Mobile PC News: ISV Edition
May 2006
Announcements, tips, tricks, and techniques for mobile PC developers.
Fabrikam Fine Furniture Reference Components Released
Component-based source code
The Microsoft® sample Fabrikam Fine Furniture reference application <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880824> is a feature-rich, fully functional reference application. The source download includes separate components to assist you in learning to build mobile PC and Tablet PC solutions.
File synchronization
The FileSync Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880825> component exposes the features of the Microsoft Windows® Synchronization Manager so you can synchronize file folders between a server and a mobile PC.
Network and power awareness
The SENSWrapper Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880826> component exposes the use of the Windows System Event Notification Services to tell an application when a network connection exists and what the current power state is.
Ink-enabled data entry
The InkListBox Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880827> and the InkNumber Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880828> expose the use of Ink <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880829> collectors and handwriting recognition to create custom pen input skins for accurate in-field data collection.
Electronic signatures
The InkSecureSignature Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880830> collects, encrypts, and serializes Ink signatures for transmission and storage.
Ink annotation
The ScalableInkPicture Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880831> exposes the use of Ink collectors to create custom annotations on photos and images, including those on the web.
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Events
May
· MEDC - Las Vegas, NV <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880777>
· WinHec - Seattle, WA <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880778>
MEDC Mobile PC Sessions:
. APP208 Mobile PC and Tablet PC Development Basics Tues (5/9) 10:00 A.M.
. APP324 Ink and the Windows Presentation Foundation Wed (5/10) 9:30 A.M.
. APP322 Inside Windows SideShow Wed (5/10) 2:00 P.M.
. APP335 Tablet PCs and Smartphones Thurs (5/11) 11:15 A.M.
. APP323 Developing for the Ultra-Mobile PC Thurs (5/11) 1:30 P.M.
. APP412 Centralizing Data Synchronization Thurs (5/11) 3:00 P.M.
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June
· TechEd - Boston <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880779>
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July
Register for the Worldwide Partner Conferece on July 11 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880780>
This year's Worldwide Partner Conference will be held in Boston from July 11 through 13, with plenty of pre-conference activities on July 10, such as the Microsoft Small Business Symposium. Don't miss your chance to connect with Microsoft leaders, network with other partners, and experience the value of partnering with Microsoft.
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Updates and Opportunities
Developing Tablet PC Applications with WinFX, Tuesday, May 23, 12:00 P.M. PT <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880781>
Windows Presentation Foundation (part of the Microsoft WinFX® Runtime Components) incorporates a number of features traditionally found only on Tablet PCs: digital ink and stylus input. This means WinFX applications will be able to collect, render, and edit digital ink on any system-not just Tablet PCs. It also means Tablet PC applications will be able to do things that weren't possible before, such as collect ink over video, or render ink in 3D! In this session, we'll learn about the InkCanvas element, Stylus input events, and other features that make Windows Presentation Foundation a compelling platform for developing Tablet PC applications.
Announcing the Availability of the Ultra-Mobile PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880782>
The Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) is now available for purchase! The small, mobile, and full Windows computer goes anywhere and does anything your current computer does-and it can finally be with you anywhere and at anytime. This companion PC is available from major manufacturers.
Build Your Marketing Savvy: Download the Marketing Guide for Partners <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880784>
Grow your business with the help of the Marketing Guide for Partners, a step-by-step guide that covers marketing tips from how to develop effective case studies to how to become a co-presenter with Microsoft at your next event.
Attending MEDC? Handango Would Enjoy Meeting with You!
If you are planning on attending MEDC in May, please e-mail Handango. <mailto:tabletpc@handango.com> We would enjoy meeting with you, learning more about your product offering, and hearing your future Tablet PC plans. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.
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Recent Articles
Gaming on the Go with the Microsoft Tablet PC Game SDK <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880786>
Games that use the unique characteristics of pen input, such as Arcs of Fire, are a great niche for game developers to target. Larry O'Brien explains why in this article.
Lights, Camera, Fabrikam-A Complete Smart Client Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880787>
Learn how to make a client application "smart" with the excellent new ink-based controls and other fine features of the Fabrikam Fine Furniture Reference Application for the Tablet PC. In this article, Larry O'Brien walks you through this terrific sample application.
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Partner Announcements
Samsung Electronics Unveils Q1 Ultra-Mobile PC at U.S. Launch Event <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880788>
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced the official U.S. launch of the company's new Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), the Q1. The company made the announcement at a San Francisco press event, where it also announced that the Q1 will be available at Best Buy's e-tail outlet, www.bestbuy.com/ultramobilepc <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880832>, beginning May 7, and in select Best Buy stores later this summer as part of a collaboration between the two companies.
TabletKiosk Introduces Hard Plastic Screen Protector for Sahara Pen Touch-iT Tablet PCs <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880789>
The hard plastic screen protector <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880833>is the simplest and most lightweight solution for protecting your Sahara Pen and Touch-iT Tablet from screen damage.
Motion Computing Leads Slate PC Market, Lowers Prices <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880790>
According to a report from International Data Corporation (IDC) issued in April, Motion Computing is leading the industry in slate Tablet PC sales and grew 32% in 2005.
Emergency Management Data Collector Suite released by Lush Group, Inc. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880791>
The Emergency Management Data Collector Suite is rolling out this month at Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. Tablet PCs collect emergency information, which is then automatically aggregated for presentation to command control. Having accurate, consolidated information available immediately improves decision-making and appropriate emergency response.
Customer Case Studies in Health Care and Governmental Services Highlight Mi-Co User Days 2006 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880792>
Over 125 people gathered for the 4th annual Mi-Co User Days, held in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, in late April. A variety of Tablet PC-based Mi-Forms applications were presented by representatives of the Veteran's Administration Medical Centers, Sutter Health, Wilson County Home Health Agency, and other organizations.
Design Universe Releasing Pen-Friendly Lead Generation Tool <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880793>
Now you can take detailed sales lead data at trade exhibitions using a Tablet PC or Ultra-Mobile PC. E-Pen&Expo lets you write naturally and freely at the exhibition, and then recognizes your notes, converting them to computer text and placing them in a spreadsheet or database
PhatWare, WebIS Announce Two Software Bundles for Top Windows Mobile Products <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880794>
PhatWare and WebIS now offer some of their award-winning software in two different software bundles. Pocket Informant is bundled with either CalliGrapher or PhatNotes as one file at a discounted price for a limited time.
New Version Release from Aria: The Digital Order Form for Tablet PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880795>
The Digital Order Form is a field sales automation solution that replaces the traditional paper order form. The application interface is identical to paper-based forms and incorporates handwriting recognition technology. Major features of version 1.22 include support for virtually any type of merchandise and an intuitive setup wizard.
Educational Pricing for PDF Annotator Available for a Limited Time <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880796>
During their spring promotion, GRAHL software design offers PDF Annotator at very reasonable discounts. The single student license is now $34.90 instead of $49.95. With a Buddy Pack of 10 student licenses, the price goes down to $22.90 per license. Complete schools or universities may license PDF Annotator using the School Packs; for example for 1000 students the price is less than $2.00 per license
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Downloads
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
· Tablet PC SDK 1.7 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880797>
· Power Management SDK <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880798>
· Game SDK (beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880799>
· Mobile Ink To-Do Starter Kit <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880800>
· Recognizer Pack <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880801>
· Power Toys <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880802>
Windows Vista
· Mobile PC and Tablet PC SDK in Windows Vista and WinFX SDK (Beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880803>
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Resources
· MSDN Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880804>
· Mobile PC Partner Program <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880805>
· Application Testing <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880806>
· Webcasts <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880807>
· Presentations <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880808>
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ISV Software Downloads
· ISV Partner Software Showcase <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880809>
· Handango.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880810>
· TabletPCPost.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880811>
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Communities
· Newsgroups for developers <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880812>
· Newsgroups for users <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880813>
· Windows XP chats <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880814>
· Channel 9 Wiki <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880815>
· OrigamiProject.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880816>
· DevX Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880817>
· GottaBeMobile.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880818>
· TabletPC2.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880819>
· TabletPCTalk <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880820>
· TheTabletPC.net <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880821>
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