Here's some good news! Currently, a lot is to be desired in the quality of locally developed enterprise mobile applications. It is comforting to know that, at last, Microsoft would be setting up a local R&D in the philippines and would initially focus on enterprise mobile applications.

DLSU, Microsoft put up R&D facility

By Alexander Villafania
INQ7.net
Last updated 07:36pm (Mla time) 09/22/2006

THE De La Salle University recently partnered with Microsoft Philippines to put up the first Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) in the Philippines.

The MIC will serve as a research and development laboratory for faculty and students of the DLSU College of Computer Studies (CSS). It will feature Microsoft development applications for the mobile platform.

The MIC will initially focus on R&D of programming tools or content publishing tools, enterprise-level mobile security and productivity tools.

Microsoft Southeast Asia President Chris Atkinson said mobile applications are becoming a major trend among enterprises, which points to the showcasing of mobile development applications in the DLSU MIC.

Atkinson said the company would like to explore opportunities in putting up its next MICs in other schools. "But we want to make sure first that the first MIC will be a success.”

DLSU CSS Dean Caslon Chua said the MIC will not be limited to just mobile platform development but could be used by students and faculty to develop applications desktop and server platform.

Though the MIC is not built as a business incubator, Chua said projects developed in the MIC can be reviewed for possible business ventures.

"Our focus is to give our students an opportunity to develop innovative applications that could perhaps have future benefits," Chua said.

Source: DLSU, Microsoft put up R&D facility - INQ7.net

Posted at MoDaCo is news of a new Windows Mobile device being developed that would succeed the HTC Universal(AKA Dopod 900, I-Mate Jasjar and O2 XDA Exec) planned to be launched between the end of the year to early next year. I've always wanted a Dopod 900, but have had second thoughts since it doesnt support HSDPA, which I want to take advantage of when i use my Windows Mobile phone as a modem for my laptop. The HTC Omni promises to be faster & thinner. I think id rather want to have this one than a Dopod 838 Pro!

After the slew of recent device announcements... HTC is now busily prepping the follow up to it's 'mini-laptop' form factor HTC Universal, better know as the SPV M5000, i-mate JASJAR, T-Mobile MDA Pro, O2 XDA Exec etc
The follow up to the Universal, codenamed the 'HTC Omni', is set to offer a similar design, VGA support once again, and boosted connectivity with HSDPA support.
The Intel processor is expected to make way for a Samsung unit (similar to that found in the HTC Hermes).
From a form factor perspective, the HTC Omni will be slightly thinner than the Universal. Additional hardware buttons make an appearance, however an external LCD - a popular user request on the Universal - is not included in current designs.
The device will ship late '06 / early '07 with at least Windows Mobile 5 AKU 3 as standard, which enables in the base OS a feature that is expected to be a unique selling point to the Omni... the facility to output to a projector!
As the device is in early stages, much of the specification is still fluid... but it's sure to be a winner amongst existing Universal owners, who are understandably reluctant to give up their VGA screens!
Paul O'Brien - Microsoft MVP, Mobile Devices - MoDaCo.network Founder

Source: HTC preps 'Omni' successor to Universal - MoDaCo

One thing that got me hooked on Microsoft Windows Vista is its ALT-Tab replacement which lets the open windows queue in a 3D veiw. Beats the Mac's Exposé anytime. Now XP users can experience the same thing - if you have a good graphics card and decent CPU and RAM, that is.

Check out Topdesk and try out their demo version.

My mobile phone numbers are down. For two days the Smart Communications network service has been erratic, specific only to its Multiline SIM users, according to customer service when i inquired at my nearest Smart Wireless Center. This is really annoying! If this happens to me again, im switching to Globe.

For those trying to get in touch with me through my cell phone, please send me an email or IM me using Windows Live Messenger at norbert@aquende.com, which also happens to be my Windows Live ID.  

I have always belived i& advocated mobile & wireless communications but I have often thought to myself that maybe there is a such a thing as "too much" - that sometimes one must disconnect and go offline in order not to loose touch of being purely human without the electronic tools that extend our influence. Seems that this survey may prove me wrong.

38% of Executives Surveyed Believe They Spend Too Much Time Connected to Mobile Devices

- More than Four-Fifths Say They Are Always Connected to Work through Mobile Devices -

LOS ANGELES, August 24, 2006 – The vast majority (81 percent) of more than 2,300 global executives surveyed say they are connected to work through mobile devices (cell phone, PDA, laptop or pager) all of the time, according to the latest Executive Quiz from Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), the premier global provider of talent management solutions.

When asked whether they believe they spend too much time connected to communications devices, more than one-third (38 percent) of executives surveyed strongly agreed. However, more than three-quarters (77 percent) of respondents believe that mobile communications devices primarily enhance work/life balance rather than impede it.

The Executive Quiz also examined how executives feel about the rate at which children adapt to technology developments. An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents believe that children have an advantage over adults in incorporating new technology into their lives.

“Communications devices have become an increasingly ubiquitous part of our daily lives,” said Richard Spitz, global managing director of Korn/Ferry’s Technology Market. “They serve as a conduit for communicating with colleagues, business associates, family and friends around the world, allowing us to interact instantaneously. Given the countless number of gadgets available now and in recent years, it is also not surprising that younger generations embrace new technologies more quickly than adults.”

Methodology
The Korn/Ferry International Executive Quiz is based on a global survey of executives registered within the firm’s online Executive Center, ekornferry.com. Respondents from 75 countries, representing a wide spectrum of industries and functional areas, participated in the most recent Executive Quiz between June and July 2006.

About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry International, with more than 70 offices in 40 countries, is the premier global provider of talent management solutions.Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent.

Media Contact:
Lana Rushing
(310) 226-6318
lana.rushing@kornferry.com

Source: Korn/Ferry International

HTC has just released their product roadmap for the rest of the year, featuring two Pocket PCs and two Smartphones. For the Pocket PCs, we have a GPS device and a 02 Mini replacement with 3G HSDPA. For the Smartphones, we have a blackberry-killer and a sleek looking low end device.

No 3G HSDPA Qwerty VGA GPS with built-in microdrive device and PTT(Push to talk)? How sad!

All four of these phones have had their fair share of leaks, but now HTC is ready to fess up and assign some names to their Q4 lineup of phones, which is all set to bust up on Europe this fall. Starting from the left we've got the S3300, codenamed Artemis, which is due for an October launch, and features TomTom software to power the GPS action, along with a 2.8-inch screen and a snazzy new "RollRTM" trackball / track wheel. The P3600 (aka Trinity) picks up where the Prophet and Magician left off with a bit of bulk, some cute looks, but sadly no QWERTY action. The phone does, however, manage HSDPA speeds and a 2 megapixel camera, so it won't be all tears when this thing drops in September. Next we have the Q-killin' "Excalibur" S620, which measures a mere 0.5-inches thick, weighs 4.6 ounces, and manages that lovable QWERTY keyboard and 2.4-inch screen. The phone, due for an October launch, will also come with quad band GPRS/EDGE (3G is conspicuously absent), WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, HTC's S310 "Oxygen" candybar isn't anything too terribly interesting, but it's a nice new look for HTC candybar fans who found the HTC Breeze to be a bit too squarish. The S310 should be out this September. Possibly the best news among all this action is that it seems HTC has decided to abandon the frightening naming convention they adopted for the "TyTN" and "MTeoR." That was a slippery slope if we ever saw one. The worst news is, of course, HTC is only self-branding these phones in Europe right now, and will be letting US carriers adulterate these phones with garish branding and spec drops before we ever get a chance at 'em. Oh well, such is life. Keep reading for entirely-too-large pr0n of all four phones at their shiniest.

Source: Engadget

Jim Allchin, Microsoft's Platforms & Services Co-President announced that the much awaited Windows Vista RC1 is complete. Finally, the end of beta and the beggining of release candidates. As if theres a difference

To the TechBeta community:

It’s official — Windows Vista RC1 is done! 

We could not have achieved this milestone without your support.  The quantity and quality of feedback and data we received from you has been essential to helping us progress.  Thus we wanted you to be the first customers outside of Microsoft to get access to the bits.  Next week, a broader set of technical customers will get them via MSDN and TechNet.  But you’re the first!  We wanted to get it into your hands asap so you can start giving us feedback right away.

You’ll notice a lot of improvements since Beta 2.  We’ve made some UI adjustments, added more device drivers, and enhanced performance.  We’re not done yet, however — quality will continue to improve.  We’ll keep plugging away on application compatibility, as well as fit and finish, until RTM.  If you are an ISV, RC1 is the build you should use for certifying your application.

The operating system is in great shape with RC1, but there’s still a lot of testing to do.  You’ve come through for us so far, and I’m asking you to once again put the pedal to the metal and send us feedback.  Windows Vista is going to touch hundreds of millions of lives all around the world.  Thanks for everything you’re doing to help us give them the best experience possible.

jim

Source: Windows Vista Team Blog

There will be another Philippines Opensource Conference this coming October 26-28 at the Shangri-La Edsa Hotel. Interestingly, unlike in the last Open Source Conference in 2004, Microsoft would not be present as a sponsor. This is so dissapointing. I was hoping to play with an XBox 360 on the exhibit floor

Here are the details of the conference:

Conference Programs

Exhibit

• Three (3) Day Exhibit
• Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-la
• Open to Public (Free)
• Registration Required

View Floor Plan...

Conference

• Three Tracks Format
• Parallel Talks (Business Applications, Programming and Systems Development, and Voice and Telephony)

View Full Details...

Special Events

• Birds of Feather
• Hands-On Training
• POSITIVE Training
• Open Minds General Assembly

Source: Philippine Open Source Conference

Today my application to be a beta tester for Microsoft Windows Live WiFi has been accepted, and I have eagerly installed the software on my Windows XP laptop.

Here is a screenshot showing the Windows Live WiFi Center.

Spanning the area across the top, you would see a dashboard-like display indicating the wireless network name ("Home" in this example), duration of the connection, a padlock icon to indicate if the connection is secure, a heart to indicate if the network is tagged as a favorite, and the signal strength.

The Managed Network tab is showing all of the wireless networks I connected to. It can show me which networks I last connected to and I can tag certain networks as a Favorite. 

Here on the Available Networks tab, you could see the status of the available networks including the one im currently connected to. Details such as the signal quality, security type (im on WPA2-AES, so dont think of going near my place to freeload on my wireless internet ), and other details.

In the Find Hotspots tab, you could perform a search for wireles hotspots.

Surprisingly, it could search hotspots in the philippines - including AirborneAccess, Globe Wiz and free access! Clicking on the hotspot details, you would be presented with a dialog box which would show more information about that individual hotspot like if the location has food, bevarages, restrooms, smoking and power outlets. Wow! Bad thing is, the data is not updated :(. It also has a feature that can show driving directions through using a Map powered by Windows Live Earth. But its useless because there's no road detail for the Philippines yet.

This looks to be a promising and essential software for most of our road warriors running on Windows. But I belive that it is very important for them to update the wireless hotspot database for it to be really useful. Another important feature I havn't tried is its capability to secure connections on unsecured hotspots like in coffee shops, restaurants and airports using VPN technology. I hope to try it soon once i find myslef in the nearest Starbuck's or, my new favorite, Coffee Bean & Tea leaf.

Seems Dopod is going to take over the Philippine Windows Mobile market very soon. Just posted in the Dopod Asia website are positions for Product Manager, Customer Service Engineer & Retail/Channel Account Manager for the Philippines and other South East Asian Countries. I feel that, very soon, I would be singing "It's raining Dopod 838 Pros!".

How did I find out about this? I used a feature on Windows Live Search where I could subscribe to RSS on each search query I want. Therefore, I could be immediately notified of new content once its detected by Live Search. I have the search query "dopod philippines" and subscribed on its RSS from Internet Explorer 7 RC1. I dont think Yahoo or Google has this.

Dopod International Corp. Ltd was founded in 2004 and has established a leading position in the smartphone/PDA phone industry within a short period of time. Leveraging on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platform, Dopod handsets deliver maximum value to consumers by utilizing and leveraging on the strength and technical expertise of Microsoft and HTC. To cope with our expansion in South East Asia, we invite high caliber candidates to apply for the following positions:

Product Manager (one vacancy in each country: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate mobile phone testing with major telecom operators in SEA
• Troubleshoot and feedback on any issues relating to technical testing of handsets.

Requirements

• Responsible for SEA countries
• Familiar with telecom Local Type Approval (LTA) in SEA countries
• 1-2 years experience in IT product management a definite advantage
• Familiar with Windows Mobile platform and products
• Experience with operator setting / testing a definite plus
• Possess strong project management skills
• Minimum Diploma / Degree in engineering-related field

---

Customer Service Engineer (one vacancy in each country: Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with service providers and distributors in maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, maintain the cost effectiveness of spare parts and buffer stock planning and generating management reports.
• Supervise shop floor repair process, ensuring safety discipline and high standard of work.
• Communicate with product marketing, and call centre to highlight issues for better product quality and user satisfaction.

Requirements

• At least 5 years experience in RMA, reverse logistics process in consumer electronics industry.
• Diploma / degree in electrical or electronics engineering preferred.
• Fluent in English and Mandarin
• Can work independently and travel to other SEA countries to support local operations.
• Diploma / Degree in EE or IE or engineering related field.
• Experience with WinCE or PPC platform is SIGNIFICANT advantage
• Software development and debugging skills
• Telecom operator testing experience is preferred
• Strong project management skills
• High analytical ability in order to research technical issues and generate creative/innovative solutions.

---

Retail / Channel Account Manager (one vacancy in each country: Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines)

Responsibilities

• Account management of smart phone / PDA phone distributors. Planning/forecasting of order and implementation of sales/marketing plan.
• Managing and executing channel/retailer strategy.

Requirements

• At least 3 year’s experience in well-known IT / telecoms company, channel management experience is a must.
• At least 1 year’s experience in supervisory position.
• Can work independently and travel to other SEA countries to support local market operations.

Aggressive, result-oriented and willing to take up the challenge of growing with a new company

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Interested candidates are invited to send their detailed resume to julia@dopod.com.tw

Source: Dopod International Corp.