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Ever wanted to run the same midlets (small Java applications) on your Pocket PC as on your mobile phone? Ever wanted to use the great alternative Web browser Opera Mini or the great mapping software Google Maps on your Pocket PC? Read on!
It was over half a year ago that IBM released the last, 6.1.0 version of their well-known Personal Java / Midlet environment J9 (read the tutorial here).
As with the previous version, the distribution isn’t available on major Pocket PC software resellers like Handango; only on IBM’s official download page. You will need to register yourself in there in order to be able to download the environment – Personal Profile (PP) if you need to run smaller, PP-compliant (!) stand-alone Java applications (NOT Java applets inside Pocket Internet Explorer / Internet Explorer Mobile – IBM J9 has never supported them!) and the MIDP 2.0 version if you want to run midlets like the above-mentioned two "killer" midlets, Opera Mini or Google Maps. Note that the Midlet version, as with the previous 6.1.0 version, comes in two flawors: a VGA and a QVGA one. If you have a VGA device, get the former.
After downloading (make sure you also get the installation instructions PDF file and don’t mistake Windows CE 5 for Window Mobile 5 – you’ll need the latter only), execute the file (it’s been downloaded to c:\DownloadDirector\) and extract c:\Program Files\IBM\WEME\runtimes\61\wm50-arm-vga-midp20\weme-wm50-arm-hires-midp20_6.1.1.20061110-161633.zip (VGA MIDP), c:\Program Files\IBM\WEME\runtimes\61\wm50-arm-midp20\weme-wm50-arm-midp20_6.1.1.20061110-161633.zip (QVGA MIDP) or c:\Program Files\IBM\WEME\runtimes\61\wm50-arm-ppro11\weme-wm50-arm-ppro11_6.1.1.20061110-161633.zip (Personal Profile). Transfer the contents of the (unpacked) bin and lib subdirectories anywhere on your Pocket PC (note that the installation instructions instruct you to copy these two directories under \J9\MIDP in the main storage. This isn’t needed: a storage card will do too) and, then, do what “Installing and running a demo MIDlet” (the MIDP version) or “Running a demo application” (the PP version) states. Note that you can (and, if you plan to install many midlets, should!) still use the registry import script I’ve provided (see the “My registry script” section in my previous tutorial) for 6.1.0 to greatly ease midlet deployment; as with the previous version, make sure you change all occurrences of “\\SD Card\\J9-MIDP” to the current path of your J9 home in it before importing.
Screenshots of the new version running Opera Mini 3.0.6540 Advanced (also see this article; the JAR file is available for download here; simply download it and click on it after transferring it onto your PDA and importing my above-mentioned registry import file if you don't want to deploy it by hand, in the very awkward way the official IBM documentation recommends) on my WM2003SE VGA Pocket Loox 720: 1 2; on my WM5 VGA Dell Axim x51v.
Note that, when I tested, neither the “mainstream” nor the “high-end” version of Google Maps worked with neither the latest Intent Midlet Manager (THE Midlet manager for Pocket PC Phone Edition users; do read the article if your current PPC PE device is not the latest one and has an old(er) ROM on it) nor J9 6.1.1 (screenshots: former; latter; another screenshot of Intent running Opera Mini 3.0). Other users, however, reported success and flawless execution with GMaps – with both J9 6.1.1 (as opposed to the very slow 6.1.0) and Intent (click the links for user reports).
Unfortunately, the new version still doesn’t make use of the WM5 softkeys, unlike the new version of Intent Midlet Manager, in which the whole interface, all yes/no questions etc. (and, of course, all apps like Opera Mini) work just great via the WM5 softkeys.
Please note that I haven’t tested the WM5 compliance of the new Personal Profile J9 version (its WM5 compliance was (still?) rather problematic with 6.1.0) – now that Toonel, the, for Pocket PC users, most important Personal Profile-based Java application, received a native Windows Mobile version, there’s no point any more in using the Java-based one on the WM platform.
I just had a look on the site - am I correct in understanding that this release has no support for PPC2003SE edition phones?
I downloaded the previous version of this, which also worked with Google Satelite Maps, but didn't work with the GMail application (couldn't connect to network error) or the Opera Mini application (becuase the program doesn't have an even that fires after entering text in a textbox, meaning that searches never get executed, and links were unable to be clicked)
CJBS said:
I just had a look on the site - am I correct in understanding that this release has no support for PPC2003SE edition phones?
I downloaded the previous version of this, which also worked with Google Satelite Maps, but didn't work with the GMail application (couldn't connect to network error) or the Opera Mini application (becuase the program doesn't have an even that fires after entering text in a textbox, meaning that searches never get executed, and links were unable to be clicked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It supports WM2003+; it's just that they list it as a "WM5" version.
IBM Midlet Manager - 6.1.1 - working on Blue Angel PPC2003SE
Works
Well, I got it working on my Blue Angel PPC2003SE. Google Maps, Opera Mini, and the GMail app all work fine.
Directory Structure
It's a bit of a troublesome installation process. I don't know why they didn't just have an installer like the 5.7 version. Still, I was able to install it to my storage card. My directory structure is as follows:
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\ (with no contents)
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib
Shortcuts
It's possible to create shortcuts to individual applications by creating a shortcut, and then setting the parameter to the index of the Midelet as seen in the Midlet Manager. For example, I've got a shortcut to the Opera Mini app (which appears first in the list when running the Manager). It's shortcut is as follows:
"\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin\emulator.exe" "-Xjam:run=1"
The "1" at the end is the index of the applicaion to run. So, in my case, "2" would be for the GMail app. It's actually possible to substitute the index "1" with the storage name for the application, however I was unable to find out how to retrieve the storage name. (It is possible to use the -Xjam:list parameter to list the storage names, but these aren't output to a dialog, and I don't have a command line program on my PPC.) Using the storage name would be better, as it would mean that each time a new application is uninstalled, the other shortcuts affected wouldn't need to be updated as a result of their indexes changing.
Font Files
It's possible to change the fonts used in the Midlets, too. There's a file in the lib subdrectory (in my structure, it's \Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib\jclMidp20\fontPaths.properties). Just substitute the names of the fonts with fonts that exist on your PPC. For example, to display Chinese characters, I substituted LcduiSystemFont: Windows\tahoma.ttf to become LcduiSystemFont: Windows\sunglobe.ttf - note that I have the sunglobe.ttf file in the \Windows directory. This may not work with all fonts. Ensure that when editing the file, it is saved in ANSI format, not Unicode (otherwise the MIDlet Manager won't load).
Gmail App
Note that in order to use the Gmail app, which is still in Beta, you'll need to have your language set to "English - US". THis can be done on the PC on the Gmail.com site by clicking Settings.
Google Maps - Fatal Error (upon loading)
Initially, after installing Google Maps, I was unable to run the aplication. The app would load the first part of the Terms and Conditions page, wait for about 20 seconds, and then present a dialog "Fatal error. Please exit and restart." I noted that it didn't even try and connect to the Google Server (as per the network data window, part of an app I have on my PPC). It turned out that I had another midlet (map-related - I can't remember the name) that used the Google Maps server, amongst other map data providers. I uninstalled both this applicaion, and the Google Maps application, reloaded the Midlet Manager, and then re-installed the Google Maps application. It then worked.
Google Maps - Hong Kong maps
Google has recently introduced road map files for Hong Kong, China (search for Hong Kong, China on the web at http://map.google.com, and you'll see it). However, when I use the Midlet Version, the (road) maps for Hong Kong don't exist - it seems that the PC version and the Midlet version are sourced from different locations/servers...
PenPower conflict
I use the trial version of PenPower on my PPC. This allows input of 50 drawn Chinese Characters per device reset. The first time that a character is drawn, this interfers with the main window process on the device and causes a lock. If running the Midlet Manager with this program, the Midlet manager may seem to stall. If this is the case, simply draw another character (or just a squiggle), and the lock will be broken, leaving the application to continue running.
CJBS said:
Works
Well, I got it working on my Blue Angel PPC2003SE. Google Maps, Opera Mini, and the GMail app all work fine.
Directory Structure
It's a bit of a troublesome installation process. I don't know why they didn't just have an installer like the 5.7 version. Still, I was able to install it to my storage card. My directory structure is as follows:
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\ (with no contents)
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib
Shortcuts
It's possible to create shortcuts to individual applications by creating a shortcut, and then setting the parameter to the index of the Midelet as seen in the Midlet Manager. For example, I've got a shortcut to the Opera Mini app (which appears first in the list when running the Manager). It's shortcut is as follows:
"\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin\emulator.exe" "-Xjam:run=1"
The "1" at the end is the index of the applicaion to run. So, in my case, "2" would be for the GMail app. It's actually possible to substitute the index "1" with the storage name for the application, however I was unable to find out how to retrieve the storage name. (It is possible to use the -Xjam:list parameter to list the storage names, but these aren't output to a dialog, and I don't have a command line program on my PPC.) Using the storage name would be better, as it would mean that each time a new application is uninstalled, the other shortcuts affected wouldn't need to be updated as a result of their indexes changing.
Font Files
It's possible to change the fonts used in the Midlets, too. There's a file in the lib subdrectory (in my structure, it's \Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib\jclMidp20\fontPaths.properties). Just substitute the names of the fonts with fonts that exist on your PPC. For example, to display Chinese characters, I substituted LcduiSystemFont: Windows\tahoma.ttf to become LcduiSystemFont: Windows\sunglobe.ttf - note that I have the sunglobe.ttf file in the \Windows directory. This may not work with all fonts. Ensure that when editing the file, it is saved in ANSI format, not Unicode (otherwise the MIDlet Manager won't load).
Gmail App
Note that in order to use the Gmail app, which is still in Beta, you'll need to have your language set to "English - US". THis can be done on the PC on the Gmail.com site by clicking Settings.
Google Maps - Fatal Error (upon loading)
Initially, after installing Google Maps, I was unable to run the aplication. The app would load the first part of the Terms and Conditions page, wait for about 20 seconds, and then present a dialog "Fatal error. Please exit and restart." I noted that it didn't even try and connect to the Google Server (as per the network data window, part of an app I have on my PPC). It turned out that I had another midlet (map-related - I can't remember the name) that used the Google Maps server, amongst other map data providers. I uninstalled both this applicaion, and the Google Maps application, reloaded the Midlet Manager, and then re-installed the Google Maps application. It then worked.
Google Maps - Hong Kong maps
Google has recently introduced road map files for Hong Kong, China (search for Hong Kong, China on the web at http://map.google.com, and you'll see it). However, when I use the Midlet Version, the (road) maps for Hong Kong don't exist - it seems that the PC version and the Midlet version are sourced from different locations/servers...
PenPower conflict
I use the trial version of PenPower on my PPC. This allows input of 50 drawn Chinese Characters per device reset. The first time that a character is drawn, this interfers with the main window process on the device and causes a lock. If running the Midlet Manager with this program, the Midlet manager may seem to stall. If this is the case, simply draw another character (or just a squiggle), and the lock will be broken, leaving the application to continue running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wowz! Excellent summary, congrats!! Will link it from the next iteration of the article!
I have working google maps and other midlets since april 2006
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=265426
Menneisyys said:
Wowz! Excellent summary, congrats!! Will link it from the next iteration of the article!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers!
HDJ80 said:
I have working google maps and other midlets since april 2006
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=265426
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was also with a former version of the IBM Midlet Manager. The problem I had was this:-
The IBM Midlet Manager, in previous versions, did run Google Maps properly (including the ability to view JPEG Satellite maps), but ran neither Opera Mini nor the GMail app properly (for reasons described in a previous post)
The Xda's included Midlet Manger ran all aforementioned apps, yet for some reason didn't support the JPEG Satellite Maps in Google Maps (which, in HK, with no map data, basically rendered it useless!)
The newer versions of the Xda Midlet Manger, which alleviate these issues, only works on WM5, and I have a 2003SE PPC
Anyway, this new v6.1.1 IBM Midlet Manger seems to meet all of my needs, despite its circuitous installation procedure.
It would be good, however, if the PenPower program didn't interfere with it, though, as it doesn't interfer with the Xda Midlet Manager. Still, it's more an issue with PenPower than the IBM product.
can anyone here upload this IBM JVM(ppc qvga version) somewhere?...cause i can't register in their site...they said the can't processed my registration info at the moment.
please upload it somewhere....cause my gsmart i120i default midlet manager can't install opera mini advanced(only support the basic version).
thanx in advance
meisocool said:
can anyone here upload this IBM JVM(ppc qvga version) somewhere?...cause i can't register in their site...they said the can't processed my registration info at the moment.
please upload it somewhere....cause my gsmart i120i default midlet manager can't install opera mini advanced(only support the basic version).
thanx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its too much to upload it somewhere...at least show me the link to download it other than the ibm site,cause i can't download from there and it's only demo not full version,
thx
Hi CJBS,
I'm using SDA smartphone with wm5. I installed the file like this post says: http://www.mgmaps.com/winset/. I tried and got this error.
Invalid fontPaths.properties detected. Please delete fontPaths.properties in /lib/jclMidp20/ and restart the MIDlet.
When I first installed J9 in my computer, there was no such a file. Now it's created with 0 byte. It's not like what you have with LcduiSystemFont: Windows\tahoma.ttf.
I deleted that file, it creates another empty one and says The font file paths are set incorrectly. Please edit fontPaths.properties in /lib/jclMidp20/ to point to the appropriate font files from the system font folder.
Actually, I changed the system font according to this post: http://www.airfagev.com/howtos_details.asp?id=77. And I'm also using sunglobe.ttf and the whole path is \Windows\Fonts\sunglobe.ttf. So I edited the fontPaths.properties file like you said "LcduiSystemFont: Windows\sungbloe.ttf". But I still have the problem.
Could you give me any advice?
Thanks a lot.
cunyalen:- I've noted that your issues relate to fonts. I also note that, after reviewing your other posts, that you're currently using FontOnStorage (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1258090#post1258090). If you try removing this program, and re-installing as per the instructions documented, you may avoid the issue with fonts not being referenced correctly - Windows Mobile doesn't just look for physical font files in the file system, they are controlled through the registry as well (something that FontOnStorage also modifies)...
Does anybody have a link where I can download this at . For some reason I get plenty errors when trying to download from the site. I have the T-mobile MDA
CJBS said:
Works
Well, I got it working on my Blue Angel PPC2003SE. Google Maps, Opera Mini, and the GMail app all work fine.
Directory Structure
It's a bit of a troublesome installation process. I don't know why they didn't just have an installer like the 5.7 version. Still, I was able to install it to my storage card. My directory structure is as follows:
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\ (with no contents)
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin
\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib
Shortcuts
It's possible to create shortcuts to individual applications by creating a shortcut, and then setting the parameter to the index of the Midelet as seen in the Midlet Manager. For example, I've got a shortcut to the Opera Mini app (which appears first in the list when running the Manager). It's shortcut is as follows:
"\Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\bin\emulator.exe" "-Xjam:run=1"
The "1" at the end is the index of the applicaion to run. So, in my case, "2" would be for the GMail app. It's actually possible to substitute the index "1" with the storage name for the application, however I was unable to find out how to retrieve the storage name. (It is possible to use the -Xjam:list parameter to list the storage names, but these aren't output to a dialog, and I don't have a command line program on my PPC.) Using the storage name would be better, as it would mean that each time a new application is uninstalled, the other shortcuts affected wouldn't need to be updated as a result of their indexes changing.
Font Files
It's possible to change the fonts used in the Midlets, too. There's a file in the lib subdrectory (in my structure, it's \Storage\IBM Midlet Manager\lib\jclMidp20\fontPaths.properties). Just substitute the names of the fonts with fonts that exist on your PPC. For example, to display Chinese characters, I substituted LcduiSystemFont: Windows\tahoma.ttf to become LcduiSystemFont: Windows\sunglobe.ttf - note that I have the sunglobe.ttf file in the \Windows directory. This may not work with all fonts. Ensure that when editing the file, it is saved in ANSI format, not Unicode (otherwise the MIDlet Manager won't load).
Gmail App
Note that in order to use the Gmail app, which is still in Beta, you'll need to have your language set to "English - US". THis can be done on the PC on the Gmail.com site by clicking Settings.
Google Maps - Fatal Error (upon loading)
Initially, after installing Google Maps, I was unable to run the aplication. The app would load the first part of the Terms and Conditions page, wait for about 20 seconds, and then present a dialog "Fatal error. Please exit and restart." I noted that it didn't even try and connect to the Google Server (as per the network data window, part of an app I have on my PPC). It turned out that I had another midlet (map-related - I can't remember the name) that used the Google Maps server, amongst other map data providers. I uninstalled both this applicaion, and the Google Maps application, reloaded the Midlet Manager, and then re-installed the Google Maps application. It then worked.
Google Maps - Hong Kong maps
Google has recently introduced road map files for Hong Kong, China (search for Hong Kong, China on the web at http://map.google.com, and you'll see it). However, when I use the Midlet Version, the (road) maps for Hong Kong don't exist - it seems that the PC version and the Midlet version are sourced from different locations/servers...
PenPower conflict
I use the trial version of PenPower on my PPC. This allows input of 50 drawn Chinese Characters per device reset. The first time that a character is drawn, this interfers with the main window process on the device and causes a lock. If running the Midlet Manager with this program, the Midlet manager may seem to stall. If this is the case, simply draw another character (or just a squiggle), and the lock will be broken, leaving the application to continue running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying to use opera mini beta 4 to read chinese website (Big5), but i doesnt working. I tried to change the fonts in Midlets, i found the file named
fontPaths.jar, how do i edit the path? Thank You.
leepenguin said:
I am trying to use opera mini beta 4 to read chinese website (Big5), but i doesnt working. I tried to change the fonts in Midlets, i found the file named
fontPaths.jar, how do i edit the path? Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its a program you just install it under midlets . You dont have to set a path ..
PURESKILLZZZ said:
If its a program you just install it under midlets . You dont have to set a path ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but i cant read chinese with opera mini beta 4? How can i fix it?
leepenguin said:
but i cant read chinese with opera mini beta 4? How can i fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you read chinese with opera on your computer . ? If you can what did you do to see it ? Now I would say that both versions would work in similar ways .
PURESKILLZZZ said:
Can you read chinese with opera on your computer . ? If you can what did you do to see it ? Now I would say that both versions would work in similar ways .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You for replying
I am using O2 Xda II with english rom (AKU3.5), i have installed CE-Star 2.8 R3. I can watch chinese with opera mobile browser. But as i know, opera mobile is based on Windows Mobile. Opera mini is based on Java, i think that's why i can't read chinese.
Does this program work on WM6? I installed the program on my Dopod 900 and able to run MIDlet HQ and install the program that I want, but when I click the 'lunch', it just return back to MIDlet List.
Beside the J9, I also installed Intent MIDlet Manager but the font size is too small to read! Anyone know how to increase the font size? thanks!
leepenguin said:
Thank You for replying
I am using O2 Xda II with english rom (AKU3.5), i have installed CE-Star 2.8 R3. I can watch chinese with opera mobile browser. But as i know, opera mobile is based on Windows Mobile. Opera mini is based on Java, i think that's why i can't read chinese.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We will solve this .. We are working on it now ...
cunyalen said:
Hi CJBS,
I'm using SDA smartphone with wm5. I installed the file like this post says: http://www.mgmaps.com/winset/. I tried and got this error.
Invalid fontPaths.properties detected. Please delete fontPaths.properties in /lib/jclMidp20/ and restart the MIDlet.
When I first installed J9 in my computer, there was no such a file. Now it's created with 0 byte. It's not like what you have with LcduiSystemFont: Windows\tahoma.ttf.
I deleted that file, it creates another empty one and says The font file paths are set incorrectly. Please edit fontPaths.properties in /lib/jclMidp20/ to point to the appropriate font files from the system font folder.
Actually, I changed the system font according to this post: http://www.airfagev.com/howtos_details.asp?id=77. And I'm also using sunglobe.ttf and the whole path is \Windows\Fonts\sunglobe.ttf. So I edited the fontPaths.properties file like you said "LcduiSystemFont: Windows\sungbloe.ttf". But I still have the problem.
Could you give me any advice?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please find attached a copy of my fontPaths.properties.bak (original file), and fontPaths.properties (modified to point to fonts supporting Chinese characters -- fonts that exist on my system) included within the Zip file
Instant Messaging Bible Update:MS Smartphone (WM Standard) info & Fring review & news
UPDATE (08/17/2007): a new version is in the brand new, general Smartphone forum HERE. That is, go there to read the latest version of the article. I, however, keep this version of the original article because of the responses.
(end of update)
It was some four months ago that I’ve published the definitive guide and comparison of all instant messaging solutions for the Pocket PC, the Windows Mobile Instant Messaging (IM) Bible.
The constant evolution of the clients (for example, the recent release of the really promising and, on Windows Mobile, except for Microsoft Portrait unprecedented and unrivalled Fring client) and the MS Smartphone (WM 6 Standard) platform have forced me to embark on an update to the roundup.
In this roundup, I review all the IM solutions working on the MS Smartphone platform along with listing the PPC-specific changes too. That is, this article will appeal to both Pocket PC and MS Smartphone users. In addition, if you’re interested in Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, you REALLY will want to read the related section: I also review Fring, the (on Windows Mobile) brand new and simply GREAT Skype, MSN , Google Talk and standard SIP-compliant application working just great even over EDGE or more advanced (with at least 2 upload slots) GPRS connections.
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"lightbox_close": "Close",
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"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
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"lightbox_download": "Download",
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(the icons of the reviewed apps on my HTC Vox. I haven’t put the icon of Causerie Mobile Messenger 1.0.9 there because of its incompatibility with the platform – despite what the developer states, it doesn’t seem to be compatible with Smartphones.)
Again, this article is a three-in-one roundup:
a FULL review & roundup of all IM solutions running on the MS Smartphone
a review of what has been changed in the last four months: Most of the reviewed applications have been updated in the meantime. While these updates are pretty minor with all the titles, it’s still worth checking them out as some of the missing functionalities or bugs have been fixed in these.
a review of the completely new and groundbreaking Fring client, compared to the other clients offering similar functionality.
Note that you REALLY will want to read the original Windows Mobile Instant Messaging Bible. It’s in there that I’ve thoroughly described all the IM clients I elaborate on in here – except for, of course, the brand new Fring. That is, do read the original Bible. Note that I’ve already updated its chart to include the new information on both the new versions and the Smartphone-related information.
In addition to my Pocket PC’s (where I’ve tested how the Pocket PC-related functionality has been improved), I’ve used two MS Smartphone devices to test the IM clients on: a WM5 AKU3 176*220 HTC s310 (Oxygen) and a WM6 QVGA HTC s710 (Vox). On the latter, I’ve paid special attention to supporting the built-in keyboard and the dynamic orientation switching support – in addition to the QVGA support, of course.
IM+ 4.41 (PPC) / 1.38 (SP)
(a generic Smartphone in-conversation screenshot, showing Unicode chars, smileys, clickable links and local T9 input
Updates, differences
PPC-wise, there aren’t much differences between version 4.41 and the old, 4.3 version. There is a new setting for filtering out messages coming from users NOT in the Contacts list.
Also, there are some other, minor enhancements; for example, while losing the connection, the current conversations are all closed in the PPC version (but not with SP). This isn’t a problem any more with the PPC version either, though – past messages are redisplayed upon resuming the connection. However, the (minor) problems with the earlier version are still present: non-clickable links (this is mostly a problem with the SP version because of the lack of the copy / paste functionality on the OS (and on IM+’s) level) and the lack of the mobile flag.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
The PPC and the Smartphone versions (current, tested versions: 4.41 and 1.38, respectively) are pretty much the same. Some of the differences between the PPC and the SP versions:
There’s no Today plug-in (as with most of the other IM clients - the lack of the Today plug-in, the system-level notification capabilities, copy/paste and notification bubbles are the most important differences between the two platforms)
There’re no copy / paste capabilities (which is pretty much problematic if you’d like to follow links as there, as with the PPC version, are no clickable links either)
Logging capabilities are completely missing – the Messages settings dialog has no way of enabling it, unlike the “Save history” checkbox (unticked by default) in the “General” settings dialog of the PPC version. This is certainly VERY bad!
However, ever cloud has a silver lining: the SP version is $10 cheaper ($29.95) than the PPC one, while (apart from the problems listed above) and even pretty much usable.
Other screenshots
In the main Chat windows, there’s no Roster shortcut and there’re no Edit (Copy / Paste) capabilities either. It’s not possible to quickly switch to other accounts either, other than selecting Close and, then, using the list control at the top to switch between active chats.
Settings: Alerts (here: Notifications) No wakeup / notification by default; must be enabled by hand. The PPC version uses system-level notifications (1 2), which is certainly a better approach.
Background running, as with the PPC version, must also be explicitly enabled. Otherwise – again, as with the PPC version, in which this mode must also be manually enabled – it won’t wake up.
Network: the same (PPC version HERE)
Fortunately, the SP version, as with the PPC one, dynamically resizes its GUI upon Portrait / Landscape switching and has no problems with the Vox keyboard (it, of course, works great in both phonepad modes, should your SP lack a QWERTY keyboard).
Note that in order to access the SP version of the app, you will need to either click the "Change your device!") link at the top right or go straight to HERE.
Verdict
While it’s still pretty expensive (albeit the SP version is a bit cheaper), it’s highly recommended if you don’t need clickable links and logging. If you do need the latter, look for something else.
Agile Messenger 3-74
(The second is a 176*220 HTC s310 (Oxygen) screenshot)
Updates, differences
As far as the problems with the old version are concerned, unfortunately, it still only allows for sending images only. While it also supports built-in (back) cameras (along with adding a message to these images; the results can be seen in HERE), it still doesn’t support sending arbitrary files, let alone receiving anything. Logging is still NOT automatic and must be initiated by hand.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
The SP version seems to offer exactly the same goodies as the PPC one; for example, voice message recording and sending. It MIGHT be able to receive and (auto-)play voice messages (see THIS screenshot of the Media tab of Settings).
The SP version has Edit capabilities (unlike, say, the SP version of IM+); both Copy (only copying the currently selected row, as is the case with the PPC version) and Paste work as expected. This is good news as, unlike with the PPC version, links can NOT be invoked upon, for example, pressing the Action key on them (not even when a message ONLY contains a link and nothing else).
Logging-wise, there’s still no automatic logging – you must still save your messages by hand. The new History & Groups tab in Preferences doesn’t have any related checkbox either.
Fortunately, the SP version, as with the PPC one, dynamically resizes its GUI upon Portrait / Landscape switching and has no problems with the Vox keyboard (it, of course, works great in both phonepad modes, should your SP lack a QWERTY keyboard).
Finally, as far as initiating conference calls is concerned, it seems it’s, in theory, possible to invite other people to conference conversations; however, it’s just impossible to select any other participant on the Smartphone. With conference calls initiated from other clients, the messages coming from the non-originating party aren’t displayed in Agile, unlike in the desktop clients – that is, it’s useless. In this regard, it behaves exactly the same way as with version 65.
Verdict
The lack of automatic logging and file transfer capabilities is still a major pain in the back.
imov Messenger 2.22ee
(Note that most remarks refer to the Enterprise version - the free one is considerably less powerful.)
Updates, differences
As far as the differences between the new (2.22ee) and the old, last time reviewed version (2.12e) are concerned, there are few of them.
First, fortunately, the MAJOR problem with the pixel doubled suffering from heavy ClearType with VGA displays is gone as can be seen in THIS screenshot. Great – now, it’s highly recommended for VGA users (unlike version 2.12).
However, there is still no smiley input and text copy / paste is still not implemented (not even in the PPC version). Unfortunately, the same stands for file transfer. Finally, logging must still be manually started (Menu / 5 Log) in every single conversation you’d like to log (log files are stored in the root directory of the PDA in a 8-bit format. This also means accented Unicode characters will be lost and converted to their non-accented ASCII counterpart - if any.) Note that Menu / Actions / Log Messages (in the userlist page) is supposed to enable logging for all subsequent conversations; this currently (with the currently available, 2.22ee version) doesn't work, but already works with the in-development beta I was sent by the developer, which means it MIGHT be supported in the future.
Note that the currently available SP version is the lack for the dynamic Portrait- Landscape switching support (as opposed to both Agile and IM+). This will be VERY bad news for Vox users that very often slide out and in the keyboard (screenshots: 1 2). If you know you will switch the orientation, start with Landscape mode because, otherwise, you won’t see what you type after switching from Portait to Landscape as can be seen in the previous screenshot. Then, you “only” lose part of the Portrait screen estate (1 2; after switching back to Landscape, there, everything will be OK). The problem is present, but to a much lesser degree, on the PPC platform too (example of the results of a dynamic rotation HERE. After this, rotating back on the PPC didn’t help either – as opposed to the SP version).
The developer has already fixed this (to a certain degree) but I don’t know when the new version is made online.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
The SP version is almost exactly the same as the PPC one, which is certainly very good news, given that the SP port of, for example, IM+, is clearly inferior to the PPC one. This means all the goodies of the PPC version are present in the SP version too; for example, clickable links.
Other niceties & screenshots
There is a very nice feature in imov messenger not present in any other IM product: Location Based Services, which must be explicitly enabled & the related routing capabilities to other users (in THIS screenshot, without coordinates being given; also note the “Route From / To” menu items in the bottom right). It makes it possible to know the distance from another user. I haven’t tested this, but if it’s correctly implemented (for example, with GPS support – that is, not using static coordinates but dynamic ones), it can be of GREAT help in helping people track each other.
OctroTalk 1.19
(PPC screenshot; roster screenshot with session list)
This product is still in beta phase, meaning you can freely download and use it.
Updates, differences
There are some differences but, in general, the client hasn’t received really groundbreaking features. Its VoIP features, in addition, are clearly inferior to those of the Fring client. For example, the Yahoo Messenger-compliance hasn’t been implemented (they have enabled it in an earlier beta – but it didn’t work then; maybe this is why it has been dropped in the meantime.) Also, send to MSN doesn’t allow anything (the same is the case on SP – it seems it only works with Google Talk (it’s enabled in there – haven’t checked its functionality though). It also lets for file sharing – I haven’t really checked this functionality either (it surely doesn’t work over MSN).
Chat preferences don’t let for setting many things (PPC is the same). It’s not possible to select / copy anything.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
There are no differences.
Fring (version as of 07/06/2007)
(The same on PPC; in-call with MSN)
I’m absolutely sure you will LOVE this client if you’d like to make calls to / receive calls from your MSN / Skype / Google Talk / standard SIP buddies.
It’s better than both OctroTalk and Skype for Windows Mobile in some respects. First, it’s compatible with several VoIP protocols, unlike with the two other, which are one-protocol only (Google Talk and Skype, respectively). Second, it uses its own, really bandwidth-friendly VoIP protocols instead of the bandwidth-intensive native protocols used by both OctroTalk and Skype for Windows Mobile. This means it works even over slowish GPRS connections, assuming they use at least two slots in each direction (the traditional 4/1 down/up slot-setup isn’t really good because of the slow upstream, which will just not be fast enough for upstream voice).
Using its own, low-bandwidth protocol also means it uses a central server to convert between the internal protocol it uses and the official protocol used by MSN, Skype and Google Talk. This introduces some additional delay, which, in cases, can be as high as 3 seconds (my measurements) from Europe (using the server in the UK). In many cases, however, the latency is considerably lower. That is, give the service a try to find out whether you can live with the latency.
Downloading, installing
This client differs from other ones in that you must provide your SMS-capable cell number to the download page HERE. After registering, you'll immediately get an SMS with the source URL like the one in THIS screenshot. Just click the link and let the default Web browser (in most cases, Internet Explorer Mobile) download it. Make sure you let it also run the CAB file so that it is installed. After starting the program after install, just enter any username / password pair in the starting screen to register. After this, all you need is setting up your MSN / Google Talk / Skype etc. login credentials, as with the other IM clients.
Bandwidth usage
As has already been pointed out, Fring is especially good at conversing bandwidth. When it senses it’s on a cell (not over Wi-Fi or, what is equivalent to the client, USB ActiveSync) connection, it uses the least bandwidth-consuming vocoder, which is even better than the GSM codec used by MS Portrait, one of the most advanced Windows Mobile client in this respect. Over Wi-Fi (and USB ActiveSync), it’ll use a more bandwidth-consuming vocoder with conversely better sound quality.
I’ve made some VERY serious tests of the client with three protocols and compared the result to those of OctroTalk, Skype for Windows Mobile and MS Portrait. Fring turned out to be the MOST bandwidth-efficient VoIP solution for Windows Mobile. This means if you MUST do VoIP on your handheld and you don’t have an unlimited data plan (but pay a LOT for data usage), Fring is your best choice.
Chatting-wise, it doesn’t have much to show off with (no logging, no smiley support in any direction, no clickable links (not even in the PPC version), no copy/paste on SP – it works on PPC). It has no problems with dynamic orientation changing. Note that, while it doesn’t use the standard mobile flag either, it uses a quick description showing the client uses a mobile device.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
It seems there’s no difference between the two versions.
Mundu IM 4.0.137
Updates, differences
Mundu IM has received some (much inferior to all other IM products – except for Fring) basic smiley support in both directions. Also, it now supports MSN avatars.
Its camera support also works on the Vox (1 2 3 4).
All the past goodies are here; for example, auto-logging and built-in viewing of past conversations.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
There’s no separate PPC version; that is, the PPC needs to run the SP version. This also means there’s absolutely no difference between the two versions.
Webmessenger Mobile Instant Messenger 2.6 build 070702
Updates, differences
Fortunately, the VGA font size problems are fixed and one of the biggest problems with the old version, the inability to position the cursor in the input field is also fixed. As far as VGA devices are concerned, however, some of the input fields are still oversized as can be seen in HERE. This isn’t a problem on Smartphones (see THIS)
The PC-part Skype plug-in is still required, should you want to chat with Skype users. It still doesn’t support copying text to the clipboard – and there is still no for example logging.
Differences between the PPC and the SP versions
The two ports are exactly the same.
Screenshots
Settings dialogs: Contacts, Connections, Notifications (1 2; on the MS Smartphone), Misc, IM Networks. There are some other changes; for example, setting the status is can not only be done in the old way but in another, specific tab as well.
Causerie Mobile Messenger 1.0.9
The latest, current version, 1.0.9 was released some days after my publishing the review (which discussed 1.0).
SP-wise, while the developers state it’s SP-compliant, it didn’t work on my SP devices (see screenshots & more info in the comparison chart).
Live Messenger
Unfortunately, it seems it will never be released as a separately downloadable IM client. While some people (see for example THIS) state it’s available at Microsoft’s TechNet for download, I don’t think it’s true.
Of course, there are “hacks” linked for example XDA-Developers, MoDaCo and HowardForums letting for installing it on any WM5+ device, but I’m not allowed to link these. Hope you understand.
The SP version is as advanced as the PPC version:
file sending / receiving
voice clip sending / receiving
conference support: 1 2 3; an in-conference screenshot
emoticon input / output
Unfortunately, the problems and shortcomings of the PPC versions are also here: no logging etc. The settings dialog is similarly simple. Furthermore, it doesn’t support copy / paste (missing from the platform) with a specific, SP-only menu – bad news!
Web-based services
Note that there is also a Web-based service at http://mobile.live.com/GoLive (just enter the address into a PPC / SP browser as can be seen in HERE). I haven’t included it in the review as it is, being a Web-based service with all its problems (need for manual refresh; no callback; huge bandwidth usage etc), NOT recommended on any Windows Mobile devices. Incidentally, at the time of this writing, it didn’t work on any of my Smartphones or Pocket PC’s – only a gradient background was displayed as can be seen in HERE (HTC Vox Smartphone) and HERE (HTC Universal PPC). Note that there’s a tutorial to GoLive HERE. Alternatively, you may also want to give a try to eBuddy Mobile, which offers a way of accessing MSN, AIM and Yahoo.
Verdict
As with the Pocket PC, giving GENERIC advice on picking the BEST IM client on Smartphones is impossible without knowing your requirements and preferences. I can, therefore, as with the PPC case, only give you some generic advice:
if you only need to use textual messaging, use the built-in Live Messenger (when available) – in general, it’s the most powerful MSN client, unless you need logging and copy/paste support. Should you need logging, your best choice is either imov (hope it will REALLY receive auto-logging; that is, where you don’t need to (re)enable logging before your conversations – the developer promises it) or Mundu IM – or, if manual logging requests are OK, Agile.
if you don’t need logging, you may want to check out any other client
if you need to use voice (especially over restricted / slow / non-unlimited connections OR with strictly MSN parties – there are no other clients supporting MSN VoIP), then, Fring is the way to go. It works even over EDGE connections astonishingly well and, unlike the two alternatives, doesn’t consume much bandwidth. You, however, may encounter increased latency, if it gets on your nerves, then, switch back to other, direct alternatives.
Extremely detailed as always. Thank You
thank u very much!
send and receive
Hi! I've an Htc S710 with windows live messenger but I cannot receive or send files cause theres no option to do it.... Do u know why? Is there a software that manages my msn accounts with the option to send and receive files to-from a pc messnger? THanx
zipredictive said:
Hi! I've an Htc S710 with windows live messenger but I cannot receive or send files cause theres no option to do it.... Do u know why? Is there a software that manages my msn accounts with the option to send and receive files to-from a pc messnger? THanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure there is no "File" at Menu / 2 / 3? File transfer works just great on my S710 (see the screenshots above)
s710 - mac
Great reviews, very helpful.
I am on an s710 Vox too, I am using a Mac and I cannot seem to use the .exe files to install Agile Messenger. What is the correct .CAB file to use to install directly? I have tried a few and keep gettign erros that it is the wrong version.
Is this something you or anyone can help me with?
Thanks
prelude icq is great alternative for people who use icq only. i work with this over a year
Great guides, thank you!
You didn't mention anything about the issue of Windows Live attempting to sync contacts into a PPC's address book (WM6)?
BlackBeauty said:
Great guides, thank you!
You didn't mention anything about the issue of Windows Live attempting to sync contacts into a PPC's address book (WM6)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup; currently, it can't be fixed. If you absolutely hate it, use an alternate IM app.
UPDATE (11/15/2007): REVIEW: Another great, multiplatform instant messenger client: Palringo. Cross-posted to: PPCT, AximSite, XDA-Developers - 1, XDA-Developers - 2, XDA-Developers - 3, FirstLoox, BrightHand, HowardForums, SPT, MoDaCo.
Sorry for the stupid question, but:
which program is the winner of your great comparison?
I would say fring and agile messenger...
A.Bagatov said:
Sorry for the stupid question, but:
which program is the winner of your great comparison?
I would say fring and agile messenger...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depend son your needs - whether you want logging, VoIP, picture smilies etc. That is, I can't name "the" best title because these apps do everything differently and I don't know YOUR specific needs / prerequsitives.
Okay that's very true.
Which one would you recommend for VoiP (like VoipBuster) then? I guess fring?
A.Bagatov said:
Okay that's very true.
Which one would you recommend for VoiP (like VoipBuster) then? I guess fring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, fring.
Thanks a lot for the comparison!
You know I am asking this because I have the Vodafone unlimited data plan. Unfortunately I found out that Voip/VoipSMS are "not allowed". But even if I do it (and I did for a few seconds to see if it works) how will they find out I used Voip? Its just regular Data transfer right? And the data use is also really low..
Thanks
Anybody tried VoIP with Fring via T-Mobile UK 3G? Does it work?
Hi All,
I've produced a web form for one of my clients. This is a simple fill in the details and press 'submit' type of affair written in PHP, but is a HTM document hosted on our server.
This works fine on my Touch, but the 'submit' button does not work on the clients Orange m3100. I know that the m3100 is WM5 and the Touch is WM6 but i never knew PIE was different.
Is this a security issue with PIE or do I need to update it? If so, how do I do this without changing the ROM?
BTW my client is miles away, so I can't get my hands on the handset.
Help?!
Steve
Surely it can't be the broswer as PHP is a server-side script??
When you say "Is an HTML file" - is it actually a .html ? Maybe it would work if the file was .php ? I still wouldn't have thought it though, surely the web server should parse the HTML file for any server side script first though?
gumballsteve said:
Hi All,
This works fine on my Touch, but the 'submit' button does not work on the clients Orange m3100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In what way doesn't it work? The outgoing HTTP request to the server isn't happening (probably caused by unhandled HTML/javascript in PIE)? Or an unexpected/no response (probably caused by a broken PHP script)?
How about posting the relevant section of the generated HTML that PIE sees in this thread.
If your button is using javascript, rather than a plain FORM submit button, that could cause problems, as different versions of PIE have varying levels of javascript support.
arghness said:
In what way doesn't it work? The outgoing HTTP request to the server isn't happening (probably caused by unhandled HTML/javascript in PIE)? Or an unexpected/no response (probably caused by a broken PHP script)?
How about posting the relevant section of the generated HTML that PIE sees in this thread.
If your button is using javascript, rather than a plain FORM submit button, that could cause problems, as different versions of PIE have varying levels of javascript support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the form uses javascript to submit and make sure certain feilds are completed.
Can I update the PIE to a newer version or add the extra support?
gumballsteve said:
Hi All,
I've produced a web form for one of my clients. This is a simple fill in the details and press 'submit' type of affair written in PHP, but is a HTM document hosted on our server.
This works fine on my Touch, but the 'submit' button does not work on the clients Orange m3100. I know that the m3100 is WM5 and the Touch is WM6 but i never knew PIE was different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PIE in WM6 is supposed to have better JS support.
gumballsteve said:
Can I update the PIE to a newer version or add the extra support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, only by flashing to WM6.
Get a browser with better scripting support - Opera Mobile, for example.
Menneisyys said:
Nope, only by flashing to WM6.
Get a browser with better scripting support - Opera Mobile, for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not much good with this mobile ROM stuff, but is it possible to remove the PIE part from a WM6 ROM and make it into a CAB file that would update a earlier device?
gumballsteve said:
Hi All,
I've produced a web form for one of my clients. This is a simple fill in the details and press 'submit' type of affair written in PHP, but is a HTM document hosted on our server.
This works fine on my Touch, but the 'submit' button does not work on the clients Orange m3100. I know that the m3100 is WM5 and the Touch is WM6 but i never knew PIE was different.
Is this a security issue with PIE or do I need to update it? If so, how do I do this without changing the ROM?
BTW my client is miles away, so I can't get my hands on the handset.
Help?!
Steve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO,
It is perhaps fine, to request the customer to upgrade his/her mobile-device/browser to support your php/client-side-javascript document.
But my suggestion is to provide an alternative document, without any javascript, that does all validation on the server-side instead.
Well, an expensive solution will be air-delivering your most compatible mobile-device onto the customer's hand.
~My 2 cents~
mangokun said:
IMHO,
..
But my suggestion is to provide an alternative document, without any javascript, that does all validation on the server-side instead.
..
~My 2 cents~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with mango' on this, as you will get better functionality by doing validation server-side, plus anyone who knows about htmlview.dll will tell you that it's not the most forward/backward compatible library that MS have ever written (wm6 htmlview.dll has had several html tag attribute changes/removals).
Other than checking the actual html you're outputting for "wellformedness", you could investigate using the PHP to deliver different html depending upon the version of WM that is calling the PHP. Remember if you do, wm6 shows up as version 5, subversion 2 - and not version 6, subversion x.
So much for MS marketing picking the name Windows Mobile 5 because it bound it together with the CE version.
Dsc.
I’ve long been promising a full comparison, benchmark and (compared to alternative solutions) pros/cons list of SHAPE Services’ RDM+, a really decent, multiplatform remote desktop controlling / accessor solution. Now that they have a MASSIVE rebate, I dedicated some time for some thorough testing on no less than four different mobile platforms: Windows Mobile Pocket PC (with touch screens), Windows Mobile Smartphone (without touch screens), Symbian S60 (Nokia N95) and BlackBerry (BB 8800). Sorry for being four-platform again: a geek like me just loves toys and wants to play with all the major gadgets and major mobile operating systems available (not only Windows Mobile).
Note that SHAPE Services have another, purely Java-based (meaning there's NO native Windows Mobile client and you must use a MIDlet manager) remote access client, TSMobiles. I'll review it VERY soon.
Please note that this isn’t a full review, just a “list” of the pros and cons and my benchmark results and a complete comparison of the (in some respects, pretty different) implementations on the different platforms. You’ll want to read my previous Windows Mobile Remote Desktop Controller Bible to get more information on what for example the benchmark results stand for, what the different features really mean etc. Again, I will NOT explain anything in here already explained in the Bible. Read it to get a picture of what I’m referring to in the current article.
Note that the current, tested versions are as follows: 3.6.6 (Windows Mobile); 3.6.8 (Symbian / Java; BlackBerry). By the time you read this review (probably months or even years later), it may be heavily outdated. Of course, I’ll try to keep it up-to-date by constantly posting “UPDATE” sections at the bottom. Make sure you check them out. Also make sure you check out the links in this article: they link to a lot of screenshots.
1. Bandwidth usage benchmarks
Using exactly the same method as with the old benchmarks, with exactly the same set-up so that the bandwidth usage results can be directly compared:
(On Windows Mobile [on Blackberries, it's 24 bit], default) 8 bit color depth; measured twice
8k/970k (up/down)
6k/966k (up/down) (both quite good)
(exactly the same results with smooth scrolling – this is excellent)
1 bit color depth (that is, monochrome): 5k/556k (that is, almost half of the bandwidth required in the default, 8-bit mode)
24 bit color depth: 6k/1MB
Idling (without anything happening: no visible animations, cursor etc): 3k/10k a minute (excellent result – compare it to the very bad results of, say, GoToMyPC or, even worse, PPC Tablet)
Cursor blink test: 2k/11k a minute (again, excellent – compare this to the very bad results of I’m InTouch)
The transfer speed is excellent on Pocket PC’s via a Wi-Fi connection; I had no screen refresh problems even with 0.5s waiting between the page down events on a VGA (!) device, in Landscape mode, using 800*600 desktop resolution. The Java client running on the Nokia N95 was pretty fast, too. It’s only on (current) BlackBerries that you might encounter somewhat slower screen updates, it seems.
2. Pros
Fully compatible with the MS Smartphone platform (and with Symbian / BlackBerry / the iPhone)
Pretty good bandwidth usage (in no way so good as GotoMyPC though) – about in the same class as RDP 5, RemotelyAnywhere, LogMeIn and Tight VNC and much better than less-sophisticated clients like Z2Remote.
absolutely no cursor blink or smooth scroll overhead
very fast transfer of new screen contents, unlike with, say, I’m InTouch
processes, services (with the same functionality as in the Windows XP admin tools – see THIS and THIS)!, windows list, system info, hardware info
GUI-based remote system restart / logout / shutdown
native console window with access to all tools like ipconfig (example screenshots: 1 2); copying the contents of this dialog to the clipboard works with the on-screen keyboard
very cheap if you only plan to deploy it on one client machine
no yearly fees, unlike with most of the commercial, Internet-based alternatives
file up/download (still NOT available on BlackBerries) – screenshots: 1 2
support for all special keys (both from menu and on-screen keyboard): 1 2 3 4
support for all mouse buttons (but NO hardware button support – see below)
doesn’t lock out the remote desktop user, unlike RDP-based solutions; it doesn’t force a forced screen resolution either
multiple clients are allowed to access the desktop at the same time
traffic meter (just to be on the safe side) with both “total” and “last session” meters
connections (along with their password) are saved in an address book (screenshot HERE, also showing the main address book menu); no need to re-enter them
message sending from server to (all) connected client(s) in a dedicated window; this will be shown in a dedicated message box on the client(s). Note that there’s a Send Text feature in the mobile client too (on all platforms); it, however, just sends the text in as pure text (no dedicated dialog box will be shown on the desktop). On non-Windows Mobile platforms, there's an additional way of sending messages which will be presented in a dialog window on the desktop.
supports both Portrait and Landscape (switched on the OS level) – good news for for example Dell Axim x50v / x51v users suffering from the Landscape polarization issues of the low-quality screen
a lot of predefined keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Alt-Del etc.) – screenshots: 1 2
average memory usage (25M) on the desktop (screenshot showing this HERE) – there’re much worse titles in this respect (for example, the latest I’m InTouch version)
3. Cons
no desktop PC client – BAD! In this respect, most of the alternatives are clearly better
no copy/paste features (clipboard synchronization) at all (unlike most Windows Mobile alternatives) between the remote desktop and the local PPC – this is a major problem.
Fortunately, there are still some ways of (not very sophisticated) ways of transferring clipboard / textual data between the desktop and the mobile: file transfer (bidirectional); Send as text
upon file download, target folder selection uses a somewhat awkward WinCE file selector. On MS Smartphones, you can’t select the target folder at all (screenshot 1 2 3 - as you can see, on MS Smartphones, you can only save files to the root of your storage card. At least you can rename them to avoid name clashes...)
it has a tendency of refusing to step into subdirectories on both Pocket PC’s and Smartphones in file system mode. Then, the entire client (!) needs to be restarted (simply reconnecting won’t work).
if you spend too much time idling in a menu doing nothing, the connection will terminate
no configurable hardware buttons (unlike in, say, PO Pocket Office) to be able to quickly issue, say, right clicks (to avoid having to either bring-up the context menu, click the R button on the on-screen special (hideable) keyboard (these both are shown in THIS screenshot)) on-screen. Fortunately, the Action button is overridden to send a left click.
slowish file transfer (without any kind of compression / optimization with compressable content) on Pocket PC’s and MS Smartphones – but, at least, it’s present. (Interestingly, it is considerably (about two times) faster on the Symbian S60 / Java-based Nokia N95.)
no full screen on Windows Moile Pocket PC’s and MS Smartphones: the lower menubar can’t be hidden (on Blackberries and Java phones like S60 devices, this isn’t a problem at all – there, it does use full screen); MS Smartphone screenshot
no sound transfer (unlike RDM in WM6)
D-pad is used to control the mouse even on touchscreen devices and can’t be reconfigured to emulate the desktop-side cursor keys. At least it offers a quick way of scrolling the window. Note that, on touschreen-less MS Smartphones, you can switch to the “Direct Input” mode; then, the D-pad will directly emulate the cursor keys on the desktop. This feature isn’t accessible in the Pocket PC version (dunno why - it should be!).
The cursor block on built-in keyboards / thumbboards behaves exactly the same way as the D-pad. While one would, in most cases, except it can be used to emulate the desktop-side cursor keys, this isn’t the case – it can only be used to control the virtual mouse cursor on Pocket PC’s. On MS Smartphones, as has already been explained, if you switch to the “Direct Input” mode, you can use these cursor keys to directly control the cursor (just like with the D-pad) – but, again, not on the Pocket PC version.
no “track the cursor” features (when a small-screen mobile client wants to track what the active user enters in, say, Word or Internet Explorer)
no screen dragging with the stylus in zoomed-in mode on Pocket PC’s (D-pad- or on-screen arrow-based quick scrolling works OK though)
no remote PIM (appointments, e-mails etc.) access, unlike with (the brand new, soon-to-be-reviewed version of) SoonR or I’m InTouch. The same stands for remote file search.
can be expensive if you have more than one mobile clients – you’ll need to purchase a license for each of them
no “Hovering cursor” operation – much as, by default, you can position the cursor anywhere on the screen without issuing any mouse clicks, the new position of the cursor will only be transferred to the client when you actually issue a click – this pretty much negates one of the advantages of the hovering. This is, of course, pretty much understandable if you take into account that on no-touchscreen MS Smartphones (but NOT on the Blackberry / Java versions, where you can switch to a strictly scrolling mode, without any cursor, when zoomed in) the D-pad is also used for positioning the cursor (in addition to scrolling); there it’s understandable if there’re no ways of hovering. On Pocket PC’s (where you’ll mostly use the touch screen to position your cursor), however, this behavior could be changed.
no bitmap caching – upon zooming in/out or returning to a previous place (when scrolling around), the page will reload. This is painfully slow on for example the Blackberry (at least on T-Mobile’s connection using TCP/IP; over the same T-Mo subscription & connection, the Symbian S60 N95 was way faster)
on the Pocket PC sending mouse button (left) clicks is somewhat slower than in most other clients becase you can’t configure the client to treat screen taps as left clicks. That is, the PPC client could be enhanced in that on natively touchscreen-enabled devices a screen tap (or double screentaps) could mean a left click). On all platforms (including the Pocket PC) the Action button is used for left clicks – on non-touchscreen models, this is perfectly OK.
except for the screen blinking at the start/end of the session and the tray icon’s background changing to (not very noticeable) green, no REALLY obvious feedback on the remote desktop (unlike with, say, LogMeIn, with its clearly visible, protruding dialog box) of it being remote controlled.
4. Differences between the different OS versions
In the following section, I refer to the version offered for non-Pocket PC and non-BlackBerry, Java-capable smart phones (like the Symbian S60 series) as the “Java” version to avoid misunderstanding. The official literature calls them “standard” version, along with the Pocket PC one (as opposed to the BB version). Interestingly, the software retailers call the Java and the BB versions with the same name (“RDM+: Remote Desktop for Mobiles”), while they call the Windows Mobile version “RDM+: Remote Desktop for Windows Pocket PC”. Pretty much messed up naming convention, I’d say
the Java and the BB version (as opposed to the PPC one) are able to send messages displayed as a dialog box (example HERE) from System manager / Send Message (screenshots: 1 2), not only Send text, which just inserts some text at the cursor
the PPC / MS Smartphone version is able to send function keys and modifiers (F1…F12, Ctrl, Alt etc.); the PPC version even has an on-screen quick keyboard. The Java / BB version are only able to send over special characters, NOT function keys or modifier. Note that on BB and Java, there is only one menu key used (the left softkey on Java and the usual Menu button on BB ); in there, sending special characters are called “Send shortcut”.
the BB version has two additional menu items: Text cursor on and, when zoomed in, Scroll mode. The latter makes it possible to scroll the viewport much faster than with the cursor displayed, should you quickly need to change scrolling directions. The Pocket PC version only has an on-screen arrow block to do this (I’d still prefer faster, hardware D-pad-based scrolling)
the BB version doesn’t support file transfer (yet); however, it’s the only to allow for peeking into files on the desktop without transferring them. Fortunately, it downloads the files in chunks – only the actual (about 100-150 lines) viewport is downloaded at once. In Line mode, you can edit the lines in text files; it’s only then that you can copy any text from the desktop to the Blackberry clipboard.
the Java version is much faster at downloading files (1:07 for a 450 kbyte file over HSDPA) than the WinMo one; my Pocket PC’s and Smartphones transferred files much slower. For example, downloading a 2.5M binary and a 1.5 textual file to the built-in storage took 5:35 and 6:08, respectively, over an, otherwise, very fast Wi-Fi connection on my HTC Universal; I got similar results with the Dell Axim x51v and the HTC s710 / Vox, both operated over (very fast) ActiveSync connections. Fortunately, there isn’t a measurable file transfer overhead, data usage-wise (but there’s no compression either).
4.1 Symbian S60 quick elaboration and screenshots
I’ve thoroughly tested the current (Java) version on my Nokia N95 too; it worked flawlessly and decidedly faster than the BlackBerry version (unfortunately, the BlackBerry is pretty slow to run third-party apps – hope this will be fixed in the new, 4.5 / 4.6 operating system version(s)). Some screenshots: Main menu, with the entire desktop in the background; file download 1 2 3; zoomed-in state; system manager. As can clearly be seen, it has pretty much the same features (and problems) as on the Pocket PC (except for the ones explained above). In addition, as it’s Java, you can’t hide the connection icon in the upper left corner (this is a major problem with running Opera Mini on S60 too).
5. Licensing / pricing
Your license is one handheld-only. Should you try to register it on more than once handheld, you’re presented an error message. Licenses, of course, are transferable, should you upgrade to a new device and stop using your old one.
The price of the client, as with SHAPE’s other products, isn’t particularly low, but I think it’s worth the price if the cons I’ve listed aren’t a problem. After all, you’ll hardly get a file transfer-capable, central-server based (meaning it can pass corporate firewalls, unlike, say, RDP or VNC) remote desktop access client / service for such a low price: don’t forget that LogMeIn Pro and similar, file transfer-capable services all cost about 50$ a year. They, on the other hand, don’t limit the number of handhelds you can install your client on– but, again, that’s only a problem if you have more than one handheld device you’d like to use to access your desktop.
6. Verdict
If you have a Windows Mobile device:
While this app has some clear drawbacks compared to some of the alternates (for example, no easy PIM/e-mail access, no (easy) clipboard synchronization between the remote desktop and the local PPC, can’t hide the lower menu bar, buttons can’t be overwritten etc.), it’s still a very decent program and is definitely worth checking out. Of course, you yourself will need to decide whether the above-listed cons are a major stumbling block for you. I, for one, have purchased a Pocket PC license (in addition to a Blackberry one) because of the file transfer support and the company’s very good support / upgrade policy / history.
If you have a Blackberry device:
much as you may find it a bit slow (“thanks” to the slow Java virtual machine built into the current versions of BlackBerries), I still recommend taking a look at this app. Note that the SHAPE Services folks promise file transfer capabilities soon. Up until then, you only have remote file viewing capabilities. Knowing their constant flow of updates (I’ve also purchased their IM+ for my BB and, in the last two months, there have been two updates already), I’m absolutely confident they will deliver file transfer to BB users too – this was, by the way, one of the main reasons I’ve shelled out 26 euros for the BB license.
If you have a Symbian S60 (or any compatible device with a decent Java environment) model:
I recommend this application – there’re very few decent remote controllers for the Symbian platform. This is a very nice one with most goodies (for example, file transfer) you can expect – even by Windows Mobile standards.
I really hope the developer implements the missing functionality: automatic and/or much easier clipboard synchronization, at least a desktop Windows client (preferably for free for existing customers) so that you can streamline the remote desktop controller apps on your remote desktop computer, should you also want to access it from regular desktop PC’s; bitmap caching when scrolling around; real full screen mode on Windows Mobile and, also under Windows Mobile, button redefining capablities.
Particularly now that you can get the client license for a 40% rebate (pretty good deal if you’re in the EU – outside the EU, not that good a deal, though), I really recommend that you give the trial version a try. I, myself, have voted with my wallet: I’ve purchased both the PPC and the BlackBerry versions (along with a SOTI Pocket Controller license – but that’s a story of another article).
Hello,
is there a way to enter unicode characters that are not displayable into an application?
I've got problems with an RDP Application that accepts and transmits unicode input. But on the other side of the RDP my windows server 2003 machine expects windows-1252 input. So I thought if the app developer doesn't integrate support for different codepages I could get around the problem by sending two windows-1252 characters as one unicode character with the same binary representation. (For example 0xe466 in unicode would be äf in windows-1252)
I'd also love to see a way to switch the codepage, but I doubt that this would be possible without access to the applications sourcecode.
Thank you in advance.