I-tech Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard: Science Fiction at your desk

I confess that familiarity with Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard from i-tech (or short-VKB), which took place earlier this year, risks overshadow all other events to be held at the PDA market in the foreseeable future. Before us - an elegant solution to the problem of text entry, a unique accessory for all mobile devices, and most importantly - absolutely fantastic to use a toy. Acquainted with it in more detail.

Photos do not reflect the actual brightness of the VKB

By the way, pictures do not reflect the actual brightness of the virtual keyboard. In fact, the projected image - bright red, high-contrast, well-read, so to distinguish between keys without problems. Well, yes it costs photographic equipment, and we return to our review. Today, perhaps, no longer need to convince anyone that to work with the browser, ICQ and e-mail and office documents, not necessarily to carry a laptop. Of course, it provides a high level of comfort, but also takes a lot of places. Meanwhile, these basic objectives can be successfully addressed PDAs, smart phones and even some cell phones. However, their efficiency is quite acceptable for reading letters and documents, dramatically reduced when you need to write a lengthy reply or create any big file from scratch. Everything rests in the absence of a keyboard or its tiny size. On the screen, as well, and "finger" keyboard, especially not overclocking. Therefore, the typing is quite slow, and the slightest acceleration dramatically increases the number of errors. Resolution of this situation occurs in two directions. On the one hand, developed a clever and powerful predictive system, allowing to get the most speed and convenience of a tiny screen, or a hardware keyboard. On the other hand, appear more and more original ways to "shrink" and "collapse" a large keypad make it more convenient for carrying. Is not the first known variety of folding and soft keyboard, but they are comparable in size to the body PDAs, and often even a little more of it. In addition, a large number of hinges and other mechanical parts increases the risk of failure - as always, at the most inopportune moment. However, a decision devoid of these shortcomings, has already appeared on the market.

First meeting

Even the most experienced in the technique of friends, which was presented to housing VKB, could not guess what it is. No wonder - a box comparable in size to a pack of cigarettes (noticeably narrower and slightly thicker thereof), made of soft-touch of dark gray plastic, has a couple of buttons and no moving parts. Inscriptions, there are almost no hints, only on the rear panel glued help on special combinations of keys (about them later). In general, the enhancement of mystery. To solve it, you need to install VKB on a flat surface and press the button a couple of seconds on the left side. In this case, flashing blue light in the upper body, and invisible under normal conditions of red rays "draw" on the table clearly visible image of the 63-key keyboard! Comes to mind the many fantastic films, but unlike them, VKB really works, giving you click "virtual keys" to any Bluetooth-compatible device.

For clarity, offer to get acquainted with the characteristics of the keyboard:
• Layout: 63 full-size keys, QWERTY and QWERTY
• Projection Size: 295 x 95 mm
• Wireless Interface: Bluetooth, version 1.1 class 2 with support for profiles HID and SPP Profile
• Compatibility: Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003/2003 SE/5.0; Palm OS 5.2/OS 5.4; Symbian UIQ, Series 60, and laptops Windows 2000/XP (but it is better to specify a vendor compatibility with specific devices)
• Operating: works with any standard sources of ambient light brightness to 600 lux (typical office lighting is usually 200-300 lux)
• Dimensions and weight: 90x34x24 mm, 80 g

Supplied

Being an expensive (around $ 250) and quite spectacular accessory, VKB can be a great gift. Contributes to this and a stylish black box, which is supplied accessory. Except for the "cubes" keyboard, the box contains a charger for the built-in lithium battery, carrying case for easy transportation device, made of synthetic leather and a pair of thin bukletikov with instructions and a small CD with drivers for different types of computers.

Operating principle

With the same success you can draw a keyboard on a desk or work blindly ...

In fact, a stylish red keyboard, projected onto the table, we need only to you. In the sense that just as well you can draw it on the table marker or even to work blindly. To your touch to the table top are keystrokes, is the next process. At 1-2 mm from the table, parallel to its surface, working area covers a built-in unit infrared LEDs. Of course, this auxiliary lights the eye is not visible. When you touch a finger of one of the keys, you cross this "illuminated" the plane, infrared rays are reflected from the finger. This reflected light is captured CMOS-sensor installed in the middle of the VKB and after a complicated process, set the coordinates of the finger. Comparing them with the available memory "mesh" keyboard, you can determine what kind of key was pressed. All this is a bit like the usual optical mouse, only in an increasingly technological and impressive form.

Communication with computer

VKB supports two profiles Bluetooth - HID and SPP. First used with notebooks and ordinary computers, whereas the latter is useful for communication with PDAs and smartphones. Accordingly, if your laptop or computer has Bluetooth support and decent drivers are installed, then connect to the computer VKB can be no pulling out of the box "home» CD. However, you can and get it - thanks to our own drivers, you can reconfigure the VKB and assess the status of the keyboard, first of all - the battery level. For Pocket PC is installing drivers is mandatory. Specifically for this keyboard, Mobility development company "MakTsentr" makes a version of its keyboard driver MacCentre UniBoard. In our tests, we used an alpha version of this application, and therefore warned in advance that with the release of the program interface will change somewhat. So, in the settings of the driver can, in particular, to adjust the sensitivity of the keyboard that is very relevant point. There are also adjust the brightness of the projected image, the auto-mode, etc. Among other things, you can configure the unused Fn key combinations to quickly launch applications. When you first turn on the keyboard, it often flashes blue to indicate a willingness to "mate" with the computer. Running on a PDA or smartphone search for BT-devices, you will see a list of HID-device «VKB». The pairing on your PDA, you are asked a PIN, you can invent yourself. And now the non-obvious point - for successful mating to quickly enter the same PIN code on the projected keyboard and click on it Enter. After that, the keyboard goes for rare "winks", signaling the normal mode of operation. You can start typing. Each time you turn the keyboard it tries to establish communication with the parent of BT-device so when properly set up the last, to get started with the keyboard need not take any additional action.If you need to configure the keyboard to work with another computer, the current registered device can be reset by a half-second by clicking "reset" (hidden in a recess under the lid on the right side), or by pressing a special key combination on the projected keyboard.

The practice of using

Use of VKB is a very interesting exercise, because all feelings are fundamentally different from working on a conventional keyboard. The main and most unpleasant - the lack of tactile feedback. In fact, you drumming on the table, which is to your touch does not react. True, the keyboard produces evidence flicks, and this is a very easy job. And it complicates what is actually pressing detected when the finger still hangs in the air at an altitude of about 1 mm, so that you can type text, even without touching the table. Get used to this challenge. The main problem - the hand and fingers for a second can not be put on the table for the rest, because while dramatically increasing the percentage of false positives. It is also difficult to get used to that move your finger from the button on the button to far enough "taking" it from the surface, high in the air. In general, the more you have experience in working on a conventional keyboard, the more effectively you are drumming on the usual keys, the more difficult to retrain. When printing blindly most typical mistake - the appearance of extra spaces in the middle of words. When printing with two fingers, there are extra letters when a finger is transferred from one key to another too low. Unfortunately, the manual does not include any advice on the accurate collection, so I would venture to give them away. At first, closely monitor their own hands. See what actions lead to the wrong set and try to avoid them. If some of the letters you typed, did not appear on the screen, you should reduce the sensitivity of the driver settings or by using a special keyboard shortcuts. If you are extra letters, the sensitivity should be increased. Apparently, the developers understand this term as something else than I am - in my understanding it should be vice versa. Advisable to keep your hands in the air, a few inches above the table. If you are typing blindly, especially watch out for "altitude" wrists and thumbs. If you print two or four fingers, each time to lift them straight up at least half a centimeter before moving on to the next key. All of this just sounds complicated, but in fact a couple of days of torment and abuse can be used to this particular style of recruitment, with almost no damage, compared with the usual speed of input, work with VKB efficiently and accurately. At first, doing 5.3 errors per typed line, but after a few days has been falling to more acceptable than 5.2 errors per page. Another important point - the lighting conditions. Depending on these changes as keyboard on the visibility of the table, and the quality of detection keys. In the artificial office or home lighting, with dim daylight, no problem. If, however, sit in a fine day by the window, the keyboard fades. Visibility image can be improved by increasing the intensity of light, this configuration is. But even the highest brightness will not help if your desktop illuminated by direct sunlight. Moreover, under these conditions does not work correctly combination of infrared diode and sensor, thus to determine the keystrokes not impossible - on the keyboard lights up red. In general, for VKB bright illumination of the working place is evil.

Another important point when dealing with VKB - the lighting conditions

Runtime

Despite the relative simplicity, VKB is literally crammed with "greedy" components. Transceiver Bluetooth, laser projector, an infrared LED auxiliary - all built-in battery is quickly discharged. During active operation, the manufacturer claims - more than 120 minutes. In reality, it depends on the intensity of the set, the brightness of the projection keyboard, and varies between 90 and 120 minutes. This is much less than the "stretch" your PDA or even a laptop in the office mode, so the figure is clearly too small. The good news is that the active set for a long time need not happen very often. To save battery and has automatic shutdown VKB via a user-specified period of inactivity. To turn the keyboard, simply press the button at the end. And to turn off, just need to detach the case from the table - the sensor on the bottom immediately turn off all the stuffing.

The amount of impressions

The idea behind the VKB, extremely promising. With the advent of more efficient batteries and more compact electronic components can be set as all the same full-sized keyboard is even more petite. And the current version is quite comfortable to carry and fits in any pocket. It allows you to literally 3-5 seconds to deploy sufficiently comfortable and functional workspace to any apprentice table - if only it was flat and empty. The keys will remain at their full size, and their number corresponds to the computer standards. But, unfortunately, VKB is completely useless in an environment where the above-described table is unavailable to you, for example, in the car. In this sense, hard folding keyboards are more effective solution. Also embarrassing inability to work in bright sunlight, for example, on a summer terrace restaurant. Given the ubiquitous Wi-Fi is becoming a noticeable limitation. But most "bottleneck current version is a small battery life. Fully charged battery will not be enough even for half a day of work away from the office. By the strong points of VKB, besides those already mentioned, include high flexibility (suitable for any PDA, smart phones and computers) and reliability (there are practically no moving parts and unreliable contacts). Given the high prices, the most likely audience will be businessmen who want to comfortably edit documents and respond to emails while waiting for her flight at the airport or in another office in the negotiations. Well, of course, do not miss their fans the most advanced technical solutions, because the VKB - is an impressive gadget, and a great way to impress friends and acquaintances. The authors, translation:

Review of "live" Palm Tungsten T. Part One, steel

For the past three years I use exclusively by the operating system Palm. I know her well, changed a lot of models for a long time, yes indeed, as much as I waited for the release of new operating systems ... even more devices based on it, look at what else is capable of a legendary company. Recently, the PDA market was a lull. No, no, on the surface of all the bubbling and gurgling: handheld computers came into vogue, companies zhelezyachniki (producers of computer hardware) has finally realized that the CCP is the thing demanded, but the main thing - the fashion and began to flood the market model similar to one another. Well, it is no wonder, operating systems that have proven their loyalty to the user, after the untimely death EPOC remained only two: Pocket PC, so Palm OS. Both, it is not difficult to see very demanding on hardware solutions, and that's filled with endless clones of the shops have already gained success models. To announce the new operating system, Palm has identified certain point out of the vicious circle, that's just in my opinion, too early. Release of the new OS world waited over a year. During this time, the development time to acquire so many rumors, mysteries and guesses that at some point became clear: that Palm would not do it, it will still be worse than what already nafantaziroval currently user. Moreover, the company Sony, apparently recently trying to someone to prove their weight on the PDA market and, therefore, produced several models in the month, the pop-user more and more close to the most rumored model PDA. The undoubted climax of this was, of course, the representation model NR-series. Thus, the debut of a new, in fact, generations of handheld computers Palm, in the face of Palm Tungsten T was held in late October. And only now, before Russia got the first machine that can be touched with his own hands, poke regular stylus, compared with competitors, to assess how the rumors came true. We begin immediately with the specifications. The heart of Palm Tungsten is a processor OMAP1510, from digging Texas Instruments, which consists of two subprocessors: ARM 925 and C55x. The latter - a DSP (digital signal processor) processor and is used exclusively for the implementation of multimedia tasks. Also on the main processor implemented LCD controller, USB, SD, Bluetooth. Despite higher than the previous generation of processors Palm (Motorola Dragonball EZ, VZ) clock, OMAP1510 compare with them in power consumption. Tungsten does not shine in memory: 8 MB Flash, 16 RAM. It's just heartbreaking, because at first glance, the program for the five, on average, one and a half times more unique to version 4.1. Sure is there a slot for cards SD, which can also work with the periphery on the basis of this standard. The display is nothing new in the design is not introduced - such as for a year already shows us Sony: 320 by 320 pixels, 16 bit, the front lights. Pleasant one - Palm has finally officially adopted a new, high resolution and basic "disease" of these handhelds - "dancing pixels obsessive, hopefully, cured. Screen closes a transparent plastic lid with a hole for access to the joystick, which is simple enough anywhere to forget: apart from the Tungsten, it skillfully disguised as details of the interior, so that, at first, I had almost lost her. Then it became clear that the lid can still mounted on the rear panel - convenient, and most importantly, it is clear that someone thought about it. «TT» equipped with a speaker and microphone, and "right off the bat is able to work as a voice recorder - record and play back voice messages. For these purposes, at the end, where the Sony is usually wheel JogDial, made a special button to start recording, and beside it is a hole-in microphone. His way, you can inadvertently hurt when you press the button. Speaker (I mean a real speaker, not the beeper, as in the previous Palm) now adorns the front panel by an elegant mesh. In light of the fact that the speaker is not very loud, it is a pleasant alternative to the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. Themselves earphones do not like, however, there is no mp3 player. In this connection, go obsessive rumors of imminent withdrawal from the free player of Palm and its analogue on Real Audio. Another pleasant surprise was the use of a Palm Tungsten universal connector (Universal Connector), so that most of the periphery of m500 series can be perfectly used with «TT». This, incidentally, it becomes clear immediately: the new set of standard cradle 500y series with the same standard power adapter. A useful "frills" can also be noted LED indication of charging batteries and alarm, vibration, and, of course, rapidly entering the mode Bluetooth. Deserves special attention stylus. Telescopic metal pen kept on a special mount and gets a touch on the tip. For dealing with clear analogy is a comparison with first-class PDA stylus Newton series 130 and 2000. Separately to say about the buttons and controls. Of course the main "chip" is a sliding area of ​​graffiti. The idea is very good, but certainly not original (think, for example, Sharp Zaurus, with its sliding keyboard). Most interestingly, it is this innovation and bring the greatest amount of frustration. For example, if a closed area graffiti remain closed part of the action buttons, including back button in the main menu (house) and the context menu. As a result, in the folded state can not even call a soft keyboard! The most offensive that these functions can not even give any of the 4 hardware buttons, joystick, neighbors, have all the time to open and close a PDA. There is in this opening and closing and interesting solutions, for example, you can make your computer turned on when you open the graffiti on and off at closing.

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Joystick, in my opinion, is the most useful acquisition, especially in light of future multimedia capabilities, in particular, advanced games, which these same opportunities will be used. In our daily work life, he was really helpful to me except that only when working with spreadsheets. The power button is on top, next to her the elegant svetodiodik slightly get on the front panel. Infrared, as well as it lives on top, and is represented by a narrow dark little window next to the card slot. I would say that design new Palm I rather like it than dislike. Despite the fact that in the folded position, he looks a bit kutsym, but it fits easily into a shirt pocket, for some reason considered to be the benchmark for small size, and, in general, in any pocket of your choice. Brushed metal case, in conjunction with black plastic gives you a feeling of solidity and strength of the assembly as a whole, like the good old Palm Vx. Well, of course, a wonderful stylus that completes the image of an expensive and stylish things. The authors, translation:

Mobile panorama of the week, issue Nov. 7

The past week has been extremely rich in the most diverse event. In addition to early November and the transfer time for the winter version, there was a whole series of high-profile announcements of final releases and announcements on the issue, both in the field of hardware and in software. Everything in order.

Official Release Glofiish X500 from E-Ten: wait!

New Glofiish X500 from the Taiwanese company E-Ten Information Systems, perhaps, was one of the most anticipated smartphones of the season. Approve this permit, at a minimum, active debate in many forums. News release took place on Monday, October 30. A detailed review of technical capabilities Glofiish X500 is available here, but we will focus on points that have not been well elucidated. X500 has pioneered the company's portfolio in several categories. Firstly, this is the first device from E-Ten, combining a built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. Secondly, this is the first device from E-Ten with a slot for memory cards microSD, not miniSD or SD, and finally, thirdly, this is the first device from E-Ten under a new brand «glofiish». The very next day after the announcement, a few well-known news feeds appeared angry notes regarding unfair marketing E-Ten in promoting glofiish X500. Such statements were, to put it mildly, misguided. The company is positioning novelty as the world's thinnest device that has GPS support and Wi-Fi. However, many publications have rejected clarification about the GPS and Wi-Fi, and in their presentation turned out that E-Ten X500 promoted as the world's thinnest PDA, which, of course, untrue. Later novostnikov error was noticed and recognized. The device is really thin for its features - stated thickness of only 15.5 mm. Closest to potential competitors X500 - it is HTC P3300, developed on the platform HTC Artemis, and the ASUS P535, an official release which has not yet taken place. The latter is the first communicator of ASUSTeK Computer, equipped with a GPS-module. If we compare the X500 with the HTC P3300, then the main difference is the more nimble Processor - Samsung SC3 2442 processor with a clock frequency of 400 MHz in the X500 against the TI OMAP 850 200 MHz with HTC P3300. ASUS P535 X500 superior in this respect, as equipped with Intel XScale PXA272 520 MHz, in addition, he has more ROM-memory - 256 MB, 128 MB instead of X500 and HTC P3300. However, for those who are important communication characteristics may not like the lack of ASUS P535 support data transfer standard EDGE. Another difference between the ASUS P535 - a slot for memory cards miniSD, instead of microSD. Simultaneously with the release of the company glofiish X500 E-Ten introduced the world to himself a new brand «glofiish». This brand will be used by E-Ten in the international market to promote its consumer communicators. As explained by the company itself, just a few years of its communicators are "mature" product in terms of technology, design and marketing. Focusing on technology, E-Ten has achieved popularity among users and the press. Currently, the company pays more attention to design, hoping thus to satisfy the tastes of the mass market in the international arena.

According to the representation E-Ten, the name «glofiish» reflects the following key points of this line of products:
• Inspiration (inspiring, challenging time, and so on) - emphasizes the ability to easily obtain a variety of information from email to positional data, whenever it is needed.
• Versatility (multifunctionality, versatility) - highlights, in particular, support for international standards such as GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
• Commitment (commitment, loyalty) - According to E-Ten, glofiish brand reinforces its commitment to consumers. Two letters «i» in the title are designed to emphasize the close connection between the user and glofiish-communicator which, thanks to the compactness, versatility and flexibility in use, is a comprehensive solution that can provide everything needed for the mobile life.

Thus, glofiish intended to be a symbol of the new generation smartphones from E-Ten and make them more popular and recognizable. Based on the new brand positioning and the fact that X500 - only the first representative from the later E-Ten can be expected, and other multi-communicator, with an attractive design, significantly different from the "bricks", which once produced the company. It should be noted that the first really got a glofiish versatile and attractive, with its design differs from its predecessors radically. Given that the expected price is mild enough, glofiish X500 has all chances to become a hit. Briefly repeat performance. X500 is running an operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC Phone Edition with Service Pack AKU 3.2. It is designed for networks of GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), support for third-generation networks do not, but wireless networks Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) interface and Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR. The communicator is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, FM-tuner, and GPS-module (SiRFstar III). Work is performed on a processor with a Samsung SC3 2442 400 MHz, 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, also has a slot for memory cards microSD. The display device has a diagonal of 2.8 inch, QVGA (240x320 pixels) and supports the display of 65K colors. Battery - lithium polymer, capacity 1530 mAh It provides 5 to 7 hours of talk time, 150 to 200 hours of standby time, 10 to 15 hours in PDA mode and from 5 to 7 hours of GPS-navigation. Dimensions of the device are 113h59, 5x15, 5 mm, and weight - 146 grams (with battery). The expected price for the Russian market is $ 750, a tentative release date - mid-November.

The first GPS-navigator from Nokia ... based on Windows CE

The following announcement came somewhat unexpectedly, he waited a little later. Nokia has announced a device called the Nokia 330 Auto Navigation. Rumors about the new product appeared shortly before the announcement, we have them in sufficient detail described in the last issue of mobile panorama. Surprises are not limited to just the earlier announcement. Nokia 330 - is the first device from Nokia, designed specifically for GPS-navigation. That is, this is the first car GPS-navigator from Nokia, supports the way, some multimedia features. Communications capabilities the unit has received almost no - not stated any support for cellular networks or Wi-Fi, no interface Bluetooth. Curiously, the device was so unusual for the production of Nokia, which catalogs the company's website was the section of accessories, including Bluetooth-headset, cradle and GPS-modules. The second surprise is that the navigator is powered by ... Windows CE.This is very unusual for Nokia, because it is actually the main driver in promoting the operating system Symbian. In the rumor as the most probable Operating System for Nokia 330 was considered Linux, based on which we operate Internet Tablet Nokia 770. However, it turned out otherwise. More surprising step for Nokia - except that release device based on Windows Mobile. Nevertheless, it seems that it's true. The official sources do not call Nokia directly used by the operating system, but some online retailers already taking pre-orders for the device and report the list of characteristics of Windows CE. Net 4.2. Now, after the Treo smartphones from Palm-based company's Windows Mobile and the incident begin to believe that "everything is possible." However, the use of Windows CE for Automotive browser is not surprising - on the basis of this system produces many well-known manufacturers such decisions. According to its characteristics Nokia 330 is not too issued from the crowd. Is that support for video playback (WMV, AVI, ASF, and MPG) is unusual. It also supports the display of graphics formats JPEG, BMP, as well as music in MP3. In all other parameters are almost standard. That is what is reported in the description of the device at the European site Nokia. Display in Navigator 3.5-inch touchscreen with QVGA (320x240 pixels), 65K colors. Navigation capabilities provides a GPS-module SiRFstar III. However, such a nice addition as TMC-module, which allows to receive timely information about the different situations on the roads, not built, and external, will be optional. Processor is used by Samsung - S3C2440 clocked at 400 MHz, embedded Memory RAM - 64 MB. Dimensions are 119h83h24 mm, and weight - 205 grams. On reaching a set of flash memory card format SD 2 GB preinstalled maps covering Europe. However, for some regions, as recognized by the company itself does not provide 100% coverage. Oddly enough in light of the recent acquisition by Nokia of German company Gate5, well-known manufacturer of digital maps, navigation software and services, the Nokia 330 software and maps are used by other developers. The navigation software installed on the device, - Route 66 Navigate 7, and maps provided the company Navteq. Maps can be displayed in two-and three-dimensional form. Provides day and night display modes. Are supported by step by step voice instructions. Selling car navigator Nokia 330 Auto Navigation to begin on the European market before the end of this year. Expected price is 360 euros, about $ 460 (excluding taxes).

The official release of Windows CE 6.0

Another loud announcement - Microsof Corporation today announced a new version of the operating system Windows CE. It is intended mainly for consumer electronics and embedded systems, that is, devices such as, for example, vending machines, GPS-navigators, and media players. This is interesting news for users of handheld computers, PDA and Smartphone, as Microsof traditionally uses the core Windows CE as the basis for operating systems like Windows Mobile. Preview beta release of Windows CE 6.0 was held in May 2006 at the conference Microsoft Mobile & Embedded DevCon 2006. Now, the company announced the release of the final version. One of the most interesting posts about Windows Embedded CE 6.0 at the time of the announcement was a statement Microsof that the kernel source for the new system will be 100% open in the program Microsoft Shared Source.Previous versions of Windows Embedded CE can boast of code, open only to 56%. Such generosity was timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the date of the first platform Windows Embedded. The Shared Source allows device developers to view source code and modify it, but they will have no obligation to share the final development with Microsoft or anyone else. As expected Microsoft, having the opportunity to access certain parts of the code, including file system drivers and other components of the core, developers can create their own unique variations of operating systems and faster to produce the resulting device on the market. As part of the package Windows Embedded CE also comes Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition, and embedded development tool, Platform Builder, will now be available as a plug-in Visual Studio 2005. Thus, developers have a set of necessary tools in one solution that will increase the speed of product development and quickly releasing it to market. Processed core Windows Embedded CE 6.0 can handle up to 32 thousand of processes running simultaneously, each of whom gets access to 2 GB of virtual memory address space. For comparison - in Windows CE 5.0 may be only 32 concurrent processes. New file system supports the storage of large volumes and large files (up to 4 GB). Such capabilities allow the devices to handle more complex applications. In Windows Embedded CE 6.0 provides new communication and multimedia components. One of the most interesting components of the platform allows for devices to transmit data and make voice calls over cellular networks. Thus, can communicate with each other, even such a general, simple, in comparison, narimer with communicators, the device as trade devices or GPS-navigators. You can also create media devices with network functions, including the receipt of content from Windows PCs via a home network. DVR-component (Digital Video Recorders) allows devices to record multiple video streams to a hard drive for later playback. Also an opportunity to connect the computers based on Windows Vista to projectors based on WinCE 6.0 on a wireless or other IP-based networks. Many renowned companies are already working with Windows Embedded CE 6.0 to create devices based on it, they include Unitech, Advantech, Applied Data Systems and Intelligent Instrumentation. The first such device must appear in the current quarter, that is until the end of the year. With regard to the operating system for smartphones, smartphones and PDAs based on the new platform, it is expected that it will appear only in 2008. Before that, most likely, will be released update the current version of Windows Mobile 5.0 - Windows Mobile Crossbow. Devices based on Windows Mobile Crossbow will tentatively in the second half of next year.

SoftMaker Office 2006: a powerful office suite for Pocket PC

The next notable event also relates to the world of software. SoftMaker Software Company has completed beta testing of a powerful office suite SoftMaker Office 2006, which lasted from October this year. Now selling the package has already started, also became available for 30-day trial version of SoftMaker Office 2006. SoftMaker Office 2006 consists of the application TextMaker 2006 (text editor) and PlanMaker 2006 (spreadsheet editor). The developer is positioning it as the only solution for Pocket PC-class office suite for PCs. Besides the fact that it does not require prior conversion to work with documents using Microsoft Word or Excel, and fully retains all the formatting in them, pack an impressive functionality, which can only envy the native Word Mobile and Excel Mobile. According to SoftMaker, TextMaker application 2006 provides the full functionality of text editors for Windows, such as Microsoft Word 2003.Here we are talking about the possibilities of how to format and style sheets to paragraphs and characters, headers and footers, display as a structure that allows fast rebuild documents, multi-lingual spell checker, tools to create forms with checkboxes, lists, input fields, full-fledged Tables with computing capabilities, as well as recurring headlines, the United yacheyka, various kinds of borders and so on.

Here are some new opportunities that have arisen in TextMaker 2006:
• Import documents between OpenOffice.org and OpenDocument
• Support for Unicode, you can create documents in many languages, including Russian
• Full support AutoShapes
• Automatically number headings and paragraphs,
• Line Numbering
• Multilevel marking or numbering of paragraphs
• Change History
• Pop-up comments in Word 2003
• Copy the formatting of a piece of text
• Automatic hyphenation for 29 languages
• Columns of text with different widths.

Application PlanMaker 2006, respectively, compared to convenience and functionality with Microsoft Excel 2003. There are more than 320 built-in calculation functions, support for complex numbers and array processing, named ranges and processing module for building all sorts of charts and graphs that can display any chart created in Microsoft Excel.

Here are some of the changes in the new version:
• Create forms with input fields, checkboxes, dropdown lists, etc.
• Validation data
• Redesigned toolbar icons
• Goto Button
• Quick selection of a cell value from the dialogue
• Private footer and headers for different areas
• Automatic transfer for 33 languages
• Support for Unicode, you can create tables in many languages, including Russian
• Displays menus and dialogs in 9 languages.

Both applications are designed for handheld computers and communicators based Pocket PC and Windows Mobile, XScale processor or StrongARM. The cost of a full version of the package is $ 69.95, or 69.95 euros, depending on the region.

Opera Mini 3.0 Beta: increased functionality

The company Opera Software has introduced a new beta version of its lightweight browser Opera Mini. Recall that this version of the browser is designed mainly for Java-phones, but it can be run on a more "intelligent" devices. The peculiarity of this browser is that all Web-page pre-processed by a remote server, which compresses them and adapts for easy viewing on the small screen, resulting in the user's terminal comes much more "light" version of the page. Earlier this year, an official release of the first version of Opera Mini, and in May released version 2.0. Experience has proved successful, the browser has become popular, the developer began to expand its capabilities. In the second version adds support for mobile commerce via SMS, downloading content, images, MP3-files and so on, directly on the mobile phone, a more custom design options browser, select from several search engines for your start page, assigning hotkeys for bookmarks on the home page, and as fast horizontal scrolling. Version 3.0 also has several new features.Among the innovations of Opera Mini 3.0 Beta Enhanced secure connections, viewing and processing of RSS-feeds, a tool for downloading pictures to a remote server, as well as automatic folding of long lists of links. To download Opera Mini 3.0 Beta should visit the URL beta.mini.opera.com by Wap-browser device. It is necessary to bear in mind that the beta version is installed separately from the official version of the program, so that all bookmarks, feeds, and settings will be stored separately.

Asian realization HTC Herald and the musical version of Artemis without GPS

The Taiwanese company Dopod, a subsidiary of the infamous company HTC, launches in the Asian region based device platforms HTC branded Dopod. Recently the company announced four new Communicator C800, D810, M700 and P800W, and smartphone C720W. Three new D810, P800W, C720W, not of particular interest, since this alternate implementation platforms Trinity, Artemis, and Excalibur, respectively. However, the C800 and the M700 is worth looking in more detail. Communicator Dopod C800 is the first presented formally, the implementation of the platform HTC Herald, which had been so many rumors. Communicator is really thin - the thickness of 17 mm, it is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera and a slot for memory cards microSD. These are the main differences from the HTC Herald earlier platform - HTC Wizard. The rest of the parameters of the old - sliding side QWERTY-keyboard, support networks, GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), 2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels), the processor Texas Instruments OMAP 850, 64 MB RAM and 128 MB ROM, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g) and so on. HTC Dopod M700 appearance gives the impression of an ordinary device platform based Artemis, but this model has some fundamental differences. I completely absent M700 GPS-functionality and twice as much ROM - 256 MB. In addition, the device is positioned as a music solution, it supports copyright protection system OMA DRM, and bundled him attached microSD memory card with 512 MB. Otherwise, Dopod M700 and P800W are similar - supports GSM / GPRS / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), 2.8-inch display with QVGA (240x320 pixels), FM-tuner card, a Texas Instruments OMAP 850, 64 MB RAM, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g), size - 108h58h16, 8 mm.

Kinoma Player 4 EX: audio and video streaming for Palm OS

Company Kinoma has released a fresh version of the popular player for mobile devices based on the operating system Palm OS. Appendix Kinoma Player 4 EX is positioned as the first media player for Treo smartphones and PDAs Palm, focused on work in the network. The player offers full support of Internet and media content, including Windows Media 9, Flash Video (files. Flv, containing the Flash H.263 and MP3), MPEG4, 3GPP, MP3, and RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol). According to the developer, Kinoma - this is the first application to support Windows Media Video 9 for Palm OS. Innovation were also formats Flash Video and RTSP. Kinoma Player 4 EX has a completely redesigned user interface. On the Treo communicators may be operated by the thumb of one hand. Even while playing a possible function of the scroll and zoom. Kinoma Player 4 EX can be integrated with the Blazer 4.5 browser on the new Treo, so that by clicking on the link content will be playable for them. Using bookmarks player can gather a collection mediassylok, they can be exported to other devices. Kinoma Player 4 EX also supports playback of all video, audio, and picture viewer, both with built-in memory devices and memory cards. Supported formats include MPEG4, M4A, 3GPP, Flash Video, MP3, Windows Media Audio (no DRM), Windows Media Video, ASF, QuickTime, QuickTime VR, MQV, and JPEG. Traditionally paired with a player, Kinoma company introduced a program of Kinoma Producer 4 for Windows-based computers or Mac OS X, which helps you to convert video content for dozens of devices, including most PDAs and smartphones based on Palm, the console Sony PlayStation Portable, iPod players and so on. The cost of a full version of Kinoma Player 4 EX is $ 24.99. The player supports devices based on Palm OS 5.0.

Briefly about other events of the week

Soft-panorama of the week

Windows Mobile Crossbow Smartphone, personally Screenshots of the new operating system for mobile devices codenamed "Windows Mobile Crossbow is already published in the news. Then, the network appeared screenshots version for Pocket PC. Now came the turn for Smartphone version of Crossbow, its screenshots and leaked to the net. Crossbow - an updated version of Windows Mobile 5.0, one of the possible names at the time - Windows Mobile 5.0 Second Edition. As well as in versions of Pocket PC is observed a change of style (the main screen and icons in the style of Windows Vista). But the important thing is that, judging by these screenshots on smartphones with Crossbow will be pre-installed applications like Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and PowerPoint Mobile. It is not envisaged in the current version of Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone. StyleTap: Palm-running programs on Pocket PC company StyleTap has released the official version of StyleTap Platform 1.0. This software emulator that allows you to run applications developed by Palm OS, on devices running OS Windows Mobile Pocket PC. That is, Palm-like native programs work on communicators and handheld computers based on Windows Mobile. There is even a clipboard for bitmap images and text. The first preview version of StyleTap has released a further 18 months ago, during the past period, was released in 1934 build, added dozens of new features and fixes a lot of mistakes. StyleTap Platform - is the first product in a planned series of programs with similar capabilities, will also create versions for Symbian OS and Windows Mobile for Smartphones. StyleTap Platform 1.0 will be able to run most programs and games written for any version of Palm OS (including version 5). It supports all devices based on Windows Mobile Pocket PC (Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2002 and Pocket PC 2000), including square and VGA-displays. Ability to work both in horizontal and vertical display mode. Supported such communication capabilities as Wi-Fi, to connect via serial port, USB, and IrDA and Bluetooth. The cost of a complete edition of the program is $ 49.95. Members who purchased preview version, can produce an upgrade for free. Mobile AntiVirus 4.0: A new anti-virus system from the company Symantec Symantec, a well-known fighter with malicious code, announced the release of anti-virus system Mobile AntiVirus 4.0. It is designed for mobile devices running the Windows operating system Windows Mobile. Anti-Virus works with PDAs and communicators, as well as with smartphones based on Windows Mobile 5.0.As promised the developer, the corporation can not restrict their employees in wireless capabilities, without fear for the safety of important business information. Mobile AntiVirus 4.0 automatically protects mobile devices from all sorts of dangers in the information received by e-mail, MMS-messages, downloaded from memory cards, cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or IrDA. The software will automatically update with the server Symantec LiveUpdate Wireless, to ensure protection against new viruses, trojans and worms. Centralized management system will enable administrators to set security policy, configure, and even block the mobile device, using the center console. It is expected that the new anti-virus system will be available in the second half of November. X-button will close the program on a Pocket PC from HTC to just close the program on the X button in the Microsoft operating system for handhelds and smartphones not originally envisaged, that does not like many users of such devices. To implement this feature, managers have to install a variety of tasks from third-party software developers. Company HTC, apparently decided to end the suffering of those users that are unhappy with the current X-button situation. There are reports that all devices from HTC, running the operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC with Service Pack AKU 3.2 and above, will be pre-application "HTC Task Manager". As one of the options that the manager will be offered to allow the closure of programs on the button X. It is not only understandable, will include whether a category of devices from HTC "camera version, designed for platform-based HTC. Mobile phone with two OSes - almost a reality Japanese giant NTT DoCoMo announced a new specification of the mobile terminal OSTI (Open and Secure Terminal Initiative), co-developed with Intel. If you work on a PC is not difficult to put a new system or even make different sections for various systems and switch between them. In mobile devices, all is not as easy as one would like. Development will set up mobile phone far more flexible than before - can not only install applications to your liking, but also put additional operating systems. Specification provides an open section that is separate from the section "default", which contains pre-installed operating system and applications. Special controller lets you switch between sections. As an example of such a system provides an opportunity for corporations to establish an open section of the browser, scheduler, as well as means to ensure safety. Ability to switch to the section "default" will continue to use the phone if in the open domain problems started. Also, switching easily done when receiving or making calls. Smartbar: Today screen plug-in multi-company Teksoft has released a program called Smartbar. This versatile plug-screen Today, including acting as a task manager.Among the features and options: the toolbar in the style of Windows XP, the possibility of this closure, and interaction with the programs, the desktop in Windows XP style with custom background images, and content, the battery charge and time, the panel Smartbar can be moved and positioned along each of the four sides of the screen, multi-screen keyboard, among the possibilities: the combination of buttons for fast typing, speed dialing, and other actions; tool for creating screenshots (JPG, a series of screenshots and sound alerts), task manager, provides information about running programs (one for each - name, number of memory, open a window and so on), network manager - Testing and troubleshooting of network and Internet connections. The program is designed for devices based on operating system Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC, with a display resolution of QVGA (320x240 pixels). The cost of a complete revision is expressed in the mysterious "loan" (200 pcs.) That can get registered on the site users. Demo version, however, is provided. The beta version of SmartCom Navigator for UIQ 3 Russian developer Wild Mobile (Smartcom Ltd.) has released a beta version of navigation software SmartCom Navigator for PDA-based platform UIQ 3rd edition (P990, M600 and W950). SmartCom Navigator - it's easy to use program with an intuitive interface that turns your mobile device into a powerful navigation system. You can use the program and without GPS-receiver, for example, to view the maps on a trip to the nature of business or sightseeing around an unfamiliar city. For convenience, all functions are divided into thematic menu with access to use in one or two clicks. One of the features of the program is compatible with the maps and data files of OziExplorer and SmartComGPS (can read files. Plt,. Wpt,. Map,. Names). The beta version is free. The full version of the finished version for Symbian-smartphones based on S60 (including the third edition), and UIQ are $ 25. Spb Diary has been updated to version 2.1 of the Company Spb Software House Spb Diary to update the program to version 2.1. Spb Diary - a plug-screen Today, to appear on his information in the calendar, tasks, contacts, notes and messages. Spb Diary makes it easy to work with the program Pocket Outlook, gathering all of your PIM-data. In the version of Spb Diary 2.1 adds support for e-mail client FlexMail 2007, use hardware buttons to search for contacts and notes, is also possible to search using the letters of the Greek and Hebrew, implemented tracking of conflicting objectives. Also fixed some bugs and made some other improvements. The program is still designed for PDAs and smartphones running operating systems, Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5.0. The cost of the full version is $ 19.95. Registered owners of previous versions of Spb Diary 2.x can upgrade for free to produce.

Hard-panorama of the week

FCC has approved a new internet tablet from Nokia Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a new internet tablet from Nokia, which has not yet been announced by the company, but managed to flicker in the rumors. Last week, the network has a photograph of that device, and quite a bit of preliminary information about the characteristics. Unfortunately, due to the traditional requirements for confidentiality, FCC issued no means all documents and provided very limited information about the next new product. Nevertheless, some interesting facts about fish out of the test report is still possible. Firstly, it is really internet tablet, rather than, for example, GPS-navigator, as already announced Nokia 330, because the FCC documentation, he said so. In addition, the device supports wireless WLAN network interface and Bluetooth. Photo was not published, FCC had to confine washy sketch the outlines of the device. However, this outline is similar to that live picture, leaked earlier in the network. BlueBird BM300: advanced fine handheld Among the total domination of communicators, from time to time there are advanced models of handheld computers with very attractive characteristics. Korean company, BlueBird has announced the imminent start of sales of its handheld BM300. The device has a stylish glossy plastic, the thickness sostvalyaet only 13,8 mm. Novelty is equipped with built-in tuner T-DMB, enabling you to view TV programs in digital format. Touchscreen BM300 has a diagonal 2.8 inches at a resolution of 320x240 pixels and can display up to 262K colors. Built PDA CPU Intel PXA 270 520 MHz and has 64 MB of RAM and 512 MB ROM memory. Communication capabilities new items are wide enough for PDA of course, there are Wi-Fi (802.11b / g) and Bluetooth-adapters, as well as infrared. Memory can be expanded through card slot SD (supports SDIO). Another special feature is that it has a USB-host. Powered PDAs running Windows Mobile 5.0. BlueBird BM300 sale in Korea will begin in November. Butler: compact, modular butler in accordance with the name of Butler, "Butler", an original concept of the mobile device, the ideal assistant in the house. With the help of the device can control temperature and lighting in the house, manage e-kitchen utensils, switching TV programs, control the playback of movies, music and so on, without having to carry around a dozen remote controls. In addition, the device supports the connection of modules that extend its functionality. Miniature printer can print a note or prescription, and by connecting a microphone, speaker and camera can make cell phone calls and even conduct a video conference. A convenient form makes it easy to hang Butler on the wall in the kitchen or even in the bathroom. Conceived as a special flair gives subtle solutions. Of course, this is only a concept, the possibility of commercializing Butler information is still lacking. Lowrance iWAY 600C: navigator for land and water company announced a Lowrance GPS-navigator with the index iWAY 600C. The device is equipped with a 5-inch touch screen with a resolution of 640x480 pixels. Large set of software recorded on the built-in iWAY 600C hard disk 30 GB. Depending on the region, detailed maps for navigation may take up to 25 GB of free space, the other 5 GB reserved for storing multimedia content. Navigation capabilities, both on land and in water spaces. Navigator is capable of playing video and audio files of popular formats. In addition to this new product can be used as an album to store digital photos. Among the features new items as a FM-tuner. Sales Lowrance iWAY 600C has already started for about $ 800. Not a second of silence in the car with Motorola T605 Integrated Bluetooth-enabled device from Motorola T650 connects your car stereo with MP3-player and mobile phone simultaneously. Stereo with MP3-player can be transferred to the T605 as on an audio cable 3,5 mm jack and Bluetooth 2.0 on the interface with the profile A2DP. Mobile phone use T650 as a Bluetooth-handsfree system. A key feature of novelty is a function that automatically shut off the music at the beginning of the call, and including it back when the user hangs up. Thus, motorists will get rid of the need to perform complex switching in connection with telephone calls. In addition, motorists, music fans can be sure not to get wasted a single second of music, even for the most important call. T605 supports profiles A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) Headset, and Hands-free. Novelty can communicate with the phone as having a function of MP3-player, and with two separate Bluetooth-enabled devices. Motorola will pay attention to the presence of T605 support technology EasyPair, allowing easy to configure Bluetooth-connection. Motorola promises that the new product will be available in the first half of 2007. Not yet received accurate information about the expected price of any device, any of its detailed features, but it is already clear that the T605 is aimed at serious competition with devices such as the Parrot MK6000.

Business panorama of the week

Communicator GSmart i won the G-Mark Company Gigabyte Communications has won a prestigious award from JIDPO (Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization, a Japanese organization of industrial design) in the contest "Good Design Award 2006", also called "G-Mark". JIDPO noted communicator GSmart i, developed by Gigabyte. "G-Mark", "Award for Best Design," held in Japan annually since 1957. This year the competition was put forward in 2918 of products in different categories. Among the winners was named communicator GSmart i. He has been awarded for the design in the category "Mobile phones and mobile products." From a design standpoint, GSmart i combines simplicity and elegance with an information and entertainment functionality. Communicator is running an operating system Windows Mobile 5.0. One of the highlights of the device is the availability of built-in FM-tuner and analogue TV-tuner and 2.1-megapixel camera. In addition to cellular networks, GSM / GPRS wireless networks it supports Wi-Fi. GSmart i, was released on sale this spring. It should be noted that the first device of its own brand Gigabyte has released not so long ago - just at the end of last year. The more pleasant the confession. M600 + Navigation Pack - low-cost navigation solution company "MakTsentr" announced sales of new navigation solutions M600 + Navigation Pack. Price set M600 + Navigation Pack online stores MakTsentr - A computer in the palm of just $ 625. Kit includes: PDA M600 + L (ABBYY Lingvo 11 in kit), Bluetooth GPS-Receiver Holux GPSlim236, navigation system PocketGPS Pro. The navigation component of the kit - it's GPS-Receiver Holux GPSlim 236 and system PocketGPS Pro. Holux GPSlim 236 meets all modern standards. In its basis - the chipset SIRFstarIII - guaranteed speed and precision positioning. Longer battery life up to 10 hours. PocketGPS Pro - one of the most detailed maps of Moscow and the region with a street name, house numbers and a convenient address search. The program has 2 modes, so it will be convenient both for experts and beginners. In addition, the system can be used as a reference for finding useful infrastructure (gas stations, stores, drugstores, etc.) The owner of new items to save $ 140 by buying a GPS-receiver and a navigation system at a discounted price. The new iPod Shuffle comes in selling this event music fans all over the world waited for one and a half months. Already on September 12, when an industry leader players - the company Apple - announced its new model of iPod Shuffle, it became apparent that the entire region expects a qualitative leap. As promised Apple, is this Friday, November 3, music fans around the world to assess a new level of portability, demonstrated by iPod Shuffle. In Russia, the new iPod Shuffle will be delayed, hopefully not too big. Characteristics "clothespin with player" is not too far from the truth. iPod Shuffle has a small size, close to the record - 41h27 mm. The clip that he fastens to your clothes, it's almost the biggest part player. Weight - 15 grams, that has not stopped developers to put in the player gigabytes of flash memory interface and USB 2.0. As reported in the announcement, the recommended price of iPod Shuffle is $ 79, which is not much for such a revolutionary device. This cheapness is explained by the extraordinary simplicity of the player: no screen, simple control buttons, a pair of jacks, inevitable with such a size metal body - that is, in fact, that's all. Appearance of the player as an unusually modest and discreet. Obviously, the producer convinced in the ability-to-date iPod Shuffle sold on the idea of ​​a clean, beautiful without obvesok. HTC profit grows by leaps and bounds company HTC, the leader at this point in the field of devices based on Windows Mobile, cheerfully reported about the impressive profit growth for the third quarter of 2006 compared to the same period a year earlier. In dollar terms, profit after taxes was $ 203 million, up 154% greater than the results of the third quarter last year. Such indicators as income for the first three quarters of the year and net income per share also reached record heights for the company. All this points to the success of the chosen development strategy. Recall that this summer's HTC started to produce products under its own brand.Given that just before the fourth quarter were issued for new devices, HTC rightly plans to see further growth indicators. The authors, translation: