- Compiled by Gary Thayer, MobileVillage Editor

MobileVillage, July 3, 2007 -- Following is a roundup of recent announcements about mobile software for consumer use.

Chapura has released two updates to its PocketMirror Standard and Professional Outlook synchronization software. PocketMirror synchronizes Outlook Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes with the PIM software in Palm OS devices. The updates aim to improve Vista compatibility, Outlook 2007 support, and the ability to sync extra data fields from global address lists. PocketMirror Professional adds the ability to sync multiple folders including public, subfolders and sharepoint folders and the ability to sync with multiple PCs. The latest version of PocketMirror Standard is available for $29.95 at chapura.com or Handango, and the Professional version sells for $49.95 at chapura.com or Handango.

Code Factory has released its Mobile Speak Pocket screen reader for Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone editions. The software provides voice access to Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, File Explorer, Pocket Internet Explorer, Messaging for both SMS and e-mail, Pocket MSN Messenger, PPC Phone application, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notes, Windows Media Player, and other applications. For details, see codefactory.es.

Concrete Software released 3D Lawn Darts, its latest game for Java enabled mobile phones, Pocket PCs, and Windows Mobile smartphones. The game uses motion sensing control capability that allows users to swing the mobile phone in a sweeping motion to mimic the throwing motion of real lawn darts. The game is based on the outdoor game of lawn darts where people take turns lobbing big metal darts high into the air in an attempt to score points by landing them inside one of two rings. Lawn darts was banned in the U.S. and Canada in the late 80's because of serious injuries and deaths caused by the darts, though the game is still sold in other countries around the world. Mobile users can play one of the crazy fictional characters or challenge friends and co-workers. To download the game, see Handango (for Windows Mobile and Windows Mobile Smartphone) or concretesoftware.com. For fast information about Concrete and its other games, see Concrete's summary page on MobileVillage.

Earthcomber announced a five-fold expansion in content for its free mobile location based services search application, with over 10 million places and events in the United States. At the same time, the company has expanded its application to cover more devices including cell phones, BlackBerry phones, and smart phones powered by Palm OS and Windows Mobile. The Earthcomber data feed includes stores, ATMs, WiFi hotspots, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, live music, fast food, museums, historical sites, attractions, parks, lakes and trails, gas stations and more. Many locations show detailed editorial reviews and ratings. For more about Earthcomber, see earthcomber.com or the company's summary page on MobileVillage.

Emoze has released Emoze 1.4, the latest version of its mobile email and data synchronization service for mobile phones. New enhancements include improved battery power consumption and synchronization performance, resulting in faster performance even when dealing with extremely large Outlook/Lotus Notes databases, according to Emoze. Also, recurring meeting support has been added for all Symbian, PocketPC and Smartphones. For more information, see emoze.com.

Funambol is inviting mobile phone owners - including new iPhone owners - to join its new myFUNAMBOL portal to access free mobile email, contacts and calendars on cell phones, which do not have to be smartphones. Users can get free mobile email from consumer email services such as Yahoo!, Gmail and AOL, and from work email using POP/IMAP. The portal includes an address book and calendar for bidirectional synchronization of contact and calendar data from email clients such as Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo! Mail as well as over-the-air with mobile devices. MyFUNAMBOL is free, but users need an Internet data plan from their mobile operator or service provider. It is initially available on a "by invitation" basis; to apply, see unambol.com. For general information, see Funabmol's summary page on MobileVillage.

Greenlight Wireless has released Skweezer 4.0, the latest version of its free Web content optimization software for mobile devices. Improvements include a redesigned user interface that reduces keystrokes and takes advantage of "hot key" navigation that utilizes a phone's keypad, as well as new image optimization that dynamically recalibrates images for use on specific mobile devices. Skweezer now also uses a new search system to provide relevant Web searches across multiple mobile device platforms. Skweezer's code-base and hosting infrastructure have also been updated. The old version of Skweezer typically reduced a Web page with images to 35% to 55% of its original size, while Skweezer 4.0 reduces the same content to 4% to 8% of its non-optimized size, according to Greenlight. To download Skweezer, see greenlightwireless.net. For general information, see Greenlight's summary page on MobileVillage.

Hobbyist Software has updated its Initiate launcher application for Palm OS phones. Initiate enables phone users to find contacts, programs and bookmarks from the home screen, as well as customize tabs and create launch shortcuts to apps stored on a memory card. Version 3.0 adds a new look, new status icons, new plugins, enhanced scrolling and more. Initiate Pro Professional is US $24.95 at hobbyistsoftware.com or Handango. There is also a Standard version for $9.95.

Kinoma has released Kinoma Player EX v4.2, its Palm OS media player software. The new version adds streaming flash video support for videos from YouTube and Google Video and has a built-in online media guide. Other improvements include faster performance, enhanced guide caching, streaming compatibility improvements, more radio and tv stations including live traffic cameras, and support for Bluetooth headphones via Softick Audio Gateway. Kinoma Player 4.2 EX costs $24.95. The update can be download via the integrated version checker or downloaded from the PIC software store. The update is free for registered users. See kinoma.com or Kinoma's summary page on MobileVillage.

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