Windows Phone Blog

Windows Phone Geocast: 4 Top Applications For My Weekend Road Trip

Michael Gannotti — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:56:35 GMT

Recently I published my Top 10 Apps for the Windows Phone platform. While they are my overall favorites my application usage changes depending on the scenario. As an example, while on a trip requiring air travel Bing is very important for its navigation capabilities. In the travel instance where I am using my own car that usage disappears as I utilize the dedicated GPS in my car.

This past weekend I traveled to Ohio to take my son back to college following his Christmas break. During that time I utilized 4 particular applications quite heavily.

Live Media GPS by IncaX (for creating Geocasts)
Glympse (for geo-position alerting to my Facebook and Twitter accounts)
Twikini (for Twitter updates and communication)
Facebook Application (strictly for uploading pictures and videos)

Now some of you might ask me how the Facebook application made this list while not making my top 10. Right now I only use it for mobile picture and video uploading tasks. I still use my HTC Ozone browser for all other Facebook interactions. I love the interface for the Facebook application and its rich functionality. Unfortunately it does not run well on my Ozone, being very slow to respond. So while it got a lot of use for mobile picture/video uploading in this scenario it still hasn't gotten my personal stamp of approval.

In the following geocast, created using IncaX Live Media GPS, I discuss why these 4 applications are my personal 4 favorites for trips. After watching that check out the Geocast and Photosynth I did while on my son’s college campus (Geocast And Photosynth: The Portiuncula in Winter), or watch any of the additional ones via the links below.
*click around the various control interfaces in the Geocast mashup

The the full size mashup from above here
View my posting Geocast And Photosynth: The Portiuncula in Winter

Other Geocasts form the trip:

To see the interactions I had on Facebook and Twitter:

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,WindowsPhone,Geocasting,Facebook,Twitter,SocialMedia,Gannotti,Technology,Mobility

My Top 2009 Windows Phone Apps Roundup And Reflections

Michael Gannotti — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:13:56 GMT

With the close of 2009 I posted a listing of my personal Top 10 Windows Phone applications. To close out the apps mini series I thought I would set the context for what determined the choices (probably should have done this up front), respond to several observations of the exclusion of some applications, and talk about my hopes for the upcoming 2010 Windows Phone wise.

On My 2009 Top 10 List:

I love using my Windows Phone. In daily use I am pretty evenly balanced in my use of it as a work device as well as for a mobile social media device. On the work front I require a device that is managed by our central IT organization in order to protect the sensitive data that may reside on it from time to time. I also need the device to be backed up and have its Enterprise usage be reflective of the Enterprise needs and usage patterns of my clients. I would love to focus my use and attention on cool, cutting edge only features but my professional role necessitates a device and applications that meet my daily professional work needs. Application such as Communicator which ties in to my works Unified Communications platform, MyPhone which backs up my data to the cloud, Microsoft Tag which I use on my business cards as well as in conjunction with live events I present at are all examples of applications that fit nicely with my work requirements.

On the social media front I look for application that can help keep me connected to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and others, as well as capture rich mobile data. The applications have to work well for me on the device that I have which is an HTC Ozone running Windows Phone 6.1. With the device not running the newer 6.5 and not possessing touch screen capabilities the access to applications that may fit the bill for me from the Windows Marketplace is somewhat limited. However, even on Windows Phone 6.1 with no touch screen there are some incredible applications that assist me in my day to day mobile social media efforts. Applications like LiveMedia GPS for geocasting, Glympse for geolocation notification, MySpace that has helped me begin to utilize again what had been a dormant MySpace account, and more.

When I finished posting my final application, Bing, two articles were brought to my attention that raised some valid questions about my choices, the Windows Phone application ecosystem. There was also some question as to why I omitted applications like the Facebook one and why I chose applications like Twikini over other competitor products. The two articles were 1 - “What ecosystem? Microsoft apps dominate its guru's WinMo picks“ and 2 - “Microsoft shill - Michael Gannotti - names top ten 10 Windows Mobile apps - an exercise in insincerity.”

In the first article author Todd Bishop points out that fully half of the applications I chose are Microsoft created applications and justly asks whether my choices point to a lack of a 3rd party ecosystem. The second article goes even further suggesting that the large amount of Microsoft applications is an indication of shameless promotion of Microsoft applications. In response I think it is important to note that my application choices are reflective of the applications I actually use on a regular basis on my HTC Ozone running Windows Phone 6.1. The device itself, while a fine reliable one, itself limits the choices available to me. My son runs an older Samsung i760 but because it has a touch screen the number of application available from the Marketplace is much larger than what is available to me. As far as an indication of of an issue with the 3rd party ecosystem I leave that for others to decide. My choices are purely based on me finding applications that meet a need I have and perform reasonably well in addressing my needs. Once I have stumbled across an application and like it I will stick with it until it gives me a reason to look elsewhere. As a Microsoft employee I have had access to some of the early pre-release builds of some of our mobile applications. Those I found I liked, such as MyPhone, I have latched on to and continue to use, especially if the price is right…. free. As far as broad availability of 3rd party applications I do know one has only to look to Handango and other similar sites to find a plentiful assortment of 3rd party developed applications. In my caser though with me using my device as much for work as for pleasure I think it should come as no surprise that half of my picks were developed by my employer Microsoft. I never said I was publishing THE top 10 Apps for Windows Phone. I would require a better up to date, and more capable, device, in order for me to properly evaluate many of the applications out there. Even if I did have such a device I would not have the time for such an exhaustive investigation as my actual job at Microsoft does NOT include evangelism activities or reviews.

There were also a few questions around my omission of applications as well as choosing certain apps over other. In one instance a person was surprised that I did not include the Facebook application for Windows Phone in the list. Developed by Microsoft it has been perhaps the most celebrated of the Microsoft mobile social media applications. Unfortunately for me it does not appear to function well on my particular device and I find myself still relying primarily on the mobile browser view of Facebook. I hope this will change in the future but for now that is the case. I was also asked why I chose Glympse over another geolocation service and why I chose Twikini over a rival application. In the case of Glympse I saw it the first day I installed the Marketplace. I installed it, it has functioned as advertised and I have used it ever since. With Twikini the second article went so far as to insinuate that I somehow know the folks personally at Twikini. I first started using Twikini when it was in beta. I think I may have seen a post on Twitter by someone about it. It has worked well for me, I don't personally know the staff there, and it has been updated regularly. There may very well be better applications out there but I have had no cause to explore further. Again I don’t work for the Windows Phone team, i don't get paid to do reviews, write-ups, or evangelization (I wish I did and if anyone knows how I could get a gig doing that let me know ;-) so if I stumble on an application and it works I stick with it.

On 2010:

With the advent of a new year I am very excited about what is in store on the mobile front. With completion amongst device makers, platform provides, and mobile carriers heating up the consumers will ultimately be the real winners. As a Microsoft employee my professional needs remain the same but I am looking forward to trying new more productive applications. I also look forward to seeing the release of newer more capable Windows Phone devices that allow an Enterprise user such as myself to have the best of both worlds and have a managed device that truly facilitates mobile social media. I am already having visions of things like LiveMedia GPS incorporation of Photosynths in its video/Bing maps mashups. The mobile device marketplace is heating up and I can’t wait to see what my top 10 apps will look like for this next year.

Where do you see the hot spots being for applications or direction for mobile application development? Do you have any favorite applications as we move in to 2010 that you think I should be checking out? I would love to hear from you on it! :-)

Well time for me to wrap this up. Here again is a consolidated listing of my personal Top 10 Windows Phone Application for 2009 with links to the videos covering them. I hope you all had a great New Years and have a great 2010!!

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,Mobility,SocialMedia,Gannotti,Technology

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 1 – Microsoft Bing

Michael Gannotti — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:03:30 GMT

Having saved my proverbial bacon more times than I can remember the Bing application for Windows Phone squeaks ahead in to my number one slot in my Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown. "The Bing app is your central stop for maps, directions, and local searches."

Well that wraps up my top 10 apps for this past year. My son is home from college for winter break and I have had a peak on his first generation HTC Touch and have seen that there are quite a few more applications available for touch screen Windows Phones than are available for my HTC Ozone running Windows 6.1. Do have a touch screen phone running Windows Mobile 6.5? If so what are your favorite applications?

Gotta run now. I am heading on a family vacation trip where I will be using my top 2 applications quite a bit. IncaX Live Media GPS will be used as part of capturing the whole event and we will be using Bing to navigate around the town. :-) Have a great New Years everyone and keep on living the Windows Phone mobile dream!

You can grab a copy of the Microsoft Bing for Windows Phone from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 2 – LiveMedia GPS by IncaX

Michael Gannotti — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:44:13 GMT

In the number 2 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is LiveMedia GPS by IncaX. Okay folks, between this application and my number one it was soooooo close. For pure coolness and usefulness in a variety of corporate scenarios to include use in the travel industry, R&D, events, and more LiveMedia GPS is my hands down, number one application. With LiveMedia GPS you can capture all the rich data, video and geolocation information around virtually anything. I personally use it all the time to create geocasts while traveling. Leveraging a stack of Microsoft technologies including, Windows Server, Bing Maps, Silverlight, and more, LiveMedia GPS loads as an application your your Windows Phone to provide for compelling mobile geocast scenarios. As a great example check out the Microsoft case study "U.S. Navy Research Exercise Demonstrates Microsoft®-based Mobile GPS Solution’s Potential"

You can check out some of my own geocasts on my blog on my geocast page here.

Check out the case study: "U.S. Navy Research Exercise Demonstrates Microsoft®-based Mobile GPS Solution’s Potential"
Download LiveMedia GPS for you Windows Phone here.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,IncaX,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Geocast,SocialMedia,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 3 – Twikini

Michael Gannotti — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:32:17 GMT

In the number 3 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is Twikini. I am an avid user of the Twitter SocialMedia web service. Twitter provides great functionality for ad hoc linkage, messaging, and such. When I am on the go I want a rich application that helps me leverage to power of Twitter and that is exactly what Twikini on my Windows Phone does for me.
From the Twikini site: "Twikini offers a powerful and efficient way to use Twitter on your phone. It conveniently updates your favorite feeds in the background, and leverages the camera, GPS, media, touch screen, keyboard, graphics and storage capabilities of your device."

I use Twikini throughout the day, every day. It is absolutely a staple of my everyday must have Windows Phone experience and for that it comes in at number 3 in my Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown.

You can get Twikini for your Windows Mobile device here.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 4 – Microsoft Tag

Michael Gannotti — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:54:24 GMT

In the number 4 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is a very cool application that brings a wealth of possibilities to events, the travel industry, and more. Microsoft Tag is a slick application that “transforms everyday things in the real world into live links to online information and entertainment.

From your mobile phone, simply snap or scan a Tag image anywhere you see it – in editorials, advertisements, product packaging, signs and storefronts – and gain instant access to Websites, videos, reviews, schedules, contact information, social networks, discounts, promotions and more!

All you need to do is download the free Tag reader on your web enabled camera phone and when you see a Tag, snap or scan it to interact with the world around you in new ways.”

With Tag:

Makes offline media (print ads, billboards, posters, television) and physical objects (product packages, storefronts, T-shirts, museum exhibits) interactive.
Dream up your scenario; engage with your audience in real time, in the real world; and know how successful you were.
Remember what you saw, and share it with friends.

You can grab a copy of the Microsoft Tag for Windows Phone from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 5 - Glympse

Michael Gannotti — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:05:29 GMT

In the number 5 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is a nifty application that combines geolocation services with SocialNetwork alerting, Glympse. From the Glympse site: "Glympse™ is a groundbreaking new way to share your location with anyone for a specified period of time using patent-pending GlympseWatch™ timer." You can grab the Glympse application for your Windows Phone device from the Windows Marketplace for mobile.

You can grab a copy of the Windows Live application for Windows Phone from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 6 - Windows Live

Michael Gannotti — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:37:51 GMT

In the number 6 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is the Windows Live App. The windows Live application for the Windows Phone brings all your Windows Live goodness together in one easy to use and navigate mobile experience. From one central spot you can search the web using the power of Bing, you can check the instant message status of your friends online, you can check, and send, email from your Live/Hotmail email account, and more. Available as a free download via the Windows Marketplace for the Windows Phone platform it is another one of those applications that I don't leave home without.

You can grab a copy of the Windows Live application for Windows Phone from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Windows,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 7 - MySpace

Michael Gannotti — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:32:25 GMT

In the number 8 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is the MySpace App. The MySpace application for the Windows Phones provides a rich, interactive experience with your MySpace account. From it you can update status, check on MySpace friends, upload pictures and even video. If you have a MySpace account and a Windows phone then this is one application you must have.

You can grab a copy of MySpace from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,Mobility,SocialMedia,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 8 - MyPhone

Michael Gannotti — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:42:32 GMT

In the number 8 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is the Microsoft MyPhone App. The following description comes from the About page of the MyPhone site: "With the My Phone service, information on your Windows phone is backed-up to a password-protected web site hosted by Microsoft. If you lose your phone or upgrade to a new phone, you can restore your information easily."

You can grab a copy of MyPhone from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michaels Top 10 Mobile Apps: 9 - AP Mobile

Michael Gannotti — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:21:25 GMT

In the number 9 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is the AP Mobile App. The AP Mobile App allows you to keep up to date with the latest news from around the world in one convenient application. The AP Mobile App is available as a download on the Windows Mobile Marketplace.

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti,Technology

Michael’s Top 10 Mobile Apps: 10 - Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile

Michael Gannotti — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:33:57 GMT

In the number 10 slot for Michael's Top 10 Mobile Apps countdown is Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile 2007 R2. Mobile communicator allows you to keep in touch with your colleagues no matter where you are.

From the Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile 2007 R2 web page: “The 2007 R2 version of Microsoft® Office Communicator Mobile is an enterprise application for mobile devices that helps you quickly find and communicate with your colleagues. The application is designed to make communication easier and more accessible and includes real-time presence information, single number reach support and rich instant messaging (IM) capability all with a familiar look and feel similar to the desktop version of Microsoft Office Communicator.”

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,WindowsMobile,Mobility,Gannotti. SocialMedia,Technology,Communicator

Geocast: Michael’s Top 10 Windows Phone Apps - Kickoff

Michael Gannotti — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:16:05 GMT

As a mobile worker I rely heavily on the use of my HTC Ozone Windows Phone running on the Verizon network. The device allows me to communicate on the go with colleagues and clients. It allows me to interact with my social networks online as well as capture personal live events on the go. With all that I do using my Windows Phone I am often asked what applications do I find most useful.

In today’s Geocast I kick off a 10 part, 10 day, top 10 video series. Tomorrow, starting with number 10, I will count down through my personal top 10 Windows Phone applications. For each application I will introduce it, talk through it’s functionality and why I like it so much, demonstrate it, and tell you where/how to get it (hint: most can be gotten through the Windows Phone Marketplace).

Check out my geocast kickoff. You can also get started geocasting using the same Windows Phone phone application LiveMedia GPS by IncaX.

Click here to watch the geocast video

Michael Gannotti is a Technology Specialist for the Microsoft Corporation and the author of the blog SocialMedia Talk.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Mobility,WindowsMobile,Geocast,Gannotti. SocialMedia,Technology

How Do They Do That?: Ferrari GT on Windows phone

Gian Wilson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:42:59 GMT

Hi, I'm Gian Wilson – Gaming Product Manager in Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business. I plan to keep you up to date with what is going on in the world of Gaming on Windows phone, and from time to time I'll have some guest bloggers write some stuff as well.

This installment is from our good friends over at Gameloft. This is the first in the "How Do They Do That?" series and explains how Ferrari GT made its way on to Windows phone!

Enjoy!

Who hasn't dreamed of driving a Ferrari car? They are the benchmark when it comes to outstanding vehicles, and here at Gameloft, we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to drive one in the most realistic mobile game possible. Anytime and anywhere, all you have to do is use your Windows mobile phone to enter the world of the most famous car brand.

To create a 100% Ferrari game we worked close with Ferrari's engineers. Every car in the game is a Ferrari, even the traffic cars you pass on the road are in fact Ferrari 412s, a model from 1985.

Our game designers went to various locations such as Rome, Madrid, Los Angeles and New York City to accurately recreate these famous settings for each race, bringing you fully detailed environments.

You may think that small details are not needed when remodeling a car for a phone-sized screen, but the truth is that every car in the game has been modeled in complete high-definition 3D rendering before being re-sized to fit on your screen. Every car model was then individually submitted to the Ferrari engineer that created it, and was reworked until the engineer was satisfied with the virtual appearance of his creation.

For example, take a look at these 3D models for the Ferrari Testarossa:

Nice isn't it? Well, that's where the Testarossa you play in the game comes from!

Finally, we succeeded in creating the most realistic Ferrari game, but the spirit was still missing. What makes Ferrari is its heart and its history. So, we spoke to our contacts at Ferrari and obtained authorization to use the original Ferrari encyclopedia to add facts and information to every loading screen, bringing you the real story of the prancing horse company.

And all of this is now available for you on Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Windows Marketplace for Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1

Eric Nelson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:51:36 GMT

After last week’s news, I’m pleased to tell you that Windows Marketplace for Mobile has today reached another major milestone by adding support for Windows Mobile 6 and 6.1 devices. This is an especially proud day for Microsoft because it marks our fulfillment of the Marketplace vision that we put forth only 9 months ago at Mobile World Congress. Last week we expanded the Marketplace experience to the PC and updated the developer portal to include stronger anti-piracy protection features for developers. Today, Marketplace is delivering some great free new features that enhance and expand the Marketplace experience to even more Windows Mobile customers.

Now available for phones with Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1
Initially, Marketplace was available for the new Windows phones with Windows Mobile 6.5. Today, almost all people with phones running Windows Mobile 6.0 and above with a supporting data plan can now access Marketplace. We’re delighted to bring the benefits of Marketplace to even more people, and give Windows phone developers the opportunity to reach more than 30 million devices worldwide. To get Marketplace for a Windows Mobile 6.0 or 6.1 based device, customers can simply point their phone’s browser to http://mp.windowsphone.com to start the download process; from the Web, customers can visit http://windowsphone.com/getmarketplace or simply click here. Then browse and shop a wide range of quality applications for work and play; roughly 90% of the apps in our catalogue already support Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 devices.

Updated application catalog and software vendors

The activity we’re seeing on Marketplace continues to give us confidence that we’re delivering the right value to the right market. Customers and developers alike are responding well to our focus on quality, ease of use and flexibility – both in the shopping experience and in our relationship with the developer community. We now offer over 800 applications, more than three times the number we offered when Marketplace launched just over one month ago. Additionally, over 1,000 software vendors and counting are registered to deliver great applications for work and play on Marketplace.

Microsoft was among the first to make transparency a core tenet of our relationship with developers and we’re pleased to see others in the industry follow suit. We may not have built the first application store, but we did set out to pioneer a fresh Marketplace experience that we look forward to expanding upon in the months and years ahead.

New online marketing campaign

Over the past 9 months we’ve made some promises. We told you that we would bring to market a fresh take on the mobile application store that delivers strong value and opportunity for developers and a convenient and confident shopping experience for people, across their choice of handset and mobile operator. Today, Marketplace is flourishing and the new features described above further deliver against our vision for establishing a new mobile application market. To celebrate this latest milestone, we are launching a multi-faceted online marketing campaign to ensure people surfing the web are aware of all the high quality applications that our developers have made available for Windows Mobile 6, 6.1 and 6.5 based devices. As we said in October, in the coming months you will see more exciting news coming from Windows phones and Windows Marketplace for Mobile as we continue find new ways of improving the Windows phone experience for customers and creating new business opportunities for developers.

We’re just getting started!