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Top 3 third party applications

What are your top 3 third party applications that you would love to have on your Windows Phone 7 Series? Most used applications for your daily routines, works, entertainment, what not ... Top 3 applications that you have in mind when asked about mobile applications.
Interesting to know so we could see what users expect to have on WP7 in terms of application.
It does not have to be Windows Mobile 6.x applications. If you think certain iPhone / Android / BB / Symbian apps thats fine.
I start with my top 3:
1. Offline navigation software
- like TomTom, CoPilot, iGo.
2. Opera Mini
- I just love the speed, thats all.
3. Good Facebook client
- Microsoft has one for WM6, but I expect much better than that. I read that iPhone version is better.

I basically use my phone for calls, messages and development... being last one like the only reason why I didn't keep my cheap old Nokia phone. Sometimes I'm using weather, GPS, reading emails or google for this or that but that's all and I'm just happy that I just can do such things whenever I would need them. I'm not really a crazy apps freak....

Got to be iGo as one of them for me!

gogol said:
3. Good Facebook client
- Microsoft has one for WM6, but I expect much better than that. I read that iPhone version is better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OS comes with great facebook integration already built in, no need for an app!
My top apps are:
FPSeCE (Playstation Emulator)
Spacetime 4.0 (Graphing Calculator Software)
Pandora

I know that, but I have doubt with that Facebook integration.
Not that I am saying it is not good, but from what I saw ... the integration is split into 2 hubs ... People hub where you can see status update of your Facebook friends and Photo/Pictures hub where you can see Facebook photo albums of your friends.
With dedicated Facebook app, all those will come in the same flow of information.
Well, not a big deal really, because I am using http://touch.facebook.com via web browser (Opera Mini).
Kloc said:
The OS comes with great facebook integration already built in, no need for an app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gogol said:
Not that I am saying it is not good, but from what I saw ... the integration is split into 2 hubs ... People hub where you can see status update of your Facebook friends and Photo/Pictures hub where you can see Facebook photo albums of your friends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which, IMO, is the best approach possible. Heck, I might even start using Facebook this way. Why would I need that information in a separate application? Why would I want to view photos in anything but a photo viewing app? Or where else do I need contact information apart from the contact app?
Also, this approach theoretically should aggregate information from different networks in a way that makes sense. I mean, if you are a member of both Facebook and, say, Linked-In, would you really want two separate applications to handle data from these networks?

1.Opera Mobile 10
To read 3 different newspapers each morning on my Omnia II and have all my desktop bookmarks synced OTA to my phone. Been using Opera since v3.0 or so, love it.
2.GSPlayer
to listen to somafm.com !
3. Googlemaps
Works good enough, could be done much better (font size can not be set !) and leaks 2 DC's each time you start and stop it. Have to take another look at bing maps soon

Coreplayer!!!!!!!!
IGO
BattClock (used to display battery info)

For me, if I can reduce time spent then I will choose that way.
Instead of going into 2 hubs to read status updates AND photo updates, I would prefer to just go once to look them all
Like I said, this is not a big deal because there is facebook website itself which can be accessed via web browser.
Probably because I use facebook a lot
Oh yes, the idea of multiple social network integration is nice, dont get me wrong. Probably just because of that, I would start using Twitter! Atm I am only using FB.
vangrieg said:
Which, IMO, is the best approach possible. Heck, I might even start using Facebook this way. Why would I need that information in a separate application? Why would I want to view photos in anything but a photo viewing app? Or where else do I need contact information apart from the contact app?
Also, this approach theoretically should aggregate information from different networks in a way that makes sense. I mean, if you are a member of both Facebook and, say, Linked-In, would you really want two separate applications to handle data from these networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Top applications: 'Real' Map-reader/GPS, Ebook reader,
Well, I might not be a typical user (and actually one of the things I liked about 'Windows Mobile Classic' was that it had a diverse ecosystem, catering for non-typical users!) but these are the two apps I use most:
1) A GPS/map-reader that works with real maps (i.e. topographic maps such as, in the UK, the Ordinance Survey series)
- so ideally, Memory-Map will port their software to WP7
2) An ebook reader that can read EPUB and TXT formats
- actually this is such an important use-case for me that I wrote a program to do it (see this thread). I expect to start porting it to WP7 just as soon as the SDK becomes available.

Windows Phone 7 is a paradigm-shift in how phones operate. Apps will no longer be individual screens, but will be subsumed into the overall user interface. Facebook is the most obvious example of that. If you take Tomtom, for instance, it will be peppered all over the phone in any of the following ways;
People Hub: Select a person and then hit the menu option to navigate to their home or workplace
Calendar Hub: Select a Calendar Entry and then hit the menu option to navigate to the Location of that entry.
Bing Search: Hit a search result to be navigated to its location if it is a real world place like a pizza restaurant, for instance. Once Tomtom is installed, instead of just the one option to be directed there by Bing Maps, you'll have a second option as well to navigate there by Tomtom.
Only once you're actually on the road will you get the Tomtom screen up with the 3D view of the road. The rest of the Tomtom UI will be embedded into these hubs.
I'd expect Twitter, Google Maps, Flickr etc to all melt into the phone's UI as simply extra menu options.
I think this is largely why the App list accessible from the home screen is so basic - it won't be the usual way to start an app. Normally the app will be called from a menu in part of one of the hubs. In this way, apps will organically feel like just an extension of the phone's usual functionality. Heck, I can even see the Photos hub doing something like footprints and recording the GPS coordinates, so you can use the Tomtom menu item in there to navigate to the place in the photo!
This is going to be totally awesome. And I think it's partly why the question of "Does it multitask" isn't so clear-cut...

I use my phone as a phone and as a PDA so most of what I need is already there (calendar, alarm, agenda, Excel, etc)
1) But I have to have an ewallet. I use SPB at the moment and fully expect them to port it to WP7.
2) I also would like some ereader that handles most file types (EPUB mostly).
Could care less about the whole Facebook/Twitter thing. Just hope they don't get in the way of how I use my phone. Will have to wait to see how the interface can be changed. If I have to have Facebook/Twitter in the middle of my processes I will probably not get a WP7 phone.

donnaw said:
Could care less about the whole Facebook/Twitter thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that doesn't make sense? Do you mean you could NOT care less?

I would like to see all my apps on it I hope I will be able to port them!

I love opera and youtube

giggles33 said:
I love opera and youtube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opera should be made redundant by the new version of IE contained in WP7S. Youtube will become a subsumed service as part of the Pictures & Videos hub in the UI, and will simply be another source of video from the cloud, in the same way that Facebook posted videos are. I would also imagine that the Bing search engine will return Youtube hits.
Basically, be prepared for apps to function in an entirely different way to what you're used to - they will become simply extensions of your phone's functionality - many apps will be able to avoid having their own screens at all and instead rely on the hubs to provide their input/output.

Jim Coleman said:
Opera should be made redundant by the new version of IE contained in WP7S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not likely that we'll see a version of Opera on WP7S as it's impossible to do a decent browser engine in managed code, because alternative browser makers will be the last to get access to native APIs (if ever), and probably IE will be much better than what we have now, but alternative browsers will not be made "redundant" by this. I can bet IE won't have text reflow, for example, which I personally love and severely miss when I try to use iPhone's Safari.

vangrieg said:
I can bet IE won't have text reflow, for example, which I personally love and severely miss when I try to use iPhone's Safari.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would lose that bet.

I would like to see Skype on Win Phone 7

Making competitors (Opera must earn a lot of money with their OEM deals) redundant is just plainly impossible nowadays without some sort of "deal" made. It's really very interesting what will happen soon.

Tytn to Desire ... Need a Bit of Help ...

Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I knwo what I had before?
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?

O and O said:
Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I knwo what I had before?
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an Android phone yet ...and won't do until 7/8/9-April... but playing with my wife's Hero this is what I know...
You seem to have to create a level of Google account in orpder to purchase from Android Market and logging into your Google Account and going to Android Market will bring up a list of your previously downloaded apps.
I haven't found a stand alone app for this but purchasing your apps through AppBrain.com and using their AppBrain app seems to do what your asking. AppBrain doesn't seem to list all apps though - definitely missing UK specific apps such as Beebplayer.
I've had WinMo phones for the past 8 years and never heard of a facility to do this - if there is one I'd be chuffed to hear about it myself.
Dunno - someone else will have to answer this one I'm afraid
I believe that most backup apps will do a scheduled backup - Sprite Backup definitely does but to the SD Card only (no automailer), but WRT ignoring previously backed up messages I've not heard of this feature in any backup app.
I hope this helps to some extent.

Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I know what I had before?
aTrackDog / AppBrain
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
AppBrain allows you to create lists on their site, so when you change phones or wipe it, you can tell it to reinstall the whole list. I did that when I moved from G1 to Desire -- worked like a charm.
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
You should ask that in TyTN forum
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Flyscreen
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
SMS backup
P.S. sorry, I was lazy and did not include links -- google is your friend

O and O said:
Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can store all your text messages online with Microsoft My Phone or else store them on your PC.
See also this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4713257&postcount=2

FabianNL said:
You can store all your text messages online with Microsoft My Phone or else store them on your PC.
See also this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4713257&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS ALL!
Will have a look at this FabianNL as if I can export to individual files then I will be happy. To be honest it isn't a big deal .

Been playing with my Desire for a while, I can see the appeal of Android it's quick, big buttons, keyboard isn't back considering I'm coming from Tytn (as well as a Touch HD but that was BAD).
My next step is ... what programs should I "replace"? I'm refering to applications like mail, text/messages, etc the build in ones.

I am though over the moon with the device the text input ROCKS! I do have a list of applications I need suggestions on though ... I'm used to the following on Windows Phone so I need an Android variation ...
G-Alarm - A Comprehensive alarm application
G-Profile - easily change my profiles from night, work, home, etc, this would be great as a widget
Task Facade - A general task manager that will show all my running applications and let me close/switch
Wake On Text/Email/etc - As it says ... and stay awake until message has been read!
Lock Without using Power button - easy ...
That's about it for now

I use Klaxon for my alarms.
SMS Popup will turn on the screen when you get text messages (not sure if there is similar for emails) and can give reminders untill it's read.
As far as profiles, then would HTC's Scenes not do the trick? Failing this Locale can automagically turn on and off services and silent/loud the ringer based on various criteria like time and location.
You can easily switch to recent apps by pressing and holding the home key
And there are loads of Task Managers on the market for killing running apps

What does sense have for managing profiles?

Hi,
I would like replace my TyTn II to HTC Desire but Im not shure if I will be happy with Desire(Android)...
Main things which wory me are:
1.)Synchronization with PC with USB cable. I DON'T want and will not sync with google account. All I need is same automatic sync line with activesync. I need sync Contacts, Calendar, Emails(Configure which folders), Task's, Notes. Sync will be done with MS Outlook 2007/2010.
2.)Is possible set more than one email account? I need 3x pop3/smtp email accounts.
3.)Is possible disable threaded SMS/MMS? I realy hate this function.
4.)Is there any app which allow connet to windows remote desktop(RDP and not any 3rd party VNC or other)?
5.)Is there some app/pack which can work with word, excel, power point files?
6.)Does included browser support certificates? I know that opera mobile on WinMo do not support it, so I can't manage cPanel server, make payments(bank)...
I think that this is enought for start
Thanks for any help and answers.
Best regards, _Dejan_

Thinking about moving to android, few questions...

Im thinking about moving from WinMo to Android. If you could help me with few questions...
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com... I want to sync with Outlook via usb (bluetooth, yeah maybe but usb would be better); contacts, calendar and tasks... Is there good sync software out there?
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
To me its also important to automatically sync folders while syncing with Outlook, any good programs for that? Ive been using MobSync with WinMo and I guess it could work with this too? I found also Microsoft SyncToy, never tried it though...
Can I get my tasks listed on Android today screen like on WinMo? I need to have be reminded of my tasks, otherwise I would spend ½ of my day reading at XDA and not doing any of the things Im supposed to do...
Any comments and help is appreciated... Thanks!

Loco5150 said:
Im thinking about moving from WinMo to Android. If you could help me with few questions...
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com... I want to sync with Outlook via usb (bluetooth, yeah maybe but usb would be better); contacts, calendar and tasks... Is there good sync software out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC Sync comes with the phone, I also had some contacts stored on my company mail but I've started migrating to gmail because the really really neat integration and extremely useful features.
Loco5150 said:
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use any software for editing just for opening the docs on my smartphone so I can't help you here but I'm fairly sure you can
Loco5150 said:
To me its also important to automatically sync folders while syncing with Outlook, any good programs for that? Ive been using MobSync with WinMo and I guess it could work with this too? I found also Microsoft SyncToy, never tried it though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I'm more hands on with the storage so I don't sync folders maybe someone else can help you here...
Loco5150 said:
Can I get my tasks listed on Android today screen like on WinMo? I need to have be reminded of my tasks, otherwise I would spend ½ of my day reading at XDA and not doing any of the things Im supposed to do...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, there are vagarious free apps on the market that even offer feature widgets/notes for the screens

Hi there!
Did you already buy a Desire? I've used winmob before and you sound like you're totally schooled at Outlook with usb sync. HTC has exchange service support and you can sync through usb, It was long time ago since I ever used active sync but a friend of mine use it on Desire and he was not satisfied.
There is calendarpad that can show on start screen as activities or regular day view. Editing documents are thought to be done through Google docs as it is thought to be faster than a full scale office program on the phone. You can other wise get quick office premium for editing offline.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Loco5150 said:
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, documents to go has such functionality:

Loco5150 said:
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about using Google Apps for Domains, so that you can use your own domain with Google services?
Regards,
Dave

[Q] Will the Desire do what my Diamond 2 does?

I am currently using a Topaz windows mobile based phone, and thinking about switching to a Desire.
However, I use my phone extensively for business, and need to know if there are some things that Android will allow.
First off, I need to be able to access my home network with the wireless. Currently I use Resco explorer, browse to my server share, and copy the files I will need to the SD card. Is this possible on Android? Is it just as easy? I often have to do this first thing in the morning, when I don't have a lot of time. This is an absolute deal breaker for me, so I am really looking for some help before I commit to a new phone.
Non show stoppers but nice to have;
Cookie's Home Tab type display , which allows me to show my next 3 calendar appointments, and 3 tasks on the home screen. Will Sense allow this on the Desire? I like the Sense interface and widgets, so would prefer to keep Sense, but am prepared to apply additional software to allow me to do what I need to. (Paid or otherwise).
The ability to map hardware keys to specific functions (eg I currently have long press on the back key to switch off my wifi. Handy for in the car, when I forget to switch it off).
Ability to edit open office, and ms office documents.
That's it I guess. Any and all feedback very much appreciated.

1) yes you can browse files on your home network using the desire, you need 3rd party software tho also there are apps that will let you controll your pc and or device remotlely from your device and or pc
2) there are loads of calendar widgets on the marketplace im sure one will take your fancy
3) the wifi will switch itself off after x amout of time idle
4) the desire comes with quick office out of the box but there are tons of office apps so yeah

Just a small warning if you think to sync your mobile with the PC (callendar, notes, mails, contacts) via bluetooth - it's not possible in android.
Well, not entirely true, as there is "Missing Sync" in the market, but costs for about $40 - a bit too much.
So, try to love your usb cable

Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.

dysje said:
Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?

On it's way
Thanks guys, you've convinced me.
Ordered from O2 for the princely sum of £285 + VAT, which I thought was a mistake, but it seems not. Be rude not to at that price.
Bit of luck it will arrive tomorrow, as I'm not working, so can play all day

JohnSteveDoe said:
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81

remmyhi said:
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?

brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ..........

brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would they bother with your phone when they've got street view cars to access open WiFi networks?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Most people here swear by Astro file manager and their add ons.
Check out the Sense agenda widget for upcoming appointments and tasks.
Widgets are the way to go, Sense widgets for WiFi, mobile connectivity, airplane mode etc etc etc......
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Thanks JabbaFat32.
Will check both of those out.

[R] Apps we need in the marketplace that I would pay for

Short list for now, but people should add... Maybe give the devs some ideas of stuff to make and submit.
1. Comm Manager - I hate having to goto 5 spots to turn stuff off and on when i dont need it. (3g while at home with my wi-fi, no thanks)
2. Ring Profile - Like NightMode or WorkMode... nice and quick to swap out Tones and Volume levels.
If there is any dev that would like to pick my brain on features and stuff, feel free to PM me.
Everyone else submit your thoughts and ideas...

I would lik an easy to use SMS backup, or record to calendar utility.

I could definitely use a tile that toggles the data connection ON and OFF with a single click. The same goes for the WiFi connection.

Yes - +1 for a live tile to toggle wifi on/off
Also, some kind of 'handsfree' app that will set the phone to auto answer calls and turn on speaker phone (for use in car etc)

SSH client...

Wish List for Apps
1. WP7 Taks List that syncs with Outlook Task
2. File Explorer app that allows me to manual copy files into WP7 or out from WP7, nevermind if it's a separate storage aread away for the system stuff, i just need to use some of the 16GB hanging on the phone that I can use easily...
3. Any App that allows me to read right managed emails...

1. tcpmp player and the ability to add .avi files so I don't have to convert them. (if there is a way to play them without converting please let me know, I download a lot of tv shows through graboid and like to watch them on my phone.
2. psx emulator with bt syncing capability to either a wii remote or ps3 remote.
3. phone number blocking program

Multimessenger (ICQ, JABBER, Live!)

I would like a call manager program like Magicall for WM6. It filters phone calls and SMS's through a user-defined rule set. Not sure if WP7 is even capable of this yet, given the multitasking setup it currently has.

FSB said:
I would lik an easy to use SMS backup, or record to calendar utility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this man. Also a port of CallCalendar and something to record calls.

We are getting some nice ideas going, just hoping we have some devs reading this that would be willing to tackle these requests and make some people happy (and some cash for the effort)

some of these aren't possible on the platform yet, but keep them coming

ckacey said:
some of these aren't possible on the platform yet, but keep them coming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
figured as much, but wanted to start some kinda list and get the ball rollin.
Thanks for response, we now know there is some dev intetest.

Birki69 said:
Multimessenger (ICQ, JABBER, Live!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd the multi messenger.. such as a real live msn messenger that works like the pc version or FRING(fantastic on the android).
--Notifications to the tile and lock screen would be bonus
Definitely waiting for Mint app for windows phone 7.

carlonalls said:
2nd the multi messenger.. such as a real live msn messenger that works like the pc version or FRING(fantastic on the android).
--Notifications to the tile and lock screen would be bonus
Definitely waiting for Mint app for windows phone 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if fring is on your list, it doesnt hurt to shoot thier support email address the question of if they are workin on one.

Can anyone say Myphone.

diego1985 said:
Can anyone say Myphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought this functionality was included for WP7 in the Windows Live services ?

Tune-in radio!

I would gladly pay for a data counter to keep track of my mobile data usage

most wanted apps for wp7
Coreplayer, MIRC, a file manager, video news feeds, FLASH for IExp....
for starters...