID that has 32 characters.
Updates Wireless dialog so it displays the wireless icon.
Improves ability to detect the names of other devices with more accuracy during Bluetooth communication.
If you own one of these handy devices, visit the following link to download the free update:
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/HandheldiPAQ/us/download/21095.html
pdaPortal.com - A GREAT Resource For Mobile Wireless Users
We recently received an email from pdaPortal.com, a great little site that has found a spot in the favorites list on my iPAQ, Tungsten T3 and even my Nokia 3650! pdaPortal.com currently features “649 PDA-friendly web sites”. The home page not only gives you an easy way to search for sites, but you can also easily call up stock quotes, weather, and RSS/XML headlines.
If you’re a wireless PDA or Smartphone user, this is an indispensible site! Visit pdaPortal.com here.
FCC Approves The iPAQ rx3000 Series
One of the best ways for PDA geeks to discover what’s about to come out on the market is to regularly peruse the Federal Communications Commission’s website. Not a month goes by that I don’t get an email or two from a reader who has been out there lookin’ around and finds a cool new PDA that’s almost ready to ship…
Longtime reader Dr. Henry Chang sent me a note yesterday to say that he’d been doing his regular browse of the FCC site and saw that the new iPAQ rx3000 series had received approval. The user’s manual posted on the site showed the following specs:
SIZE: 4.5″ x 2.8″ x .64″
WEIGHT: 5.2 to 5.6 ounces (about an ounce more than the iPAQ 4150)
PROCESSOR: Samsung ARM
RAM: rx3700 (high-end model) has 152MB of user-available RAM
rx3417 (midrange model) has 88MB of user-available RAM
rx3415 (low-end model) has 56MB of user-available RAM
EXPANSION: SD slot
SCREEN RESOLUTION/SIZE: 3.5″ QVGA (240 x 320)
CAMERA: 1.3 Megapixel digital camera built in, rx3700 has video capture capability
WIRELESS: Bluetooth 1.1 and WiFi (802.11b) on all three models
BATTERIES: rx3700 — 1440mAh, upgradeable to 2880mAh
rx3400 — 920mAh, upgradeable to 1440mAh or 2880mAh
For more details, visit the FCC page and browse the links!
PocketPCItalia.com Pictures of HP iPAQ 6300
Everyone’s been drooling at the rumors about the new HP iPAQ 6300 Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition device, and lately some great pictures of the unit have been making the rounds. While I was a bit shocked at the slow processor (TI OMAP 1510 at 200 MHz), I’m sure they’re doing that to increase battery life - always an issue with Pocket PC Phones.
Anyway, go take a look at the pics and the specs at PocketPCItalia.com!
Press Release: NormSoft Releases Pocket Tunes Version 3.0
NormSoft Releases Pocket Tunes Version 3.0
Award winning audio player now includes support for WMA files
Boston, MA (June 15, 2004) ? NormSoft today announced that Pocket Tunes Version 3.0, its award winning audio player for the Palm OS, is now available. Included in this latest version are support for WMA files, Windows Media Player Integration, tag-based song selection and enhanced support for new audio formats using plugins.
WMA Files Support
Pocket Tunes 3.0 Deluxe allows customers to play WMA (Windows Media Audio) files on a Palm OS based device. Pocket Tunes is the first Palm OS audio player to support this file format. Microsoft?s Windows Media Player is included with all versions of Windows, making the WMA file format very popular. Version 3.0 supports ?unprotected? WMA files, which are primarily those created by individuals. NormSoft looks forward to future updates from Microsoft allowing the ability to play protected WMA files, such as those
from on line music stores.
Windows Media Player Integration
A Palm OS device running Pocket Tunes 3.0 will now appear in Windows Media Player as a Portable Device. The Windows Media Player interface can now be used to copy music to the device quickly, without using a card reader, HotSync, or any other special tools. This will make it significantly easier and faster to get music on to the device.
About Pocket Tunes
Pocket Tunes is an advanced audio player for Palm Powered devices. It provides music playback in MP3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, and PCM WAV formats, with capabilities to support future formats as they are developed. Pocket Tunes is the only software to bring streaming audio to Palm Powered phones and wireless devices, allowing users to listen to live broadcasts over the Internet. Pocket Tunes also includes numerous other unique features designed to bring a high-quality listening experience to handheld users. Earlier this year, Pocket Tunes received a Powered Up Award from PalmSource, the creator of the world?s leading operating system for handhelds and smartphones.
Two versions of Pocket Tunes, Basic and Deluxe, are available. The Basic version contains many popular features including support for customizable displays (Skins), a hi-fidelity equalizer and WMP desktop integration. The Deluxe version contains all of the Pocket Tunes Basic features, along with WMA (unprotected) file support, crossfade, gapless playback, ShoutCast support and bookmarks.
To purchase Pocket Tunes directly from NormSoft, please visit the web site at http://www.pocket-tunes.com. Pocket Tunes Basic retails for $14.95 and Pocket Tunes Deluxe retails for $27.95. A fully functional 15 day trial version is also available for download. Existing customers should visit the web site for special upgrade pricing.
Press Release: FlexWallet Upgrade Released
Two Peaks Software has just released a brand new version of FlexWallet for Pocket PCs and Windows desktops. This is the long awaited, completely rewritten and redesigned FlexWallet 2005, with a lot of great new features and enhancements.
Some of the major features include full compatibility with the latest Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition devices supporting landscape and high-DPI modes, significantly improved performance and stability, a whole new set of professionally designed icons, powerful new template manager, and much more.
For a complete list of what?s new and improved, please visit:
http://www.twopeaks.com/site/go?id=31
Please note: Files created with the previous version of FlexWallet cannot be directly opened in the new version. A simple procedure needs to be performed to import your data into the new format. You will find instructions on importing data at:
http://www.twopeaks.com/site/go?id=26
Since this is such a major upgrade, there is a small upgrade fee to help us cover the costs of ongoing development. All current users get a generous 75% discount off the retail price of FlexWallet 2005. The upgrade cost is less than $6.50 through this offer, regardless of how much you originally paid for the software. More information about this offer is available at the bottom of the What?s New page (first link above).
Although long overdue, we hope this upgrade helps you maximize the return on your investment in the latest Pocket PC technology, and once again raise the bar for high quality software at a reasonable price.
Back From Vacation
Well, I’m back from vacation after 10 days of relaxed bliss. This was kind of a retro-vacation, about as far away from high-tech as you can possibly get. We were on a steam-powered sternwheel river boat with 172 other people heading down the Mississippi River from Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA. Along the way I was shocked to find that there wasn’t GSM service along the river except in a very few places, so I was only able to do one post while I was on the trip. I think I also learned my lesson for the last time - a Pocket PC or (in this case) palmOne device with an external keyboard is good, but it’s still no replacement for a real keyboard and a real computer. If I had brought along my PowerBook G4 instead of just the Tungsten T3 and Think Outside Wireless Keyboard, I would have been a lot happier.
It was absolutely fascinating talking to the engine crew of the Delta Queen several times; they operate the huge steam engines that drive the paddlewheel in the back of the boat. It’s extremely 19th century technology, with a little dab of 20th and 21st century tech dropped in to make life easier for the crew. No phones in the rooms, no TVs, ahhhhhh…. Sometimes it’s very nice to get away from the 21st century!
Press Release; PlanMaker 2004 Now Shipping
Nuernberg, Germany — June 9, 2004 — Effective immediately, PlanMaker 2004, the new Microsoft Excel-compatible spreadsheet for four popular operating systems, has been released and is shipping.
PlanMaker offers the feature set and ease-of-use of a modern high-end spreadsheet application and is closely modeled after market-leading Microsoft Excel — and this for a price of less than US$50 (50 Euro)!
What sets it apart from Microsoft Excel is not only its much lower price tag, but also PlanMaker’s support for multiple operating systems: If you are in search for a spreadsheet that works not only under Windows, but also Linux, Pocket PCs, Windows CE-based Handheld PCs, and CE.NET devices, PlanMaker is the only way to go. PlanMaker is the only spreadsheet worldwide that is available for four popular operating systems and offers the same feature set on all of them.
The full range of mathematical, financial, statistics, and data analysis functions that Microsoft Excel users know is supported by PlanMaker - all in all, more than 320 functions.
PlanMaker, however does not only know how to calculate well, but also how to present the results in an attractive manner:
PlanMaker provides a fully Excel-compatible AutoShapes drawing engine and a fully Microsoft Excel-compatible charting module that offers 70 different chart types in 2D and 3D - color gradients, fill patterns, and trend lines included. Basically, if you can do it in Excel, you can do it in PlanMaker!
The foremost design goal in PlanMaker’s development was the seamless conversion of all Microsoft Excel files. PlanMaker delivers better Excel conversions than any competing spreadsheet apart from Microsoft Excel itself, covering all versions from Excel 5.0 over 95, 97, 2000, Excel XP up to Microsoft Excel 2003.
PlanMaker carries a suggested retail price of US$49.95 or EUR 49.95 and is available through resellers and directly from SoftMaker.
For additional information visit: www.softmaker.com or contact: info@softmaker.de
Sony Exiting The US PDA Market…For Now
Well, if you’re one of the folks who just LOVES the Sony Clie (and I know there are a lot of you out there), you’re not going to like this news. Sony will not release any new Clie PDAs in the US this year. The Clie line WILL continue in Japan. Sony is stating that the are not exiting the market, they will continue to sell the existing stocks of current models, they will honor warranties, and they’ll continue to grow the Clie line in Japan.
This, of course, makes palmOne the only major licensee of the Palm OS. Dell is releasing the new X30 Pocket PCs at very low prices and HP is set to deliver a whopping SEVEN new devices in the near future, so palmOne had better start getting worried! I’m almost wondering if Sony is going to look at bringing an OQO-like pocket Windows XP device to the market, thus giving them instant credibility in the mobile market while reducing the need to support a new OS (if you’re not familiar with the long-awaited OQO “Ultra Personal Computer”, click here for details).
There are other rumors that Sony may start using Windows Mobile as the OS of choice in the future, but I seriously doubt if they’d abandon one OS for another. Whatever happens with Sony PDAs, don’t expect to see anything new until 2006.
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Joy of Tech!
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MacLevelTen
