Everyday Nerd

If you are like me, you love your Windows Mobile device - especially Mobile 6.  I have a few friends that have iphones, and they are constantly saying “your mobile device doesn’t have the same touch screen capability as the iphone.”   Well, yes… BUT!

Pictures on Flickr

Enter Pointui - Pointui brings a beautiful User Interface to the mobile device, along with some great eye candy.  I cannot describe it very well, and plus, they already have at their site!

I have installed this small app on my AT&T 8525, and it looks very nice - easy to use, and even impressed my iphone buddies!  This is definitely a keeper!

Check out the video:

More detail from their site: [Pointui]

The mobile Gmail application for Google Apps that used to only work if you had a Blackberry is now available for all mobile phones. Just go to m.google.com/a on your mobile phone and download “Mail by Google”. The application looks exactly like the recently released Gmail Mobile 1.5, except that it has a blue icon and supports Google Apps accounts. You’ll also notice that you can login with standard Gmail accounts.

I have tested on my AT&T 8525, and it works wonderfully!

Don’t have a GPS on your phone / mobile device?  No problem!  With the latest Google Mobile Maps, "The My Location feature takes information broadcast from mobile towers near you to approximate your current location on the map."

This feature is currently in beta, but I installed on my AT&T 8525, and it showed my location within a few hundred feet - very cool!

Video from Google’s site, explaining how it works:

Happy Mapping!

  VS 

There is a whole lot of talk going around about the iphone…  I’ve read, looked, and even played with one…  I’m trying to figure out one thing;  what does the iPhone  offer that Windows Mobile devices don’t already?

… yeah… 

• Touch screen… Check
• Email… Check
• Web… Check
• WiFi… Check
• Contacts… Check
• Calendar… Check
• Camera… Check
• Music Player… Check
• Bluetooth… Check
• Addon Apps… Check
• Price…  They can both be pretty high…

Let me know what you think!

It’s official!  I told you last week that Google was looking at purchasing GrandCentral.  Here’s a look at the GrandCentral FAQ regarding the acquisition:

Google Acquires GrandCentral Communications

GrandCentral is joining Google. We’re excited about this. Being part of Google will helps us make our vision of improved voice communications one step closer to reality and bring innovative communications services to millions of users around the world. This will also ensure that your GrandCentral number is here for the long run, and that no matter how often you move, change jobs or phone providers, everyone can still reach you through the same phone number.

We have put together below a quick Q&A about the acquisition, but as always, we encourage our users to leave us some feedback through the feedback button above.

Craig Walker & Vincent Paquet, GrandCentral Founders

Background

Q: What is GrandCentral?

A: Based in Fremont, California, GrandCentral provides an innovative web-based voice communications platform that helps you manage all your phones and phone numbers through one simple interface. You get a single phone number that forwards to all of your phones, giving you one number for life.

Q: Why did Google acquire GrandCentral?

A: Google acquired GrandCentral because its communications services fit into Google’s mission to organize the world’s information and to provide services and features that enhance the collaborative exchange of information between our users.

Q. What are the terms of the acquisition? How much did Google pay?

A. The terms of the acquisition are confidential and the deal is officially closed.

Q: What are Google’s plans for GrandCentral?

A: While Google will continue to beta test the GrandCentral service and support all existing customers, there are no specific product plans to discuss at this time.

GrandCentral Users

Q: Will Google continue to support GrandCentral customers?

A: GrandCentral will remain operational as will the site while we integrate with Google. Google will continue to support uninterrupted service for all current GrandCentral customers.

Q: Can I still sign up for a new GrandCentral account?

A: A limited number of users will be able to sign up for an invitation to participate in continued beta-testing of the service. You can request an invitation here.

Q: GrandCentral users have been able to upload sound files for their own ring back tones. Will this feature continue to be offered?

A. GrandCentral users will be able to choose from a selection of licensed sound files made available within the GrandCentral service, but will not be able to upload their own files.

I’m sure that GrandCentral is going to be integrated into Gmail, Docs, Apps, etc…  Can’t wait for all that!