06:00 PM by Bob Russell in Archive | Portable Audio/Video

I have made no secret of the fact that I am a Pocket Tunes Deluxe user, and really enjoy the software for listening to mp3 files. I'm currently using a thumb board skin (available at PalmFocus) which is perfect for thumb operation on a Treo. And, there seems to be quite active development on the product itself, such as the recent additions of Janus and Rhapsody compatibility, plus streaming audio from internet radio via wireless connections. More improvements are on the way.

As a MobileRead exclusive, I can tell you that the Pocket Tunes folks have confirmed to me that bookmark features will specifically be improved, and be a focus area for future releases. I think one can safely conclude that means they are going to address the one remaining significant weakness that I see in the software. Specifically, if I am listening to a set of files in order, say an audiobook with multiple files, it's not very easy to leave that audiobook to listen to something else and then return where you left off.

Technically, you can sort of do that with a bookmark, but when you return to the bookmarked location, you only continue to the end of that file. To continue to the next file, you have to open the corresponding playlist and find the right file to restart. Not too bad, but a bit of a nusiance. Ideally, you could return to your place in the book, and then keep on going even if it moves you to the next file.

So with the expectation of this sort of improvement, it's clear that if you are an audiobook fan or like to listen to music in album playlists, you can have some comfort level with jumping on the Pocket Tunes bandwagon. They haven't finalized all the details and are understandably reluctant to share the details so early (competitors are lurking everywhere!) But it's still exciting to know that these basic needs will be addressed. I can wholeheartedly recommend this great program for all your audio player needs.

10:13 AM by sUnShInE in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

CNBC reported last night that Research In Motion (RIM), creator of the business-popular Blackberry handheld, has agreed to a deal to use battery-saving chip technology from Intel Corp. This is the first push for Intel into the handheld market, and in return, RIM is supporting Intel's push to encourage WiMax.

Shares of RIM rose 5 percent yesterday, and Intel's shares rose almost 2 percent after the CNBC report. A formal announcement of the deal is expected later this week.

Read more here.

09:18 AM by Alexander Turcic in Archive | Mobile Sites

If you are collecting directories of web sites optimized for mobile browsing, you can now add 4INFO to your list. It's not as complete as pdaPortal, but as a new kid on the block it still has all the potential.

[via SearchEngineWatch]

08:53 AM by Alexander Turcic in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

MSMobiles managed to get a peek at the forthcoming Pocket PC version of Opera Mini. Different from its competitors, Pocket IE and NetFront, Opera Mini runs in a Java environment, a fact alone why I wouldn't put my hands on this browser (Java isn't known for speed). Fortunately, the reviewer proves me wrong and argues that thanks to Opera Mini using the company's proxy server (privacy advocates may scream now), it is actually performing very well.

Ok, Opera, how about expanding your beta circle to allow us to test your new killer browser?

08:34 AM by Alexander Turcic in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

The BenQ P50 smartphone we've been drooling over for the past year may finally hit European markets this fall, though not under the BenQ label as expected but under Siemens. Digitimes quotes Chinese-language Commercial Times saying, "as Siemens has not been a strong player in the smartphone segment, BenQ has decided to initially launch its P50 PDA phone under a single-brand, in order to make up for the lack of new products during the four-month period from October 2005 to February 2006."

We don't care so much about the brand name as long as BenQ finally manages to get this gem on the market.

06:23 AM by Bob Russell in Miscellaneous | Lounge

Stop over at PDA247 today for news like...

* Beta testing for Fragmento
[size=-1]Fragmento is great for people who want to select only a small portion of a web page to print, save, transfer to a handheld, etc.

* [/size]BlueTooth ads[size=-1][/size][size=-1]Will your PDA's screen become just another surface for ads?[/size]* Are PDAs only for the middle class?

* Playing the gadget boom
[size=-1]The best bets aren't necessarily the brand-name companies behind grown-up toys like the Palm Treo smartphone, the Apple iPod photo player or the Sony PlayStation Portable. Rather, they're often small companies that boast big profit margins and a fast-growing market share in supplying the assemblers with their hardware, software or games...."[/size]

* How mobile phones conquered Japan
[size=-1][/size]

06:15 AM by Alexander Turcic in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

It's a commonplace sight: drivers taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to use their cell phones. And it's dangerous and irresponsible. Palm and Audi attempt to address this issue by offering a hands-free solution which connects the Palm Treo and VW Audi cars via Bluetooth.

Bluetooth technology comes built-in to the Treo 650 smartphone and is standard in every 2006 Audi A8 and A6, so no extra purchase is required for Treo 650 owners who also own one of these new Audi models. Bluetooth technology also is available on the 2006 Audi A3 and 2006 Audi A4 and S4 sedans and Avants when the vehicles are equipped with the optional phone preparation.

Read more about it over at PalmAddicts.

06:12 AM by Bob Russell in Archive | Handhelds and Smartphones

Congratulations to Sammy, Jan, Lindsey and the whole gang over at Palm Addict for just completing their 6th year of Palm coverage. There's no other site like it for comprehensive coverage of the Palm world, and it is all the better because of their friendly style. Happy Birthday!

Edit: Seems I accidentally removed a year from their celebration and reported it as their 5th. But they are one year better! Thks Brian.