The Mobile Genealogist

Do you have a Windows Mobile Device with a GPS and want a really interesting application to use with it?  (GPS isn’t actually required for this application, but it can take advantage of one)   Do you like to stargaze but don’t have a handy way to identify what you are looking at?

My Today Screen has a review of iWindows Mobile AstroAnavigator II which looks to be a very nice application and also wins my award for longest application name!

Click HERE to learn more.

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.

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.

On October 8th we had the article “Need a SIP?” about an alternative SIP (Soft Input Panel) that you could get for your device.  (The SIP is the pop-up keyboard/keypad that is found on Pocket PC’s)

Now Mobility Site has an article about a interesting new SIP called Slideit that might be worth checking out.   The article, including a video demonstration, can be found HERE.

We’ve had a few postings regarding Windows Mobile 6.1, but up to now it has all been unofficial, at least as far as Microsoft is concerned.

Today Microsoft officially announced the release of Windows Mobile 6.1 at the CTIA convention in Las Vegas.

The Boy Genius Report “Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1. Finally” can be found HERE.

Brighthand and “Microsoft Announces Windows Mobile 6.1 *Update 2*” can be found HERE.

Engadget and “Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.1, Device Upgrades” can be found HERE.

Mobility Site and “Press Release: Windows Mobile 6.1 Announced” can be found HERE.

Pocket PC Thoughts and “Windows Mobile 6.1: New Features at a Glance” can be found HERE.

the:unwired and “OFFICIAL: Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.1 and Internet Explorer 6″ can be found HERE.

Finding non-phone based devices is getting harder and harder.    Dell had a popular and moderately priced series of devices with the Axim line, both VGA and non-VGA.   Unfortunately, Dell left the Windows Mobile business in 2007 although recent rumors indicate they may be working on a WM Smartphone device.

We’ve posted recent articles regarding the VGA HP iPAQ 210, but there is also a more moderatly priced QVGA iPAQ that is also worth your consideration.

Mobility Site has more information about the iPAQ 110 series which can be found HERE.

Dell stopped selling the popular Axim line of VGA and non-VGA devices last year, but rumors lately indicate that Dell may be getting back into the Windows Mobile business.  (Although this time with a Smartphone based device)

You can read about it HERE from Engadget.

What is Google Gears?  In a nutshell, an application installed on a Windows Mobile 5 or 6 device that allows “offsite” access to web based applications.   However, there are currently few “Google Gear” enabled websites, but if the concept takes off that will change.

The Brighthand article “Google Gears Debuts for Windows Mobile” has the details HERE.

On December 9th, we had a post regarding Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard Edition.  (For non-touchscreen Smartphones)   Now there is more information on the Professional version for Smartphones with a touchscreen.  

The Brighthand article “More Details Emerge About Windows Mobile 6.1″ can be found HERE.