Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Microsoft Updates Windows Live Services for Mobile

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC Sites & Resources" @ 09:30 AM

• Read
• Discuss [3 replies]
• Permalink
• Source: Windows Live Team Blog

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Live Mesh for Windows Mobile Surfaces at Tech.Ed Australia

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC Software" @ 02:10 AM

• Read
• Discuss [2 replies]
• Permalink

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Windows Live for Windows Mobile Released... Again

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC Software" @ 10:09 PM

• Read
• Discuss [3 replies]
• Permalink
• Source: Stay Connected

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Purchase Microsoft Points With Your Phone... In Japan

Posted by Darius Wey in "Digital Home News" @ 10:30 AM

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/05...o-to-suppo.html

What if filling up on Microsoft Points was as easy as picking up your phone and having the cost added to your phone bill? That's how it is for NTT DoCoMo users in Japan, and hopefully, that's just a starting point.

If Microsoft is working with other carriers to make this available around the world, great. If not, they probably should. A vast majority of Xbox Live Marketplace and Zune Marketplace users probably have a mobile device of some sort - some have their reasons against directly linking their Windows Live ID and credit card together, while others don't always want to make the trek to their local store to pick up one of the many Microsoft Points cards on offer, so this third option makes a lot of sense.

• Read
• Discuss [16 replies]
• Permalink

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

More Mobile Advertising Heading Your Way

Posted by Darius Wey in "Pocket PC News" @ 06:00 AM

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/...leBrowsePR.mspx

"Today at Microsoft Corp.’s online advertising leadership forum, advance08, Brian McAndrews, senior vice president of the Advertiser & Publisher Solutions Group, announced the availability of display advertising across two popular Windows Live for mobile services, the launch of new markets for Windows Live for mobile services, and upcoming advertising plans for its Live Search Mobile offering. This marks the first year that mobile advertising has played a leading role at the industry event that brings together some of the most influential thought leaders of the global advertising community. Announced today, advertisers can now extend their campaigns to social media through Windows Live for mobile in France, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. by creating banner ads that will be visible across Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Hotmail. This builds upon Microsoft’s initial launch of mobile advertising for MSN Mobile in, France, , Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. where mobile ads are available alongside premium MSN Mobile content. Advertising on Windows Live for mobile is already available in Spain, and later this month will be available in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, further extending its availability for advertisers. All ads placed on these two popular services will adhere to Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) guidelines."



Microsoft has just announced an expansion in the availability of display advertising across its mobile services. You can already see an example of it at http://mobile.live.com/ (screenshot above). I know there's a vocal crowd out there who are strongly against ads in any way, shape, or form, and will go out of their way to block them, but the fact is they are both a direct and indirect source of revenue for many businesses, so denying them that is analogous to stealing. I'm all for mobile advertising - if a business wants to create awareness of their mobile applications and services, they should have a right to do so. My only hope is that given the small displays that mobile devices are endowed with, these ads don't end up being too "in-your-face".

• Read
• Discuss [28 replies]
• Permalink

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Introduction to Connected Applications with Windows Mobile 6

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "Smartphone Talk" @ 02:58 PM

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmob...nectedapps.mspx

"Did you know that there is an Encarta encyclopedia bot that you can talk to on Windows Live Messenger? That’s just one of the tips I wrote about in this new article on Microsoft.com’s Windows Mobile website area."



Todd Ogasawara has posted some fantastic tips and tricks on the Windows Mobile site. I had no idea that you could chat with an encyclopedia bot on Windows Live Messenger. Usually for some basic information like currency conversions, weather data, and even transit times - I use Google based web services. To read about other handy applications that can be used to keep yourself connected to the digital world, head on over to read Todd's article!

• Read
• Discuss
• Permalink
• Source: MobileViews Blog

Friday, July 13, 2007

Microsoft Releases Live Search for Windows Mobile 2.0

Posted by Jason Dunn in "SOFTWARE" @ 04:15 PM

• Read
• Discuss [9 replies]
• Permalink

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Use Caution When Using Windows Live Messenger Mobile

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 06:00 AM

• Read
• Discuss [8 replies]
• Permalink

Monday, July 9, 2007

Nominations for Best Software Awards 2007 Are Live

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 11:30 AM

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/awards/main.asp

The ball has started to roll on the 2007 Best Software Awards. Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine have compiled an extensive list of applications and they need your help to make sure it's as accurate as possible. So head on over and provide your thoughts on the nominations list. The judges will begin their work next month and the winners will be announced later this year. Remember, your favourite application can't win if the judge's don't know about it. So help make the nominations list shine. Oh, and I would like to hear what everyone has as their top application. What's at the top of your install list when you get a new Smartphone?

• Read
• Discuss
• Permalink

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Makayama Releases Pocket Live TV 1.0 for Smartphones

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SOFTWARE" @ 06:45 AM

• Read
• Discuss [5 replies]
• Permalink

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Live Search for Windows Mobile Reviewed at the Two Inch View

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:15 AM

• Read
• Discuss [2 replies]
• Permalink

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Live Search vs Live Search - What's in a Name?

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THOUGHT" @ 08:30 AM

Microsoft is heavily into the "Live" world right now. There's Live Mail, Live Messenger, Live Alerts, Live Search, and that's just scratching the surface. There are plenty more Live ideas in the works. If that wasn't enough to make your head spin, Microsoft has managed to release 2 different Live Search applications for Windows Mobile and both applications do different things.



The first Live Search (pictured in the lower right of the image above) will provide you with Map, Directions, and Traffic information for a location you select. I used this before my vacation a couple weeks ago to check out the pool at the hotel I was planning on staying at in Las Vegas. A lot of people here have played with this in it's beta form over the last number of months. It was recently released to production and if you haven't tried it out, I suggest you do. It's really a great tool.

The other Live Search (pictured in the upper left corner of the image above) was announced as a part of the new Windows Live for Windows Mobile at 3GSM and will ship with Windows Mobile 6 devices. Windows Live for Windows Mobile offers a number of Live services for your Windows Mobile device like: Live Mail, Live Messenger, and Live Search. However, this Live Search is nothing like the other Live Search. Live Search that comes in Windows Live for Windows Mobile is nothing more than a shortcut to Live.com and a mobile proxy to help speed up and format your searches for display on your smaller than normal screen. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it's not as cool as the other Live Search and now we have 2 Live Search products for Windows Mobile devices. How many times did I just use the words Windows, Mobile, Live, and Search? Confused yet?

So whether it's Live Search you're looking for or just Live Search, Microsoft has the tool for you and your device. I think Microsoft needs to spend a little more time coming up with better names that describe the product and sound cool at the same time. Is that too much to ask for?

• Discuss [5 replies]
• Permalink

Sunday, February 18, 2007

3GSM LIVE: i-mate To Unwire Multimedia For Windows Mobile With i-mate Xstream

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 12:58 PM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3639

"During the 3GSM World Congress, i-mate previewed its next product-line which unwires multimedia from the Windows Vista Media Center PC. This new service gives the i-mate Ultimate users access to the Windows Vista Media by either being connected through a home W-LAN or any other broadband connection. The new i-mate Ultimate devices can be enhanced with an i-mate self-developed server/client solution which gives full access to all media files on a compatible (i-mate) Media Center PC. If you know Orb or the Slingbox - you know the potential this solution has since it includes access to recorded TV shows as well as access to live TV, video and audio files as well as photos"



While there are no Windows Mobile Standard (Smartphone) devices in the i-mate Ultimate lineup, that could change in the future! Even if a Windows Mobile Standard device is never a part of the lineup, I still would like to take this time to point out that what i-mate is doing here is exactly what the industry needs! While there are still some of us that feel business and pleasure should be separated, I love the idea of having access to my media at all times! Personally, I'm surprised that Microsoft hasn't already developed their own software solution to let users tap into their media on the go.

• Read
• Discuss [2 replies]
• Permalink

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Microsoft Announces Windows Live for Windows Mobile

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SOFTWARE" @ 04:30 PM

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/feb07/02-11WindowsLiveMobilePR.mspx

"Windows Live for Windows Mobile will provide customers with a rich set of Windows Live services, including Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Live Search and Windows Live Spaces, uniquely designed to work with Windows Mobile software. Windows Mobile powered devices, with their advanced software, processing power and memory, make ideal platforms for the delivery of Windows Live services. Windows Live for Windows Mobile offers one of the first industry examples of a single integrated and presence-enabled contact list on a mobile device. One consolidated list provides customers with easy access to all their Windows Live, Microsoft Office Outlook� and other contacts, as well as relevant presence information."



I'm starting to get confused by all the Live names floating around. :? However, I really like what Microsoft has done with Windows Live on Windows Mobile. When this ships, you'll get Live Messenger, Live Mail (Hotmail), Live Search, and Live Spaces all in one application. Messenger is by far the best part of this tool, in my opinion. You can display your contacts by groups and it even supports sending Voice Clips. It's taken a tool that I almost never used on my phone and made it something that I leave on all the time. :mrgreen: It's my understanding that this will be included on Windows Mobile 6 devices and it will be updated directly by Mircosoft. So there's no worry about the operator leaving you in the dust.

• Read
• Discuss [25 replies]
• Permalink

Windows Live for Smartphone Released

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SITES & RESOURCES" @ 11:00 AM

• Read
• Discuss [9 replies]
• Permalink
• Source: onlydarksets

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Watch Bill Gates' CES Keynote Live at 6:30pm PST

Posted by Darius Wey in "EVENT" @ 06:40 PM

http://www.microsoft.com/ces/

"For Microsoft, CES is about bringing together personal creativity, content and community, to deliver connected experiences throughout the day - providing the tools to connect people to their communities and entertainment no matter where they are. Join Bill Gates as he keynotes 2007 CES demonstrating how Microsoft is delivering a new generation of connected experiences. Bill will be joined by Robbie Bach in announcing several new offerings from Windows Vista, Xbox 360, Microsoft TV and more."



In about an hour's time, Bill Gates will deliver his CES keynote where he will highlight new and upcoming Microsoft technologies, including, but not limited to, Windows Mobile. At 6:30pm PST, visit the "Microsoft at CES" web site and watch the keynote live.

Update: Windows Media Player - 100k, 220k, 550k.

• Read
• Discuss [6 replies]
• Permalink

Friday, November 3, 2006

Gmail Mobile Client is Live

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SOFTWARE" @ 12:00 PM

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2006/11/gmail-mobile-client-is-live.html

"The new Gmail for mobile client launching today began life as a challenge: What if we could develop a Gmail application for cell phones that was as powerful and as easy to use as the desktop version? What if it ran on hundreds of different mobile devices -- and made it possible to compose, read, and respond to conversations with a bare minimum of clicking and scrolling? What if it enabled you to do things like search your inbox, view your attachments (including pictures and PDF files), and click to call your Gmail contacts? And what if the app were designed to make the whole experience as fast and as seamless as possible?"



And what if the the text size was so small in the application you need a microscope to read it? I'm not kidding either. I could barely read the text. No option to resize it that I could find. I managed to get this MIDlet to work on my 2125 and 3125. No luck on the Q and if you look around you will find this note: "The Gmail application doesn't currently work with T-Mobile USA or BREW-based carriers (e.g. Verizon, Alltel, U.S. Cellular)." Like all Google applications it is primitive looking but it gets the job done and it is free. Just point your Smartphone browser to http://www.gmail.com/app and give it a try.

• Read
• Discuss [37 replies]
• Permalink
• Source: T-Will

Friday, September 22, 2006

Microsoft Hooks Up Nokia Phones with Live Search

Posted by Jerry Raia in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 10:00 AM

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/09/21/microsoft-hooks-up-nokia-phones-with-live-search/

"We, of course, can't speak for Yahoo -- but if we had to guess, we'd imagine they're at least a little bit perturbed at Nokia right about now. Just under two weeks after announcing a partnership with the search company to include Yahoo! Search in its Mobile Search application, Nokia's now announced a similar deal with Microsoft, which'll see Windows Live Search find a home alongside Yahoo in the mobile search platform."



They are talking here about a built in application as opposed to a web browser search. This is supposedly faster than using a web browser search. I have said this a few times, Windows Live is going to show up everywhere. I could swear I saw it in my cereal this morning. :)

• Read
• Discuss
• Permalink

Friday, September 15, 2006

Windows Live for Mobile Launched!

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "SOFTWARE" @ 11:34 AM

http://mobile.live.com/

"Windows Live for Mobile is, uh... live here. Simply grab your Pocket PC and visit mobile.live.com or tap the existing MSN Mobile favourite included in Internet Explorer Mobile (it automatically redirects to the Windows Live portal). You'll find a bundle of Live services available: Mail, Spaces (both previously in beta), Local, MSNBC News, Fox Sports, Weather, Money, and Entertainment - and still in beta, Search, Live.com, and MSN.com. All of the services feature redesigned layouts that enhance mobile readability and usability."



As Darius mentioned on Pocket PC Thoughts, Windows Live for Mobile is "live" and kicking (I made a pun ;)). To view the these handy Live services just browse to http://mobile.live.com from your Windows Mobile device!

• Read
• Discuss [7 replies]
• Permalink
• Source: Pocket PC Thoughts

Saturday, September 2, 2006

Xbox Live Coming to Windows Mobile?

Posted by Mike Temporale in "NEWS" @ 06:45 AM

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/pax/live-anywhere-mobile-pics-197729.php

"So Major Nelson whips out his phone and says, "I bet your phone doesn't have this." and proceeds to jog through a bunch of Live Anywhere windows on his svelte phone. Nice. I tried to take two pictures of it, but, well, I suck at taking pictures. MN couldn't say when Msoft would be bringing the Live Anywhere to the people."



There's no word on when or how this will be made available, but if you've got an Xbox 360 and a Windows Mobile Smartphone, it looks like you're going to be able to enjoy some sort of Xbox Live experience while you're out and about. This might be the final feature to make me go out and buy a 360. 8)

• Read
• Discuss [3 replies]
• Permalink