PalmAddicts

Review: OtterBox Defender Series for the BlackBerry Tour 9630

I love my mobile devices.  One thing that I’ve noticed over the years is that no matter how careful or attentive I can be on the whereabouts and condition of my device, there have always been one or two momentarily lapses where my device accidentally slips from my grip or it’s position on a table and/or suffers a great fall.  All it takes is a second or two of clumsiness or about 3 or 4 feet of height to destroy a unit.  That’s not a lot of grace for an investment that is needed to communicate and, in most cases, manage your life.

The OtterBox Defender Series for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 is a heaven-sent solution for anyone who cares for their BlackBerry and wants to protect it from those moments of mishandling or misjudgment. One definitely gets more for his money when it comes to purchasing this case for the added lifelong protection of your smartphone.

The OtterBox Defender is very impressive!  I’ve tested and purchased more cases than I care to enumerate over the years, however, with the Defender covering my Tour, my co-workers have been very open in expressing how much they love this case!  I feel as if I’ve become an OtterBox Evanglist...but, I can remain silent, if necessary, as the product speaks for itself.

Out of the box, the user is amazed at the quality of each of the levels of protection offered.  The first set is a clear, protective covering for the keyboard.  This is great for keeping all the dust motes and food particles and any number of minute vagrants away from your keyboard.  In the past, I’d try to wipe or blow away the dirt and dust, but I always had the uneasy feeling that there was so much embedded underneath beyond my reach.  With this first layer of covering, you don’t ever have to worry about this problem.  If the minutest details say a lot about the thought and energy that went into the creation and execution of the layers of protection,  then the additional nub over the “D/5” key included in this layer says volumes.

The second layer of protection is the actual casing.  The hard-shell casing encompasses the unit tightly.  Each of the entry points or openings is carefully protected.  The speakers have a paper-thin, but sturdy layer covering the opening.  My personal tests show that there is no significant loss in sound quality in spite of being covered over.  An opening for the jack and USB port are cutaway to accommodate one’s listening and charging routine.  Additionally, the screen is covered by hard plastic with a clear finish that doesn’t detract from the Tour’s vibrant screen.

The third layer is a thin, silicone/rubber covering that envelopes the hard case.  This adds a smooth finish to the sturdy construction of the second layer.  Moreover, each of the cutaways for the jack and USB port are covered by a silicone “door” that allows users to easily plug into or cover and protect these openings.  When one runs their fingers across this strong but supple silicone, there are raised areas which designate pressure points for the volume control, mute and on/off buttons. The third layer is complemented by the cool “OtterBox” logo which graces the back of the unit.

When all of these layers of protection are carefully placed together, it makes for a remarkable case like no other.  Given the numerous layers added, I must say that I was surprised at how little the thickness of the entire set of layers added to the overall feel and weight of the Tour.  Finally, the robust holster is both stylish and rugged accentuating the case and serves as a great finishing touch.

My experience with the OtterBox these past few weeks has been nothing short of incredible.  Not only does the case serve as an eye-catching accessory that people will notice, but it will be your BlackBerry’s best friend and bodyguard. If you love your BlackBerry and are mindful of protecting this costly investment, then the OtterBox is your best solution that will go a long way to taking care of it. 

Find out more about what other mobile devices the OtterBox can cover HERE.

 

Highly Recommended!

 

An Essential App for BlackBerry and Android Users: DriveSafe.ly

 

I live in northern Virginia and work with a government-issued smartphone.  Recently, President Barack Obama issued a presidential order banning the use of government-issued mobile units while driving.

When I first heard about the new software, DriveSafe.ly from iSpeech, a relative newcomer to the mobile software market, I was hesitant.  I’ve had experience with text to speech software and it wasn’t all too great.  In fact, it was quite discouraging.  I encountered problems such as an unstable application; text and content being misread on a regular basis; robotic voicing reading my content, making the end-user experience rather stale and dry.  Too often I’d end up deciphering what was being “said” by the software which took more energy to listen than it was to simply read.

I’m glad to say that iSpeech’s first foray into the mobile market is a great success.  There is a free and premium version available for everyone.  Of course, the premium version is much more feature-rich and offers users much more options.  But, at the low price of $13.95 for a one-time, lifetime license, this is an app made in heaven for people who drive or commute.

DriveSafe.ly converts SMS text messages and incoming email messages into audible and conversational read-aloud content without the end-user automobile driver not having to touch a single button.  This is great for those who need to listen to their email as they drive or commute to work.  In many states today, it is illegal to text, read emails or make calls on your smartphone. 

DriveSafe.ly is a safe alternative to taking your eyes off of the road in order to attend to incoming messages.  With DriveSafe.ly, users can decide if a text or email message needs to be responded to immediately or not.  If it is the latter, the driver has been informed and can choose to turn off the road or park off to the side to address correspondence that needs immediate attention.  My commute is 110 miles round trip, so this is a great and handy tool that enables me not only to be compliant to state traffic laws but to also remain mindful of any urgent messages that may come my way.

The slick and professional interface is intuitive and promotes the ease-of-use.  DriveSafe.ly can be used not only for people driving, but for those who are commuting on a bus or train.  The software easily pairs with a Bluetooth headset or earpiece.  Alternatively, users can choose to use the smartphone built-in speakers.  Free-users can enjoy a maximum of 25 words to be read aloud while premium-users enjoy a maximum of 500 words.

Another cool feature with the premium version is that the gender of the author of the incoming email is recognized and DriveSafe.ly will automatically match the gender of the voice reading your email to you.  How cool is that?

End-users can also customize an auto-response to explain to those sending emails or IMs to you why you aren’t available and when you’ll get back to them.  Think of it as a mobile version of your corporate email client’s “Out of the Office responder” but it’s more like an “I’m Currently Driving” responder.  For example, users can set their auto-response to explain “I’m currently on the road.  I will be able to address any correspondence after 7 pm”.  The developers of DriveSafe.ly were also savvy enough to include messaging short cuts to be read aloud for the convenience of the listener.  For example, “LOL” will be read to you as “laughing out loud”.  How cool is that?

Although the DriveSafe.ly has initiated its first public version, it is incredibly feature-rich and is as intuitive as it is helpful.  This software is a winner and the developers have opened the doors to a vast array of future development.  This is a no-brainer, essential application that everyone who has a BlackBerry or Android smartphone needs to buy NOW!  Not only does this application help you to remain compliant to federal and state law, it helps users to safely manage incoming instant or email messages while driving or commuting to work.

Get a free download of DriveSafe.ly here. 

Highly Recommended!

PhoneFace – Reaching Out Was Never THIS Fun!

PhoneFace is an incredible application that allows smarthphone users on the BlackBerry, iPhone and Android email, call or text the important people in their day-to-day lives.  The user interface is simple and intuitive.  I assign one of the side buttons on my BlackBerry Tour 9630 so I can have easy access to launching this wonderful application.

Once the application is launched, users can either scroll through the names previously populated into the app or they can type in the first letter of either the first or last names and PhoneFace will take you their with lightening fast speed!

PhoneFace gives a variety of options in tagging and identifying people in the address book.  The developers have installed avatars that users can assign to their friends, families or businesses.  Or, users can choose to either upload or search for a picture.  The latter functionality is one of my favorites, as PhoneFace will search my FaceBook and/or Twitter accounts that the people in my address book have and use that picture on my PhoneFace app.  Moreover, as FaceBook or Twitter owners change their profile pictures, PhoneFace automatically updates those pictures on your phone!

Another great feature that PhoneFace provides is the ability to choose what mode of communication you want to send out your message.  When choosing someone you want to contact, a menu of options overlays the picture offering a host of choices to send your message:  call (work, home or mobile), text message or email.  Contacting your co-workers, friends and family has never been easier in one, compact application!

PhoneFace is a user-friendly software that makes communicating with others fast and fun.  No other app allows you to quickly call up all the pertinent contact information you need to send out a message.  Moreover, the slick and intuitive user-interface perfectly marries practicality with functionality making this the perfect contact management application for your smartphone.

Five out of Five stars!

You can find out more about PhoneFace and other awesome software at http://www.electricpocket.com/

Podtrapper – Smart, Sophisticated and Essential

One of the essential apps I use every single day, is Versatile Monkey’s “Podtrapper”.  This is powerful software that allows users to schedule and listen to their favorite podcasts.  Podtrapper automatically pulls podcasts from their respective home sites and queues them for the listener.   Personally, I don’t have much time to sit at my computer and listen to a podcast.  But, with Podtrapper I can listen to my daily podcasts whenever I want wherever I want.

It is a great feeling not to worry about when a podcast is coming out.  With Podtrapper, that’s one less thing to worry about in the morning as I get dressed, make breakfast and get ready for work.  I can listen to my podcasts during my lunch breaks, on my commute or during an unexpected slowdown in the day. 

Moreover, subscribing to podcasts is almost as easy as setting it up on my home desktop’s iTunes software.  If you are a new subscriber to a podcast, Podtrapper can either download the entire library in its entirety or it can allow you to individually choose which podcasts you’d prefer to hear. 

Podtrapper’s slick interface is intuitive and easy on the eyes.  One of my favorite menu options allows me to send a log of the most recent activity to the developer in the event something goes wrong with the app or a user just has a general question about the software. 

Podtrapper offers some of the most expeditious and effective customer support I have ever experienced.  This is definitely software that the developer cares deeply about and the pride in his workmanship shows.

Podtrapper serves to fill the cup of information junkies (like myself) or the casual listener who taps into his favorite weekly show with scheduled, automatically downloaded podcasts.  This is an application for those who want their information on the go and for those who just want to set the subscription and not worry about missing their favorite episode. With Podtrapper you can just ”set it and forget it”. This is a “can’t miss” piece of software that everyone who loves podcasts MUST buy!  Podtrapper is a sharp and sophisticated software that is money well-spent. 

Five out of Five Stars!

You can find out more about Podtrapper at www.versatilemonkey.com

Nintaii – Patience in Play

Over the years, I’ve not had too much success finding a game that I’ve enjoyed on my BlackBerry.  Oftentimes, I’m disappointed with the slow gameplay, ho-hum graphics and little entertainment value.

Mobigloo has developed a game that knocks out all competition available for the BlackBerry.  The name of the game, “Nintaii”, is a derivative of the Japanese kanji 'nintai' which means patience, perseverance, or endurance.  Playing this game, you’re going to need a lot of these qualities as you move and roll a stone block through paths filled with switches, roadblocks and arrows until you reach the ultimate goal for the level…to place the stone pillar into the hole at the other end of the game board. 

The interface of Nintaii is very simple.  A tutorial isn’t necessary as gameplay is intuitive an immediate. The initial stages serve as a built-in tutorial as players navigate through the board to the hole. The key to achieving success for each level is the strategic placement of the stone pillar from a vertical to horizontal position and vice versa.  There was many a time when I felt that the developers made a mistake as I thought that there was absolutely no way out to figure out the correct solution.  But, after much “stick-to-it-iveness”, I was able to find a solution. 

My ten year old son also loves to “help” Dad out at times. He loves to solve something that Dad can’t.  But, it works both ways.  He turns to me when he can’t figure out a solution.  We’ve reached level 75 so far.  There are a total of 100 levels that need to be conquered in this clever game of strategy and patience. 

Crisp graphics, cool sounds and a challenging yet entertaining gaming experience make Nintaii THE game to beat for BlackBerry owners.

Five out of Five stars!!

You can find out about Nintaii from www.mobigloo.com .  Nintaii is available for all BlackBerry resolutions.  I’ve tried this game on both the 8800 and the Tour and the game works perfectly.

The Momentum Series: Themes on the Move

Three new themes unlike any in the market today. 

I love eye-candy. I love anything that enhances the user-experience on the Blackberry Tour 9630.  However, eye-candy in motion is even better.  I have either bought or tested almost all of the animated themes available for the Blackberry.  I end up purchasing quite a few of these themes, to the chagrin of both wife and wallet.  While these themes tend to look very nice, some are notorious gas-guzzlers that take up a lot of room as well as eat up the battery life while functioning in the background.

TriMax84 has created a series of themes that, quite frankly, raises the bar pretty dang high.  He has created a first wave of themes uniquely designed to marry eye-candy, performance and functionality.  The series of themes TriMax84 has developed is appropriately called “Momentum”.

The Momentum Series has three styles of eye-catching movement accentuated by fresh, new, custom-made icons.

“Flyout” – this theme is my personal favorite and looks to be a “keeper” for a long time…that is, until the developer comes up with another wave of creativity.  In Flyout, there is a base of eight application icons to scroll through either left to right or vice versa.  A ninth icon is posted in the upper left hand corner.  This is a spot on the Tour’s screen that I found it best to display the weather icon.  Flyout includes a small “button” as it’s rightmost icon on the bottom of the screen which, when pressed, launches another 5 app icons that “flyout” from the bottom of the screen and curve upwards to the top-middle of the screen.

“Rotunda” – is a simply classy theme with a base of three app icons that stretch across the screen which tap into a rotunda that cycle through 10 more app icons.  Smack dab in the middle of the rotunda is a slot generally used for the placement of the weather app. 

“Glyde” – has 10 app icons that scroll up and down in an inverted arc on lower right hand corner which enables a set of 4 more icons shoot from the left to the right.  As with Flyout, there is a weather slot positioned in the upper left hand corner for easy visibility.

Under the Blackberry Tour’s current operating system version 4.7, both Flyout and Rotunda’s animation are crisp and clean.  Glyde, on the other hand, isn’t as smooth as it’s brothers.  However, the developer has informed me that the latest minor OS version upgrade (which I have yet to install) offers tighter animation for the Glyde.

The footprint for these themes is relatively small and there aren’t any memory leaks siphoning off much-needed battery life.  The Momentum Series of themes perfectly combine practical functionality with beautiful eye-candy wrapped in smooth animation.  With cool graphics and custom-made icons, these themes give your BlackBerry a professional and clean look you can be proud of.  All in all, this is the probably the best set of themes I’ve ever downloaded. 

Each theme in the series retails for only $6 and is worth every penny.  You can find out more about the Momentum Series from Crackberry.com or Mobihand.  Click on over!

The Return of Cool: BPlays Animated Themes

It’s been a while since I’ve contributed to the great PalmAddicts site. I got a new job (again) and moved across the country from one coast to the other. Needless to say, there has been a period of adjustment and mine is starting to flatten out which brings me back to writing again.

 

My new company gave me an enterprise version of a BlackBerry 8800 and I can definitely understand why it is aptly named “Crackberry”. While the bundled software that comes with the BlackBerry is “better than the average bear”, there is a wide variety of software available to personalize and jazz it up to your liking.

 

Today’s review starts off with the theme of “customized personalization” by highlighting a company known for a cool stable of games and skins. BPlay is one of the world’s foremost purveyors of all things related to BlackBerry software for your entertainment and perusal.

 

As far as I know, BPlay is the first company of its kind to come up with a series of animated themes. These unique themes are chock full of activity and will add a little pizzazz to your BlackBerry phone. First up, is the Saltwater theme.

 

The Saltwater theme gives the illusion of a mini-aquarium full of exotic salt water fish swimming across your screen. My initial impression after first launching this theme was “wow”. The simple underwater animation includes underwater flora taking center stage while various specie of fish swim across to and fro. Air bubbles continually flow to the surface further creating the illusion of lively underwater activity. The careful observer’s watchful eye will be rewarded by noting daily “Easter eggs” built into the theme. Each morning, you’ll notice changes in the seascape that serve to enhance and brighten up the user’s overall experience. Small details like these serve to highlight BPlay’s pride and creativity in coming out with a top-notch application.

 

After installation, there is a noticeable several seconds lag time. My guess is that this is due to the theme’s booting up onto the OS. Once installed, I notice no considerable lag time when launching applications or just freely moving across your BlackBerry screen, in general.

 

The other animated theme from BPlay I’d like to review is AirShow. AirShow boasts several jets and planes flying across your screen leaving behind a stream of smoke or sometimes overpopulating the screen and crowding one another’s airspace as several planes fly dangerously too close for comfort. The backdrop, as you may have correctly guessed, is a beautifully rendered sky filled with white, billowy clouds. This picturesque scene of calm is abruptly disturbed once the jets make their entrance. If an incoming call dials in, the screen changes over into a background of sunlight breaking through the clouds. Once your unit goes into screensaver or locked keypad mode the animation continues as jets and planes compete with one another with death-defying somersaults and fast and furious fly-overs.

 

However, there are a couple minor cons to these unique themes. While I await the upgraded BlackBerry OS version 4.5, I’m stuck using the standard version 4.2.1. While the graphics aren’t compromised by the lower OS, the animation suffers a little. After the user takes an incoming call, the animation seems to go into a non-ending loop of showing only one set of animation rather than the full suite. For example, after a call, the Saltwater theme only has one fish swimming across. Or, after a call is finished, the AirShow theme loops the singular animation of a jet flying diagonally downward or it skips the jet overall and just shows the trail of smoke it leaves behind in a never-ending loop. This can be easily rectified by restarting your phone or removing and reinstalling the battery, but who wants to do that after each incoming call? I’ll just wait for the new OS upgrade and enjoy the animation as they were meant to be enjoyed.

 

The last con would be the absence of sounds associated with the animation. A good underwater-like sound along with the bubbles arising, no matter how subtle it plays in the background would’ve been a nice addition. Moreover, the sounds of jets and planes whizzing by would’ve filled the only missing puzzle piece to perfectly round out the animated theme package. However, these are minor quibbles as BPlay has come out with series of great first offerings in a software field lacking such innovation and creativity.

 

My overall rating of each of the animated themes, collectively and individually:

9 out of 10 Stars!!!

 

You can find out more about BPlay.com HERE!

The Best Scripture Memory App Updated

I recently received a letter from the developer of Kalosive's MyVerses, which in my opinion is the best scripture memory aid for the PDA:

MyVerses 4.0 is now available. Upgrades are free to all registered Users! You can view a description of the new features available in this release by visiting www.kalosive.com/version40.html.

This new release may be quickly downloaded at www.kalosive.com/download.html. Version 4.0 is compatible with all prior versions and will install cleanly over your current version. It is compatible with your existing data and registration key.

You can check out MyVerses at www.kalosive.com to buy or test drive the software

Daily Quote updated and Special

Happy holidays! Just got this email from Tam Hanna regarding his great quotation software, Daily Quote:

Dear Friends and Customers, I am very proud to announce the release of Daily Quote 3.1 for Palm OS! This maintenance release is a free upgrade for all customers who currently own a licence of Daily Quote – just install it over the old version currently on your handheld after downloading it from the link given below!

Version 3.1 improves text quality in the ZLauncher plug-in significantly on HiRes and HiRes+ screens. The new turbo mode allows you to scroll quotes along the screen even faster!

Additionally, version 3.1 ships with two quote databases containing Christmas and New Year’s Eve quotes for your personal amusement.

In case you do not own Daily Quote yet, why not treat yourself to the best quote manager currently available for Palm OS? Download a free evaluation version from the link below, and send us an email for an exclusive 50% discount. Yes, you are right – Tamoggemon customers like you can get Daily Quote for just 5$!

As always, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your endless support. Without you, Tamoggemon would not be there where it is now! Should you ever have an issue with a Tamoggemon product(or a feature request) – just sent it my way!

Last but not least, Daily Quote 3.1 can be downloaded from here:

Best regards, merry Christmas and a great new year! Your Tam Hanna

P.S. Stay tuned – Daily Quote for PocketPC is coming in February(shhhh!!!:))!

You Gotta Check Out: Olive Tree's CEVL Bible

Olive Tree.com has been the software leader in providing users with top-quality, highly educational and divinely inspirational Christian content in the form of Bibles and biblical studies, tools and references. Their software crosses over to a multitude of mobile platforms as well as a host of different languages from many countries all over the world. Olive Tree offers a plethora of content that can be viewed in various formats. Olive Tree’s cutting-edge software allows users to view content as books, articles, maps, pictures and illustrations, animation and videos.

There simply is no other company that provides the wealth of choices for the seeker or the follower, novice in the faith or mature disciple. The content on Olive Tree’s site continues to grow as new material is regularly updated and added. OliveTree.com is THE choice for your source of Christian studies and Bibles for your PDA.

The Contemporary English Version Learning Bible is the work of the combined efforts of the editors and writers of this version and the CEV’s corresponding commentary.

In the Forward to the book Creating and Crafting the Contemporary English Version (1996), America Bible Society President Eugene B. Habecker describes the beginnings of this version:

Work on the CEV began in 1984 when Dr. Barclay Newman, Ph.D., a distinguished biblical scholar who had provided several decades of service as a translations consultant in the Asia Pacific Region of the United Bible Societies, first began to apply his considerable knowledge to his own first language—English. He meticulously studied the language that people, and especially children, used and were exposed to on a daily basis through books, magazines, newspapers, the movies, and television. This eclectic and careful study helped him to understand what terms and sentence structures were most understandable to people who used English in their day-to-day communication. He learned what sorts of constructions confused readers, and even more significantly, he learned which terms and grammatical constructions were likely to be misunderstood by people who heard texts being read aloud.

Those who do not have much of a religious or Christian background can manageably understand the CEV Learning Bible as it succeeds in simplifying the texts’ meaning. Additionally, the CEVL is also good source of deeper study and biblical exploration for more experienced readers. It was written with today’s modern sensibilities in mind. Moreover, the CEVL has writing that is very direct and imbued with more force whenever the text requires it.

A good example of this is taken from Hebrews 11:1: “Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see”.

As compared to another popular version of the Bible: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.

Although the meanings are similar, the Contemporary English Version Learning Bible’s text is written in a stronger imperative voice, expressing it with more command and affirmation.

One of the concerns with producing a modernized version of the Bible is the risk of filtering out the original meaning that the ancient writers’ intended. I have always encouraged those seeking to understand the truths of the Bible to read alternative versions to deepen, amplify and enrich their understanding on greater levels than if the reader had only read a singular version.

The Contemporary English Version Learning Bible comes with is a Bible and bible handbook in one! The CEVL comes equipped with many tools to enliven and strengthen the novice and veteran in their personal Scriptural study.

The commentary contains over 10,000 notes to assist readers in a deeper exploration of history, people, geography and the times. The commentary is divided into six helpful and informative categories:

· Geography · People and Nations · Objects, Plants, and Animals · History and Culture · Ideas and Concepts · Cross references

There are tons of Scriptural and contextual cross-references that lead you to other verses and articles to enrich your personal study.

The CEVL is a good addition to anyone’s biblical library. Its modern sensibility makes it easier for newcomers or seekers in Christianity to get an initial grasp of deep, spiritual meanings and concepts. Moreover, the added commentary and content truly makes this a great learning experience for novices and more experienced readers alike.

You can find out more about the Contemporary English Version Learning Bible and other products at OliveTree.com !