“One final note at today’s event is that Microsoft has now officially confirmed for the first time that 7 represents a clean break from Windows Mobile as we know it today; existing apps won’t be compatible. Though that’s likely to be a pain for existing owners with specialized apps who are looking to stay in the Microsoft ecosystem, Windows Phone 7 Series itself is a very different beast than the operating system it replaces — it feels different, seeks a different demographic, and symbolically represents a very important clean-slate departure for a company that had lost its way in the mobile space. The bright side for the 6.5 faithful, we suppose, is that Kindel closes by saying that they “will continue to work with our partners to… Continue reading

This AutocompleteMe is just horrible… and strangely snicker-inducing http://ping.fm/q9TAm…

I collect a few interesting things, including the following:

• Star Trek collectibles
• Badges (Police badges & Name badges)
• Lapel Pins
• Pocketwatchs

Below are pictures (along with captions) for each of the collections I have in NY with me (All minus the Star Trek collectibles). You can view the entire library, in Picasa Web, here

Pocketwatches

I have 2 pocketwatches in my collection right now (Yes… 2 – what a great sized collection!). Click on either one to find out more about it.

From Collectibles

From Collectibles

Lapel Pins

I have quite a few Lapel Pins… Continue reading

jonwestfall: Check this out: Microsoft adds 14 cool new themes to Windows 7 gallery for launch day http://bit.ly/O14GE…

“We’re currently at a multi-purpose Microsoft event right now — an event touring the company’s holiday lineup, as well as today’s launch of Windows phone devices (AKA, Windows Mobile 6.5). We had a chance to sit down with Robbie Bach, President of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division, and ask him some questions about where the big M is headed with its recent lineup.”

While the conversation with Robbie Bach had some interesting points on Windows Mobile and Windows Phones in general, in light of the recent Sidekick fiasco, I found the following point slightly ironic:

Peter Rojas asks about the company’s acquisition of Danger. Robbie: “There were clear reasons for us to acquire Danger — I think in time that will pan out. It… Continue reading

“Microsoft today unveiled a new generation of phones from leading manufacturers and mobile operators that offer an intuitive user interface, powerful Web browsing, and access to an online library of downloadable services and applications. Windows® phones – a new brand for phones running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system – are now available in retail stores worldwide in a broad range of styles and prices. The new phones were shown at press events in New York, hosted by Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division, and in Paris, where Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer showed off the new Windows phones. They also announced the availability of two key services platforms for the new phones: My Phone and Windows Marketplace for Mobile. My Phone is a… Continue reading

“We have a bit of troubling news from Windows world today as a developer in attendance at Microsoft’s Tech.Ed New Zealand has relayed some interesting tidbits. Regarding the “Windows Marketplace for Mobile” – Microsoft’s version of the Apple App Store – Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a ‘kill switch’ for apps. In the event an approved app is later removed from the Marketplace, the app will also automatically be removed from users’ handsets. We’re not sure what this means for paid apps, though we doubt refunds will be issued automatically as well”

Boy Genius report is skeptical that refunds would be given if MS decided to drop the app kill hammer, however other reports such as… Continue reading

“Vodafone and LG Electronics today announced the launch of the LG GM750, a new Windows® phone based on Windows Mobile 6.5 available Oct. 6. Fully loaded with fun, easy-to-use features and services that help people take control of their lives thanks to fast Internet browsing, access to personal and work e-mail accounts, and calendar synchronization, the GM750 packs a lot into its sleek, slim form.”

In a pair of related statements recently released, handset maker LG has announced plans to produce Windows Phones for the EU market, available in some areas around October 6. Always nice to see more choice, and LG has been around the phone game long enough now that one hopes they will produce a solid product for… Continue reading

“The 2007 R2 version of Microsoft® Office Communicator Mobile is an enterprise application for mobile devices that helps you quickly find and communicate with your colleagues. The application is designed to make communication easier and more accessible and includes real-time presence information, single number reach support and rich instant messaging (IM) capability all with a familiar look and feel similar to the desktop version of Microsoft Office Communicator.”

Those working in a Microsoft-centric shop may find that the newest version of Communicator Mobile to be a great asset. Those looking to truly take a vacation, however, may find it to be the most evil piece of software ever devised! Just kidding…

This was originally posted at Pocket PC Thoughts, check out the… Continue reading

“Like upstart HTC, a long-time Windows Mobile loyalist, Motorola is focusing its development resources behind Google’s Android OS. Both HTC and Motorola are developing their own user interfaces for Android, which indicates their seriousness about Google’s mobile platform. I wonder if this is going to be a trend that’s going to spread. From what I’ve heard, everyone from Lenovo and Huawei to Dell to Samsung are betting on Android. These companies would have been partners of Microsoft in the past.”

I have a confession to make: I own two Android devices. Yes, it’s true I still own more Windows Mobile devices than Android, but my daily drivers as of late have been a G1 and a MyTouch 3G. While I’d like to say… Continue reading