Welcome To Freeware Square
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To be honest with you, I really had a hard time getting this off the ground. Freeware is a topic that is close to my heart as I’ve always enjoyed how I could expand the features and functions on my Windows Mobile device without spending a dime (save for the donations but that’s another thing). So when I thought about what would make a great introduction/first post for this series, I went through many versions before finally settling on what you are now reading.
So What’s Freeware Square?
To put it simply, it’s a roundup of freeware for the month which I will cover. Similar to what Doug does with free games on The Arcade, I’ll do it on for free software.
However, instead of listing out some new software for my first post, I decided to start with my Top 10 Freeware. It’s going to be hard to rank them 1-10 so I’ll do it from A to Z instead.
1. Google Maps Mobile (Navigation)
It’s almost impossible to have a top ten list without a Google application or service and mine would be Google Maps Mobile (GMM). While I do use a dedicated navigational application for driving, GMM has been the application I launch when I need to find a place that my navigational application can’t. And with their new update adding public transportation information as you navigate your way through the city and the ability to pinpoint your location even if you do not have GPS functionality on your device, this is definitely one application you’ll want on your device when you’re out and about.
More Info Here | Download here
2. Mocha FTP Server
I like my world to be as wireless as possible. I sync over the air (OTA) and I would love to transfer my applications without the need of wires. Using a card reader (although faster) doesn’t count as I’ll need that extra prop.
So I turn to Mocha FTP server which turns your Pocket PC into an FTP server. From there, you can get into your device from just about any other computer that is connected wirelessly such as a laptop, desktop or even another computer. Or you could even connect simultaneously if you wanted to. Transferring files to and fro has never been easier.
More Info Here | Download here
3. Opera Mini (Web Browser)
When it comes to browsing the Internet on my device, Opera Mini is my browser of choice, even if Brian has you believing otherwise (and I do agree with him on some aspects too). It’s really hard to believe that such a robust application can be free but it’s true.
You get an almost desktop like experience (no Flash and Javascript) which means you can view web pages the way they were meant to be displayed. What I like most about Opera Mini is that every time you visit a site, it would show you the an overview of the site. You tap in the zone you want information from and it zooms into it. Rinse and repeat for a pleasurable experience.
More Info Here | Download here
4. Palringo (Instant Messaging)
Keeping in contact with my friends can be hard at times. As much as I try to push them to use email to keep in touch, truth be told, most of them are on instant messengers. To keep up with them, I’ll need something that handles the different services out there like MSN and Google Talk. In comes Palringo.
With support for multiple service including Yahoo and AOL as well, it’s the application of choice for users who are looking to keep in touch through instant messaging with a free software. Fring is up and coming in the Windows Mobile but it was buggy when I used it some time back. I settled on Palringo and have not found a reason to move anytime soon.
More Info Here | Download here
5. PHM RegEdit (Registry Editor)
No device set up is complete with the installation of a registry editor. In fact, the ability to edit registries is so important that a lot of commercial file managers are incorporating them into their applications as well.
But for those of you looking for an easy to use (and not forgetting free), you can’t go wrong with RegEdit by PHM. You know it’s great software when it was made in the days of WM2003 but many users still swear by it today. Add in the ability to quickly backup and restore your registry and I can’t see why anyone would want to use something else.
More Info Here | Download here
6. PIM Backup (Backup)
When it comes to backup, freeware really fall behind. The good ones that you hear about are all commercial software and I have yet to come across a full featured backup application that costs nothing. I still have not but PIM Backup is one of those that I use and is worth a mention.
While it would not restore your device to it’s previous state, it does protect your personal information such as your contacts and appointments from being lost forever. Because it only deals with PIM, the information is device and language independent. So you could backup a WM2003 device and restore on a WM6 or from an English device to one in German. also one of the lightest and fastest backup applications out there.
If you are not planning to spend any more on software for your Windows Mobile device, you no longer have to be vulnerable. But make sure you get a copy of PIM Backup.
More Info Here | Download here
7. PocketXpdf (PDF Viewer)
When it comes to viewing PDF files a Pocket PC, many go with ClearVue which usually comes pre-installed on many devices. I choose to remove that bloated software and instead opt for PocketXpdf, a very lightweight and resource-friendly PDF viewer.
Not only am I able to better manage and read my PDFs, it even has the option to set bookmarks and view only text in situations where you just want the information. Even more, it’s very finger-friendly, allowing you to use your fingers for scrolling rather than the scroll bars.
More Info Here | Download here
8. S2U2 (Device Lock)
There are times when you just want to find out what time it is or what’s the weather like for today. Or maybe you want to see if you have any missed calls or unread messages or even your next appointment. While our Today Screens can show such information, that was not what I was referring to.
Instead, the application of choice in such a scenario is S2U2, a device lock application that keylocks your device just like the one you see on the iPhone. Besides just serving as a device lock application, the screen is nicely designed and informative as well, great for those quick glances.
Other notable applications by the same author is S2V (a photo viewer) and S2P (an MP3/WMA player that integrates well with S2U2). Be sure to check them out too.
More Info Here | Download here
9. TCPMP (Media Player)
If a media player is what you are looking for, you can’t go wrong with TCPMP, the media player of choice for many users, including yours truly. It supports a whole host of formats right out of the box, and through some plugins, supports even flash (FLV) and Windows Media files as well.
There are 2 versions out there that most commonly used, 0.72RC1 and 0.81. While we always recommend using the latest version, in this case, either works just fine. There are some differences (if I remember correctly, only 0.81 allows you to play copyrighted Windows Media files and support for more subtitles) but other than that, they both perform extremely well.
More Info Here | Download 0.72RC1 here | Download 0.81 here | Flash plugin
P.S. For those interested in getting 0.81 which plays everything, you can download the file from the appropriate link above and copy it all to your Pocket PC. No need for any installation of any sort. For those who want the basic 0.72RC1, you can also choose that as well.
10. Total Commander (File Manager)
I’d say no favorite software list can be complete without a file manager and if you thought that was not going to happen here, then boy are you wrong. My favorite file manager is Total Commander. Like RegEdit which I mentioned earlier, this is one of those applications that were developed very early but still performs exceptionally well when compared with its rivals.
Besides just being a file manager (and a good one at that), it also packs a registry editor, an FTP plugin as well as a feature to connect to other computers on your LAN. And did I mention that it’s free?
More Info Here | Download here
Conclusion
Coming up with this list was an impossible task in itself as there were a few other applications that I used that should be here as well such MyMobiler and Live Search. From next month onwards, I will be sharing with you a round up of the freeware that you should be watching out for.
These are my Top 10. What’s yours?
As this is the first of many posts in the Freeware Square series, do let me know your thoughts; what did you like, what could be improved or just about anything on your mind. If you have a software to recommend or you want featured in this series, be sure to let me know about it as well.
Related posts
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Hmm from your top 10 list I actually only have TCPMP installed. I also use Device Lock a lot (link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=305402). It lets me lock my device using a hardware button. Nothing special, but it saves valuable Today screen space.
And at the moment I’m switching between CeTwit (link: http://www.kosertech.com/blog/?page_id=5) and TinyTwitter (link: http://www.tinytwitter.com/) for Twitter. I’m using the mobile site version as well but with my (proxied) connection I can’t use the mobile site to post updates. So I need a 3rd party app when on the go.
Hi Stefan
I am starting to use ceTwit a lot more now that I am getting back on the Twitter wagon. But I guess until I get a device with a hard keyboard, my use of it would be limited.
P.S. You have another similar comment which is in moderation (due to links) so I will delete that instead yeah?
Sure, go ahead and remove the duplicate comment. I re-submitted it because it didn’t show up at first, but then I realized that it was probably held in moderation because of the URL’s.
As for Twitter – please stay active, I’d like that! Some people are moving to Plurk; I’ve got an account there as well but I’m not active. I’d prefer it if everyone stays on one site and not scatter all over the place. Otherwise it would get so hard to keep track of everything!
I think TinyTwitter looks better than ceTwit, but ceTwit is better in the feature set. I’d just like it better if it wouldn’t auto-connect everytime! But that happens with TinyTwitter as well in the current version. I told the developer about that and probably it will become a setting in the next version, or something like that.
Sure thing Stefan. I plan to stay active in Twitter because it syncs with my Facbeook pretty well. I just hope they remove the limit on requests which they currently have due to WWDC.
Seems like they’re still having plenty problems. For example, Tracking through SMS (and IM) is still offline, and that was my preferred way of keeping track of who was sending a message directly at me. Luckily, Thwirl (desktop app) groups replies to yourself at the bottom so that’s a fairly good way to achieve a similar result. I hope Twitter can fix their scaling problems soon!
That’s true. They seemed to have reduced API requests from 70 per hour to only 10. Not sure if it’s been restored or till when we’ll see such reduced rates.
They’ve got a Status Blog, and yesterday they said the API allows 30 requests per hour. It also has updates on the other features.
http://status.twitter.com/
Track seems to have a long road ahead of itself…
Thanks for the heads up Stefan. Looks like Facebook app is still down. This is one of the main uses of Twitter for me in managing my many social profiles
By the way, that photo at the top is from the Windows Mobile commercial in the taxicab, isn’t it?
Good guess buddy but nope. Although now that you mention it, I could see why
I think Windows Live Search is a better app than GMM, otherwise great list
Thanks VW. Yeah I do agree that Live Search is a great application too but in terms of navigation, I especially love GMM for its pedestrian capabilities (public transaportation). It’ll be coming soon.
Great job on the new feature, Tariq! I’m sure this would attract a lot of attention, much like Doug’s Arcade.
I use TCPMP, Total Commander & Slide2Unlock (haven’t kept up though, so I didn’t know about S2U2 – installing now). I’ll try some of the others as well – thanks and looking forward to future editions of the Square!
Appreciate the kind words i-bystander. The newer version of S2U2 is a lot leaner and integrates with S2P so if you were playing music and the device is locked, the title will show on the lock screen as well.
Just finished installing, and it is definitely a lot leaner than the version I had… thanks for highlighting this useful app.
Great list, thanks for posting this! I don’t use exchange, just Outlook, can I sync OTA?
You’re welcome Leigh.
Yes it is possible to sync OTA and I am currently in the testing phase for it. You’ll definitely want to stay tune for that one
You bet I will! Looking forward to it.
Great feature! Now, if it were only 3, and came out once a week, or better yet, 5.
Keep it up!
Thanks Bryan
With that kind of rate, I’ll need all the help I can get. Any freeware suggestions?
Some of my favorites are:
HandyShopper
psShutXP
apMemo
mDigger
Pocket RAR
Calc 98
Hi! Great list! I like most of these software. But one notable exception is Palringo. I tried installing it some times and I always uninstalled it after a couple days. In my PDA it is very very slow, perhaps because I have hundreds of contacts.
It also doesn’t have tabbed interface and it installs itself in the startup menu. As a consequence, my PDA keeps freezing and freezing until I remove Palringo from the startup.
For now, I’ve been using OctroTalk. It is free and has a light and fast interface. In the downside, it seems to have been abandoned and it has some bugs that make it crash when I try to chat with two persons at same time.
In the future I can perhaps buy a better instant messenger, but right now, I can live with OctroTalk’s bugs.
Hello Akira
From what I remember, OctroTalk used to be a commercial software though when I used the trial, it did have it’s strong points.
I am not sure why Palringo seems to be heavy for you and would recommend that you contact the developer about it. I do agree that the lack of tabs is a downer and hopefully they’ll do something about it.