Smartphones and Cell Phones

January 6th, 2009

How to: Add Gmail label/subfolder access to your Nokia Email accounts

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 2:28 pm

Categories: S60, Nokia, Mobile software, Mobile services

Tags: Google Gmail, Nokia Corp., Subfolder, E-mail, E-mail Providers, Cloud Computing, Online Communications, Internet, Matthew Miller

Now that I have Nokia Email back up and running on my Nokia N85 I was looking at some of the new features, including subfolder support. I use Gmail as my primary email account(s) and was disappointed to see I apparently could not use IMAP subfolders with my Gmail labels. I just received an email from a member of the Nokia Email team that showed me how I could actually use Gmail labels as subfolders with Nokia Email.

I was right that you cannot add/designate any subfolders on your S60 device. However, you just need to login to your Nokia Email account in a desktop web browser and then click on the Edit settings hyperlink next to each of your IMAP/Gmail email accounts. Now scroll down this new page to the area titled Mail folders to sync and then select up to 5 folders/Gmail labels to sync with your device.

While 5 folders is a rather limited number, I understand that Nokia is continually improving the client and adding functionality so we may see this change in the future. I personally find 5 folders to be sufficient for managing email on my phones and if I need more capability then I’ll just login on a browser later and take care of some email messages.

January 6th, 2009

BlackBerry Curve 8900 is coming to T-Mobile USA in February

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:00 am

Categories: BlackBerry, RIM, T-Mobile, Rumor

Tags: BlackBerry Curve, T-Mobile, RIM BlackBerry, Curve 8900, Handhelds, Wireless LANs, Wi-Fi, Wireless, Hardware, Matthew Miller

Rogers was the first to get the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (aka Javelin) and it looks like T-Mobile USA may be the first carrier in the U.S. to get this updated device. According to a flyer/ad posted on TmoNews the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will be launching on 11 February. This latest generation Curve is smaller than the Bold, but has many of the same specifications.

The Curve 8900 has WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, EDGE wireless data (sorry, no T-Mobile 3G here), 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and video, and 512 MHz processor. I don’t see anything on the site about UMA support, but since the BlackBerry Curve I have on T-Mobile supports this and the 8900 has WiFi you can bet it is likely this model will support the UMA Hotspot @Home functionality too.

UPDATE: T-Mobile just issued the official press release for the T-Mobile Curve 8900. UMA is confirmed as well as all the other specifications we already know about.

January 6th, 2009

SlingPlayer Mobile and Laridian PocketBible coming soon to the iPhone

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:12 am

Categories: AT&T, iPhone, Mobile software, Apple

Tags: Apple iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, SlingPlayer Mobile, Laridian PocketBible, Advertising & Promotion, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Handhelds, Marketing

There are a couple of applications that I particularly enjoy using on my Windows Mobile devices that have actually been so compelling that they have kept me using Windows Mobile over other devices. Two of these applications are now being demoed for the iPhone and will be coming in the near future. Sling Media is showing off SlingPlayer Mobile for the iPhone at Macworld 2009 and Laridian posted a video of PocketBible for iPhone.

SlingPlayer Mobile is great for watching my DVR content when I am traveling or even commuting and with the large iPhone display I think we will find this platform gives us the best mobile experience. This is one application that has been talked about since 3rd party application support was kicked off last year and is probably one of the most anticipated products for Slingbox owners. Sling Media stated that the application will be submitted to Apple for the iPhone and iPod touch in Q1 of 2009. Pricing will be interesting to see since their current mobile versions are priced at US$29.99, but App Store buyers seem to be paying mainly for applications less than US$10 and may balk at this price.

Another vital application for my daily usage is Laridian PocketBible and the Windows Mobile version is incredible, especially on a device like the HTC Fuze. Laridian has a version for the iPhone, but it requires an online connection to use. This new client under development is a stand-alone client that you can use when you do not have a wireless connection. A couple of nice features showed off in the video is continuous scrolling through the entire Bible without having to go back to an index and powerful search features. I like the spinner for Bible verse selection too. It doesn’t look like the client will launch with note taking support, which is something I use every Sunday to record sermon notes for later study.

January 6th, 2009

MWSF09: Truphone brings improved Skype and IM experience to the iPhone and iPod touch

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:54 am

Categories: iPhone, Mobile software, Apple, Mobile services

Tags: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, IM, Skype Technologies S.A., Apple iPod Touch, Truphone, Instant Messaging, Internet, Online Communications, Matthew Miller

I believe fring was the first to bring Skype calling capability to the iPhone back in October 2008. Today, Truphone announced the upgraded version of Truphone that will support Skype calling and instant messaging functions. With Truphone you can also place Skype calls without a WiFi connection and be billed just for your cellular plan minutes thanks to Truphone Anywhere.

The upgraded client will be available sometime next week, week of 12 January, but you can see it in action at Macworld 2009 at the Truphone stand. It looks like the iPhone and iPod touch have revived interest in Truphone and the more people that download and use it the more free calls people can make since Truphone-to-Truphone calls are always free.

The second part of Truphone’s announcement was in regards to instant messaging with other IM clients. iPod touch users have had some IM support on the Truphone client and now iPhone users will get this functionality with all users getting improved capability. You can now use Truphone for two-way IM over Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Google Talk. You can also make and received voice calls over Google Talk, with support for Windows Live and Yahoo! coming soon. Twitter is now also integrated with TruFriends view.

It looks like Truphone is definitely making a push to be THE communications client on the iPhone and iPod touch. The Truphone client also supports presence functionality so you know who is online with what service.

January 6th, 2009

CES2009: HTC announces S743/Rose with U.S. 3G support

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:00 am

Categories: Windows Mobile, T-Mobile, AT&T, HTC, Microsoft

Tags: High Tech Computer Corp., HTC S743, 3G, Cellular Phones, PDAs, Telecom & Utilities, Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Handhelds

When I posted my HTC Rose/S740 review last month I had no idea that a US version of the device would be coming and was quite excited to get a press release announcing the HTC S743 with 850/1900 MHz HSDPA support. It is also a quad-band GSM phone so it will work with both T-Mobile and AT&T in the USA, with support for 3G only with AT&T. I do think HTC should have stuck with the HTC Rose name rather than using a number like S743 since these numbers just don’t seem to resonate with people as much as a slick name like the T-Mobile Shadow or HTC Fuze.

The S743 has a form factor just like the S740 I reviewed with a 12-key front keypad and slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a non-touch screen display. As I have stated many times recently, I want to see more of these non-touch screen devices that focus more on the phone functions than on the PDA functions. The S743 is 1.7 inches wide and has a 2.4 inch QVGA display. As I said in my review, it is long and slender and feels fantastic in your hand. This US 3G version will be available in the first quarter of 2009 from retail outlets like Dell.com and CDW.com. There was no pricing information provided.

HTC is all about consumer choices and I am encouraged to see them bring this device to the U.S. I look forward to going to my first CTIA in April when I am guessing we will see more HTC devices announced and maybe even more non-touch screen models.

January 5th, 2009

Soonr and Evernote sync documents to the cloud for iPhone access

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:35 am

Categories: iPhone, Mobile software, Apple, Mobile services

Tags: Apple iPhone, SoonR, Evernote, Corporate Communications, Servers, Marketing, Hardware, Matthew Miller

The big news today regarding the Apple iPhone seems to be the launch of Soonr (PDF news release). Soonr is an iPhone application that lets you access and view documents stored in the cloud. You cannot edit or create documents on the iPhone since that functionality is not yet available, but you can share them with others and print to a remote printer from your iPhone.

There is a free version of the software on the App Store and other versions through mobile operators and carriers are available outside the U.S. with U.S. partners expected in 2009.

I haven’t found anything on what the available server capacity is for your account and whether or not there are paid options for increased capacity, but plan to give it a try soon. I installed Soonr on my iPhone and see there is 500MB of online capacity available for document storage. You can check out a video of Soonr in action here.

While people seem to be pretty excited about this new Soonr service, I think readers should also be aware that the outstanding Evernote service recently launched their file sync capability that appears to compete directly with Soonr, along with its note syncing capability. In addition to taking notes, clipping web pages, snapping and storing photos, and recording audio notes you can now add any other file type to your Evernote Premium service and have it stored on their server for usage from your iPhone, PC, Mac, or other device on the go.

In addition, if you are using a desktop version of Evernote and open a file contained in a note, then make changes, and save the file Evernote will automatically update the version in your online notes to the latest.

Check out this video to see the service in action:

Anyone used both of these services yet? If so, can you tell us what the differences are and if one is a better choice than the other?

January 5th, 2009

Review: BodyGuardz T-Mobile G1 Google Android skin

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:25 am

Categories: Android, Mobile accessories, Google, Review, HTC

Tags: Google Inc., T-Mobile G1, Google Android, Skin, T-Mobile, Keyboards, Monitors & Displays, Hardware, Peripherals, Components

I am pretty happy with my T-Mobile G1 Google Android device and something I have been doing lately with my touch screen only devices like the original iPhone is using the plastic film skins. I like using these types of cases because they give you full functionality, excellent protection, and don’t take away from the sleek design of the device. I tried the BodyGuardz transparent skin on my T-Mobile G1 and after several weeks of usage the skin is performing flawlessly. You can find several images of the skin on my G1 in the image gallery.

	Image Gallery:A few shots of the BodyGuardz T-Mobile G1 case.

There are two sets of skins included in the case package from NLU Products, LLC. You will also find the BodyGuardz Application solution, squeegee card, and detailed instructions. There are nine pieces that compromise the entire skin set for the back, screen, top, bottom, sides, lower hardware button area, and lower sides.

Installation: There are specific steps to be taken prior to installation and I recommend you read the directions and then even watch the installation video below so you are prepared to install the skin on your T-Mobile G1.

As I mentioned, I’ve installed these types of skins before and this case was installed in the same manner. You clean your device thoroughly, spray down the skin with the solution placed in your clean hands and carefully apply the skin pieces to your device.

After I placed the skin pieces on my device, I noticed there were some areas where there were still bubbles. I used the squeegee and was able to get most bubbles out. I read that you could wait and the bubbles would disappear over time. This indeed did happen and after a couple of days the case looked great on my G1. The only issue I have had is that the two bottom corners didn’t seem to adhere all the way and stick out just a bit.

Usage: I’ve kept the case on for the last month, although I am not sure you really need the case on the back and sides of the G1 because the case material on the G1 seems to be fairly scratch proof and may not need much extra protection. I’ve been thinking of taking it off too because I don’t really like the glossy back on the G1. I do think you should probably at least get the screen protector part of the case because it offer serious protection, doesn’t seem to scratch, appears to help with face grease on the screen, and doesn’t impact the touch screen sensitivity or usability at all. I highly recommend the BodyGuardz skins and will be buying them for future devices. They have cases available for phones, PDAs, gaming device, MacBooks, cameras, and more too.

Price: You can buy the full body case like I reviewed here for US$24.95 for a two pack or just buy the screen protector (also 2 screens) for US$14.95. They are available now and there are free shipping options available when you buy the full body package too. There is a 30-day money back guarantee and lifetime warranty on the cases. You also get 20% off future purchases after buying one set of BodyGuardz.

January 5th, 2009

Nokia was the world’s largest computer maker in 2008

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:00 am

Categories: S60, Nokia

Tags: Phone, Nokia Corp., PC, Smart Phone, Computer, Tech Community, Nseries, Productivity, Smart Phones, Consumer Electronics

The tech community is gearing up for CES and Macworld Expo 2009 events this week and it is expected there will be new from the large computer makers, Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc. However, did you know that Nokia is now the world’s largest computer maker with 13.8% of market share? HP, Dell, Apple, Acer, Lenovo, RIM, and Toshiba follow in the stats. These numbers only include the Nokia smartphones and not all of the Nokia mobile phones (Series 40 phones are quite powerful too, but not included) or devices (Nokia Internet Tablets are not included), which would increase their numbers even more.

Now, the first argument you will probably make to Tomi’s article linked above is that Nokia smartphones (and those from RIM, Apple, Windows Mobile, and Google) should not be considered computers. I recommend you check out his other follow-up article that takes an in-depth look at the history of computers over the last 50 years to see how today’s modern high end smartphones fit into the computer picture.

Nokia has been calling their Nseries devices “multimedia computers” for the last couple of years and I tend to use this label often too as agree with them about the Nseries functionality. These devices capture amazing photos and video that you can even edit on the device itself and share online without ever needing to connect to a PC. Most, if not all, of the Nseries devices come with TV out cables and Bluetooth so you can actually use a Nseries device as your only computer with a connection to a monitor/TV and Bluetooth keyboard. Most people today use their computer for email and web browsing and with a Nseries device and external monitor/TV there is no reason you can’t do it all with the phone as the central core of your system.

You will never do away with the full PC computer and no one is saying they will go away because there are a ton of real needs for a full size powerful computer. However, it is quite amazing what these mobile devices today can do and I know that every phone currently in my collection blows away the PCs I had back in the 90s. I actually prefer to use my mobile phone for setting appointments, browsing through email, and browsing through my RSS feeds over using my PC since I find it more convenient and faster. Coworkers also tell me they prefer using their iPhone for browsing through their email list rather than using Outlook on the PC.

With Nokia’s continued focus, growth, and integration of services into their S60 lineup I think that users may enjoy even better experiences in the future that drive even more usage of these portable computers.

I recommend you check out the two articles I linked to above since there is some great analysis and supporting arguments and data for the statements made by the author. Do you agree that today’s high end smartphones can be considered as portable computers?

January 5th, 2009

Quick iPhone app review: craigsphone craigslist application lets you create and view posts

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:14 am

Categories: iPhone, Mobile software, Apple

Tags: Apple iPhone, Searches, UI, Matthew Miller

As I have written many times, I am a huge 3rd party application fan and can’t help loading up my original iPhone with applications to try out. One of the latest applications that I find very useful for the iPhone is craigsphone. craigsphone brings craigslist to your iPhone and unlike the other craigslist applications on the iPhone App Store you can actually create and post an ad right from your iPhone on the go. You can take a photo with your iPhone and include it in your ad so there is no reason to create another post without a photo.

You can browse by category or even search within subcategories (such as Computers & Tech within For Sale). Searches are nice and easy with options for title searches, posts with images, and price minimums and maximums. The UI is very nice and easy and it looks like this iPhone application is a better choice than even using the web version on your PC.

You can create your post right on the iPhone and the UI for this is also quite good and well designed.

There is also a tab for Featured posts if you just want to browse around and check out some fun posts. The “nearby” features are only supported in the San Francisco Bay area and Manhattan, with plans to expand in the future. They are also planning to launch this application on the Android and BlackBerry platforms.

Next Mobile Web also developed my favorite Netflix application, PhoneFlix, and a few other applications. I would love to see them create a Redbox application since there is nothing available yet and I use this service all the time.

January 4th, 2009

Does the new Palm Nova device have a slider keyboard and large touchscreen?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:54 pm

Categories: Palm, Rumor

Tags: Touch Screen, Palm Inc., Palm OS, Keyboards, Operating Systems, Handhelds, Cellular Phones, Software, Hardware, Peripherals

It should be a big week of news with MacWorld and CES taking place and one of the most anticipated announcements surrounds Palm and what they will be revealing on Thursday. CrunchGear just posted some thoughts on the possible new Nova device that we may see this week. According to their source, the new OS is “amazing” and “iPhone-like”. Speculation is that the device may have a slider display that reveals a Treo-esque keyboard. As a fan of the Palm Treo Pro and older Treo devices I would find a slider of this design very compelling.

A large touchscreen, with the option to also have a Treo experience with a keyboard would be a fantastic design, IMHO. The Palm OS (version 5.x) is already very iPhone-like with the icons that launch applications on a home screen and simplistic limited multi-tasking functionality. I think Palm could have probably taken the existing Palm OS and made some significant improvements and come out with this type of new design and been competitive with the iPhone. If this new design is real and it runs a much more optimized and current OS, then Palm could really have a winner on its hands. You know that I will definitely be buying one since I have a place in my heart for Palm and like the latest and greatest devices.

Most all mobile enthusiasts, including myself, feel that this announcement on Thursday needs to blow us away in order for Palm to continue to be a player in the mobile space. There are also a ton of people that want to see Palm succeed and even just looking through the comments on CrunchGear you can see there are still many Palm fans out there. Palm can sell a large number of units of a new device, even with the iPhone, Google Android, and others, because they still have their name brand recognition (amazing to think with all of their name changes and misdirection over the last couple of years) and there are many who still like the simply, yet effective Palm OS.