Zune HD - Marketplace at 23:17

I've just been watching the video demo of the new MS Zune HD.
The first thing to notice is simply how beautiful that OLED capacitive touch screen really is.
Next up is just how fluid the transition and scrolling is.
But most importantly of all is the fact that it hass the Marketplace application.

It was bound to happen considering that this has to be an iPod Touch Killer and without Marketplace that just couldnt happen.
This also gives more clues to when we will see WM6.5 phones hitting the stores.
We know that the HD will be released on Sept 5th and there is no way that MS would release the HD with access to Marketplace before WM6.5 Phones.

Windows Mobile 7 - A Work in Progress at 23:01

The UX Evangelist has been reading reumes this week and has happened upon Kim Sealls'.
From reading this he has decerned two pieces of information regarding Windows Mobile 7.
The 1st is that the UI is not yet ready and the 2nd is that it is being built on Silverlight.

According to freelance UI/UX designer Kim Sealls, the Windows Mobile 7 UI is still a work in progress. Her resume lists her as presently working for the Windows Mobile UX team creating, "designs for Windows Mobile 7 controls (UI still in progress)," and creating, "XAML layouts for controls and dialogs (Silverlight created in Expression Blend)." It sounds like things are right on course for the Windows Mobile 7 UI to be as drastic of a change as has been speculated, but what I'm wondering is if the UI will resemble anything close to the mock-ups we've seen time-and-time again.

First Windows Mobile 7 Phone goes to - LG ? at 18:39

If your an LG fan as well as a Windows Mobile fan, then your in luck
- and in more ways than one.

Firstly LG have agreed to work with Windows Mobile as their main OS and are planning to release 50! Windows Mobile phones by the end of 2012.

But a piece of news leaked from AT&T suggests that this has paid dividends for LG, in a shot which would suggest that LG will be releasing the first Windows Mobile 7 device.

The LG Monaco/Pico will be a 3.2" WVGA device with a 5 Megapixel camera and the anticipated Snap Dragon chip.
Oh yeah, and it will be running Windows Mobile 7!

AT&T have previously stated that it will be released in September, but as we're only expecting 6.5 by then, we should be waiting until at least early 2010 for this and the following Windows Mobile 7 devices.

You can read more on this over at Engadget Mobile.

Windows Mobile 7 Concept at 18:21

This one is definitely a concept shot, rather than a leaked screenshot, but I couldn’t resist posting this.

If this is even Windows Mobile 8 or 9, I’d be extremely happy. This has to be the best looking concept I have ever seen (even better the Nokia  eco sensor concept).

This is part of a new leaked WinMo7 roadmap over on UX Evangelist.

Marketplace Prohibited List Explained at 11:32

From WMExperts.com

When Microsoft first released the list of what'll get an app blocked from Windows Marketplace for Mobile, some of the reasons weren't entirely clear. Now, we're happy to say, a number of them have been answered.

Microsoft's Loke Uei spoke on the Winmo World podcast (which features the guys from wmpoweruser, Unwired View and pda.pl) and cleared up some of our questions.

• No VOIP apps using a carrier's data. (WiFi is just fine. But no Skype over 3G. Sorry, folks. Saw that one coming.) [The Carriers have made this stipulation]
• No apps with an OTA download of over 10MB. (That's for the initial app download. So, no 800MB Myst games. Once the app's on your phone, it can suck in as much data as you want. Er, so long as it's not VOIP.)
• No apps that change the default browser, search client, or media player on the device. (Admittedly, they need to define this a little better, but they're working on it, and apps like Opera, Skyfire, Kinoma and the like should be OK.) [It may be interpreted as 'Do not modify IE6's code]

There's also a lot of talk about fragmenting the Windows Mobile application ecosystem with these rules, which will keep a number of apps out of the Marketplace. Our take on that:

The Windows Mobile application ecosystem already is fragmented. Yes, there are software houses that sell their apps under one roof, and there are sites such as Handango (and the WMExperts Software Store) that sell a number of apps. But it's safe to say Microsoft will be bring a weight and legitimacy to to the process that has been lacking for the average consumer.

The Marketplace should help bring the ecosystem together. Will it reach the level of integration of Apple's App Store? Certainly not at first. And maybe not ever. (And that's not necessarily a bad thing.) But suffice to say the Marketplace is still one of the larger developements for Windows Mobile to come out of the past couple of years.

source: www.wmexperts.com

ZuneHD on Windows Embedded CE 7.0 at 11:22

zunehd2TeamXbox.com is claiming to have been sitting on some inside information for the last few months, with more details on the ZuneHD, described by them as a “digital entertainment handheld.”

Code-name xYz to symbolize its position between Xbox and Zune, the device is said to offer both gaming and media playback, as well as Internet-related services, all in a portable format. Apparently the device will be devoid of any business application or user interface (UI) that resembles a smartphone, featuring instead the NXE user interface.

“Although the Microsoft handheld is definitely a converged device, this is not a Zune Phone.” The source added: “Microsoft won’t compete with its Windows Mobile customers.”

The “xYz” is supposed to have a large WVGA touchscreen display and “hardware features not found on any handheld on the market.”

The device will integrate closely with Microsoft’s other services.

“This is a Live Anywhere device” “There will be a single online marketplace; the lines between the Zune, Xbox Live and Sky marketplaces will blur when the handheld launches.”

This will allow a user to buy a song, a movie or a TV show on your Xbox, play the content later on the handheld or the other way around or play an Xbox Live Arcade game either on your Xbox or in this handheld, based on your Gamertag. The device will also offer many Live Search services, such as Maps, News, Traffic and Video.

This suggests that the ZuneHD will run on the Windows Embedded CE 7.0 (Chelan).
This is not to say it will be using Windows Mobile 7 to run, simply the same foundation.
What this does mean is that features and applications which will be created for the ZuneHD should be compatible with Windows Mobile 7.

Windows Mobile 6.5 - When? at 10:26

We've been hearing a lot from Microsoft's Senior Project Manager Loke Uei Tan recently regarding Windows Mobile 6.5 and today he is defending Windows Mobile 6.5.

There has been a lot of criticism for 6.5 recently, mainly around how few upgrades it brings over 6.1.
But Loke is having none of it.
He wants people to see just how much has been achieved in the very short time that the project has been given.

"The reason why we couldn't complete the interface on Windows Mobile 6.5 is because of time. We only spend what, eight months, nine months, to build 6.5 from ground up and it's actually an amazing engineering feat. But, in order to do that, we had to do some prioritization and we had to cut certain features. Eventually, we will make sure that the UI capabilities are carried out throughout the whole platform."

In this 12 min video Dale Coffing and Chris DeHerrera also stand by Windows Mobile 6.5 demonstrating the UI improvements.
[remember it is only the UI which people are complaining about]

The WM Dev Team on Twitter have posted the following recently :

"For the record, Windows Mobile 6.5 is DONE... complete... looks really good IOHO and every bit functional. ping us if u want to know more."
"New product launch, that's all I'm allowed to say. Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre"

If 6.5 and the Marketplace are ready are we going to hear about the pre-installed first devices and upgrades in June???

Microsoft Official Facebook App - Officially Updated at 09:48

Microsoft's recently released Facebook App now has an update for those who were struggling to install it.
Windows Mobile's Joshua Partlow has this to say:

We’ve heard some users have been having problems with installation and a new copy of the app has been posted. This version should help anyone that was getting the “cannot install due to insufficient privileges” error and it should also help with some hanging errors.

The lastest install .cab can be downloaded direct from here.

Source

Microsoft Official Facebook App at 09:45

New from Windows Mobile: a Facebook application for your phone! Download the new Facebook application for Windows Mobile and:

• Send messages to any of the people in your Friends list.
• Take pictures and videos on your phone, then upload them right to Facebook.
• Send messages or call people in your Friends list.
• Manage your profile and post anytime, anywhere.

Keep up with the latest news and posts with Facebook on your phone. Now your status updates can be up-to-the moment accounts of what you’re doing. Photos and videos are about as close to live-action as you can get. Show your friends what you’re up to, while you’re out and about.

Connecting and sharing on Facebook just got a lot livelier!

Source and download location

Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard? at 14:16

This little piece of information from the Marketplace Application Standard Guidelines skipped past me:

"It is highly recommended that applications should have the ability to run on two or more Windows Mobile 6.5 device platforms, for example, multiple Standard and/or Professional devices. Writing to multiple Windows Mobile devices helps extend the market opportunity for developers and gives end-users greater choice when making purchase decisions concerning both applications and Windows Mobile devices. This requirement is waived for ruggedized devices, which also referred to as Vertical market devices."

It would suggest that we can expect Standard versions of Windows Mobile 6.5.
Although, we are yet to see any evidence of a Standard ROM.

HTC have just released the Snap, yet we haven't heard anything regarding an update for this device - as we have with the Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2.
This may simply mean that Microsoft don't have a Standard version ready for testing, rather than a lack in intent to produce one.


With Windows 7 already rapidly in progress and the price of touch screens falling, it may be make more sense for both MS and the Phone makers to drop the non touch screen versions.

Marketplace App Submission Guidlines at 03:43

Microsoft have just released the Application Submission Guidlines.pdf for the soon to be opened Marketplace for Mobile here).

I have just read through the 14 key requirements and this all seems to be very stuff.
It stipulates the how the application should work, what it can do and what it can't do.
And it justifies each requirement quite reasonably.

They have also released the Marketplace Prohibited Application Types .pdf (here) and this has caused a bit of an uproar with certain sites.
It lists 12 rules which an app must adhere to and includes:

• Applications that are or distribute alternate marketplaces for content types (applications, games, themes etc.) that are sold or otherwise distributed through Windows® Marketplace for Mobile.
• Applications that enable VoIP (Voice over IP) services over a mobile operator network.
• Applications that replace, remove or modify the default dialer, SMS, or MMS interface.
• Applications that change the default browser, search client, or media player on the device.

Most of the rules follow similar lines; don't point to other download sites, don't cause too much network traffic, don't replace the core components of Windows Mobile.

The biggest controversy seems to be around the 'replacement' of SMS and the the browser.
Although, the replacement/changing may still allow parallel apps which duplicate the SMS/Browser apps.
The guidlines.pdf gives advise on sharing the default PIM store and we already have Opera, which MS allow.

Marketplace will allow far more apps than the AppStore would.
Most of this seems to down to interpretation.

Once it is open (officially) and we begin to see what is denied, we should have a far greater idea of what is and isn't allowed.

Mobile Marketplace on Verge of Release at 03:12

MrHawii over at PPCGeeks, running a cooked WM6.5 Rom, checked his MarketPlace icon the other day and rather than seeing the standard "Coming Soon" page, he found a new message "CAB Needed".
Clicking on this he has download the actual MarketPlace application and has been able to access, browse and download a few [free] apps.

If you are like me, than you have been playing with WinMo 6.5 beta roms and have seen the Marketplace Icon. I have opened it numerous times and never paid attention to it because it always said "Coming Soon" or something of the sorts. Today I clicked on it and it said CAB needed to be installed. After install, voila! Marketplace open for business. I already downloaded Pandora successfully. There are not too many fun apps yet and most of them come with a charge. But the layout of the store was very finger friendly and very snappy.

This was also experienced by a few other of the PPCGeeks Forum guys.
Whether this was a mistake, or a test, the "Coming Soon" page is back and the CAB is no longer offered.

Screenshots below :

Windows Mobile 6.5 Supports Upto 16Gb at 17:10

Microsoft's Loke Uei has given us a little piece of info about the forth coming Windows Mobile 6.5 – “The new Windows Mobile 6.5 will not support external cards any larger than Windows Mobile 6.1 can.” This is a suprise to me.

Where as the mobile designed MicroSD cards are currently only available at 16Gb, Sandisk are about to release a 32Gb standard SD card. This can only mean that MicroSD will be available in matching capacity.

Perhaps WM7 is expected to arrive before 32Gb cards are?!?

Microsoft Accepting Mobile Developers at 16:50

The below is from Microsoft’s developer site :

Distribute Applications on Windows Marketplace

Go global! We’ll make it easy.

Windows® Marketplace for Mobile makes it easy to manage and distribute your applications, and will directly connect you with millions of Windows Mobile users worldwide.

Key Features

Achieve global distribution

Marketplace will be pre-installed in every single Windows Mobile 6.5 device allowing you to reach a broad audience.

Leverage familiar tools

Use Microsoft development tools like Visual Studio for faster time to Marketplace!

Manage applications easily

Use our web-based developer portal for sign-up, submission of apps, support, reporting and more!

Increase revenue potential

Grow your business profitably by connecting directly with millions of Windows Mobile users that are looking for your applications.

For more information, view the Marketplace FAQ.

How Do You Use Your Smartphone? at 14:57

A report which probably wont surprise many has found that 59% of Windows Phone and RIM owners use their devices primarily for business purposes compared with just 26% of iPhone owners.
(based on research by Compete of 600 smartphone users)

This is no surprise to me as the iPhone, although becoming business ready, is primarily aimed at the general consumer and not the enterprise market.
But what it also shows is that a majority of the 1Billion downloads of the 33K apps will be for fun.

The AppStore is only now getting productivity applications which form the mainstay of the Windows Mobile and RIM market.
So we may see this shift slightly over the year and they become more useful as a business device.


How about you?
Do you use your smartphone more for work or fun?

Mobile Firefox Will Support Geolocation at 14:20

Courtesy of WM Experts :

Firefox will use Google Location Service and while it won't require an add-on to make it functional, it will ask your permission before giving your location to a Web site. (If you've ever used an iPhone or iPod Touch, you're used to this. But in Firefox's case, permission will be asked in a drop-down dialog box as seen above, and not in an obtrusive modal box.)

Triangulation will take place using GPS, WiFi, cell tower or manual entry, and geolocation also will be included in the upcoming Firefox 3.5 desktop browser.

From Mozilla's Doug Turner:

We are happy to announce that Firefox 3.5 and Fennec will be using Google Location Service. We found that we agreed on the many privacy concerns around location. Do check out Mozilla’s privacy policy and Google’s privacy policy. I am pretty excited about these policies I think they are going to be the industry standard when it comes to network based geolocation providers.

Doug does an excellent job of explaining the technical details of it all, including privacy concerns, on his blog, and Google's got more tech specs on its end.

And speaking of Firefox/Fennec, there's a new alpha nightly build available (HTC Touch Pro only, folks) that can now render pages, say some testers. Give it a shot, but be sure to back up your phone first. Update: As for the future of the Firefox mobile browser? Here's what Mozilla just gave us:

"We are on track for shipping an alpha in the near future and a beta sometime this summer, and are working toward a general release later this year. As with all our releases at Mozilla, we'll stick to our 'ship it when its ready' policy."

Windows 6.5 App : TellMe at 12:14

In a Press Release on Wednesday, TellMe, a subsidiary of MS, have announced that they will be releasing their Voice Command app for Windows Mobile 6.5.

TellMe will be far more user friendly than other voice command apps around at the moment.
It will integrate more components, including texting, dialing, searching via Live Search.
It is designed to be activated by a button and will know which app to run depending on your command.
Saying 'text' will open a text message and write your dictation.
Saying 'call' and a persons name will access your contacts list.
Live Search will also accept common phrase questions such as 'weather in San Francisco, California", "Pizza in Kansas City" or "mother's day gift ideas".

"In a recent study conducted by Sanderson Studios, more than 70 percent of respondents said that voice is superior to keypad or touch-based methods to perform some of the most popular mobile tasks. This includes looking up a business listing or location (78 percent), sending a text message (72 percent), placing a call (79 percent), getting information such as movies, weather, traffic or sports (77 percent) and getting directions (81 percent)."

The Sprint Instinct already has voice control Live Search (from TellMe) and they are seeing that 3 out of every 4 searches are being initiated by voice.

TellMe is already on the Blackberry, the Sprint Instinct and in Ford's new Sync System which also makes for safer searching while driving.

TellMe will be available for free on Windows Mobile 6.5 phones. Initially available in Mobile Marketplace, Tellme will also make the service available for free to mobile operators and carriers to embed 'on-device' for a voice experience right out of the box.

Microsoft Pink - What this really means at 11:09

The Wall Street Journal posted, on Wednesday, a report that Microsoft is working with Verizon on the 'Pink' project.
Many believed that this was proof of the fabled Zune Mobile and that this was going to be a real iPhone alternative from MS to fight back aginst the Apple invasion.
Microsoft came back the very next day with a to say "No Zune phone, no Microsoft phone, no way, no how, get over it."

But this this is only half of a denial.
Yes, they have denied the Zune Phone, which is something that they have kept to for years now, but they havent said that they are not working on the Pink Project with Verizon.

We know that the Zune Phone is out of the question.
We have all seen the pictures of the Zune HD.
We know that the Zune HD will have some Windows Mobile 7 features.
We know that it will be a touch screen multi-media device.
We know that the Pick project is a 'touch-screen multimedia device with cellphone capabilities'.

Put these 5 facts together and you get an iPod Touch Killer !
A touch-screen multimedia Zune,
based on WM7,
with a data connection over an cellphone network.

That connection would give you Internet Access and access to the Marketplace in the same way the iPod Touch uses Safari and the AppStore.

If the Zune HD has a greater storage capacity than the iPod Touch and is finally pushed out to the rest of the World, we could see MS over taking Apple in the mp3 player world.
MS already produce a higher quality sound on its devices, what reason would be left to use an iPod?