Mobile PC News: ISV Edition April 2006
Announcements, tips, tricks, and techniques for mobile PC developers.
Announcing the Ultra-Mobile PC
The Ultra-Mobile PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752136>(UMPC) is a device-like computer that is small, mobile, and runs the full Windows operating system (currently Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and soon Windows VistaT). The UMPC goes anywhere and does anything that your current computer can do, accomplishing what many and varied portable devices do today. But because it runs the full Windows XP operating system, the UMPC does everything your desktop computer can.
· Smaller and lighter than traditional notebooks and laptops
· Multiple input methods: touch screen, stylus, hardware controls, speech, and optional Bluetooth or USB keyboard
· Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system
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See the Ultra-Mobile PC Interface in Action
The Touch Pack is a preinstalled suite of software that is built on top of the Windows XP operating system, specifically designed for UMPCs by Microsoft. The Touch Pack's Program Launcher <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752137>organizes software programs into categories, and the interface uses large buttons and icons to make it easy to find and launch your favorite applications.
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Ultra-Mobile PC Developer Resources Get started with UMPC Development
Quick Start Guide <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752081> As a Windows developer, the knowledge you have acquired and applications you are building today will transfer directly to a Ultra-Mobile PC. Because the UMPC runs Windows XP, all of the familiar Windows APIs are still available to you when you design applications for it. In addition, developers of Tablet PC and mobile PC applications have the expertise gained from using the API for pen and ink, designing for flexible display layouts, and network and power awareness that will enable them to optimize applications for this new class of computer.
UMPC Display Emulator Beta <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752082> The UMPC Display Emulator Beta application enables you to test your application's layout and screen behavior as it appears on an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC). Use the UMPC Display Emulator to confirm that your program is legible, accessible, and provides a great user experience when running on an Ultra-Mobile PC. Download the UMPC Display Emulator <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752138> and get started today.
ISV Partner Program <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752083> Ultra-Mobile PC developers and ISVs are invited to join the Microsoft Tablet PC Partner Program. The Partner Program is devoted to helping organizations and individuals develop and market quality applications for mobile PCs. Today, these applications should highlight features like pen and ink integration for Tablet PCs and Ultra-Mobile PCs and support for touch-screen computers. The Program offers two levels of partnership. See list of partners that are already supporting Ultra-Mobile PCs. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752139>
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Events
April
· DevConnections - Orlando, FL <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752084>
· WIPTE - West Lafayette, IN <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752085>
· Maker Faire - San Mateo, CA <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752086>
· NAB2006 (National Association of Broadcasters) - Las Vegas, NV <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752087>
· DevConnections Europe - Nice, France <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752088>
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Updates and Opportunities
CodeProject.com - The World's Largest Independent Resource Site for Developers <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752089> CodeProject brings industry and the developer community together through thousands of articles, newsletters, dedicated e-mail messages, advertising or just connecting in the CodeProject Lounge. Join us and reach millions of developers working smarter.
Interested in Spurring Growth in the Tablet PC Ecosystem? <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752091> Distribute your software through Handango <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752140>! As the world's leading publisher for mobile content, we can help you monetize your application, increase reach, market to target audiences, and add value to your product offering. Our marketing expertise will allow you to focus on what you do best: making killer Tablet PC applications. Please contact emily@handango.com <emily@handango.com> to learn more.
Channel 9 Conversation about Ultra-Mobile PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752092> Join Robert Scoble as he interviews Otto Berkes, architect for Ultra-Mobile PC, codename "Origami," as they talk about the history, development, specifications, and practical considerations surrounding the UMPC.
Webcast: Using Windows SideShow -- Wednesday, April 05, 10:00AM PT <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752093> Windows SideShow is a feature new to Windows Vista that provides users with quick access to data even when their computers are turned off. This webcast demonstrates the basics of creating an application using the set of APIs that allow applications to easily send data to Windows Sideshow devices.
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Recent Articles
Microsoft Sudoku: Optimizing UMPC Applications for Touch and Ink <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752094> This article closely examines the Tablet PC-based implementation of Sudoku, the same one in the Touch Pack, a software package that comes preinstalled on Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPCs). The article details the algorithmic aspects of implementing a Sudoku game, in addition to the specific details that help you implement other applications designed for Tablet PC and UMPC. Sample code in C++ and C#.
Using the Ink Explorer <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752096> Ink Explorer provides access to all the properties of ink stokes for examination by the user, giving insight into the architecture of the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition implementation of digital ink. Sample code in C#.
Using Ink in 3-D with Windows Presentation Foundation <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752097> This sample shows some of the powerful features of Windows Presentation Foundation by demonstrating the InkCanvas element in combination with other exciting features such as 3-dimensional graphics, animations, and VisualBrushes.
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Partner Announcements
TabletKiosk Introduces New UMPC Device <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752098> TabletKiosk, a leader in Tablet PC and exhibit centric computing solutions, announces the much anticipated launch of their new Ultra-Mobile PC, eo, which will begin shipping the last week of April 2006. eo represents the new generation of mobile computing. Measuring 9"W x 5.75"H x 1"D and weighing just under 2 pounds, eo is the most portable and convenient Tablet PC device for taking handwritten notes, accessing the internet, instant messaging, listening to music, viewing movies and playing games. eo enables you to connect, communicate and accomplish any task anywhere, any time, and be entertained and informed wherever life takes you.
Interactive Education Technology ISV Announces UMPC Support <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752100> During the next few months, DyKnow will optimize DyKnow Vision and DyKnow Monitor software to leverage Ultra-Mobile PCs.
FranklinCovey's PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0 Software Now Supports Microsoft's New Ultra-Mobile PC Platform <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752101> FranklinCovey today announced that PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752141>software now includes support for Microsoft's new Ultra-Mobile PC platform. A recently released free update of PlanPlus for Windows XP 5.0 has been designed to run on the new Ultra-Mobile PC. To leverage the new computing platform, PlanPlus for Windows's user interface was redesigned to function well within the Ultra-Mobile PC's screen size. It supports new touch screen capabilities and leverages the built-in digital ink functionality.
Mi-Co Announces Full Support of Ultra-Mobile PCs at Microsoft's CeBIT Launch <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752102> Research Triangle Park, NC and Hannover, Germany. Mi-Co, the mobile data capture software company, announced today that Mi-Forms software fully supports the new Ultra-Mobile PCs running Windows XP Tablet Edition.
GoBinder 2006 and Blackboard Backpack Support the New Ultra-Mobile PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752103> GoBinder 2006 and Blackboard Backpack have been designed to run on the new Ultra-Mobile PC. The user interface for both products has been redesigned to function well within the smaller screen size. GoBinder and Blackboard Backpack support the new touch screen and leverage built-in digital ink functionality.
Agilix Labs Releases GoBinder 2006 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752104> Agilix released GoBinder 2006, a mobile learning solution designed for students and professionals. New features include auto-outliner, shape creation tools, flags, on-screen pen, highlighter, basic project management, categories, recurring tasks and enhanced personalization. It is available now for download at www.gobinder.com. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752142>
Make Your Applications "Pen Perfect" for the Tablet PC with Ink Support <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752105> Download a free trial of Infragistics NetAdvantage, the ultimate presentation layer toolset for Windows Forms, Microsoft ASP.NET and the Tablet PC. All editors, grid, schedule, and treeview controls allow easy input on the Tablet PC with the WinInkProvider and the advanced PenInputPanel. Provide in-place editing, masked edit, and more for your Tablet PC applications.
SOFTPRO Secures Electronic Documents with Handwritten Signatures on Tablet PCs <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752106> SOFTPRO <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752143> has released new versions of its multi-award winning Tablet PC software that secures electronic documents with handwritten signatures. SignDoc is now available off the shelf for Microsoft Office Word <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752144>and Lotus Notes <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752145>. PDFs can be edited in a standalone solution, <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752146> in Adobe Acrobat <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752147>or using the free Adobe Reader <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752148>. Microsoft InfoPath is supported in projects as well. An easy-to-use signature database called SignArchive enables organizations to administer all persons entitled with signing rights in a central repository and helps to streamline the complete electronic document workflow. For this purpose the various models of SignDoc that are available can be seamlessly integrated with SignArchive.
Mobile Smart Forms and Secure Digital Signatures from Design Universe <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752107> Design Universe offers secure signatures in electronic forms. Capture and encrypt signatures before embedding in a form or backend database. Changes in the form result in mismatches between the signature and the altered document, proving authenticity and detecting tampering.
New Working/Carrying Case for Gateway M280 by Intelligent Technologies Inc. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752108> Intelligent Technologies makes size-specific cases to aid working with and carrying Tablet PCs. A newly designed IT case fits the Gateway M280, with or without the 6 cell battery extension that adds an inch to the width of the Tablet PC footprint. In addition to protecting the Tablet PC, Intelligent Technologies' cases enable users to write or type while standing, sitting, kneeling or walking.
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Downloads Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
· Tablet PC SDK 1.7 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752109>
· Power Management SDK <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752110>
· Game SDK (beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752111>
· Mobile Ink To-Do Starter Kit <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752112>
· Recognizer Pack <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752113>
· Power Toys <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752114>
Windows Vista
· Mobile PC and Tablet PC SDK in Windows Vista and WinFX SDK (Beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752115>
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Resources
· MSDN Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752116>
· Mobile PC Partner Program <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752117>
· Application Testing <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752118>
· Webcasts <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752119>
· Presentations <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752120>
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ISV Software Downloads
· ISV Partner Software Showcase <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752121>
· Handango.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752122>
· TabletPCPost.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752123>
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Communities
· Newsgroups for developers <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752124>
· Newsgroups for users <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752125>
· Windows XP chats <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752126>
· Channel 9 Wiki <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752127>
· OrigamiProject.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752128>
· DevX Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752129>
· GottaBeMobile.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752130>
· TabletPC2.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752131>
· TabletPCTalk <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752132>
· TheTabletPC.net <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4752133>
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