Weather Review

New Weather Palm OS Software for Treo and Centro Delivers Rich Graphics, Detailed 1 to 14 Days Weather Forecasts & Weather-Guard Keyguard Functionality

As I pointed out a couple of days ago in the Top 10 Treo & Centro Software there is a new application simply and aptly called Weather that adds one of the richest set of graphics for this type of software that I have come across in a while and which has not suprisingly rapidly shot to the bestseller list.

Until now my favourite Palm weather software had been Handy Weather (see my review) which had pretty much everything that I needed – a rich graphic experience and the benefit of detailed views and multiple cities – but it was lacking the rather important information about current weather conditions.

  

The new Weather application for its part thankfully provides detailed Current conditions (screenshots above) and much more.  Current weather information is updated every 15 minutes on the servers and can be quickly updated on your smartphone either manually (using the on-screen button or “U” key shortcut) or at predefined times in the Menu (for example every 3 hours).

This main Current weather forecast screen provides you with (from top to bottom): full date and time, city and country, temperature, “real feel”, pressure, text weather description, wind direction and speed, humidity, dew point and visibility.  Additionally, using your 5Way Up/Down will quickly cycle through your selected cities while Left/Right will take you to the next weather view below.

  

The next 48 Hours weather forecast screen (above left) – which is updated on servers every 6 hours – provides you with detailed Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Night weather information that includes Precipitation Probability, Temperature and Forecast.  You can use your Up/Down to cycle through the various periods and press Center button to view more detail (above right).

  

Both the 7 Days and 14 Days screens (above left and right respectively) provide you with the same level of detailed weather information with the first offering Precipitation, Forecast and Temperature range while the second gives you just Temperature and Forecast.

 

Finally, the settings Menu (above) allows you to: add as many worldwide cities as you like; choose your preferred units (Metric or Standard), time and date formats; wireless data connection settings; select a background color or image of your choice; set your update frequency including an advanced scheduler; set Hot-Keys shortcuts; and finally also enable a very attractive 1 Day or 7 Days Keyguard option (screenshots below).

 

It’s still surprising to see how few developers in general choose to graphically enrich their applications and thus enhance the overall customer experience.  This new Weather software is one of the welcome exceptions – it’s not only extremely pleasing to interact with on a daily basis but also happens to offer excellent features and functionality.  I have to admit that it makes my day to see applications like this released for your Treo or Centro.

Treonauts are always full of sunshine…

Palm Update for Sprint Centro Released

Palm Releases Centro Software Update for Sprint: Now Includes Google Mobile Maps My Location + Gmail IMAP, Direct Push, Bluetooth, IM and More Improvements.

An important software update for your Sprint Centro smartphone was released yesterday that now provides you with several new features and shortcuts.  Key among these enhancements is support for the terrific Google Mobile Maps with My Location – a feature previously available on all other Centro smartphones which has thankfully only taken a few weeks to make its way to Sprint Centro owners.

Among others, Google Maps for mobile with My Location makes it easier and faster for Centro customers to get mapping and direction information by taking information broadcast from mobile towers near you and approximating your current location on the map – all without the need to have a GPS receiver such as my favourite Freedom Keychain GPS 2000.  All of this saves time and keystrokes for people trying to find where they are, what's around them, and how to get there.

The Sprint Palm Centro software update 1.07 offers the following performance enhancements:

• Improved Gmail IMAP compatibility and an updated setup wizard with the new Gmail settings
• Updated compatibility for Google Mobile Maps My Location feature to approximate your current location – great for directions, finding nearby restaurants or business, or checking local traffic.1
• Improved ongoing delivery of email sent to VersaMail accounts using Microsoft's Direct Push Technology via Exchange ActiveSync
• Bluetooth usability enhancements and updates
• Sprint TV performance enhancements
• Enhanced AOL Instant Messenger performance
• Improved performance when adding a contact using Mobile Voice Control
• Improved email attachment handling
• Changed default camera shutter sound to “ON.” Audible shutter “click” will be heard when taking photos
• Allows Preferred Roaming List updates over the air

Important: Please make sure that you Sync your smartphone with your computer (or use your preferred backup method) before proceeding with installing this update. This important step will back up your device to your computer.

Separately, whether you’ve recently bought your Palm Centro or have had one for a while below are some of my preferred accessories and software to help you make the most of your smartphone:

• Centro screen protectors: easy protection for your delicate touchscreen.
• Centro stereo adapter: essential if you want to listen to music on the go using a standard 3.5mm headset of your choice.
• Retractable Sync & Charge Cable: simple, extremely practical with the retractable system that avoids the mess of cable and terrific value.
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: keep it in your pocket every day and use it to quickly wipe those smudges and face oils from your touchscreen.
• SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader: if like me you cannot live without a high-capacity memory card then I can’t more highly recommend this small and light pocket card reader.
• Centro Stylus

• New Jawbone Bluetooth Headset (see our review)
• Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 (see my review)
• Palm Centro Air Case (see review)
• Helix Holster (see review)
• Cellet Cradle & Battery Charger (see review)
• Phoneo Speaker System (see my review)
  Special Offer: Simply use Coupon Code PHONEO20 at Checkout to get 20% Off this absolutely terrific accessory (You save $20).

1. TouchLauncher
2. Ringo Pro
3. Butler
4. CallRec
5. VolumeCare Pro
6. CorePlayer Mobile
7. Softick Audio Gateway
8. UltimatePhone
9. The Real Dice Network
10. TAKEphONE

Special Offer: use Coupon Code BESTSELLERS in your Cart to get 20% Off any applications in our Centro software store [please note that this coupon is not valid for use in the Treo Accessories Store or Centro Accessories Store]

Centronauts always get the latest updates…

Top 10 Treo & Centro Software - July Specials

To celebrate the release of the Treo 800w (see my review) this month, we’ve created a 20% off coupon that you can use to purchase one or more of this month’s Top 10 bestselling applications for your smartphone listed below or any of the hundreds of titles in our Treo Software Store and Centro Software Store.

On this occasion we have five new terrific titles entering the Top 10 list with Solitaire Mania (#4), TouchLauncher (#5), Weather (#7), AFK WordSearch (#8) and the latest version of Zagat To Go (#10).

This offer is valid until August 15th – simply enter the coupon code BESTSELLERS in your cart [please note that this coupon is not valid for use in the Treo Accessories Store or Centro Accessories Store].

1. CallRec (New #1!)
CallRec is a small and extremely easy to use application that will record important phone calls, a voice memo or any other sound coming in or out of your Treo or Centro at the simple push of the Side Button so that you can listen to them later. 

CallRec is the premier voice recording application for your smartphone. This simple-to-use application also allows you set an option to automatically record all your phone calls and it store files directly to the memory card and recording duration is limited only by free space on the card.

Read my full review: Treo Call, Sound & Memo Recordings with CallRec

2. Advanced Brain Trainer Edition 1  (Bestselling Game!)
With Advanced Brain Trainer Edition 1, enjoy 5 training modules to improve your calculation, focus, memory, logic and reaction time.  A coach will analyze your results, motivate and guide you through your mind’s enhancement.

You can choose from three game modes:

1. Exam: train five minutes daily with different training modules.
2. Practice: you can freely exercise your brain with the different modules before or after each Exam.
3. Arcade: this fun bonus mode will test your skills to the limit as only a limited number of mistakes are allowed.

Also available: Brain School Brain Trainer for Windows Mobile

3. Softick Audio Gateway (Enables A2DP!)
Softick Audio Gateway’s is the first and only solution available for your Treo and Centro that delivers full support for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile support (A2DP) and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) so that you can easily control Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down and Next/Previous track directly and wirelessly from your Bluetooth Stereo Headphones your without the need to touch your smartphone while listening to your digital music while on the go.

4. Solitaire Mania   (Hours of Fun!)
A high-quality collection of 12 world''s most popular solitaire card games with excellent graphics and animation.  All your favorite solitaire games are implemented: Klondike, FreeCell, Spider, Yukon, Pyramid, Towers, Arizona, Golf, Canfield, Forty Thieves, Westcliff and Block Ten.

The games offer selectable background and card backs, undo, replay, save game and much more.

Also available: Spider Solitaire for Windows Mobile

5. TouchLauncher 
TouchLauncher is a new launcher for Palm OS 5. It sports a beautiful user interface and combines basic launcher features with new ideas. TouchLauncher can be used to run applications on your device with your fingers, as well as perform other basic tasks with them.

For Windows Mobile I highly recommend the absolutely terrific Spb Mobile Shell

6. VolumeCare Pro (Boost Your Volume!)
Many people have complained about low volume input and output while on a call in different environments.  As usual, it should not be too surprising that a small third-party utility called VolumeCare has sprung up to correct this issue becoming one of the bestselling Treo applications in the process – one which countless Treonauts bless every day. 

Read my full review: Loud & Clear with VolumeCare

7. Weather  
Make your own weather station on your Treo or Centro now! Weather offers current condition for the entire world (and for specific regions) updates every 15 minutes.  Forecast information updates every 6 hours.  Weather probably offers the very best and rich graphics for this type of software.  The auto update mode helps to keep the weather data timely. Additionally, "Weather-guard" will improve Palm's standard KeyGuard and give the access to the current condition or 7-day forecast in an easy way.

8. AFK Wordsearch  (Addictive!)
AFK Wordsearch is a relatively simple game which has been developed for your searching pleasure. Find the words hidden within the puzzle board to gain points and then challenge your friends to beat your top score.

AFK Wordsearch features over 30 word categories (animals, computer, games, sports, movies, etc) as well as an unlimited number of generated word puzzles .  Find words horizontally, vertically, diagonally and even backwards (skill based).  The game offers multiple skill levels and board sizes as well as various color schemes.

9. Ringo Pro - Treo Ringtone Player (#1 For Ringtones!)
The obvious practical aspect of Ringo is that it will allow you to bring your Treo alive with amazing MP3 ringtones - and set personal tones and pictures for friends and groups. 

Ringo Pro lets you add the magic of MP3 ringtones to every call - bringing your smartphone to life, every time it rings.  You can use your favourite music, or explore the world of "real tones" to add some great new call effects to your phone.

Read my full review: Ringo – Personalize your Treo with Ringtones

10. ZAGAT TO GO (Best Restaurant Guide!)
ZAGAT TO GO was already the most comprehensive restaurant and entertainment guide for your Palm Powered device. Now, it's even more useful with Lifestyle Guides for Movies, Golf, and NYC Shopping. With regular, automated content updates offering the freshest reviews, you'll always be "in the know" when you're "on the go."

Also available: Zagat To Go for Windows Mobile

Separately, below is a selection of some Editor’s Choice products which contains the bestselling and highest rated accessories for your smartphone:

Essential Accessories for your Treo & Centro

Special Offer: get 20% Off on any one of the three essential items below by using Coupon Code ESSENTIALS at Checkout.

1. SPE Retractable S&C Cable (see my review)
2. SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader
3. 2.5mm Stereo Adapter

Editor’s Choice Treo & Centro Accessories

• Phoneo Speaker System (see my review)
  Special Offer: Simply use Coupon Code PHONEO20 at Checkout to get 20% Off this absolutely terrific accessory (You save $20).
• New Jawbone Bluetooth Headset (see our review)
• Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 (see my review)

Best Centro Accessories

• Palm Centro Air Case (see review)
• Helix Holster (see review)
• Cellet Cradle & Battery Charger (see review)
• Centro Screen Protector

Best Treo Accessories

• SPE P6 Pouch Case  (see review)
• Helix Holster II  (see review)
• Palm Cradle Kit
• Treo Screen Protector
• Treo Battery Charger  (see review)

Treonauts are always up to something special…

Jawbone - Now Available In Gold

Following my New Jawbone review (for the Black model) last month, I am delighted to say that the Gold version (pictured below) is now also available in our stores for your Treo or Centro.

As many Treonauts and Centronauts have already been able to experience, the New Jawbone is a superb Bluetooth headset from Aliph that delivers best-in-class military-grade audio processing technology aptly named “NoiseAssasin” – which eliminates virtually all background noise and provides outstanding voice clarity (hear my New Jawbone or Original Jawbone call quality performance comparison). 

The New Jawbone is by far my favourite Bluetooth Headset and although it’s not perfect (no BT headset can claim to be) I wouldn’t give it up for any other one.  Additionally, although the New Jawbone is perhaps the most expensive BT headset around there’s no doubt that it nonetheless offers the very best overall price/value and call quality.

  

The Gold version of the New Jawbone is naturally identical to the Black with the exception that the front of the headset is a light beige/gold color, the leather covered earloop is cream and the body as well as earbud are both brown.

I have to admit that before receiving the headset I thought that the Gold color would appeal primarily to women but after wearing it on my own ear I find it more discreet than the Black model as it more closely approaches natural skin tones.

As before, the New Jawbone Gold also offers an excellent and very complete accessory kit (pictured above) which includes a USB charging cable, a USB wall charger, a set of three earbuds (sized S, M, L) and four earloops (two leather and two plastic with steel tips).

Overall, it’s no wonder that over 80% of Treo and Centro owners of the New Jawbone have rated it as Excellent or Very Good – it’s a very light, small, robust and very comfortable headset that offers best-in-class noise cancellation technology.  It’s not cheap but I personally feel that you won’t find a better option.

Having said this, if your budget does not allow for such a purchase I would instead recommend either a refurbished Motorola H700 or the BlueAnt Z9i (the Z9i also offers good noise cancellation technology but at a lower price).

Separately, if you’re looking for essential accessories for your smartphone here are my recommendations below.

6 Essential Centro Accessories

1. Centro screen protectors: easy protection for your delicate touchscreen.
2. Centro stereo adapter: essential if you want to listen to music on the go using a standard 3.5mm headset of your choice.
3. Retractable Sync & Charge Cable: simple, extremely practical with the retractable system that avoids the mess of cable and terrific value.
4. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: keep it in your pocket every day and use it to quickly wipe those smudges and face oils from your touchscreen.
5. SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader: if like me you cannot live without a high-capacity memory card then I can’t more highly recommend this small and light pocket card reader.
6. Centro Stylus

6 Essential Treo Accessories

1. Treo screen protectors
2. Treo stereo adapter
3. Retractable Synch & Charger Cable
4. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
5. SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader
6. Treo Stylus

Treonauts are always golden…

Bluetooth Stereo Roundup

Bluetooth Stereo Roundup for Palm OS and Windows Mobile Smartphones.  + Latest version of Softick Audio Gateway delivers even better A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth Stereo wireless audio streaming for Treo and Centro.

There’s no doubt that Palm’s new Treo 800w is generating quite a bit of envy among existing Treonauts who like me have been yearning to get such a full-featured high-end business smartphone in their hands for some time. 

Those lucky enough to be on Sprint (Verizon and AT&T versions coming in September) now have the opportunity to get a device offering among others built-in WiFi, GPS, ultrafast EvDO data connectivity, a 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth 2.0 (see Treo 800w specifications).

One of the standard functions found on the Windows Mobile Treo 800w (as well as the Treo 750 and 700w|wx) is also support for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile support (A2DP) and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) capabilities on your smartphone. 

Palm OS smartphones such as the Centro or Treo 680 for their part do not benefit from Bluetooth Stereo support out of the box but it can nonetheless be added by getting the excellent and bestselling Softick Audio Gateway software – an application which quickly, simply and cheaply adds A2DP and AVRCP functionality to Palm OS devices.

What does all of this mean?  Well, it means that using your Windows Mobile Treo smartphone or Softick Audio Gateway software installed on your Palm OS smartphone you will be able to wirelessly control and stream music from your device to an assortment of Bluetooth accessories specifically designed to support wireless audio.

First you have an array of Bluetooth Stereo Headphones that allow you to move around freely while music is streamed from your device wirelessly.  The added benefit is that all Bluetooth stereo headphones offer built-in controls to Play/Pause, adjust Volume Up/Down and Next/Previous Track as well as naturally Call Answer/End buttons since you can make and receive calls just as you would with a standard Bluetooth Headset.

Next you have Bluetooth Stereo Adapters such as the unique BlackBerry Remote Stereo Gateway that allows you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone to your Hi-Fi system – effectively transforming your device into a remote control for all your music.

In my case, I have created a setup (image above) for this remote stereo gateway in the living room at home using a spare Treo 680 smartphone (with Softick Audio Gateway installed) combined with a 16GB SDHC memory card and a Palm Cradle Kit to keep my device charged while the gateway itself is plugged into a high-end Yamaha amplifier and Jamo speakers.  Overall it’s been a setup that has never failed to impress friends and it consistently delivers excellent audio quality (people actually can’t believe that it sounds this good coming wirelessly from a phone).

Finally there are Bluetooth Stereo Speakers with the absolutely terrific new BlueAnt M1 Bluetooth Stereo Speakers (which I will review in detail next week) that offers not only a superbly powerful (28 Watt RMS power with 12 Watt RMS internal subwoofer) speaker system for the home or office but also for the outdoors thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 10 hours of streaming music or a staggering 1500 hours standby.  I had been looking for ages for just such a solution for my barbecues in the garden, picnics in the park and days at the beach – it’s not cheap but the build quality is outstanding.

Please note: most of the above Bluetooth Stereo accessories will be listed as “Not Compatible” with your Palm OS smartphone in the Treonauts Store but this is just to ensure that people who are not aware of the Softick Audio Gateway software do not inadvertently buy a product that will not work out of the box with their smartphone.  Therefore, if you do have Softick Audio Gateway installed on your Palm OS smartphone you will like me be able to use any one of these Bluetooth Stereo accessories without any problem at all.

Also, following my Softick Audio Gateway review a couple of months ago I would like to point out that the latest version 1.22 of the software has not only fixed connection problems on some devices but it’s also added Quick Launch capabilities with a convenient thumbnail linking to the various media players that you may have installed on your smartphone (in my case above this includes Pocket Tunes Deluxe, Kinoma, TCPMP and CorePlayer). 

Finally, please also note that because Softick Audio Gateway uses a lot of system resources, when the software is active your Palm OS smartphone may feel a little slower than usual – this is perfectly normal and should not interfere with any other tasks that you perform.

Overall, whether you have a Windows Mobile or Palm OS Treo or Centro I hope that like me you’ll find plenty of fun and convenient ways to exploit the Bluetooth Stereo capabilities of your smarpthone with headsets, adapters or speakers – I use these nearly every day and absolutely love it.

Separately, if you’re looking for essential accessories for your smartphone here are my recommendations below.

6 Essential Centro Accessories

1. Centro screen protectors: easy protection for your delicate touchscreen.
2. Centro stereo adapter: essential if you want to listen to music on the go using a standard 3.5mm headset of your choice.
3. Retractable Sync & Charge Cable: simple, extremely practical with the retractable system that avoids the mess of cable and terrific value.
4. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: keep it in your pocket every day and use it to quickly wipe those smudges and face oils from your touchscreen.
5. SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader: if like me you cannot live without a high-capacity memory card then I can’t more highly recommend this small and light pocket card reader.
6. Centro Stylus

6 Essential Treo Accessories

1. Treo screen protectors
2. Treo stereo adapter
3. Retractable Synch & Charger Cable
4. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
5. SanDisk MobileMate SD+ Reader
6. Treo Stylus

Treonauts always listen to the world in stereo…