DevTools - by Diego Samuilov

Development Tools for Windows Phone 7 series to be announced

dsamuilov — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:56:42 GMT

I just had a short conversation with a friend of mine that happens to work at Microsoft and he unofficially dropped a bit about the development tools. He said that

"[...] we're not ready to mention it [...]" and "[...] we will reveal most of it in the Game Developer Conference in San Francisco and MIX 10 in Vegas."

Aside from the questions it raises on the development tools, SDKs, etc, I am very pleased with the fact that the announcement will be made in a game developer conference. This means that Microsoft's push on Windows Phone 7 is aimed at regaining some serious consumer credibility on the smartphone arena. Consumer cred is much more difficult to regain than corporate since most of the corporate customers are still using Windows and are now looking into migrating their systems to Windows 7 if they have not already done so.

I know this is not much information, but I have received too many questions regarding the future of the development platforms not to mention this bit.

If you are developing applications for Windows Mobile 6.x, my suggestion is that you stick to patterns and practices because that's how you will assure a smooth transition with no (or few) glitches.

Manage Your Browser's Favorites From The Cloud

dsamuilov — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:41:35 GMT

I use my mobile phone all the time... I also use a personal Notebook, a work Notebook, a desktop and a few other computers here and there. I probably wouldn't say anything new if I told you that I use information off the web all the time. Duh! However, one thing that's been bothering me lately is that something as simple as having all my favorites should be something simple to manage. Well it hasn't, not until I recently discovered Xmarks (click here)...

When one uses IE and syncs their Windows phone to their Windows PC it's easy... but add a few more platforms to the mix, a few more (different) browsers per platform, and what was a simple sync task now becomes a major undertaking.

You may ask yourself why on earth would someone have these many different ways to browse the web? Most of the time I have to make sure that what works and looks nice on one device, also does on the next device. The application in question also needs to offer the exact same experience to consumers. Even within the same device, there are so many different browsers people may end up using that I need to make sure that the experience is consistent across most browsers. Currently, what will cover almost all web users is MSIE 6, 7, 8, Firefox 3.x, Opera 9.x, 10, Chrome and Safari in whatever platforms they exist (Windows, Mac, Linux and depending on the application, I also test Windows Mobile, iPhone, Android and Blackberry).

Because of the complexities involved, I even considered the idea of developing a solution myself so that I would be able to have my favorites/bookmarks/links with me at all times. That was until I found Xmarks. This tool has been around for a while, formerly known as FoxMarks (it originally existed only as a Firefox add-on).

This tool exists as an add-on for Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Microsoft Internet Explorer, there's a web version for the browsers/platforms that are not supported yet and yes, there is a stripped down web version of it for mobile devices. A version for Opera has not been announced yet but what I would like to highlight is that there is a way to use it in any and all mobile devices.

While the add-on version is great when you are using a Windows PC, Mac or Linux, the most important thing about this nifty little tool is that no matter what I am using now, I can still have access to all my favorite links.

The first time you install this tool, you get to create an account, provide with some information (user name, password, email address -to verify the account-). This process happens within the wizard itself. Then the tool reads your favorites and syncs them to the web. If you only have your computer and your mobile device that's about it. If you have like I do, multiple computers that you do your work on, then the process repeats in all computers (and all browsers you want to keep in sync) but you keep using the same credentials you created in the first environment you installed. From that point on, you simply forget that the tool is installed and it just does its job. It works seamlessly and you don't need to change the way you do your work, you use your links the same way you've always used them, and the tool syncs as long as you have a connection to the web. I have used it for a while now and with y links, I have created, deleted, updated, moved from one folder to the other and save for a few minutes lag time, it basically keeps everything in sync.

Whenever I am not using a supported platform, or I am on someone else's computer, I simply use their online version. It simply has the same features I have in all my supported browsers. Plus I know that whatever changes I make to this online version will get synched to all my browsers.

The mobile version is nothing more than simple web pages (almost bare HTML) that can be browsed in most browsers, even the simplest WAP versions. Making this site your top favorite in your mobile browser simply makes your favorites available in that platform. This stripped down version, however is a bit too stripped down and only offers you the ability to browse through your folders and links. The ability to add, change, delete links is just not there yet. My guess is that this is so that the most mobile platforms are supported.

In Opera Mobile, I use the mobile version, but in other mobile browsers such as Skyfire, I just use the regular online version, so that I can also add, edit and remove links.

So far the features provided are great and for most regular users that would be it, but you can also take advantage of profiles. This is an extra feature that I find particularly convenient. Profiles work so that you decide out of your universe of links, which ones link up to what profiles. You can use the provided profiles for "mobile", "work" and "home" or you can add as many profiles as you want. Maybe you want to keep some of your personal links out of your work computers, or you may want to keep some of your work links out of your personal computers. You can do all this by adding a particular browser to a particular profile so that only the links to the profile in question will be synced to the browser in question.

Finally, there are two "side effect" uses for this tool. You can use Xmarks as a "backup to the cloud" for your favorites and you can use it whenever you are moving from one PC to its replacement, all you need to do is sync it up and you are done.

Overall, Xmarks is a great tool that provides what is being promised while assuring you that your favorites will be safely kept in the cloud for your use whenever you need them most.

Barnes and Noble’s Global eBook Strategy

dsamuilov — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:45:00 GMT

It’s no news that the ebook arena has been heating up for the last 6 months. First with the hype prior to the launch of the Nook, then the actual launch. In the last week or so, I have received a series of emails from ebook vendors hinting at what could...(read more)

Celio RedFly in Action

dsamuilov — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:25:00 GMT

A few days ago I commented about the Celio Redfly adding support for BlackBerrys. I came across that bit of information first while researching to purchase a Celio RedFly myself and then while I’ve been using it with my Windows phone. It certainly extends...(read more)

Celio Corp Redfly now Supports Blackberry

dsamuilov — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:17:00 GMT

Just as they promised a few months back, Celio Corp has released software that allows their RedFly to be used with Blackberry in addition to a few more Windows Mobile devices. The RedFly is a device that extends smartphone functionality. It allows the...(read more)

Celio RedFly to support BlackBerry by mid-October

dsamuilov — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:18:00 GMT

Celio Corp , the company that produces the RedFly device announced last week that their current products will support BlackBerry smartphones by simply installing a new “BlackBerry aware” firmware. All products shipped after launch will already support...(read more)

Barnes & Noble catching up to Amazon

dsamuilov — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:14:00 GMT

This bit of news went right by us back in March of this year. However, we can see the results of some hard work right now and can only imagine what is to come. B&N has been rumored to be preparing its own standalone reader a la Kindle. Instead of...(read more)

Skyfire Releases Version 1.0

dsamuilov — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:11:00 GMT

“There’s no way a mobile device will ever browse like a desktop” said a friend of mine not too long ago… Well, this has just changed today. Skyfire, a web browser for mobile devices has been out in the wild for quite some time in the the form of a beta...(read more)

HTC Touch HD – Fix for Device Not Vibrating

dsamuilov — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:08:00 GMT

I’ve been using an HTC Touch HD for a while now and I am really happy with it. I purchased it in a not-so-successful transaction (see details here ), but after a rough start, the device itself was just excellent. The high resolution screen is bright,...(read more)

Expansys / MobilePlanet's Lousy Customer Service

dsamuilov — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:16:00 GMT

Expansys-USA / MobilePlanet: You didn't care about me as your client and delayed the shipment of my device for weeks. You not only broke a record in customer dissatisfaction but you blatantly lied and for that, you lost me as your client. At the risk...(read more)

HTC Max 4G - My Dream device...

dsamuilov — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:54:00 GMT

A new device was announced by HTC and it passed right under our noses... the HTC Max 4G, the first WiMax phone. Recently announced by HTC and it is expected to be released in late November... only ... it will be in ... Russia! under the Yota carrier....(read more)

Anycom SCK-1 Solar Powered Hands Free Car Kit

dsamuilov — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:25:00 GMT

I just got a tool that may be of great use to most folks. This is a little device that works as a bluetooth hands free unit, but the interesting thing is that it self recharges, well; actiually it recharges with a little help from the sun. It comes...(read more)

WiFi in-flight on American Airlines - VOIP Update

dsamuilov — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:20:00 GMT

Less than a week ago, American Airlines announced that WiFi would be available in 15 of their flights (click here for the article). In their press release they announced how much the service called Gogo would cost and that VOIP services would be...(read more)

WiFi now available in-flight on American Airlines

dsamuilov — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:41:00 GMT

Finally in-flight WiFi has arrived. For those of you like me who'd rather get some emails answered, do a little bit of browsing and VPN access during flight the time has arrived. This morning American Airlines officially launched their broadband service...(read more)

Review: ARKON's Device Mounts and Holders

dsamuilov — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:55:00 GMT

I have been reviewing and testing a few of ARKON 's new holder and mount models for a few days now and here are my impressions about them. This set of mounts that I got for reviewing includes some of their brand new designs as well as some of their...(read more)

Will you be around Orlando, FL this Weekend?

dsamuilov — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:43:55 GMT

If you are in any way interested in Development for Windows and Windows Mobile devices then you are invited to attend a FREE event Saturday and Sunday. The weekend event is called Microsoft Community Summit 2008 or ]InBetween[ or Tweener (?!?!). The whole...(read more)

How to Trigger the Use of Mobile Devices at Work

dsamuilov — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:48:52 GMT

We all agree that Mobile Devices are a great tool, there is no question about that. Regardless of your platform of preference, they all facilitate a multitude of tasks that used to require of us doing work at the office/home office. From email to remote...(read more)

Florida Code Camp 2008

dsamuilov — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:00:15 GMT

No, this is no repeat of the Code Camp we did back in February; that one was the South Florida Code Camp, and it isn't a repeat of the Orlando Code Camp we did in March, although this one will be held in Orlando. The Florida Code Camp will be one...(read more)

Mobility Opposing Forces - Be Prepared!

dsamuilov — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:12:11 GMT

No matter how prepared you are or how well laid out is your project, you could find some opposing forces to progress. This is something you may encounter in some though not all "old-school-type" businesses. Change, specifically aimed at progress...(read more)

Is Your Company Thinking About Mobile Solutions?

dsamuilov — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:59:07 GMT

If it's not, then it should. Let me explain why. Every company wants at least their executives to have work email access on-the-go. They may not have it already but if they don't they are certainly craving for it. We live in a business world that...(read more)

Who Should Decide on Implementation Details?

dsamuilov — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:40:22 GMT

There seems to be different positions in this matter. There are people that think that IT Management should have final say in these matters and people that are convinced that once the general specifications for the architecture and methodology are laid...(read more)

How Secure Is Your Mobile Application Data?

dsamuilov — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:13:44 GMT

When developing mobile applications we usually think in terms of a single user; doing only a few tasks in a small device. However, this may no longer be true. We are now faced with devices that have large screens (for a smartphone, that is) such as the...(read more)

Windows Mobile 6.1 Emulators Out

dsamuilov — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:19:13 GMT

With the release of Windows Mobile 6.1 and some models already announced, it was only logical that we would see the WM 6.1 emulators out for Visual Studio 2005 and Visual Studio 2008. Just like their predecessors, the emulators are stand alone and can...(read more)

Webcast: Creating Location-Aware Applications for Windows Mobile

dsamuilov — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:26:11 GMT

Maarten Struys will be presenting a webcast on April 9th. He is going to talk about how incorporate GPS functionality to your applications and how to build "location awareness" by using the GPS API and the "Fake GPS" GPS Emulator for...(read more)

Orlando Code Camp a Success

dsamuilov — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:09:25 GMT

Another successful Code Camp organized by .Net User Groups from Orlando, Lakeland and the Space Coast! Shawn did a great job and had pretty much everything under control. Attendance was full, and everyone was happy about the presentations. Here is a picture...(read more)

How to Associate the Device Emulator with the Cellular Emulator

dsamuilov — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:21:51 GMT

When working with Windows Mobile these days it is very common to have to do work with the cellular connection. Either programming the phone dialing out, receiving calls or testing any other cell-related functionality is very important to make sure that...(read more)

Orlando Code Camp 2008 - Preparing presentations

dsamuilov — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:31:54 GMT

Today I am starting to prepare my presentations for this coming Saturday's Orlando Code Camp 2008 ( http://www.orlandocodecamp.com ). There are no more spaces available, but if you want to attend, there is a waiting list in case some people cancel...(read more)

BlueKatana Tool-Applications for Windows Mobile 2

dsamuilov — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:13:50 GMT

Continuing with our release of tool-applications completed by out team, we are releasing today a very cool application that we all started using right away. It is a MPG calculator and Vehicle Maintenance log, that everyone can have in their Windows Mobile...(read more)

Silverlight for Windows Mobile to be launched in Q2

dsamuilov — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:59:36 GMT

Microsoft has announced that Silverlight for Windows Mobile will be available during Q2 2008. It will be launched as a browser plug-in and it will support Silverlight 1.0 only (Silverlight 2 is currently in Beta). Unfortunately, the announcement indicates...(read more)

Having trouble creating an MSI for Windows Mobile apps?

dsamuilov — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:16:52 GMT

Well, you are not the only one... Creating an MSI file for application distribution is really simple, but when you want to distribute an application that runs on the Windows Mobile environment, it is not that simple any more. This is especially true if...(read more)