My Digital Life

T-Mobile offers MDA for $79 on T-Mobile.com

T-Mobile is selling its remaining stock of MDAs (HTC Wizard) for $79 on its website. If you wanted to try a real smartphone with Windows Mobile, you are going to be hard pressed to find a better price for a device with this functionality. It comes with Windows Mobile 5.0, but if you are adventuresome it can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6 (see xda-developers). It does look like the web site requires you to sign up for a 2 year agreement, although a you can call T-Mobile at 1-877-387-4324 to request a 1 year agreement.

T-Mobile is also offering a special 1000 minute per month shared minutes Family Plan for $49.99. It does not include free week night or weekend minutes. This looks like a pretty good deal, especially if you add the HotSpot@Home service.

FYI: I am not an affiliate nor do I receive any compensation from T-Mobile, I just think they have the best price/service available in the US.

Zagat Survey announces .mobi web site

Zagat Survey, the restaurant, hotel, and nightlife rating organization announced the availability of their web site formatted for mobile devices, zagat.mobi. They provide free restaurant, hotel, nightlife location information for major metropolitan areas, however if you want to view the detailed rating information you will have to pony up a $24.95 yearly subscription fee which is well worth it since the reviews are mostly generated by locals.

Zagat.mobi provides a wide selection of search criterias.

The paid subscription provides detailed review information. You can dial the establishment directly and SMS or email the information. The Find Nearby functions is also very helpful, however there is no mapping functionality. I would love to have this type of information integrated with Windows Live Search.

Zagat Survey also has a Windows Mobile application called Zagat To Go which does include a basic mapping capability, however it does not allow you to dial the establishment's phone number directly (my number one pet peeve with the application), you can't even cut and paste it. I reviewed version 4.0 on pocketnow.com here. Version 5 is now available, other than support for Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6, it has few enhancements. The annual subscription fee is $29.95.

Windows Mobile - SBSH Mobile Software releases PocketBreeze 5.3

If you had not noticed, PocketBreeze is one of my favorite Windows Mobile applications. SBSH Mobile Software has just released version 5.3. This is a free upgrade to version 5.x users.

Other than the usual bug fixes, new functionality includes:

MyList application integration

Attach individual icons to items

Active icons: tap reminder icon or links icon to view and edit details

Easily navigate between months and years on the pop-up monthly calendar

Link to forum discussion of the new version. This is a minor update and I will be reporting back once I install it.

Syncing iTunes music to your Windows Mobile 6 device

Ever since I started using the iTunes/iPod combination, I have been on a quest to find a way to sync my Windows Mobile device with my iTunes music collection. My last post on the subject here allowed me to sync unprotected AAC music files to a Storage Card but left out the playlists (I had to recreate them with WMP mobile). With my T-Mobile Wing it is not practical to remove the Storage Card frequently because of the size of Micro SD card and the flimsy slot cover. You can use an application like Softick's Card Export which maps a drive to your Storage Card, however the iTunes Agent has issues with either Vista or iTunes 7.3.x and no longer make it a viable solution.  After some research, I believe I have found a better solution.

Here are the assumptions for this solution, although you should be able to modify it to meet your needs, it may not be as seamless:

• Windows Mobile 6 easily syncs with Windows Media Player (WMP) 11. WMP 11 will recognize the Windows Mobile device as a sync device when it is attached via a USB cable. I have tried using Bluetooth, however WMP does not recognize that the device is connected (must be some DRM issue).
• Windows Vista Ultimate. Window Media Player shipped with Ultimate plays unprotected AAC content.
• An iTunes music library with unprotected content (.m4a files). When I purchase iTunes content, I burn a backup copy to a CD-RW and import it back into iTunes DRM free (as per Steve Jobs comments), then delete the protected content. If you do this every time you make a purchase, you will have a DRM free music library.

Since iTunes playlists are not compatible with WMP playlists, you need a conversion utility. Eric Daugherty has come to the rescue with his iTunes Export utilities. I used the GUI version.

You must first create a synchronization partnership between the Windows Mobile device and WMP 11 using a USB connection. This involves creating a Windows Mobile Device center partnership,  if you have not already done so. If you use Bluetooth as I do, there is no need to create a new partnership. WMP 11 presents you with two devices; the Windows Mobile Device RAM storage is shown as the partnership name (in my case SCS Wing) and the Storage Card as Storage Card. I only use the Storage Card. In order to successfully sync the convert check box must not be checked under sync/Storage Card/Advanced Options Quality tab.

Now you are setup to export and sync the music content.

1. Export the playlist you want to sync from iTunes. This is accomplished by highlighting the playlist you want to export, then right clicking to display the menu and selecting Export Song List. 
2. Run iTunesExportUI.exe (there is no install required).

1. Select the playlist xml file your just exported in iTunes. Next.
2. The playlist you selected will be displayed. Next
3. Select the directory where you want the new playlist copied to, check "Include Unprotected AAC Files", select "WPL" from the Playlist Type drop down. Finish.
4. Quit

Open WMP, press alt to display classic menu, go to file/open and select the playlist you just converted.

Drag the playlist to the sync pane (click on sync if you don't see it) and start sync.

WMP syncing AAC content to my T-Mobile Wing. Among others; the two benefits that stand out are that the WMP sync is smart enough not to copy songs already on your device and the playlist is synced.

Now I can listen to my iTunes collection using my Motorola HT820 Bluetooth headphones and T-Mobile Wing, try doing that with an iPhone...OK no cover flow or album art, but when I listen the Wing is in my pocket.

Windows Mobile - New version of Windows Live Search available

Microsoft has just released version 2.x of Windows Live Search (WLS) for Windows Mobile. The two major features that were added to WLS 2.x are the addition of movie data by AMG and a larger map cache which can be configured up to 128MB. The cached should allow the storage of a good bit of map data speeding up the map motion as you travel from point A to B.

If you already have WLS installed you can update it directly from the application.

WLS must connect to the Internet before this message appears. This may take 30 seconds, but it makes the upgrade process mindless.

The upgrade process will un-install the previous version and install the version 2.x. I installed version 2.x on my Storage card.

Version 2.0.2739.29907 installed. I set the cache to 128MB.

I am planning to write a side by side comparison of WLS and Google Maps Mobile for pocketnow.com. I plan on performing 3 or 4 tasks using both. Even though I like WLS, this will be an interesting exercise since I have no preconceived notion of which one will come out on top.

Windows Mobile - BatteryStatus

Last week, before I found the page pool fix, I was resigned to the fact that I could not run Spb's Mobile Shell because of the lack of available program memory. I went looking for a simple utility that would provide me with memory utilization and battery status. I own Omega One's Battery Pack Pro, but it has more functionality than I use and I did not want to give up precious memory.

I came across this thread on xda-developers for a little application (133KB) Today screen plug in that is packed with useful options including an intelligent overclocking function. A week later, I can highly recommend this utility, although it is still in beta, I had no issues with my minimal configuration. I am using version 1.04.0203 beta4 Build 0218.

General tab:

• only Show CpuSpeed checked

Indicator tab:

• Show more Indicators box checked, but nothing else

Tools tab:

• Nothing set

Advanced tab:

• Nothing set (default)

Omap tab:

• Overclock to speed 260 and Set checked
• Overclock on wakeup checked
• Overclock after reboot checked

CpuScaler tab:

• Enable CpuScaler (dynamic) not set (I tried it a little a bit but did not seem to overclock when I wanted)

Omap Apps tab:

• Application Based Overclocking not set. I could use this with CpuScaler, but a static 260MHZ when the device is active works for my use without over complicating the configuration.

CallTimes tab:

• Count Call Times (outgoing) not checked

Data Calls tab:

• Not used

TrayLaunch tab:

• Not used

My resulting Today plug in looks like this:

Spb Mobile Shell, SBSH Pocket Breeze, BatteryStatus and Device lock on my Today screen, thanks to a reduced page pool size.

Sling Media releases SlingPlayer Mobile 1.5 with WM6 support

Sling Media announced the release SlingPlayer Mobile 1.5 yesterday.

The new version supports Windows Mobile 6 Standard (Smartphone) and Professional (PocketPC). It includes:

• Added support for installation of SlingPlayer Mobile via Automatic Installer method using Windows Vista PCs

• Supports remote control functions for additional A/V devices

• New remote control skins with refreshed look and feel
• The implementation of  messaging for the availability of updated Slingbox firmware
• A fix for the channel number not displayed properly with coaxial video input
• The replacement of the  Outdoor Life Network channel logo with one for Versus
• The replacement of the UPN and WB logos with CW’s logo
• Fixed issue of disabled keyboard shortcuts used to invoke shortcut functions on second row of Favorites (Windows Mobile 6 Standard)
• Fixed issue of video screen not properly centered in 128 x 96 resolution (Windows Mobile 6 Standard)
• And, various bug fixes

My experience with the beta on my T-Mobile Wing has been excellent. I have been very impressed with the video performance using T-Mobile Edge's network. The video stream rarely breaks up and the picture quality is acceptable. WiFi is definitely better but Edge works. SlingPlayer memory management has also improved. All in all this is an excellent upgrade.

Updates and trial software can be downloaded here.

My Windows Mobile application list as of June 8th

I have had a chance to put the Wing through its paces this week; I am very impressed how well Windows Mobile 6 handles memory in a less than ideal memory model. The current limitation of 32 concurrent processes each with a maximum size of 32MB can limit how many applications you have running. This situation will be fixed in Windows Mobile 7 which will use Windows CE 6.0 with a revamped memory model. Also dll code that does not shutdown appropriately when the operating system asks it to can cause an application not to load.  This happened to me this week when I tried to load the camera, I would get an out of memory error and it would not load. By eliminating running applications one by one, I narrowed it downed to Spb Shell which I use on my Today screen. Once I removed it, the camera would load, although I had to sometimes manually stop all active processes (usually ActiveSync), but it would load. I posted a entry on the Spb forum and I am waiting for an answer.

I also found that SWC Ltd - MultiIE version v4.0-d72 is not stable on Windows Mobile 6, it hangs the device forcing a reboot.

Microsoft's .NET Compact Framework 2.0 comes pre installed on the unit which saves some program memory. I did find out that this is SP2.

Additions:

Upgrades:

Replacements:

Is not stable with Windows Mobile 6

• SWC Ltd - MultiIE version v4.0-d72

In the Wings:

• Microsoft Research DeepFish 1.0 beta browser (unfortunately it is currently only by invitation). See my post here.
• Zagat To Go Version 5.0 (guides stored on SD card)
• Stowaway Keyboard and Mouse drivers version 4.51
• Fizz Software Ltd Fizz Weather version 2.31
• Omega One Battery Pack Pro version 3.03
• Omega One 1-Calc version 2.3.1
• SlingPlayer Mobile Windows Mobile 6 version
• Holux's GPS Viewer 1.5
• Gougelet PE XnView Pocket version 1.35
• RandyRants.com Pocket SharpMT version 3.3

In Storage Memory:

• Spb Shell version 1.0
• PhatWare Calligrapher version 8.5
• JetWare Bluetooth HFP Extensions version 1.30
• Developer One ScreenSnap version 6.1
• WebIS Pocket Informant 2007 revision 3
• SBSH.net PocketBreeze version 5.1.02
• C. Ghisler & Co. Total Commander version 2.0
• OmaClock version .02 with .lnk file in \windows\startup at 240MHZ

On 2GB Mini SD card:

• Windows Live Search version 1.0.2592.31374
• PhatWare Phatpad version 4.
• Ilium Software eWallet version 5.0
• Ilium Software Newsbreak version 2.0
• Sunnysoft's Backup Manager 4002 (review here)
• Back Country Navigator  version 2.3.3

The week of June 4th in My Digital Life

This morning I am on my way to Orlando for Microsoft's TechEd 2007. I am sitting at the airport blogging using the Verizon Aircard 595 I reviewed here, it is great not to have to worry about finding a suitable WIFI Hotspot. My primary focus this week will be to help Microsoft staff out in the Learning Center, I will be in the architecture area, if you are at TechEd, stop on by.

I still love my T-Mobile Wing. I am beta testing the WM6 Pro version of SlingPlayer. It should be publicly available at the end of June or early July. The Wing comes with Microsoft's Voice Command version 1.6.17740. This is the first time I have had a chance to try and so far it is ok. It takes a little time to figure out what words it recognizes and I seem to have to use the full name for the contacts I want to call. The Microsoft Voice Command web site has good information on how to use it. I like having the email subject read to me. I have this option on for high priority emails and only to when I have my Bluetooth headset on. I am using it with the Blueant V12 LCD headset I reviewed here and have had no issues.

Time to board...

This week:

• TechEd 2007 and more blogging about my new T-Mobile Wing, hopefully I will find out how to get rid of the tray...

T-Mobile Wing - Day 10

I reviewed the tweaks I had on my MDA and these are the only tweaks I have come up so far for the Wing.  

Enhanced File System Performance

Registry: HKLM\System\StorageManager\FATFS
Key: CacheSize (dWord)
Default: 0 (I am not sure what this equates to, the valid values I know about are 4096, 8192, 16384)
My Value: 8192

Store IE cache on Storage Card

Registry: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\fCurrentVersion\Explorer\shell Folders
Key: Cache (string)
Default: Program Memory
My Value: \Storage Card\Temporary Internet Files

I use C. Ghisler & Co. Total Commander version 2.0 to edit the registry. As with any changes to the registry, you must be very careful making your changes.

I have not update yet on removing the tray. I am headed to Teched 2007 in Orlando next week and I hopefully can get some answers on how to disable the tray settings in WM6.