Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with windowsmobile

Outlook Mobile not so good.

mad bomber what bombs at midnight — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:47:31 -0800

I would like tips on working well with Outlook Mobile and gmail. My primary concern is getting Outlook to download all messages, not just the inbox. I have a WM6 phone and use Outlook Mobile to read my gmail via IMAP. Most advice online says this setup is best. There is a java gmail app, but it isn't integrated and is said to be lacking in features.

However, it just doesn't work ... smoothly. Any tips?

1. Outlook will only download messages in the inbox. If gmail filters a message so that it skips the inbox, it will never reach my phone.

2. If I move a message to a folder in Outlook, then on the next update gmail will tag it, move it out of the inbox, and then it will disappear from my phone. This is a huge problem.

3. In Outlook, I have folders for each of my tags, and [Gmail] folders for things like Sent Mail, Drafts, and Starred, but there is nothing in any of them.

Now that I typed it all out, I can see the root of my problem is getting Outlook Mobile to download all messages, not just the inbox. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

How do I check that my phone's contacts are safely backed up?

Marquis — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:38:27 -0800

How do I locate the contacts I've just sync'ed from my smartphone (Windows Mobile 6.1) on my PC? For a friend:

I've just installed ActiveSync 4.5 and have apparently successfully sync'ed my Samsung Jack to my PC.

I'm going to need to do a hard reset on the phone to solve some other issues (corrupted ringtones) and want to make sure that the sync'ed contacts are complete and intact. It's important that when I reset the phone, everything is there to import from backups. I'm terrified of losing the 500+ contacts in my Mobile Outlook.

Where are the contact files transferred to? They aren't in the file I've designated to receive all photos, sounds and other files.

Thanks!

Viewing very large images on a WM6 phone?

Jonathan Harford — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:59:49 -0800

How do I deal with a very large image (a map, actually) on my Windows Mobile 6 phone? I would love to be able to look at an NYC MTA map while underground (on the NYC MTA, naturally). But the picture viewer on my XV6900 complains about RAM (or is too slow to be useful) when I view my map JPG (or PNG, tried that too) at full resolution. Other imageviewers seem to have a similar problem. XnView has no memory or speed problems, but has a tendency to pixelate the map when viewed full-size.

Are there any (free/cheap) applications suitable for this task?

Mapping Smartphone Appointments with GMM

chengjih — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:19:40 -0800

Is there a way to get calendar locations into Google Maps Mobile on a Windows Mobile 6 Standard smartphone? Suppose I have a number of appointments in my calendar, with location/address information. Is there a way for me to map these in the Google Maps Mobile I have on my smartphone?

To note, the calendar is synced to Google Calendar using OggSync, if that helps.

The phone is a T-Mobile Dash running Windows Mobile 6 Standard.

If there's no direct way to do this, is there an end-around where I can put custom mapping info into GMM? I don't see an obvious way to configure GMM to point at my Google account (which would then be associated with My Maps).

Thanks.

ActiveSync alternatives for Exchange?

ZackTM — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:59:52 -0800

Are there any ActiveSync alternatives for Windows mobile? I need to link to my works Exchange server So I guess at work people who don't have Window's mobile phones but have some sort of program to interact with exchange servers can get their email but I can't. Apparently you have to buy licenses for the server to work with ActiveSync?

Either way, I am apparently allowed to use my Sprint HTC Mogul with Windows 6.1 to access the exchange server but it won't work with ActiveSync.

Are there any alternatives?

How to auto-geotag mobile photos / track where I've been using GPS?

jeffrygardner — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:32:23 -0800

How to best use the GPS in my Palm 800w? I would like to 1) Automatically geotag my cameraphone photos and 2) Be able to track where and how far I've traveled for workouts. The phone has GPS and is capable of turn-by-turn directions, so I would think that it is capable of everything I mentioned.

Running Windows Mobile 6.1. Free/Cheap is preferred. Shozu doesn't work as far as the geotagging goes. Help?

What's the best phone OS for me?

abkadefgee — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:37:14 -0800

Which mobile phone OS will work the best for my needs and can be easily expanded with free software? I'm looking at a new smartphone purchase and want to choose the phone that has the best OS for my needs. I want to run Skype on the phone for the occasional cheap voice call through SkypeOut and I want to be able to continue loading my phone with free software and features.

Of the OSes I know of, including Symbian, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile 6, and Palm, which support the most and best free software and applications? Which has the most active community? There's a lot out there for Palm, but is that community dying off? What are some examples of apps you use on those OSes?

I know that similar questions may have been asked in the past, but this is a case where I think the answer could have changed quite a bit over time.

Help Me Survive Windows Mobile 5!

Gideon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:56:01 -0800

While waiting for the new iPhone, I sold my old one. Now I'm back on a Cingular (HTC) 8125 with Windows Mobile 5 (it can't be upgraded to 6!) And I want to make the best of it without spending any money. I'm on a Mac, so I need to figure out the best way to deal with that, too. I've learned to hate the device, unfortunately. Compared to the iPhone it's slow, clunky and insanely frustrating to use. But, I'm using it for the next two weeks and I need to find ways to make it work without pulling out what is left of my hair.

I'm on an iMac, and have Outlook in parallels but don't use it. Right now I'm using Plaxo to sync my contacts into Outlook and then to the phone, but the calendar isn't working at all (something on Plaxo's end.) So at least my contacts are working. I'd like a way to sync my calendar/tasks. I had MarkSpace Missing Sync but with the upgrade to Leopard it no longer works and don't want to pay for the upgrade.

I've installed PointUI which certainly makes the primary movements on the device nicer.

What else can I do to make this more pleasant? Other programs you'd suggest? Any free way to sync my data directly from OSX or a clever way to keep Outlook in Parallels and my iCal synced?

Thanks for all the help!

PDA that can play MP3 and adjust its tempo on-the-fly?

irv4oh — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:19:10 -0800

Is there a PDA that can play an MP3 file and adjust its tempo during playback? Or, is there software for a PDA platform (Windows Mobile or Palm) that can do this? I'm looking for a PDA that can playback lecture recordings that are MP3 format and that can speed them up or slow them down on-the-fly. A bookmarking feature for the MP3's would be nice also.

Bluetooth GPS Tracking

nervestaple — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:53:14 -0800

I'm looking for software for my Windows Mobile smartphone + bluetooth GPS brick that will let people log in to a web site and see my current location (preferably in google maps). I have a T-Mobile Dash running WM6 smartphone (with an always-on unlimited GPRS internet connection), and a bluetooth GPS brick (Holux M-1000). I've spent weeks hopelessly Googling for a solution, to no avail. There are quite a few J2ME java programs that seem to do what i want, BUT none of the JVMs for windows mobile support bluetooth, and thus can't read from the GPS brick. One native WM program seems to do exactly what I want (I think it's called "Tracky"), but it's for WM PocketPC (not smartphone) only.

I have a program - Efficasoft GPS Utilities - that logs my position to a file on my phone's storage card. Perhaps someone smarter than me could think of a way to upload this file at certain intervals? I'm fairly technically adept, so solutions that involve running a server on a home computer are no problem. I just don't know where to start.

PocketPC Security Software

tiamat — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:38:49 -0800

Looking for Windows Mobile 6 security software for a phone running Windows Mobile Professional. Especially looking for something that will auto-encrypt or auto-delete PIM databases after a number of incorrect password attempts. I'm looking for software that will lock the screen and buttons when the PDA is turned on, and require a password, either an on-screen PIN or button entry - I don't want to have to get my stylus out to check my email.

I would also like a poison pill where the system would hard reset after a number of password failures, or failing that at the very least it would autodelete the internal memory and PIM data. It would also be great if such a program had an OEM install version so I could put it directly on the firmware of my PDA when flashing a new ROM, but that's more wishful thinking than an actual requirment.

I would be willing to pay for this software, but cheaper is better and free is best.

Thanks!

What tools should I add to my iPaq?

fsmontenegro — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:55:53 -0800

What applications (freeware preferred) to people usually load up on their Windows Mobile (5.0) devices? After many years getting by with a regular cell phone, my company recently switched me to an iPaq (6955). While I dislike the form factor a bit, I like the option of extending functionality with new programs. I just added Google Maps for Mobile, One Note mobile and will soon add MyLifeOrganized mobile (the non-freeware task mgmt tool I use). Any other recommendations?

What Was That PocketPC Software?

benzo8 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:04:16 -0800

Help me track down a piece of Windows Mobile calculator software, the name of which my memory has totally failed to retain... A while ago, while looking at a friends Windows Mobile Pocket PC, I was very taken by a piece of mathematics / calculator software that he had installed. Now I have my new HTC Touch Cruise, I'd love to have this software for myself, but no matter how hard I try, or how arcanely I google, I can't find it!

It was, as I've said, a calculator. One of the things that really set it apart from others was that each equation or calculation you entered was stored back going back further up the screen, in such a way that you could: a) reference the answer from a previous calculation in your current one, and b) "run" through the calculations again from any point back up the stack to the end.

I also remember that there was a very fiddly little click in the right hand corner of each equation where you could turn on graphing for that equation (and a little graph icon with the colour of the plot would appear in that corner once it was on).

You could write scripts using this, and load and run them, enter equations in RPN or standard notation, etc. etc...

Does this ring bells with anyone? It's not MathU (Pro), PDACalc, HiCalc or MxCalc... So, what was it?

Where has all the freeware gone? Mobile freeware to be exact.

TomMelee — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:17:25 -0800

Just got a shiny new Moto Q. Help me find free software! I've got it all set up and running well, gmail is working after I figured out the hack, oggsync is keeping my calendar up to date. What I need now are some softwares...specifically:
1. An all in one IM program, or at least w/ AIM/GChat/MSN/Yahoo
2. A checkbook register-style finance program.
3. Anything else that looks fun or promising.

I just don't want to PAY for these things, because I just KNOW they exist in a free-form somewhere. Bequeath unto me your wisdom of the smartphone softwares, MeFi!

Help me pimp my AT&T 8525

DetonatedManiac — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 09:09:14 -0800

Dear Hive Mind: Please help me find the best "must have" Mobile Windows 5.0 apps for my AT&T 8525, specifically software focused on Productivity / Organization. Tell me what software you could not live without on your Win Mobile 5.0 device... Software you have used, have found of high quality and would strongly recommend to others.

I am going to work in sales and while I have a number of Desktop Web CRM ideas (like Highrise HQ) I really want some productivity apps that can leverage my integrated phone/data/pda platform in the 8525. I am also disorganized by nature, so I need a quality general organizational app too.

As far as "fun stuff": I am not much into music or multimedia, but if there are some good free/inexpensive apps I'll take a look. Same for games, not so much because I am not interested but because if I have games on my 8525 I am afraid I won't get anything done.

Other Wish List Items:
-A good news feeder (specifically covering Business and Politics)
-Dictionary/Thesaurus/Reference
-Nifty "wow" gizmos

I'd prefer NON subscription / recurring service charge apps, but if its only a few bucks a month and it is REALLY worth it I suppose that is OK.

Can I modify my window mobile home screen shortcuts?

russmail — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 11:39:08 -0800

WindowsMobile users - I just got a Samsung Blackjack and as far as I can tell the Home screen displays icons of my most recently used applications. I'm hating this with a passion because this means these icons change with use. I don't want them to change - I want them to be determined by me. Is this possible? I know you can set the numerical keys to be shortcuts, but it seems mad to be trying to remember which shortcut key is which when you've got a bloody great screen with icons!

I need more cowbell!

batcrazy — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:18:50 -0800

How can I get my t-mobile dash to give me audible outlook reminders? I have a t-mobile dash phone that I recently upgraded to Windows Mobile 6. Everything works fine *except* that my outlook reminders now only vibrate, regardless of what sound profile I am using. This is a problem for me because I have to give myself a shot at two specific times during the day, and a vibrating reminder is not enough to catch my attention.

I've searched all over the net, and the closest I've come to an answer is in this post.

He says, "There are just 4 profiles on the Dash upgrade...
of the 4 profiles installed, only one of them has control panel options for editing Reminders - sounds and volume. That one is the Vibrate profile. This leaves a problem. If I switch from Normal to Vibrate, it changes the Reminder to a silent/vibrate. However, when I switch back, it changes Ring/Alarm/Notifications back to audible - but there are no settings for Reminders so they stay stuck as Vibrate only. Only a registry edit can get them working again.

It seems like that four provisioning files (Meeting.def.prof.xml and 3 others) were put in ROM to create the entries for the Metabase Database - but of the four, only the Vibrate one has definitions for Reminder Sound and Reminder Volume.

Is this the root of the problem ?

It is easy to add the missing lines to the other 3 files, but how is it possible to get the definition files reread so that the revised definitions become active ?"

Now, I can see that vibrate has the reminder functions, but all the rest of this post (updating the "missing lines" in the profiles and getting the revised definitions to become active) are way above my technical knowledge of mobile phone software.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem so that I can get audible reminders on my t-mobile dash? If it involves a registry edit on windows mobile, or some other programming solution, please describe the process in simplistic step-by-step fashion. I'm not afraid of the command line, but I definitely don't want to make my problem worse by really screwing something up.

Thanks in advance.

Suggest software for a new Pocket PC!

SlyBevel — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:10:52 -0800

I need software for my new PocketPC. What do you use? I'm an experienced Pocket PC/Windows Mobile user. I have a new Sprint Mogul (to replace my PPC-6700), and I want to get some good software on there. 1. I'd like some kind of software that will check my Gmail for me automatically on a schedule. Does this exist?
2. Games. I want some. I like Bejewelled, but it's not free. Can you recommend good, free ones?
3. Utilities. I love 'em. Like a good PocketPC backup solution? Free? Tell me.
4. Has anyone seen a recent NES/SNES Emu for PPC? I have PocketNES, but it never worked quite right.
5. Window manager/app closer. I used to like one, but it's not good with the WM os's.

Finally, if there's any software I missed above, tell me. What do you love to use on your PocketPC?

How to move the predictive text dictionary from an old Windows Mobile phone to a new one

unclemonty — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 08:01:14 -0800

I've upgraded from this HTC smartphone, which runs Windows Mobile 4 (I think) to this HTC smartphone, which runs Windows Mobile 5. Is there any way to transfer from the old phone to the new phone: a) the predictive-text dictionary (thus saving myself re-entering the many placenames and dozens of swear words I've submitted) and/or b) my past SMS text messages?

BlackBerry vs. Windows Mobile?

lunarboy — Thu, 17 May 2007 12:33:57 -0800

I just started as a creative director at a new company. Having a mobile device to read emails on the go will be necessary. I'm wondering which is better for my needs? A BlackBerry or a Windows Mobile smartphone? Here's what I will need to do with the device:
1. Read/write emails
2. Look at attachments, mostly PowerPoints, PDFs and JPGs
3. I work on a Mac
4. Company email is on Exchange

I'm sure both can do #1 easily, but which is better for #2?

MUD client for Windows Mobile? Converting Windows software to Windows mobile.

jruckman — Tue, 08 May 2007 12:52:26 -0800

A MUD client (used for text-based role playing games) for Windows Mobile. Is there one? How easy would it be to make one or convert an open source version? A MUD client is essentially a terminal so it should be pretty easy to implement on a Windows Mobile device. I haven't seen any in the wild, so I'm wondering if I've missed it -- and if not, how easy it would be to write one, or to convert an existing open source client into something usable on Windows Mobile.

Are there any tools for converting regular Windows software to Windows Mobile? Any emulators?

Any other insight?

How do I use my 'always on' internet on my mobile phone as a modem for my laptop?

remcobron — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 13:01:24 -0800

How do I use my 'always on' internet on my mobile phone as a modem for my laptop? I own the T-mobile equilvant of the HTC TyTN with Windows Mobile 5.0 and a HP laptop with Windows XP. On my mobile phone I have T-mobile 3G internet with always on functionality. I would like to use my mobile phone as a modem with internet connection for my laptop so I can access the internet with my laptop no matter where I am. I connect to my mobile phone with an USB cable (I tried bluetooth but couldn't get it to work...). Does anyone know how to accomplish this? Maybe there are software applications that can do this for me? All tips are welcome!

Mobile Office for MotoQ?

GhostintheMachine — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:18:15 -0800

Can I buy Microsoft Office Mobile? Where? My work just bought me a MotoQ, which is great. But it doesn't include Office Mobile, which would be a real benefit (as would being able to Sync to Mac, but that question's been asked elsewhere). Trouble is, the oh-so-helpful Microsoft site doesn't seem to indicate if it can be bought separately, and Google's been no help to me.

Is it even possible to buy it when it doesn't come pre-installed on the smartphone? If not, does anyone have any recommendations for equivalent software? I really only need something that can edit .doc files, and sometimes .xls (but I can live without that). Any ideas?

What is the best device for cellphone and easy text messaging

jayder — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 20:16:43 -0800

My wife and I need a pair of Blackberry-type devices (which also function as cell phones) for lots of text-messaging between ourselves throughout the day. We were thinking we wanted Blackberries, but when we went to the Cingular store tonight (we're locked into a Cingular contract until February 2008) the clerk made it sound as though a Windows Mobile device would be better. Any advice? The Cingular clerk said Blackberries have the virtue of having a shorter learning curve, but he said the drawback of the Blackberry is that you have to pay for Cingular's Internet service to use the Blackberry-brand device, without the device being able to use the full range of Internet applications a Windows Mobile device makes available.

The clerk said there is no appreciable difference between the speed with which you can text message using a Blackberry, versus using a Windows Mobile Device.

Our basic needs for this device are as follows: (1) Cell phone functionality; (2) Easy, quick text messaging and a full keyboard; and (3) [optional, but highly preferred] an easy calendaring function that can be synced with a desktop computer.

So, my question is -- given the above needs, can a Blackberry-brand device satisfy them? Or should we go with Windows Mobile? Is it true that text messaging is as quick and easy on a Windows Mobile device as on a Blackberry? Is there any other device we are not considering that can satisfy these needs?

(The clerk said the only thing we need, for the device to be compatible with Cingular, are that the device use GSM technology and be unlocked. FWIW, the clerk highly recommended we buy this LG F9100 phone.)

Local Wiki on Pocket PC?

figment — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:34:11 -0800

Is there any Wiki-type software that will run on a Pocket PC? I have been using tiddlywiki everyday but have just bought a Pocket PC to serve as calendar etc but also as my notebook. Tiddlywiki doesn't work on Pocket Explorer, Minimo and only comes close on Opera Mobile.

There are plenty of applications available that use different systems for managing notes but I haven't found any that make it as quick and easy to create an network of ideas as tiddlywiki (or any other wiki) does.
Is there a solution out there that I'm missing? I don't want to have to be online to use it and running a small local webserver doesn't seem to be an option.