Smartphones

Forwarding your text messages to your email

Paul Mah — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:13:04 -0500

I came across txtForward earlier today, which I thought was worth a mention here. As its name suggests, txtForward automatically forwards incoming or outgoing text messages to a specified email address. This could be a boon for the heavy text user who might just want a simple and reliable way to archive their messages. And in case you didn't realize, text messaging is apparently being used by teens to avoid taking phone calls by their parents.

Anyway, the unfortunate state of affair is that most smartphones simply do not treat text messages as important, and hence are generally limited in terms of message-level searching, as well as in their backup and archival.

Available for the BlackBerry and Windows Mobile, the BlackBerry version of the software worked flawlessly for me. Of course, the trial is limited to only 10 forwarded messages, so my experience with it is limited. One downside for privacy advocates is that the emails are sent out via Electric Pocket's servers, though the company gave assurance on its website that no logging, recording, or monitoring of messages takes place.

To read more on the article:
- check out this product from Electric Pocket

The BlackBerry Storm is out

Paul Mah — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:10:07 -0500

The BlackBerry Storm is RIM's first touch screen smartphone, and runs on version 4.7 of the BlackBerry operating system. What is unique about the Storm is its "SurePress" touch screen, which provides realistic tactile feedback akin to that of an actual button. In addition, the Smartphone incorporates a wide variety of new, touch-based keyboard and device shortcuts--not to mention gesture-based navigation methods.

Now that it has finally been released, we put together some links of what others are saying about it.

Check out these write-ups, reviews and comparison sites:

Our initial news report of the touchscreen Blackberry Storm
BlackBerry Storm available for $199
Check out this slideshow of the RIM BlackBerry Storm
MobileBurn does a video review of the Storm
Sales figures for the BlackBerry Storm look strong so far
Have a look at this comparison of the BlackBerry Storm with the G1 and iPhone 3G
Shortage of BlackBerry Storms causes price of RIM stock to fall

Laptop makers consider Intel and ARM hybrids

Paul Mah — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:58:23 -0500

Remember laptops that come with dual switchable graphic chips? Well, the same strategy could be adopted for the CPUs of laptops, as laptop makers mull ways to stretch battery life to make their devices stand out. One possibility would be to create a hybrid netbook that comes with both Intel CPU and ARM-based processors in a single device. The idea is that the more energy efficient ARM processor could be tapped for providing basic services such as email and Internet--much like a PDA or smartphone. By eliminating the need to boot up completely, unless required, battery life could theoretically be extended to around 15 hours, according to the Inquirer. The Intel processor would only be engaged for more computationally-intensive applications. The obvious downside of course, is that some sort of dual operating systems setup will be needed, which presents more complexity, in terms of usability.

For more information:
- check out the article at the Inquirer

Related Article:
Intel Atom Dual Core processor debuts

Spb Software releases Spb Wireless Monitor 3.0

Paul Mah — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:21:06 -0500

Spb Software has released the Spb Wireless Monitor 3.0 earlier this week. Formerly known as Spb GPRS Monitor, the software is a powerful solution to comprehensively monitor data connections on a Windows Mobile smartphone in order to work out actual tariffs to be paid. Article

Nokia unveils new E-series smartphone

Paul Mah — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:09:55 -0500

Despite recent plans to lay off some 600 employees, phone juggernaut, Nokia--with some 40 percent of the market--certainly has no plans to take things lying down. It announced the new Nokia E63 earlier today, a QWERTY-based smartphone which builds upon the success of its earlier E71 messaging device. The E63 is expected to begin shipping in the coming weeks. It is the result of research by Nokia that shows consumers want a device that will work for their work and personal lives, yet be able to separate between the two. As such, the E63 comes with the ability to switch modes between a corporate view showing corporate emails, appointments and Intranet data, and a personal mode showing pictures of friends, personal email and shortcuts to personal websites. In addition, the Nokia E63 packs closer integration with the PC world by coming with a free 1GB of online file storage that users can access directly from their phone.

To read more:
- check out this Nokia press release

New processor could help reduce smartphone cost

Paul Mah — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:04:54 -0500

A new baseband processor for smartphones has been created by a company called Sandbridge Technologies. According to the company, this processor could bring down the prices of smartphones, as well as increase the pace of innovation in the mobile arena. What is unique about this processor is that it is based completely on software and hence easily reprogrammable. Also, integrating multiple functionalities into a single chip serves to bring down the cost of phones by as much as 15 percent, according to Tanuj Raja, VP of Business Development over at Sandbridge. While existing chips by Qualcomm and Broadcom already pack multiple functions into a single processor, the real differentiator in the Sandbridge processor is that its software heart means it could be quickly programmed to support new technologies like 4G wireless. Indeed, the company is confident that its chips can support 4G wireless technology--even before the respective standards are even finalized.

For more information about the story:
- check out the article at CNET News.com

DataViz announces Documents To Go Premium for BlackBerry Smartphones

Paul Mah — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:21:01 -0500

DataViz, maker of the Documents To Go Office-compatible suite has announced Documents To Go Premium for BlackBerry Smartphones. Besides the native Office 2007 support, a copy of its new PDF viewer "PDF To Go," will be offered as a free bonus for customers who upgrade to Documents To Go Premium Edition. Press Release

The link between Smartphones and sales of Windows PCs

Paul Mah — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:36:30 -0500

Shane O'Neill has a different take on Apple's ever-increasing prices--as evidenced by the price tag on the new MacBooks, unveiled just a few weeks ago. Recent comScore data shows that even consumers below the median household income are buying into the iPhone, and O'Neill argues that folks who can only afford either a laptop or Smartphone are choosing the iPhone. He wonders whether this will be a blue Christmas for sales of Windows PCs, as a result of this below the belt sweep by Apple. Somehow, I doubt that. To me, users who opt for a Smartphone instead of a PC don't really need a PC anyway. What do you think?

To read more about this story:
- check out this article from CIO.com

Study: Half of mobile consumers intend to buy a Smartphone in the next two years

Paul Mah — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:36:08 -0500

A study by The Kelsey Group says that 18.9 percent of mobile consumers in the United States are currently carrying Smartphones, with another 49.2 percent planning to get one within the next two years. The results of the study come as no surprise, as Smartphones are becoming more affordable and making "dumb phones" less appealing.

I do not, however, agree with the analysis of the source article, when it says that the way forward is via open platforms. That being said, "half of mobile consumers"--or those that want to switch to a Smartphone--is a daunting number. Even if only two-fifths of these consumers actually materialize, the effect would be to double the Smartphone market. I wonder if hackers will switch over to targeting Smartphones the way they built up botnets of zombie PCs.

To read more:
- check out this MobileCrunch article

Shoot&Proof application adds legal value to photos

Paul Mah — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:55:10 -0400

French developer Codasystem has announced the release of BlackBerry support for its Shoot&Proof application. The smartphone-installed software establishes the legal value of photos snapped by the built-in camera. The "when" and "where" of photos taken by the BlackBerry is recorded--a important feature for those in industries such as construction and public works, real estate, poster advertising and media. This makes the service to stand out from a plethora of similar services for publishing and sharing photos. The other platform supported at the moment appears to be Microsoft's Windows Mobile devices.

For more:
- check out this article from BlackBerryCool.com