Author Archive: Matt

Earthcomber finds local services without GPS

We just got this press release from Earthcomber. The Earthcomber service is only availale in the USA so this post is more relevant to our US visitors or those visiting the US. However it’s an interesting idea so you may still want to read on!

Earthcomber

Whether vacationing exotic locales or running errands around town, cell phone owners can use a new type of navigation service released today that spots personal needs or desires nearby.

The new service, Earthcomber, works on phones with basic internet access, and provides global positioning (GPS) alternatives for phones without it. Unlike most navigation programs, Earthcomber emphasizes discovery.

You can see all the types and what’s closest – Italian, BBQ, sushi, whatever – on one screen. No back-and forth.

With only a few taps, Earthcomber can quickly locate hundreds of different types of places and events, all arranged by distance to the individual’s location. For instance, clicking once on “Let’s Eat” finds all types of local cuisines at once. Clicking “Essentials” finds coffee, ATMs, WiFi spots and more.

“It’s okay to come out now, all you people who are afraid to use your phone for anything but calls,” said Jim Brady, president and founder of Earthcomber LLC. “We decided to make something fun and useful for cell phones that doesn’t take a teenager or computer scientist to operate. And what we came up with, after you try it a few times, is almost like checking your watch.”

Earthcomber originally produced the search/navigation hybrid for high-end Palm- and Windows Mobile devices. The new, simplified versions run on virtually any newer-model cell phone, Blackberry, or PDA. The service is free, aside from data charges by wireless networks.

A key distinction for Earthcomber, Brady said, is that it doesn’t require repetitious, manual search box entries, (although Earthcomber has a search box option). Also, Earthcomber doesn’t force people to look for one thing at a time. Instead, its patented method uses profiles – whole lists of popular or personalized interests.

“It’s perfect for situations like when you’re going to lunch with friends,” Brady said. “You can see all the types and what’s closest – Italian, BBQ, sushi, whatever – on one screen. No back-and forth.”

Like GPS programs, Earthcomber provides directions and map views, simplified for mobile browsers or phone systems. While most cell phones have GPS only for emergency use or at extra cost, Earthcomber gets around such limitations by providing GPS signal substitutes, using address, ZIP code, phone number or city selections.

The new version of Earthcomber offers a five-fold improvement in content, the company said, allowing users to quickly locate, map, and get directions to over 10 million places, including hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, live music, fast food, museums, historical sites, attractions, parks, lakes and trails, gas stations and more. Many spots have detailed editorial reviews and ratings from leading publishers of destination content.

Earthcomber also spots local movies, by proximity, searchable by title or theater.

For more information, visit www.earthcomber.com.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Earthcomber, Navigation, Tracy & Matt]

Pick up a great pack of card games with Astraware Solitaire

Astraware(R) is excited to announce their version of the classic card games pack – Astraware Solitaire for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) PDAs and Smartphones.

Astraware Solitaire

Astraware Solitaire features 12 of the most well-known and best-loved single player card games, chosen based on direct feedback and suggestions from Astraware customers. The games include Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, and Freecell, and to make the playing experience both familiar and fun, each game has custom gameplay options so everyone can enjoy the games using their favorite variation on the standard rules.

The game’s controls have been specially designed to be simple and comfortable with both stylus or 5-way play, and along with just the right balance of effects really make it easy to play and feel like you would when playing with a real pack of cards.

“We really wanted to capture the best things about Solitaire, easy to get into, enjoyable to play, and the nice feeling of playing with cards that sometimes computer games don’t capture.” Said Howard Tomlinson, Astraware CEO and Game Designer. “Playing just one game at a time is great, but we added the extra incentive of collecting trophies for various achievements within each of the games for those people who want to have a longer goal too. You can play straight off with the normal settings, or customise it in all kinds of ways – it’s your game, so we feel you should be able to play it the way you want to!”

PDAs and Smartphones are very personal and everyone loves to customise the look of their handheld. Astraware Solitaire also offers lots of choices including decorative backgrounds, changeable color themes, and a beautiful selection of cardbacks to enhance the look of your game.

Most important of all, there is a choice of card front including a familiar traditional set with beautiful face cards, and a clear card face which is better for those with visual impairments, or for playing in bright daylight.

If you like to track your progress, the game statistics will tell you how long you’ve played and how often you win, and Astraware Solitaire also includes a fun trophy system which unlocks extra card graphics and the highly sought-after golden trophy pack of cards. Once you’ve collected them all, you can even be use them to play with!

With 12 highly-absorbing, traditional card games, Astraware Solitaire is the perfect pastime for everyone’s handheld.

Astraware Solitaire is available for PDAs and Smartphones running Palm OS 5 (with hi-res screens), and Windows Mobile for Pocket PC and Smartphone 2003, 5.0 and 6.0, priced $19.95. To save $10 off the regular price, get Astraware Solitaire before 30th June 2007!

The complete list of games included is: Calculation, Canfield, Clock, Four Seasons, Freecell, Golf, Idiot’s Delight, Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Sultan’s Harem, and Yukon. To try Astraware Solitaire for yourself, visit the Astraware website: www.astraware.com/solitaire.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Tracy & Matt, Astraware, Solitaire]