Windows 7 Move Window Tip

I've been running Windows 7 for several weeks now and I love it. However there has been an adjustment period as several features and functions have been changed.

One thing I rely on quite a bit is moving windows by right clicking on them in the task bar. The "Move Window" option no longer shows up in Windows 7.

However you can get the old style context menu by holding down shift while right clicking on the task bar.

If you use multiple monitors and/or remote desktop you'll likely find this useful.

Cheers

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 wins awards for Hexegems and Contacts Genius

Handster has given Best Software of 2009 awards to Panoramic Hexegems and Panoramic Contacts Genius.

Hexegems won in the Arcade category and Contacts Genius won in the Communications category. These awards are quite an honour as there are some excellent arcade titles for Windows Mobile. As well, there have been several new communications applications released this year which can make it difficult to stand out. Contacts Genius was designed to be the best Contact Management application for Windows Mobile and it would seem that Handster would suggest the Panoramic Software Inc has met that goal.

To view the awards you can visit Handster here:

http://handster.com/awards_2009_windows_mobile.php

And for more information on either title please visit:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/

Its also worth noting the iSS Polyminoes won in the Arcade category in 2008.

http://www.implicitsoftware.com/mobile_polyminoes.html

Panoramic Software releases Blackjack for the iPhone

Panoramic Software Inc releases its first product for the iPhone market: Blackjack.


The iPhone version has all of the great features that made the Windows Mobile version popular but it gets all new graphics and controls to take full advantage of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Check it out here:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/iphone/blackjack/Blackjack.php

Panoramic Software Releases moTweets - a great Twitter client for Windows Mobile

Panoramic Software Inc has released moTweets for Windows Mobile phones.

If you use Twitter and own a Windows phone this is the application to use - and the best part - its free! moTweets is add supported, meaning you will get non-invasive advertisements when viewing twitter posts. However, you also have the option of purchasing moTweets for a nominal fee. The paid version doesn't display any advertisements.

Some key features include: TinyURL integration, TwitPic integration, ability to post and preview your current location, support for multiple twitter accounts, and much much more.

Head over to Panoramic's website to try it out - you'll be glad you did:

http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/motweets/moTweets.php

Pioneer AVIC automotive in-dash GPS

AVIC F700BT

I recently purchased a Pioneer AVIC F700BT double din in-dash car stereo with GPS. Which is exciting for me but probably not that interesting to you.

What is interesting is that shortly after installation I did some searching to see if anyone has done any hacks or mods to this particular unit. It turns out that all of the F & X series Pioneer GPS units are running Windows CE 5.0 under the hood. And what's even more interesting, there are freely available tools out there that allow you to easily boot directly into the CE environment.
As these devices have 2gig of internal storage, ARM processors and 256meg or RAM, this is pretty ideal platform to experiment with if you have dreams of making custom car computer software. The F700 comes with a CD drive and the F90 & F900 both come with DVD drives and MSN Direct hardware.

If nothing else you could easily create an SD card that boots into the CE environment and provides a web browser. With a quick tether to your cell phone you'd have Internet access on your in dash car computer.

As I experiment with my new CE toy I'll post updates. In the meantime head over to http://www.avic411.com/ if you want to learn more about hacking Pioneer GPS devices.


First Impressions

I'll also share my initial thoughts on using the F700BT and how it compares to my old Eclipse 3424.

First off, the F700 has a fan so instantly it has background noise, although its not noticeable in my Acura once the car is running. If you have a really high-end car you might notice it, but then you'd probably also already have GPS from the factory.

The sound quality is good but I had to re-tune my system as the Eclipse has 4V pre-outs vs the F700's 2 Volt. I also seem to be getting background hiss on AM radio, but its minor.

The interface is good but you'll definitely want to upgrade to the 3.0 version of the software as it greatly improves performance. Once you learn the layout you can get to everything quickly, although its still not quite as easy to use as a dedicated audio player. That being said its more intuitive than my old Eclipse.

Its performed great loadings CDs and MP3s from CDs, SD cards and USB sticks and the GPS works really well. It also pairs almost instantly with my Palm Tro Pro via Bluetooth and transferring contacts to the deck was easy.

Overall I'm very happy with the purchase for the money and with the ability to access the CE environment I'm thrilled.


Worth noting:

It doesn't come with a remote control and the F700 does not have an IR port so you won't be able to add one. (I never used mine in the past anyways).

You'll need to purchase an additional cable to use your iPod and you might as well buy it before you have the deck installed as it plugs into the back.

Panoramic Phone Genius updated to 1.8.6

Panoramic Phone Genius has had a number of updates in the past few weeks and with every version its getting better.

Version 1.8.6 should be released later today, if you haven't updated Phone Genius for a while you'll want the new version.

Panoramic has been working hard to improve the software from top to bottom, there have been many recent changes that improve speed and reduce memory usage. If you've had any problems in the past you owe it to yourself to get the latest version.

And the big news, as of 1.8.5, it now fully supports regional calling codes for Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. More countries coming soon.

Grab it here:
http://www.panoramicsoft.com/mobileapps/phonegenius/PhoneGenius.php