Mobile Tech Notes -- Motorola Q9m Updated, Spb Mobile Shell 2.0 Released, Vehicle Manager for Palm OS

Small Update Released for Motorola Q9m

Motorola has introduced a small system software update for the Q9m, a Windows Mobile smartphone now being offered by Verizon.

Exactly what is included in this is not known at this time, aside from the fact that it updates this model from Windows Mobile 6 AKU 0.2 to AKU 0.6.

To download this update visit Motorola's support web site.

Spb Mobile Shell 2.0 Now Available

Although many are happy with the way their smartphone or PDA looks, not everyone else is. For these people. Spb Software House has released a new version of Spb Mobile Shell, which serves as an alternate User Interface for Windows Mobile devices.

Its developer says version 2.0 "completely overhauls the innate Windows Mobile user interface, making it more direct, logical, and slick."

Spb Mobile Shell is compatible with Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC or higher. A free, 15-day trial can be downloaded, or Mobile Shell can be purchased for $29.95 from spbsoftwarehouse.com.

iambic Vehicle Manager Updated, Palm OS Version Released

With gas and maintenance prices going up month by month, getting a handle on where and what's been spent is more important than ever to motorists. iambic has released Vehicle Manager version 3.5 which brings several enhancements and new features, and also adds a Palm OS compatible option.

Vehicle Manager is an information manager for automobiles. It features the ability to store and search vehicle information such as insurance details, dealer contacts, Vehicle ID numbers, etc.; the ability to track fuel consumption and repair maintenance history; notifications for vehicle maintenance times; travel logs (for expense reporting); and a Quick Stats data analysis feature that gives statistics on average and last fuel economy, fuel consumption, and total cost of ownership.

Vehicle Manager is currently available for Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices. There is also a Windows Desktop version of Vehicle Manager available. For more information, and to download a trial version ($19.95 to purchase), visit the iambic web site.