Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"SPB Software, a top mobile applications developer, releases SPB News 2.0 - formerly known as SPB Insight - an intelligent news reader that makes full-text articles (including images) available for offline reading on Windows phones. SPB News gives users the freedom to read the daily news from online sources of their choice, at a time and place most convenient to them. SPB News 2.0 has a new user-friendly touch interface, supports gestures, automatic updates, and smart scrolling in articles. Users of SPB Insight 1.x are entitled to a free update to SPB News 2.0."

Formerly known as Spb Insight, Spb News 2.0 is the latest release of this RSS/offline Web site reader. Improvements in this new version include a new touch-oriented interface, automatic and scheduled updates, smart scrolling in articles, and a bunch of fixes in overall stability and performance. Since it's not available yet in our affiliate store, you can grab it directly from Spb's Web site. Though the Web site doesn't mean Windows Mobile Standard smartphones, the information I was emailed does, so this should be compatible with both platforms.

"Spb TV is a subscription-free mobile IPTV viewer, designed for tuning in to publicly available digital TV channels from all over the world. A downloadable software client, Spb TV makes a wide range of international live TV channels available for viewing directly on Windows Mobile phones. Spb TV does not only provide users with access to a world of live TV streaming on the go, but it offers exclusive on-screen controls and an integrated TV guide. Spb TV supports fast channels switching, use of intelligent stream correction, picture-in-picture mode, and export of show reminders into Outlook, brining the genuine TV watching experience onto mobile. Spb TV requires a high speed mobile data connection which may be available via 3G, Wi-Fi, or WiMax networks."

Spb Software has just added over forty new international channels to Spb TV, bringing the total channel count to close to a hundred. The majority of them were suggested by users, so if you can't find your favourite channel in the list, simply suggest it; there's a good chance that Spb Software will take it into consideration. If you've yet to try or buy Spb TV, head over to our affiliate software store (Classic/Professional, Standard).

"Today at CTIA Wireless, Spb Software - a leading maker of mobile applications, announces the release of Spb TV - a practical mobile TV player with patent-pending on-screen controls and fast channel switching technology, use of intelligent stream correction, picture-in-picture mode, and an integrated TV guide with export of show reminders into Outlook. Spb TV is a subscription-free and international live mobile TV solution that is geared up to utilize the new generation of faster wireless networks. The now standalone mobile TV solution for Windows Phones, Spb TV was first introduced to the market in September 2008 as the flagship feature of Spb Online. Since then, it has hosted millions of mobile TV sessions. Spb TV is unique in its approach to the mobile TV experience, offering the unexpectedly natural simplicity of watching live TV on a phone. Spb TV goes a long way to support the genuine TV watching behavior on a handset: quick TV guide check-up and channel hopping, on-screen controls for volume and backlight, neat integration of TV functionality with other mobile features (such as messages, calls, and battery life monitoring)."

Spb Software has packaged the TV feature of Spb Online into its own product, Spb TV. The application includes a unique TV browser, an integrated TV guide, PiP mode, support for reminders, and a touch-friendly interface. There's a free, trial version (Windows Mobile Classic/Professional, Windows Mobile Standard) at our affiliate software store. The full version will set you back $14.95.

"The new Spb Wallet 2.0 - a secure repository of most valuable private information, such as PINs, passwords, keys, account, passport, and credit card numbers - has versions for non- and touchscreen Windows Mobile devices, Symbian Series 60 smartphones (including Nokia 5800 touch screen), Apple's iPhone and iPod, and a desktop component. The new multiplatform approach allows users of Spb Wallet to keep their private data safe, even when they swap phones or mobile platforms. Spb Wallet securely stores sensitive information AES 256-encrypted and password-protected, supports automatic lockup, clipboard cleanup, and protects from phishing. The data can be synchronized between (and accessed from) multiple PCs and mobile devices. The virtual, electronically stored items, such as cards and passports look like real ones: Spb Wallet 2.0 offers an integrated online database of over seven thousand most popular cards, and the option to order more custom images - for free. The new Wallet 2.0 for Windows Mobile boasts Autocomplete for PIE, new finger-friendly UI, adaptive skins, smart scrolling, gestures, animation effects, and a new logon panel. The desktop version offers advanced integration with web browsers, automatic supply and capture of websites login information, password generator, migration wizard from custom CSV formats and other wallet applications."

There's certainly no shortage of new and improved features in Spb Wallet 2.0. It's in our affiliate software store (Windows Mobile Standard and Classic/Professional) in the form of a free trial version, or a full version for $29.95. However, if you're an Spb Wallet 1.x user, you can upgrade to Spb Wallet 2.0 for $14.95 - or for the sweet price of $0, if you purchased it within the last 90 days. Check out the press release for links and additional details.

"Spb Software, a leading mobile software developer announces the results of fifth annual Spb Survey. This year, Spb Survey was held between 10th and 24th of November, and aimed to track changes in mobile device preferences and brand loyalty, smartphone and software use cases, user profiles and behavior. Originally, Spb Survey addressed only the Windows Mobile audience, but this year, users of all mobile platforms were invited to participate. The majority of Spb Survey respondents are mobile activists with clear interest in mobile technology, and are not fully representative of the entire global mobile community. However, as mobile connectivity enters more spheres of everyday life - the global mobile community is becoming more active and technologically-savvy throughout, and accurate industrial outlooks and estimations can be made, based on the answers provided by Spb Survey respondents."

Spb Software House has released the results of this year's Spb Survey. Some interesting (though not necessarily surprising) points:

• 49% of all survey participants currently use HTC devices, followed by 6% who use HP devices, 5.5% who use ASUS devices, and 4% who use E-TEN (now Acer) devices;
• The TyTN II is the most popular device, with the Diamond and Touch Pro claiming second and third place respectively; and
• 80% of survey participants backup their data, which is consistent with what was reported in previous years.

Click for the complete set of results.

"Spb Software releases Spb Wireless Monitor 3.0 - a powerful software solution that offers full control over all types of smartphone data connections by monitoring them in accordance with configurable tariffs and data plans, and providing per application data traffic reports. First brought to market in 2002, Spb Wireless Monitor, formerly known as Spb GPRS Monitor, accounts for the lack of a built-in data tracking tool in Windows Mobile devices. A four-time prize winner in the Smartphone and Pocket PC magazine’s Best Software Awards, shipped in over a dozen devices by ASUS, HTC, O2, Samsung, and T-Mobile, the Spb Wireless Monitor has over 3,000,000 loyal customers worldwide. The new name of version 3.0 comes with massive enhancements in features and abilities. With the growing popularity of mobile Internet and captivating online services - crossing the data plan limits and receiving painful phone bills is common, especially with the high cost of roaming. Spb Wireless Monitor 3.0 prevents unwanted mobile service charges and gives subscribers control over their mobile data spending, by measuring data traffic, calculating the network charges, warning of costly data usage, and reporting which application exactly generates what kind of data traffic. The new Wireless Monitor supports both touch and non-touch screen devices, it can manage CDMA, GPRS, 3G, and even Wi-Fi and USB connections. Spb Wireless Monitor can provide per application traffic and cost reports, allowing users to single out guilty applications, responsible for high data charges. The new version has a modern, multilingual user interface and can manage several connections simultaneously."

Spb GPRS Monitor is dead. But, all is not lost, as the new Spb Wireless Monitor 3.0 is now available for all flavours of Windows Mobile. Head over to our affiliate software store (Pocket PC - Professional, Smartphone - Standard) for free trial versions and/or full versions for $19.95. Upgrades from Spb GPRS Monitor 2.0 are $9.95.

"Spb Software, world's leading mobile software developer, invites all mobile users to participate in its fifth annual Spb Survey. The Spb Survey is a mobile software industry report that identifies the changing user profiles, mobile device preferences, and handset use cases. Spb Software will release a report on the results of its fifth annual Spb Survey in the beginning of December 2008. Issued by a mobile software usability expert and a recognized brand on the consumer market, Spb Survey reaches out to mobile users directly, bypassing the prism of mobile operators and professional analytical houses. This year's survey has a more compact structure, new questions, and is supported by eXpansys, the world's leading retailer of smartphones and handheld devices with wireless connectivity. A few lucky, randomly picked Spb Survey participants will receive valuable 'thank you' gifts, such as a Windows Mobile device or software by Spb."

As well as providing the industry with a valuable insight into changing trends, the annual Spb Survey is a chance for you to win big. This year, Spb Software House will select participants on a random basis and offer them prizes. Said prizes range from bundles of Spb software to any Windows Mobile device and related accessories valued at up to $1,000 USD. Now, if that's not attractive enough to encourage participation, then I'm not sure what else is.

"Spb Software, the world's leading maker of Windows Mobile applications announces the release of Spb Online Games as a separate suite. Originally, part of Spb Online - a set of online services under one roof, which attracted over 15,000 users in under two weeks (at the rate of more than 1000 users per day) - Spb Online Games is a collection of four instant online games, supplemented with an online chat service. Spb Online Games makes it possible to play two versions of Checkers, Hexagon, or Reversi with real people from virtually anywhere in the world, in real-time. Any online game can be launched within 30 seconds and if interrupted – continued from the spot it was left off. The service already has thousands of registered players on the network, with each potential opponent equipped with a configurable user profile (might include picture, name, type of handset, and network). The online gaming experience can be further personalized through real-time chatting with active online players. All of new Spb Online Games features (such as the online chat service and more informative user profile) will become available to registered users of Spb Online through automatic ‘push’ update to Spb Online version 1.1."

If you tried Spb Online, loved it, but held off purchasing because you felt that the games were all you needed, then take a look at Spb Online Games, available for both Windows Mobile Standard and Professional. A trail version is available, and if you like what you see, $14.95 will get you the full version.

"Spb Software, the world's leading maker of Windows Mobile software releases Spb Online to end-users. Spb Online is a set of attractive online services that share a practical user interface and make superior quality mobile entertainment available on handsets at a single fixed-price fee (no subscription). The services offered include Mobile TV, Online Radio, News, Weather, Online Games, and On-device Catalog - all subject to automatic updates and powered by Spb's exclusive interface engine and patent-pending TV technology. Spb Online is robust and easy to use even for novice smartphone users. All of Spb Online services support adaptive skins, smart scrolling, 3D transition effects, and one hand navigation."

Remember Spb Online? It's now available for download, whether you're sporting a Windows Mobile Classic/Professional (Pocket PC) device or a Standard (Smartphone) device. Our affiliate software store has the full version for the former for $29.95.

"Today at ITU Telecom Asia, Spb Software, the world's leading maker of Windows Mobile software, releases Spb Online to mobile network operators. Spb Online is a set of premium online services for 3G networks that stimulates subscriber uptake of mobile entertainment. Spb Online makes the following services easily accessible from handsets: Mobile TV, Online Radio, News, Weather, Online Games, On-device Catalog. Spb Online radically changes the on-device user experience, functioning as a clear single entry point to advanced online services from mobiles, and allows mobile network operators capture multiple benefits from 3G networks: Increased ARPU, Branding through fully customized content and UI, Improved subscriber loyalty through quality mobile experience. Spb Online, with its breakthrough patent pending TV technology and unparalleled on-device usability, is a solution that tackles the issue of weak user interest in multimedia services, fuels subscriber content discovery, and unlocks the potential of 3G."

Spb has just announced the availability of Spb Online for Windows Mobile Standard and Professional. But, before you rush off to the Spb Software House web site hoping to download it - while salivating uncontrollably, of course - you should know that it's only available for mobile carriers at this stage. End-users will get a shot later this year.

Jump the break for more screenshots.

Read more...

"Spb Software House, the leading Windows Mobile applications vendor, releases Spb Backup 2.0 — a tool for making reserve copies of personal data and system settings for Windows Mobile phones. Spb Backup safeguards from data loss, eliminates the pain of reinstalling applications after a hard reset, a ROM or device upgrade, and delivers a flawless restore experience. The choice of ASUS and Gigabyte, Spb Backup became the best-sold backup utility for Pocket PC in 2007. The new Spb Backup 2.0 is smarter, twice as fast, and makes moving data between Windows Mobile phones as easy as unpacking an archive. Spb Backup 2.0 will come to the rescue if a hard reset disaster strikes, or if the device is stolen or lost. Spb Backup Sync makes it easy to keep a recent copy of all data and system settings at a secure desktop PC location. Spb Backup 2.0 will restore from the archive, even if data has to be moved to a new device or ROM. The backing up process itself is so easy, that regular backups will become second nature. Spb Backup 2.0 works for both Pocket PCs and Smartphones and copies the entire device, including contacts, sms, emails, storage card files, and even preferences and shortcuts."



Device and ROM upgrade modes, sync support, an unpack tool, a file blacklist, a Smartphone (Windows Mobile Standard) version, and a new look? Spb Software House has certainly been keeping itself busy. You'll find all this in Spb Backup 2.0, along with all the great features that existed in 1.x. If you're interested in trying or buying, head over to our affiliate software store. The full version costs $24.95. If you own a previous version, the upgrade is just $9.95.

"Today at CeBIT Australia, Spb Software House, a leading mobile applications vendor, showcased Spb Online Shell — a practical on-device access point to online multimedia content and services. Spb Online Shell will help mobile network operators deliver improved content experiences to subscribers. Spb Online Shell is an elegant content discovery solution that makes it possible to bring online radio, TV, video-on-demand, weather, gaming, music, and shopping directly to subscribers using Windows Mobile handsets. Set to reinvigorate user enthusiasm for mobile entertainment and data, Spb Online Shell is an easy to use and engaging single entry portal for online services and payments. It is designed to strictly adhere to, and enhance, a carrier's unique identity and brand. Sebastian-J Schmidt, CEO, Spb Software, said: "The demand for mobile services is strong throughout the world. In Australia, we're now actively seeking partnerships with innovative mobile carriers, and believe that Spb Online Shell will resonate well here, since Australia is an early adopter of 3G and streaming content for mobile devices." Spb Online Shell uses the engine of Spb Mobile Shell, an application that has been recognized by dozens of respected mobility experts around the world as the user interface improver, which reignites interest in Windows Mobile and changes the device experience completely."



Interesting! I'll keep a close eye on the mobile market here in Oz and let you all know just how much of an impact Spb Online Shell makes.

"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!

"Tam Hanna has taken the time to go over Handango's "Yardstick 2007" report (not my favorite company, but that's a different rant) which shows how the industry is changing in terms of platforms (PalmOS, WM Standard, WM Pro, Sybmian, BB) and category of applications e.g. games, productivity, etc. With the added touch of some simple Excel graphs, Tam finds some very interesting results. For instance, in the number of new applications added for WM Professional, it actually dipped in 2007 compared to 2006--which is quite the surprise. However, WM Standard actually increased, suggesting non-touchscreen devices, which have become more prevalent and cheaper, are quickly growing and balancing out Standard's big bro's position."



WMExperts has posted an interesting article which outlines the trends in recent software purchasing through Handango. A surprising tidbit of information that came to light is that more people are purchasing applications for Standard devices than their Windows Mobile touch screen counterparts. What is even more interesting is that the top Windows Mobile Standard devices purchasing these software packages are the Samsung Blackjack and the Motorola Q. It makes me happy to see more individuals adopting Windows Mobile Standard devices as well as supporting the developers that create applications for our handhelds. Without the developers that help expand the feature set of our handhelds we would not have as rich of experiences as we do now. I know I for one couldn't go one without FlexWallet (now eWallet 6) or Facade. I would just be plan lost without both of those applications.

I know I ask this question all the time, but I love the responses and every time I ask it someone introduces me to another great application I never knew existed. So what applications can you, our readers, not live without?