A while ago we posted a news story concerning pearl white Samsung Omnias being launched to market. Well, recently we got some feedback from a reader saying that he has purchased a pearl white Samsung Omnia and has noticed a very strange defect – when the battery of the phone heats up even slightly, the back battery cover turns black – “as if the color is coming away.”

Has any one else experienced this? Please, tell us all about it!

The Samsung Omnia’s biggest selling point is its touch screen – it’s huge, very responsive, and looks very sharp. Also worth noting are its 8GB internal memory (expandable to 24GB with a 16GB microSD card!), great battery life, GPS built right in, and a 5MP auto-focus camera (with LED flash).

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Mitchell Oke of GadgetZone had this to say about the Omnia:

The Omnia has a beautiful 3.2 inch 240×400 display that dominates the front of the device. It isn’t quite as high-res as some of its competitors, but it looks great and is extremely responsive. The biggest problem with some of these touch screen handsets is that the display isn’t sensitive enough to a finger press. Fortunately the Omnia passes with flying colours.

In fact, Samsung are so adamant that you won’t need a stylus that there isn’t a slot for one! Some may see this as a nuisance, but in a week of use without it we can safely say that the stylus can stay in the box.

That’s a glowing recommendation if we’ve ever heard one!

Sadly the Samsung Omnia still uses proprietary connectors for power, syncing, and audio. But so many phones still do that we can’t be that disappointed. Someday, my friends. Someday phone manufacturers will light up our lives with 3.5 mm headphone jacks…

Have an Omnia? Be sure to let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

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There’s almost nothing I can say about this “luxury” phone that you won’t already be thinking when you hear it’s description.

Gresso’s Avantgarde Skeleton is a “skeleton” phone… and what does that mean? Well, you can see it’s circuitry through the back of the phone. And for $5000 each, what else could this phone possibly offer?

Gresso allows no compromises between luxury and functionality. This model Royal White Diamonds is destinated for those who have achieved everything and are accustomed to make great demands of life. The gadget is provided with Windows Mobile 6 Standard, 2 Gb memory, SMS/MMS/e-mail, Internet explorer, Outlook, WAP 2.0, GPRS, Bluetooth, USB-port, mini-USB, PC Synchronization, voice recorder, MP3-player, 2 MP camera.

If you find yourself making great demands of life, you should definitely have one of these. Hurry, though, they’ve only made 15 of them.

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Gresso Avantgarde Skeleton. The only one…
Gresso Company is proud to introduce a true breakthrough collection – Avantgarde Skeleton. Gresso Skeleton is a great innovation in mobile phone design, made in a limited edition of just 15 pieces.
For the new model Gresso drew inspiration from complicated Swiss Skeleton watches, which allow to view the complete movement of the piece in all its perfection. Similarly to that of Skeleton watches the back panel of the new model is executed of hand-polished sapphire crystal of 42K.
In creating the Avantgarde Skeleton, Gresso employed the outstanding traditions of watchmaking and jewelry art, as well as achievements of aero-space technologies.

The case of the phone is executed of special titanium alloy which has been used originally in space industry only. Titanium is known as a metal, which combines hardness and immutability with extreme
lightness. It has the virtues of being hypo-allergenic and resistant to temperature and corrosion, but it requires a very much more complex specialist surface finishing process.

The unique feature of Gresso Avantgarde Skeleton is the scratch-proof high-tech ceramic coverage.
This is the material of which the high temperature protection on spaceships is made. Ceramics’
solidity is second to that of diamond only.

23 functional keys and the triangle on the front panel are executed of aircraft steel. The sapphire glass on the back panel is decorated with the Gresso logo covered with 10 micron gold. Roman numerals on the keyboard are an innovation by Gresso. Another invention patented by the
company is the magnetic lock of the battery cover. The cover is executed of stainless steel and decorated with genuine leather. Name of the collection and individual serial number are laser-engraved on the metal plate under the battery cover.

Gresso allows no compromises between luxury and functionality. This model Royal White Diamonds is destinated for those who have achieved everything and are accustomed to make great demands of life. The gadget is provided with Windows Mobile 6 Standard, 2 Gb memory, SMS/MMS/e-mail, Internet
explorer, Outlook, WAP 2.0, GPRS, Bluetooth, USB-port, mini-USB, PC Synchronization, voice recorder, MP3-player, 2 MP camera.

The collection will be available on the on the 19th of December. Price is 5000 USD.

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There’s a strange story coming out of the British mobile scene about Orange UK’s sales people talking their customers out of upgrading to the HTC Touch HD of which they have obtained exclusive rights to in the British market.

Apparently there have been a slew of returns and complaints about this exclusive phone. A source over at msmobiles says:

Just tried to upgrade to the Touch HD and had the operator telling me about the high rate of returns. Apparently poor battery life, and that horrendous camera are putting people off them. The operator tried her hardest to put me off until I pointed out just how many Windows Mobile powered phones I have had (Windows Mobile 2002 and on). So not just returns but actively trying to encourage customers to not buy the orange UK exclusive.

Anyone here experiencing any problems?
What has Orange UK done to this phone? Or is the device flawed right from the gate?

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First user manuals and full spec sheets, now official press releases – Verizon Wireless‘ Samsung Omnia is getting a lot of time in the spotlight this week!

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and DALLAS — Just in time for the holidays, Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1 announced the Samsung Omnia™ will be available for order online at www.verizonwireless.com and in business sales channels beginning Nov. 26. The Samsung Omnia’s advanced touch screen, customizable user interface and Windows Mobile 6.1 capabilities are powered by the nation’s most reliable wireless network ensuring that customers can browse the Web and access their e-mails quickly and reliably. It will be available through all sales channels including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Dec. 8.
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The Samsung Omnia is an all-in-one smartphone with state-of-the-art features, including Samsung’s innovative TouchWiz™ user interface which has specially designed widgets to customize and personalize the way customers use the phone. These bright and colorful icons provide a one-touch access point to customers’ favorite and most commonly used applications and features. The Samsung Omnia also features a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast text messaging, mobile IM and e-mail messages. The haptic feedback on the touch screen provides subtle vibrations to confirm selections; and an optical mouse provides easy navigation with the swipe of a finger. The Samsung Omnia supports Opera 9.5 Mobile Browser for a smooth Web browsing experience.

With Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, customers have access to a powerful personal computing experience in a slim, compact device. Microsoft Outlook Mobile keeps customers connected to e-mail, schedules and contacts; and Office Mobile enhances productivity with the ability to manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents – all while on-the-go.

The Samsung Omnia is enhanced by a high-quality 5.0 megapixel camera with digital zoom and power LED flash, camcorder, stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology and Wi-Fi technology that helps customers capture special moments and stay connected to friends and family anytime, anywhere.

Key features and capabilities of the Samsung Omnia from Verizon Wireless include:

* Full HTML Web browser with touch navigation
* Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
o Access to multiple e-mail accounts with Microsoft Direct Push for corporate users
o Over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendars and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server
o Supports Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 that provides customers with software distribution capabilities and security-enhanced access to company data while they are away from the office
* Access to VZAppZone – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers and more
* Playback of MP3 files
* VZ Navigator(SM) capability – get visual and audible directions to thousands of destinations, locate businesses and other points of interest, get maps of a location and share directions with others
* Text, picture and video messaging
* Mobile IM using AIM®, MSN®, Yahoo!®
* Bluetooth profiles supported: headset – mono and stereo, hands-free (car kits), object push for vCard, basic imaging and phonebook access profiles
* 5.0 megapixel camera and camcorder with flash and zoom
o Face Detection – centers on a face when taking a picture
o Panorama, split shot and anti-shake camera settings
o SmileShot – enables the camera to detect when a person is smiling and automatically takes a picture when in the SmileShot mode
* Wi-Fi technology (802.11 b/g)
* Support for Divx and Xvid movie files
* Personal organizer with calculator, calendar, alarm clock, world clock, stop watch and notepad
* Dimensions: 4.41” (l) x 2.24” (w) x 0.52” (d) with standard battery
* Weight: approximately 4.34 ounces
* Display: 3.2” display
* Usage time: up to 346 minutes with standard battery or
* Standby time: up to 464 hours with standard battery (subject to environmental and other factors)

Verizon Wireless has priced the Samsung Omnia for $249.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, customers can visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers should call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.

Remember the Motorola Atila? Motorola’s proposed answer to the iPhone 3G? Well, now that all the buzz has died down (as is the way with so many devices these days), new spy shots have been released as a reminder that this device will actually be coming out… someday.

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Tri-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850MHz/1900MHz/2100MHz)
• 7.2Mbps HSDPA, 1.8Mbps HSUPA
• 1130mAh battery
• 2.8? QVGA 240 x 320 screen
• WiFi

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In case you’ve forgotten (I dare you to tell me you’re from Russia but have forgotten!), the HTC Max 4G will be available for the Russian WiMAX network “Scartel” (Yota) on November 26th it’ll be the worlds first ever integrated GSM / WiMAX handset. The network will enable a rich multimedia experience and a high quality telephone connection. It’s currently sitting on the HTC website just waiting its turn.

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Press Release:

SCARTEL AND HTC LAUNCH WORLD’S FIRST INTEGRATED GSM/WIMAX HANDSET

Designed and Optimized for the Russian market, HTC MAXTM 4G Will Be Available in Russia on November 26th

Scartel (brand Yota), Russian provider of Mobile WiMAX, and HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design, today announced the HTC MAX 4G, the world’s first integrated GSM/WiMAX handset. Supported by a broad range of services based on Yota’s Mobile WiMAX network, the HTC MAX 4G delivers a rich multimedia and high quality telephony experience in a sleek and powerful touch screen handset.

“Yota was established to provide a unique set of mobile communication services to millions of people in Russia and today we have launched the first device and services to realise its full potential,” said Denis Sverdlov, General Director of Yota’s parent company, Scartel LLC (brand Yota). “We really believe that these innovative services, high-speed Internet and stylish HTC MAX 4G will completely change the communications industry, just as the introduction of cellular communications did many years ago.”

HTC MAX 4G: A New World of Entertainment

The Yota Mobile WiMAX network offers high-speed wireless Internet access that opens a new realm of entertainment and communication possibilities. The basic Yota Home package will provide subscribers with instant access to online games, maps, messaging and file exchange applications while on the move. In addition, the high-capacity Mobile WiMAX network with traffic prioritisation algorithms, allows online films, video and TV programmes to be viewed on the large WVGA screen.

Thanks to mobile WiMAX, high-quality multimedia entertainment is no longer limited. With Yota Video, a full video on demand (VOD) service, users can watch their favourite movies and videos from their personal Yota catalogue anytime, anywhere.

Broadcasting 14 free channels at launch and 23 channels by the end of 2008, Yota TV introduces a powerful mobile television experience. The vibrant, 3.8 inch 800×480 screen of the HTC MAX 4G can display up to nine TV channels simultaneously, allowing quick and easy channel surfing and programme selection. Thanks to the device’s TV-out capability, users can also watch content on the big screen, putting the HTC MAX 4G at the very heart of the mobile entertainment experience.

For music-lovers, Yota Music offers an extensive online music catalogue of more than 50,000 titles, including a wide range of music from both international and independent music labels. Users can choose to either play the tracks direct from the online catalogue, or download them to the HTC MAX 4G’s 8GB of onboard flash memory.

In addition, a separate catalogue of electronic books is available, so users can download, read and enjoy a broad range of books while on the move.

”The introduction of the HTC MAX 4G represents the culmination of a close partnership between HTC and Yota to develop the world’s first integrated mobile GSM/WIMAX handset,” said Peter Chou, CEO and President, HTC Corporation. “Russia is a key strategic market for HTC and Yota’s Mobile WiMAX network sets a new global benchmark for next-generation mobile services.”

HTC MAX 4G: Flexible Communication

The HTC MAX 4G supports GSM calls using a SIM card from any Russian network operator and when both callers are Yota subscribers, the call will automatically be routed as a VoIP call over the Yota Mobile WiMAX network. The Yota Phone service also supports more business applications, allowing users to switch between English and Russian contact records while providing functionality such as call holding, conference calling and video calling using the VGA camera on the front of the device.

HTC MAX 4G: Unparalleled Performance With Intuitive Usability

The HTC MAX 4G was created to take full advantage of Yota’s high-speed Mobile WiMAX network without compromising style or ease of use. The device is sleek and elegant and includes a vibrant, large 3.8 inch, 800×480 WVGA touch screen display. Running Windows Mobile 6.1, the HTC MAX 4G incorporates HTC’s proprietary Touch FLO 3D user interface, allowing swift and intuitive navigation to key applications such as dialling calls, listening to music, taking picture and more.

Introduction of Yota Yap-yap

HTC MAX 4G users can now record their lives through a lens thanks to Yota’s Yap-yap service. This allows contacts to be synchronised and edited through the Web and video clips and photos can also be uploaded to www.yota.ru. Images taken with the integrated 5MP camera can also be geo-tagged using coordinates from the integrated GPS.

Key HTC MAX 4G specifications:

* Processor: Qualcomm® ESM7206A™ 528 MHz
* Platform: Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
* Memory: ROM: 256MB / RAM: 288MB / Flash: 8 GB
* Dimensions: 113.5mm X 63.1mm X 13.9mm
* Weight: 151 grams (with battery)
* Display: 3.8-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 480 x 800 WVGA resolution
* Network:
o Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:900/1800/1900 MHz
o Yota Mobile WiMAX 2,5-2.7 GHz
* Device Control: TouchFLO™ 3D
* GPS: Inbuilt GPS
* Connections:
o VoIP
o Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g
o Bluetooth® 2.0 with EDR
o HTC ExtUSB™
* Main camera: High-resolution with autofocus
* Second: VGA-camera
* Additional:
o Motion G-sensor (automatically rotating picture)
o Proximity sensor (saving energy while talking due to the switching the display off)
o FM-radio
* Audio: Ring tone formats:
o AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV
o 40 polyphonic and standard MIDI format 0 and 1 (SMF)/SP MIDI
* Battery: Li-Pol, 1500 mAh
* Talk time:
o GSM: up to 420 minutes
o VoIP: up to 230 minutes
* Standby time:
o GSM: up to 350 hours
o VoIP: up to 50 hours
* AC Adapter: Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
* DC output: 5V and 1A

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Configuring your device involves making some one-time settings that personalize the device for your use. It’s super easy! Check out this in-depth how-to on setting up, configuring, and personalizing your Windows Mobile handset and get started now!

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Set the date and time

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Clock & Alarms.
• On the Time tab, select the correct time zone and set the date and time.

Note: During synchronization, the time on your device is updated with the time on your computer.

Set up language and regional settings

Regional settings specify the style in which numbers, currency, dates, and times are displayed.

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Regional Settings.
• On the Region tab, select your language and region.
• To change other settings, tap a tab and make the changes you want.
• Tap OK.

Specify the sound for an event

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Sounds & Notifications.
• On the Sounds tab, select the check box for each type of item for which you want to enable a sound.
• Tap the up arrow, and then tap Show Options.
• On the Notifications tab, in Event, tap an event name and select how you want to be notified by selecting the appropriate check boxes.

You can select several options, such as a special sound, a message, a flashing light, or a vibration.

Quick Tip: Turning off sounds and the flashing light helps to conserve battery power.

Select a background image for the Today screen

You can add a favorite picture or other image to your device and use it as a background image for your Today screen display. Be aware that background pictures can make it harder to read text on the Today screen.

• Tap Start > Settings > Personal tab > Today.
• Select the Use this picture as the background check box and tap Browse to view a list of your picture files.
• In Folder, select the folder that contains the picture you want to use.
• In Type, select the file type of the picture.
• Tap the file name of the picture you want to use.
• Tap OK.

Quick Tips:

• To revert to the default background, tap Start > Settings > Today. Under Select a theme for your device, tap Windows Default. Clear the Use this picture as the background check box, and then tap OK.
• When you use the camera to take a picture, you can tap Menu > Set as Today Background. When you do this, you can select the degree of transparency you want when the picture is used as a background image.
• Tap the up arrow, and then tap Go to Slide.

Change the size of text on the screen

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Screen > Text Size tab.
• Move the slider to increase or decrease the text size.
• Tap OK.

Security and personal information

You can make your device more secure by enabling the device lock and configuring it with a SIM PIN.

• The device lock can improve the security of your device and information by locking your device after it is unused for a specified time. You unlock the device by entering your password.
• The SIM PIN helps protect information that is stored on your SIM card. After it is set up, you must enter the SIM PIN every time that you turn on the device.

Quick Tips: There are several ways to better protect the information that you store on your device.

• You can encrypt files as they are added to an optional storage card so that the files can only be read on your device.
• You can encrypt some of your outgoing e-mail to restrict access and prevent forwarding, copying, or printing of sensitive information (for Outlook e-mail using an Exchange Server only).
• You can use digital signatures to improve the security of outgoing e-mail (for Outlook e-mail using an Exchange Server only).

Add owner information

You can enter personal information on your device. This includes your name, phone number, e-mail address, and notes. This information might help someone return your device to you if you lose it.

• Tap Start > Settings > Personal tab > Owner Information.
• On the Identification tab, enter your personal information.
• Tap OK.

Quick Tip: If owner information is displayed on the Today screen, you can open and edit the information directly from the Today screen. Just tap that section of the screen.

Set up the device lock

You can help keep data more secure by requiring a password every time that the device is turned on.

• Tap Start > Settings > Personal tab > Lock.

If there is an existing device lock and you want to change it, enter the device lock password and then tap Unlock.

• Select the Prompt if device unused for check box, and in the box to the right side select how long your device must be unused before a password is required. If your administrator has set a minimum period of time, you can set a shorter time interval but not a longer one.
• In the Password type box, select the type of password you want to use. Enter the password and, if it is necessary, confirm the password.

o Simple PIN indicates a password and uses only the numbers 0 – 9.
o Strong alphanumeric indicates passwords that use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols such as punctuation marks.

• On the Hint tab, enter a phrase that will help you remember your password, but that does not allow other people to guess your password.

The hint will be displayed after the wrong password is entered four times.

• Tap OK.

The next time that the device is turned on, you will be prompted to enter your password.

Quick Tips:

• If your device is configured to connect to a network, use a strong alphanumeric password to help protect network security.
• To make sure that you can always make emergency calls, do not begin your password with the digits of the local emergency services phone number.
• Every time that a wrong password is entered, the time that the device takes to respond will be longer and longer until the device appears not to be responding. Contact your service provider if you are locked out of your device.

Enable or disable a PIN for your SIM card

You can prevent other people from using your device by enabling a personal identification number (PIN) for its Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

If you enable a SIM PIN, you must enter the PIN every time that you turn on your device.

• Tap Start > Settings > Phone.
• Tap the Phone tab.
• Under Security, tap the Require PIN when phone is used check box.
• On the phone keypad, enter the PIN, and then tap Enter.

If this is the first time that you are entering a SIM PIN, enter the default PIN, which may be 1234. If this PIN does not work, you can obtain the PIN from the wireless service provider that sold the device.
The message “PIN enabled” appears on the screen, and the device returns to the Phone tab.

• Tap OK.

Quick Tip: To disable a PIN for your SIM card, repeat steps 1 to 5. After step 4, you will see the message “PIN disabled” on the screen.

Change the PIN for your SIM card

You can make it more difficult for unauthorized persons to make calls on your device by changing the SIM PIN regularly. Before you can change the SIM PIN, make sure that it is enabled.

• Tap Start > Settings > Phone.
• Tap the Phone tab.
• Under Security, tap Change PIN.
• On the phone keypad, enter the old SIM PIN, and then tap Enter.
• Enter the new SIM PIN, and then tap Enter.
• Enter the new SIM PIN again, and then tap Enter.

If this is the first time that you are setting a SIM PIN, a message will tell you that you must select the Require PIN when phone is used check box on the Phone tab before you can set the PIN. To return to the Phone tab, tap Cancel.

• Tap OK.

View system information

You may need to retrieve system information when troubleshooting your device or when you add or update software. You can view the following information:

1. Operating system
2. Version information
3. Copyright
4. Available storage and memory
5. Processor
6. ROM update versions

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > About. (Your device may use Device Information instead of About.)
• Tap any tab to view the information on that tab.

Turn on the key lock

When you are in a hurry, you can quickly set the key lock. Key lock prevents accidental input by pressing keys when you did not mean to (such as when the device is in a pocket), but does not require a password to unlock.

• On the Today screen, tap Device unlocked.

Quick Tip: To unlock the key lock, on the Today screen, tap Unlock. Tap Unlock again or press the * key.

Battery management

Correct maintenance and power management will maximize the life of the battery.

Make the battery last longer

You can do several things to make the battery in your device last longer:

• Adjust power-management settings to decrease screen brightness and also how long the backlight and screen displays stay on.
• Synchronize your device with your computer less frequently (for example, once every hour or two, instead of once every five minutes).
• Turn off Bluetooth (if available on your device).

Change power-management settings

You can use the Power screen to check the battery’s remaining power and to adjust settings that extend battery life. For example, setting brief backlight and display time outs will extend battery life.

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Power.
• Tap the Advanced tab.
• Select the check box for each condition where you want the device to turn off automatically. Then select the time interval.

Manage folders and programs

Understanding how to manage folders and programs will enable you to take advantage of the many capabilities of your device.

Explore files and folders

You can browse the contents of folders on your device. The highest-level folder is named My Device and resembles the My Computer folder on a computer. The My Device folder contains the My Documents, Program Files, Temp, and Windows folders, among others.

• Tap Start > Programs > File Explorer..
• Tap the folder list (labeled My Documents by default) and tap the folder that you want to explore.

To find the folder that you want, you may have to tap a folder from the folder list, or one listed in the main window.

Do any of the following:
o To open an item, tap it.
o To select multiple items, tap and drag.
o To cut, copy, rename, delete, beam, or send an item as an e-mail attachment quickly, tap and hold the item, and then tap a command.

Quick Tip: The contents of a folder can be sorted by name, date, size, or type by tapping the Sort By list. The default is to sort by name.

Create a new folder

You can create new folders in My Files to help organize the files on your device.

• Tap Start > Programs > File Explorer.
• Tap the folder in which you want to create the sub-folder.

If necessary, tap Up to view more folders.

• Tap Menu > New Folder.
• Enter a name for the folder, and then press ENTER. The new folder will be created.

Move files between folders

You can move files between folders to help organize your content. If necessary, you can create new folders in My Documents.

Tap Start > Programs > File Explorer.
Tap the folder that contains the file that you want to move.

If necessary, tap Up to view more folders.

• Scroll to the file.
• Tap Menu > Edit, and then tap Cut or Copy.
• Navigate to the folder to which you want to move the file, and tap it.
• Tap Menu > Edit > Paste. The file will be moved or copied.
• Tap Up to return to the folder list.

Locate downloaded files

There are many ways to download different types of files to your device. Where your device stores downloaded files depends on the type of file and the method used to download it. Here are some common download scenarios to help you locate downloaded files on your device.

ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) – If you use the ActiveSync or WMDC programs to move a program or file manually from your computer to your device, you will determine the location of that program or file. Usually this will be in one of the folders in the My Device folder. Be aware that a downloaded program may be moved by the device after it is installed (see “Locating program downloads” in this topic).

Note: ActiveSync on your device works with WMDC on computers with Windows Vista, and with ActiveSync on computers with Windows XP.

• Locating media downloads – When You Download music, ring tones, or videos from a Web site, the files will be added automatically to the appropriate folder. For example, ring tones will be added to the My Ringtones folder.
• Locating program downloads – Program files behave differently than media files because they must be installed after they have been downloaded. When a program is installed, it will be stored by the device in an appropriate location. For example, a game will be installed in the Games folder.

Overview of adding a program to your device

You can add a program to your device by:

• navigating on your computer to the Web page that has the program and downloading it directly to your device through the USB cable; or
• downloading the program to your computer and then moving it to your device by using ActiveSync or WMDC; or
• navigating to the Web page on your device and then downloading the program.

Most Web pages will automatically install the program on your device if it is connected during the download. Your device will store the program in the appropriate location; for example, games will be added to the Games folder.

Note: ActiveSync on your device works with WMDC on computers with Windows Vista, and with ActiveSync on computers with Windows XP.

Quick Tip: Many Web sites indicate the type of mobile device a program can be used on. For your device, download programs compatible with Windows Mobile touch screen devices.

Add a program by using your PC and USB cable

• Connect your device to your computer using the USB cable.
• On your computer, navigate to the Web page that has the program that you want to download.
• Follow the download instructions on the Web page. When you are prompted by the Web page, select Run instead of Save.
• When your device notifies you that the installation is complete, tap OK.

*You may need to restart the device to complete the installation.

Add a program by using ActiveSync or WMDC

• Disconnect your device from your computer.
• On your computer, navigate to the Web page that has the program that you want to download.
• Follow the download instructions on the Web page. When you are prompted by the Web page, select Run instead of Save.
• After the program downloads to your computer, connect your device by using the USB cable.
• Do one of the following on your computer:

o If you are using ActiveSync, in the ActiveSync window, click Tools, and then click Explore Smartphone.
o If you are using WMDC, in the WMDC window, rest your mouse on File Management and then click Browse the contents of your device in the drop-down menu.

• Move the program from your computer to the Mobile Device window.
• On your device, tap Start > Programs > File Explorer.
• In the My Documents folder, tap the program.
• If your device asks you to restart to complete installation, tap OK.

Add a program by using your device browser

• On your device, navigate to the Web page that has the program that you want to download.
• Follow the download instructions on the Web page.
• If you are prompted, select the folder where you want to save the file.
• When your device notifies you that the installation is complete, click OK.

Remove a program from your device

If you have installed a program that you no longer use, or if you want to free device memory for other programs, you can remove a program from your device.

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Remove Programs.
• Scroll to the program that you want to remove.
• Tap Remove.
• Tap OK.

Find out how much memory is available

You can see how much memory is available on your device for running programs and storing information. If the available memory is low, it may be difficult or impossible to install new programs or to save files.

• Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Memory.

The ‘Main’ tab displays memory allocated to file and data storage compared with program storage. This tab also displays memory that is being used compared with the available memory.

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In these times of economic uncertainty, everyone wants to keep their spending to a minimum. There are many features in Windows Mobile that can help you save money while maintaining the productivity advantages of a smartphone. Most carriers trying to sell you a phone won’t tell you about these things, and most other “smartphones” aren’t even capable of some of these features.

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Is it really worth it to pay an extra $30-$60 per month for internet access on your phone? For some, yes it’s definitely worth it, but for others? You’re already paying for it at work and at home. You’re only really out on the weekends, and then you’re probably too busy to care about email or internet news anyway.

Unlike many smartphones that have become symbiotically dependent on expensive wireless internet access, Windows Mobile can still be very useful without a constant internet connection.

One reason is ActiveSync and Mobile Device Center’s internet pass-through capability. That means that when your Windows Mobile device is plugged into a computer via the USB connection, it can use that computer’s internet access. Furthermore, Windows Mobile is capable of syncing your email inbox and OUTBOX with Outlook. So, while you’re out and about, you can take pictures, record videos, attach them to emails and write messages to your heart’s content. Then when you get home, just plug-in to the computer and the emails will send through Outlook as part of the sync process. You might say, “You can do that with WiFi too,” and yes of course you can, but maybe you’re still using dial-up in a remote part of the world, or you don’t want to deal with the complications and expense of setting up your own WiFi router. Plus, WiFi takes up battery life and needs to turn on to connect. With the USB email sync solution, all you do is plug in a wire (which recharges the battery too!)

The internet pass-through also works with any other internet capable application as well as non-ActiveSync email accounts. So if you set up a regular POP3, IMAP or Exchange account on the device (instead of an Outlook sync,) you will be able to use it both when plugged into the USB on your computer as well as when connected to WiFi hotspots. Also with the internet pass-through capabilities, you can use any number of RSS readers to download your daily listing of news from news sites, as well as podcasts and video podcasts, which you can then read offline on Windows Mobile while you’re out and about.

Speaking of WiFi, some home internet service providers these days also offer free WiFi internet access to their customers. WiFi access will of course be limited to certain hotspots, but this can come in handy if you want to save money on your wireless phone bill. Optimum Online customers now have free WiFi in certain areas, as does ATT broadband.

Now what about GPS? Mobile phone carriers like ATT, Verizon, and Sprint often include GPS navigation programs on their mobile phone offerings. Unfortunately, they usually require an additional fee to use. Most are in the $10/month range AND require an internet access plan which tends to add up. Luckily, Windows Mobile still supports the largest number of full offline GPS navigation programs which don’t include monthly fees and don’t require internet access. Say you’re herding cattle in Montana for a week and you get lost chasing down a straggler, other smartphones are going to be pretty useless without wireless internet to download those maps. But you came prepared and installed a moving map application on your WM phone loaded with custom topographical maps of the area. Programs like Fugawi, Memory-Map Navigator, Ozi Explorer, Outdoor Navigator and Vito can all be used to navigate “all terrain” areas of the world. If you’re more of a road warrior and just want to be directed to a meeting location or friend’s house, TomTom, iGuidance, CoPilot Live, OnCourse Navigator, Garmin, etc. are all fully functional street-based route navigation programs that function independently of internet access. You do have to purchase them, but it’s a one-time fee and often turns out to be much less expensive than using the carrier-provided GPS navigation program. Furthermore, if your phone does not have GPS built in, you can easily get a Bluetooth enabled GPS receiver to connect to.

Now what about phone calls? If you want to reduce your bill with your wireless phone company, you can use a number of Voice over IP applications with Windows Mobile instead. These will require a WiFi connection, but you’ll save money by not using up your minutes on your wireless carrier. Actually, Windows Mobile has built-in native support for SIP based VoIP which is completely integrated with the phone dialer and contacts program. However, most OEMs and carriers choose to not include that feature because they want you to pay money for voice calls. There are also a number of 3rd party VoIP applications that you can use for voice calls on your Windows Mobile device. Skype is fully supported, and Fring does SIP VoIP as well as instant messaging, Skype, Twitter, etc.

How about editing Office Documents? Everyone uses Microsoft Office documents at work. It’s practically impossible not to. Since most versions of Windows Mobile included Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and OneNote, it’s very easy to store in-progress files on your mobile device and edit them whenever you have a spare moment. Windows Mobile shows up in Windows Explorer when connected to ActiveSync or WMDC, and you can simply copy/paste files to whichever folders you’d like. You’ll quickly notice some major roadblocks if you try to do similar things on other mobile device platforms.

Another thing many people don’t know regarding internet access on their smartphones is that certain carriers allow you turn on an internet plan for a period of time and then cancel it and only pay a pro-rated amount for the time you used it. So if most of the time you’re next to a desktop computer, you can use the USB connection to download email and sync your device… but maybe when you take a couple weeks off to go on vacation, you can turn the data internet service on so that you’ll have mobile internet access during that time. It’s a slight hassle calling your phone company to turn it off and on all the time, but it could save you money if you can get by with out it for longer periods of time.

[via Adam L Zein via Windows Mobile Connection]

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