Tech News - Most Recent 20

Turn your iPhone into a universal remote control

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:28:54 +0000

Stay in control no matter where you go with i-Got-Control. This piece of wonder combined with it's associated iTunes application turns your iPhone into a universal remote control. i-Got Control has a built-in worldwide IR database and learning capability. What you need to do it to plug in the IRB1 accessory, select the equipment and control it. It's that simple and no WiFi network, wires or batteries are needed at all. i-Got-Control has an intuitive user interface, providing both audible and visual feedback to the user. It also replaces the multiple remote controls that clutter your home. The i-Got-control device is available now for only US$69.95 and the required app is on the App Store now.

Source: Slashgear

Windows Phone 7 Series Marketplace showcased

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:47:51 +0000

Microsoft showcased the new Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 Series at the MIX10 developers conference recently. The new finger-friendly Marketplace will eventually replace the current Windows Marketplace for Mobile and is being billed as the perfect place for you to find whatever it is you're looking for be it a game, apps or even music for your phone. The new paranomic view that Windows Phone 7 Series is highlighting also makes it's way to the new Marketplace to enhance user experience. There are also recommended apps that makes it to the "feature items of the day". Developers have now added the option for you to try an app before you purchase it. You can also read reviews and view screenshots of the app you are interested it before committing to buy it. Does the new Marketplace do enough to tempt you?

Source: WMPoweruser

S2U2 updated to version 2.33 with proximity sensor support

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:42:39 +0000

Our all time a-la iPhone unlocking program Slide2Unlock2 recently got a major update to version 2.33 with a host of changes and fixes. Chief among the new features is support for proximity sensors (HTC HD2 and HTC Touch Pro2 has it). This is how it works - when the display is turned on when in lock mode, it will auto-unlock itself thanks to the proximity sensor. Similarly, if you lock the screen and put the device in your pocket or cover the sensor, the display will auto-shutoff. We've seen this before in other screen-locking utilities, so it's good to see the feature make its way to S2U2. The full changelog of version 2.33 is as follows:

Changed the "slide to dismiss/cancel" option to the right-hand-side of the slider so as to synchronize with the OS.
Added option to lock all message/notification/task preview when "Lock System Notification" is on.
Added option to auto snooze an active alarm when power off.
Added "slide to snooze" when an alarm/reminder is shown on the lock screen.
Added option to shuffle the password keypad.
Extended the "Lock on Talk" to lock the dialing screen if CallerID is enabled.
Added support to the proximity sensor of HD2/HTC Touch Pro2 (the auto lock/unlock will be temporarily disabled if there is a message prompt).
Added option to show current weather info if weather info is shown from Pocket Weather / TouchFLO 2D / TouchFLO 3D
Added option to cache each frame of a GIF wallpaper by device memory.
Added option to toggle the system volume ("slide to ringer/vibrate") when the slider is positioned at center.
Added option to change the sliding text size.
Added option to lock/unlock when the device is connected to a cradle.
Added option to not to lock the HTC long End key press.
Added a small music icon on the system bar to be shown if any one of the following music applications is running: (S2P, TouchFLO 2D/3D Music Player, Windows Media Player, MortPlayer, Pocket Music, Pocket Player & Nitrogen).
Some minor bugs fixed.

S2U2 fans, get ready to hit the download button now.

Source: XDA-Developers

Windows Phone 7 Series will not have File Manager

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:49:17 +0000

After Microsoft confirmed the lack of the feature in Windows Phone 7 Series, we have gotten hold of news that the newly minted OS will lack a file manager as well. Yes, you had not heard it wrong, the good ol' faithful File Explorer that allow users to handle file seamlessly from the start is now gone. Microsoft's Mobile Communications Business Senior Director Todd Brix has revealed to us that the company will enable a different methodology for file management on the next-generation mobile OS mainly to blend in seemlessly with the new user experience introduced with Windows Phone 7 Series. The file structure in the device is hidden from the end user, much like the iPhone and organization of files into relevant hubs. It looks very likely now that files will be automatically handled by the platform, from synchronizing the PC to arranging and managing the content and data on the device. Let's discuss what you think of this move?

Source: PocketNow

"Cut and Paste" feature dropped from Windows Phone 7 Series

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:56:27 +0000

At the MIX10 developers conference at Las Vegas, Microsoft has all but confirmed that the most basic cut and paste feature will be missing in the Windows Phone 7 Series. According to EngadgetMobile, "there is a data-detection service built into the text-handling API that will recognize phone numbers and addresses, but Microsoft says most users, including Office users, don't really need clipboard functionality". This eyebrow raising move is ironic considering that Window Mobile users has been enjoying this functionality since this OS is introduced. Most will definately question this move. Is the omission due to the fact that time is running out for Microsoft to launch Windows 7 Phone Series by the holiday season or they find this feature to be not consumer enough? What we can do now is to hope that Microsoft have a change of heart.

Source: Engadget

Get a taste of Android in your WinMo device

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:36:13 +0000

Do you want some Android flavour in your Windows Mobile device? Dark Ninja from XDA-Developers has successfully replicated the HTC Hero/Desire/Legend taskbar onto the Windows Mobile taskbar. Just download the CAB file found here and install it in your device and soft reset! Try it for a refreshing change.

Source: XDA-Developers

HTC Touch Pro3 set to disappoint?

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:20:07 +0000

LocDogg from XDA-Developers claimed to have dinner with the main distributor for HTC in Europe and provided us with some leaks on the upcoming HTC Touch Pro3. The HTC distributor mentioned that the HTC Touch Pro3 will be on sale in Europe during the 3rd quarter of the year which means it might sport the Windows Mobile 6.5.x OS instead of the coveted Windows Phone 7 Series. He further tempted us with the news that the Touch Pro3 will be much smaller and thinner then the previous 2 versions. Would he be referring to the HTC Tera, which is equipped with a QWERTY slider and a 3.0 inch WQVGA resistive screen? Given that Microsoft is basically sunsetting Windows Mobile, it is unlikely HTC will release any high end Windows Mobile handsets until the arrival of Windows Phone 7. The only hope is that it can be upgradable to the Windows Phone 7 OS.

Source: WMPoweruser

Get latest movies information and timing from Filmscope

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:27:51 +0000

sh2sg seemed to be creating widgets for fun and the next app to recommend from him is Filmscope. Filmscope shows the information of the movie you are watching (which cinema and timing) right to your Windows Phone. There is also an option to show the upcoming movies too. No more buying papers or logging into websites just to check the cinema and the timing of the movie you wanted to see. Just launch Filmscope and you will have the information you need right at your fingertips! This application is available at Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Note: Please note that Windows Mobile Widget requires Widget Engine that comes with the WM6.5 ROM.

Source: Mobinauts

Straits Times app for Windows Phone

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:52:10 +0000

For those who are envious that iPhone users can read news on Straits Times on their device doesn't need to feel that anymore. Local developer shank86 has developed an app for Windows Phone that can let you read the Straits Times news off your device too. This app is totally based on the upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series user interface. Features of the Straits Times app as follows:

Read all free articles
View pictures related to the article
Post it to your Facebook account
Post it to your Twitter account
Auto updates to latest version

The developer is also looking to bookmark news stories, have it view and read up to 7 days of back stories and include paid premium news which is for subscribers only at the next version. For those who read Straits Times frequently, download this app and read it on the move.

Source: Mobinauts

Windows 7 Phone Series device to have HVGA resolution

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:41:29 +0000

In an unexpected turn of events, the new Windows 7 Phone Series might operate in HVGA resolution (320x480) instead of the initial WVGA resolution (480x800) as thought. We all know that the initial batch of Microsoft next generation phone will be WVGA at launch but future updates will downgrade it to HVGA native resolution. Dedicated hardware will ensure image scaling across all those pixels without taxing the GPU. Game developers will have the option to develop a game of lower resolution (requiring less horsepower) and then upscale it while remaining compatible to a variety of screen resolutions. Shawn Hargreaves from Microsoft mentioned this in his blog:

"At launch, all phones will have a 480�800 (WVGA) display resolution, but we will add 320�480 (HVGA) in a future update. Of course you can detect the native resolution and program your game to adapt to this if you want, but the scaler allows games to pick just one resolution, always render at that fixed size, and still run correctly on phones with different native screen sizes. For bonus points, we automatically scale touch input to match your chosen resolution."

He goes on to say WP7s has a brand-new graphics stack "optimized from the ground up for mobile GPU hardware". Unfortunately this new stack does not include custom shaders, to the disappointment of many developers, but hopefully this can be added in the future.

Source: Engadget Mobile

GTX Sense 2.5 skin released

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:17:36 +0000

Clearly dissatisfied by how the current Sense UI looks, [ElCondor] from XDA-Developers has decided to revert HTC Sense 2.5 back to it's original looks. Hot from the oven, this theme is called GTX Sense 2.5 and it skins the entire Sense 2.5 interface with white trimmings to give it a clean and professional appeal. Currently, GTX Sense 2.5 works with 192X builds of Sense UI, and they are still working on the update that has support for 201X builds. Do take note this theme only works with VGA and WVGA devices. To check out the Manila version, click on Start, Settings, System, Device Information and select Software Information. You can check the Manila version from there. For those who are giving the Sense UI a facelift, this is what you are looking for.

Source: XDA-Developers

Startup animation removed for HTC Flashlight app for HTC HD2

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:30:53 +0000

For those who are using the HTC HD2, you might be familiar with the HTC Flashlight app. It's a great app but there is this only glitch when the app launches, it makes the handler watch an animated demo of the flashlight shifting through different modes which is annoying to most users. Now, NetRipper from XDA-Developers tweaked it slightly by removing this pointless animation. Download the zip file from here, extract it and then replace the .exe file with the original one. For those who wished to download this Flashlight app, click here. After installation, just replace the .exe file with the new one.

Source: XDA-Developers

Local widget: Available parking lots in major shopping centre in Singapore

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:50:32 +0000

Local developer afoongwl215 followed up with the success of his bus arrival widget by coming out with another widget that checks for available parking lots in major shopping centres at Orchard area, Harbourfront and Marina Centre. FreeParkingLots is a proxy service for onemotoring "Real-time Parking Lots Availability" service. All information on lot availability is provided by OneMotoring.

Note: Please note that Windows Mobile Widget requires Widget Engine that comes with the WM6.5 ROM.

Source: Mobinauts

Samsung unveils "Gesture Lock" feature on it's mobile devices

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:55:09 +0000

Samsung's new unlock feature "Gesture Lock" makes unlocking mobile devices a breeze. How "Gesture Lock" works is by unlocking the handset and open a user-designated menu by simply scribbling the corresponding letter on the touch screen. Each letter of the alphabet is linked to a specific menu on the phone and users can set the applications according to their preference. For example, if you need to bring the mail client on the screen, you draw the letter M (Mail), and the mail application will open. Up till now, this useful feature is implemented on two new Samsung full touchscreen mid-range phones � Samsung S5600 and Samsung S5230. "Gesture Lock" is set to feature in future Samsung mobile devices.

Source: MobileTechNews

Roadmate gives you the latest carpark rates, ERP rates, petrol prices and more

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:42:47 +0000

From the same developer that gives you the data usage widget, sh2sg has come out with another useful widget that lets you find the most updated carpark rates, ERP rates, petrol prices, bus stops and live traffic news in Singapore. This widget can be download from Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Just launch Marketplace and enter Roadmate at the search bar. There is also Roadmate Live which shows you real-time parking lots availability and live bus arrival timing at 4755 bus stops and live bus departure timing at 37 interchange at just a cost of $1.60. Please note that Windows Mobile Widget requires Widget Engine that comes with the WM6.5 ROM.

ArkSwitch - Another skinnable task manager

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Mention task managers and popular ones like WkTask and Showcase will come to one's mind. Now Arktronic from XDA-Developers tried his hands on Arkswitch, a WM6.5.3 task manager which supports skinning. Please note this application is designed specifically for WM6.5.3. For WM6.5 users, you will need to enable WM6.5 compatibility mode (under ArkSwitch settings), but it just wouldn't be the same without top bar integration. Just download the CAB file from here and soft reset your device. After the reboot, click the left half of the top bar (or other area if customized) to bring it up. ArkSwitch themes can be found here. Download ArkSwitch and give it a try!

Source: XDA-Developers

Change vibration pattern for incoming calls/SMS/emails

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:43:56 +0000

earthjumper from XDA-Developer has written a very useful application called Vibro that changes the vibration pattern for incoming calls, SMS and even emails. The user will have the option to set specific different vibration patterns for incoming phone calls, mails or SMS messages. The features of Vibro are as follows:

Separately config Phone, SMS and EMail
Vibration pattern set for phone, SMS and email separately
SMS and EMail vibration set in lengths in different
In what will be Profile Vibrates
Choose a Vibrator
Cab-File that install the Program

This app is recently updated to version 0.8 and is available for download here

Source: XDA-Developers

Acer Liquid to be available on Thursday

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:03:50 +0000

Acer Liquid, the first Android device from Acer, will be available in stores locally from Thursday. This is the first Android device that is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. This Android 1.6 device is equipped with a 3.5" WVGA screen and features a 5MP camera. It will be sold at a price of $788 (without contract). First 20 customers daily at the IT Show can grab it at a special price of $688.

Cross platform gaming possible for Windows Phone 7 Series

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:02:00 +0000

In a recent TechEd Middle East event, Microsoft's Eric Rudder demonstrated what we can expect from the upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series. He wow-ed the crowd with a demonstration on cross platform gaming in which he started playing a simple Indiana Jones game on the prototype WP7S device and then promptly resumed back on the XBox 360. This is just one of the many possibilities that can be done on a WP7S device. I am impressed! What about you?

Source: PocketNow

Swype for Android now officially in beta

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:16:52 +0000

Android users probably will be green with envy when they see Windows Mobile users Swyping away. Not anymore as Swype opened up a beta program for the Android platform. This is how you get Swype installed in your device:

Go here to register for the beta program.
The beta test is open to a limited number of people. (So sign up now.)
English and Spanish for now.
This version is limited, compared to what you get when Swype is built in to a phone.
HVGA and WGVA resolutions only.
Support is done via forums.
And if you already have Swype (like on a new T-Mobile Android Phone), don't download this one. It won't work.

What are you waiting for? Get ready to Swype on your device!

Source: Android Central