Opera Mini 5 for Windows Mobile

The Opera Mini Beta 5 is now available for Windows Mobile 5 & 6 devices. Previously, Windows Mobile users will have to use the Java version if they want Opera Mini on the phone.

To get Opera Mini Beta, point your Window Mobile browser to m.opera.com/next.

Video: Introduction to Opera Mini 5

WordPress apps for Blackberry, Android and iPhone

If you use Wordpress, now you can easily create new posts, add media, manage comments, and more using the free mobile apps available for Blackberry, Android and the iPhone.

These apps works for Wordpress.com and self hosted Wordpress(.org).

Downloads:

• Wordpress for Blackberry
• Wordpress forAndroid
• Wordpress for iPhone
• Wordpress for Symbian- coming soon
  

Developers: Check out this page

Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 is out

Features of Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 (KMS9):

Privacy Protection
-With the touch of a button you can mark a contact as ‘private’, meaning that no trace of them will appear in contact lists, SMSs and call logs. Other people using your mobile will only see what you want them to see.

• Supports contacts from both the onboard memory and SIM cards
• Password protected
  

Anti-Theft
-Remotely Block your phone if it is lost or stolen. Just send a predefined SMS to your phone and your device will be blocked and no-one will be able to access its contents. You can even choose to remotely Wipe your data.

-Set a prearranged message that will be displayed on the screen if the smartphone is blocked, allowing any law-abiding citizen that finds your smartphone to return it to you.

-You can locate your smartphone using GPS Find. Just send an SMS with the appropriate password to the missing device and you will receive a link to Google Maps showing the exact location of the device.

-The first thing a thief normally does is to remove your smartphone’s SIM card. If the SIM is replaced, SIM Watch will immediately block the device and send you an email with the new number.

Encryption
-Give sensitive information on your phone an extra level of security. Choose the folders on your smartphone that you want to encrypt and password-protect. Even if the folder is located on a memory card, it cannot be accessed from another phone or computer without the correct password.

Anti-Spam
-Are trivial calls or messages distracting you at inopportune moments? Choose which contacts you want to accept calls and messages from. Anti-Spam can run in whitelist mode (only accepting calls and messages from specified contacts) or in blacklist mode (accepting calls and messages from all numbers except those on the list).

Parental Control
-When installed on a child’s mobile, Kaspersky Mobile Security can block outgoing calls or SMSs to undesirable numbers, including premium rate services. GPS Find allows you to pinpoint exactly where your child is at any time of the day or night.

Anti-Malware Protection and Firewall
-Kaspersky Mobile Security provides everything you need to keep your smartphone protected: realtime protection from malware, on-demand or scheduled antivirus scans, automatic updates over-the-air, and blocking of dangerous network connections in line with a predefined security level.


KMS9 work on Symbian and Windows Mobile platform. More info visit kms.kaspersky.com

You may purchase the KMS license online and pay via local banks on Malaysia based Antivirus365 website

Note: All current KMS 8 users can upgrade to KMS9 for free. New KMS8 serial number can be activated on KMS9.

Firefox Mobile 1.0 for Nokia N900 and N810

Mozilla has released the final version of Firefox mobile web browser, only available for the Maemo platform(currently N900 and N810).

Some of the features include "Awesome Bar"(smart address bar), Password Manager, One-touch bookmarking, Location-Aware Browsing, add ons and more.

Simply go to mozilla.com/m on your N900 or N810 and download Firefox directly to your phone. You can also download it in other languages. Too bad that it won't be available on other mobile platforms anytime soon.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/m/

The first Malaysian App Store- Maxis 1Store

The Maxis 1Store was launched in June 2009, an application store for mobile developers to promote their apps to Maxis users.

However it was not really "open" at that time as it was focused more in promoting the winning entries from the Mobile Content Challenge(MCC) 2009. Plus in my opinion, Maxis 1Store did not really made any huge impact on the mobile industry.

Till recently, Maxis has taken big steps by opening up the 1Store to virtually any mobile developers around the world. As for now, the operator only accepts applications based on the Java and Symbian platform with plans to support Android and Blackberry platforms in the future. Read more here.

However, something very IMPORTANT was missing from the Maxis 1Store website. The revenue sharing details was not disclosed. Its a mistake for not disclosing it as revenue sharing is key to everything for a mobile developer. I can develop and sell millions of app, but if Maxis is taking more money than me, from my apps, what is the point of doing it?

Secondly, Maxis is limiting themself to their own customers when they can always sell those apps to Celcom, DiGi or U Mobile subscribers, that's the the power of an app store! At least this is a good start for Maxis and I hope to see more out of it.

If you develop Java or Symbian apps, check out http://www.1store.com.my/

Free Ovi Maps on 10 Nokia Symbian Smartphones

Nokia plans to make walk and drive navigation free on its smartphones as part of a new version of Ovi Maps, available for download at www.nokia.com/maps. The new version of Ovi Maps will include all essential car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries in 46 languages, and traffic information for over 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for over 180 countries.

Malaysia is included as well.

Read more here

Blackberry App World in Malaysia

Looks like Celcom will be bringing the Blackberry App World to Malaysia. They expect this to happen within next one to two months.

Over 10,000 applications for Blackberry are available on App World. Read my official story.

9 Free Blackberry Apps

You can download 9 free Blackberry apps from the Celcom website for free. Anyone could download it since you just need to enter your email address and Celcom will send you the download link for your Blackberry.

Some of the apps are- Facebook, Flickr, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Nav4All and more.

http://www.celcom.com.my/cep/bb-apps-download/index.html

Telco Giants Advise Applications Developers

It is a good time to be an entrepreneur in the telecommunications industry, provided strategic partnerships are formed and maintained, especially in the field of applications development, said industry leaders.

A panel, comprising representatives from key players in the local telco industry, including Maxis Communications, Ericsson and WiMAX service provider Packet One Networks Malaysia Sdn Bhd (P1), agreed that the industry still had potential for much growth.

Despite the current economic slowdown globally, the industry worldwide is still growing at about 10% per year, they noted during the Indus Entrepreneurs Conference here recently.

“However, applications developers must be smart in the way they operate, not just with the design of their products but also with the deals they make with telcos and others,” said Sebastian Barros, head of business development and multimedia at Ericsson.

Continue reading here

Tips: Mobile Anti-Virus for Smartphone

If you have a smartphone and use it for web browsing, email or file transfer, you are advised to install a mobile anti virus (AV) software. Below are some recommended mobile AVs:

Kaspersky Mobile Security

This is one of the best mobile security out there. Kaspersky Mobile Security also known as KMS offers Antivirus protection (Real Time), Powerfull Firewall, Anti Spam(SMS/EMS/MMS) and additional features such as:

• SMS-Block---In the event of the loss of a smartphone, a user can send a "hidden SMS message" to it, which blocks access to the smartphone until a pre-set password is entered.

• SMS-Clean---This function is similar to the SMS-Block feature, but, rather than blocking the smartphone, it cleans the device’s memory and memory cards.

• SIM Watch---The SMS-Block and SMS-Clean functions are only available if a smartphone is enabled and the original SIM card is installed. If a smartphone is stolen, the "new owner" will most likely immediately replace the original SIM card. The SIM Watch function will prevent the "new owner" from accessing any personal data without the initial SIM card inserted in the device. If the initial SIM card is replaced with a new one, the SIM Watch function will send the original user the new telephone number of the device without the "new owner’s" knowledge.

KMS cost only RM69 and works on Symbian OS 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 Series 60 3rd (Nokia smartphones only) and Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1.

Buy KMS here

Dr.Web for Windows Mobile

Dr.Web is a russian based anti-virus company. The mobile anti virus software offers real time protection, on-demand scan, on-demand update, high scan speed and more.

This mobile software works on Windows Mobile 2003/2003 SE/5.0/6.0/6.1. Currently, you need to be a user of one the Dr.Web anti virus product to use Dr.Web for Mobile.

More info here

F-Secure Mobile Security

F-Secure was one of the pioneers to launch a mobile anti virus.

Key features of F-Secure Mobile Security:

• Complete, automatically updated security solution for smartphones.
• Includes firewall, real-time anti-virus and anti-spyware to protect smartphone against mobile malware.
• Advanced anti-theft features *
• Remote Lock can lock the phone easily with a single SMS message.*
• Theft Control locks the phone if the SIM card is changed. *
• Remote Wipe erases all the data on the phone - an ultimate safety measure to prevent misuse. *
• Works invisibly in the background, scanning all network traffic and monitoring the phone for malware.
• Automatically retrieves newest updates whenever any data connection is used.
• Additional SMS update mechanism for critical updates when a data connection is not available.
• Smooth user experience thanks to light and efficient scanning technology.

*Antitheft -features are only available for S60 3rd and 5th Edition smartphones

This mobile anti virus is compatible with S60 5th & 3rd Edition, UIQ, Windows Mobile 5 & 6. F-Secure Mobile Security is one of the most expensive mobile antivirus software out there at about RM200 or 39.95 Euro.

More info here

There are other mobile anti virus in the market including McAfee Mobile Security, Norton Smartphone Security($30), Trend Micro Mobile Security($29.95), BitDefender Mobile Security($19.95) and more but it is important that you choose the right one depending on what you need and what you do on your mobile phone.

MOL Zone- Mobile Payment Application

MOL has launched MOL Zone in Go Mobile 2008.

There are 6 main services in this mobile application- Mobile Payments, Mobile Shopping, Mobile Videos, Mobile Downloads, Mobile News and Mobile Games.

You can even chat using your YM or MSN account with this java software.

Requires MOLePoints or MOL Freedom Master Card for purchasing via this application.

Send "MOLZ" to 36600 to download. Application is free but requires data connection to use.

MSN & Yahoo Messenger on your mobile phone

Ok, this is so common right now, but hey, what if a telco is offering unlimited MSN/Yahoo Messenger service on your phone?

Not only that, you can go offline, but your friends see you as online on MSN/Yahoo Messenger. You get notified via SMS when someone sends you an instant message, when you are offline.

Introducing NeuStar Instant Messaging services. For about RM13 per month, Starhub customers can use this service unlimitedly. More info here.

It is branded as "Chat Anywhere" in Singapore and the mobile software works across multiple devices such as S60, Java and more.

Multiple sources including one from Yahoo confirmed that Neustar is currently working with Celcom to provide this service in Malaysia. A source close to Celcom said that the launch will take place within the next few weeks.

I believe NeuStar could not work with DiGi or Maxis because these telcos are still promoting their Mobile IM service which I think has failed to take up.

Will you use this service if it is priced @ RM10 a month?

Unos Pro Interview by Mobile World TV

Here's an interview with Michael Ta, CEO of UNOS about the Unos Pro mobile software.

Mobile IM by DiGi & Maxis

DiGi and Maxis has collaborated to launch Mobile IM, a Mobile Instant Messaging service(IM).

Customers from both telcos could chat with each other on their phone using Mobile IM that is based on Java 2.0 . However, not all Java 2.0 supported phones could be used with Mobile IM. See here.

DiGi and Maxis customers could also download a Mobile IM PC application to chat with other online Mobile IM users.

According to DiGi Head of Product Development & Management, Albern Murty, DiGi has approached Maxis 1 year ago to joint them in making the Mobile IM a reality.

Even though both Telcos launched Mobile IM at the same place with a joint press release, both were offering different charges with different branding.

DiGi's Mobile IM software is called DiGi Mobile IM. It offers a 1 day package and a 30 days package. For the 1 day package, DiGi users could send unlimited instant message to DiGi and Maxis Mobile IM users. The 30 days package offers unlimited IM and cost RM25 for a month.

Maxis has branded the software as M-Messenger. They have a much complicated charging method. They calculates each Instant Messaging being sent out as token. Two package is offered. The basic package has 100 token and it cost RM1 with a validity of 5 days. Another packages cost RM5 and has 500 token, valid for 30 days. 5 token is required to send an IM to a DiGi user while only 1 token is required to send an IM to a Maxis user. I guess Maxis thinks that this is a game as we will be requiring tokens to play it. Plus they expect us to jot down the numbers of token that we have used. I also do not understand why 5 tokens is needed to send an IM to a DiGi user.

Sending an SMS from one network to to another cost a lot while sending an SMS to a user within the same network cost less. Both telcos are using the same exchange server and runs on the same software using INTERNET, I wonder why Maxis is differentiating a 012 and a 016 user on the INTERNET when both are located at the same location.

Mobile IM is free for download. Maxis user could download it via *100# while DiGi users could get it via *128#. Users will still have to pay for data chargers(GPSRS/EDGE) when they download the java software to the phone.

Mobile IM is free until end of December 2007. After December, customers from both telcos while have to opt for one of the packages to continue using the service.

Mobile Content Challenge 2007

The Mobile Content Challenge 2007 was co-organized by Maxis, KTAK and MCMC to encourage young Malaysians to develop mobile content and promote the growth of the local mobile content industry.

The challenge started on May this year with 96 teams from 35 institution nationwide submitted their mobile application to win cash prizes totaling RM100,000.

Yesterday, five teams were short listed with the team from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak called Focus IT walked away with the grand cash prize of RM30,000 for developing a mobile application that verifies halal products. Another RM30,000 went to Universiti Malaya Sarawak. The second place winner walked away with a cash prize of RM20,000 followed by RM10,000 for the third prize. The fourth and fifth winner walked away with RM5,000 each.

According to Maxis, there will be another Mobile Content Challenge 2008 next year and probably with higher cash prizes. So are you dare enough?

FunVoiceMail Launched

Stellarnet has launched the world first "intelligent' mobile phone manager called FunVoiceMail.

FunVoiceMail is an Intelligent Mobile Phone Manager that allows users to have full control of all incoming calls when they are not available to answer their mobile phones. It provides a wide range of greetings for users to greet their callers and a complete management of voice mails left. Running on the most popular Symbian phones, this Symbian Signed mobile application provides users with the peace of mind of an officially certified application.

Users can create different profiles for different callers and FVM will then manage the callers as users have configured. For example, if the user cannot answer the phone, FVM can

• Accept or Reject all or certain calls from unwanted callers or a list of callers
• Automatically send a customized SMS to callers
• Play a Fun Greeting to entertain callers (fully customized for each of them). There are more than 50 greetings available for free.
• Play any MP3 file to any caller.
• Record and play a personal greeting for each caller.
• Allow or disallow callers from leaving a voice mail
• Fully manage all the voice mails left by callers: users can listen to them unlimited times for an unlimited period of time and for free, send them to friends via Bluetooth or email, and store them either in the phone, memory card or PC.

Startel, the local distributor of FunVoiceMail is offering it at a discounted price of RM39(normal price RM49.90).


For more information, go to http://www.funvoicemail.net