Mobile Tech News -- Treo 680 Update, Free Geocaching App for S60, eReader Pro Now Free, and More

Software Update for Unlocked GSM Palm Treo 680 Smartphone

The Knowledge Base Library at the EU Palm web site has made mention that Palm is offering a software update for unlocked Palm Treo 680 models. The article does not go into detail as to what has been changed in this version 2.12 update compared to the version 1.12 update that was posted last month.

As with the previous update, this one includes enhancements to power saving, Microsoft Direct Push, SDHC memory card support, enhanced ringtone support, and the inclusion of three previous updates: Treo 680 Camera Update (January 2007), Treo 680 Security Patch (May 2007), and Treo 680 Unlocked GSM smartphone SMS Update (July 2007).

Users performing this update are advised to follow the instructions as presented on the knowledge base article; especially to make sure to perform a HotSync and fully charge the device before updating.

For more information on this update, see the Palm Knowledge Base article.

Trimble Creates Free Geocaching Application for Nokia Phones

Nokia has made a fair push in terms of integrating Nokia Maps and GPS into many of its N-series devices. Trimble looks to take advantage of this move by offering a free geocaching application. Trimble's Geocache Navigator is a free ad-supported application that uses the built-in GPS to display points as they are noted in the Groundspeak database.

This application is part of a LBS-advertising platform, which inserts location-based ads into cache search results. Users can interact with the ads in a variety of ways, including navigating to the nearest retail location and using mobile coupons.

Geocache Navigator can be downloaded from the Trimble web site.

eReader Pro Now Free

Fictionwise Inc. recently acquired eReader and its assets, and as a part of the transition, it has made all mobile versions of eReader Pro ebook reader free. This covers all versions of eReader Pro for Palm OS and Windows Mobile operating systems.

To download eReader Pro, visit the eReader or Fictionwise web sites.

GoodWin Launcher for Windows Mobile Updated

Windows Mobile devices have had suitable shells, or launchers, for some time. But since the introduction of the iPhone, several have duplicated and enhanced the type of user experience that the iPhone has set. GoodWin is one of these launchers and has recently seen an update that addresses a few new features and added stability.

Updates and improvements to GoodWin include a quicker startup time, speed improvements, and quicker switching between installed applications. It also supports new Today-style plug-ins that improve access to GoodWin and other frequently used applications.

GoodWin is available for $19.95 at http://iwindowsmobile.com. Current customers are eligible for a free upgrade.