DCE Solutions Blog

Two new BlackBerry Smartphones available soon!

Yves Lévesque — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:32:18 +0000

RIM, the creator of the BlackBerry will soon launch two new devices. The first is called the BlackBerry Bold, 9000 series, and would most likely be the successor to the 8800 series. The second device is a bit more daring. Known as Kickstart, this would be the first BlackBerry flip design Smartphone.

The guys at the blog CrackBerry.com have recently acquired a BlackBerry 9000 on EBay and everything seems to indicate that this new device will appeal to the fans of the brand from Waterloo. According to the authors at CrackBerry.com, the Bold possesses a quadbands radio: GSM / EDGE / UMTS / HSPA, the BlackBerry 4.6 operating system, WiFi technology and a larger screen than the 8800 series. The keyboard has also undergone some engineering enhancement that should provide greater comfort for the users.

The BlackBerry Kickstart will be the first clamshell (Flip phone) design device offered by RIM. This type of phone is very popular in North America. Remember the Motorola Razr, which has sold more than 50 million units over the last 24 months. Unlike the “Bold”, the “Kickstart” is 3G GSM/EDGE only, but it is believed it would also integrate WiFi connectivity. No availability dates for these devices have been announced by RIM.
Yves Levesque - Adaptation. Original Post Benoit Descary.

Take advantage now of the powerful features of your BlackBerry

Benoit Descary — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:09:16 +0000

…with DCE Solutions’ Webcasts!

The BlackBerry has rapidly become an essential work tool. If you are using one, you cannot part from it anymore!

Smartphone are meant to help you save time and become more efficient. Is your device helping you save time?

Are you mastering the key functions? Do you know how to verify your calendar and take down an appointment while being on the phone? Or create a distribution list that will allow to transmit a message to multiple contacts in one operation?

These are only two of the many tutorial segments you will have access to when taking DCE Solutions‘ Webcasts. This training format is targeted to new users as well as people who have been using the BlackBerry for a while. This BlackBerry self-learning program will increase your effectiveness and have you discover features you didn’t know were there.

Take a quick tour - watch a demo Webcast

DCE Solutions’ BlackBerry Webcasts are composed of a series of targeted video segments ranging from 3 to 5 minutes each. Each one will guide you through a series of specific exercises for your device. Webcast segments are showcasing BlackBerry interactive emulation technology. A virtual instructor will assist you with your work all through the session may it be in English or in French.

The Webcast session is organized in easy to complete modules available 24/7. The training format is quite flexible and the participant can follow the structure proposed, his or her own learning path or only look for specific topical segments.

Are you interested in learning more about your BlackBerry?

Want to see how much you can learn in the next 24 hours… To start you Webcast test drive click here to fill-in the registration form, select the first option “Webcast: Free test drive- Essai gratuit (A value of $40.00)” and enter the coupon # c6947. You will then have unlimited access for the next 24 hours.

Enjoy!

Yves Lévesque

DCE Solutions

Call me: 416-839-8500

Have Bluetooth - Will travel !

Yves Lévesque — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:05:26 +0000

Starting July 1st, 2008, the Province of Quebec will start enforcing the “No cellular while driving” regulation that carries fines of up to $100 and 3 demerit points to your driver’s dossier. From now until that date, police authorities will serve arrested drivers with a warning.

This legislation has been adopted in many US States and other Canadian Provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Labrador) with fines of up to $400 and it will make its way to the remaining Provinces and States in the near future. It is proven that driving while using a cell phone increases the risk of an accident by almost 40%. The mobile phones are everywhere, they are practical and for many an essential work tool, so we must start thinking of changing our habits now.

It is still legal to use a headset with the mobile phone while driving, so are you using a wired headset or a Bluetooth wireless headset?

You may have you noticed people, maybe even some of your friends, walking around speaking to themselves like there is an invisible person next to them? What is this weird contraption they wear over the ear? Well, it’s a sign of the times and of future devices that are making mobile communications more convenient and safer. Bluetooth technology integrated in phones, headsets and other connecting peripherals is here to stay and is ever more present in our everyday life. Bluetooth is synonymous with complete “wireless” technology. Let’s explore the possibilities!

Out with the wires !

Bluetooth technology is designed to facilitate connectivity between products of different categories and sources such as computing equipment, mobile telephony, automotive communication devices, photography peripherals and even electronic entertainment equipment. This translates into many applications that can apply to the workplace, at home, while being mobile or for leisure purposes.

With Bluetooth wireless technology, the office can be a sleek, organized machine, with fewer wires in sight. PDAs synchronize with computers to share calendars and contact lists, peripherals communicate directly with computers, and Bluetooth headsets allow phone use throughout the office space, all without connecting a single wire. At home, create a wireless surround sound system, send pictures from your Bluetooth mobile device to your Bluetooth printer, or just decrease the clutter of cables in your home office.

When on the move, your Bluetooth PDA can send the phone number of the contact you wish to reach to your Bluetooth-enabled phone which in turn will connect the call to your wireless headset. In a car, it will connect the call through your radio speakers for optimal sound. You can even communicate and exchange files securely with other Bluetooth mobile devices. For leisure, use your MP3 player with a wireless headset to go to the gym or jogging. It is a liberating experience. Finally, the game industry is adopting this technology to present gamers with control pads and other devices that will take full advantage of the range of movement available by playing without wires. Improve your golf swing, enjoy a fencing session or experience martial arts with new interactive wireless “game controllers” that feature motion detection. The possibilities are astonishing!

Bluetooth Wireless network:

You can create your own Bluetooth short range radio network by “Pairing” or wirelessly connecting a variety of innovative solutions such as a hands-free headset for voice calls, printing and fax capabilities, and synchronizing PDA, laptop, and mobile phone applications to name but a few. When you create a link or “pair” between your devices, you establish a secure network that will work only with the selected devices. Purchase equipment with integrated Bluetooth circuitry or get adaptors or “dongles” to plug in your USB port and make your equipment Bluetooth-enabled.

Your Bluetooth equipment creates a self-standing wireless radio network that is powered by the devices themselves. Other than the cost of the Bluetooth equipment you are using, there are no monthly fees, no service charges, airtime or taxes to pay. This free-standing technology uses the 2.4 GHz public spectrum available and unlicensed in most countries. Devices that are battery-powered such as mobile phones may experience shorter autonomy since the Bluetooth connection is always on and looking for “Paired devices” to connect with.

There are 3 Types of Bluetooth radio devices. Type 3 will work in a radius of 1 meter from the device. Type 1 is used primarily in industrial settings, offering a of 100-meter range. Type 2 is the most commonly found in Wireless products. This type of Bluetooth device will work with any Bluetooth-enabled devices within a range of 10 meres. Finally, today’s consumer market is mostly composed of Type 2 devices. Introduced in Canada in 1998, Bluetooth is a widely accepted and supported global wireless technology that has been adopted by thousands of manufacturers and is being used with over half a billion devices worldwide today!

Keeping the Bugs Out:

The “pairing” process allows your devices to create secure links between two or more Bluetooth-enabled devices. Once you initiate the pairing procedure between devices, you then need to enter a four-digit code that will confirm the connection. Once that bridge is created, Bluetooth connectivity is established and processes like voice and data exchanges can then take place seamlessly and securely. Bluetooth works on permission-based protocol. To protect your device from potential malware, viruses and Trojan horses, you must only accept data transmissions and connections from reliable sources. As devices become more performing, their level of vulnerability also increases. Smartphone users should consider using anti-virus software on their wireless device. Since you give the permission to access your device, the rule of thumb is “Only pair with known devices!”

Benefits and advantages:

A fundamental Bluetooth wireless technology strength is the ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions, allowing the user to talk on the phone and print a document at the same time. Simple and easy to use – you get a Bluetooth-enabled product, check the profiles available and connect it to another Bluetooth device with the same profiles. The Bluetooth software is built in the device and does not require software installation. As technology evolves, it encompasses previous compatibilities, and so there is no need for software upgrades.

A wide adherence to the technology has resulted in a huge number of manufacturers and developers including the technology in their products. Hence the availability of a wide selection of consumer electronics products. The globally accepted specification for Bluetooth technology has produced a collaborating technology benefiting all customers. The built-in security protocols make it difficult to use this entry door for viruses, Trojan horses and malware. Finally with a relatively low set-up price, you can find USB dongles for as low as $25 and great quality headsets for less than $100, making it affordable to most.

So when purchasing your next video, multimedia system or communication devices, look for the stylized “B” logo for Bluetooth capable devices and start building your wireless world!

By Yves Lévesque

Links:

Click here to view the list of Countries and US States where using a cellular while driving is banned.

Want to learn more about Bluetooth; Bluetooth Alliance

How is your Cell-Etiquette?

Yves Lévesque — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:00:15 +0000

There is no question in my mind that the cell phone invention is one of the most significant advancement in personal communications of all times. If technological progress leads to social behavior changes it is unfortunately not always for the best!

At one point, it was important to establish contact to talk with your peers, co-workers and friends face to face. These days it seems we are obligated to overhear all the intimate and sometimes bizarre details that take place in others wireless conversations.

What happened to good manners? With more and more cell phones being used it feels like manners aren’t improving. Are cell phones the cause? NO! I believe people are at fault! Perhaps it is time to become serious about our wireless phone manners.

What is Cell-Etiquette?

Etiquette; can be defined as decorum or observance of the formal requirements governing behavior in polite society. Etiquette refers to conventional forms and usages or appropriate decorum for a person of good breeding.

Cell; short for cellular it is encompassing all mobile communication technologies, such as; wireless phones, Smartphones, PDA’s, BlackBerry type devices, pagers, laptops and any other mobile communication & entertainment devices.

Cell-Etiquette follows the same principles as good manners or good taste – be considerate of others and keep in mind people surrounding you. Are you on the good side or the bad side of wireless civility?

Take a moment and sincerely answer each of the following questions by Yes or No. Each question is followed by Cell-Etiquette recommended usage.

1) You often forget to turn your phone off when in a restaurant or theater?

Cell-Etiquette; there is an off button on all devices, use it or at least put it on vibration mode!

2) You have no problem interrupting a face to face conversation to answer your cell phone?

Cell-Etiquette; first make sure you excuse yourself from your party before taking the call. Hope it was important! If you keep doing that, your only friend may become your cell phone.

3) Having a personal conversation or arguing on your cell phone in public does not disturb you?

Cell-Etiquette; personal call, arguing or talking about someone requires you go where no one can hear you. You never know who is listening to your conversation. It may come back to haunt you!

4) You like wearing your Bluetooth headset all day long?

Cell-Etiquette; it’s cool ! …Not! Bluetooth headsets are quite innovative devices but they will do nothing to increase your personal importance or social standings.

5) You are becoming an expert at dialing or sending text messages while driving?

Cell-Etiquette; driving around in our urban jungle is enough stress on a driver, combine that with texting, dialing or even having a conversation on your cell is an accident waiting to happen!

6) Talking softly is not for you - you believe that speaking loudly in the microphone, even yelling will ensure the other person hears you correctly?

Cell-Etiquette; cell phone are very sensitive to sounds, speak softly. Screaming at the handset does not increase signal quality- hang up and call later, from a better and noiseless environment.

7) If you see something wild or bizarre – you have to stop and take a picture with your phone?

Cell-Etiquette; a picture is not always worth a thousand words… Think before you press send!

Ever interrupted a business meeting or presentation to answer an incoming call?

Cell-Etiquette; emergencies happens. Use a distinctive ring or special code for these rare occasions. Excuse yourself and take the call outside. People present are focused on your delivery; the least you can do is be focused on them.

9) Your ring tone is unforgettable; loud, funky and hard for anyone to ignore?

Cell-Etiquette; a ring tone is to make sure YOU hear the alert for incoming calls or messages. The world does not care that you just got a call!

10) During meetings do you pick-up and reply to your e-mails?

Cell-Etiquette; this is most insulting for the participants. If a message requires an urgent reply, excuse yourself; get out of the room and reply. Otherwise participate and contribute to the meeting.

11) You have pretended to get cut off when not interested in talking to someone that called?

Cell-Etiquette; why did you pick up in the first place?

12) You believe a hands-free headset is just a useless gadget?

Cell-Etiquette; using a hands-free headset is much safer when talking and driving. Also consider stopping on the side of the road to complete your call.

13) You answer all incoming calls?

Cell-Etiquette; voice mail, caller-Id have been invented to help you manage calls and be more productive. If using call-waiting, offer the second caller to call them back once you completed your first call. There is nothing cool about leaving a caller waiting in cyberspace while you chat away with the other. Use the technology wisely!

14) Your incoming message is longer than 15 seconds?

Cell-Etiquette; I need to leave you a message. Don’t want to listen to a dissertation or the latest theme song… Be short and sweet - leave your message after the tone…

15) You have answered calls while being in the bathroom?

Cell-Etiquette; bathrooms are not considered a noiseless environment… some places are still sacred. Call back later!

There are some real abuses with wireless phones perpetrated all around us all of the time. If you answered YES to any of the above questions, I invite you to take a few moments to reflect about your wireless phone usage behaviors. It is time to create some social order before cellular chaos takes over. Hope you will join the movement … Got to go, have to meet with someone !

By: Yves Lévesque

Windows Mobile Synchronization with Mac OS - FREE

Yves Lévesque — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:36:06 +0000

A new FREE application called Sync Mate allows you to synchronize your Window Mobile Smartphone with an Apple computer. Sync Mate is fully compatible with version 5 and 6 of Windows Mobile Standard et Professional.

Sync Mate is still a beta version. It allows complete sync of PDAs and Smartphones using Windows Mobile and an Apple computer. The application will allow you to synchronize your contacts, calendars, notes, bookmarks and will also assist you in installing new applications, manage your SMS and compress videos to MP4 format. Since it is a beta / test version, you should expect to experience some bugs… But as a FREE solution it offers great possibilities so try it out !

By Benoit Descary, Adaptation Yves Lévesque.

Link : Blog Eltima

Investing in a Palm TREO Smartphone

Yves Lévesque — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:42:20 +0000

Mobile efficiency series - Part 3 - Palm TREO Operating System

Palm has been a true innovator for the introduction of the first commercially successful PDA or Personal Data Assistant to hit retail markets over 10 years ago. For years Palm has been at the forefront of the mobile technology by providing an intuitive and simple way to have access, edit, add and synchronize your personal and business information with your computer.

The Palm technology is focused around an Operating System (Palm OS-5) and the touch screen technology built into the device. The touch screen technology provides the user with rapid access to the applications and the information (Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Tasks and other applications…). A very effective and efficient way to access your data and a technology that is still today mainly Palm’s and TREO’s own since very few manufacturers have considered adopting touch screen technology. With the Palm OS and touch screen technology you gain in effectiveness versus other menu driven devices.

Palm - TREOs have benefited from a large developers base that created multiple appealing applications, over 20,000, for work, productivity, specialized fields and leisure purposes for single users, SME or larger organizations. The Palm platform is still today in leading position in the software category but competition is catching up. Applications are easy to install, from downloads through your computer and the quick install support tool or directly installed from the web browser to the TREO or Palm Handheld.

But being “Palm” has never been easy … Numerous corporate name changes, a few acquisitions, many senior management reorganizations and few questionable marketing decisions are troubling this corporation and most of all the Palm OS technology. Palm acquired and developed very successfully the TREO brand of products to a line that has become the stepping stone for the Smartphone evolution. But then, a bit more than two years ago, just when their TREOs where starting picking up corporate recognition, Palm’s management decided that it would focus only on device manufacturing and marketing, thereof abandoning all future development on its popular Operating System. Even more confusing today is the fact that you can acquire a Palm TREO with Window Mobile OS built in.

Palm is now focusing on manufacturing and retailing products by coming up with lower end versions of its TREO device like the “Centro” you can see on the left picture just above. A beautiful, slim and sleek designed Smartphone aimed at the youth crowd with a price point just above $100. The TREO 755, at twice the price, covers the other end of the spectrum with a look targeted at the business community. Content wise, both devices are almost identical. Have a look at these comparison charts for the USA Market and Canadian Market to guide you through the different devices and find the one that may suit you best.

What should you be looking for?

Palm OS or Windows OS? The touch screen technology that has made Palm’s fame is available on both OS. I personally consider touch screen technology to be of great advantage if selecting a Windows OS device. The Palm touch screen advantage does speed up access to the information compared to other non-touch screen Windows OS devices which mainly rely on menu navigation. Almost all Palm software developers have adopted an approach that allows the users to test out newly downloaded application for a period of 15 to 30 days. If satisfied you purchase an unlocking code at the end of the trial period. I still believe that the Palm OS offers Smartphone users a compelling proposition versus the Windows OS for Palm. But since both OS are available it becomes a question of comfort for the users.

Pull technology? The management of emails is done through what is called a “Pull protocol”. This means that you get your emails when you request them, like pressing on the “Send/Receive” function in Outlook. You can also program your email application to retrieve email at specific automated intervals, making your TREO Smartphone acting pretty much like a BlackBerry. The main advantage of this “Pull” approach is that you only get emails where and when you request them. It increases the effectiveness of the user while potentially reducing his or her’s wireless bill for data download. The Palm OS is still the only one that offers this possibility while the BlackBerry and Windows Mobile Smartphones mostly work on an always ON concept.

Software solutions: As specified earlier the TREO offers from the get go, all the tools to set up PIM synchronization with Outlook, Mac OS or also works with the Palm Desktop software, includes email functions, Documents to Go and a few more useful applications. A multitude of specialized applications are available on the market in numerous categories: Professional’s tools, Games, Personal tools and productivity, Travel, Medical, Finance, Education, Entertainment, Realtors and many more. Off the shelves solutions may be a lot less costly than tailored made solutions and may fit your needs just as well.

The following short video outlines the main features of the Palm OS applications and navigation format.

Palm TREO Platform’s Benefits:

Simple integration with Windows Outlook or Mac OS. Synchronization of Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes.
Largest quantity of 3rd party applications to complement your device. Single user to corporate environment solutions available. Specialized Business solutions for many verticals to leisure applications of all kinds.
Comes equipped with “Documents to Go”, the best productivity tool to view, create and/or edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files on the road.
Fastest click/access to information ratio through touch screen technology.

Palm OS-5 Platform’s Drawbacks:

No Operating System upgrade for many years. Falling short of recent technology innovations.
Some instabilities with provided synchronization tool. Often requires third party solutions to fix.
Reluctance of IT departments to support users with all the different applications available for download.
Confusion on future OS developments… Palm OS, Windows Mobile OS, Google Mobile OS … or what ?

Conclusion:

The Palm TREO OS platform and devices still present an appealing selection if you feel comfortable with a technology that may have an uncertain future… The Palm OS will work in a corporate or stand alone environment. Many third party applications support beefed up synchronization needs and IT centralized controls and protocols. There is no question the Palm OS-5 would benefit from a major overhaul, but this OS is still ticking! It powers a versatile Smartphone that offers lots of possibilities and tools to the mobile users.

Hope this short overview will help you make the right choice!

In part 4 of this series on Smartphones we will be exploring the BlackBerry Operating System. Stay tuned !

Thank you for your interest.

Yves Lévesque

Useful Links:

Palm Website

TREO product line up Canada

TREO product line up USA

Find your GPS location with Google Maps

Yves Lévesque — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:39:01 +0000

Google Maps Mobile has recently introduced an improved version of its Google Maps application. It is now possible to display your approximate location on your Google Maps Mobile and that without having to have a GPS plugged on to your mobile phone.

How does that work?

Google Maps Mobile will determine your position using your wireless carrier’s mobile network antennas. So it is not only a Jack Bauer/24 spy thing anymore. Using triangulation technology Google Maps can establish your approximate location. Evidently this technology is less accurate than a true GPS but nevertheless it still allows you to figure out your general location.

All you have to do to activate this function within Google Maps Mobile is press the « 0 » on your keypad or use the menu button and select « My Location » to instantly display your location on the map. A circle will be displayed on the map and once the triangulation completed you will see appearing a blue dot at its centre. The dot represent your “relative” location. Your exact location is within the defined circle.

Google Maps Mobile should display your location in a radius of 1 to 2 kilometres. Since this application is still in development the precision performances should improve in the coming months. If you already have Google Maps Mobile on your wireless phone you will need to download and install the newest version to benefit from this great new functionality. Google Maps Mobile works with regular wireless phones that have web browsing capabilities and most recent Smartphones. The installation of Google Maps Mobile is made directly to your phone through its Internet Browser. While the Google Maps Mobile application is free of charge, using its functionality does require data download.

By Benoit Descary

And Yves Lévesque - Translation and adaptation.

Links :

Google Maps Mobile: www.google.com/gmm
Source: Google Blog
More details on this technology: My Location

How to Configure the BlackBerry Internet Service - BIS

Yves Lévesque — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:29:51 +0000

If you are single user (not on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server), it is very easy to configure your Blackberry Internet Service or BIS. Use this service to create a new email address for your BlackBerry or aggregate from up to ten (10) of your existing email addresses. Once set up you will start receiving your messages on your BlackBerry.

Take a few minutes to look at the instructional video we prepared for you in order to get you started rapidly. Setting up your account and email should not take you more than 10 minutes.

Hope you found this information practical.

Have a great BlackBerry Day !

By Yves Lévesque

30 optimized Web applications for the iPhone

Yves Lévesque — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:53:03 +0000

Technically, almost all web sites are accessible from the iPhone and iPod Touch. However, a number of Web application developers have taken advantage of the Web platform to developed versions of their applications specifically adapted for the iPhone.

These versions specially designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch facilitate their use. Indeed, even this blog also has its iPhone version. If you access the DCE Solutions’ blog from your iPhone, the display will automatically be reconfigured for this device. As this device is a major success story in the United States and Europe, developers of Web applications increasingly offer more adapted versions of these Smartphone devices sold by Apple.

Find in the following text, a list of 30 Web applications that will enable you to create documents, Excel spreadsheets, manage your tasks, read your favourite RSS feeds, and even play chess from your iPod Touch or iPhone.

Productivity applications and office suites:

Among the most useful applications on the Web, we find Web office suites and productivity applications such as online task managers. These applications are generally free and let you read and even in some cases, create Word or Excel documents from your iPhone. Same thing with regards to tasks management.

Zoho is undoubtedly the top Web office applications. Not only can you see your Word and Excel documents in native format, you can also make changes on the files from the smartphone; a must for all those who possess a iPod Touch or iPhone.

editGrid is a more specialized application. It is not a complete office suite, but rather a powerful spreadsheet available online from your iPhone. Again, you can access and modify the content of your Excel worksheets type from your Apple Smartphone.

Google Documents mobile for the time being, lets you access and read your documents, spreadsheets and Power Point presentations. It does not provide the possibility of editing your documents.

gOffice is another online text management tool. Less powerful than previous applications, gOffice will focus mostly on rapidly taking notes.

Etelos CRM is a very productivity driven web application. It is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool who is using widgets similar to the ones on your iGoogle homepage. Developers of this service have had the creativity to make this cool application available. No doubt the first iPhone compatible CRM.

Remember The Milk: This is an excellent task management online tool ’excellent, Remember The Milk (RTM) recently announced on its Blog that an iPhone version of the application was now available. I believe RTM in one of the best online tasks/projects management tool. If you are already taking advantage of services such as Gmail or iGoogle, you should try out this mobile application.

Other online tasks/projects management tools for the iPhone worth mentioning:

Ta-da List: http://tadalist.com/
Toodledo: http://www.toodledo.com/slim/
Vitalist: http://iphone.vitalist.com/

If you already have an established Gmail account with Google, you also have access to other productivity services like Google Calendar. You can access you online or even shared calendars for this address; calendar.google.com.

RSS readers:

Hope you know that using a RSS reader makes getting information from web sites much simpler. The RSS feed reader services aggregate information from multiple web sites of interest to give you quick access to the desired information.

Netvibes is a RRS feed reader that looks like a Web home page. Simple to set up and configure, it offers the possibility to access your information sources from the iPhone web optimized interface.
iGoogle is your personalized home page for all Google services. If you already are using GMail, Google Documents and Calendar and you wish to regroup all these applications in addition to your RSS feed info on the same home page than iGoogle is ideal for you.
Blogline is a more traditional RSS feed reader. It will appeal to people looking for a simple RSS feed reader. It provides access to info outside of an integrated home page approach.
Google Reader is somewhat a modern version of Blogline. It is very popular and a very well conceived RSS feed reader.

Online Hosting:
Online hosting sites are growing in popularity. They allow you to maintain your data on a remote server but in addition to mobile access the main advantage is that your data become accessible on-demand from any computer connected to the Internet.

Box.net is one of these hosting services that I prefer. Its iPhone version allows you to listen to stored music from your hosted files with your iPhone or iPod Touch. You also have access from your mobile device to all kind of files from your hosted service such as: PDF files, Word and Excel.

VOIP and Chat applications:
Surprisingly, no Chat, messenger or VoIP applications are included with the iPhone. Fortunately, there are several services that allow you to access your chat accounts or VOIP when using the iPhone:

Talkster: http://i.talkster.com
Skype: http://s4iphone.com
Jajah: http://iphone.jajah.com/iphone/
Meebo: www.meebo.com

I would like to conclude this iPhone web applications’ list with a few leisure oriented applications:

Photo Albums:

The numbers of online applications allowing you to maintain and create photo albums are numerous; but allow me to suggest two that are fully compatible with your mobile device.

Google Picasa Web: http://picasaweb.google.com/m/
Flickr: flickr for IPhone

Encyclopedias:
Wikipedia: http://keishi.net/ipodia/

Social networking sites:
Facebook: http://iphone.facebook.com
Twitter: http://m.twitter.com/

Cooking recipes:
101 cookbooks: http://www.101cookbooks.com/iphonerecipes/

Games:
Chess game: http://ichess.morfik.com/
Backgammon: http://mynumo.com/iphone/backgammon/index.htm
Mahjong: http://38i.biz/mahjong/

In Conclusion:

The iPhone is a great mobile communication tool ! Its design second to none, and the fact that all applications are running on the touch screen makes of the device a very user friendly one since only necessary buttons/sliders are displayed. It’s also a device that relies strongly, or performs very well, with on online applications, therefore it will make an extensive use of data from your wireless carrier’s package. So making sure your wireless plan includes the necessary coverage to the potential amount of data you may require for what you do with your device is capital to avoid month end billing surprises.

Mobile Applications suggested by Benoit Descary.

Have a great mobile day !

Yves Levesque

Investing in a Smartphone - Part 2

Yves Lévesque — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:10:47 +0000

Windows Mobile Operating System.

When it comes to mobile technologies, Windows is still considered a late runner, but to its defense the Windows Mobile Operating System has been picking up speed and cutting off the slack between what Palm and BlackBerry originally established as their “Mobile” playing ground. In this article we will look at the Windows Mobile OS with a quick overview of its features, benefits and drawbacks.

The Windows Mobile OS is now being adopted by many more Smartphone manufacturers as the Mobile OS for their equipment. So much so that even Palm is producing Windows Mobile OS TREOs. The main reason for this trend resides in the fact that most business computer equipments are using the Windows computing platform. Latest estimates were that almost 95% of business machines run on Windows. So for users and IT administrators it is a simple integration of a mobile platform to the existing Windows infrastructure.

When installing the Mobile device to your computer the Windows Mobile Device Centre will become your link to connecting, synchronizing and file sharing between your computer and your Windows Mobile device. In prior version you can also refer to Active Sync as the application for connecting your device. To upgrade your Active Sync, just click on the Windows Mobile Device Center 6 to download your version. Note that if you upgraded to Vista this program is already in the applications package. The next picture gives you a snapshot of the application’s main page.

From this page you easily control all the parameters for your Smartphone and computer. Update your applications, transfer pictures, music, videos and other multimedia files, move files around with file management and finally set up your mobile device settings. All and all a very simple and effective dashboard. Note that this application runs best with Vista and Windows Mobile 6 devices but it is compatible with prior versions. Not all functions may be supported but it works.

What should you be looking for?

Selecting the right device will help you save time and gain efficiency for your personal and business use. This new Windows Mobile Smartphone must provide you with the proper configuration. Just like Vista, XP and other Microsoft applications, the Windows Mobile OS is available in two configurations: Standard and Professional. Unlike the other Windows applications you cannot choose which OS comes with your Smartphone, it is preloaded into the device. Hence the importance of knowing which is best for you. The Windows Mobile Standard Edition will power most basic Smartphones. Provide you with most of the characteristics you can see in the short video prepared for you below. In most cases this should be sufficient for your basic needs: Phone functions, sync with your Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, receive your Emails, browse the Web, take Pictures and play Music and Multimedia files.

The main difference between Standard and the Windows Mobile Professional Edition is in the power of the device processor’s and the fact that is comes with a the possibility to browse, create or edit, Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in Windows native format. This means for the power user that once out of the office, your Smartphone can perform the same functions that a laptop would when it comes to managing documents - only on a smaller screen. Other applications are generally the same. But for productivity purposes this becomes a decisive factor. The difference between the two versions of this Mobile OS are not advertised at retail level and may vary from manufacturers and devices, therefore make sure to assess your needs before going Smartphone shopping.

Windows Mobile Platform’s Benefits:

Seamless integration with Outlook. Synchronization of Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes and Media Player.
Significant quantity of 3rd party applications to complement your device. Palm still as largest selection, BlackBerry is currently 3rd.
Browse, edit and create Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. Requires Windows Mobile Professional Smartphone OS.
Familiar menus, icons and file management to Microsoft Windows XP or Vista OS.

Windows Mobile Platform’s Drawbacks:

Rapid battery drain, limited autonomy. Mainly due to applications always running in background.
High click ratio. Take a few more steps and clicks to get to applications versus a BlackBerry or Treo.
Memory management. Noticeable slowdown of the performance when running multiple applications.
Long response time from click to action. Depends on applications and memory resources being used.

Conclusion:

If you like the Windows environment and its navigation approach, you will feel comfortable with using a Windows Mobile Smartphone. The integration to the computer is fast and simple and connection to your files and Personal Information Management (PIM) is a breeze. There is a multitude of Smartphone models available on the market for all networks, being CDMA or GSM and there are lots more to come as this platform is growing in popularity.

Hope this quick overview will help you make the right choice!

In part 3 of this series on Smartphones we will be exploring the Palm-TREO Operating System. Stay tuned !

Thank you for your interest.

Yves Levesque

DCE Solutions Blog

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