Tag Archives: PalmOS

I Feel Stupid

Android, Apple, application, blackberry, Geek Culture, google, HP, HTC, iOS, IPAD, iPhone, Microsoft, mobile, Operating Systems, Palm, smartphone, tablet, Windows Phone 7, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Windows Phone 7Over the break, there’s been a bit of discussion by some of the big names regarding the reasons why Windows Phone 7 handsets haven’t been flying off the shelves this holiday season. Charlie Kindel started the debate with “Windows Phone is Superior; Why Hasn’t It Taken Off?” and largely faults the relationship between the OEMs, Microsoft and the carriers.

MG Siegler responded with a fairly weak response largely citing the mantra of “too late and not enough apps” but as can be seen from today’s news of 50,000 apps in the Windows Phone Marketplace, the latter argument really isn’t that valid.

As usual, Robert Scoble hits the nail on the head. People buy Android or iOS because it’s a safe bet and they don’t want to look stupid or uncool by buying something else. Microsoft Windows Phone 7 and RIM’s Blackberries simply don’t have the gold-plated appeal of a sure-thing.

And he’s right. I was a big Palm fan and look how that turned out. I do feel stupid. After spending years waiting for Palm to move from PalmOS to WebOS and then HP promising to do big things. I bought in with a succession of Pre phones and pre-ordered a TouchPad. Maybe I shouldn’t be so shallow and have a less of an ego, because WebOS is a great operating system and even with the smaller app selection, it does 99% of what I need a phone to do. But when everyone else is, “Have you got this app and that app” on their Galaxy S IIs and iPhone 4Ss, you do feel a bit of a chump.

So thanks, HP. I feel stupid.

Really Strong PalmOS Security

Dave's Muse, Operating Systems, Security, Software, Technical, , , ,

Tranzoa has released an updated version of it’s security application for PalmOS: OnlyMe. The new version works with PalmOS version 5 and all previous versions of the simple-to-use operating system.

OnlyMe stops people from trying one password after another. By preventing these brute force hacks the user can create a shorter, easier-to-remember password that would otherwise be required. In addition, OnlyMe stops incoming beams and unauthorized HotSyncs (both cabled or network).

The security app also locks the handheld after a set time or when powered off, preventing the user from accidentally forgetting to lock the system.

Passwords can be entered as screen taps, Graffiti (letters, digits, or both), or hardware buttons.

Dave’s Opinion
I’ve been using OnlyMe since the late 90s, and I just upgraded to the current version. It’s just as great as the previous versions. The interface hasn’t changed, so there was no learning curve, just install and go. I’ve tried a number of security apps on my various PalmOS handhelds, and OnlyMe is the only one that gives me a degree of comfort. I strongly recommend this application for all users who have a PalmOS handheld.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Tranzoa