Like many Windows Mobile, users I have longed for a nicer interface but not really found the one that offers the right balance of usability, performance and aesthetics. A company that appears to have sprung from nowhere, PointUI, claim to have come up with the ultimate user interface replacement for Windows Mobile. In a concise web site offering a handful of screen shots and a pair of red slippers (a la Wizard of Oz "There’s no place like home") they are offering this free, yes FREE (though donations gratefully received) application. So does PointUI Home deliver the promise of a new heart for your tin man or is it just a whirlwind of hype to make you follow their yellow brick road?
INTRODUCTION
WHAT’S HOT
- Designed to be a complete UI
- Easy to use with one hand
- Allows access to most of your device from a simple layout
- Update manager keeps you up to date
- Customisable to your own preference
- Great looking user interface
SETUP
To install PointUI Home an exe file installer can be run from your desktop.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Please watch this short video presentation of PointUI Home
Once installed PointUI will attach itself to your left soft key.
Opening the Home application offers a series of scrolling displays. Two time displays, one showing the date are included. Tapping either will open the standard Windows Mobile time settings screen.
Appointments and monthly calendar are part of the scrolling display. Tapping either will open the day view in your Windows Mobile Calendar.
Tasks and weather displays are included. Tapping tasks will open the standard Windows Mobile tasks view and the weather display can be used to access the weather settings, including location and scheduling.
Pressing the lock icon activates the device lock. This locks the screen and all buttons except power. The lock is switched off by stroking the screen in a downwards motion.
Wireless manager, power and back light settings can be accessed from home screen icons.
Mute and vibrate settings can be easily accessed from the volume icon.
The sound and call volume can also be changed using the thumb-friendly sliders.
The four icons at the bottom of the screen allow access to call history, email, SMS/MMS and media player.
Tapping the arrow at the bottom of the Home screen gives access to the ‘New’ screen to allow quick creation of most common items.
Pre defined favorite applications and currently running apps can be accessed.
The applications button takes you to your programs directory and allows you to navigate your program folders. An arrow and dot system at the bottom of the screen shows your position within the directory.
A stand alone update manager allows you to keep your PointUI Home fully up to date.
HELP SUPPORT
PointUI Home is a work in progress and is relying heavily on its users to beta test the early releases. A good level of information is available from the forum and a list of changes, updates and known issues is well maintained.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
BUGS AND WISHES
Configuring PointUI Home to meet your personal preferences requires the modification of registry keys. It would be nice if these preferences could be bundled up into a settings screen.
There is currently no way to uninstall this application. The problem is known and being worked on but you sould be aware that if you don’t like it that you should be prepare to perform a hard rest to remove it (or wait for it to be updated with a working uninstall).
PURCHASING
PROS
- Really nice looking interface
- Can be updated OTA
- Can be configured and full instructions are given on the web site
- Development is ongoing and driven by customer sugestions
CONS
- Customization currently requires registry edit
- Scrolling information panes on Today screen could be made more useful
- Favorites cannot currently be user defined
| Value |  |
| Ease of Use |
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| Features |  |
Overall |
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OVERALL IMPRESSION
It is always difficult to criticise freeware applications when people are prepared to give up their time with no guarantee of financial reward. Indeed some free applications are very well made and every bit as good as the ‘paid for’ apps. To put PointUI home in that category however would be wrong. This application is in a league all of its own: outstanding. It has been carefully thought out, well developed and is well supported. I really can’t recommend this software highly enough. It looks slick, it is fast and it goes a very long way to taking away the ‘clunky’ feel form Windows Mobile devices. I am not sure if it is possible but it does actually ‘feel’ as though the whole device responds better. Admittedly there are still some isseus to iron out but I have been using it now for about two weeks and it has even led me to remove some UI enhancement apps that I have previously paid good money for. If you haven’t downloaded this yet then not only are you refusing to admit to your iPhone envy, but you are denying yourself one of the best Windows Mobile aplications I have seen in a long time.
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