Another multi protocol Instant Messaging (IM) application for mobile device (Symbian and Windows Mobile) is Fring (still a Beta). This free mobile VoIP software gives the possibility to communicate with Skype, MSN, Google Talk, Twitter.

Fring also supports SkypeOut as well as SIP-based services such as GizmoProject, VoIPStunt, among many others. Real-Time contact presence is also taken into consideration. 

Once connected using packet switching network (Wi-Fi, GPRS, EDGE, etc..) you can then select which communication option you want to use to establish a voice communication: Fring, SkypeOut, SIP or simply the GSM network.

Unlike Agile Messenger, Fring doesn't propose file or photo transfer and Yahoo protocol has not been taken on board.

To install the software on a supported device, once the installation page filled up, a SMS is sent with the link to your terminal. Your phone number will be used as User-ID. 

While doing some text and voice test using my HTC S620 (Dopod C720) I have very few points that require, on my point of view, some improvements:

• Different services cannot be managed individually
• Switch OFF external speaker while on voice call
• Add File, photo, video transfer

  test continues..

Source: SmartphoneMag

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Agilemobile.com, a Bangkok based company, has released the final version of Agile Messenger 3 which is a "all-in-one" Instant Messaging client for mobile terminal.

Agile supports MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ Jabber & GoogleTalk can carry all type of messages (IM, Voice, Video, Photo) and is available for Nokia, Sony Ericsson (Symbian) as well as for Windows Mobile devices (Pocket PC and Smartphone running on WM2002, WM2003 or WM5).

Price is 50 USD per licence.

For corporate users 2 options are available.

1. a version of Agile Messenger that can be customized to reflect corporate identity
2. a LCS client version for that connect directly to Microsoft Live Communication Server without additional gateway.

Installation is straight forward with an *.exe package, or *cab files can be downloaded directly to the mobile terminal. 

I have made few test, and found the interface very pleasant & easy to use. File and photo transfer works fine, specially if you're connected through a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Cons:

• Could not update Twitter using GTalk IM protocol. Twitter user is seen online, but sent messages are not published on Twitter page.
• Skype support would certainly turn this application to a "must have" specially if the possibility of using SkypeOut gateway is given to contact people by phone.

While reaching the end of 7 days trial period given by Agile, I just found another multi-protocol IM tool for PDA and Smartphone which is free: Fring

A quick review of Fring will follow shortly is now published.

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In the Quest for the "perfect" smartphone, I have just received my new HTC 620 which may replace my actual Dopod 818Pro (HTC Prophet).

Basic comparison

Communications

• Prophet : 4-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Wifi 802.11b/g, bluetooth, IrDa
• S620 : 4-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Wifi 802.11b/g, bluetooth

Size

• Prophet : 108×58x18.2mm, screen 2.8'' 320×240, 65000 colors
• S620 : 111.5×62.5×12.8mm, screen 2.4'' QVGA

Processor / Memory / Battery

• Prophet : TI OMAP 850 200 MHz, ROM/RAM 128/64 MB, SD Card slot, Battery 1200 mAh
• S620 : TI OMAP 850 200 MHz, ROM/RAM 128/64 MB, MicroSD slot, Battery 970 mAh. 

Input Method

• Prophet : Handwritten recognition on tactile screen
• S620 : full 37 keys QWERTY keyboard with backlight

Operating System

• Prophet : Windows Mobile 5.1.195 (build 1487.2.0.0)
• S620 : Windows Mobile 5.1.342 (build 15097.3.0.1) with Direct Push Technology. 

First feeling using S620 after 9 months with Prophet

• S620 is slightly lighter and thiner than Prophet  
• Wifi link establishment is lots faster than with Prophet
• S620 uses WM5 software for smartphone, while Prophet uses WM5 software for Pocket PC.
• S620 uses the same ActiveSync version but cannot synchronize files (perhaps to test again with a MicroSD card inserted).
• Typing method lots faster with keyboard than with handwritting recognition
• S620 does not have predictive text input.

More will  follow based on day-to-day experiences but fell free to participate with questions & experiences.

Tags: 24, 802.11, art, asia, ATT, blog, C720, card, ces, communication, CTU, dopod, europe, fon, free, Gadgets, gap, gsm, htc, ia, ict, im, iso, keyboard, lan, light, map, memory, mobile, Mobile Communications, nomadcom.net, paris, pda, phone, prophet, S620, screen, smartphone, space, technology, telecom, Telecommunications, wifi, windows, WM5, wp, www, XP