TouchFLO and More, the Spb Way (1/2)
Spb Software Pocket Plus v4.0
INTRODUCTION
Windows Mobile's flaws are well known. Issues such as the X button not closing apps and Pocket Internet Explorer not having tabbed browsing have been around for years. To our luck, Spb Software never seizes to keep us on the edge of our seats. Spb Pocket Plus is at it again with version 4.0, and this time, they've gone added new functionality and features that even make HTC's touchFLO seem like an innovation from the past. Will Spb Pocket Plus prove to be a true necessity for Windows Mobile users? Read on for the review, hot off the press!
WHAT'S HOT
Spb manages to change the way we see third party apps. Instead of bringing you a separate solution, they work on improving your current Windows Mobile Interface. Old versions of Pocket Plus already included a fully powered Today plugin, enhancements on the Windows Mobile File Explorer, a Battery Indicator, a real closing X button with a Task Manager, Safe Mode boot up and Alt-Tab Program Switching. New version 4.0 improves them all and adds:
- Smart Scrolling
- Tabs on Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE)
- Fast Search on PIE
- Shortcut labels On the Today plugin
- Third party Today Plugin integration to Pocket Plus' tabs
- File save/open dialog replacement
- Assigning additional actions to hardware buttons while pressed
Though these are all great, probably the best part of it all is Spb's strong improvement in memory usage and speed. I've noticed as much as a 50% decrease in storage and program memory while almost everything runs smoothly:eek:. These are great news for users who like to drive their devices to the limit!
SETUP
Setup is a bit large. You have to go through eight windows for the setup process to be complete, but these are all good considering the options that are offered.
Out of all the eight, two are important. The fact that you can choose what to install and the option to use a 15 day trial or register.
After you soft reset, you first view the today plugin and battery bar. Your System tab on Configuration now has Spb Pocket Plus' Settings also. Try to avoid installing it on the Storage card since it runs automatically with every reset. You can do it, but when trying it, Spb brings a dialog box telling you of known problems on devices where storage card drivers run after this app. I don't know my case so testing this could lead to a hard reset.
PRODUCT FEATURES
One thing I must be honest about is fact that Windows Mobile, though poor in out of the box functionality, does do a good job in being attractive to the human eye. I must say I like Spb's focus in keeping WM's looks alive and just improving what the OS lacks. I know many other apps will probably do the same or even provide better features, but to the expense of adding sloppy buttons or plugins to ruin your view.
I must warn you though, some good features Spb had in previous versions are gone, all as part of their space saving strategy. Voice Command's Program Shortcuts was the first thing I noticed was missing when I said "Start Screen Off", and didn't work:(. Repeating Alarms is another which though annoying, did a better job waking me up than WM does:D. I wasn't very fond of the extended themes, but these were also removed. Sources at Spb state these will be available for a free download eventually if anybody's interested.
Smart Scrolling
Lets start with the new flagship feature. Spb has found a way to simulate HTC TouchFLO's finger scrolling from a simple software installation. This is a great enhancement for one hand functionality. The following video could probably do a better job in explaining what it does:
Sensitivity is sometimes an issue, but it's neat to bring finger scrolling to other devices that are not TouchFLO capable.
Probably the only thing I didn't like of this new feature is that it doesn't support the whole Windows Mobile Interface. It only works on your file explorer, Messaging (list), PIE, Pocket Outlook (Email list), Programs & Settings, Search and Spb's own apps. If I mention list or Email list it's because I was totally annoyed by the fact that I'm able to scroll down my email list, but not being able to scroll within an opened email. This enhancement is good, but could be better.
