Ilium turns 11, mobile software discounted and a contest a day this week

If you have a Windows Mobile or Palm OS device, chances are you already know the name "Ilium Software". The folks there have been making great software for mobile devices there for 11 years today! With handhelds hitting the mainstream long after the first computers, that's like 77 in mobile-years. OK, and dog-years too... just go with it...

To celebrate their eleventh birthday, Ilium is holding a contest each day this week. Aside from great software prizes, there are $121 Amazon Gift Cards up from grabs. Note that 11 squared is 121... slick, and I can't wait until their 20th birthday if they keep that trend going. Even if you don't win a contest this week, you can still score a great software deal on eWallet, ListPro, NewsBreak and more because: at this link, all Ilium software products are 55% off this week. You can't lose! Best wishes from us to you, Ilium!

PhatWare releases a skinnier PhatPad: v4.1

PhatWare gives PhatPad an upgrade; version 4.1 was just released for Pocket PCs and Tablets / UMPCs today. The new version doesn't get phatter; it's actually a slimmer footprint by 10% over the prior version. If you're not familiar with the product, here's quick overview from the latest press release:

"PhatPad allows users to draw pictures, jot notes or put a mixture of pictures and typed text on a virtual scratch pad. The program uses new digital ink technology, which provides a very smooth ink flow, so it feels like writing on an actual piece of paper. While working with the note editor, PhatPad offers standard editing commands in addition to a customizable pen palette and variable pen width."

If you don't need a full-feature set of OneNote, PhatPad might do the job for you at a significant savings: right now you can grab the application for $34.95. Among the many new features is support for Windows Vista as well.

ActiveSync 4.5 for XP released

If you decided to avoid Vista and Windows Mobile Device Center, you may want to check the ActiveSync download page since version 4.5 is now available. This version supports devices running good ol' Pocket PC / Smartphone 2002 through Windows Mobile 5. MoDaCo shares some of the features and benefits right here, so take a look before you take the plunge!

SPB Mobile Shell: 5 out of 5 from Aximsite

Yesterday, SPB released SPB Mobile Shell for Windows Mobile 5 and according to this review from Aximsite, they've hit a home run! Mobile Shell enhances the WinMo interface with a nice screen called the "Now" screen which includes: the time & date, basic weather, battery charge, number of e-mails or voicemails and more. Also included is an efficient menu system, photo-based speed dialing and more for effective one-handed usage.

Probably the best overview to understand the product is the Aximsite review along with the demo video they put together. If you're looking for more efficiency on your Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC Phone Edition device, you'll definitely want to see this!

Get Windows Mobile Device Center working with OneCare

Way back in October I had issues getting Windows Mobile Device Center to play nicely with OneCare; looks like the same general configuration changes apply, which is plain silly. Both apps are Microsoft apps and really should get along. I gave the basic instructions back then, but Arne Hess put together a complete walk-through of the process including step-by-step screen shots. If you plan to sync up a Windows Mobile device on Vista while running Windows Live OneCare, here's what you need to do.

Google Maps for Windows Mobile available

Wow, when it rains it pours with reader tips. Just got a note from Kayhan indicating that Google rolled out Google Maps for Windows Mobile! The official information is right here on the Official Google Blog and you can pull down the CAB file for your Win Mo device here.

You'll need Windows Mobile 2003 or higher, which knocks out my Windows CE 2.11 Compaq Aero 2130 unfortunately. According to the Google, contact integration and GPS compatibility are in there in addition to all of the previous features you know and love, so hop on over and give it a go! Hey, the even updated the list of supported devices with the uber-generic terms of "device, Pocket PC and Smartphone". Hey, looks like there's a little traffic in the San Francisco Bay area; think I'll stay on the East Coast. ;)

Skype signs deal to tweak Windows Mobile client

Skype has signed a deal with HelloSoft to use its VoIP technology to enhance the Windows Mobile version of the Skype program.  HelloSoft uses advanced data compression that results in a low-footprint client perfect for Windows Mobile devices.  Once the new technology is incorporated into the Skype program users should be able to enjoy better quality calls.  Skype for Windows Mobile requires WiFi or true 3G connectivity like EV-DO or HSDPA to provide bandwidth sufficient for good voice calls.

(via BetaNews)

Final release of Windows Mobile Device Center for Vista available

It’s been in beta for a long time but if you use a Windows Mobile device and you’ve jumped on the Vista train then you need to get the final release version of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC).  Microsoft has two versions available, a 32 bit and a 64 bit version, for those of you who care about the latter, and you know who you are.  Is it just me but does anyone else think of weapons of mass destruction every time you see WMDC?

(via Pocket PC Thoughts)

HTC Athena reviewed

We just can’t stop talking about the HTC Athena, probably because it defies categorization.  It’s a phone, PDA, mini PC, web appliance, etc.  All of the news about T-Mobile picking it up even added to the fire of interest.  What we haven’t seen yet is a real review, but that has changed now.  Moblog has written a decent review that is chock full of photos and the more I see of the Athena the more it appeals to me.  Uh oh, gadget envy is such an ugly thing.

JGUI Vista Smartphone Interface

JGUI has been producing software for Windows Mobile devices for some time now and they sent me a notice about a new interface for Windows Mobile smartphones and Phone Edition devices that is so cool I jumped right on it.  With all the mania surrounding the launch of Windows Vista, this program is not only timely but one of the best interfaces I’ve seen yet for Smartphones.  I immediately loaded it up on my Samsung i320 Windows Mobile Smartphone and was hooked right away.

The Vista Smartphone Interface (VSI) is a beautiful interface that transforms the smartphone into a very cool tool.  The Today screen becomes an interactive, animated screen that displays the date, the time with an analog clock, signal strength and battery level.  Heck, it’s too hard to describe, you just need to see it for yourself:

VSI is free for the home screen only but to get the full joy of the program you need to purchase the full version.  You can find it on Handango for $19.99 (cheaper for club members) and on the JGUI web site.