Expert: Dale Daniels

This month our focus is on Windows Mobile features that we would like to see added to the platform. While it is doubtful that any operating system is perfect, Windows Mobile has been taking it on the chin as of late. One of the main reasons is the recent hype surrounding the iPhone, and its simple, finger-touch enabled, OS. Many Windows Mobile fans are wondering why some of the iPhone’s features have never been included in any of the WM updates.

I have never been secretive about my feelings for Windows Mobile. Again, it may not be perfect, but I do love what it can do for me. I feel there are too many limitations with the iPhone as it pertains to business usage, but perhaps Windows Mobile could take a few pages from the Apple playbook. With that said, I wanted to focus on improvements on the Windows Mobile user interface, and upgrades that might improve its standing with the general public, and not just business users.

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Well, I have to say that when it comes to the Windows Mobile "Tweak" that has best served me, simple has been the best. What do I mean? Simply stated, my one most needed tweak was one of the simplest to be had. Clear-Type in lnadscape mode.

Hardly earth shattering, but the simple ability to have Clear-Type capability in landscape mode on my AT&T 8525 has made a big difference in the way I am able to use my device. In the upcoming issue of Smartphone and Pocket PC magazine, one of my articles explores the possibility of replacing a laptop with a Pocket PC. Although we may not quite be there at this point, I was surprised at the result.

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My Best and Worst Mobile Device Experience

When we were recently asked to pen a blog entry on our best and worst mobile device experiences, I could not help but crack a smile. I quickly remembered what brought me over to the Windows Mobile world a few years ago. I was originally a Palm OS user, but it was the problems I had when using that system that caused me to look elsewhere for something better. Let me share the experience that first made me a Windows Mobile man.

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My Favorite Commercial and Freeware Applications

The thing I have always loved about Windows Mobile is the sheer volume of available applications. Windows Mobile is a dream for anyone who enjoys looking for cool new things to do with their mobile device. I have to admit that I love trying out new applications, and I even keep an extra Pocket PC around for just that. That is not to say that I always keep every application I try. Some work well, but some don’t make the grade. Either way, I still enjoy seeing what I can do with my Windows Mobile device and the right software.

As much as I enjoy trying out new applications, I do have a few favorites that I find indispensable to any device I am using. I broke down the applications into two categories, freeware and commercial software. Since I like free stuff I thought I would start there.

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As our own Dr. Hillebrand has often said, the Western Hemisphere is behind the times when it comes to the power of SMS. Text messaging popularity still seems to be restricted to teen communications and the occasional quick “Whazzup” message between friends. In Europe, SMS is a serious business tool that is used for advertising and customer alerts.

I can’t say for sure that we will ever catch up with Europe in this regard. Most business Smartphone users of on this side of the pond tend to rely heavily on email as a source of consistent connectivity. In fact, business use has changed the world of email from a heavy text communication type, to more of an instant text communication source. The popularity of Exchange servers and push email (thanks Blackberry) has prompted this change, while text messages remain a fringe, non-business type of communication.

We may eventually catch up with the rest of the world, or text messaging may stay out on the edge of the communication world. However, we are definitely seeing some improved SMS options for the casual or business user. There are several sources of SMS software (Handango.com) available to enrich the SMS experience and improve text messaging functionality.

I recently discovered a website that I thought I would share with our readers. The site, Web-Alerts.com, allows the user to sign up for free (other than what you pay for text messaging through your cellular provider) text alerts based on RSS feeds from the sites you designate. The site lets you set up keyword filters to only deliver news or alerts in which you are interested.

I can see similar services growing in the near future. The popularity of SMS is growing, and the business world would be foolish to ignore this trend. A few banks have started to experiment with banking via SMS to check balances, pay bills and transfer money. I am sure there are a number of other innovative ways to use SMS that have not yet been explored.

My own interest in using SMS has grown quite a bit over the last few years. As time goes on I have seen a lot of potential in this form of communication. After reading Tim Hillebrand’s articles and blogs on SMS usage, I am impressed by the potential for both business and private use. I look forward to watching the business and private growth of text communication over the next few years.

Useful links:

SMS Definition and Information

SMS Tutorial

An example of SMS business usage