Riviera Radio

Riviera Radio, broadcasting in English from Monaco, plays a great selection of music, both old and new. As well as the usual Internet streaming feature to allow you to listen worldwide, you can also download a daily broadcast MP3 file so you can take Riviera Radio out with you on your MP3 player. Nice feature!

File formats

Do you ever find a file on your PC and wonder what the file format is? FILExt has a comprehensive database of file extensions and formats.

Truphone InTones

Another cool feature from Truphone! Truphone has just launched customisable ringing sounds for your callers. Now you can choose the sound your callers hear from a selection of Truphone created sounds.


Core facts

1. The choice of InTones is: Rock, Jazz, Bluegrass, Hip-hop, Ska, Disco, Euro house, Standard (plain 'ring-ring'), Truphone
2. InTones are played by the Truphone servers before the call is connected. This means there is never any associated cost for either the caller or callee. It is similar to hold music, but without any cost.
3. The Truphone InTone heard by callers can be changed easily (or turned off) via the customer's account page at Truphone.com.
4. The Truphone InTones are original compositions commissioned by Truphone from professional media and music consultants Nik Goodman and Dan McGrath, who specialise in TV and radio.
5. Anyone with a suitable handset can get Truphone by sending an SMS with the word 'Tru' to +44 7624 000000.

Quotes

James Tagg, Truphone's chief executive officer, said:

• "Truphone InTones use the Internet to bring an enjoyable and free service to customers, typifying Truphone's fresh approach to mobile communications."

Google Earth

The latest version of Google Earth has a neat feature - it allows you to reverse the view from looking down at the Earth to looking up at the stars. Just click on 'View', 'Switch to Sky'.

SMS Text News

SMS Text News is the best site I've found for keeping track of what's new in mobile. Ewan MacLeod does a great job commenting on new stuff and doesn't hesitate to tell it as he sees it! Well worth adding to your RSS reader.

Interesting new service from O2 in London.

The Political Compass

Just back from summer holidays and thought I'd start with something a bit different - it's not a technology tip!

Have a look at The Political Compass. The old 'left' and 'right' political labels are a bit dated in today's complex political world. So where do you really stand on issues and how do you compare to some of the political figures in history? The test takes just a few minutes and the result might surprise you!

Protect your Nokia if you lose it

Txt2Lock has just launched a software application for Nokia handsets that lets you remotely lock the handset via SMS if you lose it. Just send a preset code to the handset and it's instantly disabled. There are two levels of lock - Lite lets you prevent any calls or SMS being made, Max completely locks the handset and prevents any functions being used, including access to your contacts. When you find your handset just enter your security code to access the handset.

Quick feature summary below:

Key Benefits

• Protects your privacy by locking access to your mobile phone.
• Protects your content and sensitive data stored on the handset or memory card. For example contacts, pictures, text messages, emails, passwords.
• Can help eliminate your financial liability to mobile networks, by preventing unauthorised use such as outgoing voice calls, SMS, mobile Internet.
• Protects the handset from use by unauthorised SIM cards – whether the handset is locked or not.
• Assists in the prevention of identity theft.

General features

• Easily activated.
• Works on any network anywhere in the world.
• The phone can be easily restored to its original settings if you find your phone.

Specific features - there are 2 types of Lock:

Max Lock – when you believe your phone has been lost or stolen and want total peace of mind

• Blocks all incoming and outgoing activity such as calls, SMS, Mobile Internet activity
• Disables the screen
• Disables the keypad
• Encrypts the memory card

Lite lock – If you have misplaced your phone and want to recover it by calling the phone

• Blocks all outgoing activity such as calls, SMS, Mobile Internet activity
• Allows incoming calls & SMS
• Encrypts the memory card

The Process

• Upon installing the application you set a personal private 6 digit PIN which is used to open, activate, de-activate and uninstall the application.
• Upon loss or theft of the handset you text your personal 6 digit PIN number to your mobile number to activate a max or lite lock.
• If a different SIM card is inserted into the handset a max lock is automatically activated – whether or not the handset has been remotely locked.

Using Devicescape with personal WiFi networks

When using Devicescape to share personal WiFi networks it removes the need to divulge your WEP or WPA encryption key to your 'buddy'. Devicescape automatically deals with the security, provided you share the network details with your buddy in advance (i.e. when they are online elsewhere) so their account updates with your networks details.

I've now installed Devicescape on several wireless PCS and my Nokia E65. Works perfectly so far.

Devicescape

Devicescape is a piece of software you install on your wireless devices (laptop, smartphone etc) that allows you to connect to wireless networks without having to login each time. It automates the process at public hotspots and allows you to share your home network with your friends.

By adding 'buddies' you build a community of shared networks. When you invite a 'buddy' they receive the following email:

"I'm using a great new service called Devicescape for easy and secure access to Wi-Fi at home, my friends' places and hotspots wherever I go. I no longer have to struggle with usernames, passwords, security keys and wireless settings in order to get online. Whenever I'm in range of Wi-Fi, Devicescape gets me connected automatically so I can quickly start surfing the web, downloading my email or using other online services. Since you're someone I trust, I've granted you permission to use my personal Wi-Fi network via Devicescape for convenient wireless access whenever you visit me."