Great news for application developers – Nokia and the inventor of Segway, Dean Kamen, are funding a contest just for you. In a time of powerful, impressive cell phone technology, mobile applications are dominating the industry. If you think you’ve got what it takes to create an application that revolutionizes the way we use mobile devices in the real (as opposed to conceptual) world you could be the winner of a $25,000 prize. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of Eco-Challenge, Emerging Markets and Technology Showcase.
Just a few notes on entry: The Eco-Challenge submissions should focus on building mobile tools to help users take care of the environment. Emerging Markets submissions should focus on ways to improve peoples’ lives in developing nations, including health care and agricultural implementations. The Technology Showcase encompasses all applications running on S60 or Series 40, whether it is commercial or casual, brand new or already on the market. Entries are due December 15, 2008 so get started now. With each prize awarded, one thing is for sure – we’re about to see a lot of innovation in mobile application development.
Check out the complete rules and regulations here then submit your entry here.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
How to Change the Default Web Browser on Your Windows Mobile Phone
Internet Explorer Mobile is pretty much the bane of all Windows Mobile phones. Sure you can install another browser on your phone (check here for our recommendations), but anytime you click a link in an email, you’ll still be reminded that your phone’s default browser is about as useful as the I Am Rich app off the iTunes store. Luckily, our friends at XDA have come to the rescue yet again. Using JZ Smart Mort you can make any browser your default browser as well as switch between browsers with the greatest of ease.
The program can be downloaded at SourceForge.net, but we’ve been kind enough to post the link at the end of the post to make your trip a bit easier. You can read up on how to go about installing everything as well as get some additional troubleshooting tips on the forum post here, as well. JZ Smart Mort does work with Torch Mobile’s Iris browser, Opera and Skyfire, which should be more than enough to suit your browsing needs. One note: if you’re using Opera, make sure to upgrade to version 4.1.
Check it out at XDA. Of course, if you’ve got any questions, you can always leave us a comment below or put a post up on XDA. After you’ve got it downloaded, head back here on your new default browser and check out what else you can be using your phone for, or I guess you could just click play below…but if you do it on your phone people will think you’re cool.
Download JZ Smart Mort
The program can be downloaded at SourceForge.net, but we’ve been kind enough to post the link at the end of the post to make your trip a bit easier. You can read up on how to go about installing everything as well as get some additional troubleshooting tips on the forum post here, as well. JZ Smart Mort does work with Torch Mobile’s Iris browser, Opera and Skyfire, which should be more than enough to suit your browsing needs. One note: if you’re using Opera, make sure to upgrade to version 4.1.
Check it out at XDA. Of course, if you’ve got any questions, you can always leave us a comment below or put a post up on XDA. After you’ve got it downloaded, head back here on your new default browser and check out what else you can be using your phone for, or I guess you could just click play below…but if you do it on your phone people will think you’re cool.
Download JZ Smart Mort
FACT or FICTION: New Nokia Concept Phone to Replace E90
We heard Nokia was planning on shifting away from targeting business users and concentrating on the consumer market with it software a few days ago, but everyone was a little fuzzy on how they were actually planning on doing it. Of course, they have the N-series, but would the E-series just die out? According to the latest concept for the E90 successor, not quite.
With the touchscreen-flip-action being detailed in these images, it looks like Nokia could have some interesting cards up its sleeve. There haven’t been any details on whether this new capability is in development or just for lookin’ pretty in a slideshow, but if the specs are right, this could demand a bit of attention. Touchscreen lovers get some love on the front and those who just aren’t ready to give up their tactile QWERTY keyboards can pop a smile with a simple flip. That’s all we know for now.
Of course, we’re guessing with Nokia’s new-found love for all-around users, we’ll see the full benefits of the open-source Symbian Foundation in there as well, although that’s just our speculation. We're still unsure what Nokia's going to do about business data syncing. Maybe we'll see a hint of Windows Mobile or, even better, Android in here?
What would you like to see behind that glossy screen? I’m thinking with Nokia’s already high-end status in the States, it could put some processing power behind this new innovation and throw in some WiMAX to replace the N810 Internet Tablet as well, giving it some distinction in the market and justifying its high price tag.
With the touchscreen-flip-action being detailed in these images, it looks like Nokia could have some interesting cards up its sleeve. There haven’t been any details on whether this new capability is in development or just for lookin’ pretty in a slideshow, but if the specs are right, this could demand a bit of attention. Touchscreen lovers get some love on the front and those who just aren’t ready to give up their tactile QWERTY keyboards can pop a smile with a simple flip. That’s all we know for now.Of course, we’re guessing with Nokia’s new-found love for all-around users, we’ll see the full benefits of the open-source Symbian Foundation in there as well, although that’s just our speculation. We're still unsure what Nokia's going to do about business data syncing. Maybe we'll see a hint of Windows Mobile or, even better, Android in here?
What would you like to see behind that glossy screen? I’m thinking with Nokia’s already high-end status in the States, it could put some processing power behind this new innovation and throw in some WiMAX to replace the N810 Internet Tablet as well, giving it some distinction in the market and justifying its high price tag.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
It’s Been a Good Year for HTC
If you’re the type of person who keeps up with mobile trends and the smartphone market, you’ve no doubt been inundated with stories about HTC. High Tech Computer is quickly becoming a leader in cell phone technology and is arguably the leader in phones running on Windows Mobile operating systems. Add its partnership with Google’s Android – the HTC G1 is set to launch on T-Mobile in just a few days – and HTC’s dominance rises even further.The undeniable phone leaders are still Nokia and BlackBerry, but HTC isn’t complaining about its third-place slot. They’re predicting they will sell 13 to 15 million phones this year, largely thanks to its launch of the Touch line of phones. That’s quite the feat, considering that HTC wasn’t even in the top five phone manufacturers at the beginning of the year. Watch for HTC to continue its climb in the mobile industry.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Wednesday Social - Bundled Mobile Instant Messaging
Today at The Wednesday Social, it’s time to explore how some of the original online social networking – chats – have transitioned onto the mobile scene. To some it may make sense to start with the individual chat applications (AIM, ICQ, MSN) and work up to the more elaborate applications, but if you’re reading this blog, you’d probably rather we jump off the diving board into the deep end instead of sticking our toes in the shallow pool. The four applications we’ll focus on today all use your data plan (no text messaging rates apply!) and sync up multiple messengers into one, easy-to-operate chat machine.
Fring is a free talk, live-chat and interaction tool used with your Internet data plan or WiFi that bundles Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo! and AIM. It gives you the ability to search your buddy list and add-on functions, such as Facebook, Gmail Notifier and Vtap Video Streaming. Perhaps what sets it apart from others is its ability to make local and international calls over an Internet connection without having to use your voice plan, potentially saving you money through the use of SkypeOut/SkypeIn. Also, Fring automatically logs your phone into your favorite WiFi hot spots, saving you the time and hassle. While Fring is not yet available for the iPhone, the tool is available on most handsets.
Palringo is another free chat service. It bundles ICQ, MSN Messenger, AIM, Google Talk Yahoo!, Gadu-Gadu and Jabber. Palringo also has its own chat service, which works on both your PC and your mobile phone. With Palringo, you can exchange text, photos and vocal IMs (think Walkie-Talkie), which can be especially useful for those of you who still can’t get the QWERTY keyboard or touchscreen typing down. Palringo allows you to create and join groups and is free for Windows Mobile, Symbian, Java, Blackberry and iPhone.
Some say free is best and others say you get what you pay for, so for those of you looking to pay for social networking, there are two options available to you. First, Agile Mobile includes your basic and most popular chat tools, MSN Messenger, AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ and Google Talk. Agile allows instant messaging, photo messaging, video messaging, and voice messaging. It is available on Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones, as well as all Windows Mobile and Pocket PC operating systems for $11.95 for a three-month period or $44.95 one-time licensing fee. Nervous about paying for the service? Start off with a free trial. Agile is also in a Beta trial for Java and is coming soon to an iPhone near you.
IM+ All-In-One Mobile Messenger bundles MSN Live, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber and MySpace IM. iPhone users receive free access to the service, while others have to fork out some dough. Prices vary between operating systems, starting low with Java ($9.95) and i-mode ($19.95) and capping off with Pocket PC ($39.95) and Blackberry ($49.95) at the high end. Windows Mobile, Symbian and Palm OS are $29.95. And for those of you looking forward to your new G1, IM+ for Android is in development.
There are plenty of options for chatters out there. For everyone who bundles their chats on their PCs, that same luxury is available on your cell phone. Especially for all the devices that run programs in the background – unfortunately, it’s a functionality that iPhone cannot perform – you can stay connected to your friends and colleagues no matter where you are. Chatting has never been easier.
Fring is a free talk, live-chat and interaction tool used with your Internet data plan or WiFi that bundles Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo! and AIM. It gives you the ability to search your buddy list and add-on functions, such as Facebook, Gmail Notifier and Vtap Video Streaming. Perhaps what sets it apart from others is its ability to make local and international calls over an Internet connection without having to use your voice plan, potentially saving you money through the use of SkypeOut/SkypeIn. Also, Fring automatically logs your phone into your favorite WiFi hot spots, saving you the time and hassle. While Fring is not yet available for the iPhone, the tool is available on most handsets.
Palringo is another free chat service. It bundles ICQ, MSN Messenger, AIM, Google Talk Yahoo!, Gadu-Gadu and Jabber. Palringo also has its own chat service, which works on both your PC and your mobile phone. With Palringo, you can exchange text, photos and vocal IMs (think Walkie-Talkie), which can be especially useful for those of you who still can’t get the QWERTY keyboard or touchscreen typing down. Palringo allows you to create and join groups and is free for Windows Mobile, Symbian, Java, Blackberry and iPhone.
Some say free is best and others say you get what you pay for, so for those of you looking to pay for social networking, there are two options available to you. First, Agile Mobile includes your basic and most popular chat tools, MSN Messenger, AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ and Google Talk. Agile allows instant messaging, photo messaging, video messaging, and voice messaging. It is available on Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones, as well as all Windows Mobile and Pocket PC operating systems for $11.95 for a three-month period or $44.95 one-time licensing fee. Nervous about paying for the service? Start off with a free trial. Agile is also in a Beta trial for Java and is coming soon to an iPhone near you.
IM+ All-In-One Mobile Messenger bundles MSN Live, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber and MySpace IM. iPhone users receive free access to the service, while others have to fork out some dough. Prices vary between operating systems, starting low with Java ($9.95) and i-mode ($19.95) and capping off with Pocket PC ($39.95) and Blackberry ($49.95) at the high end. Windows Mobile, Symbian and Palm OS are $29.95. And for those of you looking forward to your new G1, IM+ for Android is in development.There are plenty of options for chatters out there. For everyone who bundles their chats on their PCs, that same luxury is available on your cell phone. Especially for all the devices that run programs in the background – unfortunately, it’s a functionality that iPhone cannot perform – you can stay connected to your friends and colleagues no matter where you are. Chatting has never been easier.
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