GMail Mobile Review

This is one of those applications that should be bundled in the phone, and I hope this is the sort of thing that we will see in OS9.2 Feature Pack 2 from Symbian.

GMail Mobile is a Java application so you get it for practically any other phone that supports Java and obviously a colour screen.

Weird thing is that lately the application takes quite long to startup, and I don’t leave it forever on as it constantly updates your emails, which is a good thing if you don’t pay your own bills, which is not my case.

The application even preloads your emails, so while you are reading one of them, the other one is already downloaded to your phone’s memory. The functionality is the same as the computer version, every single option that is important for an email client is present.

If there are links in your received emails, you can click on them and you will be taken to a mobile version of the website, but when it comes to attachments it’s a disaster, as sometimes I like to save my full resolution images.

The application also works on landscape mode without problems, but the basic option labels are misplaced as the program isn’t really designed for that purpose.

What the developer says:

• Faster, more Gmail-like user experience
  Gmail for mobile devices is fast and easy to use, with the same functions and look and feel as Gmail on the web. Once installed on your mobile device, you’re just a click or two away from the messages in your Gmail inbox.

• Automatic synchronization
  Your Gmail account stays synchronized whether you access it from your PC or your phone. Send an email from your mobile device and you’ll find it in the ‘Sent Mail’ folder on your PC.

• Searching
  Gmail for mobile devices allows you to search through your entire Gmail archive in seconds. Simply click on the search menu option and input your query.

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Translator package review: French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

This is a series of programs that have phrases linked to sounds. The translator is clearly a native from the country in question, it is quite obvious on the Portuguese translation as the lady has a Portuguese accent. Basic translations are covered and it can be extremely helpful if travelling to a foreign country, as everything from Essentials, Travel, Accommodation, Food and Drink, Socializing, Shopping, Medical, Dates and time, Numbers, Emergencies is covered.

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Google Maps Mobile review

If it wasn’t for all the data charges, I could have been a big fan of this software. Google Earth with live tracking on your phone, quite an amazing feat, but unfortunately there is no way to fully cache the maps or buy them like that.

Another good feature about Google Maps Mobile for non-N95 users is the My Location, which is sort of A-GPS, it tracks down your location depending to what network towers you are connected to.

But for N95 users is another thing. On the version I use you can set up a route, but it never worked for me really, and the same with Nokia Maps, I can never set or search or a road, I always have to play with either marks or waypoints.

After few tweaks I believe Google Maps could replace Nokia Maps, or perhaps they will only concentrate on their Android platform.

What the developer says:

Real-time traffic — See where the congestion is, and estimate delays in over 30 major US metropolitan areas.

Detailed directions — Whether you plan to walk or drive, your route is displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions.

Integrated search results — Local business locations and contact information appear all in one place, integrated on your map.

Easily movable maps — Interactive maps let you zoom in or out, and move in all directions so you can orient yourself visually.

Satellite imagery — Get a bird’s eye view of your desired location. (It’s like you’re there, we swear.)

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Windows Live Mobile review

Well this isn’t really the name of this bundle of applications, but this great software pack features a Messaging plug-in for Windows Live Mail, a Contact plug-in for your Windows Live Contacts and a simple Instant Messaging client, which has the basic desired functionality from any chat addict.

One curious thing is that Microsoft wanted to charge for the service, or atleast that I heard from many blogs are forums, but I still use it and they never charge me

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The biggest and perhaps only problem with the application is that it’s way too slow to download emails or get connect to your IM account.

Every mini application is started from the IM client itself, although the Spaces isn’t built in but it takes you to your web browser.

On the IM side, it is feature packed. You can send images, videos and even audios. You have a satisfying selection of emotions, the chat window is split screen and doesn’t lag at all, the User Interface is simply great. There is still the possibility of group chats, so I really don’t know why this couldn’t be featured as one of the best IMs ever. Of course Agile Messenger is probably the best, but this one isn’t that backwards.

On the Messaging and email side, there is a POP3 like email interface, where you synch headers, and then text and if you want you can download full size attachments.

What the developer says:

Windows Live™ is now available for select web-enabled Nokia devices. You can stay in touch easily using Windows Live Messenger and Hotmail® on the go. Manage Contacts, share photos, and browse the web — all from a device that fits in your pocket.

Know what’s up

• See your Windows Live contacts and their online presence

• Send audio messages or digital photos via Windows Live Messenger

• Easily change your Messenger display picture to match your location or mood

• Enjoy quick and easy offline access to Windows Live Hotmail, complete with photos, video, or voice recording

• Upload photos to your Windows Live Space directly from the Nokia Gallery

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Screenshot by Antony Pranata

Quite a useful application especially for us reviewers or even common Symbian enthusiasts. You can choose on what format to save pictures, where to save them and even customize the shortcut.

The software can be also used in Pictbridge printing, where web pages cannot be printed, you simply take screenshots and play with the paper so that you can fit quite a few images in it.

What developer says:

Screenshot for Symbian OS is a FREE program to take screenshot on your Symbian OS mobile phones (UIQ or S60). You can capture screenshot and save it to a file in JPEG, PNG, BMP or MBM format. The screenshot can be sent directly to a PC via Bluetooth or infrared and another mobile phone. Furthermore, you can customize the shortcut key, file name and delay of capturing. It supports continuous mode that allows you to capture screenshot every a few seconds.

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