September 16th, 2009

Zune HD: No YouTube in the browser for you

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:02 am

Categories: Gadgets, Microsoft, Mobile software, Windows Mobile, Zune

Tags: Microsoft Zune, YouTube Inc., Web Browser, Web Browsers, Internet, Matthew Miller

I understand the core of the Zune HD browser is not webkit, but some kind of Internet Explorer base. That said, it was natural to want to compare the Zune HD web browser to the latest mobile browser from Microsoft, IE 6 Mobile, that is found in the T-Mobile Touch Pro2 and will be present in Windows Mobile 6.5 when it is released in October. I don’t expect my media player to browse the web, but since Apple supports this with the iPod touch it is expected that other high end models do the same. Unfortunately, the Zune HD browser is not going to compete with the iPod touch Safari browser or even the latest Windows Mobile default browser, but at least it is very quick.

Here is what I found on the Zune site regarding the browser usage:

You can surf the Internet on your Zune HD, as long as you’re able to connect to a wireless network.
Connect to a wireless network on your Zune HD
1. From the home menu, touch internet. The browser will automatically launch.
2. Follow the instructions to connect to a wireless network. After you connect, the browser will navigate to the last page you visited.
• To search, touch the search icon in the lower right. A keyboard will pop up. Type in your search terms and touch search.
• Touch the favorites icon to see your favorites, or add a site to your favorites list.
• To navigate to a specific web site, touch the three dots in the lower bar to display the URL input bar. Touch the current URL to bring up the keyboard and enter in the URL. Then touch go.
To exit and return to the main menu, press the home button.

There are only a couple of minor settings for the web browser (delete history, enable/disable cookies, and enable/disable Javascript) and you cannot control it any further. You will also find that the browser forces sites to load their mobile versions, if they have them, which actually makes for a fast and rather pleasant browsing experience. However, today’s mobile browsers are good at serving up the full internet and users are coming to expect this more and more, especially with the specs found on devices with these browsers. The Zune HD loads pages super fast and the multi-touch zoom is fluid when using the browser, but I really want a toggle to turn on or off the mobile formats. I don’t like that I cannot view my ZDNet blogs in full view like I can on most of my modern smartphones.

The QWERTY keyboard that appears helps you enter URLs by having a .COM and / button readily available and it is easier than using the keyboard on the PSP. There is no predictive text, but your history is filtered as you enter a URL in case you have been to the site before. You can also manage Favorites in the browser. As you can see in my video above, you cannot view YouTube videos in the browser and you will find it is limiting when trying to access all your favorite sites.

I think the browser is something that should be able to be updated via a firmware release and I do hope it is improved upon over time because the hardware supports a better browsing experience, even if most people just want to use their Zune HD for music and video enjoyment.

April 29th, 2009

Try the REDFLY Mobile Viewer software and you may fly to Hawaii

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:36 am

Categories: Mobile software, Netbook, On the road, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile

Tags:

I mentioned the public beta availability of the REDFLY Mobile Viewer software that allows you to control and access your Windows Mobile device on your PC. If you download the REDFLY Mobile Viewer software and complete their survey you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win 2 free round-trip airline tickets from anywhere in the continental US to Hawaii.

If you download the software from now until 1 June, then an email with the survey invitation will be sent to you within 7 days of downloading the installer. If you have already downloaded the beta, then you should received an email with the survey invitation before 6 May. Check out the Celio blog for all the contest details.

Have any readers tried this on their netbook or Windows PC and if so, what do you think about it?

April 8th, 2009

CTIA 09: REDFLY Mobile Viewer free beta available now

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:25 am

Categories: Gadgets, Mobile software, Netbook, On the road, Smartphone, Windows Mobile

Tags: Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, PC, Beta, CTIA, Windows Mobile Client, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Tools & Techniques, Handhelds

Back in January, Celio Corp showed off their up and coming REDFLY PC software that would let you use your existing PC to connect to your Windows Mobile device and access it just like you would from the REDFLY Mobile Companion. I was at CTIA last week and Celio announced that the REDFLY Mobile Viewer software is now available to download for free public beta testing. I plan to take it for a spin on my MSI Wind and will post a video of it in action here soon. Prior to attending CTIA and seeing the software in action first hand and talking with the folks at Celio I have to say I wasn’t quite sure why someone would want or need this on a laptop or PC, but I had a moment there were I “got” it and think there are some benefits to the software for Windows Mobile owners.

The REDFLY Mobile Viewer runs on Windows XP and Vista computers and lets you fully control your Windows Mobile device. Now, for things such as web browsing and Office documents it doesn’t seem to make much sense to use a less powerful software application from your phone. However, it will help me with my work Exchange account since there is currently no way for us to setup Outlook on our home computers to access our Exchange server and you either have to VPN in or use the OWA version in a browser. The Windows Mobile client is much more convenient and powerful (compared to the OWA functionality) so I plan to use my Windows Mobile phone and the REDFLY Mobile Viewer to handle work email with a full sized keyboard at home.

I also have teenage daughters and text message quite a bit with them. While the keyboards on my Treo Pro and HTC Fuze are quite good, it is still easier to use a full sized PC keyboard to enter text quickly. With the REDFLY software I can connect my Windows Mobile device and run text messaging in a small window on my PC and keep my work and personal lives separate.

People have also been asking Celio if this software would cannibalize REDFLY Mobile Companion sales and they answer this in a new blog post.

Can you think of other scenarios where the REDFLY Mobile Viewer software will useful for you?

February 25th, 2009

Memphis police department rolls out 1,200 REDFLY Mobile Companions

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:00 am

Categories: Gadgets, Windows Mobile

Tags: Device, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Officer, REDFLY Mobile Companion, Keyboards, Microsoft Windows, Advertising & Promotion, Operating Systems, Handhelds

The REDFLY Mobile Companion is a very handy device for those who need a bigger keyboard and display for their Windows Mobile devices. Last year after I posted my review I received a call from a retired police officer who thought these would make a great solution for field officers. Celio Corp issued a press release announcing that the Memphis police department has ordered 1,200 REDFLY devices to deploy to officers in the field.

These officers have been using Windows Mobile devices to access needed sites and their field reporting suite and database. With the REDFLY they are now able to improve the quality of their report narratives with the larger display and keyboard. The REDFLY is a very durable device that is easy to roll out for users like this who are already using Windows Mobile devices to operate and access their data.

January 6th, 2009

CES2009: REDFLY PC software coming soon, concept demos of dock and Android driver shown

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:01 pm

Categories: Gadgets, Mobile software, Netbook, On the road, Smartphone, Windows Mobile

Tags: Google Android, Device, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, REDFLY Smartphone Dock Concept Device, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Handhelds, Advertising & Promotion, Software

My new REDFLY C8N arrived today and I was also pleased to get some news about some of the things that Celio Corp is showing off at CES 2009 in Vegas. Celio Corp unveiled their new PC software that lets you use your Windows Mobile device with your Windows PC just like if you had the REDFLY hardware. They also are showing off two proof-of-concept ideas that include a Smartphone Dock and Google Android drivers for the REDFLY. Keep in mind these are ideas under development and Celio Corp is just showing off how their driver concept can be applied to other applications.

It seems that notebook owners have been asking about using their existing computers to connect to their Windows Mobile device for email, document creation/editing and surfing on a larger display, but didn’t want to carry around another device like the REDFLY. Celio Corp will be making the PC software/driver available in March 2009 for a fee (not yet determined). The REDFLY PC software will allow Windows XP and Vista owners to have full screen access to their Windows Mobile device up to a resolution of 1024×768. There are other types of clients that let you connect your Windows Mobile device in this manner, but if Celio can make it as simple, easy, and functional on a PC as they have on a REDFLY then this software should be a very compelling solution.

One of the proof-of-concept demos they are giving at CES is for the REDFLY Smartphone Dock and this is something I could see really being quite functional at airport, hotel, or other public kiosks. The REDFLY Smartphone Dock concept device is a box with VGA port, USB ports, Bluetooth radio, and power supply. You could connect to this type of device that could be plugged into a dedicated large keyboard and monitor or take it on the road to use for giving presentations from a Windows Mobile device. I think the airport or other public place would be perfect for plugging in your Windows Mobile phone to write a quick email on a large keyboard or check your email and then leave without ever worrying about leaving behind any private information.

The second proof-of-concept demo is a possible driver for the Google Android platform. Check out the video below to see this driver being demonstrated by Celio Corp.

I can’t wait to use my new C8N more and more with my Windows Mobile device and am still holding out hope for continued expansion of driver support for the iPhone, Google Android, and S60. Depending on what Palm announces in a couple days maybe we will even see a Nova OS driver in the future.

December 29th, 2008

For the 2nd year in a row iPhone and HTC coverage topped the charts

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:00 am

Categories: Apple, HTC, Review, Windows Mobile, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, High Tech Computer Corp., Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Apple iPhone 3G, HTC Diamond, 3G, Microsoft Windows, Advertising & Promotion, Handhelds

Looking back at my 2007 end-of-the year wrap-up post for this blog we saw that the iPhone and HTC posts were the most discussed and most popular of 2007. Interestingly, the iPhone and HTC devices again dominated the most popular categories here on this blog for 2008. In September, ZDNet split off the mobile phone topics of this blog to my new Smartphones and Cell Phones blog so at the end of 2009 we will see quite a different list of most popular and most discussed posts here on this blog as I try to focus on mobile gear to go such as GPS, digital media players, portable gaming devices, and other gadgets.

The iPhone 3G and 2.0 firmware update took 4 of the top 10 most popular posts, HTC devices took 3 spots, while the REDFLY, OMNIA, and Treo 800w each took one of the top 10 spots in popularity. Here are the results for most pageviews in 2008:

1. Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
2. The new iPhone 3G data plan/monthly fee will rise $10/month on AT&T
3. Can the REDFLY Windows Mobile Smartphone Companion succeed where the Foleo couldn’t?
4. The HTC Diamond takes Windows Mobile to the next level
5. Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
6. Review: HTC Advantage X7510 with 16GB flash drive, haptics keyboard and Windows Mobile 6.1
7. What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
8. Sprint announces HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, is there really going to be a Touch HD?
9. Updated my iPhone to firmware 2.0 and setup hosted Exchange account
10. First impressions of the Palm Treo 800w with integrated WiFi and GPS

The same post topped my most viewed and most commented on for 2008. iPhone related topics were 4 of the top 10 most discussed, my XPERIA X1 coverage at Mobile World Congress secured 2 of the top 10 spots, and various other topics took the other 4 spots. Here are the results for most discussed posts in 2008:

1. Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
2. One week with the HTC Touch Diamond; panoramic photos, VGA, and more experiences
3. Lame hands-free law goes into effect in WA State on 1 July 2008
4. Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
5. The iPhone 3G honeymoon seems to be over for some folks
6. MWC08: Sony Ericsson announces XPERIA X1 Windows Mobile device
7. iPhone 3G announced for July 11th availability, but lots of questions remain
8. What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
9. MWC08: The XPERIA X1 is one slick Windows Mobile device!
10. What’s up with the MacBook Air single USB port and where is the flash card reader?

Please feel free to chime in and let me know if you had any personal favorites in 2008. Also, I would love to know what you would like to see covered or reviewed here in 2009.

December 22nd, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #158, Wrapping up 2008 and predictions for 2009

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:17 pm

Categories: Gadgets, HTC, MP3 players, MoTR podcast, Netbook, Nokia, On the road, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers, iPhone

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Podcasts, Internet, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 47.7 MB, 41:30 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

Kevin, James, and I decided to make MobileTechRoundup show #158 a bit longer since it will be our last one of 2008. You can listen to our thoughts on what we thought was the best of 2008 in the mobile space. We also offered up some predictions for 2009. Look for shorter, more focused podcasts in 2009 too since we realize that people’s time is precious and 30 to 40 minutes per show may be too much for casual listening. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.

October 29th, 2008

Can you leave your laptop behind?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:30 am

Categories: On the road, S60, Smartphone, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile, iPhone

Tags: Phone, Mobile, Cell Phone, Laptop Computer, Advertising & Promotion, Cellular Phones, Marketing, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

Nick Wingfield wrote an interesting article on the Wall Street Journal site called Time to Leave the Laptop Behind and I think he did an excellent job at articulating the options, trade-offs, and current state of mobile devices for the road warrior. Mobile phones today can be extremely powerful and capable so that some people are using them to work on the road. I personally have traveled a few times with only my mobile phone and a REDFLY Mobile Companion and think it can be done. However, I am not sure that the minor savings in weight is worth the compromises you need to make a mobile phone work for you.

Some of the compromises are in regards to the display and keyboard sizes, but something like the REDFLY (check out some of my thoughts) can address this area. The REDFLY only works with Windows Mobile devices though, so that limits your phone selection. I also find that the web browser can be limiting on a mobile device and there are more steps involved to do things like basic photo editing for post creation. It is also often impossible to connect to a hotel’s wireless network with a phone due to the sign in requirements, but if you have a good 3G connection this can also be addressed.

If you have a Nokia S60 device, I actually found that it can be a better road warrior solution than even the REDFLY if you connect to your hotel TV and use a Bluetooth keyboard. I have not used the iPhone with a TV out cable so I don’t know what it projects on the TV/display, but the iPhone still needs better Bluetooth support to be a real road warrior tool for extensive text entry.

I think a combination of the laptop and powerful mobile phone as the article mentions is probably the best solution. One this current business trip I find that leaving my MSI Wind netbook in the room for more extensive writing while taking my G1 or Treo Pro to the conference and meetings is a solution with very little being compromised.

Can you travel with just your mobile phone and still get everything done you need to?

October 9th, 2008

Can the REDFLY and WM device match the Motorola VC6096 functionality?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:02 am

Categories: Gadgets, On the road, Windows Mobile

Tags: Device, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Bluetooth, Motorola Inc., Motorola VC6096 WWAN In-Vehicle/Fixed Mount Mobile Computer, REDFLY Mobile Companion, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Handhelds

While checking out my RSS feeds I saw a photo in a Mobility Site post that I thought for sure was some kind of photoshopped fake device because it seems like a wide and squat Motorola Q when you take a quick look at the photo. I then went back and visited the site and followed the link to find the Motorola VC6096 is a real Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional (touch screen) device. This is one of those Windows Mobile enterprise solutions with a focus on transportation and logistics, much like those bar code scanning Windows Mobile devices you see at the Apple Store when you buy an iPhone or iPod.

The Motorola VC6096 WWAN In-Vehicle/Fixed Mount Mobile Computer runs the latest version of Windows Mobile with an Intel XScale 624MHz processor, 128MB RAM/256MB ROM, large 6.5 inch VGA (640×480) display, full QWERTY keyboard, 3.5G GSM radio, 802.11 a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth v 2.0, Class II, integrated GPS receiver, rugged construction built to MIL-STD-810F, and SecureDigital card slot. This is the first Windows Mobile device I have seen with these classes of WiFi and Bluetooth radios. The device is designed to server a specific purpose and it actually looks like a solid solution. There is no pricing available online, but I imagine it will have a rather high cost.

As regular readers here know, I am quite the fan of my REDFLY Mobile Companion and think this type of usage may work for the REDFLY. A REDFLY combined with something like an AT&T Tilt would have specs similar to this Motorola device and if a large display and keyboard were the primary reasons for selecting such a device then the fit may be a lot cheaper. A device like the Tilt also has integrated WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, and WWAN so the only missing feature would be the different WiFi and Bluetooth radios. The REDFLY is also quite rugged and can handle lots of abuse.

My buddy Joel just posted his take on the REDFLY and made the statement, “While using the REDFLY I kept wondering why someone doesn’t come out with a Windows Mobile-powered device like the REDFLY at a $200 price point.” It seems that these specialized devices that run Windows Mobile in a device like the REDFLY are focused on the enterprise and have a rather high cost. It sounds like Joel is looking for a new Handheld PC running the latest version of Windows Mobile, but the last time we saw Handheld PCs running Windows CE they were priced at US$600 to US$800+ in most cases.

October 6th, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #149, Netbook talk, WiMAX available, new phones in the house

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:51 am

Categories: Gadgets, MoTR podcast, Netbook, Nokia, Palm, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Freeware, Phone, Memory Card, James, WiMAX, Memory, Flash Memory, Wi-Fi, Wireless

Listen here (MP3, 29 MB, 31:35 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

While we were recording MobileTechRoundup show #149 Kevin was able to swap out internal parts on his MSI Wind and is trying out for the Netbook pit crew. We chatted about the long-awaited release of WiMAX in Baltimore, my Palm Treo Pro, the N96 devices that James and I are now evaluating, and the 16GB microSD memory card announcement. James has a Lenovo S60 netbook and all of this talk about them has me seriously thinking of the MSI Wind that should arrive soon for me to evaluate. We also had a couple freeware products that turn your phone into a trackpad or mouse.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.