Press Release: Syntrax for Pocket PC - New Lower Price!
Syntrax to strengthen its competitive position by radically dropping its price
A little over 1 year after it’s introduction, Syntrax is still one of the top all-in-one music studios available for the PocketPC. To celebrate this fact and to announce the upcoming port of Syntrax to VST (A plugin system for professional sequencers like Cubase on the PC) Klaar has decided to introduce a major drop in price. Syntrax is now sharply priced at $20, leaving it’s direct competitors far behind.
A new website for Syntrax is also in the making and soon to go public. This website will have it’s focus around being a community based site where people can share experiences, request new features and of course swap their own created instuments and songs.
The FULL version of Syntrax for the desktop PC is as always available for FREE. This version is exactly the same as the PocketPC version (complete With an XDA PocketPC skin), allowing new Syntrax users to test drive the complete program without compromise.
To read the full specifications of Syntrax go to the Klaar website: http://www.klaar.com
ATTENTION: To get even more discount, the new site: www.clickapps.com, dedicated to PocketPC applications, currently features a special offer where people can grab a copy for just $15. This special offer lasts for 2 weeks so act now!
Press Release: Textware Solutions announces Dom Perignon IV Speed Contest
Biennial challenge asks ?How Fast Can You Enter Data on Your PDA??
Burlington, MA (September 28, 2004) ? Textware Solutions announces the Dom Perignon IV Speed Contest, starting October 1, 2004 and ending November 6, 2004. The contest seeks those who can enter data the fastest on a Palm or Pocket PC, using a stylus. The Grand Prize winner in each category ? Palm devices and Pocket PCs ? will be awarded a prestigious bottle of Dom Perignon.
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Publisher of the Fitaly alternative keyboard for the Palm and Pocket PC, Textware Solutions already held three Dom Perignon Speed Contests in 1998, 2000, and 2002. Past contest participants cruised at an average speed of 50 WPM, with contest winners approaching or even surpassing 80 WPM, and repeatedly providing a factual demonstration that doing fast text entry on a PDA is a realistic proposition.
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Entries to the Dom Perignon IV Speed Contest can be submitted with any application that uses a stylus for the entry of data on a Palm or Pocket PC device. This includes on-screen keyboards, keyboard overlays on the Graffiti area, as well as handwriting recognition programs. The use of shortcuts and word-completion or phrase-completion capabilities is not allowed.
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Textware Solutions encourages everyone to participate, even if you presently do not use any of the above data entry solutions. Fully functional free trials of all of the Fitaly products are available for download on the www.fitaly.com site, and trial versions of other input methods are also available on the web.
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In addition to the Dom Perignon Grand Prizes, weekly prizes will be awarded to the best twenty entries of each week of the contest. Weekly prizes are provided by Textware Solutions and contest cosponsors AstraWare, Blue Nomad, NeoHand, Pocket Informant, QuikSense, SoftMaker, StylusCentral, and ValkSoft. For complete details, please visit the contest web page and the forum established for the contest results:
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http://fitaly.com/domperignon/domperignon4.htm
http://fitaly.com/board/domper4/index.html
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The Fitaly Keyboard is available for Palm devices and Pocket PC?s. For more details, product screenshots and photos, to download product demos or to order any Fitaly Keyboard product, please visit the Fitaly web site today:
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http://www.fitaly.com
Press Release: GPS Tuner v3.5 has been released
A new version of GPS Tuner has been released. In v3.5 there are several new features like:
–? Advanced Digital Compass
– Full GPX support
–? New Waypoint Manager
–? Route handling
–? Intelligent ?Auto? track interval and track simplify function
–? Track Analysis (Length, Average speed, Max. speed)
–? Route Analysis (Total length, Distance, Arrival time)
–? 3D perspective map view
–? TerraServer integration
–? Area and perimeter calculation with DXF file export (in Geo license)
–? Voice navigation for routes
–? NMEA recording and playback
–? Graphical icons on the map
–? Auto flip image map according to your direction
–? Auto rotate blank map according to your direction
–? Desktop map calibration tool: Map Calibrator 1.0 (helps to cut large maps into slices also)
More information about GPS Tuner can be found at: http://www.gpstuner.com
Press Release: Siber Systems Unveils Palm/Pocket PC versions of Roboform
Versatile, Top-Rated Tool Fills Out Online Forms, Manages and Synchronizes User?s Password/Identity Information; Password Generator Included
FAIRFAX, VA ? (September 30, 2004) ? Siber Systems Inc., a leading productivity software provider, today announced the release of RoboForm? for Pocket PC (Windows CE) and RoboForm? for Palm (Palm OS).? These two applications extend the power of the company?s popular, award-winning RoboForm password/contact organizer to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).?
RoboForm for Pocket PC and Palm let people carry a 3DES-encrypted copy of their passwords, contacts and notes on PDAs, then use that copy to synchronize their passwords, contacts and notes with other computers that have RoboForm installed.
RoboForm for Palm and RoboForm for Pocket PC are small device ?siblings? of RoboForm, a Windows desktop-based password manager and form filler that automates logging in to online accounts and filling of online registration and shopping checkout forms.? RoboForm has received consistently strong reviews by PC Magazine, CNET, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Tech TV.
?When I am on the road, I need a copy of my passwords, contacts and secret notes on a small device, something much smaller than a notebook, something like a Pocket PC or a Palm.? And I want this info encrypted with the best encryption available.? And I want this info synced with desktop at one click of a button. This is where RoboForm for Pocket PC and Palm comes in ? it can do it all,? says Vadim Maslov, CEO of Siber Systems.
Automatic Two-Way Syncing
Syncing between Pocket PC or Palm PDA is two-way; that is, newer files from the desktop PC are copied to the small device and newer files from the PDA are copied to the desktop. Therefore users can use their PDA to carry RoboForm data between several desktop computers.
Synchronization between the Palm and desktop PC requires just one click, while synchronization between Pocket PC and desktop is completely automatic and requires no clicks at all.
All personal data stored in RoboForm for Pocket PC or Palm is encrypted using 3-DES (or 1-DES).? Access is controlled by a Master Password, making the personal data stored on PDAs theft-proof.
RoboForm for Pocket PC and Palm includes a password generator that generates secure random passwords for on-the-road situations.
Pricing and Availability
RoboForm for Palm and RoboForm for Pocket PC are priced at $9.99 each, in addition to desktop RoboForm license.? The applications are available for a 30-day free trial.? To learn more about the product or to purchase, visit www.roboform.com.
Press Release: Pocket PC Magazine Selects The Finalists
Pocket PC Magazine Selects the Finalists
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2004 Best Software Awards
Thaddeus Computing Inc., publishers of Pocket PC magazine, September 29, 2004
The Finalists for the 4rd Annual Pocket PC Magazine Best Software Awards have been announced. Over 70 Windows Mobile experts worldwide were involved in voting for the best software in over 100 categories. These judges include authors of Pocket PC books, Pocket PC magazine contributors, Microsoft Windows Mobile MVPs, and top Windows Mobile webmasters.
Over 3000 Pocket PC software titles were considered and 581 were nominated for consideration by the Board of Experts. 269 nominees were selected as finalists, and appear with a red ?Finalist? logo next to the name on the nomination page.
The winners of each of the 107 categories of the coveted 2004 Best Software Award will be announced on October 26, 2004, at the Pocket PC magazine booth at the San Francisco, CTIA conference, and at www.PocketPCmag.com/awards. Winners and finalists will also be published in the December/January issue of Pocket PC magazine.
Coming Soon To A PDAntic.com Near You!
It’s been kind of quiet around here lately…but busier than heck for me. I’m currently the project manager on a $3 million+ server consolidation project, and that’s keeping me busy around the clock. However, in my free time I’ve been working on a few upcoming articles.
First, I’m working on a review of the HP iPAQ rx3715. I was fortunate enough to have a friend lend me his new rx3715 for a few days and put it through its paces. I was impressed with the rx3715, but not enough to want to buy one… The review should be out within the next week or so.
Next, I’m going to be writing a review of a desktop computer - something that’s definitely out of ordinary for PDAntic.com. As you’ll remember, last year I did a series of articles on Tablet PCs and enjoyed the experience of using the devices. Now I’m going through another phase and will be replacing my last PC (a Dell Dimension 8100) with an Apple 17″ iMac G5. Can a guy who needs a PC for both work and personal reasons get totally away from the Wintel world? We’ll see… Hint - I will still be running Windows XP Pro on the iMac G5! Of course I will be figuring out how to use my various PDAs and phones with the Mac.
Stay tuned!
PDAMill Special Offer on Palm OS Titles
This news just came in from PDAMill:
“We’re running a 50% off promotion on all our Palm OS products this week, that is the Palm OS versions of Snails, GameBox Asia, Classics, Gems and Solitaire. To use this special promotion you have to go to www.pdamill.com, add the item(s) to your shopping cart and enter ‘PDAMILL’ as the promotion code, then hit ‘Recalculate’. The promotion’s running only this week and is limited to the first 200 buyers. So being quick is essential! 
Press Release: TextMaker for Zaurus in Public Beta Testing
The first desktop-class word processor for Linux-based PDAs
Nuernberg, Germany — September 20, 2004 — TextMaker, the premier word processor from German software manufacturer SoftMaker, has been ported to a new platform: TextMaker for Zaurus is the latest release from SoftMaker, after versions of TextMaker for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Pocket PCs, Handheld PCs, and Windows CE.NET.
TextMaker for Zaurus is now in public beta testing, and owners of Sharp’s Linux-based Zaurus PDAs are invited to join the beta and download their free beta copy at www.softmaker.com
TextMaker for Zaurus is the first and only complete word processor for Zaurus. Multi-language spell-checker? Graphics?Footnotes? No problem. Tables? Sophisticated character and paragraph formatting? At your fingertips. Lossless conversion of all Microsoft Word files? Right on your Zaurus.
TextMaker for Zaurus is the most comprehensive word processor ever developed for the Sharp Zaurus. Imagine that: Desktop-class word processing on your Zaurus!
TextMaker carries a suggested retail price of US$49.95 or EUR 49.95 and is available through resellers and directly from SoftMaker.
TextMaker’s user interface is switchable between English and German. Spanish, Portuguese and Russian versions are under development.
PalmInfocenter: Tungsten T5 / Treo 650 Mentioned In Retail Databases
A post over at PalmInfocenter.com indicates that the upcoming Tungsten T5 and Treo 650 have started to appear in the databases for a major retailer and in listings for palmOne accessories on the palmOne site. This confirms the recent rumor that the next Tungsten would be the T5 (the number 4 has negative connotations in the Asian market). This should be everything the palmOne enthusiast has been looking for, as the device is rumored to use the Intel PXA270 series CPU, have a half-VGA screen in a non-slider design, and (hopefully) have WiFi and Bluetooth built in.
IMHO, I think that it’s about time that palmOne came out with a new high-end device. With the plethora of WiFi / Bluetooth enabled Pocket PCs with full VGA or half VGA screens, it’s a shame that palmOne hasn’t brought something to market much sooner.
PDAToday Review of Asus “MyPal” A716 Pocket PC
PDAToday has just finished their two page review of the Asus “MyPal” A716 PocketPC.
“The primary emphasis in today?s PDA market seems to be smaller and lighter. Many of the newer models seem to be focused on having limited features while maintaining the smallest profile and lightest weight possible. This appears to work for most users, but there will always be a certain group of people who want a Pocket PC with all the features, expansion, and performance they can get. The Asus A716 is designed for this type of users. A user whose main objective is all the features and functionality they can get without worrying about having the tiniest PDA in their pocket. “
Press Release - Smart Box Design Rolls Out Farkle for Palm OS Handhelds
Smart Box Design Rolls Out Farkle for Palm OS Handhelds, a Lively Mobile Rendition of the Classic Dice Game, Featuring “Smart” Opponents
SEATTLE ? September 13, 2004 — Smart Box Design announces the release of Farkle, a Palm OS version of the classic dice rolling game. Farkle offers players an opportunity to challenge friends or compete against a variety of “intelligent” computer opponents with a wide range of personalities?from cautious to daring?that will determine the level of risk each opponent is willing to take when deciding just how far to push their luck.
Farkle is an enormously popular game throughout the world. Players roll a set of six dice for points and can continue rolling the dice as long as their roll continues to yield points. Any non-scoring roll is called a Farkle and the player forfeits their turn and any points accumulated during that turn. Players must gauge the risk of rolling again after setting aside scoring dice and decide whether to “bank” their points or risk them for a potentially higher score. Like most games of chance and skill, Farkle’s attraction stems from players hoping to beat the odds and roll a high scoring combination.
Smart Box Design is known for the attention it places on both the playability and design of its games, and Farkle is no exception. There are very few dice games available for Palm OS, and even fewer with the quality and attention to detail that went into creating Farkle. The game, which can be customized to accommodate regional rules, is extremely easy for users to pick up and begin playing upon installation. It is beautifully designed with the rich hues of a felt and wooden game-playing surface. The grain of the wooden game board, green velvet, and transparent red dice all enhance game-play.
Many games feature computerized opponents that are programmed with varying degrees of difficulty (smart, smarter, and smartest). Farkle, rather, comes with a collection of computerized opponents that are programmed to employ different strategies and take various degrees of risk when deciding whether to continue rolling for points?just like different people that Farkle players will encounter as they play the real dice game.
“We are delighted to bring one of the all-time classic dice games to the Palm OS,” said Todd Sherman, Smart Box Design’s president. “Our version of Farkle provides mobile device users with a great game that can be picked up when they only have a few minutes to spare, but user beware?once the game is started, it can be very difficult to put down!”
A free trial version is available at http://www.smartboxdesign.com/farkle.html. It can be purchased for US$14.95.
Press Release - VITO Remote To Support Latest Pocket PC Generation
Novosibirsk, Russia, September 14 ? VITO Technology, a well-known software developer for Pocket PC, announces major update of its popular remote control application. VITO Remote becomes compatible with the latest generation of Pocket PC running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition.
What is VITO Remote?
VITO Remote is an application designed for Pocket PC to control any devices, equipped with an infrared port or a remote controller. Such devices include, but are not limited to: TV sets, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, cameras, TiVo boxes, and garage gates. VITO Remote substitutes all standard remote controls providing a single universal controller. VITO Remote utilizes standard infrared port of Pocket PC to send signals to the controlled device, which makes the program compatible with almost all Pocket PC models available in the market.
How does it work?
VITO Remote comes with 50 pre-defined profiles for various TV and VCR models. Each profile includes sets of commands and graphic interface. After an on-screen button is pressed (either with a stylus or a finger), VITO Remote sends a respective signal (i.e. ?turn off? or ?volume down?) to the receiver, that is a TV set, VCR, or other electronics. Commands can be organized into macros to perform several actions (such as ?turn on and then switch to channel 5?) with a single button press.
VITO Remote can work with virtually any home or office equipment. This is achieved in two ways. Firstly, the program can be quickly and easily trained the desired signals using standard remote control. VITO Remote will record all acquired commands and store them in created interface. Secondly, VITO Remote supports CCF (Cabernet Configuration File) files that include settings for infrared signals and interface, which can be color or black-and-white. VITO Remote supports both. CCF files for practically any device can be found in the Internet, installed onto Pocket PC and opened with VITO Remote.
Why the update to version 3.5 is so important?
VITO Remote, version 3.5 features three critical updates, especially important to the users of the latest models of Pocket PC running under Windows Mobile 2003.
Beginning from version 3.5, VITO Remote supports the latest Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, including global font size settings and landscape orientation mode for handhelds that have infrared port on their right or left side.
Highly-demanded full-screen mode for any screen orientation has been introduced in version 3.5. Not only Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition users can enjoy the full-screen mode, rather Win CE 3.0 and Windows Mobile 2002 users as well.
Incompatibility issue with Intel xScale PXA 27X processors has been solved. VITO Remote 3.5 is now compatible with the latest generation of Pocket PCs, such as Asus MyPal A730, HP iPaq hx4705, and Dell Axim X30.
For complete list of changes, refer to VITO Technology Web site.
VITO Remote is available as an executable file as well as a .cab archive for over-the-air download. Provided trial version works without any limitations for 14 days; full version can be purchased for $15.95 at the company?s Web site www.VitoTechnology.com. Volume discounts are available.
VITO Technology will offer a new version of VITO Remote for download at their Web site starting September 14th, 2004. For additional information, visit www.VitoTechnology.com.
Press Release - Special Promotion on Street Duel: Underground Racing for Pocket PC
Pixelogic Ltd (www.pixelogic.co.uk) are running a special promotion on Street Duel: Underground Racing for Pocket PC. They are offering 25% discount until the end of September - that’s $5 off the normal price. At the checkout just enter the following promotion coupon code: 3FC46D5.
Street Duel: Underground Racing is the new 3D driving game for Pocket PC. Based on the dark street racing subculture, the game involves racing over rooftops, performing spectacular jumps, and smashing through traffic in the pursuit of winning the ultimate performance supercar.
Features:
- Full screen 3D graphics.
- Proper physics engine with rigid body dynamics and accurate collision detection.
- Drive 9 different vehicles each with their own unique handling characteristics.
- Perform handbrake turns and lurid powerslides, complete with skidmarks, suspension, tyresmoke, brakelights, etc.
- Over 32 races and challenges.
Full details are available from the game’s web page: www.pixelogic.co.uk/pages/street_duel.html
The Ubiquity Of The iPod
A few years ago I purchased my first iPod - a 10GB “first generation” model - after I had a bad experience with a Creative Labs Nomad. Frankly, the Nomad looked cheaply made, had a horrible user interface, got hot while running, and had battery life that made recharging a regular proposition. At the time I was fairly pissed off with Apple, since they had axed the Newton MessagePad a few years before and made some other dumb moves.
When I got the iPod, the iTunes Music Store was still a dream and the Windows software was from a third-party (MusicMatch), but the device itself was great - lightweight and compact, with a user interface that was a snap to use and battery life that got better after a ROM upgrade came out. Then came the iTunes Music Store, iTunes for Windows, and three more generations of a device that has come to define the MP3 player market.
What I’ve noticed lately is that the iPod has gone beyond popularity to ubiquity. It used to be that only a few coworkers at my office had them (we were all gadget geeks). Now I see little old ladies carrying them (one told me she listens to Audible books on hers), buttoned-down businessmen, slackers with tattoos and piercings, and even middle-aged gadget geeks! I’ve been on airline flights where more people are using iPods than the onboard stereo entertainment systems, I’ve seen runners and cyclists cruising by with iPods clipped to their shorts.
We can only hope that Apple isn’t going to just rest on their laurels and let the world pass them by. The iPod needs to evolve into a video device, iTunes should morph into an online video store, and the new devices should serve as a pocket-sized media center that can entertain you at home or in motion. Time will tell if the iPod becomes an entertainment legend or just a bump in the road of technological advances, but for the time being it rules the roost in the world of MP3 players.
OQO Shipping Next Month?
The long-awaited OQO “Ultrapersonal Computer”, a full powered Windows XP device in a Pocket PC-sized box, may finally be ready to ship. Rumor has it that OQO will release their tiny “Pocket PC” on October 14th, after years of redesign and speculation. OQO is funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen (also the money behind SpaceShipOne) and is heavily staffed by ex-Apple employees - many of whom were behind the design of the Titanium PowerBook.
Based on the most recent design specs, this will be one heck of a small computer - 1 GHz Transmeta Crusoe CPU, WiFi, Bluetooth, the ability to be used as a desktop PC with the included docking station, a built-in pop out keyboard and a bright and high resolution 5″ display. Call me a PDA pessimist, but if these devices come down in price and are as utilitarian as they seem, I have a feeling that Pocket PCs and Palms may become a thing of the past…
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Joy of Tech!
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MacLevelTen
