Welcome to All About ER6!  

Week of January 27, 2002

80,640 Nokia 9210s sold in Europe in Q4

According to Canalys Research 80,640 9210 were sold in the last quarter in Europe representing just under 10% of the market. These figure are described as Nokia 'still doing well', and prmoise much for the future. The overall picture is one of Palm being rocked by the combined Nokia / PPC market.

These figures are very impressive and take the total number of 9210 sold since launch in Europe to 133,000 units. With the 9210 also performing strongly in the Asian market and the 9290 due to be launched in the next few months the future is certainly bright and a large userbase is being built up.

Althought the figures represent only 10% of the market it should be remembered that this is one device competing agianst numerous PPC machines (e.g. there's more than one iPAQ, not to mention the other manufacturers), and even more numerous Palm machines. On a device only share Nokia has a very strong lead and is winning the race as best PDA / mobile device on the market.

The overall market remain weak with only the Nokia 9210 performing against the industry trend.

Further information anad anaylsis from:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/5/23898.html
http://www.canalys.com/pr/r2002011.htm

Posted by Rafe on 01/02/2002   |   
New: Tom Tom Maps On Line Beta

Tom Tom have announced the beta of their Maps On Line Service. A small piece of software is downloaded and then you can access maps and routing instructions (and more) for the whole of Europe. This means you can download the information you need to your 9210 when you need. This is a foretaste of location based services that are sure to become available and as such represents the future.

The idea is not revolutionary but the inception is. This is exciting news for the 9210.

Tom Tom description:

TomTom Maps-on-Line is a brand new on-line mapping application for the Nokia 9210 Communicator. The application is currently in its final stage of development. This beta test offers you the chance to get an early introduction to exactly what will be on offer! Once you have read the information below you will surely be eager to see the product for yourselves, running on your own Communicator. The latest beta test version of the application is just a mouse-click away.

We would very much value your comments and suggestions on how to improve the service. For this reason we have set up a very easy to use feedback form. In the event of you discovering a bug, please be sure to let us know as soon as possible so that we can fix it. We will include fixes and implement suggested improvements in a release for the final version of the application. We hope you enjoy taking part in the TomTom Maps-on-Line beta test!



What is TomTom Maps-on-Line?

This application is the first to use location based server techniques. Once installed, TomTom Maps-on-Line accesses detailed maps of any part of Western Europe through the special software on your PDA. These are instantly sent to your device as soon as you require them; so there is no need to install separate maps on your PDA. Wherever you are, maps of the precise location you require are always there with you. The online nature of TomTom Maps-on-Line ensures that you always access the latest maps and data available, as we constantly update our servers.

With TomTom Maps-on-Line it is possible to plan routes between any two locations on a map. It is also possible to search for any location and set it as a departure or destination point.



When you're planning a route between two cities, TomTom Maps-on-Line automatically switches between detailed, urban streets and national roads and highways. This makes it possible to very quickly plan the best route between any two particular streets. Within seconds, detailed route instructions will be displayed, offering turn-by-turn instructions accompanied by detailed maps.



TomTom Maps-on-Line offers fast and easy access to a wealth of maps for the whole of Western Europe. The service also offers local information about nearby POIs (Points of Interest). This includes local services such as petrol stations, car parks, airports, train stations, hotels and restaurants. It is for example possible to search for a nearby car parks. Once you have selected a POI location, your PDA will show the best route to get there. It is also possible to enter your own points of interest and to categorise them e.g. 'Home', 'Office', etc. These can be stored as frequently used 'departure' or 'destination' points for quick and efficient route calculations.



TomTom Maps-on-Line consists of a small client application on your PDA that can easily be downloaded and installed directly from the Internet. The application offers a highly intuitive look and feel and is fully compatible with the Nokia Communicator user interface. TomTom Maps-on-Line is powered by state-of-the-art technology.

TomTom Maps-on-Line makes use of the excellent communication capabilities of the Nokia Communicator. This, combined with a bright, full-colour display makes the Nokia Communicator the perfect device for TomTom Maps-on-Line.

TomTom Maps-on-Line Coverage

The map below shows the countries for which Maps-on-Line will be available. Please note that "Point of Interest" categories (Airports, Train Stations, Hotels...) on offer may vary from country to country.



More Information and demo download: http://www.palmtop.nl/crystal/mapsonline_beta.html



Posted by Rafe on 01/02/2002   |   
New: DiabetesMobil final version released

DiabetesMobil for the Nokia 9210 has now been released after its beta testing period. The progrm has a fine pedigree (previously Diabetes Manager on the ER5 platform), and is a comprehensive program for Diabetics, allowing simple data entry and clear analysis.

DiabetesMobil Announcement:

The program could be flexible adapted to the everyday life and the individual needs of the diabetic.The informatical support of the diabetic could have a positive effect on her/his selfdiscipline.

DiabetesMobil pursues the following goals:
  • Immediate simplest data entry at each time and at each place of datagenesis.
  • Immediately available clear graphical illustration of the accordingly prepared data.
  • Dicision support of the daily diabetes management which cannot be provided by a paper diary.
  • Extensive and meaningful statistical evaluations and descriptive graphical preparations of the results which normaly only are possible with good PC-programs.
  • Preperation of the data for the medical diabetes therapy via print and export functions.
  • Integrated large food database.


DiabetesMobil 6.00 for the NOKIA 9210/9290 is now released. DiabetesMobil is a comprehensive diabetes management program for the diabetic (English, German and French language).

Demo download and further Information from:
http://www.diabetesmobil.de

Posted by Rafe on 01/02/2002   |   
2K Relese Beta 0.95 of Data Plus

2K Systems, a leading Symbian developer have released a new beta of their Data Plus program. The final release is due sometime in February. New features include even better database 'desgn' and a new filter manager. Security is also supported either at the database or table level. There have been several UI improvements as well as some bug fixes. Excellent program.

2K Description of changes:

2K’Development is pleased to announce release of new beta version of Data Plus database management software. Additionally to substantial improvements in code efficiency and speed and bug fixing, we added also many new exiting features which improve user comfort and functionality of the application:

The database record structure can be much precisely defined by additional filed attributes: you can specifify default value for the field, input mask for text fields or automatically uppercase the entered text (etc.)



The order of the fields in database record editor (e.g. when adding or editing the table record) can be changed



New filter manager: create, manage and easy to select filter (subset of records defined by condition like "City = London"). Named filters can be used also in views.



Variables in filters: it is possible to create filter like "Shop = Amazon and Artist =?" where "?" represents variable value. When the filter is applied, Data Plus displays dialog window for entering the value:



Security: both whole database and table can be protected by password. Also the access level to data can be limited on both level (for example, user can’t add tables or change their structure or, on table level, the data could be read-only)



Improved card view design.



Bug fixes in export/import and many other small improvements

The final realease is schedule to first half of February and you can expect many new enhancements!

More information and download - http://www.2kdevelopment.cz/us/dataplus.html



Posted by Rafe on 01/02/2002   |   
Metroworks Code Warrior with Personal Java

Sometime last autumn Symbian announced that Metroworks was to produce a Symbian version of its CodeWarrior RAD software. It seem it is here (according to a Symbian Press Release). At a cost of $99 it could be an easy way to get into EPOC programming and faster than user C++ plain.

This version is the first in a whole family of products.

Full Press Release
Austin, Texas and London, England - January 29, 2002 - Developers of applications for mobile phones now have the advantage of a full suite of professional development tools created by Metrowerks. The toolset, CodeWarrior� Development Tools for Symbian OS™ with PersonalJava™ Technology, allows developers to create, edit, compile, debug, emulate and deploy applications for mobile phones that are built with Symbian OS, an operating system for next generation mobile phones.

Early in 2001, Metrowerks and Symbian announced an agreement in which Metrowerks would design, develop and deliver a range of development tools to enable Symbian OS licensees and developers to create compelling applications for Symbian OS phones. This release is the first in a series of CodeWarrior products targeting Symbian OS phones, and the first of many CodeWarrior wireless development products that will become available this year.

"Metrowerks is a leading vendor of development tools in the wireless space. These CodeWarrior tools for Symbian OS demonstrate Metrowerks' ability to enable the rapid development of professional quality applications and services," said Mark Edwards, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Symbian.

CodeWarrior Development Tools for Symbian OS with PersonalJava Technology provide a tightly integrated suite of tools that will be familiar to developers currently using CodeWarrior tools to create wireless applications for Palm OS™, J2ME™ technology or the ARM platform. These developers will easily be able to use these tools from Metrowerks to develop content and other applications for Symbian OS phones, taking advantage of the richer, tightly integrated and advanced wireless computing and communications capabilities that Symbian OS offers.
.
"Metrowerks' commitment to the developer community is evident in our support of leading platforms like Symbian OS, and in our support for emerging standards," said John Smolucha, vice president of marketing, Metrowerks. "In addition to technology, Metrowerks provides services that allow developers to be competitive in today's changing marketplace."

Future CodeWarrior products for Symbian OS will support C++ development, including debugging of application and kernel code on Symbian OS devices and emulators, and will include further enhanced support for Java technology.

Pricing and Availability
CodeWarrior for Symbian OS Development Tools with Personal Java Technology are priced US $99 per license, manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP). For more information, contact Metrowerks by telephone at 800-377-5416 or +1-512-997-4700, or by email at [email protected]. For pricing and availability outside the U.S. and Canada, please see the list of Metrowerks International Sales Offices at www.metrowerks.com/buy, or send an email to [email protected].

About Metrowerks
Metrowerks creates CodeWarrior software and hardware products and services for developers, with a particular focus on the following industries: consumer electronics; transportation; wireless; and networking and communications. The CodeWarrior product line includes hardware and software development tools and middleware that enable customers to accelerate their time to market. Founded in 1985, Metrowerks is today an independently operating subsidiary of Motorola Inc. (NYSE:MOT). Metrowerks corporate headquarters are in Austin, Texas; Metrowerks Europe is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; and Metrowerks Japan is headquartered in Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.metrowerks.com/.

About Symbian
Symbian supplies an operating system to the world's leading mobile phone manufacturers enabling them to create mobile phones which combine voice communications, wireless Internet access and computing functionality. Ericsson, Nokia and Psion are already shipping Symbian OS devices. Other Symbian OS licensees include Fujitsu, Kenwood, Motorola, Panasonic, Sanyo, Siemens and Sony. Symbian's website can be found at www.symbian.com.



Posted by Rafe on 30/01/2002   |   
Symbian secures additional funding

Symbian have announced the much rumoured funding round has taken place. The five share holders in Symbian have each contributed cash in proportion to their share ownership. Symbian is to receive a total of �20.75m additional funding to take the company through the next phase of its development.

This doesn't mean that much but what is notable is there is no sign of DoMoCo coming on board as a shareholder (although they do apparently fancy Symbain rotten!). Also Motrola (the who killed of Project Odin and thereby Psion consumer products have said they are still interested in Symbian (that means the contract on the CEO will have been withdrawn) and that we may see a Motorola product or maybe not...

SonyEricsson have taken up Ericsson stake by the way (no surprises), and everyone is generally saying how much they love Symbian. The reason this was evenb necessary was the downturn in the mobile sector, but with hundreds (well OK 8 distinct liscensees) there could well be quite a few devices on the way.

There's more analysis available from The Reg here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/5/23871.html

Full Press Release
London, UK - January 29, 2002 - Symbian Ltd., ("Symbian") today announces a further funding round from its shareholders. Matsushita, Motorola, Nokia and Psion have committed further funding pro rata to their existing shareholdings. Sony Ericsson has taken up Ericsson's pro rata subscription rights, becoming a new shareholder. Symbian is to receive a total of �20.75m additional funding to take the company through the next phase of its development. As at 31st December 2001, Symbian Ltd had net cash of �16.9 million.

Katsumi Ihara, President, Sony Ericsson, said: "The Sony Ericsson joint venture has a clear goal of becoming the leader in mobile multimedia products, which is the product category where an open operating system is essential. We see Symbian OS as a key enabler for our GPRS and 3G smartphones as well as being important for a large and committed 3rd party application developer community."

This latest development builds on the growing industry acceptance of Symbian OS as the standard operating system for 2.5G and 3G mobile phones. Symbian recently announced Fujitsu as a licensee of Symbian OS, joining existing licensees Ericsson, Matsushita (Panasonic), Motorola, Nokia, Psion, Kenwood, Sanyo, Siemens, and Sony. With devices already shipping from Nokia, Ericsson and Psion, 2002 will see the introduction of the first 2.5G Symbian OS phone - the Nokia 7650 - in the second quarter, 2002.

David Potter, Chairman of Symbian, said: "Symbian delivered its 2.5G operating system, Symbian OS v6.1, to licensees in April 2001 - we are now seeing the first of the phones based on this version of Symbian OS being launched in the market. Symbian's development to support next generation wireless standards on Symbian OS is progressing according to schedule. We are seeing a solid commitment by leading mobile phone and technology companies to Symbian OS."

Kurt Hellstr�m, President and CEO, Ericsson, said: "Ericsson is committed to driving open industry standards for wireless communication, and we were the first to introduce phones based on Symbian OS. We continue to see Symbian OS as a powerful solution for the next generation of mobile handsets, and an important driver for new applications and services for the Mobile Internet."

Yasuo Katsura, President, Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd, said: "Panasonic continues its commitment to Symbian. Symbian's support for open standards and its advanced operating system make it the natural choice for Panasonic's next generation phones. Panasonic is planning to introduce Symbian OS for GPRS and future 3G mobile phones."

Mike Zafirovski, President of Motorola's Personal Communications Sector, said: "Symbian OS will play a key role within Motorola's product portfolio. As an active shareholder and supporter of Symbian, Motorola believes that Symbian OS provides handset manufacturers with an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of compelling new, multi-media services. Our investment is a further demonstration of our commitment to making smart phones a reality for our customers around the world."

Matti Alahuhta, President, Nokia Mobile Phones, Nokia, said: "With the introduction of the Nokia 7650, the first Symbian OS product supporting GPRS and MMS, we are taking a significant leap forward in shaping the future of mobile communications. The Symbian OS forms a solid basis for new advanced features and applications, giving mobile customers a superior user experience. Nokia is committed to Symbian, and as we have previously stated, at least half of our 3G devices in 2004 will be based on Symbian OS."

David Levin, Chief Executive Officer, Psion PLC, said: "Today's funding reflects industry-wide support for Symbian OS. Psion has taken up its full pre-emption rights in the current funding round and remains Symbian's largest shareholder, underlining Psion's commitment to achieving best value from its strategic investment in Symbian. Psion continues to develop products using Symbian OS; Psion's latest product, the netpad™, is now shipping."

With the recent addition of new licensees, Symbian OS licensees currently represent over seventy percent of global mobile phone shipments.*

Colly Myers, Chief Executive Officer, Symbian, said "With our new shareholder, new licensees and new devices Symbian is rapidly setting the direction for the industry with Symbian OS - where partnership and focus on open standards will enable a mass consumer market for next generation mobile phones and services."





Posted by Rafe on 30/01/2002   |   
New: ZX9200 - Spectrum Emulator for the 9210

WildPalm that bastion of 9210 gaming have announced the release of ZX9200 a Spectrum emulator for the 92XX series. Now you can play up to 6000 games of your 9210. All the classics from R-Type to PacMan and more! The program emulates both 48K and 128K machines.

Features:
  • Fast emulation of 48K and 128K Spectrum hardware
  • Runs snapshot (.sna and .z80 format) and tape (.tap format) files
  • Speed control to speed up or slow down the emulator
  • Kempston, Sinclair and Cursor joystick modes supported




How to use
Spectrum image files in .sna, .z80 or .tap files can be played using ZX9200. Select Game Select from the Game menu, select an image file, then press PLAY to start the emulator with the file.

.sna or .z80 files are loaded directly into the emulated memory, and the emulator therefore starts up with the game already loaded.

.tap files are emulated tapes, and the emulator must be told when to start playing the emulated tape file. The emulator will start up without anything loaded. The tape can be started by typing LOAD "" into the emulator. This can be achieved by typing J, Chr-P, Chr-P.

ZX9200 Game Browser



The add-on GameBrowser comes with a database of 6006 compatible games. The database can be searched, and any game can be downloaded instantly over-the-air in under 3 minutes. In addition, .zip files which have been downloaded over-the-air, or via PC Suite can be opened directly. The GameBrowser requires an additional 85K storage space and costs $10 to register.

The software can be downloaded here:
http://www.wildpalm.co.uk/product/ZX9210_10.sis





More information: http://www.wildpalm.co.uk/zx9200.htm

Posted by Rafe on 30/01/2002   |   
Updates: SMS Jounal, Euro Converter, Kylom and more...

There have been a whole raft of small software updates from severl authors in the last few days. First up is an improved version of SMS Journal, second an updated Euro Converter from Eerola, third updates to all the Kylom programs and a new version of Mobile Integrator. The demos of Magic Line and Fisherman are now also available.

SMS Journal allows you to read and archive SMS messages from your Communicator on your PC. It is still in beta, new version available from http://www.karsten-seiferlin.de/html/communicator_software.html

EuroConverter from Thomas Eerola has also been updated to 1.13. Euro Converter is available from http://www.cs.tut.fi/~eerola/

All of the Kylom applications have been updated as a result of the bug free final release of Portfolio 1.02. Kylom announced that:
"Users of Monnaie and SideCalc are advised that they must reinstall the two applications with the new installation files available here. The reason is that the 3 applications share some components which were updated for Pocket Folio. The functionalities and version numbers of Monnaie and SideCalc are unchanged, but they carry new "build" numbers: 118 for Monnaie and 112 for SideCalc." and "Pocket Folio GOOD NEWS!! Version 1.02 is now available for download. The bugs identified in the first version have been fixed, and a few changes were made in various areas, improving the general comfort of use of the application. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

All the new versions can be downloaded from http://www.kylom.com

A new version of Mobile Integrator is also available. More details at http://www.ki-ag.de/

Finally (phew!) Magic Line and Fisherman demos are now available from Digital Red so you can now test the games before deciding whether to buy or not. See http://www.worldup.com/

Posted by Rafe on 30/01/2002   |   
Smallbase updated to 2.8

Smallbase the database software for the 9210 has been updated again! New CALC filed, a hotkey for each tbale, an update of the user manual, the usual bug fixes and some templates available for download (project management and task manager).

New Features:
  • New CALC field (calculate and store filtered Sum, Min, Max or Average from fields in other Tables)
  • Hotkey on each Table (recall you preferred Table with a single hotkey)
  • User Manual updated
  • Templates available - Project Management (Corisoft), Task Manager (Cato Hals)
  • Few bug fixes

    You can read All About ER6's comparitive review of Power Data and SmallBase here:

    /allabouter6-late/communicator/reviews/dbreview/dbreview.php

    You can donwload the new version here:
    http://corisoft.free.fr

    Posted by Rafe on 30/01/2002   |   

    •