Wireless Portable DAVE Drive for Mobile Phones
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Monthly Archives: January 2007
Motorola RAZR V3xx – Cingular’s First 3.6 Mbps HSDPA Handset
Phone Scoop is reporting that Cingular has released it’s first standard headset that supports 3.6Mbps HSDPA 3G services. Previous handsets only supported up to 1.8Mbps HSDPA services, and only their PC Card offerings included a 3.6Mbps 3G data card.
The caveat to potential buyers at this time is that Cingular’s network is still capped at 1.8Mbps at this time. That means that even with a more capable phone like the V3xx, you will only get 1.8Mbps. Network upgrades are happening all the time, and the higher speed phones and cards are simply “future proofing” yourself if you were to buy now.
One last thing, the phone is a dual band only, utilizing the 850 and 1900MHz North American bands, so it is a US/Canada phone only. You won’t be able to use this phone anywhere else in the world.
Via: Phone Scoop – Cingular Launches First 3.6 Mbps HSDPA Handset
Technorati tags: RAZR+V3xx, Cingular+HSDPA
Microsoft Voice Command 1.6 Reviewed at The Two Inch View
Jason Dunn reviews Microsoft’s latest version of Voice Command. The new version really seems to have been updated with enhanced Bluetooth features more than anything else.
While I’ve used Voice Command in previous incarnations, I’m not sure if this upgrade is for me. While the added Bluetooth support takes care of many complaints in that area, I was hoping for more enhancements of what you can use voice for in the program.
Still, if you have your hands full all the time, or have adapted to the way voice command works, this would be a very useful upgrade in its own right.
Via: The Two Inch View – Microsoft Voice Command 1.6 Reviewed
Technorati tags: Microsoft Voice Command, Voice Recognition
NetFront 3.4 Technical Preview Announced
Today, ACCESS Co., LTD has announced the Technical Preview of their award winning NetFront browser for Pocket PC. In the new version, improved performance is accomplished by enhanced rendering speed due to optimization of the communication processing and a review of the model structure. A new “Visual Bookmarks” feature allows you to view a (previously saved) thumbnail of the page before loading it. In addition, an innovative “Page Pilot” view that allows you to see the entire page layout and select which portion you want to zoom into (view).
Better hurry though, the preview expires on January 31st, 2007! Additional things to know about the preview version is the requirement for Windows Mobile 5, tabs are restricted to 2, there is no Flash support at present, and support for Java (via JV-Lite2) is missing.
I’ll be testing the new version and give an overview over the coming weekend for those that are interested but have not “ponyed up” for a 3rd party PPC browser.
TOKYO, Japan, – January 19, 2006 – ACCESS CO., LTD. (TSE:4813) today announced the availability of a technical preview version of its NetFront Browser v3.4 for Pocket PC, an Internet browser for Pocket PC devices. By making this technical preview available, ACCESS expects to obtain extensive feedback from users prior to releasing the final commercial version of the browser, which is scheduled for release in the first half of this year. Both the Japanese and English language versions of the technical preview version of NetFront Browser v3.4 for Pocket PC will be available for download from ACCESS’ website free of charge.
The NetFront Browser v3.4 is designed to provide high performance in resource-constrained environments such as those with limited memory or CPU capabilities and is an ideal Internet browser for mobile terminals and other consumer electronics. The NetFront Browser v3.4 enables full Internet browsing on more than 1,000 commercial devices including PDAs and smartphones. There are currently 300 million NetFront Browser deployments worldwide.
The technical preview version of NetFront Browser v.3.4 for Pocket PC delivers significant functionality to both corporate and individual users including increased operating speed thanks to optimized communications processing and a redesigned module structure. The technical preview version also includes a new, improved Page Pilotâ„¢ feature, which allows users to quickly zoom in on any area of a Web page. Also featured is Visual Bookmark an advanced technology that allows users to easily select a bookmark through a thumbnail image.
ACCESS will incorporate valuable customer feedback received from the availability of the technical preview version into the final commercial release of NetFront Browser v3.4 for Pocket PC.
The technical preview version NetFront Browser 3.4 for Pocket PC can be downloaded at:
Japanese version: http://nfppc.access.co.jp/about_34.html
English version: http://www.access-company.com/products/netfrontmobile/browser/34_wm_tp.htmlAbout ACCESS CO., LTD.
ACCESS CO., LTD., is a global company providing leading technology, software products and platforms for web browsing, mobile phones, wireless handhelds and other networked devices. ACCESS’ product portfolio, including its NetFrontâ„¢ browser, Palm OS® and the ACCESS Linux Platformâ„¢ provide customers with solutions that enable faster time-to-market, flexibility and customizability. The Company, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates 29 subsidiaries and affiliates within Asia, Europe and the United States. ACCESS is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Index under the number 4813. For more information about ACCESS, please visit http://www.access-company.com/ACCESS and NetFront are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. in Japan and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Press Release: ACCESS Releases Technical Preview Version of NetFrontâ„¢ Browser v3.4 for Pocket PC
Technorati tags: ACCESS NetFront, NetFront Browser
HTC Wizard Call Dropping Issue Fixed!
I’ve had the worst problem with my T-Mobile MDA dropping calls about 4 minutes into a call. While the exact time of the drop varied (sometimes up to 10 minutes into a call) it was consistent to the point that everyone I talked to knew about when it would happen.
I’ve been searching all over the ‘net trying to find the cause of the issue and a fix/workaround for it. I finally found it! Not only are MDA’s having the problem, but many HTC Wizard class devices like the Cingular 8125.
The problem seems to appear after upgrading to the latest firmware from the provider – in my case the v2.26 ROM from T-Mobile (though I did see it as well with the 2.24 ROM for QTek on my device). The issue is that HTC had implemented a “feature” in the latest ROM that would help a data connection re-establish itself when it was unsure if the GPRS/EDGE connection was there. It would simply reboot the radio portion of the phone – whether a voice (GSM) session was in process or not!
The fix is to simply add a registry key that disables this new “feature”. Now that I know what the fix is, I needed to share it with anyone who passes by my blog. If you have this problem and use a HTC Wizard class device listed below, please check out the fix and the link to where I found it.
list
Here is the fix to the problem, and this page at XDA Developers clued me in.
Due to network conditions, signal coverage and some other factors, there is a small chance the data connection can become detached from the network, but the device is not aware of the detachment. This is normal in real world scenarios. Since data packages can be sent without any error being returned, the device may incorrectly think the connection is still valid. To correct this, HTC introduced a mechanism to watch for such conditions. After the device sends out data without receiving any network acknowledgment for a certain period of time, the device will try to detach from the network and re-establish the data connection. Usually this will silently re-establish the data connection without the user noticing it. Due to radio platform limitations, this task cannot be performed during a voice call. When both of these conditions are met (data being sent out for a period of time with no network acknowledgment, and an active voice call), the device will reset the radio to address the problem.
HTC has provided the following registry key setting to disable the auto-correction mechanism:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEDriversBuiltInRIL]
“GPRSStallWorkaround”=dword:0
I truly hope that this helps you with your HTC Wizard class device – I know I’m much happier now that I’ve found the fix for the problem.
** Re-posted from RickMahn.com with permission by Rick M.**
Pearl in White
Much ado about the lack of color. It’s pretty cool though, T-Mobile announced the White BlackBerry Pearl availability on Monday. The new unit to be sold alongside it’s shiny black counterpart has several popular items including the new myFaves feature that T-Mobile has recently rolled out allowing you to name up to five numbers on any network that you can have unlimited calling to.
The Pearl itself has the following features:
- myFaves
- Media player w/stereo headset and support for MP3 and AAC audio, and MPEG4 and H.263 video formats
- White accessories: headset, travel charger, USB cable
While I’m not taken in with all-white or all-black devices (I prefer more of a granite appearance), the attempt to compete with the iPod is obvious. Hopefully, RIM will focus on more user-features like the add of the media player – that was a good idea. Now with the iPhone on its way, RIM and the other manufacturers will need to kick it into high gear to compete with the usability enhancements and form factor that Apple has brought to the table.
Does a white version of the Pearl appeal to you more than the black?
Via: Wireless Week – T-Mobile, RIM Launch White Pearl
T-Mobile takes top spot customer service survey
Good news for my fellow T-Mobile customers! Looks like Tmo has taken the top spot on the latest VocalLabs customer service survey. With Verizon a close second and Cingular and Sprint following in that order.
Congratulations to T-Mobile!
Via: The Wireless Report – T-Mobile takes top spot in VocalLabs customer service survey
OQO Model 02 – Smallest Vista Capable Device
Are you ready for the smallest computer capable of running Windows Vista? Well get ready for the OQO Model 02, a compact device is ever there was one!
Featuring a slide out keyboard that makes the device seem like an oversized HTC Wizard, it is quite amazing how useful it really is. The latest OQO packs quite a few items you would expect in a much larger package.
- 1.2/1.5 GHz VIA C7M ULV Processor
- Windows Vista (or XP in Tablet PC, Pro, or Home flavors)
- 5″ Screen with 800×480 resolution (external: 1920×1200)
- VIA VX700 Chipset with integrated video
- 512MB or 1GB RAM (running at 533MHz)
- 30GB or 60GB HDD (either with shock/drop protection)
- 802.11a/b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth 2.0
- 1 USB 2.0
- 3.5mm audio output
- 4500mAh standard battery (9000mAh extended)
- less than 1lb.
- 5.6″ wide, 3.3″ high, 1″ deep
- Optional EVDO WWAN Connectivity
Overall, a fantastically miniaturized computer that could potentially replace both your laptop AND desktop.
Check it out: OQO Model 02
Technorati tags: OQO, OQO Model 01
Origami Experience™ Feature Screenshots from their Team Blog
If you’re interested in UMPCs, than check out what is coming for devices with Vista loaded. The whole interface has been given an overhaul, and the “Origami Experience” is enhanced with Vista as the underlying OS.
Check out the fantastic screen shots that they have for all features of the interface. Their overview covers screen shots of everything including: connectivity, entertainment, pictures, power usage, slide shows, video, music, etc…
Very cool!
Via: Origami Project Team Blog – Origami Experienceâ„¢ Feature Screenshots
Upgrading to Windows Vista – A Recommendation
I’m just going to give out my recommendation as a blanket statement to everyone. When you start seriously thinking of upgrading to Microsoft’s Windows Vista, simply plan on buying a new computer.
In the long run, you will be much, much happier with the result. Unless you just bought a new computer and have the “coupon” for the Vista upgrade, upgrading aging hardware, migrating your data and dealing with some hard to find drivers will be a painful experience.
So, I strongly recommend just going and buying a new PC when the time is right. Instead of spending additional money on upgrading RAM, disk, video, etc… just put that cash aside for a new computer.
With that said, my second recommendation to go with Vista is to forget desktops. Look at purchasing a laptop instead. Yeah, yeah, yeah this doesn’t accommodate all the gamers out there, but you guys know what you need anyway. I’m talking about the average computer user who is served quite well in the sub $1,000 market for laptops. Trust me, there are literally dozens of options among the 1st and 2nd tier vendors. Laptops are starting to head below $500 now for the low-end, but you’ll find the machine to fill your needs somewhere between $600-$1,000 at this time.
Another option to consider is the latest in mobility, a UMPCs that will provide the utmost in mobile computing convenience.
Just remember that Vista is a new experience, and the slow or troublesome computer you’ve been putting up with will be a great backup web browser, but not a good candidate for a Vista upgrade.
Disagree? Well, let me know in the comments!