The Mobile Genealogist

Pocket Genealogist 3.21, another free update for Version 3 users, is now available for download.  As with all Pocket Genealogist releases, the 3.21 update is a complete release and does not require the installation of any previous versions.   If you already are using a Version 3 release, simply install 3.21 overtop your current version.

Changes/Enhancements in 3.21 since the 3.11 release:

WARNING: If you are upgrading from 3.11 or earlier, the database layout has changed and you will need to re-import/sync all your Pocket Genealogist databases.

• Device/Desktop: Support for Legacy Family Tree Version 7
  • Support for new Married Name feature of V7. 
  • “Direct” imports for Legacy V4 have been discontinued.

• Device/Desktop: Support for The Master Genealogist Version 7

  • Support for TMG 7.01 HVR3 field with mtDNA

• Device/Desktop: Support for Ancestral Quest 12 Build 12

  • Support for Phonetic and Romanized Names
• Device/Desktop: Support for FTM 2008 via GEDCOM import or “Direct” using optional PAF/FTM add-on.  (Fact and Name Notes not yet supported with PAF/FTM Add-on import.)
• Desktop: Initial support for “PhpGedView” GEDCOM Import.  
• Device: Reworked the “Name” tab and added “Custom” name fields (AKA, Married Name, Phonetic Name, Romanized Name, etc.) in support of PAF, AQ, Progen and Family Historian.
• Device: DNA screens completely reworked to add better support for AQ, TMG and Legacy including support for mtDNA.  (mtDNA availability dependant on support by desktop genealogy program)
• Device: Relationship calculator changed to display list of individuals that are the ancestors/descendants between the two selected people.
• Device: Added support for selecting font size for non-touchscreen smartphones.   (now works the same as the other device types)
• Desktop: Added new option on “Advanced” options screen - “Synchronize to location with most free space”.  With initial sync of a database, the location (memory, file store or storage card) with the most space will be selected as the target of the sync.   (Which can be overridden)
• Device: Support for 480×272 screen resolution devices.  (Widescreen GPS devices for example)
• Device: Support for 320×320 screen (touchscreen) resolution devices.
• Device: Support for 176×220 (non-touchscreen) smartphones (Windows Mobile 5 and higher)
• Device: Support for Smartphones (non-touchscreen) with 320×320, 400×240 and 440×240 screens.  Pocket Genealogist is not yet “optimized” for these resolutions (There will be wasted space on the screens), but the program will run.  We will add better support on request.
• Device:  Support for PocketPC’s or Smartphones (touchscreen) with 240×400 and 480×800 screens.  Pocket Genealogist is not yet “optimized” for these resolutions (There will be wasted space on the screens), but the program will run.  We will add better support on request.
• Desktop: The installer will now warn user if database layout changes have occurred with the new install.
• See Northern Hills Software Website for additional changes and fixes.

This is good news for those in the target markets for Best Buys new (trial) recycling program.     Best Buy already accepts smaller items in all stores, but this new program will accept larger electronics such as TV’s, Monitors up to 32 inches and computers.

If you live in Baltimore, San Francisco or Minnesota now is the time to take advantage of this new program!

More information can be found HERE from Engadget.

Do you have any devices that use AA batteries?   Want a solution where you can recharge the battery using your USB port on your laptop or desktop computer?

Look no further than THIS article at Digital Home Thoughts.

Brighthand has a FAQ that discusses how to configure a Bluetooth GPS receiver with Windows Mobile, an exercise that at times can be non-trivial.

Both the FAQ and the comments can be found HERE.

The different cell phone providers such as T-Mobile or Verizon use different cell phone technologies for their cellular network.    This has a bearing on the type of Smartphone that you purchase as phones designed to work on one network generally will not work on the other.   (In the United States, you usually purchase your Smartphone from the Cellular provider so compatibility is not an issue)   The type of phone you have will also determine if it can be used when travelling abroad.

Brighthand has a non-technical article describing the differences between the two major technologies which can be found HERE.

The above article also has a link to another FAQ that discusses the different data transfer methods used on the above networks.

Bernie over at HistoricalTownMaps has a “Location Based Genealogy” weblog that most recently discussed the use of GPS with your genealogy.    There are quite a few interesting articles you might find useful, you can visit his blog HERE.

Ever need to recharge your handheld but don’t have ready access to a power source or didn’t bring along your bulky charging cradle/cables?

Pocket PC Tech has a solution that is easy to carry and can be used to recharge your device during those low battery situations.

Mobility Site has all the details HERE.

There may not be such a thing as a free lunch to paraphrase a popular saying, but you can get a free GPS application for your mobile device from Wayfinder.

“Wayfinder, supplier of innovative location and navigation services for mobile phones, today announced that it is introducing its Wayfinder Active application in the U.S. and Canada. Wayfinder Active is a free GPS application for mobile phones with a unique combination of maps, GPS recording and statistics that is designed for people who enjoy running, hiking, skiing, biking or other outdoor activities.”

Mobility Site has more details HERE.

Chris Leckness over at Mobility Site is a Microsoft MVP.  (Most Valuable Professional)  MVP’s are not Microsoft employees but are individuals recognized as valuable technical volunteers for a particular Microsoft Product line.  (Windows Mobile for example)

Shortly Chris will be attending the MVP summit in Seattle and is giving everyone the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have about the current state of Windows Mobile.   If you have any comments or complaints, more information and the ability to post can be found HERE.

File this under “Would be a cool feature to have on my Windows Mobile Device”.  No devices yet have the “Pico Projector”, but imagine the ability to project device information onto any surface…

Mobility Site has the details HERE.