Mobile Tech News -- iPAQ 210 Wi-Fi Patch, Bejeweled 2 Update, Helio and Opera Mini, and More

HP Releases iPAQ 210 Series Wi-Fi Patch

HP has released a Wi-Fi driver update for the iPAQ 210 Series which allows the device to better support roaming. Specifically, this Softpaq updates the iPAQ Wi-Fi driver so it switches access points when an access point with a better signal is in range.

It is compatable with the iPAQ 210, 212, 214, and 216 devices. It requires Windows XP or Vista in order to install the software update over ActiveSync or the Windows Mobile Device Center.

Users are advised to backup all data before performing this system update, and that not all iPAQ 2xx devices are supported by it.

For more information and to download this update, visit the HP Support web site.

Bejeweled 2 Receives Major Update

The popular Bejeweled 2 game from Astraware has been updated to version 1.30 for Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices. This adds support for 240x240 and 320x320 (Windows Mobile 6 only) screens. This release also supports 240x320 and 320x240 resolution non-touchscreen Windows Mobile Standard smartphones.

In addition, the Internet coding has been optimized for better performance, and compatablity with 5-way button or stylus play has been enhanced.

Bejeweled 2 v.1.30 is a free update for registered users ($19.95 to purchase). It can be downloaded from the Astaware web site.

Heilo Officially Offering Opera Mini Browser

In a move that help demonstrate that mobile browsing efforts are taking off in the U.S., the virtual mobile operator Helio is offering the Opera Mini web browser to its customers for select handsets. Previously, the Java-based browser was only available on Helio's devices through a complicated hack.

Helio Ocean customers can download the Opera Mni web browser by typing the shortcode "67372" (OPERA) on the idle screen, then selecting the flame icon and choosing to download Opera. Devices other than the Ocean may not be compatable with this release of Opera Mini.

ActiveCaptain Mobile Released for Palm OS

The ActiveCaptain wiki-based web site has launched a Palm OS-compatable application called ActiveCaptain Mobile. This is really three applications in one: chart archive, wireless access to NOAA and international (coming soon) charts, and a GPS-enabled chartplotter (GPS device needed).

ActiveCaptain Mobile available for Palm OS devices currently, with Windows Mobile and iPhone compatable releases later this year. For more information and to download, visit the ActiveCaptain web site.