How to emulate the HTC HD Mini in Visual Studio

(Windows Mobile 6.1 & 6.5)

With the release of HTC's HD Mini, Windows Mobile developers now have another resolution to worry about. And its not unreasonable to assume that HTC will be able to move a large number of these devices with the popularity of the HD and HD2.

You can take a look at the specifications here:
http://www.htc.com/www/product/hdmini/specification.html

What's important to note is the screen resolution of 320x480 - this is the only Windows Mobile device that I know of that uses this resolution. What's also important is the screen DPI - which is most likely 128. QVGA devices like the Touch are 96dpi and VGA and WVGA devices are 192dpi.

Its also worth noting that this device has a height to width ratio of 3 to 2 where normal devices are 4:3 and the wide devices are 5:3 so you may need to make some minor alternations to your GUI code when supporting the mini.

Now I haven't been able to find an emulator for this device but fortunately we can fake it using the Windows Mobile 6 SDK. I had a clever friend that works in Redmond help me out with this so I big thanks to her.

Fortunately we can use the Microsoft Device Emulator to launch a recompiled emulator image and change the display properties. Now remember I mentioned 128dpi? There is only one emulator image that supports this and that is the 320x320 Square QVGA emulator image. You can try other images but the resources will be incorrect and the sizes of menus, icons, etc will be either too big or too small.

So lets cut to the chase, assuming you have Visual Studio 2005 or 2008 installed and the Windows Mobile 6.1 SDK you can launch the emulator from the command line or by using a Batch file with the following command:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Device Emulator\1.0\DeviceEmulator.exe" "C:\Program Files\Windows Mobile 6 SDK\PocketPC\DeviceemulationV610\0409\PPC_USA_GSM_QVGA_VR.BIN" /memsize 256 /hostkey Left-Alt /video 320x480x16

or for 64 bit systems:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Device Emulator\1.0\DeviceEmulator.exe" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Mobile 6 SDK\PocketPC\DeviceemulationV610\0409\PPC_USA_GSM_QVGA_VR.BIN" /memsize 256 /hostkey Left-Alt /video 320x480x16


(Launching the emulator at 320x480 - Windows Mobile 6.1)

You can also try the 6.5 image but I wasn't able to get the start menu working, presumably there are additional resources needed for the 480 high screen:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Device Emulator\1.0\DeviceEmulator.exe" "C:\Program Files\Windows Mobile 6 SDK\PocketPC\DeviceemulationV650\0409\PPC_USA_GSM_320x320_VR.BIN" /memsize 256 /hostkey Left-Alt /video 320x480x16


Once you have it up and running, you can cradle it just like any other emulator, it will show up in the Device Manager at the bottom with an ID string in the "Others" section.


(Custom emulator shown in the Device Manager)


(Debugging Calc Pro with the custom launched emulator)


Good luck and feel free to post questions

Further reading:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb630224.aspx

Windows Mobile powered Blackberry? BlackGrape i9000

We recently dealt with a support issue for one our games and the user was reporting very odd behavior (random screen orientation changes, touch screen not working, etc). I finally asked what device they were using and they curtly responded "BlackGrape 9000". Wow.

A quick google search and I was able to find some basic information. It appears to be running Windows Mobile 6.1 and the device is a poor copy of the Blackberry Bold.

I DO NOT recommend buying these devices, this is an obvious infringement on RIM's intellectual property and I am confident that Microsoft would not give permission to create this device so it most likely means that the operating system (Windows Mobile) and any software installed on the device are not being legally obtained or distributed (ie pirated).

And if you morally don't have an issue with it, remember that this device will not run software designed for the Blackberry Bold and it sounds like it won't even run Windows Mobile software correctly either.

That being said I find the concept quite entertaining.

You can read more here and buy what appears to be a LOT of other bootleg phones running Windows Mobile .... just terrible.
http://www.fastcardtech.com/goods-3671-BlackGrape+i9000+ARM9+524MHZ+CPUBuilt+in+GPSQWERT+Full+Keyboardorbit+ball.html

Updating Windows Mobile

Having your phone look "cool" is really half of the enjoyment of owning a smartphone. If you read my blog at all its obvious that my current phone of choice is a Palm Treo Pro which I think is still quite a good looking device.

However the operating system on it has been looking dated for quite some time. If you own a Treo Pro or another HTC made Windows Mobile phone you could always head over to XDA developers and install a "cooked" version 6.5 ROM but its risky and I'm sure violates at least once of your license agreements. Besides, Windows Mobile 6.1 works great and now I can dress it up a bit.

1st - Panoramic Launch Pad 1.6 (currently beta)
Its receiving a major visual update along with some usability improvements and the option to add contacts to favorites. The retail version should be released very soon but the beta is fast and stable.
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/launchpad/LaunchPad.php

2nd - iSS Battery Monitor
It was recently updated to version 1.5 and includes a few new features but most importantly it has 5 new skins including that great blue color.
http://www.implicitsoftware.com/mobile_battery.html

3rd - Pocket Digital Clock
Another gem in the world of free Windows Mobile applications that a colleague of mine came across. Its pretty, its customizable (color, size, display, etc) and it works great: I love it.
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-pocket-digital-clock.html

4th - iSS Task Switcher
Its also been updated to version 1.5 which includes visual enhancements but the new colors really make the application more appealing and allows it to match most color schemes on your phone.
http://www.implicitsoftware.com/mobile_taskswitch.html

Background:
The background is from http://www.digitalblasphemy.com, definitely go check it out if you haven't done so already. They have a great free section which is where this image is from and you can subscribe to access the paid section. I've been using the backgrounds for years, fantastic work. I used Paint.net on my desktop PC to crop and re size the background image.

Worth Mentioning:
I also have Fizz Traveler and customized version of Calendar+ and Live Search installed on the today screen. And I use Illium Software Screen Capture to create the screen shots.


For just over $10 you can give the same visual treatment to any touchscreen Windows Mobile device (5.0 or newer).

Panoramic Software releases FreeCell for Windows Mobile Professional & Standard

Panoramic Software Inc has released FreeCell for Windows Mobile Touch devices (5.0 and newer).

Its an excellent implementation with great graphics, touch friendly drag-able cards and over 2,000,000 games.

And just in case you're on the fence - it only costs $1.99

Get it here: http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobilegames/freecell/Freecell.php

Calc Pro and moTweets updates released today

Panoramic Software's Calc Pro has been updated to version 2.8.1

This release fixes the recently used currencies bug
Improves the display of values when shown as degrees/minutes/seconds

It also adds 10 payment schedule options for calculating mortgages and adds support for Binary Coded Decimal values (available from the Base Conversion Calculator screen).


Grab it here: http://www.windowsmobilecalculator.com/



As well, Panoramic moTweets has been updated to version 1.2.0:

This version contains a number of minor bug fixes and should correct any connection issues.

It also adds several major features:
Ability to view trends
Ability to view conversions
Color coding of Posts to help you easily identify conversions and your own posts
Ability to view pictures from TwitPic without loading a web browser
Dutch translations added

And don't forget, moTweets can be downloaded free of charge, get it here:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/motweets/moTweets.php

Panoramic Software releases 3 new Calculators

Realizing that not everyone needs the "Swiss army knife" like feature set of Calc Pro, Panoramic has released three lower priced calculator applications.

Panoramic Converter Pro contains the same powerful unit and currency conversions of Calc Pro for about 1/3 of the cost of Calc Pro.

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/converterpro/ConverterPro.php

Panoramic Scientific Calc contains the Scientific, Graphing, Base Conversion and Constants calculators from Calc Pro for about 1/2 of the price.

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/scicalc/SciCalc.php

And finally, Panoramic Financial Calc contains the Financial and Statistics calculators, again at about 1/2 of the cost.

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/financialcalc/FinancialCalc.php

All of the products in the Panoramic calculator family share a common code base, meaning the any updates or fixes will be applied to all five calculator products.

Also worth noting, if you buy the three newly released calculators individually, Panoramic will allow you to upgrade to Calc Pro free of charge. Simply request the upgrade at http://www.panoramicsoft.com/

Which is also an excellent place to find additional information or to purchase any of the Panoramic calculators.

Panoramic Software releases Launch Pad for Windows Mobile Professional & Standard

Panoramic Launch Pad started its life as a companion application for Panoramic Phone Manager. It was eventually decided that although it matched nicely with the look and feel, it didn't really fit with what we wanted to acheive with Phone Manager. So it was used interally for a while until we realized it was a really useful utility all on its own.

So it was polished up, giving a catchy title and Launch Pad 1.0.0 was released. Shortly afterwards, it became apparent that it could be improved, and Launch Pad 1.1.1 was released earlier today.

Description:

"Panoramic LaunchPad allows you the freedom to easily access your Windows Mobile applications, settings, files and folders with your finger tips. Flip between two customizable favorite screens for quick access to your most frequently used items. An easy to use touch kinetic scroll menu allows you to find the Program or device Setting you are looking for in seconds. "





Improvements in 1.1.1:

Ability to add files or folders to the favorites
Ability to change the titles of the two favorites sections
Improved labels on the favorites
Cleaner uninstallation
Better support for 320x320 devices
A few other minor tweaks

You can grab the latest version here:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/launchpad/LaunchPad.php

Panoramic Phone Genius updated to 1.3.0

Panoramic Software is constantly improving Phone Genius.

Some of the latest features include:

• adding custom pictures to contacts from your phone
• taking pictures of contacts using the built in camera
• easily adding ring tones from the contact details screen
• expanded contact details including birthdays and addresses

And we've got some new, exciting features coming soon.

You can get the latest version of Panoramic Phone Genius for your Windows Mobile Professional Phone here:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/phonegenius/PhoneGenius.php

Panoramic Software releases Phone Genius for Windows Mobile

Another release from Panoramic Software Inc.

Phone Genius is now available for Windows Mobile Professional (5, 6, 6.1 & 6.5).

Simply put - Phone Genius is designed to make your Windows Mobile device a better phone.

It has a lot of depth and a lot of features so I'm just going to list off my favorites:

• automatic area code look up for incoming and outgoing calls so you know their location and local time
• smart profiles that will prevent your phone from ringing during busy appointments or specific times of day
• smart rules that will allow priority contacts to always reach you
• block lists! block unwanted numbers, contacts or area codes (no more 1-800 calls)
• great looking interface for finger friendly browsing of contacts, sms, missed calls, etc
• favorites screen that shows pictures of your favorite contacts (and again, finger pressable)

This application has been in development for over a year and we're quite proud of the finished product. We're also happy to say that in our testing it beats the competition both in performance and features.

Grab it here:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/phonegenius/PhoneGenius.php

Panoramic Calc Pro updated to 2.6.0

Panoramic Software Inc is just about to release the latest version of Calc Pro as they prepare it for Microsoft's Mobile2Market certification.

The new version contains a number of fixes and improvements:

• Fixed bug when toggling between normal and advanced memory buttons


• Improved the logic for saving settings


• Minor optimizations for speed and memory


• Added option for fast graphing (reduced accuracy)


• Added option to graph points only (only shows calculated co-ordinates)


• Added option to toggle between Beginning and End of Term payments for the TVM worksheet


• Calc Pro now replaces the default Calculator - handy if using applications like Mobile Shell
  

And the big change in 2.6.0 is the new finger friendly options screen.

You can grab the latest version here:
http://www.windowsmobilecalculator.com/

Also worthy of mention is the new F.A.Q. for Calc Pro - take a look here: http://www.windowsmobilecalculator.com/faq.php

A handful of new Windows Mobile phones worth noticing

Over the past few months there have been a lot of new Windows Mobile phones, of course devices like the HTC Diamond, Palm Treo Pro and Samsung Omnias are getting lots of attention.

But there are several less prominent phones worthy of a second look:

The Asus P565 looks to compete with the HTC Touch except it comes with a VGA screen:

http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=13428

The HP IPAQ Data Messenger looks boring a first glance but it hides a full feature set and a full qwerty keyboard

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF06a/215348-215348-64929-3352590-3352590-3806501.html

Another cool device is the O2 Xda Zest - also similar is design to the HTC Touch

http://www.trustedreviews.com/mobile-devices/review/2008/11/26/O2-Xda-Zest-Smartphone/p1

Also its interesting to see there are a still a lot of companies creating Windows Mobile Standard phones - with touch being all the rage these phones get very little media attention but keep your eyes open:

HTC s740

HTC Shadow 2

Samsung i7110

Motorola Q11 & Napoleon

Panoramic WiFi Hero released for Windows Mobile Pro/Classic

Panoramic Software has quietly released v1 of WiFi Hero.

This tool was created to solve the problem of lost WiFi settings on Windows Mobile 6 & 6.1.

Microsoft implemented a "feature - not a bug" that will erase settings for WiFi access points if the connection fails. What this means is - if attempt to access a WiFi network that requires a pre-shared key and it ever fails for any reason (and anyone that uses WiFi knows it does happen from time to time), a Windows Mobile 6 or newer device will detect the failure and decide that the current settings must me to blame. It will then promptly erase settings for that WiFi access point along with the preshared key. This becomes a huge hassle for users - and an even bigger hassle for IT departments.

WiFi Hero will back up all settings upon first use and will prompt the user for passwords of access points that require network keys (don't worry - you'll only be asked once).

After that - simply load WiFi Hero whenever your settings are erased and you'll be able to restore them in one click.

Corporate versions are also available that remove the need for user intervention and allow for network keys to be pre-installed and encrypted for additional security. Contact Panoramic Software for more information: www.panoramicsoft.com

And you can buy it here for $1.99:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/wifihero/WiFiHero.php

Panoramic Calc Pro 2.5 released for all Windows Mobile phones

Panoramic Software has just released Calc Pro 2.5.0. The big news with this release is support for Windows Mobile Standard devices. Its now 100% compatible with all Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0 & 6.1 devices.

That's not the only big change in 2.5

The interface has been improved top to bottom improving appearance, speed and button layouts. Also the Paperless Tape feature has been improved for performance and stability.

For the technical people the Base Converter calculator has been pumped up with two more operators: NAND & XNOR.

The Graph screen has been improved and includes a new feature to center the view on data sets when performing regression - very useful.

The Statistics Calculator has been upgraded to now include a highly accurate Exponential Regression Worksheet. And both Linear Regression and Exponential Regression worksheets can now open and save CSV (comma separated value) files that are compatible with Excel and Pocket Excel.

As well there have been numerous fixes and improvements in all aspects of the product - you'll definitely want to download the latest version if you've purchased a previous version.

Grab it here: http://www.windowsmobilecalculator.com/

Windows Mobile 6.1.4 Emulator images available

This one slipped by me in late November. Microsoft has released updated Emulator Images for Windows Mobile 6.1.

It looks like the big change is the inclusion of the Internet Explorer Mobile 6 which is based off of the desktop Internet Explorer's HTML engine. This would be more exciting if I could install it on my real device but its a great opportunity to test out the new mobile browser.

I'm also hoping this release fixes the DPI bug on the WVGA Windows Mobile Professional emulator.

Grab them here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1A7A6B52-F89E-4354-84CE-5D19C204498A&displaylang=en

** Update **

So I'm happy to report that the WVGA emulator works. Aswell, the new Pocket Internet Explorer is fantastic! It even supports flash with no addtional downloads. Performance was slow on the emulator so I'd still be very interested to try it on a real device.

A BIG step in the right direction.

Implicit Software Solutions Inc updates GamePack1, Logic Squares and Blackjack

Implicit Software Solutions Inc has updated:

iSS GamePack1 to version 4.4.0

iSS Blackjack to version 3.6.0

and iSS Logic Squares to version 4.0.0

iSS Blackjack contains a number of bug fixes and game logic improvement. iSS Logic Squares receives the most attention with a complete re-write. Version 4.0.0 is now compatible will all new Windows Mobile devices including my Palm Treo Pro. It also now includes 5 game modes, more game styles, and more difficult puzzles.

iSS GamePack1 has been updated to include new versions of both Blackjack and Logic Squares.

For more information visit:

http://www.implicitsoftware.com/

To purchase go to:

http://www.wireless-gaming.com/

WindowsMobileCalculator.com launched

Panoramic Software has launched a new website to provide detailed information on Calc Pro for Windows Mobile devices.

The launch corresponds with the release of Calc Pro 2.0.7 which contains a number of fixes and improvements including:

• improved layout for the graphing calculator
• fixed "feet" conversion bug
• improved Paper Tape functionality
• fixed rare crash when using M+ & M- buttons

Take a look at Calc Pro and the new website here:

http://www.windowsmobilecalculator.com

Panoramic BlackJack YouTube Video

A great way to check out Panoramic BlackJack for Windows Mobile Classic, Standard, & Professional.

Have a look at the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8S5AyN3FBo

For more information on BlackJack, go here:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobilegames/blackjack/Blackjack.php

Panoramic Hexegems for Windows Mobile Stanard Released

Hot on the heals of BlackJack - Panoramic software has updated Panoramic Hexegems to version 1.0.1. This version fixes a handful of minor bugs but more importantly - it marks the release of Hexegems for Windows Mobile Standard.

For more information or to purchase Hexegems, go here:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobilegames/hexegems/HexeGems.php

Panoramic BlackJack released for Windows Mobile

The first title from Panoramic that is compatible with both Windows Mobile Professional/Classic devices and Windows Mobile Standard phones.

Its a really great BlackJack game - we aimed to make it the best looking BlackJack game on the market as well as packing in the most features.

It supports the usual split, double, insurance and surrender options, but it also includes card counting. This of course isn't something you should do in gambling establishments but its a great way to get the edge on your buddies in a casual game.

Panoramic also goes one step further and includes a "Learn to Play" mode. After extensive research (and lots of BlackJack playing) we created an optimized strategy of play and the learn to play mode will suggest the best move based on the current player and dealer hand. Its a really great way to improve your BlackJack game. Combine it with a simple card counting routine and you can easily beat the house.

More info can be found here:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobilegames/blackjack/Blackjack.php

And you can purchase BlackJack for Windows Mobile Professional or Classic here:

http://www.wireless-gaming.com/desc.php?d=d1&id=242992

And for Windows Mobile Standard (Smartphone) here:

http://www.wireless-gaming.com/desc.php?d=d2&id=243489

Panoramic Hexegems for Windows Mobile Pro/Classic finally released

Panoramic Software Inc has finally released Hexegems for Windows Mobile Professional / Classic devices.

Hexegems will work on all Pocket PC 2003 devices, Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC devices, and Windows Mobile 6 & 6.1 Professional and Classic devices.

A smartphone (non-touch version) should be released before Christmas 2008.

Its currently selling for $9.95 and you can buy it from the Panoramic Software website here:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobilegames/hexegems/HexeGems.php