Ezine 184 – Windows Phone 7 Series

Windows Phone 7 Series

• Microsoft’s New Phone
• More Readers’ Recommendations
• Guy’s Own Recommendations
• Will and Guy’s Humour – Plodsworth

Microsoft’s New Phone

Microsoft has announced this week that the Windows Phone 7 Series will replace the out-of-favour Windows Mobile.  Based on a cut-down version of the Windows 7 operating system, this new phone will integrate with Xbox Live and Zune.  The design appeal comes from a screen with 6 live tiles which give instant access to friends, events, pictures and games.  Another tile will act as a music+video hub featuring the best of Zune HD.  Naturally, there will also be a mobile version of Microsoft Office, but the most impressive aspect is the way you can personalize these live tiles on your phone so as to combine both work and leisure activities.

Crucially mobile companies like AT&T, Orange, Vodafone, Spring and T-Mobile are supporting Windows Phone 7 Series.  Microsoft is also working on the handset with its hardware partners Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba.

Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer says, "Windows Phone 7 Series marks a turning point toward phones that truly reflect the speed of people’s lives and their need to connect to other people and all kinds of seamless experiences."  However, this announcement of the features and specification come about 6 months before you can actually buy the product, but if you are thinking of buying a RIM or Apple smart-phone, then maybe it will be worth waiting to at least test a Windows Phone 7 Mobile.  Meanwhile, see more about the Windows Phone 7 Series here.

More Readers’ Recommendations

Any-Video-Converter – Nick’s Recommendation

This freeware is useful for not only converting files between formats, but also for trimming videos then merging clips into one file.  Any-Video-Converter supports most common formats including AVI, FLV, MOV, MP4, MPG, M2TS, MTS, RM, RMVB, QT, and WMV.

One result is that you could watch uTube videos on TV, another benefit is you can load a variety of video formats onto your cellphone (mobile).  See more about the Any-Video-Converter.

LanTricks – William’s Recommendation

At LanTricks you get a whole suite of utilities.  For example LanSpy is a TCP and UDP port scanner which provides information about Servers, NetBios names, Mac Addresses and more useful information to check the security of your network.  If you look around LanTricks you will discover other free utilities, I particularly liked the Remote Process Explorer.   See LanTricks here.

Cibecs – Geoffrey’s Recommendation

This is what Geoffrey says: I have a utility called Cibecs to recommend. It is related to desktop backup. It is the best designed and easy to use tool I have come across. It uses binary level patching to optimize space requirements and speed up the backup process. They also use open file technology so you do not have to close anything. Another bonus is the fact that they have shortcuts to popular folders and you can specify filters to exclude/include any type of file.  See Cibecs here.

Guy Recommends: Tools4ever’s UMRA

Tired of writing scripts? The User Management Resource Administrator solution by Tools4ever offers an alternative to time-consuming manual processes.

It features 100% auto provisioning, Helpdesk Delegation, Connectors to more than 130 systems/applications, Workflow Management, Self Service and many other benefits. Click on the link for more information onUMRA.

Will and Guy’s Humour

Plodsworth is a word that Will and Guy have invented to describe over-zealous police.  While the terms ‘Plod’ and ‘Jobsworth’ may be unfamiliar to readers outside the UK, the presence of nit-picking lawmen will be all too prevalent wherever you live.

American Plodsworth – OAP Fined for Being Too Slow

A pensioner using a walking stick has been fined for crossing the road too slowly reports The Scotsman. Mayvis Coyle, 82, said she began shuffling across a busy five-lane street in San Fernando Valley, California, when the pedestrian light was green, but she was stopped by a policeman when she failed to reach the other side before the light turned red.

He issued the pensioner a $115USD [£65] ticket and said she was obstructing traffic. Mrs Coyle, who is contesting the ticket, said, ‘I think it is completely outrageous. He treated me like a six-year-old.’ A plodsworth said they were cracking down on people who disobeyed traffic signals because of the high number of pedestrian accidents.

See plodsworth’s operation ‘Own Goal’.

Windows 8 Features:

• Windows 8 New Features   • Windows 8 Metro UI  • Windows 8 Tips  • Windows 8 FAQ  • Ezines

•Free Netflow Traffic Analyzer  • Windows 8 Home  • E 179 Hide Accounts  • E 187 Easy Transfer

• E 186 Deprecated  • E 184 Windows Phone  • E 180 Godmode • Orion IP SLA Manager Download