Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"On a related note, the presentation confirmed that the new Windows Marketplace for Mobile will apply application updates directly on the device. However it also appears application updates will require developers to resubmit their application for approval which would then cost a submission token or fee and take time to process."

Allow me to place Long Zheng's words (quoted above) into context. When Microsoft unveiled the Windows Marketplace for Mobile a week ago, it outlined details pertaining to program enrollment and the application submission process. To join the program, developers pay an annual registration fee of $99. That fee includes five application submissions per year. When a developer consumes all five submission tokens in a given year, each additional application submission within the same year costs $99, whether it's a free or paid application.

Now, this probably wouldn't restrict the average developer too much, as he or she is unlikely to release five new applications in a given year. However, a real problem emerges once these submission tokens are applied to application updates as well as new applications, which is actually the case, if Long's words speak the truth. It's not uncommon for developers, especially those who actively respond to customer feedback, to release more than five application updates in a given year. But who can blame a developer for being discouraged when they're being slapped with a $99 fee per update after the fifth update?

Read more...

There's no shortage of Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrades available for download, so we've compiled and linked to (hopefully) all of them to make searching for that device upgrade just a little bit easier. If you know of any we've missed, hit us with a link and we'll add it to the list.

• Alltel: HTC Touch, HTC PPC6800
• ASUS: P527, P750
• AT&T: Motorola Q9h, Pantech Duo, Tilt,
• Bell: HTC Touch, HTC PPC6800
• HTC: Touch Cruise, Touch Dual, HTC TyTN II,
• i-mate: Ultimate 6150, Ultimate 8150, Ultimate 8502, Ultimate 9502
• Intermec: CN3, CK3
• Motorola: MC7090 (requires a purchased license)
• O2: Xda Mantle, Xda Orbit 2, Xda Stellar
• Orange: HTC TyTN II
• Samsung: BlackJack II (XP, Vista), SCH-i760, SGH-i780 (Europe)
• Sprint: ACE (SPH-i325), Mogul, HTC Touch
• Telus: HTC Touch, HTC S720, HTC P4000
• US Cellular: HTC Touch
• Verizon Wireless: Motorola Q9c, XV6800, XV6900
• Vodafone: v1615

"Based on feedback from you guys, our Mobile team have overhauled Skype for Windows Mobile and released Beta 2.5. It features improved sound quality, better stability and a more familiar user interface. Download it now and give it a whirl."

The eagerly awaited Skype for Windows Mobile update is now available for both Windows Mobile Standard and Professional devices. Go get it!

You requested features; SBSH delivered. PhoneWeaver 1.3 and PocketWeather 2.1 have just hit the streets, and there's plenty in both to satisfy new and existing users alike. To try, buy, or update, head over to our affiliate software store:

• PhoneWeaver for Pocket PC (Windows Mobile Professional)
• PocketWeather for Pocket PC (Windows Mobile Classic/Professional)
• PocketWeather for Smartphone (Windows Mobile Standard)

"After having given its newer BlackJack II cousin plenty of breathing room in the WinMo 6 spotlight, Samsung's finally doubling back to bring the original up to spec. No, seriously: as of 5PM Eastern Time today, you'll be able to hit the attached link and download Windows Mobile 6 (an official ROM, finally) for your old-skool BlackJack in all its glory. For folks not in need of the II's GPS, the upgrade should breathe new life into a handset that still holds its own in the smartphone pack, and for some time now, has been just one small upgrade away from avoiding the proverbial glue factory. Let us know how it goes, updaters!"



Woohoo! I think it is safe to say that all of the original AT&T Samsung Blackjack owners can finally breathe a sigh of relief. While everyone has been telling us an update is on the way, times were starting to look bleak as Samsung and AT&T released an upgraded version of the older hardware. Normally once a company does that, there is no reason to upgrade the previous generation's software. Luckily for us though, Samsung and AT&T (and of course, Microsoft) stepped up to the plate and decided to not only release a software update for their older hardware, but didn't charge us an arm and a leg for it either!

NOTE: The update will not be available for download until after 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time! Please keep in mind that if you try to download the update now, you will only download the Windows Mobile 5 update!

"The BlackJack was one of the biggest smartphone stories of 2006. Upon release, it ran the tiny operating system du jour, Windows Mobile 5. Since then, a slew of new handhelds running the newer Windows Mobile 6 have surfaced -- the Palm Treo 750, Motorola Q9, HTC Touch and even Samsung's BlackJack II. A buggy black-market upgrade for AT&T BlackJacks surfaced this summer, but it's a far cry from the real deal. Meanwhile, owners of the original BlackJack are stuck in version-5 limbo after seeing their WM6 dreams go up in vapor."



Coming in on the top 5 spot of Wired's Vaporware 2007 article is none other than, in my opinion at least, 2006's Smartphone of the Year! I think it is pretty safe to say that the new AT&T will most likely never release the Windows Mobile 6 update for the original Samsung Blackjack. For those of you that are still using the Samsung Blackjack, it might be time to sell your old handset online and purchase a shiny new Samsung Blackjack II or Motorola Q9h Global. Christmas is only a few days away after all! ;)

"This release updates time zone registry data for New Zealand and Western Australia in addition to US, Canada, and Mexico DST related issues in 2007. For complete details regarding the updates in this release, please download the DST2007FallUpdate.msi file below."

Microsoft has just revised the DST update for Windows Mobile to include the new time changes for New Zealand and Western Australia (perhaps a year too late, but better late than never). Head over to the Download Center to grab the update. If you're currently using the unofficial WA DST update that I released in February, you can safely uninstall it and install Microsoft's official update instead.

Update: CABs for Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6 are also available.

The guys over at Connective Tools have been really busy the last couple days. They've managed to pump out a number of updates for their applications and even a beta version of a new app called Call Jockey. Call Jockey is a fake call emulator in case you need to excuse yourself from a meeting. Both AlarmMaster and SwitchProfile received a new time engine and a couple minor updates to the UI. AlarmClock was also updated with the ability to disable today�s alarms before they fire. There was also a number of other updates to their other applications. If you're running a CT app, you'll want to check for a new version. If you're not running one and you want to check it out then head on over to our affiliate store where you can download a trial or purchase a copy.

"There has been recent activity on message boards speculating that May 4th could be the day that T-Mobile will drop the WM6 ROM upgrade for the T-Mobile Dash... Although unconfirmed, it is hot on the heels of the HTC Europe announcement, so is not unexpected. Anyone out there able to confirm/deny this rumor?"



Is it to be true? Could the Windows Mobile 6 standard (I don't really like that name) upgrade be coming to my cute, soft, and cuddly little T-Mobile Dash within the next two weeks? Pocketnow is hearing rumors and I for one hope they are true. If any of you have any information about this please come forth. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to stare at May 4th on my calendar for a while. :D

"Doug Turner, father of the Minimo project, recently announced the availability of Minimo 0.2, which can be seen as a major milestone, even if it is v0.2 only. Minimo is a small, simple, powerful and innovative, web browser for mobile devices, which is based on Mozilla technologies. to produce a highly usable web browser for Windows Mobile smartphones. Minimo 0.2 now includes best available support for modern web standards including Javascript and AJAX, social bookmarking, tabbed browsing (something the Internet Explorer Mobile still lacks), RSS support as well as Widget and Extension support!"



Is it just me or has everyone released a new web browser this week? Out of all of the new releases, I am most excited about this one. The integration of social bookmarking, javascript/AJAX and tabbed browsing is a dream come true! :)

"Samsung has recently released a software update for the BlackJack, which is recommended to be installed. This update should enhance roaming capabilities, especially Internationally. In addition, there are cosmetic user interface changes (several icons have been changed) contained within the update. The update will take about 10 minutes to complete if the system is already set up."

Don't get too excited - It's not Windows Mobile 6. But it does address some roaming issues along with some new icons for apps. The download is 51MB and you'll need to turn off pop-up blockers or else you won't see the EULA window that takes you to the download. I have downloaded my copy and will be flashing my device this afternoon. Please post back here and let us know how it goes for you.

Caution: Doing this update will remove all your personal data and settings from the device. It will reset the device to factory settings. If you have SIM unlocked the device, it will remain SIM unlocked.

Last November, the Parliament of Western Australia passed the Daylight Saving Bill (No. 2) 2006, which provides for a three-year trial of daylight saving in all areas of Western Australia (including the state capital of Perth), beginning and ending on the following dates:

- December 3, 2006 to March 25, 2007
- October 28, 2007 to March 30, 2008
- October 26, 2008 to March 29, 2009

Prior to the commencement of the three-year trial, Microsoft introduced a collection of updates for its primary Windows and Exchange products. Unfortunately, Windows Mobile was neglected and it has since been confirmed that an official update will not be released for the platform. Microsoft's official solution is the manual alteration of the timezone setting of a Pocket PC or Smartphone to GMT+9 (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul) during the DST period and the reversion to GMT+8 Perth outside of the DST period. Many residents and visitors of Western Australia have expressed their unhappiness over this solution's lack of automation and increased vulnerability, so to counter this, I have created unofficial Western Australian DST updates for Windows Mobile and am releasing them today as an alternative to Microsoft's suggested workaround.

Read on for further details.
Two updates are available for download. The first update patches Windows Mobile for the Western Australian daylight saving period starting December 3, 2006 and ending March 25, 2007. The second update patches Windows Mobile for the two Western Australian daylight saving periods, October 28, 2007 to March 30, 2008, and October 26, 2008 to March 29, 2009, and all subsequent daylight saving periods in the event that daylight saving is implemented permanently (based on the results of the referendum following the summer of 2008-2009). Please be aware that these are unofficial updates for Windows Mobile and they are in no way affiliated with Microsoft. Installation and use of the updates is at your own risk. If you have any questions or comments, or you encounter any issues, please post them in this thread, and I will endeavour to help you out as best as possible.

Download
There are currently four update files available - two for Pocket PCs and two for Smartphones. Compatibility has been confirmed with Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, and Windows Mobile 5.0. Download the appropriate CAB files and store them on your Pocket PC or Smartphone.

- Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST (2006 to 2007) - Pocket PC, 1.3KB, CAB
- Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST (2007 to 2008, 2008 to 2009) - Pocket PC, 1.3KB, CAB
- Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST (2006 to 2007) - Smartphone, 0.67KB, CAB
- Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST (2007 to 2008, 2008 to 2009) - Smartphone, 0.67KB, CAB

Installing and Using the Update - December 3, 2006 to March 25, 2007
Please note that file names and application names listed in the following screenshots may differ slightly from what you see on screen.



Locate the appropriate CAB file using File Explorer - that is, westaust_dst0607_ppc.cab for Pocket PCs, or westaust_dst0607_sp.cab for Smartphones. Highlight the file and tap it once (Pocket PC) or use your action button once (Pocket PC or Smartphone) to commence installation.



You may be prompted to select a target location for the update (titled Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST). This should be left on the default setting of Device.





After a brief moment, the update will install. Newer devices will issue a display compatibility warning. This can be safely ignored.



You may be required to reconfigure your home timezone settings to GMT+8 Perth via the Clock & Alarms applet (Pocket PC) or Date & Time applet (Smartphone). You may also want to configure your secondary clock (Pocket PC only) to another GMT+8 timezone (e.g., Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, or Taipei) to ensure that GMT+8 Perth is indeed one hour ahead during the daylight saving period.

At the end of the daylight saving period (March 25, 2007 at 3:00AM AWDT), your Pocket PC or Smartphone will automatically revert to standard time and notify you of the change.

Installing and Using the Update - October 28, 2007 to March 29, 2009
Following the end of the first daylight saving period (March 25, 2007 at 3:00AM AWDT), it is necessary to install the second update to meet the new commencement rule of future daylight saving periods. As per the previous section of this article, locate the appropriate CAB file - that is, westaust_dst07na_ppc.cab for Pocket PCs, or westaust_dst07na_sp.cab for Smartphones - and install it (Windows Mobile will uninstall the older update automatically).

This second update will be valid beyond March 29, 2009, if daylight saving is implemented on a permanent basis.

Uninstalling the Update
If daylight saving in Western Australia does not continue post-March 29, 2009, or if at any time and for whatever reason you feel that you no longer require the update, you can safely uninstall it via the Remove Programs applet in Windows Mobile. The update is listed as Unofficial Update for Western Australian DST. After uninstalling, you may need to reconfigure your timezone to GMT+8 Perth.



Darius Wey enjoys all forms of technology. His time is usually channeled into mobile devices, digital media, application and web development, graphic design, and his Xbox 360. He lives in Perth, Western Australia, and even after two months, has yet to adjust to the new daylight saving rules.

"The Motorola Black Q, released yesterday by Verizon, ships with a new software update entitled "MOL2". Motorola didn't want us silver Q users left in the cold, so the update is available free of charge to download and install. I haven't had a chance to do the install yet, so I asked a few Q users to give some opinions of the update for all to read."

Apparently along with being black the new Q also has a new ROM and now even the silver Q users can share in the joy. The big feature being hyped is much improved battery life. By all reports I've seen so far, battery life has indeed improved. Since a thread has already begun on this we will continue the discussion there.

"This will probably be the last update I will make for a while on this issue. Handango is still not willing to re-open my account at this time. Will Pinnell said in their official reply �We treat all of our 16,000 global content providers with respect and professionalism�. I just wish I was one of those 16,000 because I probably would have then been extended the respect and professional courtesy of an advanced notice informing me that my account was at risk of being closed, and the opportunity to fix whatever the problem(s) were before it had to be abruptly terminated. Even though Handango will not re-open my account (so now I'm loosing almost half of my sales), they did send me a check for part of the ad allowance ($4,250.00 of the $5,500.00 total). They have not replied to my inquiry about the remaining $1,250.00. However, they didn't even offer this to me until after all of you showed your support :) So, you did make a difference!"

I wish Handango would have the courage to stand up and give their reasons for terminating the partnership with Omnisoft. The fact that they will not comment on the reasons for this really worries me. On the plus side, MobiHand (who runs our affiliate software store) was able to offer some assistance to Omnisoft and hopefully correct some of the wrong doing by Handango. John Cody has added some details about how he plans to thank all of you who helped. Check it out the whole update for details and thanks to everyone for helping to make a difference. I'm glad that I could play a little part in everything.

"This latest version of Sniper contains significant improvements over the earlier versions. The new Sniper is faster and more robust than previous versions, it can send and receive large files that are only limited in size by the capacity of the storage card. It now displays progress bars whilst both sending and receiving, handles unresponsive target devices much more elegantly and has auto accept/reject options. The BlueJacking features are greatly enhanced and easier to access and finally it has much-improved graphics for a bright new 'look & feel'."



Sniper, for any of you that might not be aware, is a Bluetooth utility that allows you to do a lot more with your Bluetooth enabled Smartphone. Stuff like file transfers, messaging, and scanning for other devices, all over Bluetooth. Unfortunately, if you have a Motorola Q, this application won't work for you. However, all other Bluetooth enabled Smartphones should be fine.

"There's an on-again off-again update for the Motorola Q smartphone that has made a quick appearance on Motorola's site and then mysteriously disappeared. A glance at the Motorola update site shows that it's back to tease mode, telling us this software update is "coming soon." Wonder what happened? Anyway, it looks like Mot plans a few added capabilities, with highlights being the ability to use the Q as a modem with added dial-up networking functionality, some OS enhancements for Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, and the ability to access websites that support frames. Get the full wonky details of the update after the jump."

List this one under "The Q Files". It also appears that push email is coming to the Q as well. The link in the article goes to what looks like a generic software upgrade page. I found this one however it doesn't appear to have anymore information either. This looks like a good upgrade. Give it a read to get all the details. Stay tuned. :)

HTC's web site has gotten a face lift. It looks and responds much nicer than the previous one. Now if we can just get them to come up with a fix for the typing issue on the 2125 all would be well. :)

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. HTC has posted an updated ROM for the Cingular 2125 Smartphone. It's not listed on the Cingular site - yet. But we're sure it's on the way.



Jerry, Rocco, and Kris are busy flashing their devices. If everything goes well, and I'm sure it will, they'll be reporting their findings here shortly. This ROM will update the phone to AKU2 for Windows Mobile 5. That means your Smartphone will now have MSFP (Direct Push) and hopefully A2DP (Stereo Bluetooth support). If you're doing the update, please post back here and let us know how things went! :D

Note: Flashing your device with this ROM will cause all of your data to be erased. Any Text Messages, email, home screens, ringtones, camera phone pictures, and what ever else you have on your device will be lost. Please make extra certain that you have sync'ed your device and copied any important data back to your computer before you run this update.

"Opera Software today released Opera Mini 2.0, the new version of the tiny and fast Web browser that runs on almost every mobile phone. With over 2.5 million users since its first release in January 2006, Opera Mini has revolutionized mobile Web browsing. Opera Mini 2.0 further improves the Web surfing experience for any mobile phone user by enabling them to download MP3s, images and other Web content directly to their mobile phone. Additional features include quick and easy mobile shopping, improved design, bookmark speed dials, and more."

The new version adds a number of new features including: downloading content directly to your phone, new skins, and advanced searching. You can download a copy from the Opera Mini website for free. If anyone here gives it a try, please report back and let us know how you like it. 8)

There appears to be a ROM update for the Cingular 2125. Rumor has it that it addresses some 3G SIM card issues. Now before you rush off to flash your phone (I haven't yet) consider a few things. First, it doesn't have AKU2. Second, it doesn't appear to upgrade the OS at all. You end up with the same ROM version. The only thing that does change is the Radio Version. Mine is 4.0.13.20_01.09.01. The new one is 4.0.13.21_01.16.01. Cingular has no trace of this ROM on their site. This comes from HTC's site which is notorious for not explaining anything. Worth wiping out everything and starting over? You decide. :)