Wednesday, 27 May 2009

Ten must have applications for your Xperia X1


It's been about eight months since the Xperia hit the shelves worldwide but it is still one of the most sought after Win Mo devices. The Panel Interface, other wow elements and above all a sturdy Windows Mobile phone. However no device is perfect and can always use some tweaking and enhancements. Here's a list of ten (With links) that are bound to make your 'Xperiance' more engaging:

  1. Blackstone Keyboard: The Xperia has a slideout keyboard but the touchscreen (Proprietary) Windows Mobile Keyboard is useless without the stylus. I would recommend the Blackstone Keyboard that you can find on the newer HTC devices like the Diamond for easy typing on your screen
  2. Clear Temp: A light and invaluable  freeware developed by Vicott Wong that allows you to keep cleaning your device memory of Temp and other files that occupy precious storage space.
  3. Custom ROMs: A lot of exciting work keeps getting showcased at the XDA Developer Forum. If you are brave enough to flash your ROM and install an all new ROM head straight to the XDA and choose from a host of options for your Xperia. Look for Custom ROMs developed by senior forum members like itje, gtrab and Kid_DC. You can choose from WM 6.5 previews and Touchflo 3D. You can upgrade to these ROMs at your own risk but most of the ROMs I have tried are extremely stable and actually improve the device performance. These ROMs probably dont belong in a list of apps but are on my 10 because of the all new 'Xperiance' factor!
  4. Snaptu: Is a Java app that runs on all mobiles that support Java. It is a great app that brings together a lot of must have applications like Twitter, Picasa, Facebook and a Cricinfo widget (Live Scores etc).   
  5. Xperia Tweak: Handy app developed by Clifford that lets you make small yet useful tweaks like changing the default browser or disabling thread-style messaging.
  6. SPB Mobile Shell 3: A huge improvement on the custom WM6.1 interface from SPB, one of the most innovative Win Mo app developers. Costs USD 29.95 (Read review) and has a host of great visual elements
  7. Youtube: Now possible on your Win Mo device thanks to a host of innovative Youtube apps. There is a free Youtube Google app and then there is this brilliant app which you can find on XDA
  8. Soft Reset: The Xperia's Soft Reset Button is located rather inconveniently under the back cover. PHM reset is a simple app that allows you to soft-reset without any fuss.
  9. SPB Insight: A good RSS reader is a great enhancement; At USD 19.95 SPB Insight is easily the best WM RSS reader I have used. You can also opt for Viigo which is probably the best RSS reader freeware.    
  10. Palringo: A great freeware that integrates all your chat clients and brings them together on a single app. 

My list is certainly not exhaustive but covers some of the key missing elements (Like Chat, RSS, Youtube and a good on-screen keyboard) in the standard 'Xperiance'!