Mobile software news roundup: Oct. 3-21, 2005

- Gary Thayer, Editor

October 19, 2005 -- (MobileVillage) -- Here is a week's roundup to-date of new or updated software titles for individual mobile device users. We'll update this page through the end of the week if more products are announced.

01 Communique Laboratory (TSX: ONE), released version 5.0 of its remote access service, I'm InTouch, for Windows and Windows Mobile / Pocket PC. Version 5.0 adds further remote access options, landscape viewing and scaling for Pocket PC users, and remote printing, which allows users to print documents residing on their remote computer to their local printer. I'm InTouch costs US $99.95 annually or $9.95 monthly. To purchase or trial the software, see imintouch.net. A Pocket PC only version is available for trial or download on Handango for US $36.

3am Labs, the maker of Windows-based LogMeIn remote access service, announced improvements to the software for Pocket PC users. Improvements include automatic formatting to fit the Pocket PC screen; landscape viewing; a remote control function that lets users control the mouse and keyboard of a home or work PC from a Pocket PC; the ability to transfer files from a remote PC to a Pocket PC; the ability to share files directly from a PC using a secure link; and the ability to add shortcuts to the Pocket PC Favorites folder. For more information, see 3amlabs.com.

BeInSync, yet another remote PC access provider, released version 1.6 of its BeInSync Pro peer-to-peer synchronization software. Version 1.6 improvements include: an unlimited computer installation function that allows users to install the software on all their computers; byte-level file transfers to ensure that only the changes made to a file are transferred; faster file synchronization times for sharing files across PCs or with other users; automatic and manual synchronization modes; and Web account management allows the user to view and access all computers and manage account information. As well, status features enable the user to know which files are being synchronized, how many files are waiting in queue and more.

BeInSync Pro version 1.6 is available for download from BeInSync.com for US $59.95 per year, which allows the users to install the software on all of the their personal computers. A 30-day trial allows users to synchronize up to a fixed number of files per day. For quick information on BeInSync, see the company's summary page on MobileVillage.

Intellisync (NASDAQ:SYNC) announced the availability of Intellisync Instant Messaging, a corporate instant messaging (IM) client for Symbian OS smartphone users. IT administrators can host the secure Intellisync IM server over their network in order to provide mobile workers with always-on wireless access to the enterprise's Microsoft Live Communications Server or Jabber installation, and to popular public IM networks. The server works with other OS-based mobile devices as well. For information, see intellisync.com.

Jabber has released version 4.0 of Jabber Messenger wireless clients for Symbian, Windows Mobile, and J2ME 2.0, along with Jabber IMPS, an extension of its flagship Jabber XCP server. Version 4.0 clients have already been released for Pocket PC and RIM Blackberry. The Jabber IMPS server extension compliments Jabber XCP's interoperability suite, which supports WAP, SMS, and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for instant messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions.

Jabber Messenger for wireless is targeted mainly at wireless operators. Individual users can download a Jabber client by Shape Services GmbH that also includes Google Talk, ICQ, AOL, MSN, and Yahoo IM. Versions are available on Handango for Palm OS devices, Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices, Symbian Series 90 phones, Symbian Series 80 phones, Symbian Series 60 phones, and Symbian UIQ phones.

Navicore announced the UK availability of Navicore Personal Europe 2005, a Western Europe GPS package for Symbian-based mobile phones The package includes Navicore GPS software, the latest generation Bluetooth Sirf III GPS receiver and leather case, a manual and charger, a 256 MB memory card, memory card reader/writer and a DVD containing maps for eight regions: the UK, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, Iberia), and the Alpine regions.

The Navicore DVD runs on PCs with Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP. Users load the DVD onto their PCs, choose the configuration of maps they want on their card and the automatic installer creates a memory card which can be inserted quickly into the phone. When multiple maps are put on one memory card, Navicore includes a map switcher application which is automatically installed on the card and allows users to choose among the maps on the memory card without rebooting or any other procedures.

Navicore Personal Europe 2005 is available at O2 stores and online at mobilefun.co.uk/navicore for £279.99 for Symbian series 60 and 80 mobile phones and £289.99 for Symbian UIQ handsets. For existing Navicore Personal users who already have the GPS receiver, Navicore software and charger, European map capability can be added by buying just the DVD for £139.99 or £149.99 for UIQ. A 256 MB card and memory card reader/writer is included.

Orneta has released Calculator for Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone and Pocket PC devices. The new release features standard add, subtract, multiply, and divide operations. Number grouping and decimal point characters change based on regional settings. The new version offers theme awareness, allowing the interface to automatically implement the colors of the current Windows Mobile theme. The easy-to-read on-screen calculator tape helps minimize data entry errors. Orneta Calculator is priced at US $4.95, and is available from Handango for both Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone and for Pocket PC.

SFR Software, based in Germany, has also released a calcuator for Windows Mobile. SFR's calcPad lists calculations consecutively to simulate the paper tape of a desk calculator. The software also allows the user to retroactively change each calculation process. The user can move through the calculation by scrolling and changing the data, and calcPad corrects its result. CalcPad also lets users annotate and summarize calculations. Calculations can be saved as text-files and printed with comments. Calculations can be used as patterns by simply changing the figures at the according positions. CalcPad costs US $9.95. To trial or purchase the software, see calcpad.de or the product listing on Handango.

Zi Corporation (Nasdaq: ZICA), (TSX: ZIC) has announced that owners of Symbian Series 60 phones can now download all of Zi's Predictive Text applications in a single package. Zi's software aims to enable users to increase the speed and accuracy of text entry on their handset's 12 button keypad. The download is available on Handango.

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