The S60 ecosystem is going all gaga recently, with many applications getting updated, released, reviewed, it’s almost impossible to keep up. But we have been watching, carefully, and here is a recap of what we thought is interesting for you.
Software Updates
First of all is Psiloc Connect, which Ricky has raved about before. It has now hit v1.10 bringing a couple of improvements over the first release. The most important feature added is the automatic switching from 3G to Wlan. Unfortunately, this requires you to have WLAN scanning on, which is a battery drainer (and you must know how important it is to keep some juice in your handset). In any case, Psiloc Connect is a valuable application and if you haven’t checked it out, do it.
Second update is a nice add to Shozu brought to my attention through Matthew Stevens. Shozu now supports uploads to Share on Ovi directly and not through email. Unfortunately, on v4.0.56 on my phone, I can’t find Share on Ovi in the “Add Sites” list, but I did find it on the website, and when I added it there, it showed up on my destinations in the phone. You can also pick up which channel to upload to, which is nice since this is the functionality that I have been loving with the email uploading feature.
Another application that has received an update is Fring with v3.35 which adds speakerphone support for S60 devices, file transfers on IM networks, as well as auto-roaming between 3G and WiFi.
Also on the updated list is Power Boot from Wireless Labs Technologies, an application that allows you to launch any application automatically when your phone launches. Power Boot has been updated to v2.0 , and now supports Java applications, as well as a safe mode where you are asked on boot whether or not you want your configured applications launched or not. Power Boot is a freeware, it’s Symbian Signed, so there is nothing stopping you from giving it a go, if there is a software that you always use and that doesn’t autostart.
And finally, the popular free file browser Y-Browser has been updated to v0.88 by DrJukka, adding languages, fixing bugs. Markus from Best of Symbian has a nice screenshot-filled review of Y-browser, explaining all the features that make this free file manager the most popular amongst S60 users. Also worth mentioning is that Inclinometer, DrJukka’s freeware that allows you to see the vehicle’s angle while off-roading, has been updated with reset, and backlight always on options.
Software Tips
The first tip comes from the Diva, Darla Mack who has put up a tutorial on transferring Nokia Sports Tracker data between devices, using a file manager like the above mentionned Y-Browser.
Next is James Powell from Talk About Nseries who has posted a nice walkthrough to using the built-in IM application, yes that IM icon that you never press. James explains how to set it up with all your accounts as well as a couple of screenshots to show you how it functions.
And finally is Mike Macias from The N82 Blog and Symbian Addict, who has 2 nice tips regarding the browsing and email experience : what to do when there is no “ok, login, enter” button as well as a tutorial to viewing full HTML email on S60.
Software Reviews
Jonny Bruha from Thoughts on S60 has a detailed review of Epocware’s Handy Profiles. I have been using this application myself, to switch to Silent profile automatically during meeting, classes, and at night, and I find it a blast to use. It’s an application you set up once, and forget all about it. It will do its job in the background and you have to do nothing but to sit down and enjoy while your handset switches profiles like it knows. Amir from Mobile Space has a detailed head to head between Handy Profiles and Best Profiles so you should probably check this one out before you plunge the money for Handy profiles (and while you’re in there, check his other head to head between Handy Blacklist and Best Blacklist if you’re looking for a call managing application).
And for some fun, Mark Guim from The Nokia Blog has put a video review of Marble Maze, an accelerometer-based game that builds on the concept of Labyrinth. I have been thoroughly enjoying it on my N95, and meant to post a video review, but didn’t have another camera to take the video with. Basically, I believe it’s the most accomplished use of the accelerometer so far, especially in a game. It works well, gameplay is awesome, and some levels are pretty darn hard.
One More Thing
If with all of these links, you don’t have enough to chew on for at least a couple of days, the My E65 Blog has a list of 21 things to do with your handset when you are bored to death. Personal favorite is “take a picture for no reason”, I have done it, have you?
