Mobile Tech News -- Exchange Files with Nokia's Ovi, Voice Search in Google Maps, and More

Nokia Unveils Files on Ovi

Nokia has added yet another piece to its Ovi content offering with the addition of the Files on Ovi service. Basically a rebrand of the Avvenu service which Nokia purchased last year, this is a file-sharing service that lets users share files from their PC to a mobile device and vice versa using a secure connection.

Unlike many of Nokia's offerings, this service isn't limited to Symbin smartphones. It will work with most mobile phones built in the last few years. It requires a Windows XP or Vista PC.

Some of the features of Files on Ovi include:

• Retrieve multimedia and others files types from a host PC from the mobile device web browser
• Send digital content from the host PC to other PCs and mobile devices
• View documents and presentations from the Host PC without downloading them to the mobile device

Files on Ovi is a subscription service. Services plans are available for monthly and annual usage. Currently, Files on Ovi is a beta offering. However, there is a 60-day trial available for those who wish to investigate it.

For more information and to download, visit the Files on Ovi website.

Experimental Voice Search Feature Released for BlackBerry Version of Google Maps

Google constantly adds refinements to Google Maps Mobile, such as contacts integration and traffic updates in past releases. BlackBerry users now have a chance to try out the latest innovation: voice search.

The voice search feature uses the same voice engine as Google's GOOG-411 free directory assistance service, and lets BlackBerry users quickly find locations and points of interest using the Google Maps Mobile application.

To utilize the voice search feature, install the latest version of Google Maps Mobile on any supported BlackBerry device and then:

1. Press "0" to center the map view (using the MyLocation feature)
2. Press the left-side key and hold it while saying the name or type of business
3. Release the left-side key and wait for search results.

For more information about this new feature, or to download the application for any mobile device, visit the Google Maps Mobile website.

PocketMac RingtoneStudio for iPhone Debuts

PocketMac RingtoneStudio for iPhone is a ringtone creator for the iPhone that enables users to create ringtones from any movie or unprotected music file on Mac OS X systems.

It has a feature called EditingBay which allows users to select which 30 seconds of a clip is to be used for the ringtone. This does not require that the user know how to do sound clip editing, as the entire process is handled with a visual editor interface.

PocketMac RingtoneStudio for iPhone retails for $14.95, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard). For more information and to download, visit the PocketMac RingtoneStudio website.