I find Skype's 'send file' function invaluable for transferring files between PCs at home. Everyone has their own Skype ID anyway and when we need to move odd files between PCs, Skype is the easiest way. It's simpler and more secure than setting up shared directories and much easier than copying files to a USB flash drive. Just right click on a contact to send a file.
Last week I visited Nokia's new flagship store in London's Regent Street. What a fantastic shopping experience! All the Nokia handset ranges have their own section with working handsets on display and plenty of Nokia representatives available to discuss the merits of different handsets with. The ability to be able to pick up a working handset and try it out is a world away from the usual dummy handsets in most mobile shops. Both contract and SIM free handsets are available, SIM free having the advantage of not being tied to a particular network or branded with all sorts of operator stuff. If you're in the market for a new Nokia handset and are not sure which one to go for, a visit would be very worthwhile.
A while back I blogged about the Proporta Mobile Device Charger. This is a handy portable device for recharging your phones, iPods and other portable gadgets when you're out and about. Now Proporta has launched the Mobile Device Charger Micro (USB rechargeable battery) which provides the same functionality in a smaller package. The battery stores 1700 mAh of power, less than the original device but that's the trade- off for a more convenient form factor.
These portable rechargers are a great alternative to buying a spare battery as they can be used with all your mobile devices. Batteries haven't kept up with the power demands of handsets using 3G, WiFi, data, playing music, taking pictures; and the ability to recharge on the go is essential.
Proporta sells a great range of devices for mobile computing.
Play.com has just launched a music download service called PlayDigital in the UK, offering DRM free MP3 tracks. As these are MP3 format they can be played on any PC or any MP3 player, including iPods. At 69p, they're cheaper than iTunes downloads. Coming after Amazon's recent announcement that they will be launching an MP3 download service in Europe this year, Play.com's launch shows that the market is starting to move away from restricted tracks that can only be played on certain devices with certain software. For example, 3's music store allows copies of downloaded tracks to be played on your PC & your 3 handset, but not any other MP3 player or handset. Not user friendly!
Play.com's website provides this definition of DRM.
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. This is a method of restricting the type of computer or the number of players a music file can be transferred to. PlayDigital’s music does not use DRM technology and will work on whichever and however many MP3 players you own. You can also transfer or burn these files to a CD for your own personal use. However, all downloads available at PlayDigital are copyrighted. This means that the distribution or sharing of these files is a criminal offence.
The guys at Devicescape have released version 2.0 of their application that automatically logs you in to WiFi networks. I've blogged about Devicescape before and now its even better.
The Devicescape website highlights some of the areas addressed by version 2.0 ...
Can you make this work straight “out of the box?”
Can you make this useful for the free WiFi user, since many of us don’t have commercial accounts?
Can I enter my Wi-Fi account info directly on the device instead of having to go to your website in advance?
You’ve got a big list of free hotspots now. Can you make it that I get them automatically without having to go add them at the website?
Can you connect me to open, unsecured networks and maybe let me know that I’ve got a connection?
I've been using Devicescape for a while now on my PCs and smartphones to login to my own WiFi networks, family WiFi networks and public hotspots. It makes the whole process much simpler and more reliable. A must have app for anyone using WiFi. And it's free ...!
I've been using Pinger for a while now to send voice messages to people. It's great for the times when you don't want or need to actually speak to someone but want to send them a more personal or longer message (up to 5 minutes) than texting will allow. You call the Pinger number, enter the mobile number or say the name of the person you want to contact, record the message and send. The other party receives a text message with a local number to call to hear your message. Also works with groups of people, so makes it much cheaper than texting for contacting several people.
Pinger works with all mobile phones and there's nothing to download.
If you often text people overseas then Pinger lets you message them for for the cost of a local call - much cheaper than international texting.
The Pinger number in the UK is a London 020 number so it comes out of your mobile bundle - effectively making it free to call - and there are no other charges.
The UK Pinger UK number is 020 3051 0982 and there are local numbers in many other countries.
