Microsoft Releases Facebook for Windows Mobile

Microsoft has released a free Facebook application that gives Windows Mobile 6 users a way to stay connected on the popular social network. 

MobilityMinded has a great walkthrough of all the features, with screens. 

The only glaring omissions from this app are the lack of Facebook chat and the ability to view comments to photos.

The Bottom Line

This app isn’t perfect, but it’s good. If you use Facebook and have a Windows Mobile 6 device, it’s worth checking out. 

You can download Facebook for Windows Mobile 6 here.

Thanks to jkOnTheRun for the heads up!

Skype 3.0 For Windows Mobile Adds File Transfer and SMS

Skype has released a new beta version for Windows Mobile that adds file transfer and SMS capability. The Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows Phones was announced on the Skype blog, where they outlined the details of the new features. 

The SMS capability can save you money, but generally only if you need to send SMS messages internationally (or you are travelling internationally). You would use Skype credits, and their rates, while generally much lower than standard mobile carrier rates, do not include data usage. The bottom line is that it can save you money, but you better calculate all the hidden costs and use it wisely. 

The more practical feature is file transfers, which will work across any platform that Skype runs on. File transfers are secure, so you can safely send that Powerpoint presentation from your WiFi connection at Starbucks. 

Useful Links

• Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows Mobile – official Skype blog
• Download Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile
• Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile Adds SMS and File Sharing – jkOnTheRun.com

New YouTube App for Windows Mobile and Nokia S60

Google has released a new version of their mobile YouTube app optimized for Windows Mobile and Nokia/Symbian Series 60 devices. The new app promises faster startup, search and video loading (up to 90% faster); improved video quality; and enhanced WiFi support.

The new app will also automatically alert you when new updates are available to download, making upgrades easier. 

Useful Links

• Download the app from your phone at m.youtube.com
• Read more on the Google Mobile blog
• Full list of supported Nokia/Symbian S60 devices
• Watching Video on Windows Mobile and Nokia S60 Phones – YouTube blog

ICQ Beta for Windows Mobile

AOL announced an open beta of a new Windows Mobile application called ICQ Mobile. 

ICQ Mobile brings much of the functionality of their desktop app to your Windows Mobile device. 

Device Support

ICQ for Windows Mobile supports devices with Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 6, and Windows Mobile 6.1 operating systems, including:

• T-Mobile Dash and Wing
• Sprint HTC Touch and Diamond
• AT&T Samsung Blackjack II and Epix
• Verizon Wireless XV6800 and XV6900
• Sprint Samsung Ace
• AT&T Pantech Duo and Matrix Pro
• Motorola Q
• Most Palm Treo’s

Why ICQ? 

AOL’s decision to create ICQ Mobile has some people scratching their heads. ICQ is arguably the granddaddy of instant messaging, but has largely been passed over in favor of WLM, Yahoo! Messenger or even Facebook.  ”ICQ? I haven’t used that in ages!” They are forgetting basic geography — the world is round. The mobile market is global, and ICQ still enjoys great popularity outside of North America. 

You can check out the ICQ Mobile beta here.

Useful Links

• ICQ Mobile Beta
• ICQ Web Site
• ICQ Discussion Discussion Forum
• Windows Mobile Discussion Forum

Google Syncs Your Phone

I can remember when… (man, I sound like my grandpa) 

I remember when your cell phone (we didn’t call them mobiles) had it’s own address book, and you had no way to back it up. If you lost the phone and didn’t have a redundant storage system (paper or PC), you were screwed. 

Smartphones emerged and we could sync! Well, we could if ActiveSync didn’t act up and give us grief. But we were still tethered to a single PC. 

The phone companies started offering to backup your address book from your phone — for a cost. Are you kidding me?! 

Now Google comes along and introduces Google Sync, promising to sync not only your contacts, but your calendar entries as well (if your phone supports it). Google Sync is currently in beta, and works with the iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and many Nokia phones. Of course, you’ll have to have a Google account to make use of this, but if you do, you’ll want this. 

The beauty of Google Sync is that you can make changes on either your phone or on the web (via any internet-connected PC) . The updates syncronize in both directions. 

Here’s a video overview of Google Sync:

There are some subtle differences between features and functionality on different devices, so be sure to check their site for the details on your phone. 

And remember that this is beta — be sure to backup your contacts and calendars just in case. Google even reminds iPhone users: 

Important! Google Sync uses the Microsoft© Exchange ActiveSync© protocol. When setting up a new Exchange ActiveSync account on your iPhone, all existing Contacts and Calendar events will be removed from your phone. Please make sure to back up any important data before you set up Google Sync.

All existing contacts and calendar events will be removed? Gulp! 

Seriously, back up first, but give it a try. I’ve been using it happily for some time with no serious problems. 

Google Sync