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AT&T launches the GPS-enabled BlackBerry Pearl 8110 smartphone

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clip_image001Workers and consumers on the go can now put away their maps but still easily navigate the fast lane.

 

AT&T Inc. and Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the launch of the BlackBerry Pearl 8110 SmartPhone, which includes built-in global positioning system (GPS) support for location-based applications and services. Combined with navigation and mapping applications such as AT&T Navigator, the handset provides turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions with colorful 3-D moving maps that can be used in vehicles or while walking. AT&T Navigator also alerts users through voice and on-screen prompts to traffic slowdowns and incidents along their programmed travel route, and it provides customers with the option to choose an alternative route.

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What features do you want in a PDA Phone?

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Smartphones generally favor the smaller form-factor: smaller screens that generally have no touch-sensitivity on the screen. But those of us who use PDAs prefer the opposite: a larger screen sizes that are touch-sensitive, but still have voice and data connectivity.
With that thought in mind, I think that the bulk of society only needs basic PDA functionality (Calendar, Tasks, Contacts, etc), and would be best utilizing them on a SmartPhone. This is obviously the reason for the prominence of SmartPhones. But what about those of us who are power users, who desire more of an actual PDA with more features than just a SmartPhone? Let’s discuss the benefits of what programs or technology are best kept relegated to one platform or another. Here are the basics that I see in each of the two categories at this time:

SmartPhone (where smaller size is better) for most of Society:

  • WM5 or WM6,
  • Regular PIM Functionality (Contacts, Calendar, Tasks),
  • E-mail,
  • Mobile Media,
  • Cell/PCS Phone,
  • Data Plan.
  • Bluetooth 2.0

PDA-Phone (where larger screen is better) for the Techies among us:

  • Larger Screen size (3.5″ – 4″), preferably VGA resolution of 640×480 (or better),
  • Much Larger Memory capacity: 1GB ROM and 2GB Flash RAM minimum,
  • SDHC Card slot,
  • Biometric Finger-Print reader for added Security,
  • Mini USB connector for data exchange and charging.
  • Should meet all of Rad’s Laws (tip of hat to Radimus).
  • All devices should charge via USB (where possible).
  • All devices should have more than one function or interface with other devices
  • Bluetooth LEDs are at least 50% too bright and should only be lit when an error is present, when searching, or when charging.
  • Full QWERTY Keyboard (Slide-out)
  • Regular PIM Functionality (Contacts, Calendar, Tasks),
  • WM6 (or better) with PDF & Office for PDA + Image Viewer native.
  • E-mail, preferably via WebIS’ FLEXMAIL application.
  • Mobile Media Player with support for all the known media formats (including AJAX and Flash),
  • 3G/4G/GSM Cell/PCS Phone service available through your favorite Carrier,
  • 3G/4G/GSM Data Service capability available through your favorite Carrier,
  • WiFi A/B/G/N with Quick-Connector for External Antenna,
  • Consumer InfraRED, with Bundled TV Remote software,
  • Bluetooth 2.0 w/EDR (enhanced data rate), full support for Stereo Audio
  • GPS (SiRFStar III or better), with bundled “on-road” and “off-road” Applications for getting you from point-a to point-z.
  • Barcode scanner, with bundled Database manager (for your DVD/CD collection).
  • 3MP+ Camera in back for quality snaps & video, and a 2MP front-facing camera for Video Conferencing/Calling, with built-in Flash.
  • Video Out connectors (for Video presentations, etc).

What else would you like to see added to either phone category?

 

Miscellaneous Stuff:

  • ActiveSync 4.6 (or whatever version#) w/OTA WiFi Synchronizing for non-Exchange (i.e. Single user Outlook) and Sync’ing w/Mac systems.
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I am invited to join Microsoft’s "WM Owners Circle Forum" Moderator Team!

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I was recently invited to join the Moderator Team at Microsoft’s “Window’s Mobile Owner’s Circle” forums by my good friend Jack Cook, and it goes without saying that I readily accepted! 

I will be working with the existing team members: Jack Cook (whom I work with currently at MobilitySite), Laura Rooke (whom I was honored to work with at MoblityToday way back when), Johan van Mierlo, Linley Meslier, and Mina Mistry.  

Below is Jack Cook’s announcement:

Hi Everyone!

 
I wanted to pass on to you that today we have added a new moderator to our midst.  David Matson, aka Elrendhel, will now be part of our group offering support to users we spend so much time with. 

Laura and I have known and worked with “Elrendhel” for years, so we know firsthand the kind of support he offer us.  He will be a great addition to our team!  Initially when we started the forums, when ever there was a question on Wi-Fi, I would ask David if he could jump in and help out and of course, he always would.  Well it appears as if he likes it here and has agreed to jump in often.David, it is again a great pleasure and a unique privilege to once again be working with you.  Thank you for agreeing to spend some time with us!

So now we have two mods on the east coast (Johan and me), two on the West coast (Laura and David) and one (Linley) on the other side of the globe basking in the sun on the Island of Mauritus.  Life is good and it becomes better every day when I look at who I am working with.  I am appreciative of all the efforts from all of you.  Not only are you helping the users that visit but I am learning an immense amount from all of you …. That is very cool!

Thank you for the warm greetings and kind words Jack, it is good to know that I am once again amongst good friends!

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GPS Navigation service now Available from AT&T

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A new GPS Navigation service is now available on select AT&T wireless devices, including the new Motorola Z9, the Samsung BlackJack II, MOTO Q, AT&T Tilt, and BlackBerry devices (8310, 8800 and 8820).  Available as a 30 day free trial, this program is a vast improvement on TeleNav, this program features integrated speech recognition for address entry and points-of-interest searches!

For any one who is constantly on the go but sometimes not quite sure where to go or how to get there, AT&T Navigator is here to pave the way. AT&T Inc. announced today at CTIA Wireless 2008, the immediate availability of its company-branded GPS-enabled navigation service, AT&T Navigator.

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New public beta: SoftMaker Office 2008 for Pocket PCs

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A new public beta version of SoftMaker Office 2008 for Pocket PCs is now available as a free download. This new beta comes with several fixes and improvements, such as:

  • The setup program now optionally installs design templates and graphical bullets to a storage card, thereby freeing internal memory.
  • Umlauts and accented characters can now be entered on the Palm Treo’s built-in keyboard.
  • Opening the Zoom dialog doesn’t make the software unstable anymore.
  • If you move Jetcet Print to a different folder, SoftMaker Office will still find it.
  • Slideshows in Presentations now always fit on the screen.
  • SoftMaker Presentations now allows you to insert sound files.

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AT&T announces new approach to early termination fees

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AT&T today announced a new approach to early termination fees (ETFs) that provides some additional flexibility for wireless customers.  

Beginning on May 25, the company’s new and renewing wireless customers who enter into one- or two-year service agreements will no longer be required to pay a single, flat early termination fee. Instead, that fee, which is $175, will be progressively lowered by $5 during each month, every month, for the term of the contract. (The single, flat ETF will continue to apply to new and renewing customers who enter into one- or two-year service agreements prior to May 25.)

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MapCapt new Release: V2.0 now available!

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My good friend Paludour, a programmer in the GPS Mapping field notified me a short time ago that a new version of his mapping capture program is now available for download. He is proud to announce a new version MapCapt (short for Map Capture), Version 2.0!

MapCapt is a map capture software program for downloading maps from various online sources on the PC. It has been greatly improved to accomodate the growing list of online mapping websites. A limited function version is available for free trial.

mapcaptdlg20en[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Here are the main new features:

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GPS Tuner v5.2 Now Available!

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GPS Tuner v5.2 and Map Calibrator v2.4 have both been updated with tremendous new mapping features, and are now available for download!
gps_tuner_googlemaps
The new version of GPS Tuner allows the user to download pre-calibrated GoogleMap and TerraServer maps, directly across any Internet connection that your device may have (GPRS/3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc).

I can personally attest to the greatness of this GPS application.  I find it the best program to have when doing off-road and doing things like Geocaching, hiking, etc. 

But don’t just take my word for it!   GPS Tuner was recently nominated and won in the “GPS Moving Map” category in the SmartPhone & PocketPC Magazine’s “Best Software Award”.

For your convenience, I am also including the URL for the directions on how to use the new map functions for both GPS Tuner and Map Calibrator.  Enjoy!

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E-TEN Glofiish x500+ Reviewed!

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I had the pleasure of reviewing this incredible PDA, the E-TEN “Glofiish” X500+, which has added features like a 640×480 VGA, GPS via SiRFstar III, and a wonderfully useful application set.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

When I first heard the rumors about the E-TEN “Glofiish” X500+ back in late 2006, I was smitten by the initial specifications!  This device sounded like it could very-well be my “holy grail” PocketPC: a converged device that featured a Cell-phone, Full PDA, Integrated Camera, Integrated GPS, and most of all, a VGA screen, all in one device!  Woo-hoo!

I was overjoyed to confirm later in February 2007 some additional facts, such as:
1.) The X500+ would come with Windows Mobile 6 Professional,
2.) It’s GPS would be SiRFStar III, and support TMC (Traffic Message Channel).
3.) The Camera would be CMOS based (not CCD!), have a 2-MegaPixel capacity, as well as a camera Flash!
4.) The addition of an integrated FM Radio and stereo earbuds that would act as the Radio antenna.
5.) Support for both WiFi “b” and “g”, as well as Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate).

You can see the whole review here.

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When will I get this kind of convergence?

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There are many PDAs out there with Telephony services, a camera, and other features, but they are always lacking something: like integrated GPS, VGA, or sufficient base RAM memory.

When will some company create a PDA with these features?

  • Cellular (GSM & 3G) plus Data (GPRS/UMTS/Edge).
  • 4″ VGA (640×480 minimum) screen.
  • Faster Processor (624Mhz PXA270 or better).
  • More SDRAM (128MB minimum, 256MB preferred).
  • SiRFstar III GPS (AGPS would be cool).
  • 3MP Camera, + 1MP front-facing Video Conference
  • Wireless WiFi b & g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.
  • SDIO or MicroSD (SDHC compatible).
  • Barcode scanner & Inventory Software.

So far, the Psion Teklogix “iK�n” PDA Phone that Breley alerted us to last week is the closest match to date, but even the iK�n is lacking in a few areas, namely a 2MP camera instead of a 3MP camera, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, no AGPS (minor actually), no 3G capabilities, and a 3.7″ screen.  Also, it appears the Barcode scanner/imager is “optional”, so it looks like it may be an “add-on” module.

Next closest is the E-TEN Glofiish X500+, but it too lacks a lot: 2.8″ screen, 64MB of SDRAM, no front-facing camera for Video Conferencing, and no Barcode Scanner.

Can anyone else suggest a device that comes close to offering these same specifications.   I’ll draw the line at UMPCs because I’m still looking for a regular PocketPC.