Aramation Mobile

Live Search Mobile, first released last year for Windows Mobile, BlackBerries and other phones, has now been updated that includes many new functionalities. (I first talked about it on May 31 2007.) In addition to Map, Directions and Traffic, the application can search for Movies, display local Gas Prices, search the Web, display local Weather and even get updates from other websites such as HomeThinking and Flickr. Another big improvement is the addition of voice search. By pressing "Speak" button, you can now search without typing.

Overall, the new additions improve the usefulness of the application over and beyond what Google Maps offers. Although there are plenty of websites and applications that offer weather forecast, it is a nice idea to put it all in one place. It is easy to find out gas prices in your region (especially if your phone has GPS capability since it will know exactly where you are, and then to route to the gas station).

As this is a free download, you should head over to wls.live.com on your mobile device and download Windows Mobile version as it will complement your other applications.

[Visit Live Search Mobile website for more details | Go to wls.live.com to download Live Search Mobile]

DeveloperOne’s Agenda One is a complete contact and calendar replacement for your Windows Mobile devices. Agenda One seeks to replace Contact, Calendar and Tasks that come with the phone by offering a much more flexible and customizable experience. You can now use templates to make those screens as you’d like and you can create appointments while looking at contacts (just like in Outlook).

From one view, it is easy to navigate to another (such as going from daily agenda view to contacts). Another additional feature is search, which is curiously absent from built-in applications of Windows Mobile.

Overall for users who are unhappy with limited options in built-in applications, this is one of the best ways to add additional functionality. This robust suite, costing just $24.95, is great deal if you use your mobile to schedule lots of appointments and tasks, and were always disappointed by the limited options.

As always, there is a free demo available, so give it a try before you buy it.

[Download free demo and buy full version from DeveloperOne]

MSN Direct has been available for certain devices such as watches and GPS navigators, but it has never found a proper place on a mobile phone. Microsoft is remedying this by launch MSN Direct for Windows Mobile, a home screen plugin and application for Windows Mobile devices (WM5 and over, smartphone devices only so far). At the moment, weather, news and stocks channel are available. Instead of relying on FM transmissions, MSN Direct for Windows Mobile wisely relies on the phone’s data connection such as wi-fi or 3G, allowing you to receive updates in any cities whether you are covered by regular MSN Direct or not.

The interface looks very pleasant, and it integrates well to existing home screens. Pressing left and right while highlighting the plugin will let you scroll between weather, news and stock. Press ok to get more detailed information. There are plenty of third-party options available, but they are not easy to install nor to configure. This new MSN Direct for Windows Mobile is a must install for all users, especially given the fact that it is free.

Point your mobile phone’s browser to http://phone.msndirect.com or go there with regular browser and use ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center on Vista to install the application.

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